10 Bagamoya Guest Information

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Activities & food

Places change and preferences differ; so please don’t hold us accountable (but let us know what you thoughts so we can update this document). Below are some of our personal Cape Town highlights.

Events

If you’d like to find out what events are happening while you’re here, the best places to check are:

Major ticketing sites:

Quicket⁠

Webtickets⁠

⁠

Events listing sites (especially for weekends):

Secret Cape Town⁠

Cape Town Magazine⁠

⁠

Meetup⁠

: Often locals will arrange for hikes or to go to events together; join them!

Classic Faves

Table Mountain National Park

Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world (older than the Himalayas). It is not just a pretty background to our city, but filled with lots of activities, fauna, and flora. In fact, there are over 1500 plant species in the 57km² area —that's more plants than the entire United Kingdom (over 240 000km²).

There are many hikes leading to the top, which you can do if you are in a reasonably fit condition. It takes between one and four hours (depending on the starting point, route, and your level of fitness).

Always carry enough water, food, and something warm (even on hot days). The weather can change quickly and many people have been stranded due to fog or high wind, so please check the forecast. If you’re new to this sort of hiking, please consider going with someone who has done it before, or hire a guide.

You can also take the panoramic cable car (buy your

tickets online⁠

to skip the queue). If you plan on going up more than three times during your visit, it is cheaper to buy a yearly pass (only available at the bottom station).

Once at the top, there are various walks and hikes that can keep you busy for hours (or days!), a restaurant, and a bar.

Lion's Head & Signal Hill

Lion's Head and Signal Hill are two other iconic landmarks, located next to Table Mountain. They offer spectacular panoramic views of the city, the Atlantic Ocean, and Table Mountain. The hike up Lion's Head is easier than Table Mountain, but it still requires a reasonable level of fitness. The trail is well-maintained and takes around 1 to 2 hours to reach the summit.

The best time to hike is when there is more foot traffic and less heat —in the cooler morning or afternoon when most people have ended work. Take water and don't forget to bring a flashlight if you plan to hike during sunrise or sunset. Check the wind forecast before you go.

Just enter “Lions Head Hiking” in Uber/Bolt (or use this

Google Maps link⁠

)

Note that it’s not advisable to hike down from tarred road connecting Lion’s Head parking to Signal hill (on the city side) towards the neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap, as the trails aren’t well maintained or used much and there have been reports of crime.

Unfortunately there were a spate of muggings on Lion’s Head (and less so, but also on Table Mountain) in summer 2023. The culprits have mostly been arrested (and a private security company now patrols Lion’s Head and Signal Hill during daylight hours.

People are advised to hike in groups of four or more, not to carry any valuables, and to avoid hiking in the dark before sunrise and after sunset.

Atlantic Seaboard

This is one of our favourite full-day outings.

Take a scenic drive along the Atlantic Seaboard in a rental car (or Uber or with a private tour or a sightseeing bus). This stretch of coastline offers stunning views of the ocean, beautiful beaches, and a variety of neighborhoods. Stop by popular spots like Camps Bay and Clifton beaches for sunbathing, cold water tidal pool dipping, and people-watching. Stop by the “Republic” of Hout Bay and continue along Chapman’s Drive (with lots of places to stop and take photos).

Venture further south to Cape Point, a beautiful natural reserve that forms part of the Table Mountain National Park. Cape Point is known for its rugged cliffs, stunning coastal scenery, and diverse wildlife. Drive (or hike) through the reserve, keeping an eye out for baboons, ostriches, buck, and various bird species. Make your way to the end where you’ll find the Cape Point Lighthouse, perched on top of the dramatic cliffs. You can also take a funicular ride up to the lighthouse if you prefer not to hike. There are walking trails that lead to beautiful secluded beaches, such as Diaz Beach and Buffels Bay.

Return via the charming coastal villages of Kalk Bay and St James, located on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. Known for its bohemian chic atmosphere, Kalk Bay offers a mix of art galleries, antique shops, quirky boutiques, and excellent seafood restaurants. Don't miss the chance to sample fresh and local fish and chips (at Kalkies) or a delicious meal at one of the local eateries; Olympia Café is one of our favourites (try the mussels). Kalk Bay is also home to a picturesque harbor where you can watch the fishing boats come and go, and even spot some playful seals.

