8 Best Photography Experiences in Cape Town

Cape Town is every photographer’s dream — a city where rugged mountains crash into turquoise seas, colourful neighbourhoods tell stories of culture, and wildlife roams freely along the coast. Whether you’re a casual traveler snapping memories on your phone or a professional with heavy gear, Cape Town offers experiences that will ignite your creativity and fill your memory cards.

Here are my 8 best photography experiences in Cape Town.

Told through my lens, with a mix of personal stories, local insights, and practical tips to help you capture the beauty of this city.

What You’ll Need Before You Shoot

I shoot with Canon gear — and yes, I’m loyal to it. My setup is a Canon Mirrorless camera paired with two lenses:

15–35mm wide-angle lens – My favourite for landscapes, vibrant street art, and those immersive full-picture shots.

100–600mm telephoto lens – Ideal for wildlife (especially on safari), penguins at Boulders Beach, or candid street moments where you want to capture the essence of people and places without being intrusive.

💡 Tip: If you’re planning on photographing both Cape Town’s landscapes and wildlife, this lens combo covers nearly every scenario.

The 8 Best Photography Experiences in Cape Town

1. Table Mountain: Cape Town From Above

Nothing beats standing on Table Mountain with the entire city spread out below. From this height, Cape Town’s mix of urban buzz and natural wonder comes alive.

Best time: Early morning for soft light or sunset when the “tablecloth” of clouds rolls over the mountain.

Photo ideas: Wide-angle panoramas, close-ups of the cable cars, and silhouettes of hikers against the skyline.

Bo-Kaap: Colourful Houses & Culture

The Bo-Kaap is one of the most photographed areas in Cape Town — and for good reason. Its colourful houses, cobbled streets, and Cape Malay culture make it a living postcard.

Best time: Late morning when the colours glow in natural light.

Photo ideas: Pastel facades, street portraits, and cultural details (like spices, murals, and traditional clothing).

Pro tip: Always ask before photographing locals.

A little respect goes a long way.

Sunset at Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world — a winding road carved into cliffs with dramatic ocean views. At sunset, it transforms into a dreamscape.

Best time: Sunset (the golden hour paints the cliffs orange).

Photo ideas: Long exposures of headlights snaking along the road, dramatic seascapes, and moody cloud shots.

Oranjezicht City Farm Market: A Local Feast for the Senses

Inspired by my time at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, I can confidently say this is where Cape Town’s food, culture, and people collide in the most photogenic way.

From fresh organic produce to artisanal breads and colourful flower stalls, the market is a street photographer’s paradise.

Every corner is filled with textures, faces, and stories.

Best time: Weekend mornings when the market is bustling.

Photo ideas: Food flat lays, candid shots of vendors, vibrant flowers, and families enjoying their Saturday mornings.

Pro tip: A wide lens works beautifully here to capture the energy and atmosphere.

Cape Point: Rugged Mountains & Turquoise Seas

Few places in the world are as dramatic as Cape Point, where jagged cliffs plunge into the turquoise Atlantic.

Best time: Midday for sparkling turquoise seas, or sunrise for golden cliff edges.

Photo ideas: Sweeping landscapes, wildlife (ostriches and baboons), and moody seascapes with crashing waves.

Kalk Bay: A Bohemian Case Study

Kalk Bay is one of my absolute favourite photography experiences in Cape Town. I even wrote a full feature on it called The Vibe of Kalk Bay.

What makes Kalk Bay so special is its mix of quirky shops, colourful fishing boats, and bohemian charm. It’s a seaside village that feels like a storybook. I once spent a day wandering here with my camera, ducking into vintage shops, photographing fishermen hauling in the day’s catch, and capturing the laid-back atmosphere that makes Kalk Bay so unique.

Best time: Early morning for the fish market or golden hour for soft seaside light.

Photo ideas: Fishermen at work, quirky shop fronts, seagulls in flight, and candid portraits of locals.

Why I love it: Kalk Bay is both photogenic and soulful — every corner offers a new story.

7. Woodstock & Salt River: Street Art & Culture

This is where Cape Town’s creativity spills into the streets. I’ll never forget walking here with my friend Leonie and her daughter from Canada. We spent the morning capturing epic street art murals that covered entire buildings.

We weren’t just photographing walls — we were immersing ourselves in culture, history, and community. Afterward, we grabbed a bite at the Old Biscuit Mill, a hub of food and design.

⚠️ Safety tip: Don’t explore Woodstock alone with all your gear. It’s best to hire a local guide who knows the area and the artists. They’ll keep you safe and enrich your experience with stories behind the murals.

Best time: Morning or afternoon when murals are well-lit.

Photo ideas: Large-scale murals, close-ups of textures, candid portraits of local artists and vendors.

8. Penguins at Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is home to one of the most unique wildlife photography opportunities in the world: African penguins on a white-sand beach.

Best time: Morning, when penguins are most active.

Photo ideas: Penguins waddling in groups, close-ups with a telephoto lens, and wide shots of turquoise seas dotted with penguins.

My Photography Style: Stories Through People, Wildlife & Culture

For me, photography isn’t just about landscapes — it’s about stories. I’m drawn to street art, cultural moments, wildlife, and people. Whether it’s a fisherman in Kalk Bay, a penguin waddling at Boulders Beach, or a mural telling its story in Woodstock.

I aim to capture the soul of a place.

Why We Travel & Take Photographs

Travel photography is more than just snapping pretty pictures — it’s about preserving stories, emotions, and experiences. Cape Town, with its mix of nature, culture, and creativity, gives us endless opportunities to do just that.

We photograph because we want to remember, to share, and to inspire. And in Cape Town, every corner has a story waiting to be told.

👉 Which Cape Town photography experience excites you most?

Share your thoughts in the comments — and don’t forget to pack your camera when you come to explore this beautiful city.