August 12 - September 2, 2019I flew from Athens to Cape Town,...


Big Bay Beach


Table Mountain National Park


Delaire Graff Estate


Knysna Elephant Park


Knysna


Cape of Good Hope


Signal Hill


Gydo Pass


Kagga Kamma


Kagga Kamma

August 12 - September 2, 2019

I flew from Athens to Cape Town, South Africa on Qatar Airlines (€633.30 roundtrip), which required an annoying but fast credit card verification at the airport. I heard that flying on your birthday might be worthwhile, but literally nothing happened.

I was really lucky to have a friend in town to drive me around this big, beautiful country, and also just be wonderful, smart company. 

Here are a few of the wonderful things to do:

  • Drink Steri Stumpie flavored milk and green creme soda!
  • Massage at Pure Day Spa.
  • Dress warmly for the winds at Big Bay Beach and then have a meal or drink nearby.
  • Go up the Table Mountain Cable Car (students for R150, regular R290). The views are the best I’ve ever seen and I love how the cable car spins around so you can see everything as you go up. 
  • Go up to Signal Hill and watch the paragliders jump off the mountain. 
  • Buy Nice Ice Cream and walk across the street with your ice cream cone for some perfect beach views. 
  • I really, really enjoyed wine tasting in Stellenbosch, with Delaire Graff Estate being my favorite place in South Africa. The mountain views and the wine are incredible and unlike any other place I’ve been.
  • Be sure to stop by Root 44 Market for lamb shank, bunny chow, or any other delicious local foods.
  • We stayed at Knysna Elephant Park for two nights ($180.40) to see elephants sleep and also to have a private moment with them in the morning. It includes breakfast, as many “Meet Our Herd” daily guided tours as you’d like, and an early morning experience with the elephants for about an hour. The morning experience is only available for lodge guests. 
  • Prices have recently increased drastically for tourists at Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, and you’ll see more penguins outside of the paid area, but I would pay if you’d like to be on the beach or in the water. 
  • It’s worth driving through Simon’s Town to check out the antique shops and also have breakfast in Kalk Bay. 
  • Cape Point is the south western most tip of Africa. It is R303 for international visitors, and R70 for locals. Cape of Good Hope has a wealth of small animals such as lizards, snakes, tortoises, and insects. Small mammals include rock hyrax (lassie), striped mouse, water mongoose, and Cape clawless otter. If you want whale viewing, the southern right whale is most likely to be seen in False Bay between June and November.
  • It was really amazing to disconnect for a week at Kagga Kamma, where we did a number of guided excursions. My favorites being the rock art tour (R385) to see cave art dating back approximately 6,000 years, stargazing (R90), sundowner picturesque viewing (R385), and quad bike safari (R300). 
  • On my next trip, I’d like to try: seal snorkeling, Franschhoek Wine Tasting Tram, Lions Head Hike (early morning or sunset), Houtbay lunch, Llundudno beach, Camps Bay cocktails and dinner, Bo-Kaap museum and neighborhood, Charly’s Bakery, Castle of Good Hope, The Ladbia Theatre, Whatiftheworld Gallery, Cape Town Red Bus City tour hop-on-hop-off, and shopping (Matsidiso shoes, Titch bags).

About 

Hi, I'm Stacy. I'm from Portland, Oregon, USA, and am currently living in Busan, South Korea. Check me out on: Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, Lastfm, and Flickr.