We absolutely loved our week in Cape Town. I would definitely go back to visit again one day and see and do even more. We had fabulous weather (bar one day) and there is so much to see and do within easy driving distance. There is something for everyone – history, scenery, wine regions, wildlife and beaches.
We stayed at the fabulous beachside suburb of Camps Bay up a very steep hill in a beautiful private home. Camps Bay is a few kms out of the city and quite easy to get to. We also hired a car which we found really easy as they drive on the same side of the road as us! Great bonus as not many countries do. It was really good accommodation but it was impressed upon us how it important it was to lock up securely and set the alarm properly when we leave the house. Just in case you forgot you were in South Africa! Although we had no problem ourselves in any of South Africa, some do. So you have to just be sensible and careful. Don’t let it put you off though as it is a fabulous country!
Table Mountain
We got a terrific day for our trip up to Table Mountain. If you are in Cape Town for long enough to choose which day you go up, make sure you go on a nice sunny day as the views are truly spectacular all around. Or go at sunset, not something we did but it would be spectacular! You can take a cable car up the mountain (save time and buy your tickets online) and once you are up on the mountain there are some great walking tracks, and so make sure you wear good walking shoes. Saw some people abseiling too! There are also some cafes and shops at the top. Unexpectedly, there was some wildlife up there too – a very cute looking dassie (other names are rock hyrax, cape hyrax and others). A dassie is a small to medium sized mammal.
Cape of Good Hope and Boulder Bay penguin colony
You’ll no doubt want to go to the Cape of Good Hope which is fabulous: Great views of course and some good walks. It’s actually not quite the most southern tip of Africa but pretty close. The meeting point between the two oceans actually fluctuates between Cape Point (Cape of Good Hope) and Cape Agulhas (150 kms away). There are some nice little towns along the way if you have time to do the drive along the ocean to get to Cape Agulhas.
As good as visiting the Cape was, the highlight of the day was actually visiting the very frisky little penguins at the Boulder Bay penguin colony. There are just penguins everywhere – alongside the pathway (people have to keep on the pathway) and all over the beach. Some are just sitting there, lots are coming back and forth from the water and some just seem to be having fun frolicking in the water. So glad we stopped in here on the way to the Cape! You could really just stop there for ages watching them.
Robben Island
Another day we spent exploring the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Robben Island. The V&A Waterfront has a great atmosphere and lots of places to eat, drink and shop. A very picturesque area. Robben Island, of course, is famous for previously holding political prisoners, notably Nelson Mandela. I actually wasn’t really looking forward to the Robben Island tour as I thought it would be a bit depressing but John wanted to go. But i turned out to be really worthwhile and I’m glad we went.
The boat trip out gives you some unbeatable views of the Cape Town for starters, and the tour of the actual prison was so informative. Although there were some sober moments it was mostly just really interesting. Our guide was a former prisoner so he knew what he was talking about! You also get a tour around the island itself which is bigger than expected with various points of interest along the way.
Booking.comKirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
If you are needing something to soothe your soul after Robben Island, you couldn’t go past the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Apparently it is known as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. The setting itself is hard to beat! Situated on the other side of Table Mountain, it has walking trails, a tree canopy walk and beautiful views. Very pretty place!
Cape Town Wine Regions
And you can’t come to Cape Town without visiting some of the nearby wine regions. We visited Stellenbosch wine area with a tour and on another day drove ourselves to the Constantia Wine Route. Wine in South Africa is very good and quite cheap (due to the cheap labour I imagine).
Constantia is very close to the city and is the oldest wine region in South Africa – established in the late 1600’s! It’s a very small area and so is great for a day tour. Quite a few of the wineries are Cape Dutch style estates. Our favourite winery and restaurant was at the Steenberg Estate winery and Bistro Sixteen82. In fact this was my favourite meal of our whole time in South Africa!
Stellenbosch is a much bigger winery area and is surrounded by spectacular mountains. The town is very picturesque with tree lined streets and many inviting cafes, bars, galleries and shops. Apart from being a winery town it is also a university town and so also has a young vibe to it. Another place I could spend a few days in. Lots of the Cape Dutch architecture style in this area too. We took a small bus tour this time rather than driving ourselves around, so we can have more than a couple of drinks. Also good to meet other people. My favourite winery of the day would be the Grande Provence Estate.
So lots to occupy you over a week in Cape Town and obviously we didn’t get to everything. It has a pretty good climate too. We went in September and had only one bad day which was not a day to go out in at all. And that was fine because we had a week there and it gave us a relaxing day in the middle.
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I hope you’ve enjoyed this Travel Inspiration from an Empty Nester.
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