In 2014 we had the possibility to visit Cape Town, the capital of South Africa.
It has a pleasant Mediterranean climate with beautiful landscapes, an interesting history, excellent restaurants, and good accommodations. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and pleasant cities in the world. Many have already fallen in love with this beautiful area, but we did not have thought that it would happen to us as well. There is so much to see and experience in this country that one visit is not enough. So no wonder we returned a year later to explore more of its beauty.
Kirstenbosch
Kirstenbosch has one of the most famous and most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. The 5.3 square kilometer park is home to 9,000 of South Africa’s 22,000 native plants. The beautiful design of the gardens and the location on the eastern flank of Table Mountain overgrown with fine woods leave an impression that you will not soon forget.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain, the northern flank of the ridge that shapes the Cape Peninsula, dominates Cape Town’s cityscape. The mountain is 1086 m high and was created 70 million years ago and was given its characteristic flat shape by the erosion of the softer top layers. Once on top of the mountain plateau, you have a phenomenal view. You can visit Table Mountain by cable car, which has rotating booths. The ride up takes about 3-4 minutes. That time we used the cable car, but next time I would definitely take one of the trekking paths.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The original harbor of Cape Town was completely restored in the nineties of the last century and revived. Although the harbor is still used by yachts, sailing ships, small fishing boats, and the ferry to Robben Island, the area has since grown into Cape Town’s main entertainment district. The Victoria & Albert Waterfront, or “The Waterfront” is a mecca for shoppers. Here you will find boutiques of major fashion brands, as well as gift shops, jewelers, cosmetics and health shops, delicatessens, department stores, and supermarkets. I will never forget the sushi we had at the mall. It was our first time trying sushi and we have fallen in love with it for our whole life.
Muizenberg Beach
The beach houses are very photogenic, but it is not really a calm beach for swimming. We have jumped into the water to cool down and had a cappuccino in one of the cafes but then we were on the road again.
Rhodes Memorial
You don’t have to agree with Rhodes’ actions to enjoy the beautiful view. On a good day, the views over the peninsula are stunning, and then follow it up with some delicious meals at the restaurant behind the monument.
Townships
We went to visit one of the townships in Cape Town. The tour was quite insightful and interesting. The other, unfortunate side of glamorous town. Despite the harsh living conditions, it was wonderful to see the many happy children playing together. They are full of hope and I hope their wishes will all come true.
Chapman’s Peak Drive
This scenic drive along the west side of the Cape Peninsula is only 15 miles south of Cape Town’s city center. It’s a regular part of a peninsula tour – on the way to or from Cape Point. Escape the hustle and bustle of Cape Town at Chapman’s Peak Drive. Although the road is winding, you will be impressed by the beautiful nature and spectacular views along the way. The route to Cape Point via Chapman’s Peak Drive is well worth a visit, as is a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach (in Simon’s town).
Tulbagh
About 160 km north of Cape Town is the small remote town of Tulbagh. The town was founded in 1700 by governor Willem Adriaan Van der Stel, who wanted to establish a new settlement in the valley of the Breede River. He named the town after his predecessor. Parts of the town look like an 18th-century town. Church Street in particular is picturesque. The old church forms the heart of the Oude Kerk Volksmuseum, which dates from 1743.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is (after Cape Town) the oldest “settlement” in South Africa. In 1679, governor Simon van der Stel founded a settlement here on the Eerste River, where young civilian families (Boeren) were allocated a piece of land to build a new life. Stellenbosch has been the main center of South African wine production for over 300 years. It is surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. The area is known for its red wine, such as Pinotage, Merlot, and Shiraz.
In 1886 the first University was founded in Stellenbosch with Afrikaans as the language of instruction. Over time, the University has developed into one of the most important knowledge institutions in South Africa, which has also been reflected in the field. Many high-tech companies are located in Cape Winelands. Stellenbosch is one of the most pleasant towns in South Africa, with many historic buildings and a rich tradition that culminates in numerous festivals. The town is beautifully situated in the middle of rolling hills covered with grapevines. But Stellenbosch is also a lively student town, with many cozy cafes, terraces, restaurants, and nightlife. Wherever you walk, you will see beautiful historic buildings and oak-lined avenues almost everywhere.
Braai
A braai is a typical South African social occasion that takes place around the barbecue of the same name and which originates from the Afrikaner culture but nowadays takes place all over southern Africa. South African dishes such as boerewors, sosatie, and mielies are grilled on the braai. Meat such as steak, chicken, pork chops, mutton, and lamb chops are also barbecued. If you have the opportunity to take place at a braai don’t miss it!
