Cape Town & Garden Route

A MYSTICAL PLACE WITH MAGICAL MOMENTS…

Cape Town and its surroundings are breathtaking and I am still amazed what a special place we visited. First off: get up early and take advantage of the entire day, there is so much to see!

We had three whole weeks for Cape Town and the Garden Route, and not once did we think we had too much time. In contrary there is so much to do and see, yet I would recommend a minimum of 10 Days if you want to head down the Garden Route.

There are so many beautiful places, endless white beaches, outstanding food and wine, a diversity of cuisines, and so many animals that you meet along your way. So here I will try and take you on as much of my journey as possible, and hopefully inspire you to visit this beautiful country yourself.

CAPE TOWN CITY 

The city alone offers you a variety of activities, restaurants and beautiful places to see. We stayed in an apartment down town, which I can recommend as you can reach everything by foot and you get to explore along the way. I always find it important to get a feeling for the people and place you are visiting straight away.

Tipp: take an UBER at night time, it’s super cheap and easy to get around. Its not recommended walking around when it gets dark, but nevertheless I felt save in Cape Town. You just have to be aware and conscious of your surroundings like in every other big city.

Also we have never eaten so phenomenally as we did in South Africa. The food is to die for. And so is the wine. Here are some of my favourites. Firstly two places we loved for breakfast, and if you fancy Acai Bowls and Avocado Toasts you will love them too…

THE CONSCIOUS KITCHEN

Just opened up a month before we visited, sweet place with lovely food and friendly owners. And what more can you want than to swing with your morning coffee.

NOURISH’D CAFE & JUICERY

A lovely place with super good food. There are two branches; we mostly visited the one close to Kloof Street. Tip: Kloof Street is a lovely street to walk down, there are many other restaurants, coffee places, and local shops along the way.

For Dinner I would recommend these three in Cape Town city: THE POT LUCK CLUB, THE BLACK SHEEP and BURGER & LOBSTER. Other Dinner locations I have connected with the actual places they are in, so you’ll find them further down the blog.

WATERFRONT

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is one of the most visited spots in South Africa and lies in the historic heart of Cape Town. It offers you different restaurants, individual shops, and a food court where you can get anything your heart desires. And on top of everything you can watch the seals play around in the water, for me an absolute highlight. So for those who love animals just as much as I do will be at the right place.

BO-KAAP

The area is known for its colourful houses and narrow steep streets. It lies at the bottom of SIGNALL HILL and it is a must-see. Not only is it famous for its photo locations but also for the history of the city as you can find the oldest mosque of the country. There are sweet cafes and little individual shops. Tip: go off the main road and into the smaller side streets, there’s a lot more to see than you think and also a lot less people there.

TABLE MOUTAIN

We chose to take the Plettenklip Gorge hiking route to the top of Table Mountain. There are other hiking routes and also a cable car to take you to the top. The hike we took becomes demanding towards the end, so a bit of stamina is required. The hike is worth it, as it meanders through the beautiful landscape of Table Mountain. Although we stood in complete fog once we reached the top – we were lucky to get a view as the clouds disappeared. The View is unbelievable, and in my opinion saves you a helicopter ride. Tip: It is advisable to check the weather or take a look at the webcams before you head up. We left the bottom with radiant sunshine and arrived at the top in windy clouds. Cape Town is known to for its unpredictable weather and to have four seasons in one day – and this really is true. So be prepared and always pack a jumper.

LIONS HEAD

It is recommended to do the hike early in the morning for sunrise, as it’s not too long and the view is incredible. Pack some breakfast! However to all other times of day it is just as good.  It makes sense to connect the hike with a trip to Camps Bay as it lies beneath.

CAMPS BAY

Has a beautiful beach and a seafront with lost of cafes and restaurants. If you want to keep it simple but tasty drop by Tigers Milk; it’s a chain in South Africa, but an easy and good option for in between. Also right at the end of our trip we headed back towards Cape Town and stayed in a beautiful apartment with pool and beach view. South Beach CAMPS BAY BOUTIQUE HOTEL is more on the luxurious side but if you want to treat yourself then this is the place to go. Restaurants that you must go to  when in Camps Bay is THE BUNGALOW and THE LAWNS, both have amazing food and you can enjoy stunning sunsets.

CLIFTON BEACH

Stands out with its exclusive residential area. It has a set of four beaches and lies in the wind shadow of LIONS HEAD that stands right behind. It is a perfect spot for relaxing and sunbathing.

SIGNAL HILL

We drove up to Signal Hill for sunset, and encountered one of the most picturesque sunsets I have ever seen. It’s a breathtaking experience. It is worth taking some wine and snacks and an UBER or Taxi in that case. You get an astounding view of LIONS HEAD, TABLE MOUNTAIN and the entire coastline that surrounds Cape Town.

KIRSTENBOSCH GARDENS

The national botanic gardens are a wonderful getaway from the noisy city. It is said to be one of the most beautiful gardens with its majestic setting against the eastern slopes of the twelfth apostles. Especially the Canopy Walkway adds a scenic touch to the surroundings and was the absolute highlight for me.

BLOUBERGSTRAND

Bloubergstrand gives you a phenomenal view on the Skyline of Capetown, LIONS HEAD and TABLE MOUNTAIN as it majestically sits in the city’s background.SIMONS TOWN

As we wanted a break from the city life, we decided to take a small apartment in Simons Town and this was definitely a good decision, as you get the beautiful sunrise and the noise of the waves breaking every morning. Trips to CAPE OF GOOD HOPE, CHAPMANS PEAK, MUIZENBERG and many many more are easy to reach by car from here. 

