cape town

Day 7
We always like free walking tours when we travel to learn a little more about the country’s history and culture. For Cape Town, we joined this free walking tour on the apartheid history. The starting point is the green market square and we took the 11am Historic City Tour.

You need to bargain if you want to buy something from this market.

The high court where the apartheid started. According to our guide, one of the rules to determine if one is white or non-white, is to put a pencil in between the hair. If the pencil falls, the person is deemed to be white.

During the apartheid period, benches, staircases, districts were all classified.

Slave lodge where they packed thousands of slaves in a confined space.

The City Hall where Nelson Mandela gave his freedom speech.

Cape Town Free Walking Tours
Address: Green Market Square, Shortmarket St & Burg St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South AfricaPhone: +27 76 636 9007Hours: Check the website for tour timingWebsite: http://www.nielsentours.co.za/

After the walking tour in the morning, we went to the Table Mountain in the afternoon as the weather looks pretty good now. No more rain after I bought the coat.
There were plenty of car park attendants wearing yellow vests which I believe are not official attendants. But we still gave 5 to 20 Rand to each attendant because we hope that they will help to look after our car, and we hope that having a little income will deter them from committing crimes.
This car park attendant at the Table Mountain was kind to inform me to bring my jacket up as it will be cold at the peak. So thankful for his suggestion as it was indeed very chilly!

At the peak. We took the cablecar up instead of climbing because we did not have luxury of time. Besides we read that there could be muggers 😦

Breath-taking view from the top. We spent some time walking around the table top, until loads of tourists come up. Despite the crowd, Table Mountain is still a must visit because it is one of the most beautiful peaks we’ve been to. Table Mountain is now one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

On our last night in Cape Town, we decided to go back to V&A waterfront as I really love the shopping and to stroll along the waterfront. So romantic 🙂

We had a pasta dinner which wasn’t fantastic but was very cheap as they were having some 1 for 1 promotion.

Day 8
On the last day in Cape Town, we decided to go up the Signal Hill since we are living in Signal Hill Lodge haha.

View from Signal Hill was amazing! We get to see the Table Mountain! Just yesterday we were up there! We also saw many tourists doing paraglidingin Signal Hill. I was so tempted to try but it wasn’t cheap.

The hotel staff told us that there is cannon firing at 12 noon everyday which is why we saw the Signal Hill Noon Gun signboard near our lodge. Since it was already 1140am after watching people paraglide, we decided to pop by before leaving Cape Town.

What a sight! It was my first time being so near to the cannon and it was so loud! The friendly uncle also explained the history of the noon gun and how it works very well.

Time to head to Betty’s Bay where W promised me with penguins 🙂

We stopped by at The Whaling Station Greek Mediterranean for a late lunch and we were the only patrons there.
I really love my prawns and fries! The prawns were fresh and succulent, the sauce was a little spicy but I like its savory taste, and the fries has rich potato taste in it. The salad has very refreshing mix of different vegetables and this is definitely one of the best meals so far!
W ordered the catch of the day which was equally amazing. The owner was also super friendly, telling us about his Singaporean friend and how his son studied Chinese in China. The owners are from Greece.

The Whaling Station Greek Mediterranean

Address: 2662 Clarence Dr, Betty’s Bay, 7141, South Africa Phone: +27 28 272 9238 Hours: 8am–9:30pm

The restaurant owner told us we had to hurry to see the penguins! What a pleasant surprise to find that the penguins at Betty’s Bay are so many more than in Boulders Beach. In addition, the entrance fee (R20 for adult) at Betty’s was much cheaper.

Even before entering the Stony Point Nature Reserve, we were greeted by these penguins. So lovely!

Walking into the Nature Reserve, we saw even more penguins.

It was estimated to be over 2000 penguins according to the guide.

Look at all the black dots, they are penguins 🙂

Would really love to buy one of the houses here so that I can see the penguins everyday 🙂

Stony Point Nature ReserveAddress: 7141, 2411 Wallers Rd, Betty’s Bay, 7141, South AfricaHours: 8AM–4:30PMPhone: +27 28 272 9829Website: http://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/stony-point-nature-reserve/

We drove on to Hermanus where we stayed in this Hermanus Backpackers hostel just because they do a shark cage tour. Unfortunately when we arrived, we were told that due to adverse weather condition, they will not be doing any shark cage tour for the next few days.
What a disappointment as the shark cage tour is something W and I looked forward to!
To add to our disappointment, our room was in a poor condition. The curtain fell off and we constantly worry if people might look into our room. The bathroom door was faulty and cannot be closed properly. There wasn’t any air-conditioning, heater nor fan which means we have to open the window for ventilation despite the cold. We also have to risk people climbing in as the window was really low and we were on the first floor. The bathroom did not look clean and it was difficult to change my contact lens as there wasn’t any space to put my solution or lens case.
The whole room was just badly maintained! We couldn’t wait to check out the next day! :(Our consolation for this backpackers was that the staff were all friendly and nice.

