Tips for Cape Town and Garden Route
Tips & recommendations for Cape Town & Garden Route
In November this year I spent nearly 3 weeks in South Africa. This refreshing adventure is best described in 3 words: wilderness, indulgence and love. Needless to say, I had one of my best holidays in my life.
Many of you have asked me about recommendations for South Africa, in particular Cape Town and parts of the Garden Route. Here I share with you the 10 highlights of my trip.
Cape Town
- Oranjezicht City Farm Market: Must visit! This is a very special market happening every Saturday morning in the heart of Cape Town, near the Waterfront. Go for brunch, buy little gifts and get to know local food labels. "Ein wahres Fest für die Sinne"
http://www.ozcf.co.za/market-day/
- Groot Constantia: About 20min out of Cape Town there is an region called Constantia, that is famous for wine. One of the oldest, Wine Estates is the Groot Constantia founded in 1685. We did wine tasting paired with matching chocolates, sat in the garden and had lunch at one of their restaurants (Jonkershuis Constantia) looking into the valley. The food, the atmosphere, the wine… it was all so special!
https://www.grootconstantia.co.za/
- Kirstenbosch Garden: This botanical garden is a must see, while in Cape Town. It is rated as one of the most beautiful gardens in Africa. A mere 10min drive from Constantia, this garden invites you to relax and have a pick-nick. If you are not the pick-nick type, I would also recommend the restaurant Moyo, which is at one of the entrances of the Garden. Watch out for concerts on weekends during the summer – we didn’t get tickets and ended up listening to it from a dreamy pond while the sun was setting behind Table Mountain.
Concerts 17/18: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/kirstenbosch-summer-concerts/
Garden: http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch
- Bay Harbour Market (Hout Bay): Located at the edge of the sea overlooking Chapman’s Peak at the foot of the famous Hangberg Mountain, there you find this beautiful market on Saturdays and Sundays. About a 25min drive away from Cape Town, this market in an abandoned warehouse offers food stands and local arts & crafts.
www.bayharbour.co.za
- A walk up Lions Head: On a sunny morning pick up your hiking shoes, put on a lot of sun screen and drive up to the base of Lions Head. It only takes about 45 to 60min to walk up and around Lions Head and you will be getting a unique view of the city and Camps Bay. One route up Lions Head is pretty demanding and you will need to climb up a steep rock wall. If this isn’t for you, take the easier route marked well by signs. Tip: Make sure you have enough water with you.
All about Lions Head
- Willoughby & Co – for best sushi in town: This place speaks for itself. There is always a line, it is always full and crowded, AND yet it is situated in a shopping mall with no view and no direct sunlight. But let me assure you the sushi is one of a kind and you shouldn’t miss this restaurant during your stay in Cape Town! http://www.willoughbyandco.co.za/
On the Garden Route
- Botlierskop – Game Reserve: We stayed in the Bush Villas and spent a magical time there. You will see Giraffes, Rhinos, Zebras, many kinds of Antelopes , Lions and Elephants. The days ended with gorgeous sunsets, braais, drum circles and adventurous drives back to our Villa ;) Tip: For 2 adults ask for Villa no. 6, our absolute favorite!
http://www.botlierskop.co.za/
– Beaumonte Guesthouse - Vermont, instead of staying in Hermanus: Cute, little Guesthouse with a breath-taking view and a one of a kind host. You will get pampered in any way possible and Isabeau will make your stay first class.
http://www.beaumonte.co.za/
- The Robertson Small Hotel & Restaurant: In the midst of the countryside there is a village called Robertson, surrounded by many wine farms. No offense, but the village is nothing special. However this 5 star hotel is worth a visit. We had the largest room, also called the Honeymoon suite. Even if this is not the purpose of your trip, get a taste of pure luxury with complimentary champagne and a free mini-bar, a freestanding bathtub, 2 showers, a very comfortable bed and lots of space. The friendly staff will recommend you wine farms and other sights worth exploring. For lunch and dinner simply stay at the Hotel. The food is spectacular!
http://www.therobertsonsmallhotel.com/
- Bosjes: Not far away from Stellenbosh, in the midst of the wineyards, you will encounter this stunning place. Eat lunch at the "" Restaurant, sleep in one of the 5 beautiful rooms of the Guesthouse and take a walk through the beautiful gardens with a quick stop at the elegant chapel. A place, too good to be true.
http://bosjes.co.za/en/home/
