The quickest way to reach the top of Table Mountain is on the modern aerial cableway which whisks visitors to the summit in just five minutes, with rotating cars offering spectacular views of the mountain, city and surrounding oceans. On the summit, a casual restaurant offers dining with a view, with well-marked walking trails.

One of the largest bird sanctuaries in Africa is situated just a short drive from The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. Across four hectares of lush garden the World of Birds is home to 3000 birds and mammals across 400 species, housed in more than 100 walk-through aviaries and enclosures.

Develop inquiring minds and expose children and adults to positive new experiences. The Science Centre are here to help people cope with a rapidly changing technological environment, and empower children by improving life skills, and also complement the school curriculum and train science multipliers such as teachers, teacher-trainers and parents.

Imhoff Farm was bought in 1912 by Johannes Gerhardus Pieter van der Horst. A well-known Cape Town attorney and businessman, he married the principal of Tamboerskloof School, Annie Hardman. Together they transformed the old Imhoff’s Gift into one of the original show farms of the Cape. Today visitors to the farm can still enjoy this view and on clear days even see the protected bay of Hout Bay.

With a focus on education, outreach and wild cheetah conservation, this open-air sanctuary offers the opportunity to admire captive-born cheetah, and a wide range of other animals including caracal, serval and bat-eared foxes. Cheetah encounters offer an insight into the challenges facing wild cheetah, and the chance for a close-up experience with one of Africa’s most iconic cats.

Enjoy close-up encounters with the world-famous penguins of Boulders Beach. A highlight of the Table Mountain National Park, the colony here is home to around 2000 endangered African Penguins, once known as ‘jackass’ penguins for their loud braying call. Wander the raised boardwalks close to the main colony, or lay out a towel on the small public beach for the chance to swim with penguins in the crystal-clear seas.

A wild time awaits at this winelands destination, where a network of pools is home to hundreds of Nile crocodiles. Aside from admiring these ancient predators, visitors can touch a baby crocodile, view crocodiles underwater through aquarium-style viewing panels and, in the summer months, join a Croc Pond Tour to watch these hungry reptiles being fed. For adults – and kids aged nine and above – the Croc Cage Dive is sure to get the adrenalin pumping.

The hop-on hop-off City Sightseeing bus is an ideal way for families to explore Cape Town. With on-board audio commentary in 15 languages, and a range of routes and tickets available, it offers a hassle-free way to tick off most of the city’s major sights. Combo tickets combine the bus tours with many of Cape Town’s most popular sightseeing attractions.