Cape Town
Imagine a gorgeous coast line, hikes with stunning views, wineries with world class wine, safaris, and delicious, yet affordable cuisine. There’s no need to imagine, this place actually exists and it’s Cape Town! Cape Town has so much to offer and at a price that doesn’t break the bank. Hike a world wonder, Table Mountain, or Lion’s Head for an easier hike with remarkable views. Grab a bottle of wine and watch the sunset at Signal Hill or do something more daring and paraglide off of it. Walk the coastline or pick one of the four beaches of Clifton to work on your tan. You will not go thirsty in Cape Town, they may of had a water shortage, but there is no shortage of wine. Some of the main wine regions to explore are: Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Durbanville or Paarl. If paragliding isn’t thrilling enough for you, then consider cage diving with great white sharks. Rent a car and get out of the bustling city to experience a safari on a reserve. Any foodies out there? I knew I was in for a treat with the food scene here and I still dream about all of the delicious meals I ate.
Activities
Paragliding- We booked through Para-Pax and it was $60 and an extra $20 for the video and photos, definitely worth it. This was a must do on our trip, consider booking this at the beginning of your trip due to weather conditions. The first day we attempted to go we sat around Signal Hill for about an hour and a half because the winds were not cooperating, finally we were told it was unfit to fly. Safety always comes first, so we were completely okay with this. We ended up going two days later and wow, just wow! Other than me trying not to shit myself, it was unbelievable! The views were surreal and I can now say it is one of the “craziest” things I have ever done.
Hike Lion’s Head- It is about a forty minute to an hour hike one way. A couple parts of the hike are a bit more challenging, but for the most part, this hike is not strenuous. Many people suggested doing this hike at sunset, but being two girls we were advised not to hike at night therefore we went around noon. When we got to the top, we soaked in the incredible views- the coast, Signal Hill and Table Mountain were all in sight. We relaxed at the top for a couple hours and treated ourselves to a beer.
Table Mountain- Natural Wonder of the World- initially we wanted to hike up Table Mountain and then take the cable car down. About 15 minutes into our hike we sacked it off and took the cable car up. Wondering immediately if we were making the wrong decision, we ended up being extremely pleased with our decision to take the cable car up. Once we arrived to the top we walked and enjoyed the astonishing views, grabbed ourselves a beer and then got in line to take the cable car back down. We waited for about an hour to take the cable car back down.
Cage Diving- This was high on our list of must do things in Cape Town, due to lack of planning we did not realize that it was a 3 hour drive from Cape Town and consequently we ran out of time. It cost about $175 and is also weather permitting. I attached a link of a company I researched and it should be a good starting point.
Beach Horseback Riding- Another activity we did not get to but check out this website for more information.
Wine Tasting- We booked a wine tour through our hostel, it cost about $60. I loved the wineries the tour took us to, but I was not a fan of how spread out our day was. We spent a lot of time in the car between each winery. A tour is definitely worth it, but maybe choose one region so you get to see more wineries and enjoy your time at them. Constantia- is in Cape Town. Stellenbosch- a wine region, about a 45 minute drive from Cape Town. We went to Mitre’s Edge and Hoopenburg which are both in this region. Franschhoek- a little over an hour from Cape Town- this town is situated in between mountains and vineyards, and you can expect a picture perfect view anywhere you go. In Franschhoek we were able to sip wine at Chamonix and Rickety Bridge Winery. There is also a tram tour which looks absolutely dreamy and perfect way to explore this region.
Safari- Most of the safaris around Cape Town are at game reserves. We booked a room at Aquila Private Game Reserve Safari and Spa, which was a two hour drive from Cape Town. We each paid $175 for an immaculate room, lunch, dinner, breakfast and two game rides. We were greeted with sparkling wine and we were provided lunch before our first game ride. During the first ride we were offered refreshments, water and another glass of sparkling wine. The food was yummy, especially for an all inclusive. The reserve is on a 10,000 hectare conservancy that is home to The Big 5- elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard. We were lucky enough to see 4 of the 5- elephants, lions, buffalos and rhinos along with many other animals: hippos, zebras, giraffes. A major reason we chose Aquila was because, “Aquila’s purpose is to protect and preserve Africa’s increasingly threatened wildlife.”
