Cape Town, South Africa

Cape town – February 2019

I don’t even know where to begin with this because Cape Town exceeded my expectations and honestly has become one of my new favorite destinations! It was so epic that I think everyone needs to put Cape Town at the top of their must-see travel lists! Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast. It is a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. And mountains – Table Top, Devil’s Peak, Lion Head and the 12 Apostles.

Ernest Hemingway once said, “I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy.” I think he must have been in Cape Town and I wholeheartedly agree!

Epic Things to Do in Cape Town

Table Mountain

Cape Peninsula, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope

Boulder’s Beach

Chapman’s Peak Drive and Hout Bay

Camps Bay

V&A Waterfront

Vineyards

Robben Island

Table Mountain – is a flat top mountain that is a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town. You can hike the mountain or ride in a cable car to the top. The cable car holds 65 people and has a rotating floor for 360-degree views.  Check the website at www.tablemountain.net to purchase tickets and to check the status. The cable car does close in adverse weather.  Once you purchase your ticket, it gives you a few days window in case it is foggy or closed.  Try to do this at the beginning of your stay in case you have to delay your trip up due to conditions. Once at the top you will have an epic view in every direction! You may even see a “dassie” – an oversized guinea pig, and you will see some unique flora.

Cape Peninsula – This is the rocky peninsula that juts out into the ocean at the south-western point of the African continent. It is an iconic destination known for the ocean currents colliding over rugged rocks and sheer cliffs that tower over the sea. At the Cape of Good Hope, you can get your picture taken at the “most south-western point of the African continent sign” and see seals lounging on the rocks as the ocean crashes around them.  We also saw baboons in the area.  You can drive or hike over to Cape Point from here and hike up or ride the Cape Town Funicular to the top. There you will be at the lighthouse which was first lit in 1860. And the views!! Turns out though this highest point was not a good site for the lighthouse due to low-hanging clouds which frequently obscured the light.  We had a clear view at first but within 10 minutes we were in the clouds.  It quite a specular place.  Take some time to appreciate the beauty of the two oceans and cliffs.  There is a fee per person to enter the park and if you don’t have a car, there are plenty of tour buses that were transporting people to the peninsula and Boulder’s beach – which is about a half hour away.

Boulder’s Beach – This beach is home to the African penguin! There is an entrance fee, but you have several options.  There are three beaches, 1 penguin viewing area and 3 boardwalks. The beach is sheltered by the large boulders, but you can swim right there “with” the penguins.  You cannot touch them as they will bite – and we did see someone get bit while we were there! As we were not planning to swim, we went into the viewing area and it was awesome.  You are so close to them and there are many. It was just fun to see and watch them!

Chapman’s Peak is the name of a mountain on the western side of the Cape Peninsula between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. You can drive this toll road on your way out to Cape Point and the scenery is just stunning.

Camp’s Bay is also on the western side and is a beach town on the Atlantic Ocean. There are white sand beaches, beachfront restaurants and amazing properties. It has a relaxed vibe and is where you go to lay on the beach, enjoy a sunset and hang out into the evening.

V&A Waterfront – The Victoria & Alfred waterfront is a hot spot. You can shop, lounge, eat, drink, catch a harbor cruise, visit the aquarium, board the Hop-on Hop-off bus or ride the giant Ferris wheel. There is something for everyone here.  Grab a coffee or a snack at the food market and listen to some local bands play in the squares or shop for handmade merchandise in the Watershed. Locate all the hand painted rhinos along the walkways or take your picture at the yellow frames with Table Mountain in the background.  It is happening here.  Don’t miss walking over the draw bridge or swing bridge to have a look at the Silo area and hotel. This is also where you can catch the boat for Robben Island or visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. You can gawk at some of the boats in the harbor as well. You would miss out on Cape Town if you didn’t do a little exploring along the waterfront.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus – is also located here and it offers a great deal.  You can easily get around and see all that Cape Town has to offer with the different packages they offer.  They even have a bus that goes to several vineyards, Cape point and the penguins, a sunset bus and more.

Vineyards – The vineyards and South African wines are epic. The Constantia wine region is located on the cool mountain slopes just outside Cape Town. It is a short uber ride out to a truly beautiful landscape and stunning wineries with tasting rooms and restaurants.  We had the fortune of visiting four different vineyards during the week were there.  My favorites were Beau Constantia, Constantia Glenn and Steenberg. Reservations are needed at some of the vineyards for tastings and necessary for all the restaurants at the vineyards. Some even had amazing hotels on site. All were beautiful! One wine that is unique to South Africa is the Pinotage, which is a blend, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample it. All the wine tasting were very reasonably priced as well.

Coffee – There are some great coffee houses here – we tried Haas Coffee, Truth Coffee, The Motherland Coffee Company, Bean There Coffee, Mugg & Bean, Tribe Coffee, The Coffee Power Station and there were still more!

Food – It’s all good and inexpensive as well.  We loved the restaurants along Bree Street – Like Grub & Vine, Bocca, Burger & Lobster, Villa 47, La Parada, and Mink & Trout.  For all of you jerky lovers – don’t miss trying the very popular biltong! There are even whole biltong stores in which to purchase this tasty treat.

Robben Island is an island off the coast of Africa on which the notorious prison sits that once housed Nelson Mandela.  The island is basically a museum now and you can take a tour which departs by boat from the waterfront.  Although, I personally did not take the tour this time, it is on my list for my return visit.  As I understand it, there are several departures a day and you must book in advance.  The boat takes you to the island, where you then get on a bus that takes you around the island and to the tour of the prison.  I talked with several others who did do this tour and they all spoke very highly of their experience.

Other options – Another friend of mine raved about the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (also on my list for my return trip). The garden is acclaimed as one of the best botanic gardens of the world. Also popular is tandem paragliding off the top of Signal Hill.  And shark diving for the most adventurous!

Let’s just agree that no matter what kind of experiences you want in a vacation destination – Cape Town offers them!

Helpful tips – I am a sun lover.  I live in a sunny, warm climate but I am going on record to say that the sun here is very strong!  You must pack some sunscreen, sunglasses, maybe even a hat or protective sunscreen clothing.  I rarely burn but I did here, and I was wearing sunscreen.

Remember that Cape Town is below the equator, so their seasons are opposite those in the northern hemisphere. Also, because Cape Town was once a British colony, they do drive on the left-hand side of the road so renting a car and driving it here can be a bit tricky, but you really don’t need a car. Uber is easy to use, and you can take a tour bus or a red bus around the island and to the Cape of Good Hope and Boulder’s Beach. You can easily Uber to the vineyards near the city so you really can work it out without risking life and limb. On the upside – everyone speaks English and all the signs, menus, etc. are also in English, making it super easy to get around, order and communicate.

Overall – I cannot say enough about my experience in Cape Town. It is so different from any other country or city that I have visited in Africa and my absolute favorite. For the trip of a lifetime, just add in a safari before or after your Cape Town visit!