Three-Day Trip to Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town Travel Tips and Unique Experiences Communication: eSIM and Data Plans: Consider using an eSIM service like Airalo for a 1G data plan at $4.5. It's convenient and cost-effective. Transportation: Taxis: Bolt is a popular choice for taxis in Cape Town, often cheaper than Uber by about half the price. Unique Itinerary Suggestions 📍 Simon’s Town Kayak Tour Kayak Tours in Cape Town: There are many kayak tour options in the Cape Town area, each with its own unique focus. Some tours highlight mountain views, while others take you through areas where you might see dolphins. I chose a kayak tour from Simon’s Town to Boulder Beach to see the African Penguins. With a bit of luck, you can see penguins swimming nearby (they are endangered, so it's best not to chase or get too close). Cape Town Kayak Company: I opted for Cape Town Kayak. Their route passes through a naval harbor wall covered in mussels and starfish that feed on them. You paddle through kelp forests and might spot penguins swimming in the distance. I also encountered sea otters a few times. The experience was fantastic! It was very affordable, especially in the off-season. I was able to join a tour for just $25. 📍 Free Beaches Near Boulder Beach Boulder Beach and Surroundings: Boulder Beach is actually a series of connected beaches. The northern Seaforth and southern Windmill beaches are free to access. You don’t necessarily need to pay to see penguins or swim with them. However, since it was winter and the weather was cold with fewer penguins around, I decided to visit Boulder Beach, which has an entrance fee. 📍 Simon’s Town to Muizenberg Beach Train Ride Train Ride Along the Coast: This is a hidden gem that I’m reluctant to share on social media to keep it less crowded! The train service from Cape Town to Simon’s Town runs Monday to Friday, with limited service on Saturday mornings and none on Sundays. You need to change trains at Fish Hoek. The first leg from Cape Town to Fish Hoek is on a newer train, taking about an hour with a guard on board. The second leg from Muizenberg Beach to Fish Hoek runs along the coast, and the final stretch from Fish Hoek to Simon’s Town is on an older train, primarily used for commuting by locals. The entire journey along the coast is breathtakingly beautiful, and it was very peaceful with few passengers. The total cost for both train rides is only $0.5. You can find the train schedule online. 📍 Chapman’s Peak Drive E-bike Tour E-bike Tour: Cape Town is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise! I joined a last-minute Chapman’s Peak Drive E-bike Tour with Pato Tours for 450 ZAR ($24). I was happy to find that I could join the tour alone without needing to haggle. Chapman’s Peak Drive has a toll, so there are fewer vehicles than I expected. If you’re comfortable cycling on mountain roads, you can rent a bike and explore on your own (the route is shared with cars), but having a guide is safer. There were quite a few cyclists and even some people walking the route. #CapeTown #TravelTips #UniqueExperiences