Cape Town — Mountains, Oceans, and Urban Vibrancy

Written by Alexandra Shaw | Feb 13, 2026 8:00:01 AM

After the unforgettable bush adventures of Kruger, we traded wildlife for mountains, oceans, and urban vibrancy as we landed in Cape Town, a short 2.5-hour flight from Skukuza Airport. Over the next five nights, the city offered a dazzling mix of natural beauty, luxury accommodation, history, and vibrant culture — and we soaked up every moment.

Arrival, Hire Car, and Accommodation: Victoria & Alfred Hotel

Landing in Cape Town marked the start of our next adventure. To explore the city and surrounding areas, including Stellenbosch, we picked up a hire car from Cape Town International Airport (Bluu Car Rentals). Driving in a city like Cape Town can be nerve-wracking, unfamiliar roads, busy intersections, pedestrians walking on major highways, hitch hikers everywhere and erratic traffic require extra caution. We reminded ourselves of basic safety measures, always lock doors, keep valuables out of sight, avoid being on your mobile in cars, avoid driving after dark in less familiar areas, keep space from the car in front, and plan routes carefully only driving on major roads.

The outskirts of the airport provide a stark contrast to the city’s beauty, shanty towns cluster near the roads, a visible reminder of South Africa’s social disparities. While these areas are not tourist attractions, taking locals advise, being aware, and cautious, helped us feel safe and prepared as we began our journey.

Once the hire car was secured, we enjoyed a short 25-minute drive along the N2 to the Victoria & Alfred Hotel at the V&A Waterfront. Nestled in the heart of the harbor, the hotel offered luxury, comfort, and a perfect base for exploring the city, a calming oasis after the adrenaline of navigating Cape Town traffic.

Victoria and Alfred, V&A Waterfront and Seafood Delights

No visit to Cape Town is complete without exploring the V&A Waterfront. We wandered through bustling shops, artisanal stalls, and the amazing Cape Town Fish Market, tasting fresh oysters, prawns, and calamari, all washed down with a few Aperol spritz and crisp local wines. The views across the harbor, with Table Mountain looming in the background, were picture-perfect, and we found ourselves returning multiple times to enjoy sunsets, dining, and lively evening energy.

Our first evening, we dined at Baia Restaurant, indulging in beautifully crafted seafood dishes with a modern South African twist, paired with local wines. The combination of excellent food, stunning sunset views, and attentive service made for a memorable night out in the city.

We also visited the Gold Restaurant, a lively must-see for anyone traveling to Cape Town. This immersive experience includes a 17-course dinner and live South African entertainment. Booking well in advance is highly recommended.

One of our most memorable moments in Cape Town was an unforgettable sunset cocktails at The Silo Hotel bar in the V&A Waterfront, a place we first discovered watching it featured on The Bachelor. From that moment, it went straight onto our must-do list, and we made sure to book more than a month in advance to secure a coveted sunset seating.

From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. We were welcomed with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, which set the tone perfectly for what became a beautifully relaxed and romantic evening. The cocktails themselves were some of the best we enjoyed. As the sun slowly set behind Table Mountain, we sat quietly taking in the sweeping views across the V&A Waterfront.

Table Mountain and the Gondola Experience

The iconic Table Mountain was calling, and we answered with an early morning visit to the gondola. Tip: arrive early to beat long queues and avoid afternoon cloud cover, we were true early birds and arrived before the gondola opened with pre-purchased tickets. The views are breathtaking. From the summit, the 360-degree panorama of Cape Town, the ocean, and surrounding mountains left us mesmerized. We spent hours absorbing the scenery, taking photos, and marveling at how the city sits between mountains and sea like a jewel, as per most attractions a lovely restaurant, café and gift shop is at the top.

Bo-Kaap and Sunset Champagne Cruise

Cape Town’s colourfull Bo-Kaap neighbourhood is a feast for the senses: bright pastel houses, cobbled streets, and rich Cape Malay history. Walking through its streets, it was impossible not to pause, photograph, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Later, we enjoyed a sunset champagne cruise with Waterfront Charters, drifting on calm waters while the city skyline glowed golden and Table Mountain loomed majestically behind us. It was a serene, magical moment, with dolphins greeting us and a perfect blend of luxury and nature.

Beach Days: Llandudno, Camps Bay, and Clifton

Cape Town’s beaches are legendary, and we spent a glorious day hopping between Llandudno, Camps Bay, and Clifton. Each beach offered a unique charm, Llandudno with its rugged tranquility, Camps Bay buzzing with energy and cafes, and Clifton’s white sands framed by cliffs, luxury homes and turquoise waters. We soaked up sun, swam, and simply luxuriated in the sea, sand, and spectacular views.

History: Robben Island

Cape Town is not only about natural beauty; it is steeped in history. A morning tour of Robben Island offered insight into South Africa’s complex past. Guides shared personal stories and historical context that made the visit deeply moving. Standing in the very cells where Nelson Mandela and others were imprisoned was a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the journey South Africa has taken.

Scenic Peninsula Drive: Chapmans Peak, Penguins, and Cape Point

One of the highlights of our Cape Town stay was a full day exploring the Scenic Peninsula. The drive along Chapmans Peak took our breath away with every turn, cliff hugging roads and sweeping ocean views. We stopped to admire the penguins at Boulders Bay, watched seals lounge lazily on rocks, and drove to Cape Point to hike to the lighthouse and visit the Cape of Good Hope, the dramatic meeting point of two oceans.

Along the way, Kalk Bay added a charming, historic fishing village feel to our journey, complete with art galleries, cafés, and quirky shops.

Reflection: Cape Town’s Perfect Blend of Nature and Culture

Cape Town was everything we had imagined and more. From the soaring heights of Table Mountain to sparkling beaches, historic landmarks, colourful streets, and vibrant waterfront life, the city offers a seamless blend of nature, culture, and urban energy. Our stay at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel anchored us perfectly, giving us both luxury and convenience as we explored one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Tipping: Cape Town and South Africa in general follow a tipping culture. Some places add a 10–20% service charge, but tipping for hotel staff, waiters, and tour guides is customary and appreciated.
Currency: USD is widely accepted in Southern Africa, but local currency (ZAR) is preferred. ATMs are available, but use caution and credit cards are widely accepted.
Parking: Parking can be tricky in busy Cape Town areas and suburbs. Be prepared to walk and wear comfortable shoes.
Uber: After dark, it is highly recommended to use Uber, reliable, safe, and convenient.

- Alex