Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, Kaapstad, iKapa — different names, different cultures, different languages, same city. Cape Town is trapped between the mountains and the ocean, and it’s got the best of both worlds. Wake up in the morning and shred waves at Bloubergstrand, and then in the afternoon hit the trails up to Lion’s Head. Cape Town isn’t just filled with Southern California-like fun — immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and culture of the city, and learn about the transformation of a nation in recent years.
Things to Do
Table Mountain is seen in nearly any shot of Cape Town and owes its name to it’s flat-topped summit. A behemoth looming large over the city, it’s accessible through a number of trails ranging in distance and time. If breaking a sweat to the summit isn’t quite your thing, take the cable car up top for $18 USD roundtrip. The plateau is nearly 3 kilometers from side to side. Be warned though, its coastal proximity can result in a wicked and spectacular fog wrapping around the mountain — but more often than not, you’ll be blessed with a spectacular view of the Cape Peninsula.
Lion’s Head, probably a close second in the list of Cape Town's most recognizable landmarks, is another must-do hike. Its triangular top gives it a resemblance to a maned lion and is a splendid spot to catch a sunset. Just a short 30-minute hike from the trailhead, the view from the top is breathtaking and comes with a 360-degree view of the coastline — you’ll be able to spot the 12 Apostles as well as the gorgeous Atlantic suburbs.
Bo-Kaap is known for its eye-catching and brightly colored houses. Pink, mint green, sky blue, you name it — there’s probably a house in that color. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and designated as a “colored” (mixed-race) suburb under Apartheid, Bo-Kaap’s vibrant colors are a testament to the neighborhood’s history. Largely populated by former Malay slaves from Indonesia and Malaysia, the neighborhood was originally painted white by the previous landowners (slaveowners). Upon emancipation, the Malays painted the houses bright colors as an expression of their freedom. The majority of the residents of this enclave are Muslim, and you’ll be sure to spot a few mosques while walking the streets and ancient burial crypts on the side of Signal Hill, where Bo-Kaap is situated.
Stellenbosch, or Africa’s Napa Valley, is a must-visit for wine connoisseurs. The town and surrounding area is home to wineries producing world-renowned wines, and a day spent touring the various wineries of the town will leave you well satisfied. Be sure to visit Lanzerac, Waterford Estate, and Rust en Vrede on your wine tour. Stellenbosch is also South Africa’s second-oldest town and a bastion of Afrikaans heritage — Afrikaners are the descendants of Dutch, German, and French settlers in South Africa. The town displays a towering monument to the Afrikaans language and its roots. Lastly, it’s also a college town, home to Stellenbosch University, one of the continent’s most prestigious educational institutions.
Robben Island is a remnant of South Africa’s troubled and fairly recent history of racial segregation, and it is a short ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront. During the brutal apartheid system, which only ended in 1994, the most high profile political prisoners (notably Nelson Mandela) were imprisoned on the island’s now-defunct prison. Today, the prison is now a museum where visitors can learn about South Africa’s history under apartheid and tour the cell where Mandela was jailed for 18 years. Some of the docents are former inmates. It’s a truly humbling monument to South Africa’s struggle against racial segregation, and you’re guaranteed to walk away more enriched than when you set foot on the island.
Drive around the Cape Peninsula down to Cape Point. If you want, stop for a lunch or beach break at Camps Bay, a posh Cape Town suburb and home to one of the best beaches in town. Be sure to drive through Chapman’s Peak Drive, which provides you with an unparalleled view of the ocean and the towns dotting the peninsula — some of the most expensive property in Africa. Eventually, work your way down to the Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, home to one of the last surviving colonies of African penguins. Lastly, visit the Cape of Good Hope, with its scenic lighthouse guiding centuries of sea captains around the treacherous waters of the Cape.
Further Exploration
Cape Town is an excellent gateway to a South African vacation. Explore the Western Cape Province with a road trip down the Garden Route, taking you through towns such as Hermanus (known for Great White shark sightings), Knysna, and other fantastic coastal hamlets. Or hop on a quick flight to Port Elizabeth in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, another world-renowned coastal city and a gateway to nearby Addo Elephant National Park. Head deeper inland to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, or take a safari in the Kruger. The options are endless — but Cape Town is a great start.
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