The sun was out again. 

We strolled along the promenade towards Camp Bay. The sun was warm and the sky was that insane blue. A cool breeze kept the temperature comfortable. 

People were swimming in the cold waters of Saunders Rock beach. 

We caught a BMW X3 Uber up the incline into Camp Bay where we walked along the beach and watched the ducks waddle around under the date palms.

We perused the market wares and dodged the hard sell of paintings, bead sculptures and wood carvings. 

We made our way up the incline to the Country Club which housed the stylish Bungalow restaurant.

It was a lovely al fresco setting overlooking Camp Bay and Table Mountain. We chose a seafood platter for one (Teresa wanted the langoustines) and Scott ordered the Crispy Skin Sea Bass. We ordered cocktails but they were the icy ones and then changed to MCC and sparkling water. 

Our Uber home was a black C class Mercedes. Scott went for a swim while Teresa prepared for the trip home tomorrow.

It has been the most amazing place to visit, the sights were spectacular, the people were so lovely and the services generally outstanding. A visit to this country is full of surprises and highly recommended!

Our Uber was a late model Audi who drove us to the Gardens at Kloof through the city centre.

At the foot of Cape Town’s vibrant street was a magnificent Victorian house, the Kloof Street House restaurant which was a collection of interesting rooms and spaces, each bursting with a character of its own. This venue had a cozy ambiance while full of antiques, friendly staff and a varied menu.

The Ostrich steak was done medium rare and it was ok … hard to describe the taste… not a lot of flavour but not gamey. Scott’s Avocado on toast was exactly what he felt like. The sides of steamed local green vegetables and the baked sweet potato with horseradish lime crème fraiche were perfect accompaniments for our meals. Belinis and Bloody Mary’s were the beverages of choice.

We then strolled down the street and went into little boutiques selling men’s and women’s clothing. At the Unseen Boutique we were impressed with the quality and unique designs so we each bought a piece of clothing.

We then stopped for a drink at another hip bar and listened to the hip hop music while watching the locals.

We checked out the local Spar store and then decided to have Mimosas in the Hudson bar.

There was a bit of commotion down the road which was swiftly dealt with by the security police.

We continued along Long Street and entered a few souvenir shops that displayed items of clothing made from their traditional bright fabrics. The vendors were using sewing machines to create these items and explained that they would make anything you want when you chose your fabric. 

Continuing up Long Street we observed a lot of cannabis outlets and there were Public Safety Officers on every block looking out for tourists. When our Uber BMW arrived, one of these officers ensured that the driver was legit and assisted us into the car.

The route home took us past the colourful houses in the Bo-Kaap area of Cape Town.

Back at Sea Point, the Mojo bar was a collection of outlets like the Timeout Markets. We sat at the Mussel Monger Oyster bar and tasted their oysters with a glass of MCC (sparkling wine).

Scott decided that he wanted to try the Pina Coladas in coconuts. He wanted to take one to the Art Haus as a gift for Greg when Scott finalised his transaction for the art piece he had chosen. Unfortunately, the gallery was not open and the coconuts were offered to some people in the street.

We walked back to the unit and settled in for the evening.

Goeie Nag

We awoke to a sunny day with some clouds and a cooler temperature. We decided to walk down to the beach and strolled amongst the joggers on esplanade.

A Wiggle employee was waiting for us back home to take the car away. He had no complaints about the dust on the Mazda MX5 and there was no fuss about the extra mileage or day as Scott was happy to pay the extra charges. They were a very well organised company and highly recommended.

We then Ubered in a comfortable Mercedes Benz from the unit, through city streets, up to the Table Mountain Cablecar tourist attraction. As we snaked up to our destination we were joined by lots of buses and tour groups.

The queues were long and there were so many people milling around the shops. Apparently some people had queued for one and a half hours to get on a Cablecar. Fortunately for us,  Scott had bought Fast Track tickets online so we climbed the stairs to the holding bay and had a short wait before being crammed into a Cablecar.

