For years Cape Town has maintained its reputation of being one the best cities in the world to visit, and it’s not difficult to see why. From stunning mountain vistas across the peninsula, to world-class winelands and some of the best surfing on the planet, you really are spoiled for choice – whether you’re a local or just visiting.

Here are our top five most unforgettable experiences to put on your itinerary this summer.

Shake your bonbon

If you’ve ever wondered how chocolateries make their divine morsels, book yourself a spot at Honest Chocolate’s next bonbon workshop. Unique in its offering, Honest Chocolate is a small, artisanal bean-to-bar company that champions ethical sourcing and only uses ingredients of the highest quality. Workshops include a full tasting, an introduction to how cacao beans are farmed and a session where you get to make your own set of bonbons to take home with you. The best bit is that they’re based in iconic Woodstock, so you can take in this historical suburb while sipping some great coffee and heading over to make your delicious treats!
Cost: R200 p/p
Visit Honest Chocolate for more info.

Dine the Unexpected

Looking for a little mystery and adventure? Join SecretEats and get invited to a dinner party you won’t forget. This underground dining experience brings together top chefs and foodies in unexpected locations to enjoy deliciously prepared courses. From the moment you receive an invite, you’ll get little clues as to where you’re going and what food you’ll be eating. Everything is kept secret until you arrive!
Tickets vary, but you can visit their website to request an invite.

Kayak with the penguins

Many people flock to Boulder’s Beach in summer for the idyllic setting and the African penguins, braving traffic and fighting crazy crowds to see these cheeky creatures in their tuxes. But one of the city’s best kept secrets is an on-sea kayaking tour from Simon’s Town jetty, passed the Naval harbour and other stunning beaches, to Boulders itself – a fantastic way to see the birds and take in other curious marine life.
Cost: R350 p/p
No paddling experience is required. Book with Kayak Cape Town.

Spend the night on Table Mountain

Avid hikers will enjoy this incredible overnight hike on the Cape of Good Hope trail. Take in the awesome beauty of our unique city with its sparkling coastlines, ancient shipwrecks, majestic peaks and famous fynbos. The hike is about 33.8kms and starts and ends at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Overnight accommodation can be found via signposts that lead up to the huts on high ridges overlooking the ocean. Albeit a little rustic, the huts have solar-powered hot showers, braai facilities and other amenities. Entrance fees vary, so be sure to visit the SANPARKS website or contact them at reservations@sanparks.org for more info.

Embrace township life

Take a guided tour through one of Cape Town’s most vibrant communities. The Imizamo Yethu township is on the Hout Bay coastline and is a melting pot of different cultures, traditions and establishments. This 40-minute guided tour allows you to immerse yourself in authentic township life, by interacting with the locals and experiencing their day-to-day living.
Cost: R95 for adults, and more information can be found on City Sightseeing’s website.

We hope you’ve added at least one of these to your summer bucket list! Have a fantastic festive season!