Southern African Journey Log 8: Cape Town—Between Peaks and Penguins
We flew back to South Africa today, and for the next several days, we will be in Cape Town. Cape Town has always been on my mind, and I’ve long wanted to visit. However, the required travel time and its notorious reputation for high crime rates have made me hesitant, especially as a family traveler. We flew directly from Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe to Cape Town International Airport and rented a car there. The drive to downtown Cape Town was easy, but the stories we’d heard stayed with us: reports of concrete blocks being thrown at cars on highways, for instance. Just last week, the South African government sent the army into Cape Town to address gang violence and surging crime rates, so we debated until the very end whether this was the right time to visit. Seeing electric fences, barbed wire, and security guards everywhere added to our unease.
Yet, Cape Town itself is stunning. The city is clean, modern, and full of exciting activities. It is a city that perfectly blends natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. We stayed at an apartment-style accommodation called Cape Royal in the waterfront area downtown. The room was spacious, secure, and comfortable—everything we needed for a relaxing stay.
After a quick lunch, we decided to take a drive along the M6 to the south to visit Boulders Beach. The M6 drive was breathtakingly scenic, and we couldn’t resist stopping multiple times to soak in the gorgeous coastal views. By this point, we had completely forgotten our initial fears about driving, parking our car freely and stepping out often to take photos and enjoy the view.
Boulders Beach was simply incredible. Penguins, penguins, and more penguins! Everyone has seen them at aquariums before, but encountering them in the wild was entirely different. We started spotting penguins even before we reached the beach itself. As we walked along the boardwalk, we saw them waddling around, with some tucked in the bushes alongside their gray-feathered chicks.
On the beach, the penguins seemed unbothered by our presence, curiously observing us rather than fleeing. It’s almost as if they don’t see humans as a threat. Whether that’s because of their protected status or their natural curiosity, I’m not sure, but it was enchanting to make eye contact with these adorable creatures. The beach itself is entirely occupied by the penguin colony, so while you can’t walk among them, the boardwalk offers incredible views and gets you very close. It’s an experience we’ll never forget.
After Boulders Beach, we drove about 40 minutes further south to visit the Cape of Good Hope. I vaguely remembered learning about this place in history class, but seeing it in person was a whole new experience.
The Cape of Good Hope is a historic and iconic spot, often considered the southernmost tip of Africa (though that title technically belongs to Cape Agulhas). It has long been a symbol of exploration and discovery, marking the point where sailors would turn eastward after navigating the treacherous Atlantic waters. The landscape here is dramatic and rugged, with rocky cliffs plunging into the ocean, and the vastness of the sea meeting the sky in every direction.
After parking the car, we climbed the hill to take in the panoramic views. Looking down at the ocean from the top was breathtaking—one of the best views we’ve had during our trip. The elevation isn’t particularly high, but the scenery is indescribably striking. Standing there, you feel a deep sense of achievement and a connection to the many explorers who came before, charting new courses and imagining what lay beyond the horizon. We took countless photos and lingered to enjoy the sunset before making our way back to Cape Town.
All in all, our first day in Cape Town was filled with awe and wonder. It’s a place that stirs both the heart and the imagination, and we can’t wait to see what the next few days will bring.
