Cape Town – More Than a City; It’s a Feeling

They call it the Mother City, and I totally get it. Cape Town is home to every member of South Africa’s beautiful Rainbow Nation – and the attractions and scenery are as diverse and fascinating as the city’s people themselves. Cape Town has a vibe that’s hard to describe... think a relaxed, go-with-the-flow island energy mixed with bustling city life. It also shares the title of South Africa’s food and wine capital with the nearby Cape Winelands, which are a short drive away (but more on that later).

Table Mountain from V&A Waterfront.

So, what’s the big deal?
Okay, first – we have to talk about Table Mountain. It’s obviously Cape Town’s original claim to fame, and it’s certainly as jaw-dropping in person as it is in pictures! It’s a unique flat-topped beauty right in the heart of the city, and there are plenty of ways to interact with it aside from posing for that obligatory Table Mountain Instagram-worthy selfie. Hike it, take the cable car (it rotates for 360-degree views!), or simply stare in awe from anywhere in the city. (Oh, and I can make sure you get set up at a boutique hotel promising 24/7 views of this mountain marvel right from the comfort of your room, so you’ll have ample opportunity to appreciate it).

While Table Mountain’s top of the list, it’s definitely not the only reason to head to Cape Town – far from it! How about taking a scenic drive along the coast to the Cape of Good Hope, the very tip of Africa? Prepare for rugged beaches, crashing waves, and maybe even an ostrich or two hanging about. If that isn’t epic enough, just hop on the ferry to Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela (lovingly called ‘Madiba’ and the ‘Father of the Nation’ by South Africans) was held for 18 years of his 27-year sentence. It’s a history lesson that’ll stay with you.

Back in the city, everyone’s obsessed with the V&A Waterfront – and you’re guaranteed to be, too. Hundreds of shops, buzzing bars with live music, the best food, and seals bobbing playfully in the harbor – what’s not to love? And nearby? Camps Bay... bursting with Miami-style beaches, swanky restaurants, and people-watching heaven.

But wait, there’s SO much more...
Dive into the colorful chaos of markets, where you’re sure to find a handmade African creation to take home as a souvenir or a gift for someone special.

Love penguins? Go hang out with a colony at Boulders Beach (cuteness overload!). If you’re in the mood for a thrill, how about shark cage diving (not for the faint-hearted)? Or paragliding off a mountain (rather you than me!)? Needless to say, the Mother City is full of ways to get your pulse racing!

Fancy sampling some of the world’s best wines, paired with a cellar tour, and a five-star meal? The Cape Winelands are just a stone’s throw away, featuring homely towns like Stellenbosch (one of South Africa’s oldest towns known for its hiking trails, oak-lined avenues, and Cape Dutch architecture) and Franschhoek (renowned for art galleries, hosting numerous artists and boutique crafts).

Leeu Estaties in Franschhoek, South Africa

So, you see? The thing about Cape Town is... it gets under your skin, and I know you will bring a little piece of its magic back home. And of course it’s a perfect stay for before or after your Safari.

Ready to explore for yourself? Get in touch and let’s chat. There are countless ways to get to know and fall in love with Cape Town – let me arrange a visit

MalaMala Game Reserve in South Africa

My guests/friends recently booked a Safari to Victoria Falls, Cape Town, and Mozambique beach when I suggested using MalaMala Game Reserve for their 3 nights of Safari Time. I am a Safari snob and want you to spend as much time as possible on Safari but if you have a short amount of time to enjoy the amazing animal-life, then MalaMala Game Reserve is personally recommended when on Safari in South Africa!

Why?
The density of wildlife is superb. You have a high chance of seeing the Big Five [elephants, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard] when at MalaMala. Leopards can be spotted on most game drives. Not lyin’, I have seen the most beautiful male lions here with huge lion prides - lovely to see healthy young cubs galore.

Elephant herds with cute as a button babies enjoying the shade from the woodland and the lifeline of MalaMala Game Reserve, the Sand River. White rhinos - such a sight - and also found, Nyala; an antelope found only in Southern Africa - such a beauty.

Larger than most of the neighboring area’s reserves.
The reserve has a no-fenced border with Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve hence the easy flow of wildlife between the areas and worth repeating, the advantage of the lifeline Sand River running through year-round. Only guests from MalaMala can game drive in the reserve which has an exclusive feel.

When the rangers [the guides], who wear an earpiece to communicate within themselves, spot something interesting, only 2-3 cars can view at the same time so as not to disturb the animal(s).

The Lodge:
Whether you are in the larger Main Camp, the smaller Sable Camp, or the exclusive Rattray’s, lodging is top-notch at MalaMala. Each room has AC [a relief during the hot month November to March], lovely connected bathrooms, and all the amenities to make your stay more than comfortable. Food is out in the open deck or in the dining area and you will have an array of choices as well as a wide selection of drinks [house drinks, beers, soft drinks are included] to go with your meals.

Combine MalaMala with raw Botswana and you are in for an amazing Southern African Safari.
We know where you to take you. Let’s chat Safari.