The Cablecar had a rotating floor which was activated as we were whisked up the craggy edifice onto the cloud covered summit.

The summit was crawling with tourists following the various paths and fenced outcrops admiring the stunning views and taking photos. The clouds promised to dissipate so we thought we would wait in the Cafe and have some refreshments. There was a reason why this cafe had a 2.3 rating on Google, the service was slow (a surprise after all the positive experiences we have had to date) and poorly organised. Teresa ordered a Rueben Sandwich and Mimosa and was told to go to the bar with the receipt to get the beverage and the sandwich would be delivered to us. Teresa waited for over 10 minutes at the bar for a staff member to appear and make the Mimosa, after alerting another staff member of the wait. He was apologetic and assured us that the drink will be delivered to our booth. This was also when Teresa was told that the Rueben had to be collected from the kitchen part of the cafe. The cafe at this time was full of families with loud children so we found a quiet corner booth. The sandwich was typical of tourist fare, stodgy and tasteless. 

We then walked around the summit as the clouds shrunk away and revealed Cape Town and beyond. Stunning!

We dodged the queues again with our Fast Track tickets and piled into a descending Cablecar. As we were leaving the souvenir shop, some English young women asked Teresa where she had bought her outfit. 

We then caught an uber which was another Mercedes Benz, to The Nines restaurant for lunch. 

It was on the ninth floor of Station House on Kloof Road in Sea Point, Cape Town. This was a classy establishment with magnificent views, lovely decor and attentive service. 

We ordered a Margarita, sparkling water and the Seafood Platter for two.

Wash cloths were presented in an interesting fashion… a loaf shaped stone with 4 holes with liquid and 4 small tabs… which you placed in the liquid holes and they expanded to a good size for cleaning hands and face.

Langoustines have become a favourite of Teresa’s since a feast in Iceland. These were on the seafood platter along with crayfish, prawns, fish and calamari and a small bowl of citrus rice plus broccolini. This was the best meal by far of this holiday which was also reflected in the price… but totally worth it!

The rest of the day was filled with individual activities, Scott made use of the local swimming pool and Teresa caught up on her socials while drinking MCC, the local bubbly.

For dinner each evening over the past week, various delicious soups from Woolworths were selected as an easy option for eating in. They were vacuum packed and obviously made from fresh ingredients. 

It was the end of another amazing day in Cape Town, South Africa.

Goeie Nag 

It was time to say farewell to the lambs and pack the Mazda MX5 ready for a day of driving.

We did not miss having to travel one more time on the gravelled Kammanassie Road.

As we passed the town of Dysseldorp we had to look out for donkeys and sheep on the road.

People were walking to church in their Sunday finest. 

Scott also startled the ostriches on a farm we passed by tooting the horn and causing them to run around in a panic. 

We took the drive thru at Mcdonalds in Oudtshoorn and ordered coffee and a Sausage and Egg McMuffin for breakfast.

The young attendant was very friendly and we commented that we had both once worked at Maccas. She was curious about what we did now and we found out that she was studying to be a teacher. 

As we continued on the R12 and R62 highways, it felt like the scenes from the film Thelma and Louise where we were surrounded by spectacular landscapes and dwarfed by the enormous craggy mountains. It was insanely breathtaking!

We stopped for lunch at Barrydale where Scott ordered a green juice and Teresa chose the Shashuka. Die Langhuis was a charming antique store as well as a bed and breakfast. 

We then stopped in Montagu as Scott was on a mission to find a pie as good as the one he had in Hermanus.

The roads were well designed and speed limits varied between 80, 100 and 120 kilometres an hour depending on the gradient of the road. 

We finally reached the N1 which is the main route to Cape Town. We noticed that hitchhikers hold out their arms waving money to try and get a ride… we even drove past some who were holding out bunches of grapes probably taken from one of the many wineries in the region.

The N1 is a toll road and we were surprised when they insisted on cash (an internet search earlier claimed that you could pay by card) so we had to turn around and go to the office to pay and then join the tollway again. So it is a good idea to have some cash (100 rand) on you always for these unexpected situations.