Free Walking Tour

Join a free walking tour in Cape Town to discover the city's history, culture, and hidden gems. These tours are usually led by knowledgeable local guides who provide insights into the city's past and present. The tours are tip-based, so it's a great way to get acquainted with the city while also supporting local guides. Search for “free walking tour Cape Town” on Google or Tripadvisor.

Kirstenbosch

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers. It is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Kirstenbosch also hosts excellent concerts during the summer months, where you can enjoy live music in a magical outdoor setting. Search for “Kirstenbosch summer concerts” online to see the latest schedule (tickets for sale on Webtickets).

Wine tasting

Explore the Cape Winelands, located just a short drive from Cape Town, and treat yourself to world-class wine tasting experiences. The region is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, historic wine estates, and award-winning wines. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl are popular wine-producing towns.

You can take an Uber/Bolt there and back; please don’t drink and drive. Many wine tasting tours will pick you up and drop you off at your Airbnb, and includes visits to muliple wine estates; others allow you to visit estates by bicycle or train.

Paragliding

Signal Hill and Lion's Head are popular launch sites that offer incredible views of the city and the coastline. No experience is required, as you'll be accompanied by an experienced tandem pilot who will guide you throughout the flight.

(If you’re a certified solo paragliding pilot, reach out to Werner for more information on where to fly!)

Kayaking

There are various kayaking tours available, allowing you to paddle along the coastline, explore sea caves, and hopefully encounter marine wildlife. You can choose to kayak in the calm waters of False Bay, where you might spot dolphins, seals, and even whales during the migration season. Alternatively, opt for a kayak trip in the Atlantic Ocean starting in Sea Point or Camps Bay.

Penguins

Visit Boulders Beach in Simon's Town to witness a colony of African penguins up close, especially in summer. These charismatic creatures are an iconic symbol of Cape Town and are known for their unique braying calls and adorable waddling.

First Thursdays

First Thursdays is a monthly event that transforms the streets of Cape Town into a bustling art, culture, and party hub. On the first Thursday of each month, art galleries, museums, and cultural institutions open their doors until late and feature exhibitions, live performances, and interactive installations. Pop-up restaurants, food trucks, and parties all follow.

Museums

The Iziko South African Museum provides a comprehensive overview of natural history, anthropology, and archaeology. The District Six Museum tells the story of a vibrant community forcibly removed during the apartheid era. For contemporary art enthusiasts, the Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa) showcases a vast collection of African contemporary art.

Other notable museums include the Slave Lodge, the South African National Gallery, and the Castle of Good Hope, which is the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa.

Theatre

For its size, Cape Town has a pretty respectable theatre scene. However, you often need to visit each venue’s website to see what they have going on. We’d recommend looking at:

Theatre on the Bay (Camps Bay)

Baxter Theatre (Observatory) - part of the University of Cape Town and probably the most esteemed theatre in Cape Town

Wave Theatre (CBD, tiny!) - tends to have more experimental theatre

The Outlore Base (CBD) - tends to have edgier, younger, LGBTQ+, and 420-friendly content

Kalk Bay Theatre

Artscape Theatre (CBD)

Eating and drinking

In the neighborhood

The Power and the Glory: A hipster café during the day (try the quiche and salad!) and neighborhood bar at night with good craft beers, café lunch, and cozy ambiance.

Blondie: No-frills Middle Eastern/mediterranean joint that is as excellent as it is affordable. (Order the Four Seasons!) During the day, it has patrons from all ages and all walks of life, but in the evenings, it can get a bit louder with a predominantly under-25 crowd.

Our Local: Parking garage turned quirky greenhouse café serving interntional fare. Due to its Instagrammable charm, it can get crowded in high season. Mains are meh (though ample), so instead come for the desserts (the brownies and cakes are to die for) and the ambiance.

Black Sheep: Innovative and rotating menu featuring a fusion of flavors and locally sourced ingredients. One of the best date-night spots (and a personal all-time favourite).

Dark Horse: Trendy bar also by the Black Sheep owners.

Liquorice & Lime: Good breakfasts, local feel. The eggs benedict here is a go-to.

Curry Club: Quirky interior and some seriously good curry. Note that they don’t serve the curries very spicy, so be sure to ask if you want something hotter.

Other gems

For Ethiopian, we have two favorites:

Little Ethiopia: One of the best Ethiopian restaurants I’ve been to (anywhere in the world). Tiny, family-run, hole in the wall where you can indulge in traditional dishes like beyaynetu, injera, doro wot, kitfo, tibs, and more.

