Photograph: Tobias Reich via Unsplash
Summer break is fast approaching! True to Shanghai culture, it goes without saying that our adventurous souls have already set things in perfect motion for multiple take-offs and touchdowns to fill up the sunny days!
In the spirit of staying true to the proactive sun-chasing wanderers we are, we’re here to enlighten your Golden Week travel brainstorm session.
Since Golden Week is still a few moons away, there’s ample time to recover from the inevitable consequences of Summer splurging, just so we can do it all over again in October. Passport stamp collectors, buckle up – Cape Town, here we come!
Photograph: Marlin Clark via Unsplash
South Africa is arguably amongst the most naturally scenic countries on the planet. Today we’ll be zooming in on the country’s crowning jewel – Cape Town, endearingly known as “The Mother City”, also home to the infamous natural world wonder, Table Mountain. You’ll be spoiled for choice at every turn, from pristine white beaches, to wildlife, wine farm excursions, exquisite dining, and so much more! The cherry on top is that you couldn't have picked a better time to visit, as October is Spring season, making for the best weather the city has to offer.
Photograph: via www.aboathouse.co.za
A warm welcome to the mother city awaits you after a lengthy flight. Our friends at 📍A Boat House – Guest House Bed & Breakfast have just the right dose of Southern hospitality to cruise you into your vacation. The cosy “boat on land” experience has a lovely selection of suitably titled rooms to choose from. Whether you’re a lower deck, cabin or captain suite kind of person, they’ve got you covered; not to mention the surrounding breathtaking ocean and mountain views. Breakfast is included with all bookings. For day and evening dining there are several restaurants close by, where you can explore local cuisine.
Photograph: Perpetua Mbali
Bookings: www.aboathouse.co.za
The guest house is perfectly located in Cape Peninsula’s Simon’s Town, where there are sought-after nearby activities at your fingertips to pull from.
📍The Penguin Colony is located on the white sands of Boulders Beach, which is a scenic 15-min walk from A Boat House. Why not take a day-time stroll to the African Penguin sanctuary, where these endangered waddlers can roam freely and are pretty happy to pose for a selfie or two?
Photograph: Perpetua Mbali
For more day-time activities in the area and surrounding areas, feel free to ask your friendly hosts, who are more than happy to assist. Once you’ve had your fill of charming Simon’s Town, let's head closer to the city center! This drive will be one of several picturesque drives so keep those phone batteries well charged.
Photograph: Tim Johnson via Unsplash
After a healthy dose of The Cape Peninsula, it's time to move closer to the Cape Town City Center. If you're not sure where to nest for the remainder of your stay, here are some options to consider.
📍Mawethu's Observatory Apartments
Mawethu Apartments have noteworthy spaces for you to consider that accommodate different budget preferences. For our more artsy travellers, Observatory is a suburb that attracts the young and creative types. The area offers interesting cafes to explore, boutique stores and a strong pop-up culture.
If this sounds like your cup of tea then these Mawethu's charming Observatory-based apartments are a perfectly suited and affordable choice. They are located near the main roads and highways, so you can easily shoot off to the Chart Farm, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Old Biscuit Mill, V&A Waterfront and other places of interest.
Bookings: www.airbnb.co.za/users/show/505773909
Photograph: via 12apostleshotel.com
If you are more of a luxury hotel kind of trotter, and in the mood for some splurging, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, of which the notorious 12 Apostle Hotel is one. This 5-star award-winning hotel is near the 12 Apostles Mountains and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean as well as Table Mountain, which makes for a cocktail of unforgettable views.
Bookings: 12apostleshotel.com
Now that you are somewhat nested, it's time to get lost in all the magic Cape Town has to offer.
*Side note: Ubers are a safe and reliable way to get around.*
There's plenty to get up to and with only a few days in paradise, you'll have to pick a few and promise that you'll be back again for more!
One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the world, Table Mountain is Cape Town's most cherished gem. The flat topped mountain is mesmerizing from every angle, so whether you opt to hike up or use the cable car, you are in for a treat.
Bookings: tablemountain.net
📍Horse Riding on the Beach
Photograph: via horseridingcapetown.com
Whether you are a seasoned rider or a complete beginner, this guided ride on one of the most beautiful pearly beaches, Noordhoek Beach, promises to be nothing short of mind-blowing as an experience.
Bookings: horseridingcapetown.com
South Africa has a history that is elaborate and worth learning more about. For a dose of South African history, head to Robben Island. Robben Island was used as a place to isolate and exile people for nearly 400 years. Of the many prisoners we'll never know of, there is one that made it out and became the nation's first democratically elected president, Nelson Rolihlhla Mandela.
Bookings: www.robben-island.org.za
Photograph: via www.miragecatamaran.com
Who can resist a sunset cruise under the majestic African skies? Not you! We've handpicked the Mirage to usher you into the sunset where you'll have particularly special views from the ocean out.
Bookings: www.miragecatamaran.com
Here are 3 of our favorite rooftop spots for lounging and dining!
Photograph: via chinchillarooftop.co.za
Camps Bay's coolest rooftop bar has all the holiday vibes. Enjoy the views, great food and DJs.
Bookings: chinchillarooftop.co.za
Photograph: via thenines.co.za
A rooftop restaurant and cocktail lounge in a league of its own. Located in Seapoint on the 9th floor of Station House, you can expect world-class service and stunning views to compliment the magnetic ambiance.
Bookings: thenines.co.za
Photograph: via Instagram @thedrinkeryza
A contemporary speakeasy cocktail bar located in the heart of the city, which used to be a former slave prison nestled in Heritage Square. It now serves as part gallery and part cocktail bar.
Instagram: @thedrinkeryza
We haven't even scratched the surface with the recommendations above. We advise that you explore as many of the excursions, activities and dining options as you can! Freely indulge without restraint because South Africa is renowned for its diverse and wonderful people, nature, food, etc. There's a reason they are called the Rainbow Nation!
