After more than 10 years of planning safaris, Cape Town and the surrounding Winelands region remain two of my favorite additions to any safari. Cape Town is also one of my favorite cities in the world because of its infusion of African, Asian, and European influences, its incredible history of trade and civil rights, and its ocean-side charm. Cape Town is vibrant and offers something for everyone.
I’ve visited the Mother City, as it’s affectionately known by locals, a handful of times over the last decade. I’ve stayed at the larger luxury hotels in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront area including the Cape Grace and the One&Only Cape Town, as well as the more boutique hotels located off Kloof Street, in the heart of Cape Town, such as More Quarters, Cape Cadogan, and Kensington Place. I truly I love them all. They each offer a unique charm and you can’t go wrong with any of the options! It’s all about working with your consultant to choose choosing the one that best fits your personal taste, the type of trip you are planning (with family, friends, or a romantic getaway), and your budget.
When it comes to exploring, for many, a trip to Boulder’s Beach is high on the wish list of places to visit outside of Cape Town. My fiancé Derek was no different and was thrilled by the prospect of seeing penguins in Africa on his first trip to the continent. It was refreshing to experience the penguins through his eyes, as I had been to Boulder’s Beach and Stoney Point to see penguins on previous trips to the area.
Derek was overjoyed to watch these water-loving birds, as they are always so cute and funny. Waddling, squabbling, swimming, fishing, building nests, protecting their chicks – the penguins are always busy. We also drove along Chapman’s Peak Drive, which I hadn’t done for years. It was even more beautiful than I remembered. We stopped for a few photo opportunities and had a fabulous day exploring with our private guide.
Another thing I love about Cape Town is the amazing food and wine scene. New and trendy restaurants are constantly popping up with impressive menus, famous chefs, and unique offerings. There are also many well-established favorites that travelers love. When visiting, I recommend a mix of both pre-arranged dinners (we can assist with reservations) and free evenings to choose your own adventure. Having reservations every night, while delicious, can be arduous and way too much food. I also highly encourage travelers to try at least one of the world-renowned tasting menus offered in the Cape. With so many available, it’s best to choose a few rather than attempting to squeeze them all in. It’s a tough decision, but you’ll enjoy the experience more if you aren’t exhausted during your meal.
If time permits, an overnight in the Winelands is the perfect compliment to a stay in the heart of Cape Town. Some might opt to visit for a day, but I recommend dedicating at least 2-3 nights of your trip to the Winelands. Over the years, my preference for staying out in the Winelands has only grown, in large part due to the stunning scenery and the slower pace. There’s something so enjoyable about taking the day as it comes, whether that means booking a private vehicle or jumping on the Winetram. Your time can be busy if you want, but I much prefer a more relaxing and tranquil approach. My favorite part about this area is finding a spot with a jaw-dropping view where I can eat a delicious meal and taste amazing wine. There’s truly nothing like it! To me, the Winelands feels more like a vacation from your vacation after a busy and action-packed stay in Cape Town.
In the Wineland towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch there are a few fan-favorite hotels that I absolutely love, including the opulant La Residence and the more modern, but equally stunning Delaire Graff. I’m also a particular fan of the Le Quartier Francois, Leeu House and Leeu Estates which I visited on my last trip. No matter your preferences, there is something for everyone!
Anyone interested in visiting Cape Town and the Winelands should consider at least 5-6 nights between the two areas. It sounds like a lot, but I promise you any less than 4 nights is just too short.
Once you start to dive into all of the touring options, restaurant choices and activities on offer in the area, you’ll quickly understand the need for more than just a couple of days to explore these beautiful spots. Additionally, I always recommend leaving yourself at least one day to explore without a schedule. We can always book you a private vehicle for the day, without a plan, so that you can just go as you please. Having an unstructured day either on your own or with a guide and driver will allow you to visit some of the cute local shops and explore little hidden gems that you may have missed during your busy touring days.