If you’re feeling ready to jet back out into the world, skip Europe or the islands and consider South Africa as your next vacation destination. Yes it takes a long time to get there, but I promise it will blow you away with its cool culture, beautiful scenery, and unbelievable food & wine. Combine Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and a luxury safari for the perfect South Africa adventure.

Where to Stay in Cape Town

Cape Town has accommodation options to suit all travel styles, from small boutique hotels to massive urban resorts. One&Only, the Silo, and Tintswalo Atlantic are the most popular choices:

One&Only, the Urban Oasis: This large luxury resort is best for those who really want to feel like they’re on vacation. You might think you’re in the Caribbean while walking around the tropical pool area … until you look up and see the towering Table Mountain. The spa is one of the best in Africa and as a bonus, they have Biologique Recherche treatments. IYKYK. There’s also a Nobu on the resort grounds if you do not want to venture far for dinner.
The Silo Hotel, the High Design Hotshot: A former grain silo is now Cape Town’s hottest cultural hub. The industrial exterior of the building starkly contrasts with the eclectic interior, but it works. The bold colors and geometric designs of the hotel are a natural extension of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, located on the lower levels. A vibey rooftop bar with an infinity pool and panoramic views of the city is the cherry on top.
Tintswalo Atlantic, the Coastal Retreat: This boutique hotel is set right on the rocky coastline, about 30 minutes from Cape Town. If waking up to the sounds of the sea sounds like your idea of paradise, this is the place for you. Each luxury suite has a private balcony and wood burning fireplace to keep you cozy year round. Chefs Warehouse, the restaurant onsite, serves creative tapas and endless ocean views.

*For more inspiration, check out my guide to the Top Hotels in Cape Town.

Things to Do in Cape Town

There is tons to do in Cape Town, so there is truly something for everyone. Here is a list of the top activities:

Scenic Hikes & Viewpoints: Table Mountain (take the cable car if you do not want to hike), Lions Head, Signal Hill, Cape Point
Must See Beaches: Boulders Beach (you can’t miss the penguins), Camps Bay, Clifton, Muizenberg
Trendy Shopping: the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Kloof Street, Oranjezicht Market, Old Biscuit Mill, Mojo Market
Culture: Bo Kaap neighborhood walk & cooking class, Robben Island, Zeitz MOCAA, District Six Museum, Kirstenbosch Gardens, wine tasting
Adventure: paragliding, scootering, swimming with sharks, snorkeling & scuba diving, UTVing, sand boarding, abseiling, sidecar rides

mountain zebra by sea cape point south africa

Where to Eat & Drink in Cape Town

Cape Town is heaven on earth for foodies. The city's diverse heritage leads to a unique food scene, with influence from all over the world. Here is where to go for the best gin & tonics and local fare, from biltong to bobotie:

Coffee & Brunch: Truth Coffee, Bootlegger, Jason Bakery, Clarke’s, Ginja
Cocktails: The Granary Café or the rooftop bar at the Silo Hotel, The Gin Bar, Gigi Rooftop at Gorgeous George, Yours Truly, Chinchilla Camps Bay
Dinner: Kloof Street House, Belly of the Beast, Fyn, The Potluck Club, Dash
Dinner Outside of the City: La Colombe, Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo, Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia, Greenhouse Constantia

The Best Wineries to Visit in the Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands is the food & wine capital of South Africa. It’s older than Napa, and I’ll argue, more impressive. Visit the main towns Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, as well as the surrounding areas dotted with farms and vineyards. Here are the most scenic spots for wine tasting:

Constantia (15-20 minutes from Cape Town city): Klein Constantia, Beau Constantia, Constantia Glen
Stellenbosch (45 minutes from Cape Town city): Delaire Graff Estate, Tokara, Jordan Wine Estate
Franschhoek (1 hour from Cape Town city): Boschendal, Babylonstoren, Mullineux & Leeu at Leeu Estates, Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons

Where to Stay in the Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands is worth a visit even just for a day trip. Though to really take advantage of it all, it's best to stay there for a few nights. Here are some of my fave properties in the Cape Winelands:

La Residence, Franschhoek: Set in the foothills of the Franschhoek Valley, La Residence is truly fit for royalty. The villa is set on its own private land with manicured gardens, orchards, and vines. Inside, glamorous decorations include chandeliers, persian rugs, silk sheets, and bathrooms that are big as your suite.
Mont Rochelle, Franschhoek: Sir Richard Branson’s luxury boutique hotel and vineyard is set up to promote fun. Amenities like a tennis court, heated pool, gym, lawn games such as croquet, and 100 acres of land to explore will keep you active in between food & wine tastings. Playful touches like neon porcelain pugs and punny service request signs like “time for a top up” create a carefree vibe.
Delaire Graff Lodges, Stellenbosch: Owned by one of the biggest diamond moguls in the world, it is no surprise that Delaire Graff is one of the fanciest options for both accommodation and dining. The owner's passion for modern art, food, and wine is clearly on display. Each suite has its own heated plunge pool and fully stocked mini bar, so you don’t have to leave your room much if you don’t want to. Really want to splurge? Book a diamond tip microdermabrasion facial or shop in the Graff diamond boutique.

la residence Cape Town South Africa travel guide

la residence cape winelands South Africa

End Your South Africa Adventure at a Luxury Safari Lodge

Fulfill your bucket list and end your South Africa adventure at a luxury safari lodge. You’ll be spoiled from sunup to sundowners. My #1 tip - book a lodge in a private concession in the greater Kruger National Park area. Since there are fewer guests, the private game reserves feel more exclusive. They also have special advantages like walking safaris, off-roading, and night game drives.

Get ready for insanely up close encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Here are the best places to stay for a luxury safari in South Africa:

☆☆☆☆☆☆ Ultra Luxury: Singita Boulders Lodge, Singita Lebombo, Royal Malewane
☆☆☆☆☆ 5 Star: Sabi Sabi Little Bush or Earth Lodge, Jabulani, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Dulini River Lodge
☆☆☆☆ 4 Star: andBeyond Ngala, Thornybush Saseka Camp, Tintswalo Safari Lodge, Kapama Buffalo Camp

*For more inspiration, check out my guide to the Best Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa.

sabi sabi leopard on safari South Africa

South Africa Travel Tips

Always keep local cash with you for tipping.
The US Dollar is stronger than the SA Rand… $4USD for a nice glass of rosé? Don’t mind if I do. Keep this in mind while planning as you can stretch your budget farther than you’d think.
Uber is a safe, easy, and inexpensive way to travel around Cape Town & its surrounds.
The seasons are the opposite of the USA (so summer in South Africa starts in December). My favorite time to travel is during their Springtime, from September - November.