Article by Jamie
The city of Cape Towns deserving status as one of the most picturesque places in the world, with a stunning natural landscape of pristine ocean, craggy coastlines, rolling green forest and mountains that form the spine of the entire Cape Peninsula. Many international tourists to Cape Town will follow a well-worn path of the most common sights to see, such as the Robben Island museum, Table Mountain by cable car, the Camps Bays sunset strip, wine-tasting in the Winelands and shopping in the Long Street markets like Greenmarket Square. These are all top attractions, but if you would prefer to discover more of Cape Town without the tour buses and queues, check out our list of alternative, recommended places to see.
Silvermine Nature Reserve
Silvermine Nature Reserve is part of the greater Table Mountain National Park, sitting roughly in the middle of the iconic Table, and the deep south Cape Point peninsula. The area is rich in indigenous fynbos vegetation, and the circular hiking trail offers stunning views from the False Bay across to Cape Hangklip, Cape Point finger, Noordhoek/Kommetjie valley and beaches, and over Chapmans Peak to Hout Bay valley. There is a nice picnic site around the reservoir at the start of the trails, and this area is easily accessed from the car.
Oudekraal Beach
Oudekraal is a picturesque meeting of giant granite boulders, pearly white sand and the icy blue Atlantic. One of the most sheltered beaches from the dreaded South East wind that blows in the summer months, Oudekraal is a lovely place to catch the sun setting into the Atlantic ocean. Very popular with scuba divers, there are some great caves and shipwrecks to explore in freezing but clear conditions.
Smitswinkel Bay
Just before you get to the Cape Point entrance, its easy to drive past the little hamlet of fishermens cottages nestled below the cliff. Smits, as its known to locals, is a stunning cove set on steep cliffs in a pristine natural environment. Just watch out for the baboons that frequent the area; they might snatch your lunch!
Signal Hill
Close to the city centre is an often missed but awesome sunset viewing spot. Signal Hill is a mound below the Cable Car peak, and overlooks Green Point Stadium and Sea Point, with excellent views out over the ocean and of Robben Island. There are several look-out areas along the road to the main parking area, pick a spot and enjoy the vista.
KoeelBay
If youre in the wine country, and can still drive, take a leisurely cruise to Gordons Bay and along the coastal route headed for Hermanus (place of whales between July and October). You will come across a stunning beach with a magnificent view of the Helderberg Mountains. Caves is the name of a popular surfing spot in the far-right corner of the beach are some interesting sandstone caves right on the beach, and swimming here is a strange novelty, as the water is usually 3-5 degrees warmer than the rest of Cape Town.
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A Cape Town Backpackers worth checking out is African Heart Backpackers and offers an upmarket backpackers cum guesthouse with creative décor and spacious rooms.
