Our trip to Cape Town was nothing short of magical. From breathtaking views to thrilling activities and unforgettable dinners, it was a trip we’ll remember forever.
The Accommodation
Breakwater Lodge
Breakwater Lodge was the perfect place to start our stay. The location was unbeatable—one of the few hotels within walking distance to the V&A, with its bustling harbour, charming cafes, shops and wide variety of eateries. The rooms at Breakwater Lodge were large and comfortable, giving us a much-needed chance to rest after the long journey.
The breakfast buffet spread had everything we needed to fuel up—fresh fruit, creamy yoghurt, and a variety of cereals to start with.
For those craving something heartier, there was a mountain of pastries, along with classic hot breakfast favourites like sausage, bacon, hash browns and scrambled eggs. We washed it all down with several types of juice, tea and coffee, leaving us perfectly prepared for the adventure ahead.
A Luxurious Stay: Hotel Sky
We also stayed a night at the Hotel Sky, a boujie hotel towering 28 floors above Cape Town. The interior is lavishly decorated and our rooms (which were on the 21st floor and offered incredible views of Table Mountain) were equipped with all the modern comforts—aircon, USB and plug sockets, a TV and big, comfy beds.
I can’t think of a better way to wake up than with those views—stretching from the city’s heartbeat below to the endless blue of the Atlantic, all framed by the majestic Table Mountain.
The food was every bit as good as the scenery. I indulged in fluffy pancakes and mountains of bacon, sausage and eggs, liberally washed down with fruit juice and a coffee.
Hotel Sky also has conference rooms available for team briefings or activities and offers same-day onsite laundry (perfect for getting dirty kit washed and ready for the next day’s adventures).
Budget-Friendly StayEasy City Bowl
The rooms at budget-friendly StayEasy City Bowl are cosy, clean, and modern. What really impressed me, though, was the convenience of having an excellent dining option right next door at its sister hotel.
The menu was surprisingly diverse, with something to satisfy every craving. The breakfast spread (also taken next door) was impressive too, with everything from fresh fruit and pastries to hearty options like scrambled eggs and sausages.
Aquila Lodge and Game Reserve
The moment we pulled in to Aquila Lodge and Game Reserve, I knew we were in for something special.
Aquila is a true oasis, with beautifully designed rooms, stunning grounds and a refreshing pool. The lodge blends luxury with the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape, making it the perfect base for our safari adventure.
The dining area is a huge, open space, warmly lit by a roaring fire that added a cosy ambience to the evening. The buffet was impressive, offering a variety of dishes. I opted for a delicious schnitzel with crispy potatoes and then couldn’t resist going back for not one, but two helpings of malva pudding—a sweet, sticky treat that was just too good to pass up.
Later, we headed outside for a group star-gazing session. The night sky out here was something else—so clear and full of stars, it felt like you could reach out and touch them. We gathered around an outdoor fire, wrapped in blankets, and marvelled at the constellations above. The warmth of the fire, the crisp night air and the stillness of the African wilderness made for a peaceful and awe-inspiring end to an unforgettable day.
We kicked off following morning bright and early with a sunrise game drive at Aquila Lodge. There’s something truly magical about being out in the wild as the first light of day spreads across the landscape. The animals seemed to agree, as they were already active and on the move.
Our guide took us to a nearby watering hole, where we were lucky enough to see many of the animals from the previous evening, including hippos, elephants and buffalo. But the highlight was spotting a group of graceful giraffes towering above the trees, their long necks silhouetted against the pink and orange sky. It was an unforgettable experience and the perfect way to wrap up our time at Aquila.
After the excitement of the game drive, we headed back to the lodge for a hearty breakfast buffet. The spread was fantastic, offering everything from fresh fruits and pastries to hot dishes like bacon, eggs, and sausages. It was the perfect way to refuel after our early morning adventure.
Protea Hotel, Stellenbosch
This place is something special. The hotel’s main building (where the restaurant is located) overlooks a stunning vineyard, providing a picturesque setting for dinner.
The accommodations, however, are spread out across what feels like a small, charming neighbourhood. Each “house” has about eight single-story apartments, giving it a cosy, residential feel.
The hearty breakfast buffet was impressive, offering a variety of options to suit every taste. There were fresh fruits, cereals, pastries and hot dishes.
