Key Takeaways
- Cape Town offers a wide variety of sustainable outdoor activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and outdoor exploration.
- Experience nature through wildlife interactions, botanical gardens, nature reserves, and outdoor markets.
- Connect with the local culture through township tours, museums, food tours, and shopping at local businesses.
- Reduce your environmental impact by choosing eco-friendly transportation, tours, accommodations, and consuming consciously.
Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa due to its stunning natural scenery, vibrant culture, and an array of outdoor activities. As someone passionate about sustainability, I wanted to experience all the city has to offer while minimizing my environmental impact.
Read our comprehensive Cape Town Travel Guide.
After extensive research and several trips to the city, I’ve compiled this list of the 51 best sustainable activities in Cape Town. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, surfing, wildlife interactions, cultural experiences, or just exploring a new city, this guide has an activity for you. I’ve organized them into categories based on interest to make it easy to find the perfect eco-friendly adventures.
Outdoor Activities
Cape Town is surrounded by staggering natural beauty. Enjoy it sustainably through these outdoor adventures.
1. Hike Table Mountain
You can’t visit Cape Town without seeing Table Mountain! For a low-impact hike, take the Platteklip Gorge trail. This trail is steep but short at just over 2 miles roundtrip and offers absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town and the surrounding landscape. The Platteklip Gorge route is very popular, so arrive early in the morning just before sunrise to avoid crowds.
Watching the sun come up over Table Mountain is an incredible way to start your day. The soft morning light and lack of crowds in the early hours make for an extra special hiking experience. While on your hike, be sure to stick to designated trails to avoid damaging the fragile vegetation. Do not remove any plants, flowers or rocks so that the environment can be preserved.
Tip: Only hike with an experienced guide. Do not remove any plants, flowers or rocks. Stick to designated trails to avoid damaging vegetation.
2. Watch the Sunset from Lion’s Head
This quick 45-minute hike up Lion’s Head has spectacular panoramic views of Camps Bay and the ocean at sunset. As the sun slowly sinks into the sea, the entire sky lights up in stunning golden hues. The glowing sun dipping into the water is a magnificent sight. Go with a friend in the late afternoon for safety, and bring a flashlight if hiking down after dark. Watching the sunset from the top of Lion’s Head is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Cape Town. Don’t forget your camera to capture the dazzling sunset!
Fun fact: Lion’s Head was named for its resemblance to a crouching lion.
3. Try Rock Climbing
Rocklands near Clanwilliam has an astonishing 2,500 sport climbing routes just waiting to be conquered. Hire a professional guide to ensure minimal environmental impact as you scale these epic climbs. To reduce your carbon footprint even further, you can camp on-site in a tent or eco-lodge instead of needing to drive back and forth every day. Rock climbing is the ultimate adventure activity for thrill-seekers visiting Cape Town. Just make sure to avoid the rainy season, as the rocks can get quite slippery when wet. The prime climbing conditions are from March through October. Grab your harness and get ready for the climb of a lifetime!
Tip: Avoid climbing during the rainy season as the rocks get slippery. The best time is March to October.
4. Swim in a Mountain River
For the ultimate refreshing experience on a hot day in Cape Town, take a dip in a fresh, cold mountain river swimming hole like Elephant’s Eye near Hout Bay. The icy cold mountain water feels incredible when you need to cool down. To protect the pristine environment, avoid wearing sunscreen when swimming so that chemicals are not introduced into the ecosystem. Elephant’s Eye gets its whimsical name from a giant rock in the middle of the river pool that resembles an elephant’s eye peering out from the water. Swimming in a mountain river is the perfect summer activity for nature lovers visiting Cape Town.
Fun fact: Elephant’s Eye got its name because there is a giant rock in the pool that resembles an elephant’s eye.
5. Paddleboard in the Harbor
Renting a paddleboard offers a fun way to workout your arms, abs, and legs while exploring the scenic Cape Town Harbor. Look for sustainable companies like SUP Cape Town that organize harbour cleanup efforts. The best time for paddleboarding is early morning when the water is calm and glassy. Gliding across the surface of the harbour, you’re almost guaranteed to see playful seals swimming and lounging on nearby docks. Paddleboarding is a peaceful, low-impact activity that lets you take in lovely views of the waterfront and get some exercise.
