From the travel diary of Olivia Bennett
Cape Town is not just a destination for me — it’s an encounter. A meeting point of dramatic natural beauty, multicultural flavors, and living history on South Africa’s southwestern coast. Framed by the iconic Table Mountain and the endless Atlantic Ocean, the city blends urban sophistication with wild landscapes and a deeply rooted cultural heritage.
Whether this is your first visit or you’re returning as a seasoned explorer — as I am — and whether you arrive independently or aboard the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship, Cape Town always reveals a new side of itself. This guide goes beyond a checklist of sights and leads you through the city the way it’s meant to be experienced: through moments, flavors, landscapes, and stories.
A Culinary Scene That Never Runs Out of Inspiration
One of the things I love most about Cape Town is the seemingly endless range of dining options. The region proudly embraces farm-to-table and sea-to-table philosophies, while also offering cuisines from all over the world — at prices that feel refreshingly accessible compared to major American or European cities.
And then there are the markets. More than food hubs, they’re vibrant community spaces where fresh produce, handcrafted clothing, jewelry, and textiles invite you to slow down and explore without watching the clock.
Coffee, Roasted with Passion
Cape Town’s coffee culture is exceptional. Cozy cafés line the city streets, and one of the world’s most respected coffee roasteries calls Cape Town home. Origin Coffee Roasting roasts in-house and offers the widest selection of single-origin coffees in South Africa.
As a coffee lover, visiting was non-negotiable — I even called Victoria on the spot to tell her: you have to see this and taste it. If coffee is more than just a morning habit for you, this stop is essential.
Day One: Cape Point, Penguins & Ocean Drama
Our first day took us on a road trip toward Cape Point, and the drive itself felt cinematic. From Muizenberg’s colorful beach huts and the harbor charm of Kalk Bay to Simon’s Town and the breathtaking curves of Chapman’s Peak Drive, this coastal route is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever experienced.
Along the way, we stopped at Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins. Watching them waddle between granite boulders and crystal-clear water — listening to their unmistakable donkey-like calls — was pure joy. This is a protected natural habitat, not a zoo, offering an intimate and unforgettable wildlife experience with incredible photo opportunities.
Cape Point lies within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and marks the southwesternmost point of the African continent. The dramatic cliffs, deep-blue ocean, and sandy beaches create a powerful, elemental landscape. As part of the UNESCO-listed Cape Floral Region, the area is home to nearly 20% of Africa’s plant species.
We ended the day with dinner at Harbour House, where refined flavors and an elegant setting perfectly closed an experience-filled day.
Bo-Kaap: Where Colors Tell Stories
The next morning began in Bo-Kaap, one of Cape Town’s most vibrant and historically rich neighborhoods. If South Africa is the Rainbow Nation, Bo-Kaap is undoubtedly its colorful heart. Set against the lower slopes of Signal Hill, its cobblestone streets and brightly painted Cape Dutch houses are instantly recognizable.
This former Malay Quarter carries over 260 years of complex history and a deeply rooted Muslim culture. Despite its popularity on Instagram, Bo-Kaap remains a living community shaped by tradition and resilience.
I truly believe the best way to understand a culture is by sharing a meal. For authentic Cape Malay cuisine, I highly recommend BO-KAAP KOMBUIS — incredible curries, samosas, warm hospitality, and views toward Table Mountain. Keep in mind that traditional Cape Malay restaurants are halal and alcohol-free.
Relaxation & Wine Country Escapes
An afternoon on Cape Town’s beaches is the perfect reset, but on day three we headed toward Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands. Walking among blooming hydrangeas, tasting wines, and enjoying farm-to-table lunches reminded me why this region ranks among my favorite wine destinations in the world — alongside Tuscany, Chianti, and Provence.
We visited JC Le Roux, South Africa’s leading sparkling wine house. Founded in 1982 as the country’s first winery dedicated exclusively to sparkling wine, they’ve pioneered several innovations — including red sparkling wine and a Sauvignon Blanc-only sparkling release. Naturally, I ordered a case and sent it straight to Florence for Victoria, who loves sparkling wine just as much as coffee.
What’s Next
You could spend days exploring the Cape Winelands — and I hope I will again. For now, we returned to Cape Town, because tomorrow we head out on safari… but that’s a story for another blog.
👉 Follow along on Instagram, and on the Wonders of the World blog — the adventure is far from over.