Here we are at the airport, waiting for our flight to Madrid—the first stop on our grand, three-part journey that will eventually whisk us off to Addis Ababa and finally to Cape Town. Basically, by the time we reach our destination, I’ll have visited more airports than a travel influencer and aged approximately seven emotional years.
I’m trying to look calm and sophisticated—like someone who flies business class and says things like “Ah yes, the jet bridge”—but inside I’m already rehearsing my panic routine for when turbulence hits. You know, that moment when the plane shakes slightly and my soul begins a full Olympic sprint out of my body.
Still, I’m excited. A little nervous, yes, but excited. And if all goes well, I’ll step off the plane in Cape Town feeling proud, worldly, and only mildly traumatized by the in-flight bumps. Honestly, if I survive the turbulence, the rest of the trip will be a breeze.
Wish me luck. Or better yet, wish the plane smooth air. I need it more than the pilot does. ✈️😅
We were up before the sun, heading out on an early morning drive to Stellenbosch—sleepy-eyed but excited—because today we were visiting my cousin’s incredibly popular restaurant, De Eetkamer. As we rolled into Stellenbosch, the town greeted us with its signature blend of old-world charm and youthful energy. The oak-lined streets, the historic Cape Dutch buildings, the vineyards stretching out in every direction—it all felt like stepping into a postcard.
De Eetkamer was buzzing the moment we walked in, and for good reason. Everything we ate was out of this world. Each dish was one of those rare moments where conversation suddenly stops because everyone is too busy savouring what’s on the plate. You could taste the passion and creativity in every bite—a true reflection of Stellenbosch’s food culture.
After lingering a little too long over our plates (how could we not?), we set off along the coast. The drive gave us endless views of the sea on one side and the city in the distance. We stopped to take photos of Table Mountain, majestic as ever, standing proudly across the water. And then on to Melkbos Beach, where the light danced across the waves and the breeze carried that refreshing, salty smell of the Atlantic.
It was one of those days that felt full and effortless at the same time—the kind where you look around, breathe deeply, and think, What an amazing time we’re having. A perfect blend of good food, beautiful places, and even better company.
Paarl: Where Mountains Wear Pearls and Wine Flows Like Gossip
If Cape Town is the flamboyant extrovert of the Western Cape, then Paarl is its effortlessly elegant friend—the one who shows up in linen, smelling faintly of oak barrels and sunshine, and somehow makes you rethink your entire wardrobe and life choices.
The first thing you notice when you arrive in Paarl is the mountain. Not a mountain—the Paarl Rock, a massive granite boulder polished smooth by time, weather, and undoubtedly a few million selfies. At sunrise it glows a soft pink, like it’s blushing from all the attention. Honestly, if I looked that good at dawn, I’d glow too.
Then there’s the wine. Paarl is basically Napa’s sophisticated cousin who studied viticulture abroad and now throws dinner parties with perfect lighting. Vineyards roll across the landscape with the confidence of supermodels strutting down a runway. Tasting rooms invite you in with promises of oak-matured dreams, and somehow every glass seems to whisper, “You’re on holiday—relax.”
But Paarl isn’t all about grape-based enlightenment. Wander down its historic main road—one of the longest in South Africa—and you’ll find Cape Dutch buildings posing as politely as museum pieces. There are charming cafés, artisan shops, and enough quirky corners to justify at least three “candid” photos.
And then comes the food. Whether you’re into rustic farm-to-table platters or decadent multi-course meals that make you seriously consider relocating, Paarl delivers. Your only real problem will be deciding whether to pair your lunch with a Chenin Blanc or a Shiraz. (Spoiler: Both. The answer is always both.)
By the time you leave, Paarl will have wrapped you in its warm, sun-soaked embrace, filled your camera roll, and possibly expanded your wine vocabulary to dangerously pretentious levels.
