Cape Town
Cape Town
A global seaside city.
Starting to come out of one of the worst droughts in over a century, Cape Town has been experiencing a serious water shortage up until late. While the drought isn’t over, water restrictions have been relaxed and tourism has been steady, especially as hotels have dropped prices to keep rooms occupied. It’s hard to deter travelers though from witnessing the majestic Table Mountain, beaches fit with African penguins (head to Boulders Beach for this!) and scene-shifting hotel and culinary openings.
Did You Know?
Cape Town is home to Cool Runnings Toboggan Family Park, Africa’s only toboggan track! Instead of running on snow, this park is set on a stainless steel track. |
Explore
Kruger National Park
If you’re looking for the Big 5 experience when visiting Cape Town, it’s worth the short, direct flight over to the world-famous Kruger National Park. The African savanna is an experience unlike anything else, so while it may feel out of the way, it’s worth the trip and added expense of travel and booking a lodge. This is South Africa’s largest game reserve and one of the best sanctuaries in the world.
"It’s hard to deter travelers though from witnessing the majestic Table Mountain, beaches fit with African penguins and scene-shifting hotel and culinary openings."
Delaire Graff Estate
There are plenty of urban experiences to fill a trip to Cape Town, but we recommend taking a day and leaving the city behind for Cape Winelands. Home to an overwhelming number of wineries, stick to one or two regions like Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, and either hire a driver or book one of the many shuttle services (you’ll be happy you did after several vineyard tours). Not only does Delaire have some of the most visually beautiful vineyards in the region, it also is home to a Relais & Châteaux lodge and spa, restaurants and contemporary art—making this estate perfect for a day trip or overnight.
Stay
Indulge
The Test Kitchen
Rated one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2016, The Test Kitchen is set in an industrial space, and is known for its two modes: light and dark dining. The experience can start off with small bites of known global dishes such as lamb roti, in the dark dining room, which is fit with low tables and comfortable chairs, exposed brick and metal; the experience would then continue onto more modern fare in the buzzier light room, with dishes such as beef tartare with celery pesto.
Greenhouse
Tucked away on the eastern side of Table Mountain, Greenhouse is part of the Cellars-Hohenort Hotel, and known for its diverse ingredients and its expansive mountain garden views. With two tasting menus and matching wine pairings, the flavors of South Africa are continually celebrated and explored, winning the restaurant awards year after year.
HERO: @Brianthio
EXPLORE: @Kruger National Park, @Delaire Graff Estate
STAY: @The Silo Hotel, @One&Only Cape Town
INDULGE: @The Test Kitchen, @Greenhouse