Cape Town’s natural beauty is renowned worldwide, offering various viewpoints that deliver stunning sights of the city, ocean and mountains. Whether you’re a proffesional photographer or simply someone who enjoys capturing moments of beauty, the Mother City is packed with scenic spots for all. From iconic locations like Table Mountain to hidden gems, Cape Town grants endless opportunities for capturing the unforgettable. Let’s explore some of the best viewpoints that will put your camera to good use!
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Table Mountain 📸
Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks and provides, arguably, the best views atop its summit. It is over 1000 meters above sea level and provides an all-encompassing view of the city, the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding areas. From this angle, any picture taken is sure to be beautiful, whether capturing the iconic ‘tablecloth’ of clouds settling over its summit or the vibrant sunsets that paint the skies. The mix of dramatic cliffs and lush fynbos make Table Mountain a bucket list visit for any photography enthusiast.
When you’re on your way to the summit the more intrepid photographers should not miss the opportunity to take one of the many scenic hiking trails to capture the landscapes along the way. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is a good alternative for a more relaxed ascent, whilst gliding upwards, visitors are granted an aerial view of the city below. Once at the top, the expansive view stretches as far as Robben Island and the Cape Peninsula, giving visitors a stunning backdrop for any photograph. Whether you’re there for a selfie or are a professional with a high-end camera, Table Mountain is the ultimate viewpoint depicting Cape Town’s splendour.
Table Mountain, Opening Hours: 8 am to 6 pm (varies by season)
Address: Tafelberg Road, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Website: https://www.tablemountain.net/
Contact Number: 021 424 0015
Kloof Corner ☁️
Kloof Corner is a hidden gem on the slopes of Table Mountain, offering an expansive view of the city and Table Mountain and other notable Capetonian natural landmarks such as Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a short (1.5km round trip) but steep hike to the viewpoint granting photographers the best opportunity to take stunning landscapes without the crowds. For the best photos, aim to visit at sunrise or sunset, the warm hues of the sky will add a unique element to the view below.
Kloof Corner also gives visitors a remarkable view of the Twelve Apostles mountain range as it stretches toward Camps Bay. It also offers an opportunity to take pictures including the iconic Table Mountain, framed beautifully against the sky or city in the backdrop. This spot offers a quiet environment to bask in and capture Cape Town’s tranquil natural beauty. For photography enthusiasts, Kloof Corner is one of the best viewpoints for those looking for a more secluded but vibrant photography session.
Address: Kloof Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Lion’s Head 🦁
Another one of Cape Town’s most popular viewpoints is Lion’s Head as it offers another unique perspective of the mountains, ocean and city below. The hike to the summit is a moderate challenge being around 5 km (return trip) but the rewarding view is worth every step, especially during sunrise or sunset. This is a popular spot for photographers as they enjoy capturing the landscapes which include Table Mountain and Signal Hill as a dramatic backdrop. The spiralling trail also gives you numerous opportunities to make a few photo stops.
Lion’s Head is also popular for its notorious full moon hikes, giving photographers a unique perspective to capture the moonlit landscapes below. The rocky outcrops near the summit create picturesque frames for creative photography compositions. If you’re lucky you can catch paragliders who take off from Signal Hill, giving you action shots with a wonderful backdrop. Whether daylight or twilight, Lion’s Head provides endless opportunities for stunning photography.
Address: Lion’s Head, Signal Hill Road, Cape Town, 8001
Constantia Nek 🚶
Situated along the renowned Constantia Wine Route, Constantia Nek offers a breathtaking viewpoint showcasing the vibrant greenery and dramatic contours of the surrounding mountains. One of the biggest highlights of Cape Town for international and local travellers is its robust wine industry and vineyard experiences, so this scenic spot offers a picture-perfect opportunity for photography enthusiasts eager to capture Cape Town’s essence. The contrast between uninhibited nature and cultivated land allows photographers to capture authentic Capetonian experiences.
There are several hiking trails near and around Constantia Nek for visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. These hiking trails also give you a chance to capture a wide variety of landscape shots and close-ups of local flora. Bring your cameras to capture the lovely scenery, and perhaps book a visit to some of the renowned wine estates in the area for vineyard tours and wine-tasting experiences.
Address: Constantia Nek, Cape Town, 7806
Signal Hill & Noon Gun Area 🌲
Signal Hill offers a prime spot for landscape photography with its breathtaking vistas of Table Mountain, the ocean and the city bowl. The wide-angle perspective makes it perfect for expansive shots of the bustling city surrounded by Cape Town’s flourishing greenery and natural landscapes. You’ll also catch sight of Robben Island in the distance, creating a layered composition for your photographs!
The Noon Gun area on Signal Hill combines history and photography with its iconic cannon as a foreground feature. You can frame unique shots of the canon with Cape Town’s expansive vistas as the backdrop. This area also allows visitors to see paragliders soar by, creating dynamic action that would give your photos a fun contrast. With its mix of historical significance and natural beauty, Signal Hill provides numerous captivating photography opportunities.
