South Africa
Wrapping Up in Cape Town
We ended our trip in Cape Town, and what a finish it was. From Stellenbosch, it was a short drive, and we arrived just in time to wander around the city center that afternoon. The next days were a perfect mix of adventure and chill: seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach after driving along the incredible Chapman’s Peak route, hiking Skeleton Gorge from the botanical garden, and exploring the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap and the District Six Museum. We spent one lazy day on Clifton 4th Beach and ended our trip with a sunset hike up Lion’s Head wuth Table Mountain glowing in the background, city lights flickering below. A perfect goodbye to South Africa.
Home Suite Hotels Station House
We stayed at Home Suite Hotels Station House and really enjoyed it. The location felt safe and easy to get in and out of, and having a safe underground parking was a big plus. The room was spacious, with a large fridge and even a private terrace. One of the highlights was the rooftop pool with views over the city, which was a great place to unwind after a day out. Overall, it felt comfortable and practical, with just enough extras to make the stay special.
Visit V&A Waterfront
Since we had just arrived in Cape Town, we didn’t want to plan anything too intense. We headed to the V&A Waterfront and wandered around the mall and shops. We also went up to the rooftop of the Silo Hotel, which was beautiful, but very windy and cold, so we didn’t stay long. Instead, we ended up at Den Anker, a Belgian beer café, where we enjoyed a Duvel and watched the waterfront buzz around us. A relaxed way to ease into the city.
Breakfast at Sonny and Irene
With our stay in Home Suite Hotels Station house, breakfast was included at Sonny and Irene, an all day breakfast café inside the hotel building. The interior is very pink and definitely Instagram-friendly, but the food was good too. Since we stayed a few nights, we ended up trying almost the entire menu. The fresh juices and pastries were a nice bonus, and it was an easy, reliable start to the day.
Chapman’s Peak Drive
We drove Chapman’s Peak Drive on the way to Boulders Beach and liked it so much that we took the same route back. The coastline is rugged and dramatic, and there are several viewpoints where you can stop, get out of the car, and take photos. It’s one of those drives where you’re constantly tempted to pull over just to look around a bit longer.
Boulders Beach Penguin spotting
Visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach was a fun stop. It was breeding season, so access was limited, but we could still see a lot from the boardwalk near the main entrance. We even spotted nests with baby penguins. There’s a second entrance where you can access the beach and climb over the rocks, but when we were there, most penguins stayed near the main viewing area. Still, seeing them up close was a memorable experience.
Dinner at The Waterside Restaurant (PIER)
We booked a fine dining experience at The Waterside (from PIER and La Colombe) and went for the chef’s menu with a wine pairing featuring wines from female winemakers. There was also another option for wine pairing with more exclusive wines. The atmosphere was relaxed but elegant, letting the food and the view stand out. Each dish was beautifully presented, and the flavors were creative without being too complicated. One of the surprises was a frozen margarita-style dish served in a cactus garden before the main course, which was very refreshing. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but we had a really special evening.
Skeleton Gorge Hike
We started the Skeleton Gorge hike through the botanical garden, which was already a nice experience on its own. The weather changed a lot during the hike, so wearing layers was a good call. The trail is challenging, with about 800 meters of elevation over roughly 7.8 km, and at one point you even climb up alongside a waterfall. It felt adventurous and rewarding, especially once we reached the top.
Coffee at Truth Coffee Roasting
Truth Coffee Roasting really lived up to its reputation. The space has a very industrial look, with a cool, slightly edgy vibe that makes it stand out right away. The coffee was excellent, easily one of the best we had during the trip. They also have a wide selection of pastries, and the cheesecake we tried was honestly amazing. A great place to start the day if you like good coffee and a strong atmosphere.
Visit Bo-Kaap
We took an Uber to Bo-Kaap and walked through the colorful streets at our own pace. While the houses are very photogenic, the area’s history adds a deeper layer to the visit. Bo-Kaap has long been home to the Cape Malay community, and the bright colors became a symbol of freedom and individuality after apartheid. There are also small art shops worth checking out while wandering around.
Dinner at Kloof Street House
Kloof Street House is more than just a restaurant, it’s an experience. Set in a beautiful Victorian house, the interior alone is worth the visit. The atmosphere is warm and lively, and it’s clear why reservations are a must. A great spot for a special night out in Cape Town.
Clifton 4th Beach Day
We spent a relaxed afternoon at Clifton 4th Beach. There are four beaches in total, and from what we’d read, the third and fourth are the most popular. The beach was beautiful, with soft sand and views of the surrounding hills. The water was ice cold, but after we saw some locals in the water we were brave enough to try it as well. After all it's a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the coastal vibe.
Lunch at Mojo Food Market
We stopped at Mojo Food Market for a quick lunch. There’s a lot of choice, with many different food stalls offering something for everyone. It’s busy and lively, though there isn’t really outdoor seating. Still, a good option if you want something quick and varied.
Lion’s Head Sunset Hike
We wanted to see the sunset from Lion's head, so we timed our hike to arrive about fifteen minutes before sunset, which worked out perfectly. The hike is around 5 km with about 440 meters of elevation and includes some ladders, making it a bit adventurous. Near the top, you can choose between climbing a ladder or taking a longer path around. The views over Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the ocean are incredible the entire way up. We brought headlamps for the walk down, which was a great idea, and seeing the city lights below was a beautiful way to end the day.
Dinner at Club Kloof
Club Kloof was a great place to end the day after the hike. The interior is stylish and cozy, the concept is food sharing with Italian flavors, and the cocktails were excellent. A fun, relaxed atmosphere without feeling too formal.
Farmer’s Market Before We Say Goodbye
On our last morning, we stopped by a farmer’s market. It was very crowded, but full of energy. There were plenty of food stalls, as well as locally made clothes and small gifts. A nice place to grab lunch and pick up a few souvenirs before heading home.
