Cape Adventures!
Table Mountain: They say when Table Mountain is clear that you should just go... So straight off the plane, dumped bags in the room, Uber to the cable car and Whooooooahhhh what a stunningly serene place with the most breath-taking views. Despite being 3500 feet above sea level the air is crisp and the weather has blessed us with hot sunshine. A definite pinch me moment, and quite emotional. Could have stayed up there for hours but there is wine to try!
Cape Town road trip: As experiences go, this morning's vintage motorbike and sidecar trip was totally up there. With helmets, goggles, vintage leathers and the owner's dog as company we headed off down the Eastern seaboard towards Hout's Bay, passing through Green Point, Sea Point, Camps Bay, Maidens Cove and up to Chapmans Peak. Add in a pod of whales off the shore, seals bathing on the warm rocks, a fabulous coffee stop, and one of the best African craft markets at half the prices of Cape Town and you're onto a winner. Thanks to Tim at Cape Side Car Adventures for a great trip
Safari sunrise: Come to Africa they say, the land of the sun.... Ridiculously frozen and wrapped in blankets we headed out before sunrise to try to see the animals we didn't see yesterday. Our guide and driver Micky was incredibly knowledgeable so we heard all the fascinating facts about how the animals survive, their eating habits and sadly how they came to be rescued and in the case of the elephants, have an anti poaching team with them 24 hours a day!
Safari: To be quite honest I was in two minds about this place before I came. It's a bit of a tourist trap in the sense that it's the closest reserve to Cape Town so many day trippers come to see the animals here, so it's a completely different feel to Inverdoorn where I stayed last night, where it was quiet and peaceful. Here you can get 20 people in the safari vehicle compared to just two of us yesterday. However, and it's a big however, the conservation reserves need the paying guests to be able to buy the animals to be able to rescue them, rehabilitate them and then in the long term release them or care for them here. So, when you see these majestic creatures and hear the stories of why they are there, you don't mind the many Japanese and Americans, honestly!
Franschhoek: First impressions of Franschhoek..... I could live here!! Leafy, well-maintained, friendly, great wineries, bars, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries.... Now a quick glass of wine and pizza whilst we study the wine map. Gansbaai : The most amazing meal last night at Blue Goose, Gansbaai. Superb setting, all twinkling lights, wood burner, gorgeous garden and candles and chandeliers everywhere.... Very romantic! Open for lunch and dinner, the menu is fabulous, I had calamari tentacles, literally 100s of King prawns in a special sauce from Mozambique, and my FOURTH malva pudding of the trip!! Great service from Adam, very spoilt and well looked after! Thank you
The Oude Werf Hotel: Last night in this amazing country, staying in the oldest hotel in South Africa : the Oude Werf. Lovely room with a bed big enough for 7!! Sadly it's raining so only one thing for it.... Having to try the stuff this place is famous for…Wine!
Babylonstoren vineyard: One last stop before heading to Cape Town Airport, Babylonstoren vineyard, farm shop, Gardens and estate. Absolutely stunning couple of hours pottering around the Healing Garden trying to find anti-migraine herbs, but found herbs for male and female sexual organs instead!! The farm shop is divine and if I could have brought the roasted garlic stuffed bread or pear and gorgonzola breads home in my case I would have!! Another must-see destination when in the Stellenbosch or Franschhoek area.
Back to reality: Back in the office now after my most amazing trip to South Africa, I must say the weather here (and the laundry pile) is doing nothing for the post-holiday blues. Please let me know if it has sparked an interest in this wonderful country, as I would love to help you put an itinerary together to get the most out of your stay there.
