Woman Shares “Free Activities” to Do in Cape Town and Leaves Mzansi in Stitches

• A TikToker sparked a conversation after sharing a video about her favourite "free activities" in Cape Town
• Her video shows several popular spots, including Boulders Beach and Chapman's Peak Drive, which she considers free finds
• Her content was enjoyed by many, and comments flooded in from locals who were quick to point out the entrance fees for conservation and maintenance, showing that not all the city's beauty is free

A South African TikToker shared some of Cape Town's breathtaking views on 4 September 2025, accompanied by "free activities" in the city. Some of these include visiting waddling penguins at Boulders Beach and driving down Chapman's Peak. Unfortunately, some of Cape Town’s “free finds” come with a price tag.

Paying to see Table Mountain, Chapman's Peak and Boulders Beach

Like she shares on her TikTok page @capetowndiary, the walks and hikes might be free, but many of Cape Town's popular "free activities" come with hidden costs. For example, you have to pay to get into Boulders Beach, a place often advertised as free. It also costs money to drive down the beautiful Chapman's Peak Drive and go up Table Mountain.

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Many people have pointed out this reality, with some joking that in Cape Town, it feels like the only truly free activity is walking. This shows that while the city is famous for its nature, you often have to pay to see it.

Approximate costs for popular CPT attractions since July

The Boulders Beach entrance fee for South Africans is around R50 for adults, while international visitors can expect to pay about R215. Boulders Beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park, and its prices are set by South African National Parks (SANParks).

Chapman's Peak Drive costs around R66 per standard car, as this is what the scenic toll road charges per vehicle. This is controlled by Entilini Operations in partnership with the Western Cape Provincial Government.

Lastly, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway ticket prices depend on whether you're a local or not and if you’re a student or a senior citizen. A return ticket for an adult purchased online costs around R450. If you're an SA senior citizen, you can get a discounted return ticket for about R130, while students with their student card pay R300.

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Understandably, everything comes with a cost as these places need funds for maintenance and conservation. This includes keeping all those waddling penguins safe and making sure that the habitat stays intact.

Cape Town's famous attractions suggest hidden prices

While Cape Town may be a stunning local escape, it is important to be prepared for the costs associated with some of its famous attractions. This helps keep all the penguins in Boulders Beach safe and maintains the breathtaking views on Chapman’s Drive. The city’s beauty comes with a price tag, but with a bit of planning, visitors can still experience the magic of Cape Town.

Even with the costs, people still love Cape Town. Many comments show that the amazing views make it all worth it. One person said that hiking up Lion’s Head is hard, but the view from the top is great. Another liked a hotel in Mitchell's Plain because it was close to the beach and had monkeys nearby. These stories show that even with the money you spend, the experiences you have in Cape Town are special.

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The video attracted South Africans in the comments

Boeta wrote:

"It's Seaforth Beach that is free. Boulders Beach is a whole different beach with paid entrance to see penguins."

Ashley Yankasamy Said:

"So basically, the only free thing to do in CPT is walk. 😂"

Logan commented:

“Free things then proceeds to mention Boulders Beach."

Another user said:

"Eish, we still need the Uber ride and snacks fee. Kind of not free! 😂"

Mzie called out Cape Town:

"You need a permit for everything in Cape Town. Even if you want to use a public toilet, you will find law enforcement officers ready to check you in. 🤷🏾‍♂"

Fezeka M wrote:

"Boulders Beach is not free, it’s R50, and that day we only saw baby penguins, and no one explained where the parents went. 😭"

Ky said:

"Even just getting to the beach is costing me R100 in petrol. 😩"

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Danielle Vermaak

"I thought you were going to stay at home. 😂"

Watch the TikTok video below:

3 Briefly News stories about travelling on a budget

• A woman shared how a four-day trip to Durban with her girlfriend actually cost less than half of what she paid for a Cape Town holiday.
• A TikTok travel enthusiast shared 14 budget-friendly activities in the Mother City with prices, leaving South Africans impressed.
• Going to Zanzibar doesn't have to leave you broke as a woman shows how she only spent R15k on the trip.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News