South Africa welcomed me with this terrific sunrise, it was 6am and the sun already warmed up
I definitely suggest to visit the Western Cape in January/February, the weather is impeccable, a lot of sun, high temperatures but softly windy, honestly enjoyable!
I decided to go first to Winelands to get provisions of good wines to be delighted in my following stages.
NOT TO BE MISSED IN WINELANDS:
- Stay overnight in a wine estate, there are so many and gorgeous! I booked via Booking. com a superior double room in Zorgvliet Wine estate in Banhoek valley, 5 minutes by car from Stellenbosch. They produce a great selection of wines, you can appreciate every day their delicious picnic, the location is awesome and the restaurant even better!!
- Enjoy a romantic dinner at Fat Butcher in Stellenbosch. You’ll find the better steak in town. I absolutely recommend it: succulent steak, good selection of south african wines, excellent prices, very kind staff and perfect location and service, what else?
- Visit some wineries. My favorite ones are:
Ken Forrester: the basic line “Petit” is amazing, the best quality-price level I have found
Delaire Graff Estate: enormous and luxurious, you can get lost in their vineyards and lands
Stark-Condé: stunning location, I truly enjoyed their Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé
Noble Hill: Astounding Chenin Blanc and very good restaurant
- Have a paired food&wine lunch or dinner. I booked a table on the terrace in Clos Malverne and I was really satisfied.
- Visit Stellenbosch Slow Market to taste local organic food
Unlikely Winelands are not only sumptuous wineries and well-finished vineyards. Most black people live below poverty line. Many of them work all daylong in lavender fields, it seems to go back in the South US 60’s.
CAPE TOWN & SURROUNDINGS
To reach Cape Town, I crossed Kayelitsha Township, km & km & km of Bidonville. 3 millions people live there, in metal sheet homes, often without any toilets nor water. I was so shocked!
Cape Town is a huge and versatile city. Multicolored and dynamic, the city bowl is surrounded by green neighborhoods. There are many homeless but I always felt safe as there are policemen at every corner.
SOME TIPS FOR A FABULOUS STAY:
Overnight stay: the best options are the Garden district, full of trendy bars and with a remarkable view of Table Mountain or Marina district, so charming, elegant and close by to the Waterfront. The city bowl could be an alternative choice, not exactly a slum but a little bit dirty and loud. Its convenience is to be on a walking distance from most interesting sites.
You don’t need a car to visit Cape Town, UBER is the best solution, very cheap and accurate service
MUST TO SEE:
- Table Mountain: go hiking and come back with the cabway. There are several trails to reach the Table Mountain. I travelled the platteklip gorge, the fastest but also the steepest, not for everyone! Be conscious, take minimum a bottle of water per person with you and wear suitable clothing. I don’t want to scare but consider that go down could be slippery. At the end of 2 hours you’ll join the summit and the stunning view will compensate the effort
- Bo Kaap: the Malay district. So colored and and enchanting, it’s mood-enhancing
- Western Cape: a full day drive to visit Muizenberg beach, Kalk Bay harbour (stop to visit local shops for your souvenirs), Boulder’s beach (quite touristic but you can find out wild penguins), Cape of Good Hope, Nordhoek beach and Chapman’ Peak drive.
- Camps Bay and Clifton beaches. We spent the last 3 days in a deluxe villa overlooked Camps Bay beach, but you can easily join it from Cape Town city centre (less than 15 minutes by car)
- Canal district and Marina district: get lost in such a lovable area close to Waterfront full of bars, restaurants and shops
- Kloof street in Gardens area or Watekant for a mouthwatering dinner and a tasty drink.
- Company’s gardens: an oasis in the city bowl. Don’t try to find out any squirrels….you’ll be surrounded by dozens and dozens of likable and funny squirrels
Kirstenbosch national botanical garden: enjoy the Canopy walkway and a large number of plants, hailing from all Africans different regions
I can definitely confirm! Nostalgia from Africa exists and i am already thinking to my next journey