10 Romantic Excursions in Cape Town

The attraction of getting out into the bush on safari followed by kicking back on a tropical beach is appealing for many of our honeymoon clients. Cape Town is no slouch in the popularity front either. This vibey, stunningly beautiful city has so much to offer. From great restaurants to pulsating night life. From scenic beauty to gorgeous beaches.

But how to inject that extra shot of romance into your stay? What are the top 10 ‘romantic’ things to do in Cape Town? Here’s my highly subjective top ten…

1) Sunset yacht cruise

If you are heading to Cape Town in the summer, book a sunset cruise on a yacht leaving from the Waterfront. Some of the boats are traditional sailing yachts – intrinsically romantic in themselves. And the sight of Table Mountain silhouetted against the sky at dusk is one that will stay with you for a long time. Yes, you’ll be with other people on the boat but the essential magic remains.

2) Helicopter flight followed by lunch

Why not take a 15-20 minute helicopter flip around the city – an awe-inspiring experience to share with your beloved. The exact routing will depend on the length of the trip. Which in turn depends on the depth of your wallet. Longer rides take in most of the Cape Peninsula whilst shorter ones will take you along the dramatic Atlantic Coast and then back over Table Mountain.

Twelve Apostles Hotel is doing a wonderful helicopter and lunch excursion at the moment. You enjoy a helicopter trip from the Waterfront to the 12 Apostles. Followed by a delicious three course lunch at Azure restaurant on the terrace overlooking the Ocean. Afterward, you are transferred back to your hotel by road.

3) Picnic on top of Table Mountain at sunset

Yes I know it’s not original but it’s still blooming marvellous! It’s on everyone’s list for things to do in Cape Town so won’t there be too many people? You would be amazed just how lazy people are. They don’t like to walk – at all. So if you take even a short walk of 20-30 minutes you will be far away from the crowds. I recommend the easy walk in the direction of Maclears Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain. After 10 minutes there’s a mild little scramble off the main plateau and the crowds seem to stop at that point – like wildebeest contemplating a river crossing! Continue on and you’ll have the mountain to yourselves (well, almost).

Head up the cable car to the top of Table Mountain in the late afternoon with a bottle of champagne and glasses in your backpack. There are fewer people around “at that time of day” so it is easier to find a secluded spot as the afternoon sun’s rays lengthen… The cable car remains open into the early evening in the summer months.

4) Cape Sidecars for Two

This is a bit of a novel way to get around… How about adding in a transfer or tour on a vintage 1930’s bike and sidecar combo with one of you riding pillion and one in the sidecar. It’s great for an early evening transfer to a restaurant especially if you take a scenic detour along the Atlantic Coast. (Just remember that the helmet may mess up an elaborate hairstyle.) We also recommend it for a trip out to the Winelands as you don’t have to worry about driving after visiting the wine estates. Highly recommended if a little pricey!

5) Abseiling off Table Mountain

Perhaps not your classical romantic thing to do in Cape Town – but in the spirit of “doing something adventurous makes you closer” , how about trying out the abseiling off Table Mountain? You do the abseiling side by side so there’ll be great photo opportunities before you start, when you are all harnessed up and hopefully not looking too pale-faced with fear. The abseil itself is great fun (if you like that sort of thing) and then there is a short 20-30 minute hike back up to the top of the mountain which makes you feel that you’ve climbed the mountain when you’ve actually only done 20 minutes instead of 2½ hours!

6) Chocolate and Wine Pairing at Lourensford Wine Estate

Not strictly in Cape Town but most people like to get out of the city to explore the Cape Winelands as well. Lourensford Wine Estate is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa but it boasts one of the most technologically advanced cellars in the southern hemisphere. It also has an unusual take on wine-tasting. You get to taste not only their very drinkable wines but you can pair them with chocolate during their specialist wine and chocolate tastings. What more can a girl want!

Other attractions on the farm include visiting the Coffee Roasting Company where coffee is freshly ground to order and of course purchasing more of the aforementioned wines and hand-made chocolates , as well as boutique cheeses and olives at their deli shop.
Lourensford Wine Estate is in the historic old part of Somerset West close to the Cape Dutch Homestead of Vergelegen so you can easily combine this with a visit there. Morgenster Wine and Olive estate is in the same area…

7) Hidden Beaches at Llandudno, Cape Point

One of the loveliest aspects of Cape Town is its ring of beaches. If you are not heading off to some tropical beach destination on your romantic holiday or honeymoon, make sure you allow enough time in Cape Town to head to the beach for at least a few hours. In addition to the world-famous Clifton and Camps Bay Beaches, there are attractive little bays such as Llandudno, glorious stretches of white sand at Noordhoek and romantic windswept beaches at Cape Point.

8) Spa treatment in the fynbos

We all know that splurging on a spa treatment or couples massage is almost obligatory on a honeymoon. But what about taking it outside; taking a massage in a Spa pavilion with a gentle breeze and glorious views of the mountains and sea all around you. This is on offer at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa. You don’t have to stay at the hotel to book a spa treatment but as the hotel is very romantic – why not splash out?

9) Horse trails on Noordhoek Beach

If you enjoy riding, check out the horse riding on Noordhoek Beach. This long wide stretch of white sand is perfect for cantering along with your adored one. You don’t have to be an expert rider as they will cater to riders of all abilities but it helps if you know the front end of the horse from the back…

10) Take the long way round – Kalk bay, penguins, Chapmans Peak, wine estates

If you are hiring a car, we really recommend taking a long slow meander around the Cape Peninsula. The scheduled day tours fit in Kirstenbosch gardens as well and then you have to keep motoring. By taking Kirstenbosch out – a romantic and relaxing destination in its own right – you give yourselves enough time to enjoy the ride. Take in Chapmans Peak, Cape Point, the penguins at Boulders Beach, Kalk Bay and the Constantia wine estates.

• Stop on Chapmans Peak for some of the best honeymoon photos ever
• Perhaps take in a coffee at Imhoffs Farm to explore their little craft shops and boutique cheesery
• Drive to Cape Point and perhaps add in the steep little hike down to the old lighthouse and back up again (good for working up an appetite for lunch)
• Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach but don’t just go to the main viewpoint (where all the madding crowds are).
• Check out the little beach nearby where you may even find yourselves swimming with the penguins!
• Allow enough time to mosey around the quirky little shops in Kalk Bay. There are some great casual restaurants here for an early dinner.
• Alternatively if you still have time, end the day with some relaxed wine tasting in the Constantia Valley.

So, there’s my very personal take on romantic things to do in Cape Town. Feel free to email me to add your suggestions!

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Contact Us if you want assistance planning your holiday in Cape Town. This is just some of the information that we give to our clients in our detailed itineraries which feature all the things to do in Cape Town, not just the romantic ones…

This article on 10 Romantic Excursions in Cape Town is courtesy of Cedarberg Africa

Cedarberg Africa is a travel and safari company specializing in Southern and East African tailor-made itineraries. As we have special rates with all the hotels and game lodges, booking through us will cost no more than booking direct, and sometimes less. So our expertise and knowledge comes at no extra cost to you!

Feel free to contact us if you want us to plan a romantic getaway for you in Cape Town!