Cape Town

Cape Town, an under-the-radar destination for those seeking adventures on land and sea

Cape Town, South Africa, is emerging as an under-the-radar yachting destination as luxury service providers seek to unlock the continent’s incredible potential.

One such provider at the forefront of this growth is Ker & Downey® Africa, a luxury travel company headquartered in Cape Town. The company’s trusted travel experts have decades of experience in curating ultra-luxury safaris for travelers wishing to see the world differently, including creating itineraries for those visiting Cape Town aboard a luxury yacht or wishing to enjoy a luxury safari experience at sea.

According to Nicole Reddy, Head of Marketing at Ker & Downey® Africa, the yacht industry in Cape Town is steady, selective, and focused on quality, with the city becoming a natural getaway rather than a standalone destination. 

“The presence of luxury vessels such as the 85ft HAZENDAL motor yacht has helped position Cape Town as an emerging charter base. We are seeing more UHNW travelers wanting to pair time on the water with the city, the Winelands, and onward access to safari experiences.”

A wide range of experiences

 

One of the key reasons the region is experiencing growth in the luxury yacht market is the wide range of experiences that more traditional yachting hotspots, such as the Mediterranean and Caribbean, can’t offer.  

 “Guests have access to a global city, dramatic coastal landscapes, penguins and whales, and world-class wine estates,” explains Nicole Reddy.

 “Within a short flight, either by private jet or helicopter transfer, travelers can be in the heart of Big Five territory. For charterers who have experienced the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, Cape Town feels like a rare and authentic alternative, where the yacht is just one chapter in a much bigger journey.”

Cape Town is renowned for its stylish luxury, which feels intimate rather than crowded. Charterers can enjoy private cruising safari experiences at sea aboard vessels like the luxury motor yacht HAZENDAL, which elevates the experience with fine dining and attentive service. Guests can anchor off Clifton for sunset, explore the peninsula on curated day trips, or enjoy overnight escapes that feel like a floating boutique hotel. 

Building a superyacht infrastructure

 

To cater to this growing demand, the V&A Waterfront is actively expanding its capacity for superyachts, undergoing a US$1.15 billion expansion, including the development of a new superyacht quay, further reinforcing the city’s potential as a serious player in the global yachting landscape. The V&A Waterfront also recently hosted the inaugural South African Boating Conference, designed to tap into a burgeoning market brimming with potential. 

Beyond the incredible experiences in Cape Town and the local region, the city offers an ideal base for superyachts seeking adventures further afield, including exploring off-the-beaten-track destinations and ultra-exclusive private islands in the Indian Ocean. 

“Cape Town is positioned to become a sought-after seasonal stop for travelers looking for something new; a staging point for onward exploration into Southern Africa, and an appealing hub for crew downtime or refit periods,” comments Nicole Reddy “Above all, it offers UHNW travelers a fresh winter alternative that blends ocean, culture, wine, and safari in one seamless itinerary.”

About Ker & Downey® Africa

Ker & Downey® Africa is an award-winning luxury travel company that unlocks the magic of Africa for discerning travelers wishing to view the world differently. We curate experiences that go beyond luxury, unlocking access to some of Africa’s most incredible destinations, ultra-luxurious accommodations, and rare encounters few can imagine and even fewer can access. Responsible travel is at the heart of what we do, ensuring every journey leaves a positive, lasting legacy. With dedicated teams on the ground in Cape Town and Arusha, and trusted travel experts across the globe, we share one mission – to craft experiences that feel both seamless and deeply personal.