After living outside the Western Cape for nearly four years, the biggest highlight was returning there — and especially to Cape Town — after just over a year away. What made it such a highlight was that it was all planned around giving a little girl the best holiday of her young life. Jennezee was four years old in April 2010 when this holiday took place.
We couldn’t have arrived in more perfect weather, driving along Clarence Drive from Pringle Bay — surely, one of the great drives of the world — to Gordon’s Bay. Gordon’s Bay harbour has always been one of my special places and it was Jennezee’s first visit to a harbour — smells and all!
The base for the first two days was Bezweni Guest Lodge — you won’t find a more stunning setting and the same luxury very easily. The views take in the whole of False Bay and the Helderberg valley. It’s a perfect base to explore Cape Town or for a romantic weekend away for locals. There’s a penthouse suite under the thatch, with its own kitchen and a huge deck with panoramic views, as well as poolside rooms. Akela & Kenya loved it!
Somerset West has one of Cape Town’s best shopping malls — probably one of the best in South Africa — Somerset Mall. And the big excitement that day was the little train that wound its way through the mall. A ride was called for!
The next morning it was off to the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront.
No matter how jaded one is, seeing the expressions on the faces of children and adults at the Two Oceans Aquarium must lighten anyone’s day. Wonder, amazement and fascination rule in this watery world.
Everything is bigger, brighter and maybe even more scary!
Government Avenue and the Company’s Garden is a very special part of Cape Town, surrounded by Parliament, Iziko Museums and Gallery, the Planetarium and St George’s Cathedral at the top of Adderley Street.
But for most, it’s a place just to stroll or chill out away from the bustle of the city… and the feed or just sit and watch the squirrels.
- Train ride from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town
First train ride
The train from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town runs right alongside the shoreline. It’s a great trip and, if one has time, breaking the journey to explore Kalk Bay is highly recommended. Of course, Simon’s Town is where you’ll find Boulders Beach and its penguin colony.
Table Mountain Cableway
This must be one of the best-operated visitor destinations in the world. It’s a huge tribute to CEO Sabine Lehmann and her entire team (who, after this visit, went on to get Table Mountain recognised as one of the 7 New Wonders of Nature). In SA, how many places can you go without seeing a single security guard? All Cableway staff take ownership of their turf, and handle visitors with aplomb!
For Jennezee, it was a little scary at times but memorable fun nonetheless. Akela and Kenya took it all in their stride.
And that was three days in Cape Town!