Wiggles car hire have been amazing… they actually deliver and collect the car from your residence. So convenient!

Goeie Nag

The birds were chirping and the lambs were bleating as the sun rose over the mountains.

We connected with family and then decided to take a drive to find lunch.

We followed the gravel Kammanassie road to Dysseldorp and met tarred road! 

We kept the top off the Mazda MX5 convertible for most of the ride and enjoyed the spectacular mountain scenery.

We were going to drive to De Rust but the road returned to gravel so we turned around and drove to Oudtshoom and onward to the Kurana Winery. 

Scott ordered the Ploughmans Platter and Teresa ordered the Ostrich pizza. It was delicious and washed down with amber ale and a double gin cocktail. 

It was very hot but a cool breeze was a welcome respite. This winery was very popular and patronised by locals.

We drove back home on the mostly tarred roads past suburban settlements and the occasional donkeys and carts and then onto the gravel for the rest of the 20 kilometres to the farm. 

Once on our farm we opened a bottle of the MCC (South Africa’s sparkling wine) while we watched clouds roll in with occasional rumble of thunder.

We relaxed and enjoyed the peacefulness of the mountain isolation while we watched the lambs.

Goeie Nag

Just after sunrise, the mist rolled in and hid the view of Plettenberg Bay. Some rain had fallen but it was not very heavy.

We packed our supplies and belongings into the tiny car boot like a jigsaw and set off for our mountain adventure.

We turned off the R2 highway onto the R340 highway which then turned into a gravel road for 20 kilometres. The road wound up the side of mountains revealing spectacular valleys and landscapes. It felt like the wilderness which made Teresa a very nervous passenger despite Scott assuring her that it was safe.

This road then joined the R339 which was also gravel and it seemed that if we continued in this direction we would not see any towns or petrol stations, only remote farms and green foliage.

So we turned back and settled at the Bitou winery for lunch and some research about an alternative route as we did not expect the gravel roads.

We ordered the oxtail and the soup of the day (vegetable) which was delicious but turned out to sit in both our guts all day and we did not want to eat for the rest of the day.  

We found a longer route with more tarred roads and set out after lunch through George on the R2 and then out to the R9 which was still tarred.

We were in awesome territory with mountains and farms stretching as far as the eye could see. Of course, once we started driving back up the mountains and beyond, Teresa was anxious and Scott was having a great time driving the red Mazda MX5. (He has a habit of taking Teresa out of her comfort zone, like driving on questionable roads but then producing quality experiences!)

Once we turned off onto Kammanassie road, we hit gravel roads again, took the top off the convertible and drove to our isolated farmstay. 

The 21st March is Human Rights Day  in South Africa. It is a public holiday and we observed people spending time celebrating with families during our journey.

The farmhouse was beautifully presented, very clean and well set out. Scott and I had our own bedroom each with a bathroom. Some home made snacks were supplied in the kitchen and chocolate bars were added to our towels on the beds. 

We relaxed and took in the serenity while watching clouds develop above the mountains. The grass surrounding the house was very soft and spongy and the gardens were beautiful and well maintained.

A small holding paddock next to us contained ewes with their new born lambs. They were very cute and Scott did his best to communicate with them…. I was sure the ewes were replying with ‘f-off ‘ as they glared at him!

Darkness fell and we retired into our comfy beds for the night.

Goeie Nag

The skies were clear so we took a drive to the water with the top off the car. We had to make the best of the convertible when we could. 

We walked along the estuary where people were walking their dogs. One lady was walking with three big dogs and one ran up to Teresa and jumped up and mouthed her arm. It was a bit frightening but the lady kept walking and said ‘sorry, sorry’ and thankfully the dogs followed her. The water was lovely and clear and a nice temperature and the sun was quite hot.

After soaking up some sunshine, it was time to explore some wineries.

