Cape Town - Mother City and our starting point to South Africa

Cape Town – Dreams of Africa Begin

Africa doesn't just call to you — it pulls. And once you answer, nothing else quite compares.

I dreamed of Africa for years...

We worked with our incredible travel agent Rachel from Africa and You, who built a custom itinerary just for us — then watched Covid close every border before we could use it. With our deposit down and our bags mentally packed, we waited three years. When the day finally came, we didn't walk to that gate — we floated.

We started this adventure as a group of four, but with three years of change (especially with our sons), it became a trip for two. We flew direct from New York to Cape Town—and I’m happy to report, I actually slept like a baby!

Where We Stayed & Ate

We checked into More Quarters, a stylish boutique accommodation with fantastic staff and a great location. Just a couple of blocks away was Black Sheep, one of the restaurants on my must-try list. It did not disappoint—excellent food, unique sharing plates, and a casual, lively vibe.

Lion’s Head & Table Mountain

Our first big adventure was the trek up Lion’s Head. Originally, we planned to hike at sunset, but our tour organizer wisely suggested a morning climb for safety reasons. Crime had been on the rise post-Covid, and desperate times can create desperate people.

The path up is gently at first wrapping around and the more a corkscrew up at top

We set out at 9 AM—and I’m so glad we did! The weather was perfect, the crowds were minimal (thank you, shoulder season!), and the view was simply spectacular.

Next stop: Table Mountain. Now, you can hike up, but why would you when the cable car is this good? The tram does two full rotations as it climbs, which means every window is the best seat in the house. Once at the top, allow at least an hour to explore the viewpoints and trails.

View from Lion Head Mountain towards Cape Town port

Pro tip: only go when the weather is clear—social media updates are your best bet for conditions. And dress smart: layers, good shoes, and a water bottle. If the weather turns, the tram can close, forcing a walk down the mountain.

Bo-Kaap – The Malay Quarter

Bo-Kaap was one of the places I most wanted to see, but it was also the first area where I felt uneasy about safety. Once known as the Malay Quarter, it’s now a famous Instagram stop thanks to its rainbow-colored houses.

Fact I learned: these homes were originally required to be painted white when leased. Once slaves were allowed to buy property, they painted them in bright colors to celebrate their freedom. A powerful, beautiful symbol.

Sadly, the area has changed, with tent cities and aggressive street activity. We only stayed briefly, ducking into a couple of artist shops. I regret not purchasing some of the recycled wall art I admire.

Thankfully, our guide kept us safe. Street smarts go a long way in Cape Town.

A Taste of Cape Town

To lift our spirits, we headed downtown for lunch and coffee. And not just any coffee—Truth Coffee, often ranked among the best coffee shops in the world.

Some of the other food location you could consider: The Electric (District 6) — a hip café with industrial loft vibes. Good choice for breakfast / lunch near Truth.

Swan Café — a French-style crêperie, charming décor and good for something lighter or lunch.

Belly of the Beast — small, creative, “fun fine dining” option on Harrington Street. Booking in advance is smart.

New York Bagels — an institution; family run, best bagels and cheesecake.

The Art of Duplicity — a speakeasy style spot (light eats) in the Buitenkant area (you’ll need to pre-book).

Harringtons — cocktail bar + food upstairs on Harrington Street. Good for an evening out.

If only we had more time - loved the food vibe here.

From there, we visited the Iziko Slave Lodge, one of the oldest buildings in the city. Its exhibits take you on a sobering journey “from human wrongs to human rights.” Walking through slave cells, wells, and relics was heavy, almost like visiting a concentration camp—the air felt still, almost sorrowful.

Slave Bell - used to dictate the daily schedule, enforce control, and serve as public alarms

Slave Tree Stone - historical site where an estimated 100,000 enslaved people were auctioned

Nearby, we saw reminders of apartheid—benches still marked “White” and “Non-White,” . Not far away stands a monument to Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize winner and fierce human rights advocate.