Inside info: You’re almost guaranteed to see seals when paddleboarding in the harbour!
6. Learn to Surf
With prime beach breaks and waves, it’s no wonder surfing is so popular in Cape Town! The laidback suburb of Muizenberg is perfect for beginners and has many excellent surf schools to choose from. Opt for a school using eco-friendly boards, like Wavescape Surf & Ocean Emporium. Early autumn through spring generally offers the best smaller waves for beginner lessons before you progress to the bigger swells. Learning to surf is an amazing way to connect with the ocean during your stay in Cape Town. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be happily riding the waves in no time!
Advantage: Surfing is a great workout for your whole body! You’ll be up on the board before you know it.
7. Go Trail Running
Running along scenic trails is a peaceful, low-impact way to take in Cape Town’s spectacular natural beauty. For a social experience, join a group like the Saturday Long Run which does beach cleanups along the route. Schedule your run first thing in the morning during summer to enjoy stunning ocean views and avoid the intense midday heat. Bring plenty of water and electrolyte hydration too, as the hilly trails can really get your heart pumping! Trail running lets you explore Cape Town’s incredible scenery while getting in your workout.
Tip: Bring a hydration pack and electrolytes. The routes are hilly!
8. Take a Guided Bike Tour
Biking is an eco-friendly, fun way to see different Cape Town neighbourhoods without relying on a car. Excellent companies like Cape Town Mountain Biking Tours offer both regular bike and electric bike group tours. Opting for a guided tour means you don’t need to worry about navigating or getting lost. Plus your guide will point out highlights and provide interesting commentary as you pedal around this vibrant city.
Renting an electric bike means you get some extra assistance powering up hills and can cover more distance with less effort. Whether you prefer a leisurely pedal or more of an adrenaline rush, a Cape Town bike tour is a must!
Fun fact: Cape Town has over 600 miles of bike trails to explore on two wheels.
9. Try Sandboarding
If sliding down massive golden sand dunes sounds like an epic way to spend a day, sandboarding is for you! De Hoop Nature Reserve offers towering sandy slopes just waiting to be conquered. Book through an ethical tour company that follows responsible environmental practices.
To ensure ideal sand conditions, plan your sandboarding adventure for the summer months when winds are lower. Strap on your board, wax up the bottom, and get ready for an eco-friendly adrenaline rush! Just be careful to avoid any rocky outcrops. This is a sand sport best done with caution.
Tip: Wax the bottom for maximum speed!
10. Horseback Ride on Noordhoek Beach
What better way to experience the incredible natural beauty of the Noordhoek coastline than on horseback? The Noordhoek area has over 4 miles of wide open, pristine white sand beach to explore on horseback. Many local stables like Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding have very high standards of care and welfare for their horses. Schedule your beach ride for sunrise or sunset when temperatures are cooler for the horses. Riding along the water’s edge with the mountains in the background is an amazing bucket list experience for animal and nature lovers visiting Cape Town.
Fun fact: Noordhoek has over 4 miles of pristine white sand beach to explore on horseback.
Wildlife Encounters
Connect with South Africa’s incredible biodiversity through these ethical wildlife experiences in Cape Town.
11. Search for Sharks
For sustainable shark encounters, join a responsible cage diving tour operator like Marine Dynamics. They help fund shark research and conservation without using chum or bait to attract sharks. Prime viewing season when sharks are most active is May through October. To prevent seasickness, take motion sickness medication beforehand. Descending into the steel cage to come face to face with these apex predators is a thrilling, unforgettable experience!
Tip: Prevent seasickness by taking motion sickness medication before your dive.
12. Swim with Seals
Snorkelling with playful, curious Cape fur seals in Hout Bay is an amazing wildlife experience. Choose tour companies like Animal Ocean that follow strict marine mammal interaction guidelines. Seal pups learn to swim from November to January, so this is the best time to see babies in the water. When swimming with these clever creatures, you’ll be amazed by their speed and agility in the water, as Cape fur seals can dive over 330 feet deep and hold their breath for 7 minutes!