Franschhoek is usually the kind of place where you arrive, inhale deeply, and immediately feel 30% fancier. It’s the French Corner of South Africa, after all—where vineyards drape themselves over mountains like couture gowns and every second restaurant looks like it has at least one Michelin star in its ancestry.
By midday the temperature hit 40°C, and suddenly the elegant valley wasn’t just giving Provence vibes—it was giving me a full, sweaty flashback to Seville. You know, that special kind of heat where the air feels like it’s giving you a passionate Spanish embrace, and you’re pretty sure your sunglasses are melting ever so slightly. For a moment I expected a flamenco dancer to appear between the vineyards, fanning herself with a wine menu.
Still, if there’s any place where scorching heat becomes part of the charm, it’s Franschhoek. The vineyards shimmered like they were auditioning for a perfume commercial. Wine estates offered cool, oak-scented tasting rooms that felt like salvation. And nothing—nothing—makes a glass of chilled Chenin Blanc taste quite as angelic as being slowly roasted outdoors.
Wandering through the town, I found art galleries, boutiques, and cafés that seemed determined to prove you can indeed look stylish at temperatures typically reserved for pizza ovens. And the food? Let’s just say Franschhoek could serve a gourmet meal during a solar flare and it would still taste divine.
In the end, the heat became part of the story—an amusing plot twist that only made the valley’s beauty more memorable. Franschhoek gave me French charm with Andalusian weather, and honestly? I’d endure another 40° déjà vu any day for that combination of scenery, wine, and accidental Seville flashbacks.
What a day! We kicked things off wandering through the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap before cruising up to Signal Hill for those jaw-dropping views. From there we breezed past Clifton and Camps Bay like absolute beach royalty, dipped down to the gorgeous Llandudno Beach, and continued on to Hout Bay where – of course – we had to stop for the famous fish ’n chips (because it would’ve been rude not to). Then we wrapped it all up with the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive, showing off as always.
Honestly? Fab day, fab views, fab weather… 10/10, would do again!
6/12 - My birthday - Chapman’s Peak
It truly was the best birthday ever. We began the day in Muizenberg, the ocean breeze already setting the tone for something special. From there, we wandered along the coast through Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, and Simon’s Town—each stop offering its own charm, its own little moment to remember. By the time we reached Scarborough, it felt like the world had slowed down just for us.
Then came the highlight of the journey: the breathtaking drive along Chapman’s Peak. With every curve revealing another stretch of glittering coastline, it felt as if nature itself was celebrating with me.
We ended the day with a birthday dinner at the Ocean Basket, a perfect blend of great food, warm atmosphere, and that feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be. As the sun dipped into the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and rose, I knew—this was a birthday I would never forget.
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7/12 - V & A Waterfront
It was one of those Cape Town days where the weather seemed personally offended by our existence — the kind of heat that makes you question every life choice that led you outdoors. And as if the sun wasn’t enough, the waterfront was absolutely heaving with people thanks to the 7s rugby. Honestly, it felt like half the city, three tour groups, and at least eight lost rugby fans all decided to gather in the same square meter of shade.
But somehow… it was perfect.
We wandered through the V&A Waterfront — Cape Town’s beloved playground of shops, restaurants, street performers, and that endless postcard-worthy view of Table Mountain. Between the bustling markets, the smell of fresh fish and chips, and the occasional sound of a vuvuzela (because of course), the chaos became part of the charm.
Even with the crowds and the sun doing its best impression of a blowtorch, we had an absolutely wonderful day. Laughter, good company, cold drinks, and the magic of the harbour — what more could anyone ask for?
Who knew that melting slightly could still be so much fun?
Today we decided to give our legs (and our sanity) a break and have what we like to call a “low-effort, high-reward” day. We basically wandered through the big malls like professional window-shoppers, stopping every 7 minutes for snacks because… wellness.
The highlight of the day? Bubblegum milkshakes so delicious they probably violated at least three health laws. At one point I’m pretty sure my tongue turned blue and I briefly achieved enlightenment.
