Love it or hate, the selfie craze is taking the world by force. Everywhere you look, a high-angled duck face, hashtagged to within an inch of its life, glimpses out at you. It’s hard to explain how so many avid photographers have come to find themselves without anyone to, you know, take a photo OF THEM, but there you have it. So the question is, if you can’t beat ‘em, do you join ‘em?

Before you start warming up your muscles for that all-important selfie-stretch, it’s important to remember that not all self-taken mug shots are created equal. There’s no take quite as despised as the age old VGA bathroom selfie, complete with tiled backdrop and toiletries galore. A close second has to be the mirror selfie, in which the reflection of your phone and your blinding flash take up the vast majority of the frame.

If you simply must treat the world to a wildly tilted close up of a portion of your face, there are better ways to do it. So we’ve gone on the hunt for the perfect Western Cape backdrop to help you take the ultimate selfie. Make any of these landmarks your canvas, and you’ll ensure that your shots leave your friends envious rather than irritated.

Table Mountain, Cape Town

Make your way on foot or by cableway to the top of Cape Town’s Table Mountain for dazzling views of a beautiful, multicultural city. Time your visit during sunset to see the cityscape magically come alive with a myriad of twinkling lights.

[image credits: Mike Eloff, Nick]

Wolfberg Cracks, Cederberg

Love adventurous hiking? Scramble up the Wolfberg Cracks to the Arch for epic selfie opportunities. And there’s more to explore – the Cederberg is chock-full of spectacular rock formations and Bushmen cave paintings.

[image credits: Zaakirah, Mike Eloff]

Lion’s Head, Cape Town

Hike up Lion’s Head during the full moon to experience the sun setting across the ocean and the moon rising above the mountains.

[image credits: pinto, brendon]

Hanging Gardens of Babylonstoren, Paarl

Deep in the heart of the Cape Winelands is a 1692 Cape Dutch farm with a fruit and vegetable garden that you can easily lose yourself in. Don’t miss one of the best spots for a pic – the tunnel of hanging gourds.

[image credits: Linnea Frank, Kate Butcher]

Lord Milner Hotel, Matjiesfontein

Head into the Karoo for the quirkiest of Quirkyville and take your selfie in the company of the Lord Milner Hotel’s resident ghosts. The entire Victorian village is a National Monument and offers endless photographic prospects.

[image credits: Ophelia Ross-Sims, Aletta Gardner]

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Drop by the stunning V&A Waterfront and catch a selfie with our Nobel peace prize winners Nkosi Albert Luthuli, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, former State President F. W. de Klerk and former President Nelson Mandela.

[image credits: Ajay Badiani, lisaraniray]

Winelands, Robertson

Climb to the top of Africa’s largest chair at Rooiberg Wine Estate and catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring scenery Robertson has to offer. The chair was erected as a symbol to invite visitors to pop on by and have a seat.

[image credits: kayp-paige, Cait Llewellyn]

Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

Formerly known as Malay Quarter, the Bo-Kaap is situated on the slopes of signal hill. The beautifully coloured houses creates a picture perfect backdrop for stunning paintings and selfies.

[image credits: SA Tourism, Rachelle Emanuela]

Boomslang Kirstenbosch Gardens, Newlands

The Boomslang rises 130m off the ground elevating you above the treetops of the breath-taking Kirstenbosch gardens. The striking views of the garden is a sight not to be missed.

[image credits: Gareth Williams, ness_avenocturna]

Surfers Corner, Muizenberg

Choose your pick of the best Victorian styled beach huts on Muizenberg beach to capture your perfect portrait.

[image credits: Josephine, Nicki Bentley]

Is it time to bust out the selfie stick and go in search of the perfect shot? You know we would never recommend the use of that dreaded thing but we won’t tell anyone if you don’t.