I feel that it’s a pretty common misconception that South Africa is a third world country. Rather I think that it is a mixture of varying stage of developments. Nonetheless, it is undeniable that South Africa is one of the most developed part of the African continent. And I personally had the chance to experience Cape Town in all its beauty and saw the problems that plagues this amazing city. This post serves as a record of some of the most iconic landmarks in Cape Town and gives an introduction for those wanting to understand it better. As a Singaporean, this is definitely one of those places that left a lasting impression on me. I think the cultural differences as well as amazing weather have a huge part to play in making the experience memorable.

Things to take note

How is it like in June?

June so happens to be the start of winter ❄️ and temperatures can get to as cold as 9°C at night and averaging at 18°C in the morning. This year so happens to be a bit colder than usual. While the cold might not be much of an issue, the winds are what you should look out for as they can be very strong, bringing with them cold air. June is also a period of rain so it might not be one of the best periods to go. Many of the locals will suggest somewhere in September when it is spring and when the whales will return to Cape Town. An extremely good time for whale watching.

Crime

Cape Town while it might be one of the safer parts of South Africa, crime rate is still quite high. When not necessary, it is recommended not to bring along with you anything expensive. During my time there, I was quite fortunate in not losing anything but enough of stories from the locals taught me it is never wrong to be too careful. The only expensive equipment I had was a camera which I noticed that there are still people who also carry them around in the more tourist locations.

Photos

Traveling to Cape Town

After Covid19, air tickets all around the world had risen and Cape Town was no different. An SIA ticket might use to cost $800 but it can now increase up to $3000. As such, I opted for a Qatar flight instead, transiting through Doha. One of the most famous attractions is the bear situated front and centre at a cross junction across the many gates. Doha International Airport was awarded 2nd best airport in 2023 and it lives up to its name in offering some of the most amazing experiences.

Table mountain

One of if not the most iconic place in Cape Town, table mountain sits in the centre of cape town city and offers a very scenic landscape. This is a place that you will not miss as it stands out in the skyline. If you do intend to ascend the mountain, do also check the weather.

The view from the top of table mountain is also astonishing. It overlooks the entire cape town city and you can also stroll around the top of the mountain. There are also many trails that you can take to explore the area.

I would recommend taking the cable car up and then hiking down as it is a much more scenic route.

Waterfront

Another attraction at the city area is the Waterfront. A harbour at the heart of the city, it is a place where you can find a lot of shopping centres and bars 🍾. In the evening, there are also performances that you can enjoy whilst walking along the streets. In general, it is a place that many will recommend if you want to visit the more city part of Cape Town. There is also a ferry ride from here to Robben Island where you can visit the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held in.

Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum

Looks like a set simply out of a Wes Anderson Style movie. These brightly coloured buildings are a must take for instagram. Unfortunately, this was also my first time meeting a panhandler in Cape Town and they were quite hard to rid off. I only managed to shake them away by joining another group nearby and ignoring them. I was later told by the group that they were also being harassed earlier and saw that I was being bothered as well.

Boulders Beach

About an hour’s drive from the city, Boulders Beach is a place where you can see African penguins in their natural habitat. There is a boardwalk that you can take to get closer to the penguins. The penguins were very cute and we saw them waddling around and carrying sticks to build their nests.

Penguins are not the only animals that inhabitat this region, dassies are also quite common. They are small animals that look like a cross between a rabbit and a guinea pig 🐹. You can see them munching away at the surrounding grass.

Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. It is a popular tourist destination and offers stunning views of the ocean. There are also many hiking trails that you can take to explore the area. The journey there was quite a long one and you can expect to encounter many different animals on your way there. If you’d like to visit Cape Point, it is recommended to go there first as it can be quite the detour despite them looking close together on the map.

Twelve Apostel

The Twelve Apostel is a mountain range that runs along the coast of Cape Town. It is a scenic route and offers stunning views of the ocean as well as the Twelve Apostel itself. The best time to visit is during sunset when the sun sets behind the mountains, creating a beautiful orange glow 🌄. I personally think it is a very nice place for retirement 🤣.

Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive is another scenic drive that runs along the coast of Cape Town. The views are absolutely stunning and the drive takes you through the mountains and along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the ocean. There are also many lookout points where you can stop and take photos.

Hout Bay Harbour

Hout Bay Harbour is a small fishing village located just before Chapman’s Peak Drive. It is a popular tourist destination and offers stunning views of the ocean as well as the surrounding mountains. There are also many restaurants and shops that you can visit while you’re there.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is a town located in the Cape Winelands. It is known for its wine and food, and there are many wineries and restaurants that you can visit while you’re there. The town itself is very picturesque and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is a great place to relax and enjoy some good food and wine.

Hermanus

Hermanus is known for its whale watching and there are many tours that you can take to see the whales up close. However, as it was not the right season, we did not get the chance to see any whales. There are whale watching groups that you can join and others will update in the group of whale sightings.

Slums

While Cape Town is a very developed city, it is also home to many slums. These slums are often located on the outskirts of the city and are home to many people who live in poverty. The conditions in these slums are often very poor and there can be crime and violence. It is typically adviced not to visit the slums but I had the rare opportunity of visiting one. It was an eye-opening experience and I was able to see how people live in these conditions. The one which I visited was of better condition and there was still electicity and water being provided. The people were very friendly and welcoming, despite their circumstances. One can also see children running around playing games. As most of them are not working or studying, you will still see many people in the middle of the day. I did come across a person who started blasting the USA national anthem and carying the USA flag whilst shouting at us being from China. That is despite the fact that I was Singaporean. It was definitely quite interesting and we mostly ignored him.

Staying there

I felt that the pace of life is definitely slower there as compared with many parts of the world. Most people spend their time there as vacation or for retirement. I also felt that the people there are generally more friendly and welcoming. During my monthlong stay there, there was just way too much to see and do. As many of the attractions are far apart, you can expect to spend a lot of time driving around. While that might sound mundane, there is just a lot to do on your way there that you will not feel bored. In general, there is a lot of scenery around and nature always amazes you with new sights.

Food 🍽️

You can find a lot of different types of food in Cape Town. From local South African cuisine to international cuisines, there is something for everyone. Asian food was readily available and you can even find sushi. I felt that the prices were affordable and the grocery store is also extremely convenient for those who might choose to cook themselves.

Transport 🚌

In general, I think public transportation is not that well established. There are options but I did not have the chance to try them. Most people have private transportation and the roads are extremely well maintained. I can say that the condition might even be better as compared to Singapore where I come from, partly due to the weather being suitable for the asphalt. A roadtrip is always nice and you can expect to see many different types of scenery along the way.

Conclusion

Cape Town is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. From its stunning scenery to its rich culture, there is something for everyone. It is a great place to visit if you want to experience the beauty of South Africa and learn more about its history and culture. I would highly recommend visiting Cape Town if you have the chance. It is a city that has left a lasting impression on me and I definitely hope to return one day.