A two hour flight away and we’re landing in beautiful Cape Town. What first strikes me about this city is the great architecture, from the Dutch, Portuguese and English influence, to the brightly coloured homes in the Bo-Kaap, Cape Town has managed to keep it all along with a modern mix. Our home for the next few days is a wonderful art deco design and from the balcony we look over Green Market Square. What a delight to sit with a glass of wine on our balcony listening to an African drum band and enjoying the surrounding sights.
The next day is bright and sunny as we head off to take in the sights, passing by Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles on our way to Camps Bay.
After leaving Chapman’s Peak we notice a large amount of smoke coming from over one of the mountains, a bush fire. We drive on to Simon’s Town and finally arrive at Boulder’s Beach, the destination of the day I’m most excited about. Here is a large colony of penguins and breeding grounds. The wonderful part about this is getting up close and personal with these amazing little creatures. So fun to see them in their natural habitat while wading in the water beside them!
On leaving we notice the smoke has made its way here but we’re off to the Cape of Good Hope and leave the smoke behind.
We opt to hike up the mountain instead of the funicular, stopping to take in the amazing sights every so often. There are some great hiking trails around but time is limited so the walk up will have to do. Stunning views await us at the top. Quite the journey those sailors made going around the cape during the spice trade.
Heading back we are turned around in Simon’s Town as the fire has grown, now sadly consuming some homes. The smoke is thick and ash floats down, people cover their faces as they walk. We end up having to detour a long route home and on the other side of the mountains the air is clear again.
Cape Town has much to see and do, too much for the short time we’re here but we manage to pack in and enjoy as much as we can!
Kirstenbosch Gardens
Canopy walkway
Wood’s Cycad, last of its kind.
Posing for the camera (this is my good side)
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Street musician playing a didgeridoo
Came across these cuties while on a boat tour!
Groot Constantia, oldest winery in South Africa
Beautiful vineyards!
Wine, lots of wine!
Old wine press
Beautiful beaches, oddly the Atlantic is colder here in the summer than the winter.
Table Mountain cable car
Sunset at Signal Hill