Why I LOVE Cape Town - South Africa
I have been so lucky to travel to well over 20 countries to date. When people ask me where my favourite place in the world is, it doesn't take me long to think of an answer! Cape Town captured by heart in late 2014. Unfortunately, I was only able to spend two nights in this amazing city at the time, but I would go back in a heartbeat and stay a lot longer!
This little You Tube clip that I found captures most of my favourite parts perfectly. Cape Town is such a beautiful and diverse city. It has everything from amazing scenery, to history, food, wine, beautiful beaches, great nightlife and lovely people.
I stayed at a little boutique hotel called the 'Grand Daddy'. Located in the city on Long Street, it is a great option if you are looking to be right in the middle of everything. The Green Street Markets are a block away, as well as another indoor market complex, just a few minutes walk. It is only a small hotel with 27 rooms in total, which vary in size due to the old building design. My room was large and simply furnished, providing everything I needed for a comfortable stay. To add a point of difference, on it's rooftop is what they call their 'trailer park'. They are literally 7 old school caravan type trailers on the roof, all furnished with a different theme; Beach house, City Lights, Gold Rush, Bloomin Daisies, Karo Dorps, Roodtop Safari & Winelands. They all have ensuites and are a very cool idea!! There is also a rooftop open air cinema which was a nice touch, they even serve fresh popcorn!
A stay in Cape Town is not complete without a visit to Table Mountain. Table Mountain surrounds Cape Town, and is accessible by cable car. Whether is operates or not depends highly on the weather as the cable car cannot operate in high winds. Fog is also very common so even if it does operate, there is not much point going all the way up there if you can’t see anything. Apparently it runs on average about every second day, being closed about 100 days of the year. We got lucky and had a pretty clear morning and the views were amazing, it looks right down over Cape Town, as well as out to sea. When it is foggy up there it gives a really cool table cloth effect as it spills down over the side of the mountain. We were lucky enough to see that on our drive in from the airport. We spent about an hour up top taking photos, but you could spend as long as you wished. There is a little café, and shop up there for you to enjoy. For those who are keen on a bit of fitness, you can walk up to the top, but it will take you about 2 1?2 hours and the track looks pretty scary!
Camps Bay is a great place to hang out whether it be for a lazy lunch or beautiful dinner, with great restaurants on offer with beautiful views over the ocean! The Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront is also one of my favourite spots, with a huge shopping mall, and amazing restaurants and bars all overlooking the Table Bay Harbour & Marina.
If you're looking for a classic Cape Town photo opportunity then make sure you head down to the suburb of Bo-Kapp which is where you will find streets lined with all brightly painted houses. I can assure you you won't be able to take enough photos of them!!
If you are planning to travel to South Africa, make sure you don't miss beautiful Cape Town out of your itinerary. Feel free to contact me if you would like any more information!