September 22, 2025, 9:39 am | Read time: 7 minutes
Mountains, sea, dream beaches, culture, music, history, and incredible food—all this and more captivated TRAVELBOOK author Melanie Hoffmann during her first visit to Cape Town—a true experience! Her journey through South Africa and her love for the city, country, and people began in Cape Town.
Europe, America, Asia, and Australia—my wanderlust has already taken me to all continents. However, Africa was still missing from my list. Although, that’s not entirely true, as I had already visited Morocco and Egypt. More precisely, a trip to southern Africa was still pending and was at the top of my to-do list. Now (in February 2025), it was finally time. I traveled to and through South Africa and couldn’t have wished for a better start than four days in Cape Town. From Berlin, I flew via Frankfurt to Cape Town, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that I sensed upon arrival at the airport: Cape Town (and South Africa) would be an amazing experience.
Music, Cheerfulness, and a First Seal Sighting
After a tiring long-haul flight with a layover and waiting in Frankfurt, I finally arrived in Cape Town. Starting in Berlin at a chilly five degrees Celsius, I was greeted in South Africa with a delightful 25 degrees Celsius upon my early afternoon arrival. Another difference from cold Germany struck me immediately. While I’m used to grumpy faces and curt remarks at Berlin’s airport, the staff at Cape Town International Airport seemed almost happy to guide us newcomers. As I waited in line at passport control, I heard laughter and brief bursts of song. A first taste of how I would experience many people during my time in Cape Town and South Africa in general.
Since the meeting with the international travel group I would join was scheduled for the evening, I had a few hours to spend alone after checking into the hotel. As I discovered, my accommodation was within walking distance of the “Waterfront,” a popular harbor district in Cape Town. Harbor, sea, shopping, and restaurants? Off I went, I thought.
With the slightly cloud-covered Table Mountain against a blue sky behind me—which prompted me to turn around repeatedly and pause in admiration for a few minutes—I made my way to the Waterfront. Appearing somewhat disoriented, I once again experienced the helpfulness of Cape Town residents. Without needing to actively ask, people pointed me in the right direction as they passed by. The closer I got to my destination, the more cheerful chatter, musical sounds, and ocean waves reached my ears.
Upon arriving at one of the small bridges that are part of the promenade’s construction, a seal diving up and down sweetened the view of the blue water. Continuing my stroll, I encountered the first—of many during the trip—performances by a traditional singing and dancing group. Shops with international and African fashion, art, and souvenirs were as enticing as stylish restaurants and seating areas by the water. A more beautiful first impression in a new country couldn’t be had.
Stormy Prospects
What makes Cape Town so attractive are the outdoor opportunities. Framed by the sea on one side and Table Mountain (as well as the Cape Peninsula mountain range, of which Table Mountain is a part) on the other, Cape Town not only looks beautiful but also offers many attractions for both city lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Its location makes Cape Town a stormy place. On some evenings, standing on a terrace, you could almost feel the wind swirling through the city, changing direction in minutes and nearly knocking people over. Our planned hikes on Table Mountain had to wait. Shrouded in clouds, it looked appealing, but on the mountain, you would barely be able to see your hand in front of your face, as we were assured.
When the time finally came, our climbing adventure was rewarded with incredible views of the city and the sea. But beware: treacherous gusts of wind were not without danger, so holding on tight was advised.
Snorkeling in the Icy Atlantic
From the mountain, we went snorkeling. I love snorkeling and have done it in wonderful places, such as the Philippines and the Great Barrier Reef. In Cape Town, however, the snorkeling group didn’t expect a coral reef but a kelp forest. This is an underwater algae forest near the coast. Instead of clear visibility, you encounter an underwater forest that looks both beautiful and, depending on its density, somewhat eerie. We couldn’t stay there for long, as the water—remember, we were swimming in the Atlantic in February—was icy. Wrapped from head to toe in neoprene, you couldn’t last more than an hour in the water, and that was only if you kept moving the entire time.
By the way, the plan was originally to snorkel at the exact spot where the documentary “My Octopus Teacher” was filmed. This was because, besides the kelp forest, there would have been a greater chance of seeing octopuses. Due to the previously described stormy weather conditions, visibility there was now so poor that snorkeling was relocated to another bay near Cape Town. It was an adventure either way!
South Africa is One of the Most Hospitable Countries in the World
On a luxury train through South Africa – a “hotel on rails”
The Taste of Cape Town
Cape Town is a vibrant city, even when it comes to cuisine. For foodies (which I don’t necessarily consider myself), Cape Town is an experience in itself. The city has much to offer for experimentation. From street food to gourmet kitchens, you can find plenty of dishes for discerning palates in the bustling coastal city. Describing South African cuisine, or specifically Cape Town cuisine, is not easy. There’s just so much. Our guide explained that Capetonians are masters of fusion cuisine, combining different culinary cultures and cooking styles. Cape Town has many influences: from neighboring African countries as well as from Asia and Europe.
A Local Guide Who Loves His City
The special atmosphere of my first Cape Town experience was definitely enhanced by our guide. He is from Cape Town and took great pleasure in showing us his city in all its facets. From white sandy beaches with luxury estates, to the historical heart at the Nelson Mandela statue, through city parks, up to Table Mountain, and out to the bay and the dive school run by friends—he was full of energy, had endless knowledge about Cape Town and South Africa (as we discovered throughout the trip), and was eager to give us first insights into his homeland, especially off the typical tourist paths. Fun fact: on two evenings, he had to go home early to remove snakes from houses in his neighborhood. He was a trained and official “Snake Wrangler.”
After four days, the magic of the city at the Cape of Good Hope had completely captivated me. As the journey continued, I could hardly wait for the next destination, yet I didn’t want to leave. At that moment, I knew—and I still think so now—Cape Town, we’ll meet again!