Cape Town became a huge factor when deciding the location for our safari trip. We have had several friends visit the region, for various occasions, and all the feedback was positive. Located right on South Africa's southwest coast, with one of the greatest wine regions in the world, and one of the world's seven wonders of the world: Table Mountain.

We ended our trip to South Africa in Cape Town, visiting the Stellenbosch region, staying in the harbor, steps away from the V&A Waterfront, and overlooking Table Mountain. Cape Town is filled with excursions if you want to explore:

Table Mountain
Robben Island, Nelson Mandela
V & A Waterfront, Shopping
Cape Point
Camps Bay
Penguins at Boulders Beach
Seal Island, *Think Shark Diving

But if you are looking to relax and enjoy your surroundings, there is much of that as well! The ocean is too cold to swim in (I think) but it is beautiful. There are also several hotels with nice pool layouts as well.

Our sleeping patterns were a bit off most of the trip. We were waking up at 5:30am every morning for the game drives on the safari and staying up fairly late. By the time we got to Cape Town, we were still getting up early and eager to take advantage of the day. We decided to head up to Table Mountain first thing. It was a beautiful and clear view. I suggest a wide lens if you are bringing a camera.. just so you can capture more of the landscape. If not, fear not, my iphone took some incredible photos as well.

Table Mountain is one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in South Africa. It was named the world's new seven wonders of the world in 2012. The hotel we stayed at overlooks the harbor and the mountain. If you are looking to get a closer look, you are able to hike the mountain and also take a cable car to the top.

*Tip If you are planning on taking the cable car, arrange to buy tickets prior so you don't need to wait in the line. Also, plan on going when the weather is going to be clear so you have the best view of Cape Town. There is an additional hike to Lion's Head, which is a peak in-between Table Mountain and Signal Hill that may be worth for the view as well.

The Back Side of Table Mountain overlooking Camps Bay.

After Table Mountain, we headed to Camps Bay. This may have been my favorite spot in Cape Town and reminded me of a beach community with beautiful summer homes and restaurants along the beach.

We enjoyed a lovely lunch, with crispy calamari and rosé, gazing out at the ocean. As we finished up our lunch we noticed, this chic, boutique hotel just steps away. I first noticed the infinity pool overlooking the beach, then the gate to the Bay Hotel.

We had to go inside and take a peak. If and when we return to Cape Town, this will be a spot I need to stay at, at least one night. They also have a sister hotel down the road: Camps Bay Retreat Boutique Hotel.

The owner of Bay Hotel has a fine appreciation of cars! I love cars...so we could be friends!

Our hotel was the One & Only Cape Town located footsteps from the V&A Waterfront and right next to the harbor. Rooms overlook Table Mountain and the harbor with one of my favorite restaurants located right inside: Nobu. Justin Bieber was in town the first night we arrived. We sat on our balcony and could see the sky light up with fireworks from his concert.

May is the start of the "winter" season in South Africa, it was beginning to feel like fall in the states. The weather was still warm when we were there and dry! We enjoyed a few days by the pool and walking around the area with only a light sweater needed at night.

Cape Town is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. Fresh & local ingredients, with wine pairings off the charts from their own back yard. Cape Town has some restaurants that will make foodie wish lists. (Think* Test Kitchen)

Notable restaurants in Cape Town:

Aubergine, near the gardens, centrally located to several hotels
Beluga, sushi, dim sum, African fusion
Atlantic Grill (At the Table Bay Hotel), V & A Waterfront, enjoyable location, nice for drinks
Pot Luck Club, chic tapas in a cool atmosphere
Nobu, world class sushi, with restaurants all over the world
Test Kitchen, *Top Restaurant in the world, with a reservation list booked months in advance.

Stellenbosch & Franschhoek: Wine Country

The wine lands make a great day trip, or mini getaway from Cape Town as there are several boutique hotels. You have two options: Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Stellenbosch is South Africa's second oldest town and perhaps the most beautiful. It came to be farm land for the growing needs of the boats passing through from Europe. The manors are Cape Dutch inspired with oak lined streets. Stellenbosch is much larger than Franschhoek with many different options for wineries. Some vineyards you may have heard of from this region: Rust en Vrede, Overture, and Thelema Mountain Vineyards, just to name a few. Regardless of your wine route, I highly suggest having lunch at Delaire Graff Estate (also a hotel.) This location is absolutely beautiful, situated between two peaks.

Yes, this name may ring a bell. It is the same Graff as... Graff Diamonds, home to the most fabulous jewels in the world. There is, in fact, a jewelry store right inside the main building.

Franschhoek is a village and a bit smaller than Stellenbosch. The name means French Corner, and there are monuments honoring the French Settlers. Just like Stellenbosch, this is the food and wine lands. Both are lovely, and you should speak with your driver on which vineyards and routes may suit you best. But, Do not miss out on lunch at Delaire Graff Estate.

Wineries on our Trip to Stellenbosch

De Toren Private Cellar was a winery suggested by a very good friend. We were able to get a private visit and tasting of the property. This is a smaller vineyard with exquisite wine. Black Lion & Book XVII are two limited edition wines from smaller wine blocks we sought them out for. Black Lion only produces 5 barrels a year, and Book XVII produces 4 barrels: which equates to a little over 1,000 bottles individually numbered.

We knew in advance that we wanted to purchase some wine and bring it back for our wine cellar. De Toren Private Cellar allowed us to choose the exact bottles to bring back, as all of the 1,000 bottles are numbered! This is a fairly unique, and special gift to bring back home to celebrate in years to come. We were able to choose important dates in our life to remember the bottles.

De Toren Book XVII: The Four Barrels of Book XVII for the 2016 production.

Next Stop: Rust en Vrede

Rust en Vrede only produces red wine and one of South Africa's largest exported wines. Rust en Vrede was chosen by President Nelson Mandela to be served at the Nobel Peace Prize dinner and they were the first South African wine to be ranked in the Top 100 wines of the world.

Our last stop was closing, so we were just able to get in for a quick tasting. If you hire a driver, they will be able to make a wine route of your liking based on the type of wine you prefer. My husband and I both prefer red wine, which is why we chose this route. Most of these vineyards specialize in red or white. Pinotage, which sounds like Pinot Noir, is a red wine grape found in South Africa and their signature variety. It is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, with a dry result.

After a full day of exploring Wine Country, it was time to head back to Cape Town. We headed to the V & A Waterfront and enjoyed the sunset with some cocktails. It was Friday night, and everyone was getting ready to celebrate. Bands played in the streets, rooftop bars flooded with people ready to throw their heels up, and everyone posed for the "Cape Town" Photo opp.

..I too indulged, because.. why not?!

The markets and shops are located all around this area, so if you are looking to buy some African Souveniers, this is where you will want to do so. Just remember to save your receipts to get the tax back when you leave South Africa.

As this was our vacation, we decided to relax on the final day in South Africa. Instead of another excursion, we soaked up the sun by the pool and did a bit of shopping for our friends and family back home. The flight home was fairly painless. We took a short flight from Cape Town to Joburg, then a direct flight back to JFK. Fortunately, it is a direct flight, most of the U.S. needs a connection.

Will be heading to Block Island next weekend, then most of July and August. Stay tuned to see my adventure in London, Bordeaux, & Paris in the next few weeks. I hope everyone enjoys the start to their summer (Or Winter for you on the southern hemisphere!)

Until Next Time, Safe Travels!!

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Stellenbosch & Franschhoek: Wine Country

Wineries on our Trip to Stellenbosch