The coastal city of Cape Town is a popular tourist destination and offers plenty of activities for the solo traveller. The South African city can be explored in many different ways by the lone tourist without feeling bored or unsafe. Travellers can take the hop-on-hop-off bus to soak in the popular landmarks and get a feel of the city. Adventure lovers will enjoy the unusual kayaking tour at Boulders Beach. Revel in the panoramic views of the Table Mountain by taking a helicopter ride or take a luxury cruise to watch the sunset on the Atlantic. Experience local music and flavours as you savour the culinary delights Cape Town has to offer. Here’s a look at the top 12 things you can do alone in Cape Town.
1. Explore Robben Island and different townships (from USD 88.25)
This tour is perfect for learning the history of the different townships and acquainting yourself with the apartheid era. The tour begins at District Six and wraps off at the V&A Waterfront. You are taken to Robben Island on a ferry, where Nelson Mandela was enslaved for 18 years. You also get to see his prison cell. The townships you visit include Langa, the oldest in Cape Town. The tour also takes you to Gugulethu and Bonteheuwel. A guide explains the history as you soak in the bygone era.
Township and Robben Island Combination Tour
Duration: 8.0 hour
2. Take a ride on the hop-on-hop-off bus (from USD 16.0)
A great way to discover the city is by taking a tour on the popular hop-on-hop-off double-decker sightseeing bus. You can explore the popular landmarks of Cape Town such as Camps Bay and Table Mountain. The sightseeing tour is safe and ideal for solo travellers. You can opt for the one or two-day ticket. The one-day or Classic ticket lets travellers experience the Yellow, Blue, Red and Purple routes. The two-day or Premium ticket not only lets you explore all the four routes, but also includes the harbour cruise, three walking tours and the sunset bus tour. You get an audio guide and can listen to the commentary in multiple languages.
Cape Town: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise
3. Experience tandem paragliding in Cape Town (from USD 88.25)
Want to soak in the beauty of Cape Town? What better way than soaring over the city as you take a paragliding ride. The tandem paragliding experience is completely safe and you are accompanied by a professional who pilots the journey. You take off from the mountain, a short run on the slope and away you go in the air. The wind whisks away the canopy and the pilot guides the way as you enjoy scenic views of the Camps Bay. Table Mountain and more. Safety is not an issue as you are given a helmet and briefed prior to the tandem paragliding ride. Those above 10 years are eligible for the activity. Prior booking is advisable.
Cape Town: Tandem Paragliding Adventure
Duration: 40.0 minute
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4. Enjoy the 25-minute scenic helicopter ride (from USD 264.75)
Another great way to explore Cape Town alone is by taking a shared helicopter ride over the city. This 25-minute ride offers panoramic views of the city, especially the Table Mountain. You also get to see the point where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet near False Bay. The tour includes a live commentary from the pilot, which clues passengers in on their surroundings. You also get to soak in the beauty of the Twelve Apostles mountain range. You also espy the Hout Bay, Clifton Beach and Camps Bay during the ride and marvel at the changing terrains.
Cape Town: 2 Oceans Helicopter Flight with Boat Tour Ticket
Duration: 25.0 minute
Cape Town Tour Guide
Santie Gouws
Santie Gouws is a full-time registered and accredited Adventure Guide for Hiking, based in Cape Town, South Africa. A born and bred South African, she is passionate about mountains and the region's magnificent and highly bio-diverse fynbos vegetation, and offers exquisite, tailor-made, professionally guided hiking experiences to private groups, as well as 'open' scheduled group hikes, on Table ... Read more
Tours by Santie
5. Watch the sun set over the Atlantic from a sailboat (from USD 29.95)
You can watch the sun go down over the Atlantic as you soak in the magical sight aboard a sailboat. The cruise departs from the V&A Waterfront and you sail through the Southern Cape Peninsula, marvelling at the beautiful coastline. Watch the sunset as you enjoy a glass of wine and take in the views during this 90-minute long experience.
Cape Town: Waterfront and Sunset Champagne Cruise
Duration: 1.5 hour
6. Take the Lion’s Head sunset hike (from USD 86.75)
Outdoor lovers will enjoy some alone time hiking to Lion’s Head’s summit from where they can soak in the panoramic views, as well as marvel at the sunset. From here, you get a 360-degree view of Cape Town and the sea coast. Lion’s Head is between Signal Hill and Table Mountain. The climb takes an hour as you soak in the spectacular landscape. You are accompanied by a guide along the way who clues you in on the flora and fauna of the region, as well as the geology and historic landmarks. Plenty of chains and ladders are along the way to ease your journey. The tour includes the entrance and guide fee.