Fun fact: Cape fur seals can dive over 330 feet deep and hold their breath for 7 minutes!
13. See the Penguins at Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is home to a protected colony of over 3,000 endemic African penguins. Follow park rules to not disturb these adorable tuxedo-clad birds in their natural habitat. For those looking to further support conservation efforts, consider donating to the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds. The best time to visit is during summer when the penguins are most active, social, and parents are caring for newly hatched chicks. Being able to observe these endearing creatures up close is an incredible wildlife encounter.
Advantage: Seeing these cute, tuxedo-clad birds in their natural habitat is an incredible experience.
14. Spot Whales
Each year from June to November, southern right whales migrate to the Cape coast. Seeing these marine mammals gracefully swim and breach is an awe-inspiring experience. Book your whale-watching tour through a reputable certified operator like APEX Tours that follows responsible practices. Bring binoculars and keep an eye out for the whales’ V-shaped blow. If you’re lucky, you may also spot dolphins riding the bow wake. Don’t forget your camera to document sightings of these incredible creatures in their natural environment.
Inside info: Ask to stop the boat if you spot dolphins – they often swim alongside!
15. Visit Butterfly World
Located near Stellenbosch, the large greenhouse at Butterfly World contains hundreds of native South African butterfly species. See exhibits on their life cycle and development. Your entrance fees help support conservation research too. The butterflies are most active later in the morning once it warms up. Butterfly World is one of the few places on Earth where you can see certain rare and endangered species, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
Fun fact: Butterfly World has some butterfly species that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth!
16. Go on Safari
Responsibly viewing the “Big 5” in their natural habitat is an iconic African wildlife experience. Aquila Private Game Reserve offers guided open-top safari vehicle tours to see lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo. As a private reserve, they can closely monitor and protect the animals. Be sure to stay on marked trails at all times to avoid damaging sensitive habitats. Wildlife activity is highest early morning and at dusk when temperatures are coolest. Bring binoculars and a zoom lens camera to get great photos and observe safely.
Tip: Bring a zoom lens camera and binoculars to safely observe wildlife.
17. Explore the Botanical Gardens
Spanning over 530 acres, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden contains an astounding diversity of South Africa’s indigenous plant species. The garden cultivates over 7,000 native plant species alone! Don’t miss the treetop Canopy Walkway, which offers sweeping aerial views of the area without harming the environment. The best time to visit is spring when the flora is blooming and many species of birds are nesting. Wandering this “Garden of Eden” is a nature lover’s paradise.
Fun fact: Kirstenbosch contains an entire Skeleton Gorge ecosystem running through it!
18. Volunteer with Baboons
Baboons are an iconic and clever African primate, but populations are decreasing. Help the Cape Peninsula Baboon Project humanely monitor troops and collect data on these endangered animals. You’ll gain hands-on research experience while contributing to vital conservation efforts. Volunteering is extremely rewarding and helps fund the baboons’ protection. What could be better than hanging out with wild primates?
Advantage: Volunteering is a rewarding way to contribute to conservation efforts.
Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in Cape Town’s rich culture while supporting local communities and businesses.
19. Eat at a Home Restaurant
For an authentic South African culinary experience, head to Mzoli’s Braai in the lively Gugulethu township. Here you can try traditional BBQ dishes like pap and chakalaka while supporting local black-owned businesses. The restaurant has an awesome buzzing atmosphere, especially on weekends when it gets liveliest. Get there early on busy nights before they run out of meat! Eating at Mzoli’s is a delicious way to experience real home-cooked local food and mingle with residents.
Inside info: Get there early on weekends before they run out of meat!
20. See Live Music
Cape Town has a fantastic live music scene spanning all genres. Support local artists by catching a show at a sustainable venue like Alexander Bar & Cafe. Friday and Saturday nights tend to have the best music acts and crowds. While you enjoy the tunes, don’t forget to also order a craft beer or cider made right in Cape Town to double down on supporting local businesses. Live music creates an energetic vibe and fun night out.
Tip: Order a craft beer made in Cape Town to double down on supporting local businesses.