This non- white bench is intact- the white bench has seen much better days. Apartheid— 1948-1990’s

Desmond Tutu Monument - Arch for Arch - 14 wooden pillars represent the chapters of South Africa’s constitution.

Penguins, Gardens & The Cape

The next iconic sights outside the city: Boulder Beach, Cape of Good Hope, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Spring (August–November) is the most colorful time at Kirstenbosch, and being there in September was perfect. The fynbos was in full bloom! Timing is everything.

Twelve Apostles mountain range overlooking Camps Bay in Cape Town

Cape of Good Hope Tour

Boulder Beach was another highlight—home to the African penguin (also nicknamed the “Jackass penguin” because its call sounds like a donkey bray).

Watching them waddle awkwardly on land before face-planting into the waves—only to transform into sleek, duck-like swimmers—was pure joy.

Boulder Beach - Simon’s town started with 2 breading pair and now has approx.. 2000 birds - Entry fee for viewing

Dining Adventures

Of course, no trip is complete without a few memorable meals.

Our friend Rachel had provided a fantastic list of restaurant recommendations, and thankfully we started making reservations nearly three months in advance. Good thing we did—many of the most popular spots were already fully booked.

One restaurant I almost skipped was Gold Restaurant. I'll admit, I worried it might be a tourist trap. Thankfully, I listened to those who encouraged me to go because it turned out to be one of the most entertaining dining experiences of the trip.

The evening begins with a 14-course African tasting menu, offering a wonderful introduction to flavors from across the continent. But the food is only part of the experience. Throughout the evening, African dancers and live musicians fill the room with energy, guests can have their faces painted, and before long, many find themselves on the dance floor joining in the celebration.

The atmosphere is vibrant, festive, and impossible not to enjoy. It felt less like dinner and more like a cultural experience wrapped around a great meal.

Travel Tip: Gold Restaurant operates on set seating times, so be sure to arrive promptly. If possible, book the earlier sitting to enjoy the interactive drumming session and request a table on the main level for the best view of the performances.

It was an unforgettable evening and one I would happily recommend to anyone visiting Cape Town.

Shopping & a Grand Finale

Every great trip needs a little room for treasure hunting, so we set aside a full day to explore Cape Town's famous V&A Waterfront.

Travel Tip: I never leave home without a lightweight foldable duffle bag (thank you, MEC!). It takes up almost no space in my suitcase and has saved me countless times when local markets, artisan shops, and unexpected finds somehow follow me home. This trip was no exception.

One of the smartest discoveries was PostNet, conveniently located near or hotel. Rather than worrying about luggage space, we shipped several insured packages directly to our final hotel in Johannesburg. Easy, secure, and one less thing to drag through airports.

But the V&A Waterfront is much more than shopping.

As we wandered along the harbour, street performers seemed to appear around every corner. Musicians, dancers, drummers, and entertainers created an atmosphere that felt more like a festival than a shopping district. One performer stopped me in my tracks—a young woman singing Tracy Chapman's Fast Car. Her voice was incredible. We later learned she was preparing to head to the United States for a major talent competition. Whether it was America's Got Talent or another international stage, I remember thinking, "Remember this name—you'll be hearing it again."

The Waterfront is also filled with fascinating public art. Colorful sculptures, larger-than-life statues, and creative installations are scattered throughout the area, giving you plenty of reasons to pause between shops. Every turn seemed to offer another photo opportunity.

What I loved most was the energy. Locals, tourists, families, musicians, artists, and vendors all sharing the same vibrant space against the backdrop of the harbour, luxury yachts, and the ever-present silhouette of Table Mountain.

It was the perfect final day in Cape Town—a little shopping, a little people-watching, some unexpected entertainment, and a few more memories packed into an already unforgettable adventure.

Sometimes the best souvenirs aren't the ones you buy. They're the moments that catch you completely by surprise..