Cape Point, Cape Town South Africa

Cape Point is a spectacular, narrow finger of land, covered in endemic fynbos and home to picturesque bays, beaches, rolling green hills and valleys. Cape Point falls within the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site, and is the most southerly point within the Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park. The Cape Floral Region is one of the richest areas for plants in the world – it is home to nearly 20% of Africa’s flora.

Plan a picnic in the park or on the beach, hike or mountain bike, have lunch in the upmarket Two Oceans Restaurant above the crashing waves of False Bay, or simply catch The Flying Dutchman funicular to some superb lookout points over the Atlantic Ocean. Apart from the spectacular view, you’ll be able to see the most powerful lighthouse on the South African coast, which helps guide ships safely through perilous waters that have seen to the end of many a vessel.

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town South Africa

The V&A Waterfront is South Africa’s most visited destination, attracting millions of visitors every year – and for good reason, given the location’s combination of shops, restaurants, nightspots, tourist attractions and museums in the city’s historic harbour. (Construction for this harbour began as early as 1860, when Prince Alfred tipped the first stones for the breakwater, hence the attraction’s name: V&A after Queen Victoria of England and her youngest son Alfred.).

You might like to visit the family-friendly Two Oceans Aquarium, where you can eyeball sharks, penguins and hundreds of species of sea life. There are lots of outdoor activities available too, ranging from helicopter flips to boat charters and relaxed harbour cruises (walk along the water’s edge and pick one – there are several options). Or browse through hundreds of shopping outlets, ranging from larger department stores selling designer labels to boutique jewellery and curio shops. The V&A Waterfront’s Amphitheatre is a good spot for live entertainment (usually provided to the public for free) – from concerts to creative workshops and puppet shows.