South Africa had been on my travel wish list for years, (as well as its proximity to a bucket list item: the red dunes of Namibia) and when the opportunity finally came, I knew I had to make the most of it.
I spent an unforgettable week exploring Cape Town and its surroundings—wandering through colorful neighborhoods, driving along breathtaking coastlines, visiting penguin colonies, sipping fine wine, and even going on a safari. Here’s a detailed recap of my incredible journey.
Almost Didn’t Make It
From the moment my plane touched down at Cape Town International Airport, I knew I was about to embark on a journey unlike any other because I almost didn’t make it. At Malaga airport, I got there three hours ahead (yes, I am one of those people), checked in, and got my boarding passes, but when I was going through the security x-rays, I realized that I left my medicine in the refrigerator.
Simple, I just exited the secure area, jumped into a cab, got driven back to my apartment, picked up my meds, and then went back to the airport to do it all over again. Once I got to my gate after going through security for the second time, I found that I was missing one of my boarding passes, of course, it was the one I needed there for my first leg. I searched everywhere I had been and could not find it. So, I waited at the gate for an agent to come, surely, they could reprint the ticket??
Well, looking at the nearly empty desk, it was one of those shared desks with just a monitor and keyboard and, of course, without a printer! UGH, I waited very impatiently. Finally, someone showed up just under an hour before the flight. I was on them like glue, and while she was looking me up, she told me that I’d probably need to go back out to the desk and wait in line for a reprint. I thought there was no way I was making this vacation and started to believe that this was fate telling me not to go. Suddenly, the cleaning person came up to the desk saying she found a boarding pass, yep it was mine, 15 minutes before boarding. THAT I took as a sign that I needed to go to South Africa for the first time (and have a big glass of wine on the plane, maybe two – don’t judge).
Day 1: Arrival in Cape Town – Settling in Between Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant
First Impressions: The Mother City
My adventure began in Cape Town, called The Mother City, a place that is as vibrant as it is breathtaking. Nestled between the imposing Table Mountain and the blue waters of the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans, Cape Town is a unique place where nature and city life coexist seamlessly.
After a long, but much more exciting than I had expected, pre-plane ordeal, I landed at Cape Town International Airport 14 hours later. Immigration was a breeze, and I was greeted by warm South African hospitality the moment I arrived in a prearranged taxi to get to my accommodation—a ride that took about 20-30 minutes and offered my first glimpse of Table Mountain.
As I was driven into Cape Town, I was struck by the much poorer neighborhoods you pass along the highway heading into town. Shanty towns were what they looked like, yet some had more established homes, and a few had yards. South Africa’s integration was world famous for how long it took to make happen and then the leadership of Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu. It struck me that they were still a long way on that path as I drove by the shanty homes. Around a corner, the ubiquitous Table Mountain shows up, and it watches over the city like a sentry. My accommodation was perfectly situated between Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant—two vibrant neighborhoods that offered a fascinating contrast.
Bo-Kaap, De Waterkant, and the V & A: A Colorful Welcome
Famous for its brightly painted houses and cobblestone streets, Bo-Kaap is a feast for the eyes if you like color. Originally settled by freed slaves, mostly of Cape Malay descent, the neighborhood is a living testament to Cape Town’s multicultural heritage as they were not allowed until Apartheid ended to paint their homes any color but white. The irony is not lost on me as I look out at the various colors. My hotel room’s window looked out toward Bo-Kapp and Tabletop Mountain, and the hues of color that the homes painted were amazing at sunset. More photos below from when I spent more time in the area.
I then walked to the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront, a busy mix of restaurants, shops, and buskers. As an aside, walking anywhere in Cape Town is risky, as the drivers do not stop for crosswalks even though that is the law, I almost was hit twice. Here, I had my first taste of South African cuisine—a plate of kingklip fish paired with a glass of wine from a nearby vineyard. Welcome to South Africa Barron.
Day 2: Cape of Good Hope Tour – A Beautiful Drive Along the Coast
My second day was packed with adventure and amazing scenery as I embarked on a full-day tour of the iconic Cape of Good Hope. The tour promised “scenic coastal views, charming beachside neighborhoods, and up-close encounters with local wildlife”—and it delivered on all fronts.
Sea Point and Clifton: Morning by the Coast
Our first stop was Sea Point, an affluent suburb along the Atlantic Seaboard, to pick up another member of the group tour. The promenade, lined with palm trees, provided stunning views of the ocean and was buzzing with joggers and cyclists. Later in the week, I would find out this stretch of parks is where paragliders land from Signal Hill.
We continued to Clifton, home to beaches separated by granite boulders called rather boringly 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each beach has its unique vibe—whether you’re looking to relax, swim, or people-watch. The beautiful blue water and white sand were postcard-perfect, and I wished I had more time to soak it all in. I put it on my list to try and come back before I left—spoiler alert, I failed.
Chapman’s Peak Drive: An Incredible Coastal Route
Next, we hit the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive—a 9-kilometer stretch of road that winds along the rugged cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. According to Google, it has 114 curves carved into the mountainside, and the drive offers amazing views at every turn. We stopped at a few lookout points along the way to capture panoramic photos of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the cliffs below.
