Without doubt, Cape Town is South Africa's most beautiful, romantic and popular city and recently came in 5th in a survey to find the top 50 'must see' places in the world.

Few places in the world can match its unique setting nestled in the natural bowl formed by Devil's Peak, Table Mountain, Lion's Head, Signal Hill and Table Bay. With its unique blend of microclimates, the Cape Peninsula boasts it's own floral kingdom and plays host to an amazing variety of plants and wildlife with some of the world's most beautiful beaches along its shores.

For the visitor, an unprecedented variety of activities, attractions and events are available year round. For the sport enthusiasts you can choose from nearly every water and land based sport imaginable, or maybe choose to catch a game of cricket or rugby at Newlands International Stadium.

The adventurous amongst you will find plenty to keep your adrenalin flowing with shark diving, paragliding and abseiling from Table Mountain being just a few of the many heart stopping activities available.

For a more relaxed pace you can explore the city and it's many museums by foot or perhaps sample some great South African wine in a nearby vineyard (of which there are hundreds!).

For the perfect end to the day you could join the locals as you toast another stunning sunset at Camps Bay or Blouberg Beach before enjoying a meal in one of many gorgeous restaurants offering food from around the world.

Whatever your passion or interests, you will be sure to take home some wonderful memories of your stay and the culturally diverse people that you have encountered. Like many volunteers, it may not be too long before you'll be planning a return to the Rainbow Nation's Mother City at the foot of Africa... See below for a few more ideas for your spare time!

Catch the cable car...
The Table Mountain cable car rotates 360 degrees as you ascend with breathtaking views of Cape Town, Lion's Head and the Atlantic. At the top you will find all round views of the Cape Peninsula, the Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay and more as you look for proteas, dassies, sunbirds & lizards, don't forget your camera!

Tour Cape Town...
With onboard commentary this is one of the best ways to explore Cape Town. Hop on and off at any stop as you follow the circular route from the V&A Waterfront, through Cape Town, up to Table Mountain, over to Camps Bay, Seapoint, Greenpoint and finally back to the Waterfront.

Visit Robben Island...
This famous World Heritage site is home to an equally famous prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. You will tour the Island and prison, meet ex-political prisoners, visit Nelson Mandela's cell and learn about prison life under Apartheid.

Visit the Townships...
Explore the vibrant Townships and the Bo-kaap area, meet local people, learn about Xhosa culture and traditions, visit a woman's craft project, a township infants school and learn more about the rich history of South Africa's rainbow people...

Explore the Cape Peninsula...
Enjoy a packed day tour of the entire Cape Peninsula, meet the penguins at Boulders Beach, look for ostrich, zebra and baboons at Cape Point, catch a boat from Hout Bay for Seal Island, browse the markets at Simonstown, experience stunning views from Chapman's Peak Drive and much more.

Tour the majestic Winelands...
Another unforgettable day amongst the mountains and vineyards of Cape Town's principal wineland regions of Franschoek, Stellenbosch & Paarl. Wine tasting and lunch are included, along with an opportunity to visit the Cheetah Outreach Centre at Spier Wine Estate.

Take a walk with a troop of baboons...
Join an expert guide for a hike with a real difference. Follow a troop of baboons in the mountains of the Cape Peninsula as they forage, groom and play, learn about troop life, their social habits, breeding and the challenges they face...

Relax on one of Cape Town's beautiful beaches...
Take your pick from Camps Bay, Clifton, Boulders, Hout Bay, Blouberg and Muizenberg, pack a towel, a good book, plenty of sunblock and join the locals for a day of sun, sea and sand, Swimming, surfing and volleyball are optional...

Visit Two Oceans Aquarium...
This superb aquarium allows you to explore the riches of Cape Town's unique two-ocean environment without getting your feet wet. With everything from ragged tooth sharks to baby seahorses, the aquarium is home to a living kelp forest and coral reef. With a basic diving qualification you can also dive in the shark tank...

Explore the V&A Waterfront...
With shops, markets, cafes, restaurants, a 10-screen cinema , ampitheatre and regular events program , this bustling working harbour has become one of South Africa's top tourist attractions. Also home to the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Clock Tower and the Robben Island Ferry, so one visit is unlikely to be enough...

Enjoy a sundowner...
What better way to end the day, a refreshing drink, a beautiful sunset and great company. This is a favourite local past time and Capetonians rarely need any encouragement to meet after work for 'sundowners'. With so many cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from along the West Coast, your sunsets will never be the same again...

Ride a camel...
Mount a camel and trek through dune forest towards beautiful Noordhoek beach. This 45 minute trip is suitable for all ages, no previous experience required! After your ride you can browse the speciality craft stores at Imhoff Farm, visit the snake park and grab a meal at the Cape Dutch restaurant.

Eat out at a local restaurant...
With hundreds of great value restaurants representing culinary delights from around the world, Cape Town has something for everyone. Find your own favourites or ask us for recommendations, you won't be dissappointed! Mama Africa, Yindees, Panchos, Madame Zingara'a and Cape Town Fish Market are all worth a visit...

Grab a show at the Artscape Theatre...
You can find out what's showing at the Artscape by visiting the Computicket web site. Recent shows have included everything from popular musicals like Chicago and Phantom of the Opera, to Ballet and traditional African Dance.

Go whale watching from boat or shore...
Head to Hermanus for the day to see whales as close as 15 metres from the shore, take a whale watching cruise from Cape Town's V&A Waterfront or head to one of the Cape's many beaches to observe these magnificent mammals. Southern Right Whales are with us from July-November.

Go Horseback riding on the beach...
Join a group for an exhilarating two hour ride on Long Beach, crashing through the surf and enjoying beautiful views from the dunes along this stunning stretch of sand between Chapman's Peak and Kommetjie.