The Newstead winery was about 20 minutes drive away. We secured a spot in the shade and our waiter was Happy …. Yes….that was his name! We ordered the Salmon Pate with shards, Charcuterie box and sipped on glasses of Rosé. Scott found a new friend and had his canine fix. 

We then drove back towards Plett and stopped at the Bitou winery.

Teresa chose the option 1 wine tasting and Scott chose a bubbly and then a Strawberry Daquiri. The vista was spectacular and we relaxed as we soaked up the atmosphere…..and wine.

A stop was then made at the Woolworths to stock up for our next leg of the journey to the mountains. Groceries cost about the same here but spirits are not over taxed like in Australia and so much cheaper! 

While heading back we noticed a large building down on the beach and decided to drive down to explore.

Beacon Island was on a lovely beach with people swimming and sun baking on the fine sand.

Car attendants assisted with parking and there were some market stalls selling local wares. Wading through the water was refreshing and it was nice to finish the day with a walk.

Clouds were building up all afternoon and the forecast was for rain the next day.

Goeie Nag

The mist returned and the ocean was grey again while rolling its waves onto the rocks and sandy beach at dawn. It dissipated at around 8:30am and we could feel the sting of the bright sun.

I spotted seals and also some jumping sharks again. It was hard to leave our beach hut but our next residence was in Plettenberg Bay. 

Scott wanted to drive up to the high streets as we were leaving because it was so much fun in this car.

Once out of town we drove through changing landscapes with mountains, palm trees and then hills with conifers growing abundantly. Occasionally there was a whiff of Marijuana like we experienced in Canada. Once past George we encountered plenty of roadworks.

We travelled through the Wilderness and onward to Knysna.

The land around us was very green and we arrived in Knysna to marvel at the beautiful lake and Waterfront docks.

The Drydock restaurant was chosen for lunch on the harbour. Scott ordered Karan steak Argentinian style and I had Rockefeller oysters – garlic and Gruyère cheese plus the red pepper soup of the day! Very tasty, great service and lovely location. 

The landscape once we were back on the road was more Canadian with the green pine trees and green foliage. We drove past some shanty towns and wondered how they would cope in the heat.

Plettenberg Bay is a resort town. We found our gated apartments and settled in.

The Palms Roof top bar was down the road and we marvelled at the view while sipping Daiquiris and margaritas accompanied by corn ribs.

We then explored the shopping strip and bought some supplies. I bought two Wyborowa vodka bottles with 43% alcohol content for $37AUD. Bargain!

In one of the shops, Scott noticed a tiny puppy which was only 8 weeks old. I was allowed a cuddle but Basil is still the cutest! 

The apartment balcony has amazing views and even better from my bedroom balcony upstairs.

Africa is the most amazing place and I’m so glad that Scott encouraged me to come. We are having the best experience so far.

Every Airbnb that Scott has booked outdoes the one before.

The bed and pillows were so comfortable and inviting so we retired to our rooms for the night.

Goeie Nag

Seals were still swimming past constantly in the morning mist as the waves continually crashed onto the shore. It was easy to sit and admire the view. I then noticed creatures flinging themselves out of the sea and crashing back in. I thought they may have been baby whales but there was no sign of their adult parents. After more observation and some googling I learnt that Great White Sharks jump when they are hunting and feeding on seals. Sharks jumping are apparently an uncommon event so we were very lucky to see this phenomenon. Their white underbellies and dark fins flashed as they looked strangely playful like they were having fun. The jumping continued all day but try as I might I could not catch footage of the sharks…they were a bit too far away.

The first plan for today was to drive to the Point of Human Origin.

Oddly, you need to access the road  through a private golf club and resort so we decided to go back to town and drive up to the Cape St. Blaize lighthouse which we could only see close up because of the mist. 

The red rocket MX5 was expertly driven up the driveway to a small car park next to the lighthouse. This was where we first saw the Rock Hyrax creatures feeding on the grass. Apparently they are all over this headland. 

We made our way up the steps into the restaurant and onto the viewing platform. It was very high!