Address: Signal Hill Road, Cape Town, 8001
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden 🩷
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden offers a lush, dynamic setting for photography, especially for those interested in flora and smaller fauna! The beautifully landscaped gardens feature many indigenous plants including fynbos and proteas, creating vibrant colour palettes no matter the season. It is also home to various small animals and birds such as squirrels and frogs as well as Cape sugarbirds and sunbirds which can be seen around flowering plants.
The Treetop Canopy Walkway, also known as the Boomslang, snakes through the treetops of the garden and grants visitors an elevated perspective to capture unique panoramic views of the gardens below. Photographers will love capturing the abundant greenery and learning more about the plant life via the signage scattered throughout the gardens. Guided tours are available with experts in Cape botany providing in-depth knowledge about the surrounding flora. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden offers a wide range of viewpoints and endless photographic opportunities making it a must-visit location for all photography enthusiasts, from amateur to expert!
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Opening Hours: 8 am to 6 pm every day
Address: Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town, 7735
Website: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch/
Contact Number: 021 799 8783
Boulder’s Beach 🐧
Boulder’s Beach, famous for its colony of African penguins, is a popular spot for photography as it offers a unique opportunity to capture these sweet, charming creatures in their natural habitat. The massive granite boulders scattered along the coastline give the beach its name and also create a lively composition for photographs, especially with the beach’s white sands and clear blue waters!
The calm waters and scenic coves make Boulder’s Beach a perfect spot for seascape photography. Visitors can capture magnetic photographs by exploring different angles, whether with a high-end camera or your smartphone. The beach’s boardwalks give visitors a closer view of the penguins paddling in the waters without disturbing their habitat. The variation of the turquoise waters, rugged coastline and loveable wildlife makes Boulder’s Beach one of the best viewpoints in Cape Town for unique photographs.
Boulder’s Beach, Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm every day
Address: Simon’s Town, Cape Town, 7995
Cape Point ☀️
Cape Point, located on the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula, is a breathtaking spot for landscape photography. Its contrast of towering cliffs, rugged coastline and powerful seas creates a distinctive photograph background. From the multiple viewpoints along the cliffs, travellers can capture the immense ocean view that stretches toward the horizon.
Beyond the lovely landscapes, the Cape Point Lighthouse is an iconic historical feature of Cape Town. The lighthouse has a quaint charm that creates a wonderful addition to the scenic photos of the area. Wildlife enthusiasts can also snap pictures of baboons, ostriches and seabirds that roam the about, adding a unique element to the experience. With its combination of natural scenery, historic landmarks and wildlife, Cape Point is a must-visit for photographers.
Cape Point Nature Reserve, Opening Hours: 7 am to 5 pm
Address: Cape Peninsula, Cape Town
Website: https://capepoint.co.za/
Contact Number: 021 780 9010 (Operating Thursdays to Sundays)
Rhodes Memorial 🤳
Situated on the slopes of Devil’s Peak, Rhodes Memorial is one of Cape Town’s most historically significant landmarks. Erected in 1912, it features a grand staircase leading to a series of columns and a statue of British colonialist, Cecil John Rhodes on horseback. From this elevated viewpoint, visitors are treated to panoramic views of Cape Town, the southern suburbs and the distant coastline, all framed by Table Mountain.
In addition to historical significance, Rhodes Memorial grants visitors a serene atmosphere to photograph quiet moments. Photographers can experiment with various compositions, from wide-angle shots to close-ups of the stone sculptures and detailed features of the memorial. The monument’s striking architecture and rich history make it a perfect location for capturing historical, architectural and landscape photography. Rhodes Memorial should be on your itinerary if you’re looking for diverse landscapes to photograph.
Rhodes Memorial, Opening Hours: 8 am to 6 pm
Address: Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town 7700
Elephant’s Eye 🐘
Elephant’s Eye, a hidden gem in the Table Mountain National Park, grants visitors a beautiful panorama of the uninhibited nature of Cape Town, making it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts. The 2.5 km hike to Elephant’s Eye is both rewarding and accessible, as it takes you through teeming fynbos leading to a view of the sweeping vistas of the Cape Peninsula. The serenity and astonishing scenery invite photographers to explore a variety of angles and compositions, whether focusing on the mountains or serene valleys below.
At the summit, the viewpoint itself offers a sensational backdrop, ideal for capturing Cape Town’s natural wonders. The region’s diverse landscapes give photographers an array of photo ops whether of the rocky mountains or the expansive greenery below. Visitors can capture clear photographs highlighting the area’s textures and colours with sunlight filtering through the trees. Whether you’re a casual photographer or looking to document your travels, Elephant’s Eye is a perfect location for creating memorable shots.
Address: Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, 8000
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/table-mountain
Cape Town offers a variety of breathtaking sightseeing spots that cater to all photographers, whether professionals or casual snappers. From the panoramas of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head to gems like Kloof Corner and Elephant’s Eye, each location provides a unique opportunity to enhance your photo albums! As you explore these viewpoints in Cape Town, be prepared to be inspired by the beauty surrounding you.