Timbuktu: Confusingly named (we swear: it’s Ethiopian food, not Malian), it sort of matches the eccletic, cozy home vibe. Has a fireplace, lower prices, fresher injera, and almost as-good food as Little Ethiopia.

For brunch:

Clarke’s - American(ish) diner vibes, with hash eggs, huevo rancheros, etc for brekkie

Kleinskys - “New York deli” vibes - We love the latke benedict

Max Bagels - Best bagels in Cape Town (and possibly the only place that does everything bagels correctly, with garlic and onion!) + some of the best coffee too (from the Cedar coffee brewing company)

Jason Bakery - Great baked treats!

Maria’s - Delicious Greek Mediterranean tapas and mains - a sizeable menu, and we’ve never ordered anything we didn’t like. The mucver pita, roasted eggplant salad, and calamari are old favorites.

Cafe Frank - Great, easy lunch spot with a changing, seasonal menu. Vegetarian-friendly.

Wild Eatery - Vegan food truck permanently housed in an alley outside the zero waste grocery store. Kind of a low-key local secret.

Kloof Street House - Delicious upmarket restaurant in a converted old Victorian house

Cousins - Our favorite Italian restaurant, with family-run charm. Reservations essential.

Nelson’s Eye - Old-school steakhouse, if you like meat.

For your Asian food fix (from a picky Asian-American!): Cape Town doesn’t have the best Asian food, but if you’ve got a hankering, here’s where we’d go:

Korean: Gogi Korean BBQ - suitably inside a Korean supermarket in a random shopping complex in Observatory

Chinese: Hesheng in Sea Point (probably the best Chinese food in the country)

Japanese: Izakaya Matsuri (though sushi at the nearby Sushi Box is also excellent, albeit lacking any sort of ambiance)

Indian: Prashad (only veggie/vegan and take-away) and Curry Club.

Thai: Khao Hom (two branches in the southern suburbs, but you might be able to order delivery?)

Vietnamese: Saigon (nearby) or Yen’s in de Waterkant.

Markets

Cape Town loves a market!

The Old Biscuit Mill: Diverse range of food stalls, artisanal products, and live music. In our humble opinion, has the best food of all the markets. Saturday and Sunday mornings. Mostly outdoor.

Oranjezicht City Market at the V&A: Wide variety of fresh produce (from local farms), artisanal products, and prepared food stalls. Mostly outdoor.

Hout Bay Harbour Market: Weekend covered market with food, handmade clothes, decor, local delicacies, and live music. Probably the fewest food options of all the markets listed here, but a great vibe. 100% indoor.

Mojo Market: Like a shopping mall food center, but with small vendors — we’ve added it to the list because it’s 100% indoor, so is a good option in rainy weather.

Coffee

We don’t tend to work from coffee shops, so can’t attest to internet or working vibe, but we are absolute coffee snobs (single origin, light/medium roast, with bright acidity please!)— and these are our five faves:

Rosetta (CBD): Our go-to and what we normally stock (by the kilo!) at home. We’re partial to their washed Ethiopian progressive coffees.

Origin (Greenpoint)

Espresso Lab (Woodstock)

Truth Coffee (CBD): Great coffee — plus, their flagship branch on Buitenkant St is an award-winning, steampunk-themed café with a great vibe.

Cedar (CBD): To our knowledge, there sadly isn’t a Cedar coffee shop, but Max Bagels on Bree St serves their beans.

A lot of the top cafés will serve one of these, but in general the coffee is pretty good in Cape Town.

Fine dining

We aren’t into fine dining, but our friends have raved about:

The Test Kitchen: Innovative and artistic dishes by award-winning chef Luke Dale-Roberts.

La Colombe: In the picturesque Constantia Valley.

The Pot Luck Club: On the top floor of the Silo Hotel, panoramic views of the city, tapas-style menu.

Other

Camps Bay's Sunset: Stunning sunset views of Camps Bay while sipping on your favorite drink. There is quite a party on Sunday evenings where people like to show off their fancy clothes and cars (perhaps not everyone’s style).

Bree Street: There is a bustling food and drink scene along Bree Street, where you'll find a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and bars. There’s a sense that people in their 20’s go to the (seedier) Long street, and as they get older and more picky, they go to Kloof or Bree street.

Anywhere and everywhere! Seriously, the food in Cape Town offers incredible value for money, so explore different neighborhoods, consult Google Maps or TripAdvisor for recommendations, and discover hidden gems serving up meals that suit your taste and budget.

Remember to check opening hours, make reservations when necessary (especially in summer).

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