Solo South African Adventure

Bo-Kaap

Bo-Kaap is a must-visit for its iconic, colorful houses and rich Cape Malay heritage, offering a unique look into Cape Town’s history, culture, cuisine, and community traditions all in one vibrant neighborhood.

As I was taking a tour through this area, I was lucky enough to stumble upon a parade. Not sure what the event was, but they were the happiest people—dancing, singing, and playing music in the streets. What a way to welcome you to South Africa!

After a few hours of exploring, I went to the Neighbourgoods Market. It’s not open every day so check before going. It’s another great local venue with shops and food booths where you can purchase from local artisans.

History

The history of Cape Town goes back hundreds of years or just decades. It was the basis for the African slave trade hundreds of years ago as explorers made their way around the southern point of Africa. You can explore the colonial slave quarters. I took a walking tour, which gave the history of the area.

Then there is modern history—the period of Apartheid, which was a mere 30 years ago. You can see it depicted in these benches outside of the city courthouse. The bench on the left, now scratched off, once read “Whites Only,” and the bench on the right reads “Non-Whites Only.”

Robben Island

Robben Island is a powerful historic landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held during apartheid, now serving as a museum that symbolizes freedom, resilience, and South Africa’s journey to democracy. I was fortunate enough to have a former prisoner with Nelson Mandela tour our group around the island and give us his first-hand experience of that time. It was chilling.

Safari

It wouldn’t be a trip to Africa without a safari! While most of the safaris are around Kruger Park in the northeast part of the country, I found a three-day tour from Cape Town that took us to Garden Route Game Lodge.

It was an absolutely incredible experience to witness these stunning animals up close! I went on two game drives and saw lions, elephants, rhinos, zebras, ostriches, cheetahs, hippos, and more! I was even able to see lions and the aftermath of a zebra kill. The lodge was stunning as well. I experimented and ordered the gemsbok for dinner, and it was delicious—similar to filet mignon.

Cape Agulhas

Cape Agulhas is the southernmost tip of Africa and the official meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, offering a unique chance to stand at a true geographic landmark surrounded by rugged coastal scenery and rich maritime history. We stopped by here on our way back to Cape Town. It was incredibly windy and no, there was no delineation in the water visually of the two oceans.

Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands offer a perfect blend of world-class wine, stunning mountain and vineyard scenery, and exceptional farm-to-table dining, making it one of South Africa’s most beautiful and flavorful regions to explore just outside Cape Town. Enjoy a glass of local Pinotage while visiting. My favorite winery was Muratie—known for their centuries-old cobwebs that the original owner has deeded down for generations as a sign of good fortune.

Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is a breathtaking coastal landmark known for dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and incredible biodiversity, while also holding major historical significance as a key point in early sea routes between Europe and Asia. Be cautious, as baboons are all over looking for food. I saw them steal a tourist’s bag that had food and his wallet. The baboon was agitated, so I don’t know how it ended—I ran! You can also see wild ostriches here in the fields.

Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is famous for its rare colony of African penguins and calm, sheltered shoreline, offering a unique chance to see endangered wildlife up close while enjoying one of Cape Town’s most scenic beaches.

The water was a beautiful crystal clear blue but very, very cold as it comes off the coast of Antarctica. While this is the most famous colony of penguins, I saw them quite frequently on this trip in other areas.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch Gardens is one of the world’s most beautiful botanical gardens, set against Table Mountain and showcasing thousands of native South African plant species, offering stunning scenery, walking trails, and a unique look at the region’s biodiversity. Truly a stunning landscape! A definite must-visit even if you don’t think it’s for you.

District Six Museum

A visit to Cape Town isn’t complete without taking the guided tour of the District Six Museum. Visiting offers a powerful and moving glimpse into South Africa’s past. The museum tells the story of the vibrant, multicultural community of District Six, which was forcibly cleared during the apartheid era. Through personal stories, photographs, and artifacts, you’ll learn about the daily lives, resilience, and cultural heritage of the residents who were displaced, gaining a deeper understanding of the human impact of apartheid and the city’s journey toward reconciliation.

It’s both an educational and emotional experience that brings history vividly to life. It’s incredibly sad to think this happened during my lifetime and not some distant historical era.

The food scene here was incredible. Here are a few of my fave stops where I ate.

• La Perla: Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and classic tapas dishes.

• The Neighborgoods Market: This is a craft, shopping, and food market open certain days of the week. You can stroll through the covered food area and eat many unique and delicious African dishes.

• The V&A Waterfront has many dining options available with beautiful views of the harbor and Table Mountain. My favorite was La Parada for tapas.

• The Test Kitchen: Renowned for its innovative tasting menus and vibrant atmosphere.

• La Colombe: Exquisite French cuisine with a South African twist in a beautiful setting.

• Kloof Street House: A charming eatery with a diverse menu and a lovely garden setting.