Hermanus BackpackersAddress: 26 Flower St, Hermanus, 7200, South AfricaPhone: +27 28 312 4293

For dinner, we dine at Fabio’s Italian Restaurant which was pretty OK but not fantastic (hence we did not take any photo). Guess our appetite was affected by the shark cage disappointment.

Fabio’s RistoranteAddress: 60 St Peters Lane, Hermanus, 7200, South AfricaPhone: +27 28 313 0532Hours: 11am–10pmWebsite: www.fabios.co.za/

Day 9

Happy to leave the backpackers! And since there wasn’t any shark cage diving to do today, we decided to check out the local Hermanus Country Market since it happens to be a Saturday!
It seems to be a blessing in disguise because the country market turns out to be fabulous! We totally enjoyed chilling with our food and local music, watching the kids play at the sandy playground. We also supported the locals by purchasing some really pretty handicrafts (some birthday cards, fridge magnet, room spray, baby shoes).

Hermanus Country MarketAddress: Fairways Ave & Jose Burman Dr, Hermanus, 7200, South AfricaPhone: +27 72 883 3894Hours: Saturdays 9am to 1pmWebsite: http://hermanuscountrymarket.co.za/

After lunch at the country market, we drove a long distance from Hermanus to Mossel Bay.

Stopped by a vineyard and saw this wolf dog.

When we reached Mossel Bay it was night time.

Finally tried an authentic outdoor braai (African BBQ). However we still prefer our meals at Millers Thumb and The Whaling Station. The ambience was good for large groups.

Kaai 4 Braai RestaurantAddress: Quay 4, Mossel Bay Harbour, Mossel Bay, 6500, South AfricaPhone:+27 79 980 3981

Yeah to a decent lodge again!

Bar-t-nique

Address: 82 Rodger St, Mossel Bay, 6500, South Africa Phone: +27 44 690 4554 Website: www.bar-t-nique.co.za/

Day 4
We took a domestic flight to Cape Town where we rented a car from Avis for self-drive via the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth.
Woo hoo to the start of a road trip! When we reached Cape Town, it was turning dark and all we did was to look for our hotel at Signal Hill Lodge, which is pretty decent for the price we paid, just the the parking space was rather narrow.

Signal Hill Lodge
Address: 29 Military Rd, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, 8001, South AfricaPhone: +27 21 422 0769Website: http://www.signal-hill-lodge.co.za/

We then headed out for dinner at Codfather Seafood & Sushi after hearing the recommendation by the Chinese tourists we met in the Safari.

Sorry that my Samsung S5 camera is really bad under low light condition. But this was how it looks, kind of like Fish & Co. You can choose between fries or rice.

The food was fantastic (though not as heavenly as what the Chinese tourists described as), especially the butterfish which melts in the mouth. But the prices can be high, depending on the type of seafood you choose as they go by the weight. So it is best to ask the prices before the chef cooks.

Codfather Seafood & Sushi
Address: 37 The Dr, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8040, South AfricaPhone: +27 21 438 0782Hours: 12am –11pmWebsite: http://www.codfather.co.za/

Day 5

Woke up feeling blessed. Took a photo at our balcony as on the night of proposal it was too dark to take decent photos. Have to show off my red roses before they wilt!

We spent the day exploring Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 prison years. The tour is about 4 hours long, inclusive of 30 min boat ride each way. The ticket price is inclusive of the boat ride and the guided tour. We purchased the 1pm ticket on the spot.
It is best to visit Robben Island first as the boats might not operate during bad weather. After alighting from the boat, we walked a little to catch the buses where the tour guide on each bus will guide you around the island. It is best not to visit the souvenir shops as you will have plenty of time to do so later, otherwise you might end up with a not so good seat, or get separated from your partner.
We were lucky to be seated near the guide so we could hear clearly throughout 🙂

There will be a break where you can go to the washroom or look at the penguins (if any).
The second part of the tour will be by foot, where we followed another guide who used to be an ex prisoner in Robben Island.