Cape of Good Hope: Standing at the Edge of the World
One of the most anticipated moments of my trip was this excursion to the Cape of Good Hope, the southwestern tip of the African continent. The drive along the Cape Peninsula was nothing short of spectacular. First, you enter Table Mountain Park, yes the same as the one in Cape Town. This used to be Cape Peninsula Park, but they were merged together to be able to manage them better.
After an hour of driving through the park, seeing ostriches and antelope (perhaps oryx, or eland, or kudu – I really couldn’t tell the differences) we arrived at the actual Cape of Good Hope. This dramatic rocky area marks the southwestern tip of the African continent. I stood by the iconic wooden sign that marks this historic spot, feeling like I wasn’t “on top of the world?” perhaps I was “on the bottom of the world?”
I also took the time to climb the rocky hill behind the signs. Let me tell you it was much less scary climbing up that hill than climbing down. We were then taken to the Cape of Good Hope Lighthouse, the old one, that was perched high on another hill.
Climbing to the Old Lighthouse at Cape Point
As we made our way to Cape Point, we were told that the funicular was not working, if we wanted to see the lighthouse, we had to climb. The trail is a moderately steep walk, but the views from the top were worth it. The 360-degree panorama of the coastline and two oceans was something else to see. The wind only added to the feeling of standing at the edge of the world. (I know I said that earlier, but Cape Point is actually slightly further south than the Cape of Good Hope).
Boulders Beach: Meeting the Penguins
On our way back north we took the eastern road and stopped at Boulders Beach, home to a colony of endangered African penguins. Watching these charming creatures waddle along the shore and dive gracefully into the blue waters was a delight. The boardwalk alongside the beach area provided a great vantage point for observing the penguins. This is at the entrance to a lovely town named Simon’s Town, which is also the last town to reach by train from Cape Town.
Muizenberg Beach and Surfers
Our final stop was Muizenberg Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand and perfect colorful beach shacks making for ideal photos. This is an area known for surfing and for teaching surfing. The icons, besides the Shark Spotters offices, are the beach shacks in multiple colors. This was our last stop of the day and we drove back to Cape Town, tired and thrilled.
Day 3: Exploring Cape Town – History, Culture, and Art
After a day of exploring the Cape Peninsula, I was ready to dive deeper into Cape Town.
Bo-Kaap: Delving into Cape Malay Heritage
I returned to Bo-Kaap to explore its history and take more photos. I visited the Bo-Kaap Museum, which highlights the story of the Cape Malay community and their journey from slavery to freedom. The museum offered insights into the Bo-Kaap’s cultural traditions.
Downtown Cape Town: A Mix of Old and New
I wandered through downtown Cape Town, where colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers coexist. The downtown area is a mix of shops, businesses, and restaurants, and I had read that at night it can be a bit sketchy. I visited Greenmarket Square, where local vendors displayed vibrant crafts, beaded jewelry, and handmade textiles. The square was very busy and made it a great place to people watch. Walked to City Hall where Nelson Mandela first addressed his followers after being finally let out of jail.
Then to Company Garden, a park in the center of the older part of Cape Town with Parliament on one side, Iziko South African Museum on the end. At the west entrance a great archway to honor Archbishop Desmond Tutu, hence known locally as the Arch for Arch. There are roses and flowers within the park and Table Mountain looking over it on the end. Interestingly, I happened to eavesdrop on a tour and they pointed out the Cecil John Rhodes statue, known worldwide as the man whose estate started the Rhodes Scholars, he was also Prime Minister, founded the diamond company DeBeers, and established a private country of Rhodesia. He was also a primary reason for Apartheid and believed the owning of slaves was a right. Hmm, butt wipe!
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA)
I ended the day at the Zeitz MOCAA, located in a repurposed grain silo. I had read a lot about the renovations and they are even much more impressive in person. The museum is a marvel of modernity and has a so-so collection of contemporary African art. I went through each floor’s art very quickly not understanding most of it, but did take some photos of those I liked. The highlights were the restaurant at the top and the terrace just off the stairs that looked out toward Table Mountain. Took so many more photos of the building than the art, I’d imagine I wasn’t the first to do that.
Day 4: Table Mountain and Lion’s Head – Cape Town from Above
It was time to see Cape Town from above, and what better way than with a trip to Table Mountain?
Table Mountain: Panoramic Views from the Top
I took the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain, where I was rewarded with panoramic views of the city, coastline, Robben Island in the distance, and the merging of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The revolving cable car provided 360-degree views during the ascent, (which was interesting and a little bit disconcerting to be truthful). Once at the top, I explored the mesa through the many walking trails and marveled at the unique plants and flowers, some of them only found in this part of Africa. As expected I took way too many photos.
Note I used the app Table Mountain, which you can get from their website, allowing me to go straight to the line for the car and bypass the purchase line.
