The Mother City is stunning. It has it all, from gorgeous mountains, incredible beaches, bustling city life, and a culture of diversity and joy despite adversity. Whether traveling for work or leisure, there is much to see and do!
Cape Town is also an incredibly friendly and inviting city, which makes it an ideal destination for solo female travelers. That said, there are a few security concerns, and one cannot explore quite as freely as in other cities.
So to help you navigate this beautiful city safely, I haven’t only written about the best things to do and see in the Mother City, I’ve added safety tips too.
In this blog, you will also find the best places to stay, where to eat (I struggled to keep this short), the transport systems in place to help you navigate the city, some pro tips to help you manage your tight schedule, as well as a few local secrets.
So keep reading to find out everything you need to know when visiting the greatest city in Africa.
What to Do in Cape Town when traveling solo
Cape Town has tons to do and see, and it can be tricky to choose among them. All these options and no idea where to start. Well, you’re in luck because I’m going to highlight some must-do things for you while you visit The Mother City.
All of these recommendations are populated, safe, and perfect for a solo female adventurer looking to check off her Cape Town bucket list.
Hike Lions Head
Lions Head hike is one of many hikes around Cape Town, but it is undoubtedly the most convenient. The start of the hike can be found at the Lions Head Parking Lot. It is a spectacular hike offering breathtaking 360° views to enjoy once you have summited.
It will take you about 90 minutes to summit, with the first hour being an easy but fairly steep uphill ascent with a challenging final 30 minutes involving a bit of scrambling, climbing steel ladders, and sturdy chains that are embedded into the rocks.
The path gets a bit narrow, so a queue might form. I’d recommend taking the opportunity to rest and take photos. There is no shortage of views to behold.
Once you have reached the summit, a flat expanse scattered with boulders, you will be blessed with some of the most spectacular views of Table Mountain, The Twelve Apostles (the mountain range running along the Atlantic seaboard), and the city bowl. I’ve done this hike 4 or 5 times now, and the views are always incredible.
Visit Cape Town beaches
Clifton Beach
Clifton is one of Cape Town’s best beaches (we have a total of 15 to choose from within 40 40-minute drive from the city center, most being about 20 minutes) that you could visit.
Cerulean blue waters, white sands that squeak underfoot as you walk about the beach, and massive granite boulders enclosing the surroundings protect the beach from the wind.
It is a lazy beach bum’s dream! A book, a couple of snacks, sunglasses, and a hat, and you could spend hours here soaking in the sun and the eye candy.
Llandudno Beach
Similarly, Llandudno is as stunning a beach in comparison to Clifton, minus the people. This beach is secluded and away from the busyness that plagues other Cape Town beaches. It is nestled in a granite boulder cove and surrounded by lush greenery.
Muizenberg Beach
Maybe Cape Town’s most prolific surfing spot, this is the place to be if you want to catch a few waves. Its shallow break and beginner-friendly swell make it easy and convenient to rent a surfboard and wetsuit and hang ten.
Muizenberg Beach is also home to the Surfer’s Corner. Here you will find many cute cafes, bustling bars and busy restaurants as well as an abundance of self-catering cottages. It is ideal for those looking to do a day trip to explore more of the Southern Peninsula.
Meet the African Penguins at Boulders Beach
You’re probably thinking, “Penguins!? In South Africa!?” and I get it. It seems preposterous, but Simon’s Town is home to a colony of adorable and tuxedoed little African Penguins. Not only are they extremely cute, but you can swim with the Boulders Beach penguins too!
For just a small fee of about R180 ($9.5), you can enter the enclosure and immerse yourself amongst the penguins, walk alongside them, and even swim with them. You will, however, not be allowed to feed them or touch them.
Check out the Oranjezicht Market
The most prolific market in Cape Town (and there are many, many markets), Oranjezicht Market is the place to be if you’re looking for a leisurely Saturday or Sunday morning (the only days it is open).
The market is broken up into three sections. The first is where you can find locally produced clothing, South African plants, handmade ornaments, and a variety of other souvenirs.
The second offers a cornucopia of baked goods, cheeses, cured meats, you name it, it’s there. And lastly, the food and drink stalls with more options than you are going to know what to do with.
This might sound crazy, but you have to try the Deep Fried Lasagna Focaccia Sandwich… I can’t spoil it anymore, you’ll have to see for yourself!
First Thursdays and Cape Town art galleries
If you happen to find yourself in Cape Town around the first Thursday of a month, you’re in for a treat.
First Thursday is when the art galleries of Cape Town open their doors late into the night, selling booze and hosting local DJs to carry the vibe! It’s such fun and something worth checking out if your travels allow it.
Youngblood Africa
Youngblood Africa is one of Cape Town’s most unbelievable art galleries.
This three-story building has been kept hollow to allow for a massive wooden sculpture of a man to hang from the ceiling. A truly incredible piece of art!
Zeitz MOCAA
Originally a grain silo complex of historical significance at the V&A Waterfront, it has been reimagined into something quite surreal.
The insides of this museum are the cement silos that have been carved out to create this awe-inspiring architectural feat! It’s not the largest contemporary art gallery in Africa for nothing.
Honestly, the art exhibitions are the sprinkles atop an already delicious cake! Visiting this museum is worth it for the architecture alone.
Norval Foundation
Again, the Norval Foundation is an architectural amazement. Square, concrete, massive glass panes facing the vineyards and landscapes, and enormous open spaces inside create a feeling unlike any other in Cape Town.