The cell of Nelson Mandela.

The backyard of the cell.

Our guide explaining the ID that the prisoners have to carry.

The prisoners were given ration according to their races 😦
It started to rain quite heavily after our tour ended and we had to dashed back to the boat so we did not explore the island much.
Nevertheless, we have so much respect for these people who fought for their freedom.

Robben Island Tour

Timing: 9am, 1pm and 3pmTicket price: R320 Rand (adult) and R180 (child) Website: http://www.robben-island.org.za/

Back at the V&A waterfront, I decided to buy a coat from H&M since it was on sale and the weather was turning cold. It was less than SGD30 for a decent coat 🙂
We had dinner at the Willoughby & Co as I read a lot of positive reviews on it and I was craving for some Asian food already!

The sashimis were of thick generous serving and the price was pretty decent as well. Always love Japanese food! A good alternative to all the Western food we have been eating!

Willoughby & Co

Address: 6130 & 6132, Victoria Wharf Centre, Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, Breakwater Blvd, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa Phone:+27 21 418 6115 Hours: 12–10:30pm

Day 6
Day 6 was a road trip out to find penguins at the Boulders Beach and to the Cape of Good Hope.
As it was still raining in the morning, we decided to head to The Old Biscuit Mill for breakfast in case the penguins are hiding from the rain.
We had a pleasant time exploring this amazing place full of local crafts. This is a good place for those interested in supporting local handicrafts/ designs.
Had a delicious breakfast at Saucisse Boutique Deli. The owner was very friendly too.

Saucisse Boutique Deli

Address: Unit A 112, Old Biscuit Mill, 375/373 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa Phone:+27 21 447 7177 Hours: 8am–4:30pm

We climbed up The Old Biscuit Mill and we were not very sure if this is Signal Hill but nonetheless was a beautiful sight.

The rain stopped and we proceeded to the Boulders Beach.

Stopped along the way as some places were too beautiful to miss. The wind was very strong!

Colourful houses at St James. Reminds me of Perth.

3 cute dogs.

Boulders Beach. Where are the penguins?

So many! Sun tanning?

So cute. They can be anywhere around you 🙂

Boulders Beach

Address: 1 Kleintuin Rd, Simons Town, 7995, South Africa Phone: +27 21 786 2329

Next stop, we gotta hurry to the Cape of Good Hope before it closes!
There was an entrance fee to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, where the Cape of Good Hope is located. We were lucky to enter before 3pm as they do not allow cars to enter after 3pm for winter. At the entrance, we still had to drive quite a far bit to the Cape Point and then to the Cape of Good Hope.
Due to the lack of time (as we need to leave the Nature Reserve before 5pm), we could only visit 2 places.
We drove to the Cape Point first, and decided not to take the Flying Dutchman Funicular up. I really like to explore places by foot 🙂

Cape Point lighthouse.

The waves are really very strong.

Pretty scary to look down.

And then we quickly moved on to the Cape of Good Hope! Which is a place I really wanted to visit after learning it from my Secondary school Geography book.

Here we are!

At the Southern tip of the Africa continent! So far away from home. I wonder how did the sailors in the past feel as well.

Saw a lonely ostrich in the reserve.

Cape Point Nature Reserve

Address: Cape Point Rd, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa Hours: 06:00 – 18:00 (October – March) 07:00 – 17:00 (April – September) Phone: +27 21 780 9526 Website: http://capepoint.co.za/

We wanted to get dinner at Simon’s Town but decided to drive back to Cape Town to dine at Millers Thumb and it was one of the best meals in Africa! Highly recommended! Just looking at the photos below made me salivate.

I think I had mine in Moroccan sauce.

Both our fishes were so gooooood. The fishes were really tender and juicy and their home made sauce brings out even more flavour! They have so many different types of fishes that we don’t have in Singapore so we were not very sure what to order but the waiters there were very patient and kind. I remember that the price was affordable, just like any restaurants in South Africa. Each meal cost less than SGD15, and you can get a big breakfast with drinks for SGD4 to 6. 🙂

Millers Thumb

Address: 10B Kloofnek Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa Hours: 12:30–2pm, 6:30–10:30pm Phone: +27 21 424 3838 Website: http://www.millersthumb.co.za/

Tag: cape town

16D15N South Africa Itinerary: The Garden Route (Part III)

16D15N South Africa Itinerary: The Garden Route (Part II)