“This is the last call for Flight 827 departing Cape Town to Nairobi,” said the lady announcer, and my friend tugged at me, “Hey! I think that’s for us.” I was quite zoned out still reliving the past few days in South Africa. I was in awe of how two hours had flown right past us. We arrived at the airport at the recommended two hours prior to the flight timeline, we checked in and now were combing through the duty-free shops. There’s a saying about girls and shopping being intertwined, so that explains how time slipped through our fingers unawares. But that’s not where it started, let’s take it from the top.

It all began in 2020 which was well-known as the covid year and spilled over to its successor 2021. And as we all know it, the world stopped as we tried to process this pandemic, the first in a lifetime for many of us. In this time and era where no one seemed to catch a break, the world brought a forced halt to all of us. Yes, this is a loaded statement so allow me to break it down for you. We had precautionary measures instated including masking up, calls to stay at home, and regular washing of hands, businesses were shut down to reduce exposure and spread of the virus and the mother of them all was the lockdowns limiting movement, locally and internationally. That indeed was the last nail in the coffin as I had planned to take an international trip later that year.

Fast Forward to 2022, and a few Covid Vaccination and booster shots later, local and international flights resumed operations. I took this as a sign from God to embark on my international trip to explore great South Africa. I can safely say the trip was worth the two years wait.

On Touchdown, Cape Town greets you with its rich cultural diversity, crisp clean air, gorgeous beaches, lush Wine lands, and beautiful landscapes that offer insane views and an atmosphere of opulence. A wise man once said, When you get the chance, Travel because Money returns but Time doesn’t. In case you’re wondering where to go for your next vacation, here are 10 reasons you should visit Capetown, South Africa.

Cape Town, WC, South Africa – by Taryn Elliott – Pexels

1. Experience breathtaking views via a Helicopter Ride

At a glance, Cape Town is a sight for sore eyes. Every corner you look at offers amazing views of the city’s landscape with a backdrop of the Table Mountains. You would think this is a scene of a Pinterest wallpaper.

This escalates when you take a helicopter ride to experience the ‘Mother City’, as is fondly referred to. The ride cascades from the three bays via Kommetjie, Scarborough, Cape Point Nature Reserve and Simon’s Town. You could be lucky with some seasonal whale spotting. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try skydiving.

2. Dip your feet in the Atlantic Ocean for a brain freeze

You would automatically assume being at the beach beside the ocean assures you of warm currents, but the situation is different in Cape Town. The weather in Cape Town is influenced by two currents: the warm Agulhas current from the Indian Ocean side and the cold Benguela current on the Atlantic side.

Once you dip your feet in the Atlantic, you are guaranteed a brain freeze as the water temperatures are usually 3-4°C colder than the Indian Ocean. You could choose not to engage in this and observe the currents from a safe distance.

3. Shop until you drop

What is a vacation without a little shopping? Cape Town offers a sea of shopping centres with very pocket-friendly prices for quality items. You can start at Access Industrial Park which has stores such as Game, MRP, Nike and Adidas shops.

For more high-end and designer items, visit V&A waterfront mall which is so huge you can get lost in there. Fortunately, they have Marshalls who can help in case you’re stranded, in addition to the directions across the mall. The designer brands include Gucci, Channel, Zara, Lindt, and Rolex, amongst many others, dare I say this is a one-stop shop for anything you might need.

4. Indulge in South Africa’s rich cultural diversity

CapeTown offers a great taste of South Africa from the history to the culture and the people in general.  The first stop should be Bo-Kaap which is known for its brightly coloured homes and cobble-stoned streets. The area is traditionally a multicultural neighbourhood with people living in the houses. This would be a good chance to take an aesthetically pleasing photograph for your Instagram feed.

Another stop would be Robben Island which is famous as the place where Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa, was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in jail. The island has since become a symbol of the triumph of democracy and freedom over oppression.

5. Relax at Camps Bay Beach

Camps Bay Beach is the place to be for the most beautiful white sand beaches. You also get a view of the Twelve Apostles mountain range. This would be the perfect afternoon getaway for a quick swim in the ocean or a relaxing afternoon at the beach having drinks with friends.

Camps Bay beach also offers ultra-stylish, 5-star boutique hotels and gourmet beachfront restaurants where you can sample the best seafood in Cape Town.

6. Visit Penguins at Boulders Beach

The beautiful Boulders Beach is one of Cape Town’s most visited beaches and the only place in the world where you get close to African Penguins. You’re allowed to take pictures of the penguins.

Although the penguins are likely to come within touching distance, visitors are not allowed to make contact with them. This is for their safety and yours, as they have sharp beaks and will use them to bite and defend themselves if they feel threatened. 

7. Take a Cable Car up Table Mountain

Table Mountain offers the most scenic view of Cape Town. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top. However, it is advisable to check the weather conditions before embarking on the hike up the Table Mountains, as it can become too foggy to see.

It recently emerged that Table Mountain is one of the world’s New Seven Wonders. When making a trip there, it is recommended that you wear warm clothing as it can get very windy on top of the Mountain.

8. Explore the lush Cape Town Wine lands

The Cape Town Wine lands occupy a vast majority of the city and include, Drakenstein, Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Witzenberg and Breede River Valley, and Langeberg Wine lands. Collectively they are known as the pearls of South Africa’s rural and small towns.

These areas are known for producing some of the world’s finest wines, the Cape Wine lands delight travelers with their magnificent scenery, fine wines and mouth-watering meals. You can also embark on a day-long wine-tasting tour of the various vineyards and buy a bottle or two to take home with you.

9. Sunset Cruise at  V&A Waterfront

While in Cape Town, you can’t miss the sunset cruise sailing through the V&A Waterfront. The sunset party happens in the harbour with sparkling wine and music aboard. You get to enjoy a breathtaking view of the sun sinking into the horizon against the city’s landscape.

10. Enjoy the scenic Chapman’s Peak drive

Chapman’s Peak drive is regarded as the most scenic and rewarding drive in the country. On one side you have a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and on the other the Western Mountains of the Cape Peninsula.

The route starts at the picturesque fishing harbour of Hout Bay and the drive has 114 curves. It is recommended that you drive slowly for safety and to take in all the breathtaking views the drive has to offer.