Chase the light — Cape Town, On Local Time

Dawn

· sunrise 07:51 · July

hike trail

The spiral hike that gives you the whole city at first light

45 min up

Start in the dark with a headtorch — you top out as the sun clears the Hottentots-Holland and lights Table Mountain pink
The chains-and-ladders section near the top is optional — a gentler path loops around

Timing

Time your start to summit just before first light — about 45 minutes up if you're keen

· 16:50 – 17:48 · July

beach

Palm-lined sand under the Twelve Apostles

A strip of white sand with the Twelve Apostles ridge rising straight behind
The water's freezing — Atlantic side always is — so it's a people-watch beach, not a swim

Timing

Grab a drink on the strip as the sun drops

boat cruise

A catamaran out past the seals as the sun goes down

Season: Low-wind evenings

A catamaran out of Hout Bay harbour, past Seal Island where hundreds of Cape fur seals bark and bask
Anchor off the coast for the sundowner as the light goes glassy

Season

Bring a jacket — it's cooler on the water than you expect