Our grand adventure comes to a magnificent close as we explore the captivating city of Cape Town, South Africa. Situated at the southern tip of the African continent, Cape Town resides within the Western Cape province, a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a touch of sparkling treasures.
Our four-day escapade in Cape Town marked the finale of an exhilarating year-long journey. We kicked off our exploration at the vibrant V&A Waterfront. Located on the edge of the city’s busy and oldest working harbor in the Southern Hemisphere, this area offers a wide range of shopping, dining and entertainment options. With Table Mountain as its backdrop, this is a perfect base to enjoy everything that Cape Town has to offer.
One restaurant that is definitley worth mentioning is Baía Seafood Restaurant (pronounced Ba-hia and meaning the Bay). Set in a prime spot at the Victoria Wharf, Baía enjoys spectacular panoramic harbour and ocean views. The reputation of Baía is that of a sophisticated landmark for fine cuisine and wine in the Cape. And if you want to know the truth, their wine list was what drew us in! We dropped in to have an early dinner on the day we arrived and it was the perfect introduction to Cape Town. One of the house specialties is their seafood feasts which include prawns, langoustines, mussels, calamari and line fish (catch of the day). We opted to try a local fish called the Kingklip. I had never heard of this fish but was immediately a fan. After enjoying our meal we discovered the slender kingklip is a member of the cusk eel family. Now had I known this, I probably would not have tried it but in the end it was probably one of my favorite fish dishes I have had all year!
Unearthing Cape Town’s Diamond Treasures
But that wasn’t the only allure drawing us in—our next stop, the diamond museum. Cape Town’s fame in the world of diamonds stems from its proximity to the diamond-rich areas of South Africa, specifically Kimberley and the surrounding regions. The city serves as a gateway to the country’s diamond mining history, showcasing its significance in the global diamond trade. And there is no better place to start than Shimansky Diamonds. Shimansky is licensed to buy rough diamonds directly from South African mines and offers not just a showroom of beautiful diamonds, but they also offer The Shimansky Diamond Experience which includes a guided tour through the diamond museum. Walking through the museum is like walking through a diamonds history from the formation to the final polished stone. The only thing I would recommend is visiting during the week or during the hours when there are workers there to see them in action. We were there on a weekend day when the artists were off so we didn’t actually see them working but it was still interesting to get an overview of the process and see the equipment they use.
As we strolled along the waterfront and ventured into the Silo District, a majestic backdrop stole our attention—the iconic Table Mountain loomed in the distance, its flat top seemingly touching the heavens. Eager to embrace its grandeur, we boarded the Cable Mountain aerial cableway to ascend the mountain, reveling in the 360-degree panoramic views. The vistas from the top were nothing short of breathtaking, a testament to nature’s unparalleled beauty.
Our journey then led us off the land and into the ocean as we embarked on a boat ride to spend some time watching playful sea lions on a large rock “island” at the mouth of the Hout Bay peninsula where they call home.
We even had a chance to visit the beloved South African penguins. Boulders Beach remains the only place in the world where one can get up close to these endangered creatures. Penguin viewing is made easier by boardwalks that lead visitors across the beaches as well as to an information center to learn more about efforts being made to protect them. These charming creatures added a touch of whimsy to our South African visit and is a memorable moment etched in our hearts for sure!
Cheers to exploring South Africa’s Wine Wonderland
But what’s a visit to this enchanting land without indulging in its renowned wine culture? We dedicated a full day to exploring the acclaimed wine region, immersing ourselves in delightful tastings, savoring the nuances of world-class South African wines.
We find ourselves drawn to grapes and wines that are distinctive to the region or area we in, and South Africa was no different. Pinotage, proudly known as South Africa’s signature grape varietal, represents a unique and intriguing part of the country’s winemaking heritage. Created in the early 20th century by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault (known as Hermitage at that time), Pinotage embodies a distinctive character that sets it apart in the world of wine.
This varietal often produces robust red wines that reflect South Africa’s terroir, showcasing an array of flavors ranging from ripe berries and plums to hints of earthy notes. Its profile can vary from medium-bodied to full-bodied, depending on winemaking styles and the region of cultivation.
Pinotage wines typically exhibit complex aromas, including red fruits like cherry and raspberry, complemented by spicier elements such as cloves or smoky undertones. And this was calling my name! These wines, especially from the older vines had a pleasant dry, rich, flavor and we definately have some bottles that have made there way back home with us!.
In terms of the best wine, South Africa has gained international recognition for its exceptional quality wines made from various grape varieties. While preferences vary among wine enthusiasts, some of the highly regarded wines from South Africa include not only pinotage but also varietals such as CheninBlanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz(Syrah) and Sauvignon Blanc.
The “best” wine is subjective and can vary depending on personal taste preferences, vintages, winemaking techniques, and individual experiences. South Africa’s diverse wine regions offer an array of exceptional wines, making it an exciting destination for and wine lover to explore!
Things we would do differently
At times we try and share things we have learned or things that we would have done differently on a trip. This is one of those times. If you are traveling to Cape Town the first thing you should really pay attention to is where your hotel or accomodations is located. Our tour agency booked us at the Cresta Grande Cape Town. This hotel is located in the heart of the city and within walking distance to most tourist attractions, large corporations, shopping, museums, which on the surface seems great considering its cost is very economical. But the thing we didn’t find out until we were there was that this location is not the best area that you want to be after dark. If we could do it over again we would have stayed at one of the many hotels located in the Waterfront proper. The V&A Waterfront is an ideal base for exploring Cape Town and it gives you a much safer location and offers a variety of accommodation types from luxury hotels short term apartment rentals to choose from.
Cape Town and the rise of gang violence
It seems that Cape Town is essentially two cities. One is a beautiful destination with natural marvels like Table Mountain, the other one of the most dangerous cities in the world where police wear bullet-proof vests and sometimes have army backup due to the gang violence.
We learned that walking around at night in Cape Town is only advisable if you are in a resort or a place full of tourists. We were told to go in groups if you have to go out after dark; otherwise, avoid going out in the city once the sun sets. Our driver also advised us that caution should be used when driving through the entire area. Even as we drove from one location to another we avoided driving through some of the small villages or outlying neighborhoods. Even as a local, our driver said she uses extreme caution when driving and avoids the Cape Town suburbs. She stated that these are the areas that you are most likely to be killed as a result of gang violence.
It is a serious problem and there are global initiative that are now trying to help the region by tracking and monitoring to give a better understanding of the gang activity. One report in October of 2023 showed that the prior 3 month period almost a thousand instances of gang-related violence had occurred in the Western Cape area. With that being said, as long as you are aware of your surroundings and are following the rules for visitors, Cape Town can be a enjoyed and during our visit we were not ever concerned with our safety.
Saying goodbye to beautiful South Africa
As we reflect on our remarkable year-long expedition, our hearts brimmed with unforgettable memories. With a bittersweet farewell, we bid adieu to the stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and warm hospitality of South Africa, making our way back to the United States, cherishing every moment of this incredible journey.
The Modern Nomads 
Leave a comment