The last of my South African recaps is finally here! Below are some fun side trips from Cape Town.
WINE COUNTRY
Plan a day or overnight stay in wine country. Visit Franschhoek or Stellenbosch, less than an hour drive from Cape Town. You could Uber, or choose to rent a car. Once you arrive in Franschhoek, there is a hop-on-hop-off wine tram if you plan to visit multiple wineries.
After researching all the wineries, Babylonstoren continued to come up as a must-see. It is a winery, farm, restaurant, and more. The drive only took about 40 minutes from Cape Town, so very doable for a day trip. They also have a hotel on-site that we debated staying at, and I kind of wish we did. It was the most amazing property, but pricey. We started our visit with a wine tasting, and then took a coffee break to warm up before heading outside (winter weather!).
The property has a number of animals, including a lot of truly free range chickens. We strolled through the gardens, which were immaculately maintained. I imagine it looks and smells beautiful in the warmer months. Babylonstoren offers guided garden tours for those interested in learning more.
We had lunch in the greenhouse, which was SO good. They had gluten free bread and hot soup, the perfect remedy to a blustery day. They also have a high-end restaurant that requires reservations, but the greenhouse is beautiful and cozy for a quick meal.
After, we visited their ‘scented room’, where you can make your own scrubs and masks, and shop their homemade soaps and lotions. Rooibos is native to South Africa, and a common ingredient in body products . The soap and body butter smells heavenly, and is a nice reminder of our trip every time I wash my hands.
If you head to wine country, be sure to stop at Big Dog Cafe for a hearty breakfast. Ours even came with a cat who decided to sit with us.
CHAPMAN’S PEAK
If you’re going to rent a car, take a drive down Chapman’s Peak. Considered one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, it is not for the faint of heart. You are basically driving on the side of the cliff, and parts are actually carved into the mountain. Don’t pay attention to the ‘falling rocks’ warnings while you are driving in the parts tucked under the mountain…There is a toll to drive the complete stretch, but you can also drive the first section for free if you just want a little taste of adventure. There are scenic overlooks that you can pull over and enjoy the view. Definitely don’t try while you are driving, as it is a very windy road!
After a somewhat stressful (for me as a passenger) drive, we were rewarded with gorgeous views and then a cute little town, called Noordhoek. We visited The Farm Village for a mid-day break. This little spot has everything: an al fresco coffee, healthy lunch options, and some shopping for local goods. If you go, visit Cafe Roux and The Village Roast.
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE
After fueling up, we continued driving South to the Cape of Good Hope, the most Southwestern point in Africa. Follow the signs, not Google Maps. That took us to a road that has long been closed in the middle of nowhere. Once we made it to the correct destination, we paid the entrance fee (it’s part of their national park system) and proceeded down the long, windy road.
The waves were just incredible, crashing into the rocks with ferocity. There was an ostrich just hanging out by the water. That is a BIG BIRD up close and personal.
BOULDER’S BEACH
After experiencing the end of the world, we continued on our drive North up the East side of the Cape. Along the way, we stopped at Boulder’s Beach for the cute, little, African penguins! I didn’t hear it, but apparently they make a braying sound like a donkey, and thus were initially called jackass penguins. They were later renamed African penguins as they are the only penguin species that breeds in Africa. This is also part of the national park system, and there is an entrance fee . The penguins are protected from the people and wander freely. They were certainly used to humans snapping their photos, though. I am convinced they were posing for me! Some cute little baby penguins were waddling around, with their fluffy, down coats. That fluff isn’t waterproof, and it doesn’t last long; they get full plumage within their first 60 days. Adults also get new feathers during the annual moult, which lasts for 21 days. During that time, they are not waterproof, and therefore land-bound. Penguins are a monogamous species and lifelong partners take turns incubating their eggs and feeding their babies. So progressive with equal parenting.
TIPS
If you don’t know how to drive stick, make sure you book with advance notice to get an automatic car. Also to note, as I mentioned in my last recap, cars drive on the opposite side of the road here. Proceed with caution!
Pay attention to the map and do not stop in the townships for safety.
Get out cash, as not everywhere takes credit cards.
To read up on the rest of our trip, check out my recap on Cape Town and our safari in Hoedspruit. Stay tuned for some new posts coming soon- up, up and away to Portugal!