21. Learn About Apartheid
To understand South Africa’s complex past and journey to democracy, visit the District Six Museum. You can also join a township tour to see current living conditions and support community programs directly. The museum offers free walking tours three times per week where you’ll learn little-known facts about this historic neighborhood. For example, many early anti-apartheid activism meetings and Nelson Mandela’s speeches took place in District Six. Visiting provides important historical context and perspective.
Fun fact: Nelson Mandela’s early speeches energizing the anti-apartheid movement took place in District Six.
22. Visit Robben Island
Take a ferry from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island for a look at the maximum security prison where Nelson Mandela was confined for 18 of his 27 imprisonment years. Tours are led by former political prisoners, who provide personal firsthand accounts of their incarceration and the conditions. Book tickets well ahead online, as tours fill up fast. The boat leaves three times a day starting at 9am, and the trip takes a full 4 hours including ferry rides. Be sure to dress very warmly, as the island can be quite cold and windy even in summer.
Tip: Dress warmly – the island can be windy and cold even in summer.
23. Explore Colourful Bo-Kaap
The bright vividly painted homes and cobbled streets of Bo-Kaap make it one of the most Instagrammable areas in Cape Town. As you wander through this picturesque neighbourhood, pop into family-owned spice shops and eateries. The residents are proud of their history and culture, so be sure to ask permission before photographing people.
The best time to visit for ideal photo light is mid-morning. The houses were historically painted bright colours as an expression of freedom and individuality after the end of slavery.
Fun fact: The houses were historically painted bright colours as an expression of freedom after the end of slavery.
24. Check Out Street Art
The neighbourhoods of Woodstock and Salt River have fantastic urban street art just waiting to be discovered. Joining a guided walking tour helps support the local initiatives uplifting these communities through art. Tours typically run daily at 11 am and 2 pm. Not all of the stunning murals are mapped out or listed online, so having a local guide ensures you get to see the very best and often hidden gems.
Advantage: You’ll see cool artworks that aren’t listed on maps. The guides know all the best spots!
25. Shop Local Fashion
With a rich cultural heritage, South Africa is home to many talented fashion designers. Browse ethical boutiques like Mungo & Jemima or Masai Marketing which empower local artisans by promoting their African-inspired designs. On the first Thursday evening of each month, stores stay open late for special events and wine. Ask how products are sustainably made and support fair labour practices. Shopping for local fashion is a fabulous way to take home unique souvenirs.
Tip: Ask about fair labour practices and sustainable materials.
26. Take a Cooking Class
Learn how to make traditional South African cuisine like curry, chutney, and bobotie by taking a local cooking class. The company Andulela Experience offers hands-on classes in Tamboerskloof with small groups Monday through Saturday. Their classes help support community youth training programs. You’ll gain culinary skills and have fun connecting over food!
Fun fact: Traditional Cape Malay curry has over 18 spices and takes hours to make!
27. Enjoy Ocean Views from Mzoli’s
This wildly popular Gugulethu restaurant started in 2003 and is now a Cape Town institution. Mzoli’s vibrant outdoor barbecues and beer garden serve up huge meat platters to be shared and have an awesome festive community vibe. Go on Sunday afternoon when there’s lively
live music playing. While eating your meal, you can take in stunning views overlooking the ocean in the distance. Supporting local businesses like Mzoli’s helps provide jobs and growth in the community.
Inside info: Sit in the outside area close to the barbecue to get first dibs on the meat!
28. Visit a Craft Market
For locally handmade goods with lots of heart and soul, visit one of Cape Town’s many artisan craft markets. A top sustainable market is the Blue Shed in Muizenberg, supporting talented female entrepreneurs from the surrounding seaside communities. Their offerings include fabrics, accessories, clothing, decor, toys, art, and more. The market is open daily from 9am to 4pm, except for Mondays when it is closed. Purchasing directly from the makers helps support local families.
Tip: Bring cash to purchase directly from the artisans.
29. See a Show at Artscape Theatre
Catch a spectacular performing arts show at Artscape Theatre, which runs excellent community arts outreach initiatives for Cape Town youth. With programs like Youth Jazz Big Band and Artscape Children’s Theatre, they are helping develop the next generation of talented performers. Take advantage of public transport to reduce your carbon footprint when visiting this world-class venue. Check Artscape’s website for the calendar of opera, theatre, dance, comedy, and music events.
