Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town: The Start of My Africa Adventure
Cape Town was the very first stop on my two-week trip to Africa, and when I say I fell in love with the city within the first day, I truly mean it. We stayed in the Camps Bay area, one of the most popular places to stay in Cape Town, and it was absolutely stunning. While it’s a hotspot for tourists, you’ll also find plenty of locals enjoying the beaches, restaurants, and lively atmosphere.
Where We Stayed: Sea Five Boutique Hotel
We booked our stay at Sea Five Boutique Hotel, and I cannot recommend it enough. The staff went above and beyond to make sure we felt welcome and taken care of, not just at the hotel but during our entire stay in Cape Town. They kept track of our tours, gave us reminders, and always made sure we had everything we needed.
Every morning started with the most delicious breakfast spread: yogurt, granola, fresh fruit, cheese, bread, toast, and a variety of juices. On top of that, you could also order a hot breakfast, which was equally amazing. From our room, we had breathtaking views of the ocean, and let me tell you, sunsets from Sea Five are unforgettable.
We only had two full days in Cape Town before heading off on safari, but after experiencing even just a glimpse of what the city has to offer, I know I need to return for at least a full week. Cape Town is huge, vibrant, and packed with history, culture, and adventure.
Day 1: Exploring the City and Table Mountain
We started our first day with a guided city tour. Our guide drove us through different neighborhoods while sharing insights about life in Cape Town, especially how the city has changed since apartheid and the challenges that still remain.
Later that day, we enjoyed a delicious seafood lunch. Cape Town is known for its fresh seafood, so don’t miss it. We paired it with a glass of South Africa’s famous Chenin Blanc, a crisp white wine I had never tried before but instantly loved.
In the afternoon, we visited Table Mountain, one of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks. You can hike up if you’re feeling adventurous, but we opted for the cable car, which takes less than a minute and offers amazing views on the way up. At the summit, we were greeted with 360-degree views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains.
What makes Table Mountain extra special is its biodiversity. The climate on top is so unique that there are thousands of plant species found nowhere else in the world. Wandering among them felt surreal, knowing this was the only place I’d ever see them.
You can easily spend hours at the top. There are scenic trails to walk, a café where you can grab a drink or snack, and even a gift shop where I picked up a fridge magnet.
Day 2: Penguins, The Cape of Good Hope and More
Our second day was just as incredible. We joined another tour, this time venturing beyond the city to explore the surrounding areas. The highlight was visiting the African penguins at Boulders Beach. Also called “jackass penguins” because of their donkey-like bray, they live right on the beach and were honestly the cutest little creatures I’ve ever seen.
Next, we continued along the Cape Peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope, where we had the unique experience of seeing ostriches walking along the shoreline. It was such a wild and unexpected sight that I’ll never forget.
We ended the day with another seafood dinner (because when in Cape Town, you absolutely must) before soaking up our last moments on the beach. The next morning, we were off to Zimbabwe for safari, but Cape Town had already left a permanent mark on my heart.
Final Thoughts
Cape Town is one of those cities that has it all: natural beauty, vibrant culture, incredible food, and fascinating history. Two days wasn’t nearly enough, and I know I’ll be back. Next time, I’ll stay for at least a week to really dive deeper into everything this magical city has to offer.
