A gorgeous city that is crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. This harmonious metropolis is a sea of colours, cultures and cuisines. With a constant flow or tourists both local and international you are bound to make friends from another continent.
You can still have a glam trip on a shoestring budget and experience the vibe of this magical city.
How to get there
FlySaFair is a leading specialist aircraft company that has been flying for more than 50 years . The low cost air line has won various awards including being named the most punctual airline in the world FlySafair is also considered as SA’s ‘oldes’t’ newest airline owing to the fact that it was founded by Safair. For simplicity, price, efficiency and multiple flights during the day to and from Cape Town you cant go wrong booking a flight on this brightly coloured airline. I liked their easy booking system and payment method, I chose to pay at Pick n Pay stores and it worked like a dream.
Where to stay
Blue Waters Backpackers is a spacious backpackers located in GreenPoint at the foot of Signal hill. With a 15 minute walk to the V&A Waterfront . This casual hostel with a 24 hour front desk is a pick-up point on the Bas Bus backpacker service. I used the private room located opposite the pool. With its single bed, cupboard and own bathroom it was perfect for a single traveler. The Victorian style house is thought to have been built in 1885 with some link to the harbour, possibly even a station masters house. There is unlimited WIFI, breakfast served daily and a paying bar on the premises. A short walk brings to a selection of restaurants, coffee shops and Woolworths food store. If you enjoy meeting new people from all around the world then book into one of the dorms with the authentic wooden floors and wooden staircase.
What to do
This rich melting pot with its abundant out door space leaves one spoilt for choice. I recommend starting off with the Hop on Hop Off City Sightseeing bus. Its a fun way to see the city and with different tour options it it probably even advisable to book a 2 day pass. The bus winds up the side of Table mountain where you get sweeping views of the city, if you choose to buy a ticket and ascend the mountain in a slowly rotating cable car to the flat top it will be worth the time spent. With views as far as the eye can see and dassies running amongst the rocks this is a true bucket list moment.
A next stop that is worth getting off the bus for is the brightly coloured homes in the Bo Kaap, Wonder the streets and speak to the locals, you will come across some real characters. Rosies corner Cafe is a well known spot.
Dont feel guilty if you are drawn to the magnetic field of the endless stretches of beautiful sandy beaches, with glistening waters and a constant stream of locals selling their wears its probably advisable to put on head sets and dark glasses if you want to be left alone.
My special find was the Grand Africa Cafe and Beach nestled poignantly on the sea – front shoreline and flaunting her majestic views of the mighty Atlantic and Robbin Island. The perfect night spot to watch the sunset with a drink in hand or enjoy beach – chic dinning.
Walk around the V & A Waterfront visited by locals and tourists. Buskers perform daily in various locations making every corner you come around an undiscovered gem , eat some artisanal street food at the food market and make sure you go and see the Silo district.
While in the Mother City ensure you walk along the famous Long Street, flanked with clubs, bars, restaurants and the 100 year old Turkish steam baths at the end of the street.
Stroll through the Company’s Gardens and feed nuts to the delightful squirrels that scurry around your feet
Signal Hill at sunset is a breath taking experience, take along a picnic blanket and a good bottle of wine while you watch the sun set over the ocean. There is no better spot in the city for sundowners.
Walk along the Sea Point promenade, on the Atlantic seaboard. Early evening will see an array of people from runners, to kids playing in the park, moms pushing strollers and fitness fundies doing work outs
Visit St Georges Cathedral, the oldest Cathedral in Southern Africa and one of the many buildings designed by Sir Herbert Baker.
How to get around
A good pair of walking shoes is all that you need. My daily walk to and from the Waterfront was exactly what a Joburger wants, some good sea air and beautiful sights all around.
The Red City bus covered the transport for the day that I chose to do that, so needed nothing else.
My final mode of transport was Uber, I used it to and from the airport at an extremely good rate and had a colourful selection of drivers from all over Africa who were happy to chat and share their stories. local trips within the city centre costs me under R30 most times.
Where to eat
Best ice cream – Gelato Mania in Green Point. They offer the most flavours in one gelateria in South Africa. The pancakes and waffles are another option although personally I never got past the yummy cones.
Hard Rock Cafe – on The Promenade in the affluent suburb of Camps Bay its the perfect spot for people watching while over looking the Atlantic Ocean. Sitting in a window seat upstairs sipping on a cocktail I couldn’t decide if I enjoyed looking at the people on the beach more or all the exotic cars that crawl down the road with their music pumping at over amplified levels.
Madam Taitou – With its spectacular decor, this little gem had me so captivated that I struggled to pull myself away. Specialising in Ethiopian cuisine and with a tree house type seating arrangement, the jungle scenery with nature sounds play softly in the back ground, this family owned restaurant should not be over looked. With reasonable menu prices you have to not only take a peak inside but sit down and enjoy a traditional dish or drink some of the finest coffee that is brewed and served in the traditional jebena coffee pot.
Perfect Photo moments
Giant Yellow frames, thought of by South African designer Porky Hefer there are 7 of them around the city that look at Table mountain from every angle. They are the Silo district , District Six, Cape Town Station, Khayelitsha Lookout hill , Blouberg – Eden on the Bay, Signal Hill ,and the V & A Waterfront. So head out and take your selfies at these free photo locations.
Sunset on Signal hill is magical.You can hike the summit or drive up and park in the parking spots at the top, free of charge. lay out your picnic blanket and watch the sunset over the ocean and the city lights twinkling in the distance.
Chairs at Camps Bay make for a peaceful photo, but be quick, The rental guy will make his way over and want to charge an exorbitant price to hire out the two chairs and umbrella. With their backs facing the ocean, the blue waters and sandy beach the photos give the impression of you being the only people in this beautiful slice of heaven.
8 life sized Rhinos are scattered around the V & A Waterfront and Cape Town International Airport. The purpose is to raise awareness for the plight of South Africa’s endangered rhinos. Photograph yourself with as many of them as possible and hashtag you and the rhinos to help draw attention to these magnificent animals. You will have fun looking for all them.
What did my trip cost
Air ticket return to Johannesburg R1873
Big Blue Backpackers for two nights accommodation R900
City Bus ticket R220
Uber trips which included 3 long trips to and from airports in total R936
Food R250
Grand Total of R4179.00
Little black book
https://www.flysafair.co.za
www.hardrock.com/cafes/cape-town/
www.gelatomania.co.za
Madam Taitou – 78 Long Street Cape Town (021 ) 426 – 6969
www.therhinosarecoming.org
www.citysightseeing.co.za
Leaving the delights of one of the most beautiful cities on earth is not easy, you will be forgiven for not wanting to go as you are drawn into the quintessential charm of this city. But don’t worry if you only touch on it there is plenty more for future trips. So before you leave start planning your next one.