Fun fact: Artscape Theatre is one of the top 10 most popular performing arts centres in the world!
Food & Drink
Experience Cape Town’s amazing food scene in a sustainable way at these restaurants, cafes, markets and bars.
30. Shop at Neighbourgoods Market
On Saturday mornings, head to the bustling Neighbourgoods Market inside the Old Biscuit Mill. This vibrant community market supports over 100 incredible local food entrepreneurs and farmers. When shopping, bring your own reusable containers and bags to reduce waste. Arrive early to get first pick of the freshest, in-season produce, artisanal pantry items, baked goods, coffees, and other tempting speciality foods. Look for vendors using ethical, sustainable practices and locally sourced ingredients.
Tip: Look for vendors using local, seasonal ingredients.
31. Have Brunch at Dear Me
For a delicious and healthy plant-based brunch, visit the sustainably-minded cafe Dear Me. They use organic, locally sourced ingredients to create vibrant smoothie bowls, avocado toast, Buddha bowls, pancakes, and more. Dear Me also actively promotes ethical, eco-conscious living in Cape Town by partnering with local charities and giving back to the community. Everything from their recycled furniture to eco-friendly takeaway containers showcase their commitment to sustainability. Their rainbow smoothie bowl is a true work of art!
Fun fact: All their furniture is upcycled from wood pallets and other reused materials.
32. Try Vegan Ice Cream
You can still indulge your sweet tooth minus the guilt at The Creamery, which produces incredible creamy vegan ice creams with all-natural ingredients. They offset carbon emissions and aim to produce zero waste in their operations. Using nuts, plant milks and superfoods like acai berries, they create classic flavours like chocolate and vanilla as well as unique options like their charcoal-activated flavour. The best part is you’d never guess these decadent desserts were vegan!
Advantage: You can indulge without guilt since it’s vegan and sustainably made.
33. Eat at a Farm-to-Table Restaurant
For a locavore dining experience, book a table at Chefs Warehouse, supporting sustainable food systems. Their tasting menu changes daily based on what is seasonally available and sourced directly from regional farmers and suppliers to reduce food miles. Reservations are recommended since they are very popular. For an immersive experience, request counter seats in the kitchen to watch all the action as talented chefs prepare creative dishes with fresh local ingredients.
Inside info: Sit at the chef’s counter to watch all the action in the open kitchen.
34. Visit the city centre Slow Market
Every Thursday from 4pm to 8pm, the Oranjezicht City Farm in Cape Town’s city centre hosts a fun open-air Slow Market promoting local food culture. You can pick up farm-fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and gourmet prepared foods while enjoying live acoustic music. As a pedestrian-only event, the market aims to build community while keeping things green. Bring reusable bags and containers to help reduce waste.
Fun fact: Slow markets aim to preserve local food culture and heritage.
35. Sip Biodynamic Wine
At the laidback Bar Bar Black Sheep, you can taste incredible natural wines from over 40 different biodynamic wine farms in South Africa. Their daily happy hour from 4pm to 6pm offers half-priced glasses of wine paired with gourmet small plates. Chat with your server to learn more about how the wine was produced using holistic, ethical biodynamic practices to create complex flavours. This is a fabulous way to sample the Cape’s finest sustainably made wines.
Tip: Ask your server for recommendations to learn about how the wine was produced.
36. Enjoy Ocean Views at Sotano
This family-run restaurant crafts delicious “paddock to plate” dishes using locally and ethically sourced seafood. Their menu highlights fresh seasonal ingredients, and you can savour award-winning food on their patio overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Camps Bay. Make reservations for dinner to catch a vibrant sunset over the water – this is a top spot for ocean vistas! Sotano clearly puts sustainability at the forefront of all operations.
Fun fact: Sotano won the 2019 Eat Out Sustainability Award.
37. Have Sunday Lunch at La Tete
For a leisurely eco-friendly Sunday lunch or brunch overlooking CONSTANTIA farmlands, book a table at this quaint farm-to-table bistro. The menu changes seasonally based on what is freshly available. Reservations are recommended as it’s very popular, especially for their set Sunday lunch menu. La Tete excels at creating a French countryside ambiance perfect for a relaxing meal with friends or family.
