We are back from 5 days holiday in Cape Town. A City I never knew I would travel until I saw an Instagram photo from my favorite blogger standing next to a Penguin. Yes! A Penguin! How adorable… And although, I've always wanted to visit Africa, there are numerous bad notions about this County that stop me from going. You see, I’m willing to bet that your view of South Africa is entirely different from reality, and if you travel here and find that I’m the one who is at fault I’ll personally cook up a braai in your backyard.
Cape Town is beautiful - a perfect introduction to South Africa, the city has almost everything to offer at the best price tag- beaches, food, mountains, wildlife, culture, wine, and adventure sports. After more than 50 Cities visited out of 20 Countries, this City top it all to date.
We did so much - mostly eating, the rest is admiring every corner of this City. Below is a list of our exciting 5 days itinerary in cape Town to hopefully inspire you to visit this amazing City.
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GETTING AROUND
Outside the Airport, across the street you can find a lot of big Rental Car companies. We were hesitant to rent a car because it is right-hand drive in Cape Town so we were not able to book a car online. If you think you can handle right-hand drive - we were able, so there's no reason you can't!, rent a car in Cape Town and book it online you not only save time, it's also cheaper. (Toyota Sedan cost 620 QAR for 5 days with full insurance)
Day 1- Welcome to the Mother City
We arrived Cape Town at around 11:30 am, and went directly to check any wifi rental shop and tourist information counter.
Time Check, It's now 3:00 in the afternoon and we just arrived at Signal Hill Lodge our home for the next 5 days (Cost -4,800 Rand (1,400 QR).
Signal Hill Lodge Room for 4 nights
We didn’t linger in the room for long though. We were starving so we drove for 6 minutes to V & A Waterfront and ate at Gibson Restaurant were I ordered a chicken liver and a giant ice cream shake to share with Mister Travellaine while he enjoy his pork ribs. All this in our table plus a scenic view for a total cost of 425 Rand (123 QAR).
After an afternoon meal- slash - dinner and a bit of wandering around the V&A Waterfront. We thought it's too early to end our day so we went to see the colorful houses of Bo-kaap, which we reached in less than 12 minutes drive from the waterfront.
Day 2 - Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Boulders Beach, Muizenberg
Our first full day in Cape Town was spent going to the spots I was so excited about in going to Cape Town, and we didn't waste a single time, we took a breakfast at the hotel.
Nothing special about the food but with a view like this any meal can be special.
Kirstenbosch Garden nestled behind the Table Mountain on the outskirts of Cape Town and took us 26 minutes drive from the hotel. The gardens are arranged by themes such as Protea Garden, Medicinal, Scent and our ultimate favorite, the Tree Canopy walkway which takes you up off the ground into the tree tops and provides beautiful views of Table Mountain and the surrounding area. It was a lovely sunny morning, and we spent a half day wandering around.
The Tree Canopy Walkway
After 41 minutes drive from the Botanical Garden, we arrived at Boulders Beach, also part of the Table Mountain National Park.
Have you ever felt goosebumps when arriving at a beautiful place? You will probably feel this here. I doubt you'll ever get the chance to see penguins this close and personal.
When we reached the Boulders Beach to have a close encounter with the penguins, we walked on along the boardwalk and were blown away at seeing the beach with penguins swimming and walking along the sand.
You can pay extra and swim with the penguins or just watch them lazing out.
Boulders Beach Entrance
Boulders Beach close encounter with the Penguins
Heading back to Cape Town City, we took a stroll around the street wondering around Simon's Town, attacking each shop that runs over us.
Simons Town
We still have time, so we went to see the Muizenberg Beach, which is well known for its wind and scenic beach. Many people enjoy strolling by the beach, some surfing, others just having lunch at seaside restaurants! It was a bit chilly when we got there, but people still swim. I loved the colorful beach huts; I think they are strategically placed there so it can't be missed. And yes!, I did bring an extra outfit, just in case we decide to go to a beach.
We stopped in Kalk Bay and dined at Harbour House for dinner. The sea lions on the rocks next to the windows made it difficult to concentrate on the delicious food. The view, the food, and the service made this a place which will remind us of Cape Town in a most amazing way.
