South Africa

So this year I turned 26! I wanted to go somewhere, anywhere really. International trips were looking a bit costly so I settled on one of South Africa’s most beautiful cities. Cape Town. The Birthday trip consisted of myself and my boyfriend. I had been to Cape Town previously but being able to experience it with my boyfriend was a special experience. It was a bit tough spending the first birthday without my family.

These are just a few of the must do’s in the Mother City.

Table Mountain

We pre-purchased tickets for the aerial cable way. The views are incredible. From the scenic drive, to the cable car and the experience at the top. The cost is R 225 per person on a round trip.

Robben Island

The tour starts at the V&A Waterfront, you then hop on a boat for a 45 minute ride to the island. At the island you are met by tour guides and are taken on a bus tour around the island. This would also be a good opportunity to explore the waterfront and take a ride on the Cape Town Eye. The cost for the whole tour including the boat ride is R 280 per person.

IMG_20150426_180633 — The view on the way to Robben Island

20150426_154525 — Nelson Mandela’s Prison Cell 46664

The Cape Town City Sightseeing Bus (The Views, The Beaches, Wine!!!)

So if you want to feel like a tourist in your own country this would be the easiest way to do it. The Hop on Hop off bus in Cape Town is amazing and the commentary is insightful. We used the Bus to go to Hout Bay, Hermanus, and to Constatia. The wine tasting at Groot Constantia is amazing.

Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is about an hour and a half drive from the waterfront. Well worth the trip. Seeing the penguins only makes you feel warm and fuzzy. This was part of how I spent my birthday.

Canal Walk

If you want to do some shopping then this would be a great place. We stopped for lunch as the mall was packed and would not have made for an enjoyable shopping experience.

Cape Point

There are two places of interest to visit here. The funicular to the top and the Cape of Good Hope which is the most Southern-Western point of the African continent.

These are by far the best views you will see. It is also about an hour and 45 minute drive away. The cost of a round trip on the funicular is R 110 but many people do walk up. There is also an entrance cost to enter the reserve.

Kirstenbosch Botantical Gardens

Taking a walk in these gardens is beautiful. We spent some time trying to find the canopy tree walk. This provides a bit of excitement in the garden as well as amazing views.