The Cape Town Big 6 offer six very different ways to experience the city, and you don’t have to be a dedicated eco-traveller to explore them responsibly.
The Cape Town Big 6 Guide to Sustainable Travel
You can spend the morning above Cape Town, the afternoon walking through indigenous fynbos and the evening beside a working harbour, all within one city and its surrounds.
That’s what makes Cape Town such an exciting destination for travellers who want more than a checklist. The Cape Town Big 6: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Cape Point, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Groot Constantia, Robben Island Museum and the V&A Waterfront, offer six very different ways to experience the city, and you don’t have to be a dedicated eco-traveller to explore them responsibly.
Why Sustainable Travel Matters in Cape Town
Cape Town sits within the Cape Floristic Kingdom, the smallest but richest of the world’s six recognised floral kingdoms. More than 9,000 plant species grow here, with around 70% found nowhere else on Earth. Much of this biodiversity is made up of fynbos, the distinctive vegetation found across the Cape. So that beautiful landscape isn’t simply scenery. It’s part of an ecosystem worth protecting.
1. Cape Point: Explore the Wild Side
Enormous cliffs, secluded beaches, fynbos, wildlife and ocean views make Cape Point a favourite for hikers and nature lovers. Explore the Cape of Good Hope, walk the coastal trails or make your way towards the historic lighthouse.
Travel responsibly: Stay on marked trails, don’t feed wildlife and take your rubbish with you. You can also look out for conservation activities and local initiatives.
Travel tip: The Flying Dutchman Funicular is currently closed for maintenance and is scheduled to reopen in September 2026. The lighthouse remains accessible on foot or by shuttle.
2. Groot Constantia: Wine With a Sense of Place
A wine tasting feels different when you’re sitting among more than three centuries of history. Founded in 1685, Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine-producing estate and a WWF Conservation Champion. Explore the historic estate on foot, enjoy a tasting or settle in for a meal featuring seasonal local produce.
Travel responsibly: Support local wine, food and hospitality businesses while enjoying the estate’s beautiful landscape.
3. Kirstenbosch: Discover Cape Town’s Indigenous Side
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden protects and showcases South Africa’s indigenous plants while contributing to conservation, research and education. Walk the Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway, explore the Protea and African Medicinal Gardens, look out for birdlife or simply find a quiet spot beneath Table Mountain.
Travel responsibly: Stay on designated paths and take the opportunity to learn about the indigenous plants around you. Your visit helps support a garden with conservation at its heart.
4. Robben Island Museum: Experience History
Responsible travel isn’t only about nature. Heritage matters too. Robben Island Museum offers a powerful journey through South Africa’s history, from the ferry across Table Bay to the island’s historic sites and Maximum Security Prison. The island is also part of a protected marine environment.
Travel responsibly: Take time to listen, learn and understand the stories behind the place you’re visiting.
5. Table Mountain: Respect the Mountain
Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s defining experiences, but its beauty goes far beyond the views. Fynbos, rock hyraxes, lizards, butterflies and birdlife all form part of its unique ecosystem. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway also incorporates sustainability measures including water management, waste recycling and carbon-neutral initiatives.
Travel responsibly: Stay on marked routes, don’t disturb wildlife and take your rubbish with you. If you’re hiking, check the weather and safety conditions before setting off.
And there’s another reason to put Table Mountain on your Cape Town itinerary: it has just been recognised by locals as the Best Tourist Attraction in the 2026 Kfm Best of the Cape Awards, its fifth consecutive win in the category. Cape Point took second place, making it a particularly strong showing for two of the Cape Town Big 6 attractions.
A Big 6 shout-out: Congratulations to our other Cape Town Big 6 finalists, Robben Island Museum and The Waterfront Duck Co. With more than 440,000 votes cast across the 2026 awards, the recognition is a great reflection of the places that locals and visitors continue to love about the Cape.
6. V&A Waterfront: Support Local
Sustainable travel doesn’t stop at the edge of the mountain. At the V&A Waterfront, visitors can make more conscious choices while enjoying restaurants, shopping, art and harbour experiences. Visit the Watershed, home to more than 150 local businesses showcasing African craft, design and creativity.
Travel responsibly: Support local creators, independent businesses and suppliers where you can.
7 Easy Ways to Travel More Responsibly
You don’t need to completely change your Cape Town trip. Small choices count.
- Stay on designated hiking trails.
- Don’t feed or approach wildlife.
- Take your rubbish with you.
- Support local businesses and creators.
- Choose walking, shared or electric transport where practical.
- Learn about the history and culture of the places you visit.
- Slow down and give yourself time to experience them properly.
Explore More, Tread Lighter
Sustainable travel doesn’t have to be complicated. It might mean choosing a locally made souvenir, supporting a conservation initiative, staying on the trail or simply learning more about the landscape around you.
That’s the beauty of the Cape Town Big 6. You can experience mountains, fynbos, wine, heritage and harbour life while being more mindful of the people, places and ecosystems that make Cape Town special.
Share your top Cape Town Big 6 moments with us!
Connect with us via our Cape Town Big 6 Facebook or Twitter page. Better yet, tag us on Instagram of your favourite outdoor moment and tag @CapeTownBig6 #CapeTownBig6
ONE DESTINATION, SIX UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
There is no one way to explore all of the Cape Town Big 6, and much of what makes each of them so special is the variety of things to see and do at each. So if possible, take your time to explore each of the city’s most visited tourist attractions in as much depth as possible – as any local will tell you, you can spend a lifetime at each of the Big 6 and still not tire of them. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.