Day 3 - lazing out- The Green Market Square, Old Biscuit Mill.
The weather didn't cooperate - it's a bit windy, my scheduled skydive for this day was canceled, so we didn't plan anywhere. Our experience started by dining at one of the highly rated Cafes in Cape Town. We didn't have a reservation, but luckily we were early enough to get a table. We just love the garden setting sitting outside around sunset.
Cafe Paradiso
Every time I visit a new place, I am always overly excited to check the Market - any kinds! And I know I have to check out the Green Market - a small market in Cape Town with lots to see and happy people selling their wares - most of the produce made by themselves. If you want to buy touristy stuff, and if you've never seen an African market, this is a great place to see.You cannot visit Cape Town and not visit one of its oldest markets,
Green Market
Our window shopping didn't stop at the Greenmarket square, we then ended our walk by walking down Long Street and back to the car. Apparently, it's a great street for a night out – but we never made it out there during the evening, but it was a lovely walk during the day. The street is full of unique and kinky boutiques, of delicious looking restaurants and little bookshops. The street is also famous for its Victorian and Cape Dutch architecture.
We were already hungry at this point, so we decided our next stop is the Old Biscuit Mill. This place was highly recommended by the ground staff that assists us during our flight to visit on Saturday, but we won't spend any Saturday in Cape Town, so we decided to include it for today since we don't have any plans. When we reached the place, it was almost empty, so we just had a quick look around and agreed to eat at the V&A Waterfront where we can better enjoy the atmosphere. If you are not visiting on Saturday, I don't suggest going out of your way to see it on week days.
Old Biscuit Mill
It was too late before we realized we had not taken a photo of our meal. But trust me when I say every meal we had in Cape Town was like dining in an expensive restaurant in Doha only it is not expensive.
Day 4 - Skydive, Table Mountain
These two were probably my favorite Cape Town attractions this entire trip.
We started our day by having a substantial meal at Lola then move on to Mother City Skydive which was about 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from the restaurant, assuming we didn't get lost- I swear we didn't.
Lola Restaurant
The weather was cooperative so at last, I finally jumped out of the plane. Although I have always been afraid of heights, jumping out of a plane is something I have always wanted to do, I just can't gather all my strengths to do it, and I finally did it today. Thumbs up for me on that! I just wish I can explain the feeling I had up there.
This whole experience is probably going to be near the top of all the many things I've done worldwide.
In the afternoon as soon as I've rested my still floating spirit and physical being from jumping out of the plane, we make sure we get to see the Table Mountain by sunset. We could not be in Cape Town and not been to Table Mountain. It's like being in Paris but not been to Eiffel tower.
From up there, apart from the crazy views of the mountains and the sea in the background, two other lagoons are visible: Rasa and Santiago in a complete 360-degree nature experience. The view is wide open to the entire volcanic crater of Sete Cidades, formed 22,000 years ago.In a bright sunny day, this holds the title as the most incredible view I’ve seen. Ever!
What better way to end a great day than with a delicious meal at Kloof Street House. The place was quite busy, and we didn't have any reservation, but I managed to use my charm 🙂 Yipee!.
Mr. Travellaine enjoyed his fillet steak, and my Garlic Buttered Shrimp with Ceasar salad was scrumptious.
Day 5 - The Book Lounge, Airport- Departure
We are flying back to Doha today, and we had to be at the airport by 11 in the morning. We had an early morning breakfast at the hotel before we check out and then dropped by the Book Lounge to buy some good reads. It has been a habit for us to bring new books from our travel since there is no good Bookstore from where we live.
The Book Lounge
We enjoyed our time in Cape Town. Exploring Cape Town takes time, life seems to move a little slower in the Cape. The locals enjoy their city’s very laid-back attitude, and you’ll want to do the same.
I hope my itinerary inspires you to visit Cape Town and helps some of you visiting cape Town for the first time! This is easily one of the best cities in the world. ENJOY
The photos are as colorful as your travel story. Very happy for you. Enjoying your blog… keep it up!
Thanks Zeke for inspiring.