At long last, it is time for me to reflect on a beautiful chapter of mine that happened over 3 years ago now: the time I spent in my study abroad semester in Cape Town, before the onset of COVID-19.
Cape Town, South Africa had long been my dream destination, and let me tell you, it far surpassed even my highest expectations. If you like the beach, hiking, partying, the city, culture, the mountains, thrift shopping, or some combination of all of it, you will be enamored by Cape Town. I visited from February - March which I think was absolutely ideal, early autumn weather. Every day I managed to get in an outdoor adventure, whether it was a hike, beach day, or visit to the gardens! I have heard it can get quite gloomy, rainy, and windy in their winter months so timing is important.
I am going to do a series of posts on Cape Town (from what I remember!) starting with this one: the different beaches that you gotta visit!
Cape Town is special for the Cape of Good Hope, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet (map for reference!) You will soon learn that the Atlantic is absolutely frigid, and the Indian significantly warmer, so choose which one you want to visit!
But first up, on safety. Cape Town, and South Africa in general, are not the safest destinations to travel. There are still significant remnants of apartheid times, and South Africa is the most unequal country on earth. It is unfortunate that the city remains highly divided by skin tone and wealth and it is very prevalent wherever you go. That being said, I didn’t travel South Africa “alone” either, since I was studying there I almost always went with a friend!
For example, I will get more into this on future posts, but there are times when I wouldn’t even feel safe hiking with a group of just gals without some males. Also, the only public transport I took was the university shuttle, and then Uber’ed everywhere else (which is actually very affordable). There are definitely other measures to consider here, especially when going out to party at night or carrying your valuables with you. Fortunately I didn’t have any big incidents in Cape Town and I don’t anticipate you will either as long as you travel smart, safe, and with caution. There is so much beauty and goodness here that far overrides the risks, for me.
Secondly, South Africa is infamous for sharks— there are shark flags that fly at many beaches because there are guards that patrol shark presence. Lots of folks even go shark cage diving out in Simon's Town on the Indian Ocean side. Everyone has their opinions of sharks but I never saw any, nor was I worried about it. The best thing you can do is educate yourself if you are nervous. For example, looking at the statistics you can see how UNLIKELY it is to die by shark attack— you’re infinitely more likely to get injured in the car ride over to the beach.
Muizenberg Surf Beach (Indian Ocean)
My favorite spot in Cape Town, this is the beach where I truly started to become a surfer. As I was part of the University of Cape Town Surf Club, I was able to rent a wetsuit and surfboard for about $6/ session from the surf shop right on the beach. They gave me a locker so I was able to catch a ride over straight after class and lock up my belongings while I was in the water. This surf shop is also a great hang out spot because it is attached to a yummy café, and it was an important point in my surfing learning curve as I was able to “downsize” from 7’ to 6’ boards throughout my time.
The neighborhood in Muizenberg is also super funky, so it’s nice to walk around in the daytime and enjoy the cafes and colorful houses that are the trademark from this spot. We really enjoyed the local market which was full of yummy vegan booths and fresh produce. Cape Town is a wonderful foodie and market spot, but more on that later!
I think my little daily escapes to this beach after my University of Cape Town classes were really a formative time in me becoming a solo adventurer and surfer. I distinctly remember celebrating my 21st birthday surfing here on a morning in February, and it was a warm 80 degrees F and fun sized waves-- I had hacked life. Hang on to those little moments that make you feel alive and that you are living your dream <3
Llandudno (Atlantic Ocean)
This is perhaps the richest neighborhood in South Africa, think of the Hollywood Hills of California. As a secluded little cove with great views of the nearby mountains and some pumping waves, it feels like a great escape from the city. It is a little farther from the heart of the city but still accessible with an Uber ride.
Walking along the south end of the beach, my friends did a bit of cliff jumping off the big boulders but it was way out of my comfort zone so I stayed as photographer lol. I didn’t get the chance to surf here but rumor has it this is one of the frequented beaches of world famous South African surfer Jordy Smith!
Boulder’s Beach and penguins! (Indian Ocean)
In the fun community of Simon's Town, thousands of tourists and locals flock to enjoy the beautiful penguins that call this home. It is so adorable to spend a few hours here taking pictures and observing the quirky little habits of the penguins and their mates. There is an entrance fee to the beach to see the penguins because it is a protected area!
This is a great day trip to do with a group of friends from Cape Town, since it is pretty far south then you can split a taxi ride together. After enjoying the penguins, you can walk around Simon Town which is an up and coming neighborhood with good eats and good vibes.
Camps Bay (Atlantic Ocean)
Another of the fanciest neighborhoods in South Africa and you will quickly see why— the view of the “seven sisters” is one of the most remarkable mountain views in South Africa. There is a hip main road full of bars and cafes, and of course the whole area is a bit pricier. It is super accessible, centrally located, and with an absolutely unique view, so for me this spot is a no-brainer!
For surfers, the northern end of Camps Bay even has a more advanced surf spot, Glen Beach, that you can give a try while you’re there, but you will have to bring your own board. Clifton 4th beach is also right around the corner and is much more private and secluded if you want to have a bit more of a natural experience.
Sea Point (Atlantic Ocean)
One of my favorite neighborhoods in Cape Town, this is a long, upscale neighborhood that is right in the heart of the city, but still feels very safe. The long promenade that runs the whole length of the city is perfect for running, skating, or biking in the mornings and evenings, and there are plenty of beaches and natural pools along the way. This is a great, free way to spend your golden hour by taking a dip in the water, bringing a couple of beers, and enjoying the view. For a while I was considering staying an extended time in Cape Town in an Airbnb, and I would've lived in Sea Point 100% due to the great location, safety, and things to do!
Surfers!! *I know there are a few hidden, rocky surf breaks along this stretch (one of the few places you could live and walk to your local surf spot) but you would definitely have to be an experienced surfer or go with a local, and it will be cold!
Hout Bay (Atlantic Ocean)
This is a funky neighborhood not too far from the city center, but still feels like its own special cove. It is famous for Dungeon's big wave surf spot which is the most massive wave in the country in the winter months.... and in the summer months when there are no waves? We went swimming with the seals!
This was one of my favorite things I did in Cape Town, for just about $40 USD we got a private boat, wetsuit, snorkel gear, and our own go-pros and guides to take us out to swim among the seal colonies for 1.5 hours. We went with Seal Snorkeling and the experience was extremely well done and worth every penny. It took a while to get used to the seals nibbling on our toes and rubbing up against us, but it was a level of intimacy with nature I've never really experienced. If you aren't really into scuba diving like me, this snorkeling adventure is so wonderful!
This list doesn't even begin to mention all the amazing beaches that cover the massive Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastline of the city... I left off so many more but thought I'd share the beaches I know best. I apologize where there is a lack of detail -- I am three years behind on sharing this, if you can't tell in the photos of my face that looks much pudgier and younger hehehe--- but excited to share more about this city and country soon! Which of these beaches is calling your name?!
