CPT: Cape Town Airport – the suite life of travel

It was a wild ride, but I had finally arrived in Cape Town, South Africa. Departing the Columbus International Airport, my flight was scheduled to arrive in Atlanta, but with a delay at CMH, I was rerouted through Detroit, Michigan. Because of the delay, I missed my connection in Frankfurt, and lost a full day in Cape Town.

Waiting for my luggage by the carousel, I finally realized that my suitcase did not arrive. Baggage claim was nearby and I could see that there were several other passengers who were waiting as well. Within about twenty minutes, I stepped up to the window and was asked to complete the lost luggage claim. Handing the form back to the agent, I needed to reach the Hertz counter to pick up my rental car. I couldn’t help but take in the impressive displays and took a few moments to read up on the highlights of Cape Town.

One of the most surprising finds was to learn that South Africa was under a water restriction during my visit. From 2014 to 2017, the country’s water supply dropped from nearly 93 to 23%, resulting in a water crisis in 2018. In January, the water had reached such an all-time low, that the country issued a crisis where water conservation was the utmost of importance.

One of the most beautiful murals at the Cape Town Airport is titled “Flying Madiba.” Unveiled in 2015, this gorgeous tapestry is displayed in honor of Nelson Mandela who championed “human rights around the world.” Madiba, Mandela’s clan name, was imprisoned for his pursuit of civil rights. This spectacular artwork was designed by Czech artist Peter Sis and woven by France’s Atelier Pinton.

In my research of Cape Town before my visit, I learned so much about the wines the Cape Town area produces. I was so excited to try the various varietals, that I had actually made room in my luggage so that I could bring back a few bottles.

I was most surprised that this region has been making wines for over 350 years. With its perfect climate and soil, Cape Town produces such wines as Pinotage, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Merlot, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style red blends.

Kalk Bay, a cute little fishing village in Cape Town, was voted as one of the coolest towns by Forbes Magazine.

The Long Walk of Freedom display represents Robbin Island and the location where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years before the fall of apartheid. I was so excited to have made reservations to visit this historical place in the next couple of days.

The beautiful, bright colored structures remind me of the photos of the homes of Bo-Kaap, the Malay district of Cape Town. With its cobblestone streets. this neighborhood is beaming with culture, incredible restaurants and history. I was so excited to explore this amazing neighborhood and try some amazing, local cuisine.

Yet, what was even more exciting was the opportunity to see penguins on the beach. I learned that there are seven beaches in South Africa where penguins make their home: Bird Island, Boulder Beach, Dassen Island, Dyer Island, Robben Island and St. Croix Island.

So exhilarated with so many options in Cape Town, how would I decide?

Have you visited Cape Town? What was your favorite place and would you visit again? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my arrival into Cape Town and I hope you read more about my amazing vacation. Wishing you many amazing travels in your future!

What to See and What to Do:

Robbin Island
Cape Town 7400 South Africa
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 409 5100

Admission Fee: Adults: R550 ($35 per adult); Children (ages 2 – 18): R310 ($18 per child)
Hours: Open daily from 9AM to 3:30PM
Amenities: scheduled tours, tour guide by former prisoners, special exhibitions, ferry transportation to the island, bus transportation on the island,
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of Cape Town from the ferry and island. There are penguins on Robben Island as well.
Length of Visit: At least 2 – 3 hours to see the highlights
Tips for Your Visit: You can pay an additional fee for pick up from your hotel. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and remember your passport. There will be plenty of opportunities for photos so don’t forget your camera. The tour is based on the weather of the seas and may be cancelled, so if you are staying over several days, select this option at the beginning of your visit to Cape Town. You may want to consider taking medication for motion sickness for the ferry. Bring additional money to tip your guide.

Top 5 Wineries in South Africa

Boschendel Wine Estate
Pniel Road, Groot
Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Telephone: +27 21 870 4200

One of the oldest and most picturesque wineries in South Africa, this estate is known for its Boschendel Brut.

Babylonstoren
Klapmuts, Simondium
Simondium, 7670, South Africa
Telephone: 27 21 863 3852

Babylonstoren produces 13 different grape varieties over 232 acres. In addition to its winery, Babylonstoren offers cottages, restaurants, spa treatments and garden.

Jordan Wines Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Vlottenberg
Stellenbosch, 7604, South Africa
Telephone: +27 21 881 3441

Twenty five minutes from Cape Town International Airport, the Jordan Wine Estate is an ultimate wine destination with vineyards, luxury suites, a bakery and spectacular views.

Waterkloof
Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Somerset West
Cape Town, 7130, South Africa
Telephone: +27 21 858 1292

Producing organic wines on land that was once the feeding ground of local sheep, Waterkloof is a full-fledged organic farm.

Beau Constantia
1043 Constantia Main Road, Constantia
Cape Town, 7130, South Africa
Telephone: +27 21 794 8632

Overlooking False Bay, this spectacular boutique winery is also a magnificent restaurant

Kalk Bay is a 35 minute drive from Cape Town, South Africa, Known for its caves, it is recommended to schedule a tour with a local who is familiar with the cave routes. There are fabulous restaurants along the coast and lovely places to stay with scenic views.

Bo Kaap is another neighborhood in the heart of Cape Town. Colorful houses line the streets and restaurants offer traditional dishes. Dating back to the 1760’s, this area was once known as the Malay Quarter when Indonesians and Malaysians were brought here as slaves. Be sure to check out the Bo Kaap museum.

Where to Stay:

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
No. 6, Silo, Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Telephone: +27 87 086 1578

Where to Eat:

Harbour House V&A Waterfront
Quay Four, Ground Floor, V&A Waterfront
Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Telephone: +27 21 418 4744

In addition to their sushi, the views of the V&A Harbor are spectacular!

What to Eat:

Amaural Don Pedro is a dessert cocktail made from the marula fruit, indigenous fruit
Biltong and Droewors are air dried meat and sausage, a traditional South African meal. Cured with vinegar, salt, spices and sugar, this dish can also be made with ostrich and wild boar. a cream liquor made from South African
Bobotie is a dish inspired from the country’s Asian settlers. This casserole dish is made of minced meats simmered in spices then topped with egg and milk then baked.
Boerewors are sausages formed into a coil and cooked on a BBQ (braai); boer means farmer and wors is sausage.
Braii / Shisha nyama are barbecues and many butchers will set these up in front of their shops.
Bunny Chow is a popular street food in Durban where hollowed out loaf breads are filled with spicy curry.
Chakalaka & pap, a vegetable dish is typically served with barbecued meat.
Malva Pudding is a dessert inspired by the Dutch who settled in Cape Town. Similar to a sticky pudding, it is made with an apricot jam and smothered in a hot cream sauce.