I have recently returned from another visit to Capetown in South Africa, one of my favorite destinations – so much to do! In Cape Town we arranged all our tours and transportation individually but used UBER for most short trips except to Cape Point/Boulders Beach, wine tasting tour, and Aquila Game Reserve, where we paid a private driver or had a bus all day. The trip to Cape Point and Boulders Beach required admission in to the National Park of ZAR 92 ($23 USD per adult). For admission to Boulders Beach, it was ZAR 215 (approx. $11-12 USD per adult).  The boardwalk that you access to see the penguins jets out and you can just watch the penguins in their natural habitat in various stages of life from chicks to adults. You can’t touch them, just observe. We had lunch in Simontown about 25 min from the penguin colony! Amazing seafood! We made a few pit stops for pics along the way.

Aquila Game Reserve – located about 2 hours outside of Cape Town. If you go for the day, you can either day a morning or afternoon game drive. The price includes 2 meals – we had breakfast and lunch, game drive and then free time to access the pool/lounge areas after the drive. This would be a great starter type safari experience. Compared to other game reserves, this one reminded me of when I went to Pilanesberg NP in Johannesburg a couple of years ago. Controlled environment for the animals – Zebra, Hippo, Rhinos, Ostriches, Elands (antelope), Springbok, Giraffe, roamed freely while the lions were in their own fenced area. We did not see any water buffalo or leopards.

Table Mountain – we chose to hike up and take the aerial tram down. The trail we took was the easiest and took us about 3 hours. You will be climbing over large rocks and in some cases small boulders. Water, good walking shoes and sunscreen is a must!  Please be aware that the later in the day you go, the less chance you will have to take the tram up or down the mountain due to the high gusty winds. This can shut down services at any time! There is a restaurant/snack shop, gift shop and plenty of outlook points once on top. The tram down took about 3 min and rotates 360 degrees so everyone can see the views up or down the mountain. There is also a restaurant and gift shop at the bottom of the mountain.

Weather – December is their Summer so temps were in the mid 70’s but with being on the other side of Table Mountain, it is VERY windy and gusts increase as the day goes on. Was great to watch the kite surfing on the shore each day. Our house was located in Blouberg and close to the beach and restaurants/shopping. My parents were staying about 10 min away in Blouberstrand and again, same beach type of town. Easy to walk.

Wine Tour – We made stops at 4 different wineries – one in Stellenbosch, 2 in Franschhoek and one in the Paarl region. Spier 1692, Boschendal, Franschhoek Cellar (we had lunch here. Clients can pick up or stop here on the wine tram.) and lastly, Fairview Winery and Goat Farm.  All give you a farm to table experience. All included at least 4-5 wines (red or white) and food pairings can purchased separately.