Cape Town, South Africa — The Cleared List

In December 2014, I ran into a co-worker I had only seen in person twice before who began to tell me about a trip she was planning to visit Cape Town, South Africa with some friends. I looked at her with big eyes and said “I would love to go!” To my surprise she replied “You should come!” The next thing I knew she was sending me emails with options of places to stay and the trip itinerary. A few months later, in March 2015, I was on a flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg. Let me just say this was the trip of a lifetime!

With a one night layover in Johannesburg, we checked into a hotel and set out for dinner and drinks at a restaurant called Moyo. The food was absolutely delicious and my new friends and I received traditional face paintings.

The next morning we caught a South African Airways flight to Cape Town where the fun really began. Our group of nine people set out to our villa in Hout Bay. The villa was absolutely beautiful with stunning views of mountains and the bay, not to mention there was a hot tub and an infinity pool. I must admit at this point I felt like I was on an episode of MTVs Real World. Lunch in Hout Bay followed by late night hot tub shenanigans put an end to my second day in Africa.

The next morning we took a drive to V&A waterfront for brunch. The waterfront was beautiful with awesome shops and restaurants. From the waterfront we were able to hop on a ferry to Robben Island- where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years. While Robben Island was a solemn experience I’m definitely happy I went. The history of the island is quite interesting and it made me intrigued to read and learn more about the history of apartheid in South Africa. We had the opportunity to tour the island and even stand in front of Nelson Mandela’s cell.

At 4am the following morning we were in a van taking about a 2 hour drive to go shark diving with Great White sharks! I still can’t believe I did this! I can’t describe how massive and fast these creatures look in person. I don’t think I will be doing this again but it was truly the experience of a lifetime!

What’s a trip to Cape Town without a visit to Table Mountain? We took a cable car up to Table Mountain to witness the scenic views I will never forget.

On our way to Table Mountain we made a pit stop to Bo-Kaap- an area in Cape Town famous for chic colorful houses.

I’m so happy we included educational tours during our vacation to learn about the history and culture of Cape Town. Our tour of the Langa Township will be stuck with me always. Langa is a township in Cape Town still striving to overcome the effects of apartheid. I will never forget the spirit and resilience of the people there.

After our tour we had lunch on the beach in Camps Bay. Without a doubt Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been too. It’s amazing to look up and see the 12 Apostles Mountains, along with palm trees, and the clearest blue sky.

Of course there was no way I was going to travel to Africa and not go on a safari. We booked a day at the Aquila Game Reserve. The reserve was breathtaking and we were able to see plenty of animals including all of the “Big Five.” My personal favorite was the giraffes. Along the way we would make spit stops to enjoy refreshing champagne and stretch our legs.

The next morning I was out of the door of our villa by 8am. I had about 5 hours before I needed to be at the airport to board my flight back home but there was so much more I needed to see! We had our driver take us to Cape Point- the most southern tip of Africa, and made a stop to Simon’s Town so we could catch a glimpse of the African Penguins. While along the way to Cape Point we saw wild ostriches roaming alongside the road. While I felt like I was on an episode of the Amazing Race, I had so much fun and I’m super glad we decided to take a risk and drive to these places before heading home.

This was most certainly an amazing trip! I fell in love with Cape Town, and I have no doubt that you would too <3