The 7 Best Photography Spots Around Cape Town

Cape Town is a playground for nature and landscape photographers. From rugged coastlines to dramatic mountain peaks and golden light that changes by the minute, it’s a city that rewards patience, vision, and a bit of exploration. Here are seven of my favourite photography spots around the Cape, places I return to time and time again to chase light, mood, and creative compositions.

1. Bloubergstrand – Iconic Table Mountain Views

Few views of Cape Town are as instantly recognisable as Table Mountain seen from Bloubergstrand. The wide bay creates perfect symmetry, and the beach is dotted with rocky formations that make excellent foregrounds for seascapes. Long exposures work beautifully here, especially at sunset when the sky ignites behind the mountain.
Best time: Sunset
Recommended gear: A sturdy tripod, wide-angle lens (14–24mm or 16–35mm), and ND filters for silky water movement.

2. Kloof Corner – Sunrise Over the City Bowl

Often overlooked for its famous neighbour, Lion’s Head, Kloof Corner offers one of the best vantage points in Cape Town. The short, steep 45-minute hike rewards you with sweeping views across the city bowl and toward Lion’s Head. It’s quieter than the main peak and the compositions are, in my opinion, even better. As the sun rises, it lights up Lion’s Head and the bowl in soft, golden light.
Best time: Sunrise
Recommended gear: Mid-range zoom (24–70mm) or telephoto (70–200mm) for compressing layers of light and mountain textures.

3. Kalk Bay Harbour, St. James Beach & Muizenberg Beach Huts – Colour and Character

A favourite for early mornings, Kalk Bay’s working harbour is alive with colourful fishing boats, reflections, and the bustle of local fishermen. Just a short walk away, St. James Beach offers the iconic row of brightly painted beach huts that glow beautifully in soft morning light. A little further along, Muizenberg Beach has its famous rainbow-coloured huts that are perfect for capturing bold, vibrant coastal shots. These locations together give a fantastic mix of charm, colour, and texture along False Bay.
Best time: Sunrise
Recommended gear: Standard zoom (24–70mm) or prime lens (35mm or 50mm) for detail shots and people scenes, polariser to manage reflections.

4. Kogelbaai – Moody Seascapes and Dramatic Light

Tucked along the scenic coastal drive between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi-Els, Kogelbaai is one of my favourite spots for long-exposure seascapes. Towering cliffs plunge straight into the ocean, and rocky outcrops create endless foreground options. On windy days, waves crash against the boulders with raw power, and on calm evenings, pastel colours paint the sky.
Best time: Sunset
Recommended gear: Wide-angle lens (14–24mm or 16–35mm) and ND filters for smoothing out the sea and capturing motion.

5. Slangkop Lighthouse, Kommetjie – Coastal Drama and Light Beams

Standing tall along the Kommetjie shoreline, Slangkop Lighthouse is one of the most photogenic spots on the Atlantic side of the peninsula. The surrounding rocks create strong leading lines that work beautifully for seascapes. Keep an eye on the tides and clouds, as conditions can change fast and the rocks can be slippery. Stay a little later after sunset and you might capture the beams of the lighthouse cutting through the twilight.
Best time: Sunset
Recommended gear: 24–70mm range for balance between subject and foreground, ND filters for long exposures.

6. Chapman’s Peak Drive – Coastal Curves and Golden Light

One of the most scenic drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak offers multiple pull-offs with views over Hout Bay and the Atlantic coastline. The winding road itself makes a strong leading line in compositions, especially at sunset when the cliffs glow warm orange. Windy days bring mist and drama, perfect for moody landscape shots.
Best time: Sunset
Recommended gear: Mid-range zoom (24–70mm) or telephoto (70–200mm) to compress the coastal curves and distant light.

7. Lion’s Head – Sunrise Over Table Mountain

Although it’s one of Cape Town’s most popular hikes, the best photography spots on Lion’s Head aren’t at the summit. The saddle on the back side of the mountain offers incredible views toward Table Mountain and over Signal Hill. As the sun rises, it lights up the cliffs and city below with warm, directional light. If you start early, you’ll catch the first glow washing over the city.
Best time: Sunrise
Recommended gear: Mid-range to telephoto zoom (24–70mm or 70–200mm) for isolating layers of light and mountain shapes.

Final Thoughts

Cape Town rewards photographers who explore beyond the obvious. Each of these spots offers something unique, from tranquil reflections and wild oceans to sweeping cityscapes and rugged cliffs. Bring your patience, study the light, and most importantly, spend time creating your own vision within these landscapes.