Lion’s Head and Signal Hill: Sunset and Paragliders
In the afternoon, I headed to Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. While I didn’t tackle the steep climb to the top of Lion’s Head, (taxis work so much better). It did allow me an extra hour to watch the paragliders launch themselves off the cliffs, soaring to Sea Point Promenade. Signal Hill offers the perfect spot to watch the sunset, but I didn’t want to stay that long. Besides I was getting hungry and I wanted to try ostrich.
Day 5: Wine Tour – Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl
A visit to the Cape Winelands was next on the agenda. I joined this guided wine tour that took me to three of South Africa’s most famous wine regions—Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. The other important item to know is that the vineyards have some of the best restaurants in South Africa and all their Michelin-rated ones.
Stellenbosch: The Heart of South African Wine
Stellenbosch, with its historic Dutch architecture and vineyards several hundred years old, was the perfect place to start. I sampled bold Cabernet Sauvignons and elegant Chenin Blancs while learning about the region’s winemaking history at the beautiful Blaauwklippen Vineyard.
Stellenbosch is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious vineyards in the country, and Blaauwklippen fit that moniker as it was founded in 1682 (confession, I knew that because it was written on my glass).
Blaauwklippen also has a large art museum attached to the restaurant and tasting rooms. They also have art scattered throughout their beautiful grounds.
Beyond the wine, Stellenbosch is also a cultural center for the area. Their city hall has a tribute to Nelson Mandela and a beautiful relief showing the early history of the area. Don’t miss their statue of a cat too, didn’t get the rationale.
Franschhoek: French Flair and Fine Dining
Franschhoek is known for its French heritage, as opposed to Dutch like Stellenbosch, and as you would imagine, has a reputation for gourmet cuisine. Most of South Africa’s Michelin-starred restaurants can be found here.
We were taken to Franschhoek Cellars and enjoyed five varieties of wine. The tasting room was just outside of Franschhoek and a stop on the Wine Tram. I read that the Wine Tram provides a unique way to explore the region’s vineyards, allowing people to hop on and off various estates without the worry of driving. If I was staying locally, I would jump at this chance.
From there we were driven to Drakenstein Prison, Nelson Mandela’s last prison after he was moved from Robben’s Island. The statue outside the prison is the spot and the pose that he did on the day he was finally let free.
Paarl: Pinotage and Panoramas
How was that for alliteration?? Our final stop was Paarl, where I tasted South Africa’s signature Pinotage—a rich, full-bodied red wine, which I loved. The vineyard was the Rhebokskloof Estate, and the wine tasting involved five wines with five different chocolates paired with them. Yes it was all that and great.
The grounds had hydrangeas everywhere at full bloom, huge grass areas, and a pond in the back. They are a wedding venue and were setting up for one while we were there.
From there we were all feeling the wine and we mostly slept on the way back to Cape Town.
Day 6: Safari at Fairy Glen Nature Reserve
No trip to South Africa is complete without a safari experience, and Fairy Glen Nature Reserve provided the perfect opportunity.
Up Close with the Big Five (OK four out of five)
Located just 90 minutes from Cape Town, Fairy Glen offered a chance to see the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard—in their natural habitat. We had a great guide who provided wonderful insights into the animals and their behavior as we drove through the reserve. He had the most amazing eyes and could spot wildlife before any of us could.
Nature Reserves are a little bit controversial as they aren’t most of the animal’s true habitat. Fairy Glen highlights their work with abused animals taken from private owners and their rehabilitation efforts. I had a great time as you will see from the plethora of photos and I encourage this place or somewhere in South Africa to see Africa’s indigenous animals.
One point of caution. I paid for a day, as if the morning was fruitful I could pay for a second tour. Well what ended up was that I had four hours free after lunch and nothing to do, so I had a great nap.
Day 7: History, Botanic Gardens, and Relaxation
On my last day, I took a morning tour focused on more of Cape Town’s history. I think by this time, I was over whelmed, because looking at my photos that day, there were only four!
Castle of Good Hope
I visited the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. Built by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century, the castle’s stone walls are prominent from many areas of Cape Town. We didn’t get to go inside, they were setting up for something, but we did see the board outlining where the Dutch extended the city into the bay. Which now makes sense as to why the castle is so far away from the water.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
From the Castle I took a cab ride to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, the last thing on my list. I was going to skip this, and I am so glad I didn’t. The gardens are beautiful and there is so much artwork scattered throughout the park.
It is a fantastic place to spend time and take in some of the exotic plants and trees. The tree top walk is fun too – a suspended bridge walk through some of the tree canopies. They have ancient plant species, herb gardens, and or course, some fantastic sculptures. There is a restaurant onsite but it was hard as hell to find a place to buy water (you have to do that before you enter). The entire garden is at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain making picture-perfect opportunities. (FYI It’s FREE on Mondays).
Final Thoughts: Cape Town, I’ll Be Back!
Cape Town exceeded all my expectations. From a great city with a rich history to breathtaking landscapes, amazing food and wines, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, this journey was a perfect introduction to South Africa. I left with a deep appreciation for the country’s beauty, diversity, and warmth—and I’m already dreaming of my next visit. But first, off to Windhoek, Namibia for my tour of the famous red dunes.
If South Africa is on your bucket list, don’t hesitate. You’re in for an adventure of a lifetime!