BOULDERS BEACH

In Simons Town lays the famous penguin beach. This place is honestly as exceptional as everyone says it is. Being just a step away from the penguins, watching them swim, walk around and cuddle is astonishing. They are very nosy, but don’t like to be touched, which should be respected. Important note: use the entrance that is furthest away from Simons Town. The entrance fee is around 9 Euros, but totally worth it. Then climb over the rocks, or crawl underneath to reach the penguins. Spend as much time as possible.

HOUT BAY and WORLD OF BIRDS

A trip we took was to the World of Birds.  You must take the drive along the M6 Victoria Road as it bends along the Atlantic coast.  My absolute highlight there; the tiny monkeys that you could hold in your arms and that climbed all over you. The had the tiniest hands which when climbing over you felt very cold. The park cares for hurt animals and the preservations of animals, which is expressively stated upon leaving as you can donate money for the park and animals. Once finished head down to HOUT BAY and enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner at THE DUNES. It serves lovely food and drinks; try the sushi!!

CHAPMANS PEAK

Linking HOUT BAY to NOORDHOEK BEACH is a spectacular road called Chapman’s peak drive.  The western flank of the mountain falls for hundreds of meters into the Atlantic Ocean. You pay around 2 Euros for the road; so not worth talking about. The sloping road and the steep fall of the cliffs build a breathtaking landscape.
NOORDHOEK BEACH

One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, with an endless white beach and sand dunes. You can take long walks, watch the surfers break the waves or go for horse riding trips. Take sunscreen and water with you, as there are no shops around the area.

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE AND THE NATIONAL PARK

To get a full experience of this park I would plan a whole day. There are many different hiking routes, lookouts, empty beautiful beaches and animals to see. The Baboons almost greet you shortly after you enter the park so make sure to drive slowly. They are nosy but can be quite aggressive to beware to keep your distance especially if they have babies to protect. For me it was extraordinary to meet all these different animals along the way. 

MUIZENBERG / ST JAMES

Muizenberg is known for its colourful beach huts. However: the beach itself might seem endless and suitable for long walks, but its not that nice and the beach huts are built right in front of tall panel buildings. Tip: further down the road towards Simons Town you find the same huts in ST JAMES but in a much more beautiful setting.

KALK BAY

Along the same road but further down south and for me a bit of an insider tip as I hadn’t heard or read about it much. There are a lot of little cafes, restaurants and independent shops. It’s nothing grandeur but small and fine. Tip: for those who like colourful dresses drop by Jane Valken.

INVERDOORN GAME RESERVE

We decided to do our safari here at the Inverdoorn Game Reserve. So we left Cape Town and headed north. The journey from Cape Town takes you past wonderful small vineyards and cities, which we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. The reserve lies literally in the middle of nowhere, and is beautifully kept with lovely facilities and rooms. We stayed one night and went for safari before dawn and the next day just after sunrise. The guides are well trained and can tell you a lot about the animals. There is no guarantee that you will be able to see the animals, but we were lucky and saw mother, father and baby hippo, mother, father and baby giraffe. Lions, ostriches, zebras, cheetahs, elephants, turtles, and many other animals. It was quiet and apart from the guide telling you about the animals you could only hear the occasional klick of a camera. The only downside to this place where the mosquitos which aren’t dangerous but kept us up all night. So if you decide to stay, take some mosquito protection.

MONTAGUE

A small city which doesn’t seem that exciting at first, but at a second glance the surrounding is just astonishing. Vineyards surround this place and a unbelievable landscape that when driving changes every 10 minutes.

PLETTENBERG BAY

Plettenberg Bay a lovely national park, with hundreds of seals. There are three hiking options, we took the middle one and once again escaped into the beautiful nature of South Africa. We stayed in a Hotel called the HUNTERS COUNTRY HOUSE which again was more the pricey side but for a treat definitely worth it. This hotel was something very special. Also book a table at ZINZI restaurant. 

DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE

What can I say, this place is like a beach that you think would only exist in your dreams.  The sand is white and the Indian Ocean in beautiful shades of blue. The drive there is strenuous as the roads are gravel and it takes you a while to get there, but the drive is worthwhile once you see this nature spectacle.

KAP ARGULAS

Is where the Indian meets the Atlantic Ocean. This trip can be easily be connected with DE HOOP. Keep a lookout for dolphins once your there and enjoy fish and chips by the seaside.

MOSSEL BAY

Also along the Garden Route we stopped here for some coffee at THE BLUE SHED COFFEE ROASTERY. Its a unique place, with great cake and coffee and perfect for a short stop along the way if you’re not staying in Mossel Bay overnight anyway.

STELLENBOSCH

So many vineyards next to each other that the choice is difficult. I would suggest driving by some and then deciding for yourself which one you liked best. You must go and eat at THE FAT BUTCHER, so tasty! And in my opinion the best vineyard is…

BABYLONSTOREN

It is one of the oldest Dutch vineyards and it is so worth a visit. You can stay overnight their beautiful accomodation, or just visit for the day. Besides the incredible wine, there is a fantastically well kept botanical garden, with fruits and vegetables, herbs and plants. The food is super good and fresh and its lovely to sit in-between the flowers and plants for lunch.

For more inspiration have a look at my Instagram. I have two Cape Town Highlights!