Victoria recently spent two weeks in South Africa, her first stop was in the gorgeous Western Cape, which was then followed by a visit to Cape Town, just a 2 hour drive.
In her own words …
Our next few days were spent exploring Cape Town and the Cape Point peninsula. Arriving into Cape Town on a warm, breezy summer’s day was magical – the mood around town was so cheerful with the holidays approaching.
Known as the Mother City, and Africa’s southernmost city, its location was key to the early trading routes between Europe and the Far East, and by the late 1600s it was being used as a refreshment station by mainly Portuguese, Dutch and English sailors, where they traded tobacco and minerals for provisions, before the Dutch and then British eventually created permanent settlements. The confluence of cultures over the centuries has created the amazing Rainbow Nation that is South Africa, and it reflected in the foodie culture in the city! The topography of the landscape is incredible, with Table Mountain the focus from all parts of the city, just one of the reasons it has been at the top of many of the World’s Most Beautiful City lists.
We always recommend at least 3 nights to clients, though time permitting, suggest four or five nights. That really allows clients to immerse in the city, the Cape Point peninsula, the Cape Winelands.
For our time in Cape Town, we focused on Table Mountain, taking the short cable car to the top (it rotates 360 degrees during the ascent and descent), and hiking along some of the trails on the table top. Our wonderful guide shared so much knowledge about both the history of the city, as well as the Cape Floral Kingdom and topography of this iconic mountain. We enjoyed exploring the Waterfront, its shops, bars and restaurants – though did not have time to enjoy an excursion to Robben Island (definitely worth a visit but allow a half day) this time around. Guests visiting at the weekend should leave time to visit the Neighbourgoods Market and art lovers should not miss the gorgeous Zeitz MoCAA museum and its stunning building. We also had the opportunity to enjoy a gorgeous high tea at the classic Mount Nelson hotel!
Our final full day in the Cape was spent exploring the Cape Point peninsula and its gorgeous landscapes. After passing through the oldest wine region of South Africa, Constantia (we’ll be back next time) and grabbing a coffee at the local hotspot, we continued into the Cape Point Nature Reserve and started right at the point, climbing up to the lighthouse for stunning views – we spotted dassies (rock hyrax ), eland, ostrich and baboon on our journey. From the point you can drive or hike across to the Cape of Good Hope, the southeastern point of the African Continent and another great photo op. After our picnic lunch at a quiet spot away from the crowds, it was time to visit the famed penguins at Boulders beach. It was definitely busier that our previous penguin encounter at Stony Point, but we still delighted in their cuteness, not to mention the gorgeous blue waters of False Bay.
Our journey ended as we traveled back to Cape Town via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most gorgeous roads. In addition to the Constantia wine region, guests can also have the opportunity to visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – it is just stunning, with highlights in every season.
Where Victoria Stayed and Visited
Our home for our time in Cape Town was the Cape Cadogan – this wonderful boutique hotel is located in the Gardens neighbourhood, home to a wonderful variety of shops and restaurants, and a short hop to all the key locations in the city. The rooms are vibrant and classic with pops of gorgeous green and classic black and white tiles in the bathrooms, with a wonderful common area for guests to mix and mingle during their daily afternoon tea (don’t miss those macarons).
Mount Nelson, the “pink lady”, one of Cape Town’s most iconic hotels. Set in leafy gardens, with two pools and hidden charms, if offers an array of accommodation options amongst its 198 rooms, including their Signature Suites on a row of terrace Victorian house, to their newly Thebe Magugu suite. Choose from multiple distinct dining options, including the Terrace where we enjoyed afternoon tea, at this oasis in the heart of the city.
Two charming guesthouses, Four Rosmead and One Kensington, designed to feel like a home away from home, with excellent service, and a superb location on a quiet street in Gardens. They are perfect for guests wanting a quiet home away from home feeling, with excellent service, after busy days touring.
V&A Hotel on the Waterfront, is a classic city hotel with a perfect location for guests wishing to be right in the center of things. The rooms are comfortable and spacious – with double glazed windows to ensure peace and quiet on busy evenings.
The Silo, a stunning luxury property atop the Zeitz MoCCA, the rooms have stunning décor and large paned windows overlooking the water or the mountain. We enjoyed delightful cocktails at their rooftop bar!
For guests looking to be away from the city, Tintswalo Boulders offers a delightful retreat. Located above the famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach, it is a beautiful boutique property in Simon’s Town, and popular with our repeat visitors and guests looking for a quieter experience.
Read More: Victoria’s Visit to the Western Cape l Only in Cape Town l Vanessa’s Whirlwind through Cape Winelands