Advantage: Their set menu makes ordering easy so you can focus on enjoying time with friends and family.
38. Try Foraged Ingredients at Foxcroft
Foxcroft restaurant strives for a zero carbon footprint by hyperlocalizing with foraged indigenous ingredients, their own garden, and farm partners. The tasting menus creatively transform wild-harvested succulents, berries, and herbs into culinary masterpieces. Book a table on their scenic vineyard, where the views are just as fantastic as the cuisine. Supporting sustainable foraging practices helps protect biodiversity.
Tip: Opt for the juice pairing to cut back on alcohol.
39. Order Craft Beer at Banana Jam
Need a spot to relax and refuel any time of day? Check out the lively restaurant and bar Banana Jam, which uses organic and locally sourced ingredients. Their menu offers delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as signature cocktails like those made with banana-infused rum. Sip on one of Banana Jam’s 20 craft beers on tap, many from top Cape Town microbreweries like Devil’s Peak and Jack Black. Happy hour with drink specials is every day from 4pm to 6pm!
Fun fact: Banana Jam supports youth education programs in Cape Town.
40. Visit a Brewery
For an inside look at how your beers are made, tour a local Cape Town microbrewery like Devil’s Peak. Many breweries like Devil’s Peak implement eco-friendly business practices, from solar power to heat recovery to recycled packaging. Saturday tours let you learn about sustainability initiatives while sampling experimental small-batch beers not available in stores.
Advantage: You’ll get to sample small-batch experimental and seasonal brews you can’t find in stores.
Eco Accommodations
Stay at one of these eco-conscious accommodations and travel sustainably in Cape Town.
41. Book a Green Hotel
Choose a stay at a sustainable green hotel like The Onyx, which has excellent eco-policies for energy savings, water conservation, and waste reduction. They use renewable energy sources and green building materials. Another great option is an off-grid safari lodge !Khwa ttu which provides skills training for people from the local community.
Tip: Look for properties with sustainability certifications like Fair Trade Tourism.
42. Rent an Eco-Cottage
When booking accommodations, search for sustainable cottage rentals like those at Pondoro Game Lodge, which utilize solar power and gray water systems to conserve resources. Platforms like Airbnb have many green rentals with eco-friendly features. Look at listings carefully for sustainability descriptions and certifications. A sustainable rental reduces your carbon footprint through construction, energy use, and more.
Fun fact: Reusing grey water saves over 50% of total water usage for accommodations.
43. Stay in a Nature Reserve
You can relax in comfort while directly supporting conservation efforts by lodging inside a nature reserve or national park. Oudebosch Eco Cabins at Kogelberg Nature Reserve offers well-appointed cabins with hiking trails right outside your door. Wake up immersed in the sights and sounds of exotic birds and wildlife.
Advantage: You’ll be immersed in nature and directly support conservation efforts.
44. Consider a Homestay
Opting for a local homestay rental like those offered by Beehive Houses supports more sustainable community-based tourism. You’ll get to chat with hosts, learn about their life experiences, and get insider neighbourhood tips. The cultural exchange makes homestays a wonderfully enriching experience.
Inside info: Often your hosts can give the best local tips and recommendations.
45. Camp in a National Park
Camping is an eco-friendly accommodation choice, especially if done properly following leave no trace principles. Sites like Orangekloof in Table Mountain National Park let you sleep under the stars surrounded by rugged natural beauty. Just be sure to follow all park rules, conserve resources, and pack out all trash. Reservations are required so book your camping permits early.
Fun fact: Lion’s Head used to be used for astronomical observations and mapping the stars.
46. Book Green Accommodation near Stellenbosch
Searching for eco-friendly accommodation options near world-famous wineries? Middevlei Boutique Guest House north of Stellenbosch has luxurious glamping tents, hiking, mountain biking, a swimming dam, and more. Look for renewable energy use, sustainable waste practices, locally sourced foods, and other green initiatives. Being able to walk or bike to vineyards cuts down on driving emissions.
Tip: Staying near vineyards means you can visit more wineries without driving.