Cape Point
Cape Point, a nature reserve that falls within the southern section of Table Mountain National Park, is spectacular! With dazzling displays of fauna and flora, sheer rock cliffs, and pristine beaches, this is any nature enthusiast’s paradise.
Wild roaming ostriches, eland antelope, bontebok, wild cats, and tortoises, amongst others, are what a visitor can expect to spot in the nature reserve, along with some incredible marine life like dolphins, whales, and otters can be spotted while hiking in the area. Cape Point is a wonder to behold!
Cape Town Safety Tips – Is Cape Town Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
While Cape Town is an incredible city bustling with life and adventure, there is a high degree of inequality, a leading indicator in countries with high crime rates.
While safety is a concern when visiting Cape Town, almost all of the crime that happens in Cape Town occurs in the densely informal communities established in the eastern suburbs, far away from the city center and the coastal regions.
It is very unlikely that any crime will be something you experience as long as you adhere to the following advice:
Don’t walk around alone at night
Cape Town is generally safe, but it is unwise to assume that is the case at night. If you’re interested in exploring the city on foot, try to prioritize doing so during the day in well-populated areas.
Leave your valuables at home
Comfort and ease over fashion and style are the names of the game when traveling, not just in Cape Town. If you don’t need your passport, leave it at your accommodation as well as your favorite jewelry.
Take note of the South African emergency numbers
Here is a list of the important numbers you should know in case of emergencies:
- Emergencies from a mobile: 112
- Emergencies from a landline: 107
- South African Police Service: 10111
- Ambulance: 10177
Where to Stay in Cape Town
Now this is a little trickier as there are unending options and multiple price ranges to consider. From self-contained pods, shared rooms in a hostel, hotels, self-catering cottages, and Airbnb’s, there is an option for your budget.
Here are some options that I would recommend, from budget to premium
91 Loop – Budget Backpackers
91 Loop is a central and trendy boutique hostel. They offer a variety of sleeping options for those traveling on a budget.
Perks galore when staying at 91 Loop. It’s centrally located, gives access to free wifi, offers free coffee and breakfast between 5 – 10 am, has group working spaces, and a tour desk to help you figure out your next activity.
Mojo Hotel Sea Point – Mid-range Hotel
Conveniently situated in the Sea Point part of Cape Town, this hotel puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. Mojo Hotel is an excellent option for those looking to be close to the city and its activities.
One giant plus for this hotel is that it is situated above the Mojo Market, which I will get into a little bit later. You’ll want to hang around for that!
Dorp Hotel – Luxury Boutique Hotel
If you are looking for something more lavish, Dorp Hotel might be it. This hidden gem of a hotel offers some of the most beautifully designed rooms in Cape Town. Each room comes equipped with everything you will need and more.
Their location grants its visitors some jaw-dropping vistas of the city, Table Mountain, Signal Hill, and Lions Head.
Booking.com
Cape Town Solo Travel: How to Get Around Cape Town
If you’re staying in the City Business District, along the Atlantic seaboard, or in the Southern Suburbs, exploring the city on foot is a terrific option and one that I would recommend if your destination is nearby.
Cape Town has many transport options available to travelers for further exploration.
Taxi-hailing apps
Uber, inDrive, and Bolt are some of the many taxi-hailing apps that are available in South Africa. These are the safest and most reliable that I would recommend. They are affordable, readily available, and have access to multiple payment options for one to use.
Public transport
The public transport systems that are the most reliable and that I would recommend are the Metrorail, Cape Town’s local train system, and the MyCiti Bus, the city bus system.
These modes of transportation cover a large majority of the city and many places you might like to visit. I’d highly recommend using Metrorail’s Southern Line to get down to places like Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, and Simon’s Town.
Car rental
While car rental is the most expensive of these options, it does provide convenience, safety, and faster travel in comparison to the other recommendations.
There are many car rental services available in South Africa, but a local business that I recommend is Rent a Cheapie. They are affordable and offer fantastic customer service.
Pro Cape Town Travel Tips From a Local
Cape Town is chock-a-block full of things to do and see and eat! It is, therefore, crucial to make sure you have planned to maximize your time in this stunning city.
My biggest tip, as someone who has traveled plentily, is to plan!
Don’t be fooled by the summer season
While the Cape Town summer season between November and February is pristine with blue cloudless skies and an electric atmosphere, there are crowds aplenty to combat, and many businesses are experts at charging you a premium during this holiday season.
My recommendation would be to visit Cape Town in the springtime between August and October. The weather is slightly more variable, but the attractions are less crowded, and there are more bargains to take advantage of.
Four seasons in one day
Even traveling outside of the aforementioned spring, weather in Cape Town can change drastically at the drop of a hat.
Plan your activities accordingly, but more importantly, make sure you have some interchangeable activities that you can swap out if the need to be inside becomes a priority.
Book in advance
Any experienced traveler will tell you it is best to book in advance. If you are planning on beating the crowds and getting better accommodation, do so well before traveling to Cape Town.
Cape Town is Now Your Oyster!
With dazzling displays of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and scrumptious delicacies, all of which are very affordable, Cape Town is an easy choice for the female traveler to enjoy.
This is a post by Guest Contributor Justin
Writer’s bio: Justin Peach is the Communications Manager and Writer for Wander Cape Town. He’s lived in Cape Town for 10 years and spends his days enjoying the many adventures and experiences that make Cape Town so special.