Cape Town: 3-Hour Lion's Head Sunset Hike
Duration: 3.5 hour
7. Abseil down Table Mountain (85 USD)
A cool way to do when exploring Cape Town alone is abseiling down the majestic Table Mountain. Besides being able to admire the view from atop, you’ll get fresh perspectives of the Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay, and also the Atlantic Seaboard. Stepping off 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) above sea level, feel your adrenaline rise and then be rewarded with the feeling of accomplishment once you complete the abseil. The entire 45 minutes experience includes: signing and harnessing up, a mandatory safety briefing, a 112 meter (367 feet) controlled descent off Cape Town’s Table Mountain, and finally, a pleasant hike back to the top. With all these packed in a cost-worthy excursion, it’s definitely a must-do activity ideal for either group or solo travelers. Just make sure to wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed footwear with good grip for the best hiking experience, as well as bottled water and snacks and you’re off to a surely memorable and truly South African experience.
Abseil down Table Mountain
Duration: 1 hour
Price: 85 USD
8. Go ziplining (41 USD)
Traveling alone in South Africa? Why not try ziplining while being in awe with the best panoramic views that Cape Town has to offer? This zip line activity is situated in Constantia Nek on Silvermist Estate which is the perfect location for this type of excursion. A brief introduction will first take place which includes safety procedures, followed by a 4x4 tour leading you high above Constantia. Once you get to the top, be amazed by views of the Table Mountain National Park Reserve. There are 12 platforms for you to marvel as you zip line at the highest of 155 meters (509 feet) above the tree canopy and at the longest of half a kilometer (1640 feet). A suitable activity even for solo travelers, this is a worthwhile experience that allows you to enjoy the best of two worlds in South Africa: the thrill brought about by these activities and the tranquillity of nature.
Ziplining
Opening hours: 2 hours
Price: 41 USD
9. Experience the thrill of shark cage diving in Gansbaai (from USD 147.35)
Fancy swimming with the great white sharks? Then this 10-hour experience is the perfect way to get up close with them. The shark cage diving at Gansbaai is 160 km (99.4 miles) away from Cape Town. You do not need to have any diving experience as you will be floating on the surface, safely inside a cage. The cage can accommodate eight people as you watch the great white swim by. The package for the shark cage diving experience includes breakfast and lunch, transfers and snacks on the boat. The timing of the experience depends on the weather, especially the tides.
Cape Town: Gansbaai Eco-Friendly Shark Cage Diving Cruise
Duration: 6.0 to 10.0 hour
10. Taste the local cuisine and enjoy an interactive drumming session (from USD 59.9)
Gastronomes will love this novel dining experience of sampling local African cuisine, along with an interactive drumming session. You can taste a 14-course meal from Cape Malay’s set menu and get acquainted with African food. When you arrive at the venue in Cape Town, you partake in an interactive session where you learn about the djembe drum and the sounds it creates. Mali puppets – accompanied by singers, drummers and dancers will keep you company as they dance around your table. The food is as varied as dishes from the Table Mountain to Timbuktu.
Cape Town: African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer
Duration: 3.5 hour
11. Enjoy concerts from the Cape Town choral duos and trios (from USD 140.0)
An evening of choral music is the perfect way to unwind and spend some alone time in Cape Town. You will get to engage in two private concerts from choral duos and trios in the comfort of their home. You will also enjoy a lovely home-cooked traditional meal and interact with the musicians during one of the concerts. The second part of the experience includes a nightcap at the second choir group’s house. The tour is for a small group and is scheduled twice a week. The dinner session and nightcap last for 90 minutes and 60 minutes, respectively.
Cape Town Evening Choral Music Tour
Duration: 4 hour
12. Go kayaking in Boulders Beach penguin colony (from USD 22.03)
This is a unique way to experience a penguin colony in Cape Town. The solo traveller will enjoy a trip to Boulders Beach where they can kayak and watch the penguins up close in their natural habitat. The experience is open to anyone over 10 years and you are guided by an expert. You also espy sea creatures such as cormorants and seals. Those looking to take a dip in the crystal clear water can do so as well. Remember to carry a change of clothes and wear swimwear as you will get wet. The tour is operational everyday subject to weather.
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony: Kayak Trip
Duration: 2 hour
Experience some soul food in Cape Town
The picturesque South African city is perfect for the solo traveller who is looking to soak in the marvels of Cape Town. Tourists can take anything from a bus to a helicopter ride to explore the city.
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