Visit the Castle of Good Hope...
Built between 1666 and 1679, this pentagonal fortification is the oldest colonial building in South Africa and the best preserved structure of its kind. Experience Cape Malay cuisine, the dungeons and take a guided or self-guided tour. Sleep overnight on an island...

Spend a night on an island...
Book a night at Rondevlei Nature Reserve's Island Bushcamp, view the plentiful birdlife and keep an eye out for the hippos as you bask in the days' final rays, a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle...

Spend a day on a horse-back safari...
Within easy reach of Cape Town, Aquila Game Reserve offers a variety of safaris including the guided horse-back option, a favourite with volunteers. With all of the big five, this malaria-free experience is a day to remember...

Go skydiving...
If your looking for the ultimate adrenalin rush and incredible views of Robben Island and Cape Town, the only sensible thing you can do is leap from a plane with an experienced skydiver, or with a morning's training, go solo. Skydive Cape Town also offer a video recording of your jump, ideal for showing to family and friends back home.

Hike Table Mountain...
Table Mountain offers a wonderful variety of hiking routes for all fitness levels. From the Kirstenbosch side we can recommend a climb up Skeleton Gorge with a descent via Nursery Ravine. If you're reasonably fit, try the Platteklip Gorge route up the north face for some amazing views over the city...

Take a scenic train ride...
For a great value day out, catch the train from Observatory and head for Simonstown. The train follows the beaches and rocky coastline between Muizenberg and Simonstown and you can get off and explore coastal villages like Kalk Bay and Fishhoek along the way.

Explore the West Coast in a microlight...
Take a 30 minute flight over the west coast farmlands, with views of Table mountain, ostrich, pelicans and small game or try a 45 minute coastal flight, where we skim the ocean waves, and witness whales and dolphins breaching below, spectacular views of Table Mountain, and the Cape peninsula...

Sandboard the dunes...
Using specially designed boards, expert guides will have you flying down the dunes in no time. A short drive leads to the Lost City of Atlantis or Silver Sands in Betty’s Bay where the most spectacular dune environments exist in Cape Town. Whether you are a beginner or have snowboarded before, safety, fun and excitement is guaranteed!

Visit the National Museum and Planetarium...
The National Museum holds a superb rock art collection and many artifacts representing indiginous people through the ages. Your ticket will also give you access to the Planetarium where you can find out all about stars in the current night sky, a great excuse to sit back and relax for awhile.

Shop til you drop at Canal Walk...
This is the Western Cape's largest indoor shopping mall and with over 400 shops, numerous restaurants and a 20-screen cinema, it may take you some time to see everything. During the summer you can also visit the nearby Ratanga Junction theme park.

Catch some waves...
Take beginner's lessons at Gary's Surf School on beautiful Muizenberg Beach or hire a suit and board for the day. A warm welcome awaits you with great rates and a large selection of boards & equipment available all year round...

Go shark cage diving...
A day with White Shark Projects will provide you with a unique insight into the behaviour and real nature of the Great White Shark, one of the world's most feared predators. Your day includes shark viewing from boat and cage... no diving qualifications needed!

Learn to kite surf...
Kite Surfing is reputed to be the world's fastest growing and most exciting adventure activity. Professional kite surfers will teach you the basics on the beach before taking you out on the water for individual training to give you confidence and prepare you for getting high above the waves...

Go sea kayaking...
Sea kayaking is about exploring the coast and experiencing marine life from a small, yet safe and stable craft. See the whiskers on a seal, hear a dolphin blow, feel your skin tingle when a whale surfaces close by... and enjoy spectacular views of Signal Hill, Lions Head and Table Mountain...

Explore Kirstenbosch...
The world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is home to over 5000 species of plants, including many varieties of protea. Set on the lower slopes of Table Mountain, its spacious lawns, sprawling trees, restaurant complex and nursery make this an essential visit.

Enjoy a summer sunset concert...
Every Sunday from November through to April each year, Kirstenbosch hosts a series of sunset concerts featuring a variety of artists from Rock bands to Classical orchestras. Take a picnic, grab a spot on the lawn next to the stage and enjoy scenic views of Kirstenbosch and Table Mountain, heaven...

Try quad biking...
Whether you’re speeding through the obstacle course on the 6 speed “Blaster”, or taking it easy on one of the mellow courses with a manual “Breezer”, Quadding will knock your socks off! The trails twist and wind through sand and bush, offering climbs, descents, technical sections and flat out straights...

Jump off a mountain...
Join a professional for a tandem paragliding experience that will blow your mind! Nothing quite compares to launching yourself off a mountain, or the amazing aerial views you will see during your descent. Use your own camera, or take advantage of the built in photography unit to capture your flight!

Visit Africa's largest bird park...
The World of Birds in Hout Bay is home to over 3,000 birds covering 400 species. The birds are housed in spacious, tropically landscaped walk-through aviaries, which allow you close contact with nature and the chance to see birds behave just as they do in the wild.

Take a helicopter tour...
For some amazing views of Cape Town, head for one of the helicopter companies at the V&A Waterfront and choose from a variety of routes covering Table Mountain and the Cape peninsula.

Visit the National Library...
For an unusual and informative afternoon, visit the National Library and explore their archives of old Cape Town photographs to see how Cape Town used to be! See if you can recognise some of the current landmarks and look out for many photos showing the beach at Strand Street, before the foreshore was reclaimed...

Abseil from Table Mountain...
An insane experience of adrenaline and achievement: a 112 meter controlled descent off Cape Town's magnificent Table Mountain. From 1000 meters above sea level you will repel into pure oblivion and indulge in the world's highest commercial abseil surrounded by awesome views and the deep blue Atlantic at your feet...