Explore the contrasts of Cape Town!

As you visit Cape Town for the UNI ICTS  and P&M World Conferences, we hope you’ll have time to enjoy some of the many different experiences the Mother City has to offer. Cape Town stands as a city of stark contrasts, where opulence coexists with profound poverty, and where history bears the scars of a troubled past marred by colonization, slavery and apartheid. Yet, amidst its complexities, Cape Town thrives as a beacon of natural beauty, diversity, cuisine and culture.  

Your safety is our utmost concern, so please be vigilant and take precautions as you would exploring any major city. Check out these important safety tips from the Cape Town tourism office.

To maximize your trip, we’ve selected a number of attractions that showcase the city’s vibrant soul and reflect its rich tapestry:

1. Robben Island ⛓️
   – Uncover the poignant history of apartheid with a tour of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned. Book your tour here.
 
2. Slave Lodge🏛️
   – Slave Lodge is one of Cape Town’s oldest buildings and explores the long history of slavery South Africa. Discover their current exhibition “Singing Freedom: music and the struggle against apartheid”, which also features trade unions.  Learn more here.
 
3. District 6 Museum 🏢
   – Pay homage to the resilient spirit of the multi-racial community of District 6, which was forcibly removed during apartheid to make way for a whites-only neighbourhood. Plan your visit here.
 
4. Table Mountain Cableway 🚠
   – Take in panoramic views of Cape Town from the iconic Table Mountain. Get your tickets here.
 
5. V&A Waterfront ⛵
   – Experience the blend of history, shopping and entertainment at the vibrant V&A Waterfront. Explore more here.
 
6. Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach🐧
   – Get up close with adorable African penguins at the Penguin Colony. Plan your visit here.
 
7. Wine Tours 🍷
   – Indulge in a sensory journey through Cape Town’s renowned winelands. Book your wine tour here.
 
8. Safari Adventure at Aquila Private Game Reserve 🦁
   – Embark on a thrilling safari adventure and encounter Africa’s majestic wildlife at Aquila Private Game Reserve. Explore more here.
 
9. Deep Sea Fishing 🎣
   – Cast your line into the deep blue waters and reel in an unforgettable experience with deep sea fishing charters. Book your adventure here.
 
10. Kirstenbosch Gardens 🌺
    – Immerse yourself in the beauty of indigenous flora at Kirstenbosch Gardens, nestled at the foot of Table Mountain. Discover more here.
 
11. Castle of Good Hope 🏰
    – Explore this national heritage site and the oldest colonial building in South Africa. A former army base, government seat and slave port, the Castle of Good Hope is now a collection of nine boutique museums that are unapologetically decolonial, inclusive, challenging and educational. Plan your visit here.
 
📚Essential reading:
Looking for something to read on your journey to South Africa? We recommend:

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Beyond the Ngele Mountains by Oliver Tambo
The International Brigade Against Apartheid by Ronnie Kasrils
Voices from the Underground – edited by Shirely Gunn and Shanil Haricharan.
 
If you’d like to find out more about what Cape Town has to offer, visit the official tourism office website: https://www.capetown.travel/.