Curator’s statement
South Africa is more than a destination to me—it’s home. I choose to spend so much time here because there is nothing quite like it; in many ways, it spoils you for anywhere else. What makes it truly special is the contrast: wild landscapes, world-class food and wine, and a richly layered cultural identity, all in one place. Living here has given me access to off-the-beaten-track places that locals genuinely cherish. This guide reflects not just where to go, but how to experience South Africa with intention and local insight.
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Things to do
Swimming in Clifton Beach
Cold water swimming and kelp forest snorkelling
This is a ritual for many locals: immersing yourself in the icy Atlantic, whether through a quick swim or a guided snorkel through the kelp forests. It’s such a unique experience, which is both invigorating and grounding and feels uniquely Cape Town. My favourite spots are Camps Bay tidal pool, Cosy Bay, and Clifton (first beach where the locals are).
Hiking Table Mountain
No visit to Cape Town is complete without a hike up Table Mountain. It gives you a true perspective of the city and the coastline (on some hikes you can even see both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans), offering a glimpse of the incredible natural beauty that surrounds the city and, overall, a truly breathtaking experience. There are hikes for all levels, and I always advise taking a guide. My favourites are Skeleton Gorge and Kasteelspoort.
Art, galleries, and Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
The city has a dynamic art scene, from cutting-edge galleries to working artist studios. I love visiting galleries such as Goodman Gallery or Southern Guild. Zeitz MOCAA museum is also a standout.
Wine tasting in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
A one-hour drive and you are catapulted into a different world of rolling hills, incredible wines, and exceptional experiences. My favourites include Babylonstoren for the experience and the food, Waterford for the wines, and Delaire Graff for the views. It’s as much about the atmosphere as it is about the tasting.
Scenic drives along Chapman’s Peak Drive
One of the most breathtaking coastal drives in the world, winding between cliffs and ocean. Take it slowly and stop often; it’s all about the views. End the drive at the stunning Chef Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic for a fabulous four-course meal or at Noordhoek Village Farm for a casual meal.
Places to eat & drink
Chef Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic
Bistrot de JAN
A beautifully personal dining experience blending French technique with South African ingredients. It’s intimate, seasonal, and the food is simply excellent. My favourite dishes are: oysters, steak tartare, and the beef with bone marrow. Make sure to leave space for the warm madeleines at the end.
Tintswalo Atlantic
Perched right on the ocean’s edge below Chapman’s Peak, this is one of the most dramatic dining settings in the country. Expect refined coastal cuisine with uninterrupted sea views. A one-of-a-kind place and defiantly my favourite place in South Africa.
La Petite Colomb
If Africa did Michelin stars, this restaurant would have three. This an experience in itself, a refined tasting-menu experience in the heart of the Winelands, known for precise, creative plating and exceptional service.
The Fat Butcher
A departure from fine dining, this is a modern steakhouse in Stellenbosch that balances high-quality cuts with a warm, buzzing atmosphere, filled with locals. It’s unfussy but excellent, especially for a lively dinner out.
Kloof Street House
This is the first restaurant I take visitors to—it captures the essence of Cape Town in one place. Fun, local, and eclectic, it’s a villa-style restaurant tucked away in the city. It’s perfect for long dinners with friends and cocktails, with a lively, distinctly local atmosphere. My favourite dishes are the prawns and the springbok.
Arlecchino by Tasha
A cozy, personal Italian-inspired spot with a strong emphasis on handmade dishes and heartfelt hospitality. It feels like dining in someone’s beautifully curated home—the whole menu is great, but the standouts for me are the Genovese pasta and the chicken parmigiana.
Harbour House
There are a couple of these, but my favourite is in Kalk Bay, a coastal favourite known for fresh seafood and unbeatable ocean views, especially at sunset. It’s polished but relaxed, with a location right on the water.
Need to know
No trip to South Africa is complete without a safari experience. If you have the time and budget, head out on safari either in Kruger National Park, where you’ll find some of the best wildlife viewing in the world, or opt for a malaria-free safari in the Eastern Cape, which is more easily accessible and ideal for shorter stays. A safari is truly a life-changing experience.
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Seby Gurrieri
Seby Gurrieri
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