Cape Town - visiting the Mother City

Driving along the coast, cliffs fell in sheer drops just outside my window, the open ocean spreading out below in sparkling blue. On the other side of the road towered black mountains, their sides gritty and sparse from the recent forest fires.

As we climbed higher, the effect was stark: the dark mountains, blue seas and sky, white crescent beaches far in the distance… Many have said that Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Based on the panorama below us, the accolade was definitely deserved.

We stayed in an apartment in Three Anchor Bay, between the Waterfront and Sea Point. Our visit was family-orientated, but we squeezed in a few tourist activities here and there, walking along the promenade to the city and sipping cocktails at the Waterfront.

We drove over Chapman’s Peak one day, and another followed the ocean and white beaches along the mountain to Hout Bay and beyond. A warm afternoon passed on Signal Hill, watching the paragliders jump.

In the Northern suburbs, white sands led to silver city views with Table Mountain in the distance. The water was icy cold, despite the heat, which hovered around thirty degrees while we were there.

Poor townships were dotted through wealthy neighbourhoods, and the Canal Walk mall seemed gaudy and pretentious after the pure, natural beauty outside.

And still, the stunning landscapes were everywhere. A family brunch in Constantia had a backdrop of green views stretching across the vineyards.

A long drive ended with a walk through Kirstenbosch, the gardens strewn along the foot of Table Mountain, a wobbly snake bridge looking to the south. One morning, we visited the colonial villages in False Bay, braving the ubiquitous wind. Kalk Bay was an easy and delicious option for lunch, with local fishermen out on the wharf, seals swimming and sleeping in the sun.

The road led us down, almost to Cape Point, then was slowly enveloped in white cloud, shutting out the sun at the southern tip of the Cape. We drove through the mist, the wind softening as we went, until we emerged, blinking into the sunlight again.

Planning a trip to South Africa? Read our South Africa travel guide.