A Visit to Capetown - South Africa 2017

Rob and Mandy’s first trip to Cape Town, South Africa, was in 2017, and it was filled with unforgettable experiences. One of the highlights was their visit to Cape of Good Hope National Park, a rugged and windswept place that offered breathtaking views over the Atlantic.

After arriving at the park, they unloaded bicycles and embarked on a 7 km ride through the wild landscape. The wind was strong, and the scent of the ocean followed them as they cycled towards their lunch spot. Following their meal, they took the funicular up to the old lighthouse, where they were greeted by dramatic views of False Bay.

Eager to explore further, they walked 4 km along the cliff’s edge to the southernmost tip of the Cape. Along the way, they spotted large Cape baboons and even a few wild ostriches, which added to the wild and remote feel of the area. When they reached the famous Cape of Good Hope sign, they took photos to mark their arrival at this iconic landmark.

One particularly thrilling part of the trip was a helicopter flight over Cape Town, which gave them a new perspective of the city’s incredible landscape. As they soared above, the spectacular Table Mountain dominated the skyline, its flat top rising majestically above the city.

From this vantage point, they could see the beautiful sweep of the coastline, the V&A Waterfront, and Robben Island in the distance. The colors of the Atlantic Ocean—turquoise near the shore and deeper blue further out—were mesmerizing, and the flight offered views that would have been impossible to appreciate from the ground.

On another day, Rob and Mandy hopped on one of Cape Town's popular hop-on-hop-off buses, which allowed them to explore different parts of the city at their own pace. One of their stops was Boulder Beach, famous for its colony of African penguins.

They loved watching these charming creatures waddling along the sand and diving into the sea, and it was a joy to be so close to them in their natural habitat. The beach itself, with its giant granite boulders and clear waters, was a tranquil spot, perfect for taking in the beauty of the Cape Peninsula.

Their journey through the city also took them to District 6, a once-thriving area forcibly cleared during apartheid. Walking through the streets and visiting the District 6 Museum, they learned about the painful history of the forced removals and how the area had been shaped by apartheid policies.

It was a sobering reminder of the complex history of the country they were visiting, and it added a deeper layer of understanding to their trip.

As they explored more of Cape Town, Rob and Mandy also visited a shipyard in the city center, where they saw massive vessels being built and repaired. The scale of the ships was impressive, and they marveled at the skill and craftsmanship involved in the process. It was a side of Cape Town that was far removed from the beaches and tourist spots, but it was equally fascinating, offering insight into the city’s industrial side.

Cape Town’s diverse experiences, from its natural wonders to its rich history and vibrant city life, left a lasting impression on Rob and Mandy. They left with not only stunning memories but also a deeper appreciation of the beauty, history, and complexity of this incredible South African city.