Cape Town
We enjoyed our stay in Cape Town. There are so many things to do and see. There were miles of stunning coastline.
More Quarters
More Quarters is a hotel in the heart of Cape Town. We stayed in a one bedroom luxury apartment. It was fully furnished and had cable tv, wifi, dining area, kitchen, nice bathroom with a separate bath and shower, and spacious bedroom. At turndown the staff put hot water bottles under the sheet, didn’t know it was there, Sandy screamed. There is 24 hour security and staff at the front desk. Parking is difficult, but the staff will park your car and move it up close when spots free up in the evening. It is perfectly located and easy to get around by car, walking or taxi/uber. Breakfast was on the second floor of the main building, morning newspaper, lots of windows, and was very good. Staff extremely helpful and genuinely attentive. We had to leave early one morning before breakfast started. They packed us a breakfast and had coffee waiting. There is a shuttle, but not sure where it goes since we had a car.
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
We visited the waterfront downtown in the evening. The taxi dropped us off at the mall. It is an impressive mall, but a mall never the less. It would have been nice to explore the waterfront if we had time and if it was during the day. We decided to get dinner and explore Boulders Beach and Cape of Good Hope in the morning.
Boulders Beach
It was about a 30 minute drive from Cape Town to Simon’s town. We were against traffic so it was an easy drive. The public beach did not have many penguins so we opted to pay to see the African Penguins. It wasn’t expensive. Very nice wooden walking trail to the beach and nesting areas. Must stay on the trails, but penguins are very close and easy to get great photos. It was very crowded when we went. Bathrooms at the entrance and a small gift shop. Plenty of parking with a few tourist shops. Seemed very safe, but there were a number of street vendors around the parking lot.
Cape of Good Hope Reserve
What a wonderful place. The Cape of Good Hope Reserve was a very scenic drive and we were happy we went.
Old Lighthouse
We went to the parking lot, then hiked up the steep stairs to the old lighthouse. Apparently it’s not used anymore because it’s too high and ships can’t see it in the mist and foul weather. Therefore a new lighthouse was built. We also learned it is not the point where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean, that spot is Cape Agulhas about 100km east.
Absolutely stunning views. The stairs are strenuous, but there is a Funicular called the “Flying Dutchman” if you want to avoid the hike. Dizzying views of rugged rocks and sheer cliffs that cut to the ocean.
The gift shop had a baboon on the roof.
We had lunch at the Two Oceans Restaurant. Even though there were a lot of people, the service and food were great.
Sweeping views of False Bay. This was a must see for us. It was very crowded with tour buses and noisy groups of visitors, but worth it.
Cape of Good Hope
Such a scenic drive to Cape of Good Hope from Cape Town. There are hiking trails and a lot of photo opportunities. The Rocky beach at Cape of Good Hope was spectacular.
We passed the current lighthouse on the way to Chapmans Peak drive to Hout Bay. It is breathtaking and hard to keep your eyes on the road. A winding road cut into the mountain with incredible views.