47. Look for Sustainable Luxury
Eco-conscious travellers will be happy to know that luxury and sustainability can perfectly coexist. Upscale sustainable properties like the One&Only Hotel have excellent green programs to conserve resources in operations. Another great option is Casa Labia, a luxurious 8-room eco-villa nestled in Muizenberg’s seaside greenery.
Fun fact: One&Only has invested over $7 million into sustainability initiatives.
48. Stay on a Farm
For an opportunity to experience sustainable agriculture firsthand, book one of the eco-friendly cottages at Oudebosch Farm. Farm stays let you buy hyper-local in-season produce direct from the source, get hands-on with picking your own harvests, and learn organic techniques. You’ll come home with a deeper appreciation of where food comes from!
Advantage: You get to learn about local, organic farming practices.
Getting Around
Use green transportation to reduce your carbon footprint as you explore Cape Town.
49. Ride the City Sightseeing Bus
This convenient hop-on, hop-off bus makes stops at top Cape Town attractions and is powered by biodiesel, resulting in lower emissions. Their fleet has custom hybrid-electric drives for further green benefits. You can purchase combo tickets to pair your bus ride with a sustainable boat cruise to see the coastline. Routing is flexible, allowing you to customize your sightseeing.
Tip: You can combine bus tickets with boat cruises for package deals to key sights.
50. Take the Train
Cape Town’s southern line passenger train is an affordable, low-carbon transportation option. It runs daily along the scenic coast of Cape Town through charming seaside villages like Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, and Simon’s Town. This historic railway has been operating since the late 1800s! The views of the ocean and mountains are spectacular on this eco-friendly ride.
Fun fact: The train route has been operating since the late 1800s!
51. Rent an Electric Car
Reduce your carbon emissions by renting an electric vehicle from a company like uGo Rent-a-Car Cape Town which offers carbon-neutral car rentals. You can conveniently charge for free at the V&A Waterfront. Inventory is limited, so be sure to book your electric car well in advance of arrival. This is a great way to prevent noise and air pollution while exploring the city.
Advantage: Electric cars reduce noise and air pollution in the beautiful city.
Plan Your Sustainable Cape Town Trip
No matter your interests, this guide has an eco-friendly activity in Cape Town perfect for you. For help with trip planning, check out my 5-day Cape Town sustainable city guide detailing sample itineraries and transportation options.
Have an incredible and environmentally friendly trip! Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m always happy to provide more Cape Town travel tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most sustainable way to get around Cape Town?
The most eco-friendly transportation options in Cape Town are the City Sightseeing bus, electric car rentals, riding the train, biking, walking, and using Uber or Bolt. Try to avoid taxis and normal car rentals.
How can I stay at accommodations sustainably?
Choose eco-certified properties using renewable energy, efficient waste and water systems, and sustainable building materials. Also consider homestays, nature reserves, camping, green hotels, eco-lodges, and farm stays.
What are the best outdoor activities in Cape Town for sustainability?
Great sustainable outdoor activities include hiking, trail running, surfing, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sandboarding, biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Do them with reputable companies following eco-guidelines.
Are there any volunteering opportunities related to sustainability?
Yes, you can volunteer with great local organizations like the Cape Town Environmental Education Trust planting trees, cleaning up beaches, monitoring penguins, and more. Great for groups, families, students, and solo travellers.
What food and restaurants are sustainable choices in Cape Town?
Eat at farm-to-table restaurants, organic cafes, and vegan spots. Shop at farmer’s markets, local breweries and distilleries. Good options are plant-based, sourced locally, use organic ingredients, follow fair practices and give back.
How can I interact with animals ethically in Cape Town?
Choose wildlife interactions through reputable conservation organizations that follow responsible eco-tourism practices, animal welfare guidelines, and give back through research, rehabilitation and education programs.
What kind of souvenirs should I buy in Cape Town for sustainability?
Shop for locally made products like traditional handicrafts, art, fashion, music, food items, decor and more. Good places are markets, townships, community co-ops and fair trade stores supporting local artisans.
Are there any resources for more Cape Town travel tips?
Check Cape Town Tourism’s website for info on sustainable activities, eating local, eco-friendly transportation options, and their Sustainable Travel Guide. Their staff are very knowledgeable!
