South Africa has been on our bucket list for some time. I don't think you can turn the pages of a travel magazine without seeing Cape Town as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We had high expectations and Cape Town delivered.
As usual, we had a lot of things on the itinerary with little time. The trip was long and despite good rest on the two-legged flight, we found ourselves extremely jet lagged. All we could muster up the first day was walk around the V&A Waterfront mall. I suppose it was the best day to be jet lagged as the day was quite rainy and cold. We rested up and prepared for a full 3 day of adventure in Cape Town.
There are two main peaks one must visit when in Cape Town - Table Mountain and Lions Head. Although the rain stopped the following day, it was still quite cloudy and overcast and Table Mountain gondola was closed. We decided to get out and about anyway and hike Lions Head. The hike was an easy 1 hour up. One of the most fun things about the hike was almost a mini Via Ferrata with metal rungs and chains to help you climb in certain areas. Although the clouds hovered over the city, we had a great view of the ocean and Robbins island. We spent the rest of the day exploring Kloof and Long Street, lined with shops, cafes and restaurant. We also stumbled on a park with interesting animals. We unfortunately did not visit Bo-Kaap. This would have been a perfect day to do it.
The following day, we had prearranged to do a Great White Shark dive. We were quite lucky as they had cancelled the last 2-3 days prior to our scheduled day due to weather. We had our fingers crossed; you can never guarantee a Great White Shark sighting. A few months before our arrival, there was a pair of Orcas that had killed a handful of Great White sharks in the area. The sharks left the area for a bit and were slow to return.
Anyone who is a nature lover, particularly the wildlife of the ocean know that all sharks get a bad rep. They are not man eating animals. Most shark attacks occur on the surface when surfers, kayakers, swimmers, etc. are mistaken for food. The statistics of shark attacks are actually quite underwhelming. To compare (as a cardiologist), the risk of a heart attack in one's lifetime is approximately 1 in 5. The risk of a shark attack in one's lifetime is above 1 in 3.7 million. There are on average 1 death from shark attack every year versus greater than 700 from toasters.
With that said, we are both extremely fascinated by sharks and have been diving on several occasions with not only sightings but with the intension to see sharks (Galapagos, Fiji, Australia, etc.). For this particular dive (which in reality is not really diving), we felt extremely safe. The cage is attached to the boat. You wear a diving mask, but not a snorkel or a regulator. Because Great White Sharks stay on the surface when they are curious, you don't need either. And they are so quick and in and out of your sight that holding your breath is sufficient.
See a post on our experience with Marine Dynamics and what to expect on a Great White Shark Dive in South Africa.
After returning from our dive, we knew we had a small window to be able to hike up Table Mountain. The weather was perfect and it was the first time we were actually able to see the famous Cape Town coast in all its glory. There are several trails to the top. And the best part of the hike is you can go down in a Gondola! Our first choice would have been India Venster. It's a good 3.5 hour hike but with dramatic views. The shortest and most popular is the Platteklip Gorge. Reportedly, it takes 1.5 hours up. Being from elevation and hiking at sea level it took us just slightly more than 45 min. The hike up was steep, but affords a pretty dramatic view of Cape Town.
It's hard to explain the feeling you get when you watch the sunset from the top of Table Mountain. It's this indescribable feeling of elation, gratitude and awe.
Our last full day in Cape Town was not only the best weather day, but it was the most adventurous and fun-filled day. We booked a day with a private guide that was tailored to our level of fitness and adventure. The itinerary for the day initially included surfing, but given that we are not fan of cold waters, we decided on a coastal bike ride. We were glad we did as seeing the coast from a bike is different than just driving along the coast. It allows you to digest the beautiful scenery and allows you to earn you good meals!
After our bike ride, we went straight to Boulder Beach. Clear, calm waters, large picturesque granite boulders and penguins! What more could you ask for? The story goes that a couple of breeding penguins landed in this area in the early 80s. They learned the waters and food were ideal and thus a colony of African penguins grew. You can see them a few different ways. Because they are near extinction, they are protected. You can see them along a paid entrance fee so you can walk around the beach on boardwalks where you will see them in mass. If you are lucky and they are on the main beach, you can run around with them. On a crowded day, they keep to themselves in areas that are more protected. We opted to go on stand-up paddle boards. Another experience that is difficult to describe in words, the feeling of SUPing with penguins swimming below you and nesting on the beach and boulders. A truly unique experience like no other!
After SUPing, we headed to the Cape of Good Hope. We took the typical pictures the sign that indicates that you are at the most southwestern point of Africa (mistakenly thought to be the most southern point of Africa). We also saw wildlife in the Table Mountain National Parke area (not to be confused with Table Mountain itself) where we saw elands, ostriches, and baboons.
With little time left, we headed to Chapman Peak drive to catch the sunset. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day in Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula.