Hop on Hop off bus- Okay, this is something I rarely do...I love being in a new city and being able to walk around and explore, but Cape Town isn’t the most walkable city. We chose to do the tour our first day to get a taste of Cape Town and see where we were wanting to spend more time during our two weeks here. The tour had numerous stops, we hopped off at Camps Bay for an afternoon cocktail and then again at V & A Waterfront for dinner and drinks.
Consider visiting these places in one day: St. James Beach or Muizenberg, Boulder Beach, Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope and Chapmans Peak.
St. James Beach- This is where you can find the brightly colored shacks along the beach. Many people told us that it’s an amazing place to watch the sunrise. Muizenberg is also nearby and has colorful shacks lining the beach as well, many people go there to learn how to surf.
Boulder Beach- Pay $10 to see penguins waddling on the beach and swimming in the ocean, it is quite possibly the cutest thing ever. There is also a secret beach where the penguins wander freely and you don’t have to pay, but unfortunately we didn’t see any on this beach.
Cape Point- Take the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the upper lighthouse, this will save you time and energy, unless you like walking up endless amounts of stairs. The views of the coast are spectacular at the top. Take time to walk around and explore Cape Point Nature Reserve.
Cape of Good Hope- The most south-western point of Africa, pretty cool. Enjoy the stunning views of the waves crashing into the rocky coast.
Chapmans Peak Drive- Follow this road to see some of the most breathtaking views along the coast. Along the road there are lookout points to pull into and take photos. This road is extremely narrow and shared with bikers and runners, be sure to be alert while also enjoying the marvelous views.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens- Known for being one of the greatest botanical gardens in the world. Although I have nothing to compare it to, I will say it was absolutely gorgeous. The gardens were lush and in bloom, and art sculptures were placed throughout the gardens. Do not skip the tree canopy walkway, the walkway starts on the forest floor and then opens up above the canopy. During summer, set up a picnic and watch a concert.
Bo-Kaap- Historic neighborhood that dates back to the 1760s. The Bo-Kaap Museum is one of the oldest buildings built in the area. The first Mosque in South Africa, Auwal Mosque, is also located in this neighborhood. It is said that these houses were painted bright colors as a celebration for the slaves freedom.
Places to See
Signal Hill- Experience one of the best views of Table Mountain from here. Many locals and tourists grab beers or a bottle(s) of wine to watch the sunset here.
Clifton Beach- The real estate alone is worth checking out. There are four different beaches and each beach offers a different atmosphere-
1st Beach- many locals hangout and the least crowded
2nd Beach- said to be frequented by models, but I am far from a model soooo…
3rd Beach- frequented by the gay community
4th Beach- the most popular beach
V&A waterfront - A harbor with a plethora of stores ranging from retail stores to local designers, and no shortage of food options here. We ended up in a food market and had such a delicious dish while grabbing a local beer.
Camp’s Bay- One of the most beautiful places in Cape Town, according to me. Lie on the white sand beach and admire the view of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles Mountains. After the beach, grab a bite to eat or a cocktail at one of the many restaurants and bars on the strip behind the beach.
Take a walk along the coast- Start in Mouille Point and walk the coast through Sea Point and Clifton to Camps Bay- it was a lovely stroll.
Food/ Drinks
Old Biscuit mill- A farmers market that takes place every Saturday morning, take a lap first to check out all the food options before making a decision. The market has stalls with local shops, live music, restaurants and just overall an awesome vibe.
Asoka: This may have been one of my favorite dinner spots in Cape Town. It serves up Asian fusion tapas and cocktails, need I say more? They have drink specials on Tuesday nights and it is the spot to be!
