What locals like

Setting out to compile this blog I find myself conflicted, the current situation in the world needs no explanation. I can’t offer medical advice or discuss the impact on the economy. There are only a number of times in history where all mankind is affected so tremendously which one could discuss in-depth for many hours using multiple examples and points of view but I’m not here for a history lesson either

Sitting in my home surrounded by the ones I love makes this lockdown period both a blessing and a challenge. The blessing, of course, being that I get to spend time with my children which I otherwise would not be able to do due to the fact that we need to work to provide for them, the challenges trying to do a days work while trying to help with homework, cooking, cleaning and looking after 2 kids under the age of 2. Nevertheless, this is the world we find ourselves in, as a time where you meet your friends via an app on your phone, a time where you no longer shake hands, hug or heaven forbid you kiss, a time where all kids actually miss school and not only the smart kids, all of them.

There are many positives to this time as mentioned above and loads of negatives as well which I chose not to dwell on at this time. In this moment I am more reminiscent of the times I spent as a tour guide. Hopefully, this will serve as some kind of escape for those of us adhering to the stringent lockdown rules. I’ve listed a few of my favourites below

Cape Point

When I started as a tour guide I had only been to Cape Point Nature one other time on a family trip. I was totally blown away by raw beauty and yet I never really understood what I was so fortunate to experience. Years later I started taking guests, this is when I started really falling in love with the area. I started noticing the different animals. I started exploring the area more and more, the best part of this area is that even though I’ve been there multiple times I’ve not completely explored it all. I look forward to going back

Hermanus

This sleepy seaside village is one of my absolute favourite places. Situated only two hours from Cape Town it is spectacularly unique, in fact by the time this COVID crisis has passed it will be time for its most famous visitors to arrive – The Whales, who make their way into the cool shallow waters once a year. This is however not the only reason why this is one of my favourites. Ralph Waldo Emerson famously wrote, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey”. In this case, however, I have to disagree as the journey follows the scenic Clarence drive which happens to be my favourite coastal roads in South Africa. The winding mountain crashes dramatically into the ocean exposing the sparsely populated beauty so in this case its both the journey and the destination.

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Blaauwberg

Cape Town is unique in that it has two different coasts and if you drive enough you can always find the perfect day. Blaauwberg is one beach I absolutely adore. What makes this area so close to my heart is the view of my favourite mountain, Table Mountain which of course needs no further information as it was recently named one of the 7 wonders of the world. When standing on the beach you will also notice the infamous Robben Island in the foreground. This beach is also popular with surfers, kite surfers, stand up paddlers and any other permitted watercraft.

City

I simply love walking through the city with tourists, there is so much history in the streets. I love the aromatic smell of the eastern food bazaar, the fresh smell of the plants, fynbos in the company’s garden and the shade of the oak trees down my favourite street. My walking tour can take as little as two and a half hours, but I could wander around the city all day if given the chance.

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Constantia

Constantia is the first wine region in South Africa, it dates back to the first Dutch Governor in the Cape who decided that producing wine was a good idea. Unfortunately, he had no knowledge of proper wine production and his wine was terrible. It wasn’t until Simon Van Der Stel became the governor and the French Huguenots arrived that the wine industry took off. Today it has multiple wine farms, these farms don’t only offer wine tasting is but also houses some of the top restaurants in Cape Town many with spectacular views.

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To many Capetonians, these places are not out of reach and I’m sure as soon as lockdown has ended these places will fill up to capacity again. For those fortunate enough to live in Cape Town, use this as a guide to experience your Town as it was intended. If you are not lucky enough to be living in our city, be sure to check these places out and if you are not comfortable to explore on your own we can certainly show you some secret spots