After fueling up on pure sugar and questionable decisions, we made our way to Bloubergstrand, where the wind tried to exfoliate us for free, and then to Kommetjie, which was so calm and pretty it felt illegal.
Overall: 10/10 chill day. Minimal effort, maximum snacks, excellent scenery, and no one cried in public. A true success.
9th - Around Cape Town
What a day we had — the kind that deserves its own postcard, soundtrack, and possibly a small parade.
We kicked things off at The Company’s Garden, Cape Town’s elegant front yard. Founded in 1652 by the Dutch as a vegetable patch for ships passing the Cape, it has somehow upgraded itself over the centuries from “functional cabbage farm” to “serene botanical escape where squirrels audition for attention.” We wandered the tree-lined paths like seasoned explorers, stopping for drinks because hydration is important — and because the garden café was staring at us invitingly.
The wooden poles are part of the Labour Corps Memorial (also described as the “Carrier Corps” / “Cape Town Labour Corps” memorial) in Company’s Garden.
Each post carries the name of one fallen black serviceman who served with the labour units during World War I.
There are 1,772 individually engraved timber posts — one for each soldier recognized — representing those who died and were never properly commemorated before.
From there, we graduated to Iziko South African Museum, established in 1825 and proudly holding the title of South Africa’s oldest museum. Inside, we time-traveled through natural history, cultural heritage, ancient fossils, and creatures that definitely make you question your place in the food chain. It was educational, awe-inspiring, and the perfect excuse to slow down with yet another pit-stop snack. Learning is hard work, after all.
Then came Camps Bay, where the mountains flirt with the ocean and everyone looks like they’re living their best beach-commercial life. The area’s history stretches back to the 19th century and the old Kloof Road, but today it’s world-famous for turquoise waves, golden sand, and sundowners good enough to convert anyone into a poet. We soaked it all in — the views, the breeze, the “just one more drink” vibe.
By the end of the day, we were sun-kissed, museum-cultured, well-fed, and absolutely in love with every stop. If every outing were this good, we’d resign ourselves to a life of permanent vacation.
10th - Safari Time!
We were up at what can only be described as “tourist o’clock”—that magical hour when the sun isn’t quite awake but somehow we are—ready to meet our pick-up for Aquila Private Game Reserve. Despite the heat already stretching its arms for another scorching day, we were whisked away in a blissfully cool, luxury bus that made the rising temperature feel like someone else’s problem.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with welcome drinks and the sort of hospitality that immediately makes you forget you’ve been awake since an unreasonable hour. Then came the buffet lunch—delicious doesn’t even begin to cover it. Let’s just say we strongly considered asking for the chef’s autograph.
Fed and hydrated, we set out on safari in search of the legendary Big Five. We managed to spot four—lions, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos—but the leopard, true to its mysterious reputation, decided to sit this one out. Too shy for tourists, apparently. Fair enough—everyone deserves a personal day.
All in all, an unforgettable adventure… even if one spotted someone stayed unspotted. 🐾
Aquila is a wildlife conservancy and safari resort roughly 180 km (about 2 hours’ drive) from Cape Town, via the N1 highway to the Touws River.
The reserve covers about 10,000 hectares of protected land — a mix of Karoo, fynbos and mountain-veld landscapes, with valleys, plains and natural wetlands.
It was founded in the late 1990s (officially the name dates to 1999) to reintroduce “Big Five” wildlife to the Western Cape, making it the region’s first “near-Cape-Town Big Five” reserve.
Interesting fact:-
Asian and African elephants differ in size, ears, trunks, and head shape. African elephants are larger with big, fan-shaped ears that resemble the continent of Africa, while Asian elephants are smaller with rounded ears. Additionally, African elephants have two finger-like projections at the tip of their trunks, compared to one on Asian elephants, and tusks are present in both male and female African elephants but only in male Asian elephants.