The owner was a Val Kilmer look alike and he was very welcoming and chatty. He had lived there for years and to avoid loneliness he developed the restaurant, bar and viewing platform plus he rents out a room in the lighthouse or the house next door. The view from there was spectacular while we grabbed a bite to eat of toasted Chicken Pita and coffee for Scott and Jäegermeister shots for Teresa’s queasiness.

Scott then wanted to take the car around the upper heights of the Cape St. Blaize headland where there were luxury homes and accommodation accessed by some pretty steep streets. Scott was having the time of his life driving up these inclines in the little red Mazda convertible with top off.

Teresa had made an appointment earlier for a hair wash and blow dry, so Scott went shopping at the local Woolworths while the staff at Ruan’s Hair pampered Teresa with outstanding service for only $26AUD. They were also very helpful with suggestions of places to see in the area.

We came back to our wonderful beach hut and watched someone fly a drone over the jumping sharks while we were relaxing on the outdoor porch.

The mist finally cleared after 3pm to reveal the awesome landscape of the mountains, George and beyond.

The ocean returned to its lovely blue colour and families were taking advantage of the good weather by walking on the beach, kicking a ball or playing in the sand. The grassed area was very well maintained.

We took a walk along the esplanade past people fishing with very long rods and we could finally see  the lighthouse and upper parts of the town better with the clear sky. 

The sharks stopped jumping once it was dusk… the party was over! 

We admired the night sky after dark as the mist had disappeared.

Goeie Nag

I awoke to hearing the cows and went outside to see the herd close to the back of the cottage with calves feeding from their mums and bulls supervising the group.

We were only booked for one night in this cottage with Airbnb so we packed the red rocket and headed to Hermanus for a coffee and for Scott to do some work! This area is referred to as the ‘whale coast’ but all we saw was an enormous pod of dolphins making their way out to sea.

Mossel Bay was a three hour drive away so we looked for somewhere to break up the trip and the Van Loveren winery in Robertson was chosen. So we entered our navigation directions and took to the road. As we were leaving the suburbia of Hermanus, I spotted a random monkey on the roof of a house…later we drove past ‘monkey crossing’ and ‘baboon crossing’ signs – we are in Africa! As we drove past mountains, the terrain reminded us of the highlands in Scotland, then we would round a corner to see vast fields of harvested grains, corn fields and expansive vistas with the ribbon of road stretching out as far as the eye could see. Scott was in his element revelling in the joy of driving the Mazda through curves and the open roads. There is a driving etiquette here where slower cars or trucks will veer to the shoulder so others can pass, once passed, the driver flashes their hazard lights in appreciation and the slower car or truck flashes their high beam in response. There are very few multi lane roads here so this system works well.

We arrived at the Van Loveren estate which contained pristine white buildings amongst the most impressive gardens. We skipped the wine tasting and ordered lunch at Christina’s Bistro located in the garden on the estate.  Scott chose the carrot and coriander soup of the day and I had the grilled chicken Caesar salad with a glass of Daydream Chardonnay/Pinot Noir. Instead of the wine tasting I chose a couple of bottles of wine and bought their lovely wine cooler bag to keep them cold for the trip.

Mossel Bay was still nearly 3 hours away. We stopped for petrol at a place called Riversdale where people pump the gas for you and clean your windscreen without you having to get out of the car. Payment is cashless too but Scott had some Rand that he gave to the friendly male attendant as a tip. As we got on our way again, police were guiding cars aside for what we thought was a breath test but it was just a security and licence check. They were happy, friendly individuals who were humoured by Scott’s height and the compact car, joking that one of the officers was better suited for this model! Again, everyone has been so positive and friendly in this country. 

As we approached Mossel Bay which is purported to be the point of human origins, the weather turned into drizzle and fog which made navigating a little challenging. Our beach hut was located in a gated area and when we finally found the entrance we parked outside the white picket fence and entered an amazing place with uninterrupted views of the ocean.

We watched seals frolic past constantly before the day’s light faded into darkness. 

Goeie Nag