5-Day Cape Town: Robben Island, Table Mountain, Big Five Safari & Winelands
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness who can handle short hikes, stairs, and multi-hour days of sightseeing.
Overview
Pack history, wildlife and wine into five days around Cape Town: from Robben Island’s hard lessons to a Big Five game drive, cliffside penguins and estate tastings in Stellenbosch. A compact, private tour that covers the region’s signature landscapes and culture.
5-Day Cape Town: Robben Island, Table Mountain, Big Five Safari & Winelands
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The van eases away from the city as Table Mountain shrinks into a flat-backed silhouette and the Atlantic hums at the window. On day one travelers step onto the V&A Waterfront, board the ferry and watch Cape Town’s skyline recede; Robben Island sits 11 km offshore, its ferry run about 40–45 minutes across a sea that often seems to tug at the hull with two different currents. The island tour is blunt and instructive — the prison cells, the bus route, and the voices of former inmates build context that hangs in the air long after you return.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book Robben Island Early
Ferry slots sell out—reserve your Robben Island ferry and museum tour well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Layer for the Coast
Bring windproof layers and a warm hat—coastal winds and elevation on Table Mountain can drop temperatures quickly.
Respect Wildlife Distances
At Boulders and Cape Point, stay on boardwalks and keep distance from penguins and baboons to avoid stress and fines.
Hydrate on Drives
Long transfers (2–3 hours to Aquila/Agalhas) mean bring a refillable bottle; guides provide bottled water but refill options are convenient.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- African penguin (Boulders Beach)
- Southern right whale (Hermanus seasonally)
History
The tour traces Cape Town’s layered past—from 17th-century Dutch farms in Stellenbosch to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela and others were imprisoned during apartheid.
Conservation
The Cape Floral Kingdom is globally unique and fragile; stick to paths to protect endemic fynbos and support venues that practice sustainable winegrowing and wildlife management.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Support and grip for uneven boardwalks, rocky viewpoints and short hikes.
Layered outerwear (windproof jacket + fleece)
Coastal winds and altitude changes require versatile layers.
Binoculars
Makes wildlife viewing on game drives, seal/whale watching and birding far more rewarding.
Travel documents & photocopies
Bring passport, tickets, and any vaccination evidence for smooth check-ins and Robben Island boarding.