Windsor Hotel
The Windsor Hotel is a charming seafront spot with fantastic views of the ocean. Even though we didn’t get out on the water, we still managed to spot a few whales from the comfort of the Windsor Hotel’s cosy lounge area. With our pizzas in hand, we sat by the large windows, watching for the telltale spouts and occasional fluke of a whale in the distance. It was a surprisingly relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
The Activities
The Iconic Table Mountain
Taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain is a must-do in Cape Town. The process was seamless, with buses dropping us off right outside, and a well-organised system to get us up the mountain quickly.
The cable car itself is a marvel—its floor rotates 360 degrees, ensuring everyone gets a full view of the spectacular surroundings. And if you’re lucky, as we were, some of the window panels might be removed, giving you an unobstructed view for perfect photos of the city below and the towering mountain above.
Reaching the top was nothing short of breathtaking. The entire city was spread out beneath us, cradled by mountains sloping gently down to the docks and the impossibly blue sea. We could even spot Robben Island in the distance. We were there early enough to catch the morning mist slowly lifting away, revealing the city in all its glory under the sparkling sun.
The top of Table Mountain is an Instagrammer’s paradise, with countless spots perfect for snapping that dream photo. There’s also a café with both indoor and outdoor seating, a shop and even one of the highest post boxes in the world - perfect for sending a postcard home. Just a heads up: it’s much cooler and windier at the top (so don’t forget to bring a jumper or coat).
Visiting Table Mountain alone made our trip to Cape Town worth it. If we’d flown home right after, it still would have been an unforgettable experience.
The V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is known for its beautiful architecture - it felt like every building had a story to tell, with stunning views of the harbour as a backdrop.
As we wandered through the bustling streets, we were treated to live music performances at every turn. The vibrant atmosphere made it feel like a festival, with something new to discover around every corner.
Cool Runnings Toboggan
This is a local favourite that’s starting to catch the eye of tourists. This 1.25 km toboggan track is set into a lush green hill, offering a thrilling ride. After being hoisted to the top by a cable system, it’s just you, your toboggan and a twisting, turning downhill track.
We opted for three rides, which turned out to be the perfect number - one ride just wasn’t enough. For those not riding, there’s a large canopied seating area with food, drinks and TV screens showing sports. Plus, the views of the course are perfect for snapping some action shots of your group as they speed down the track.
Muizenberg
Wow, what a place. It felt like Malibu (but in South Africa). The beach was a golden stretch of sand, lined with those iconic, colourful beach huts and alive with the energy of surfers catching waves.
The vibe was infectious - there’s something about Muizenberg that makes you want to grab a board and dive in (and if you’ve never surfed a day in your life we can arrange a group lesson for you).
Coastal Drive: The Journey to the Cape of Good Hope
From Muizenberg, we embarked on a breathtaking coastal drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. The road wound along the coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean on one side and rugged cliffs on the other.
As we entered the reserve, we were greeted by wild ostriches roaming freely, adding a touch of the wild to an already spectacular setting. We drove down to the beach, where the waves crashed with a roar against the shore, marking the southwesternmost tip of South Africa. Standing there, with the wind in our hair and the vast ocean before us, it felt like we were truly at the edge of the world.
Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is a picture-perfect cove with smooth white sand and massive granite boulders.
But the real highlight? The penguins.
Seeing these little guys in the wild was beyond anything we’d imagined. We wandered along the wooden pathways and there they were - waddling about, preening and just being their adorable selves.
There’s something incredibly peaceful about watching the penguins go about their day, completely unbothered by the humans watching from a distance. We could’ve stayed there for hours, just soaking up the tranquillity of it all.
Game Drive
As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, we embarked on our first game drive - and it was nothing short of magical. Our guide led us into the heart of the reserve, where we quickly found ourselves surrounded by some of Africa’s most iconic animals.
We were just a few feet away from rhinos grazing peacefully, and elephants that seemed almost close enough to touch. The highlight, though, was coming upon lions devouring what was left of a zebra - a raw and powerful reminder of the circle of life.