Tjing TJing: Enjoy cocktails and small bites on this rooftop of a 200 year old house- we did not eat here, but the cocktails were out of this world.
Cod Father: Props to whoever came up with this name. Everyone will tell you that this is the best seafood in the city and they are not wrong. You will not be able to look up the menu online because the staff walks you through the menu and explains the fresh seafood they have to offer. The staff will guide you in the right direction, they explain the taste, texture and how each item is prepared. Make sure to grab some sushi to start with, it is to die for.
Tiger’s Milk: There are various locations around town, think cool hip bar to enjoy cocktails and better than average bar food. My favorite is the one in Camps Bay, go to the second floor and grab a cocktail while looking over the beach.
Bombay Bicycle Club: This is one of the most unique restaurants, it has a quirky bohemian vibe. Not only is the food delicious but the staff is super chill and made us feel so welcomed.
The Bungalow: This was one of the pricier places we went, but will say their food was incredible and our watermelon martini was one in a melon, get it?
Chef’s Warehouse- A tapas style three course meal, each course came with about three dishes. The food was absolutely phenomenal with a wonderful presentation and was only $45 including wine and martinis. Be warned that they don’t take reservations, make sure to go early to snag a table.
Beluga sushi- Delicious fresh sushi but the best part is that it is cheap. When we arrived for dinner we were in for quite the treat, it was still happy hour- we ordered appetizers, two rolls each and martinis for $30.
Chinchilla Camps Bay- Overlooks Camps Bay and was the perfect place to have a fancy cocktail and watch the sunset.
V & A waterfront- Tons of food options, we ended up grabbing a lamb flatbread and oh my nommm.
Mojo Market- Can you all tell I am fan of markets? I love options- they have sushi to Greek to Thai to soups and salads.
The Gin Bar- Craft gin cocktails in a whimsical setting with a quaint courtyard. It is connected to a chocolate shop, dreams do come true.
The Electric- Hipster coffee shop and juice bar, great place for breakfast with vegetarian and vegan options.
Sea Breeze- Perfect place to grab happy hour on an outside terrace- they had $1 oysters and wine specials.
Up Yours at Yours Truly- Always had a crowd no matter what day of the week with an eclectic group of people, from locals to backpackers to hipsters.
La Parada- Cool spot to grab a cocktail with an open air lounge.
Village Idiot- If you don’t want to remember your night then this is your place.
Hanks- Dimly lit whiskey bar with two rooms, one that hosted live music and seating and the other was mainly bar seating.
Arcade- Cannot say this was my type of bar, more of a club atmoshphere.
Beer House- 25 taps and 99 bottles of local and international beers.
The Grand Cafe
Shimmy Beach Club
The Silo Rooftop
Bobo’s Brasserie
Kloof Street House
Villa 47
Col’chacio
Jason’s Bakery
Bootlegger
The Potluck Club
Chapmans Peak Hotel Restaurant
The Hussar grill
Royale Eatery in Cape Town
Safety Tips for Cape Town - Do not pull out cash at night from an ATM, and consider hiding money/ credit cards in different pockets. A money belt is worth having, it fits nicely under your clothes and it won’t be seen. Take Ubers instead of taxis, during the day walking in tourist areas is fine. At night take Ubers everywhere, even if it is only a couple blocks, and wait inside until the Uber has arrived. Beggars will approach you, the best technique is to ignore them and keep walking, they’ll eventually get the hint. Do not walk on the street with your phone in your hand, being American we are very complacent with having our Iphone in our hands at all times. Cape Town has incredible places to hike, but avoid hiking at night. If renting a car, keep windows up at lights, doors locked and valuables out of sight. Cape Town had a water crisis, be considerate and not wasteful- pack dry shampoo to cut down on shower time. I can honestly say Cape Town has easily become one of my favorite places I have ever traveled to. I did not feel unsafe or threatened, but can easily see how at any moment this could have changed after a few drinks and not being aware of my surroundings.
