Whistle stop guide to Cape Town
Quite honestly there is nothing this country cannot offer you as a holiday destination (well maybe apart from skiing?). If you love the beach- go to South Africa If you love nature- go to South Africa If you love food and drink- go to South Africa If you love travelling off the beaten track... or the mountains- go to South Africa
…I think you get my point.
In this blog, I am going to cover off Cape Town. This is South Africa’s gem of a city situated on the South-West coast.
Straight off, fly direct if you can. There are regular overnight flights from Heathrow and you can really make the most of the minimal time difference. It is a long flight but 100% worth it.
When you arrive into Cape Town, drop your bags into your hotel and head straight up Table Mountain! Only head up if the weather is clear though otherwise you won’t get the view. I have enjoyed the cable car many times but if you fancy more of an adventure, take a hike up. Once you reach the top- lap it up. It is a truly iconic view. Keep an eye out for the dassie’s as well- these are the closest relative to the elephant did you know!
Some other must-see’s in Cape Town include Robben Island. This is a sobering trip to be honest but one worth taking as you visit the island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in prison. These tours not only give you an insight into life on the island but you also get some amazing views of Cape Town and get to enjoy the seals on the boat trip over. On your arrival back onto the mainland, be sure to enjoy the V&A waterfront where you can find all sorts of eateries and bars around the marina.
One of my absolute favourite places in Cape Town is Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. They are beautiful. Why not pick up a pre-packed picnic and find a perfect spot to relax. If you are lucky, you might even catch a sunset outdoor concert within the grounds.
Cape Town is host to stunning beaches as well and you really must take a stroll along the shore for a paddle… the water can be a bit chilly though as you are dipping your toes in the Atlantic.
If you have the time, Boulders Bay needs to be on your list of places to visit. It is around an hour’s drive from the city. Here you can encounter the African penguins! Their nesting sites are protected but you can observe them from walkways. There is the most amazing beach here with huge boulders and crystal-clear water. Penguins do swim around so if you are lucky, you might find yourself chilling with these fascinating birds.
This part of the coast is also famous for its Great White Sharks. Now I am a total wimp when it comes to sharks but should you want to take a boat trip out or do a cage dive, this is where you want to be!
From Cape Town, there are countless options for your onward journey through this stunning country. Keep an eye out for my next blog where I will tell you all about the joys of the Garden Route.