But the wildlife sightings didn’t stop there. We spotted buffalo and hippos lounging in the water, while flamingos added a splash of pink to the serene landscape. The game drive was a sensory overload in the best possible way, with each moment more thrilling than the last. By the time we returned to the lodge, the sky was illuminated by a field of stars and I was left in awe of the natural wonders we’d witnessed.
Hermanus: Sand, Sea, and Whale Watching (Almost)
On arrival in Hermanus, we were greeted by the town’s long stretches of sandy beaches and natural tidal pools. It’s a popular spot - there’s just something special about the combination of the dramatic coastline and the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic. The town is also famous for whale watching, especially during the season when southern right whales come close to shore. The plan was to head out on a whale cruise to see these magnificent creatures up close.
Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas. The wind picked up, the clouds rolled in, and our whale cruise was cancelled due to rough seas. It was disappointing, but we didn’t let it spoil our day.
Shopping in Stellenbosch
The Eikestad Mall was our destination for some much-needed retail therapy. Stellenbosch, with its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere, was a great place to explore. The mall offered a good mix of local boutiques and international brands, so we spent a few hours wandering through the shops, picking up souvenirs and treating ourselves to a few goodies.
The Food
Santa Ana Spur
For our first dinner, we chose Santa Ana Spur, a Cape Town staple that’s a bit like the local version of TGI Fridays. The menu was packed with hearty options, from huge ham hocks on the bone to ribs, quesadillas, and a local favourite - schnitzel.
Gold Restaurant
Gold Restaurant is beautifully decorated with African art and a stage with a professional lighting rig promises an entertaining evening. We arrived early and had the option to have small designs painted on our faces - perfect for some unique photos!
On top of each seat was a Djembe drum, which came in handy for the opening act - a 30-minute interactive drum session. The performers on stage led us through a series of beats and before long, the whole room was making music together from our seats.
The dinner itself was an extraordinary 14-course meal, with each small dish representing a different country in Africa. From Namibian venison pie to mango and lime chicken from Congo, the flavours were as diverse as they were delicious. And if you found a dish you loved, you could ask for more - they’d keep bringing it until you were satisfied. Throughout dinner, we enjoyed three dance performances and, at the end of the night, those who wanted to could join the dancers on stage for a fun dance that was a bit like a South African Macarena.
Bertha's: A Harbour-Side Haven
Bertha’s in Simon's Town is massive, with plenty of space to relax, and the views of the harbour are spectacular. We snagged a seat by the window from where we could watch the boats bobbing gently in the water while enjoying our meal.
The menu at Bertha’s is impressively diverse. There’s a focus on fresh seafood but also steak, burgers, curry and pasta for those with a different appetite. We had met one of our touring groups there and were delighted when the friendly staff came out with a birthday dessert and singing happy birthday for one of the lads who was enjoying his birthday on tour.
Hudson’s Burger Joint
Hudson’s Burger Joint’s menu was packed with options, making it tough to choose, but we eventually settled on a hearty burger with all the trimmings. The selection of sides was just as impressive - crispy fries, onion rings, and more. But the real highlight was dessert: deep-fried Oreos served with ice cream. They were as indulgent as they sound and every bite was pure bliss.
The Sport
Rugby at NTK Rugby Club
We visited NTK Rugby Club, where one of our visiting schools was playing. The club is beautifully set against a rural Cape Town backdrop, with a brilliant pitch and a stand partially shaded for those needing a break from the sun.
The atmosphere was electric - Cape Town locals are passionate about rugby and it doesn’t take many of them to create a stadium-like atmosphere. The game was closely contested, with neither team dominating, but in the end, the hot weather gave the hosts a slight edge, leading them to victory. After the match, both teams gathered in the clubhouse to share a meal and make new friends - sportsmanship at its finest.
Cape Town International Hockey Tournament
We headed to the Cape Town International Hockey Tournament to support one of our schools that was competing. The atmosphere was electric, with teams from all over coming together to showcase their skills. It was thrilling to watch the matches unfold and even more exciting to cheer on our team from the sidelines.
The tournament was well-organized, and the energy from the crowd made it an unforgettable experience. It was a great way to spend the afternoon, surrounded by the spirit of competition and camaraderie.
A Quick Travel Tip
Cape Town uses Type M plugs, so be sure to pack the right adapter! We were glad we had ours ready, as it saved us from any last-minute scrambling.
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