The Cape Town of Adventure
Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the imposing, Table Mountain. The second most populous urban area in South Africa, Capetown is home to rich histories, one that the locals tell with pride.
Visiting Capetown for the first time and all by myself, the boredom I had expected as a lone traveler gave way to excitement on my tour of Cape point.
Even though it has been argued that the Cape point is not exactly the most South Western corner of Africa, it still feels like you are standing at the edge of the world on this mountainous land-form. Especially when you climb to the peak at an old lighthouse I went to on my first day; where you get to glimpse the rocky coastline and ocean. At that point, it looks like the Atlantic and Indian oceans actually meet.
The Sites
After a 7-hour flight and a night’s rest it was straight to touring. My next stop, after the cape point was the penguin colony, located at boulders beach and home to really beautiful penguins. I fell in love with them instantly.
By the way, Boulder Beach attracts over 60,000 visitors yearly.
What’s a visit to Capetown without driving through Chapman’s Peak on the Atlantic Coast. This is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. My tour guide was kind enough to make a quick stop for me to take in the beauty of this majestic scenery of Capetown.
The Maiden’s cove on Camps Bay is also a beautiful look out point between various beaches and well known for its view of the Atlantic Ocean.
I wrapped up the first day at the town of Bo kaap, a multicultural area, popular for its bright colored homes (home owners repaint every time there’s a Muslim festival) It was breathtaking walking on the cobble stoned streets and getting to see the hub of Cape Town’s Muslim population
I was eager to soak in more sights of Cape Town the following day, particularly because of my planned trip to Robben Island. Unfortunately, the weather was quite windy that morning and so our trip, which was supposed to have been via a ferry, was cancelled.
The alternative was to go to the Signal Hill from where we would be able to catch the view of Robben Island.
After that, we went to the Cape of Good Hope, one of two world-renowned landmarks within the Table Mountain National Park, Capetown. This familiar attraction draws thousands of visitors to Cape Town, I only realized that when I had to wiggle my way through other tourists to take a picture by the Cape of Good Hope signpost…I succeeded after a long wait.
You cannot visit Cape Town without making it to the Table Mountain – one of the, Seven Wonders of The World. Hop on a cable car and you get to experience one of the best views ever at the plateau from the top of the mountain because it is often covered in clouds. Oh, and it has restaurants too, so you get to dine in the sky.
I had heard so much about the Victoria and Alfred waterfront between Robben Island and Table Mountain, so I took a solo trip there, I was welcomed by so many activities here, from the ride up on Cape wheels, I could see the mountain views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues with world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina.
Tourists can also get to enjoy the Two Oceans Aquarium, a fascinating underwater world. Boat trips around the harbor and along the coast are always popular. Helicopter flips and lots more at the V&A water front
The Food
Cape Town offers a wide range of dining experience. If you enjoy eating out, you will love all Cape Town has to offer; from fast food to various continental dishes.
The city also has a bubbly night life, as restaurants are sometimes open till late. I got to order pizza at about midnight on one of such nights and I got my delivery.
The Hotels
Capetown offers comfortable hotel accommodations that can fit a considerable budget. Ensure you book ahead, to get a very good deal.
Transportation
Transportation within Capetown is decent if you know your way around. Taxis are a bit expensive, so alternatively you can easily take short or long walks to discover more of cape Town. Everywhere in the city is accessible. Hop on and off buses are also available for tourists.
Make sure you book your trip ahead if you are planning to visit Cape Town. It’s about 5 hours to fly Johannesburg from Lagos and another 2 hours to Capetown.
You need to have a South African visa to visit Cape Town
You need a yellow card that documents your records.
You need to be ready for an adventure and bring back home some friends as South Africans in Capetown are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
Contact your travel agency to book flights, hotels and tours.
South African airways flies Lagos to Capetown daily, I’m already planning my next trip.
