Beautiful South Africa - A Cape Town Travel Guide & Safari Experience
When Adam and I were first getting to know each other, travel was often a topic of conversation; over the years, we compiled a list of destinations we would love to explore together.
Which, as it turns out is a pretty big list and quite literally covers the whole world, but we have to be 'realistic' right? So we ranked those countries in order of where we wanted to go most and locked up in my notes app is our 'Travel List'.
The Top Ten destinations include; Japan, a Rocky Mountains Road Trip, New York, Iceland and Egypt. So far we're ticked off Amalfi Coast, Australia/NZ and we just ticked off South Africa.
It worked out for us to travel over the new year (and it was cheaper) so we packed up our bags and headed to the airport on boxing day 2023.
Day 1 & 2: Dublin - Doha - Cape Town
+ The first couple of days will consist of 17 and a half hours on a plane, so the sight of your airport transfer will be very welcome. Check into your hotel - we stayed at the beautiful and friendly Old Bank Hotel in Cape Town.
+ Wander through the city centre making your way to the colourful Bo Kaap before heading along the canals towards the V&A Waterfront. You will likely be greeted by the talented iThemba Youth Choir and, at Christmas time, a festive tree. Enjoy taking in the vibe and moseying around the V&A Watershed markets. Grab dinner at one of the many restaurants and head back to your hotel before a busy day tomorrow.
Day 3: The most beautiful Road Trip
+ Pick up hire car at Cape Town International Airport. First Stop head to Muizenburg Beach for beach walks, rock pool, scenery and colourful beach huts
+ Up next stop at Kalk Bay to explore shops, cafes, restaurants, harbour, seals and sea lions
+ Next stop Simon’s Town for some time with the penguins at Boulders Beach and Foxy Beach
+ Now on to Cape of Good Hope - this is the most south western point of Africa. Walk Cape Point and spot some baboons & ostriches. Enjoy a ride on the funicular up to Cape Point Lighthouse for some stunning views.
+ Make your way back along the beautiful Chapmans Peak Drive for the most scenic drive ever (with plenty of photo stops!)
+ Finally, stop at Camps Bay for some food and catch the sunset over the 12 apostles of Table Mountain.
    |
|
Day 4: Red Bus Tour
+ Not sure why but when you're trying to be a 'traveller' and not a tourist you often tend to avoid the big red bus, however, after a lot of research it became apparent that this was the best and most effective way to explore Cape Town.
+ Hop on at the V&A Waterfront; buy your tickets in advance with Get Your Guide or City Sightseeing to avoid the queue's and head for Hout Bay. This stunning beach and little fishing town is worth the visit, and if you're a fan of seals you can boat trip out to Seal Island.
+ Stop at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for some walking and gorgeous scenery, and then make your way to Table Mountain Cableway. There are a number of ways to do Table Mountain, you can get the ticket as part of the City Sightseeing bus tour with return access to the cableway, or you can get it separate or, if you are the adventurous type, you can hike up Table Mountain!
+ Table Mountain; the view from the top is 100% worth the long queue we waited in. This cut down what else we planned to do that day, so bear that in mind. We waited around 1 and a half hours, stayed at the top for about 2 hours and then joined another (slightly faster) queue to head back down (though we were in peak season and in the afternoon!).
Day 5: Markets & Beaches
+ The gorgeous Oranjezicht Market, Camp's Bay, Clifton Beach, Saunders Rock Pool & Mojo Market. Join the locals who walk/cycle/run/rollerblade along Seapoint Promenade.
+ Try Moro Gelato and Naked Coffee. Enjoy a lovely dinner in Silo Restaurant and then watch the sun go down on Signal Hill.
Day 6: Hike & Sunset Boat Trip
+ Hike Lion's Head for views of the city and Table Mountain, and enjoy a sunset boat trip along the waterfront.
+ For us it was New Year's eve, so after fueling up and wandering around the many shops in Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, we welcomed in the New Year by watching the fireworks at the V&A Waterfront.
|
  |
|
|
Day 7, 8, 9: South African Safari
+ Fly from Cape Town to Hoedspruit and enjoy a 3 day stay in one the many safari lodges available for all budgets and needs.
+ Catch the Big Five of South Africa and many more animals with the help of knowledgeable guides and friendly staff. Have the most relaxing time soaking in the simple life, with nothing else to do but get up, look cute and watch some animals in the wild.
+ We chose to stay at Simbavati River Lodge on the banks of Kruger National Park’s Nhlaralumi River in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, where we had multiple visits from the elephants.
|
|
|
  |
|
|
Day 10: Johannesburg - Doha - Dublin
+ Time to head home from a successful trip in South Africa. As usual there is not enough time to explore everywhere and see everything. The highlights were the STUNNING scenery of Cape Town and the Safari!
If you're planning a trip to Cape Town you will likely have a fantastic time.
Like most countries there are some elements of safety to be aware of; try to avoid walking alone at night, we took Uber practically everywhere and for us that worked out well and we felt safe. One driver had to drop us off a wee bit of a walk away because the road was closed and he told us to 'keep phones in pockets'. As with anywhere keep your wits about you, even in touristy areas.
Cape Town is beautiful, if you're considering it, go for it! It's been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember and I am so glad we did this trip!
Debbie x
Comments
Post a Comment