Today I traded my to-do list for tide pools and took the West Coast for a spin — and what a day it turned out to be. First stop: Yzerfontein, where the ocean greeted me with that “I woke up like this” attitude and a breeze that tried to rearrange my hair into modern art. From there, we eyed Dassen Island from the shore — home to penguins, shipwreck tales, and just enough mystery to make you wonder if you should move into a lighthouse one day.
Next up was Kraalbaai, the kind of turquoise paradise that makes you question every life choice that hasn’t involved living on a houseboat. If serenity had a forwarding address, it would be here.
We rolled into Jacobs Bay, a quiet coastal gem where time seems to have politely stopped to let you enjoy the view. And then came Paternoster — the seaside village that never disappoints and definitely didn’t today. We wrapped up the adventure with food so delicious it felt like a warm hug from a West Coast grandmother who insists you take seconds.
Salty air, sandy shoes, and stomachs full — a perfect day on South Africa’s sun-kissed edge.
12th - Now a few very interesting facts about South Africa and which I can confirm to be true aha
🇿🇦 1. Languages & Culture
South Africa has 11 official languages, which basically means everyone argues in surround sound.
A typical SA conversation: “Ja, no, lekker, eish, shame man.” Translation: Yes. No. Good. Wow. Sorry. Maybe.
🦁 2. Wildlife & Nature
Other countries have squirrels. South Africa has the Big Five, which are basically the original boss levels.
Also: penguins chilling on the beach like they paid rent in Cape Town.
🛣️ 3. Driving & Roads
South Africans drive on the left, but honestly, it feels like some people drive on all sides. Also, the national roads are so long, you can start a podcast at the beginning and finish a whole career by the time you reach the end.
🍽️ 4. Food & Eating Traditions
Braai is not a BBQ — it’s a national religion. If someone says, “We’re having a braai at 2,” the food will be ready at 8. This is law.
Other South African delicacies:
Biltong: beef jerky but with more personality.
Boerewors: the sausage that never ends.
Bunny chow: the only time it’s acceptable to eat a loaf of bread like a bowl.
🔌 5. Electricity & Infrastructure
South Africa has load shedding, also known as:
“Guess the schedule”
“Live-action survival mode”
“Your phone is now the only source of hope”
Most homes have more backup power than a NASA spacecraft.
🌦️ 6. Weather & Geography
South Africans get more sunshine than their problems.
But every city has its own vibe:
Cape Town: four seasons in one day. Bring a jacket. And shorts. And a kayak.
Durban: permanently sweaty.
Johannesburg: sunny until 2pm, then a thunderstorm that wants to audition for a Marvel movie.
💵 7. Money & Prices
The currency is the rand, which has the confidence of Monopoly money but still works. Visitors feel rich. Locals just… try their best.
👮 8. Security & Daily Life
Most homes look like they’re preparing for a zombie apocalypse: electric fences, beams, gates, gates behind gates, gates inside gates. Even the dog needs a password.
🏫 9. School & Education
Schools have uniforms, so no one can flex their fashion sense. The school year runs January to mid December, which means kids are still doing homework while other countries are building snowmen.
⚽🎶 10. Sports & Entertainment
South Africans take sports VERY seriously. The Springboks win so often it’s starting to feel rude to other countries. Also: the vuvuzela, the only instrument that can summon joy and migraines at the same time.
🚍 11. Transport
Minibus taxis operate by their own laws of physics. They can fit 27 people into a 16-seater, teleport between lanes, and use hand signals no foreigner will ever understand.
Ja no, South Africa is one unique, lekker country 😉
Souvenir spree today!
Today was basically a full-blown souvenir safari. We kicked off the morning at Canal Walk, where I heroically battled endless shop windows and at least three “Do I really need this?” moments. By the time we wandered over to the V&A Waterfront, my bags were heavier, my wallet was lighter, and my souvenir list was almost conquered.
Almost.
Because of course, the universe saved the hardest level for last: finding something for my delightfully fussy daughter. So yes, most of my souvenirs are sorted out—but the final boss awaits.
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