April 5. We flew from Namibia to Cape Town on Airlink. See my Namibia blog.
We arrived in Cape Town and got transferred to Alphen Hotel. That will be our home for next 5 days while I am attending ILTM – a flagship luxury tradeshow in Africa. It is a small gathering, only 64 people were invited from 20 countries.
The Alphen Boutique Hotel & Spa is a luxurious five-star retreat nestled in the heart of Constantia, Cape Town’s historic wine-producing valley. Set on a Provincial Heritage site dating back to the 1700s, the hotel seamlessly blends heritage charm with contemporary sophistication. Breakfast was served in their restaurant The Bakery, with sit down order menu and creative and beautifully presented dishes.
I rushed to my first luxury travel experience to Palm House for Cape-inspired culinary journey at Restaurant De Tafel. I already stayed there one night before we went to Namibia, and we enjoyed their hospitality. This intimate dinner featured a multi-course tasting menu, thoughtfully crafted with sustainable ingredients and indigenous flavours, paired with boutique South African wines. Ran by executive chef Gregory Henderson, renowned for his foraging expertise and commitment to sustainability, De Tafel offers a culinary journey deeply rooted in the indigenous flora and flavors of the Cape. 
The dinner consisted of six course, each one symbolizing connection to local land and heritage and was carefully matched with local wines.
- “The Awakening” – Pani Puri, Wild Oyster, Yuzi Buchi Pearls, Ocean Water Masala Tea.
Wild Settlers Fennel Macaroon With Gerookte Snoek Mousse (it was savory)
Abalone pannacota, Cape Sea Lettuce bread
- “Gathering Roots”- Wild almond Root Terrine, Kaapse Suuring, Wild Garlic, Roobois Tulle
- “Khoi Heritage Essence” – White mussel cream with Honebush and Rose Geranium, Capuccino Foam, Marsh Samphire, Cape Wild Nori Lavash
- “Resilience” – Cape Sour fig Confetti Bush, Wild Flower Honey – that was palate cleanser
- “ Kaapenar” – Silverfish, seaweed candy, Fish Bone Potato, Strandveld Oil , Amasi and Cornsilk Cream.
- “Bioclimate” – Fynbos Honey Panacotta, Honeydew, Pollen, Heuiningboegoe crème glacee and Fallen Nut Brittle
It was an explosion of flavors, smells and textures, all six senses. Chef made special appearance and answered our questions. What a wonderful eating experience!
April 6. ILTM took place at Norval foundation which is a premier art museum and cultural center located in Cape Town. Established in 2018, it exhibits 20th- and 21st-century visual art from South Africa and the broader African continent. They also have a beautiful sculpture garden. Between meetings, I explored exhibits, it isa such a beautiful place.
The first transfer to Norval foundation was by sidecar. Why settle for an ordinary drive if you can ride a side car! At 7:30am we gathered in front of the hotel and found a fleet of side cars. Each motorcycle took two passengers.
We were outfitted with leather jackets, helmets and neck gaiters and after the photo session, we departed as a cavalcade of motorcycles. It was such a sight! It was a perfect weather, children who were going to school, people walking their dogs, and passersby were waving to us. We’ve felt like celebrities or Harley Davidson riders! The first time I rode a sidecar and I highly recommend it this activity in Capetown. The drivers were professional and fun.
We networked with best African suppliers in a beautiful environment. Lunch was at the museum grounds barbecue. We had networking sessions about sustainability, learning about new trends, meeting great hotel owners and tour operators. In our business, all that matters are connections, and I carefully develop personal contacts.
Evening we were taken to Diamond Experience, where we’ve learned about history of African Diamonds and gained insights into South Africa’s diamond trade. We even made diamond necklaces on our own and we kept it.
The evening continued to the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town – a vital institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the profound legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife, Leah Tutu. It is situated in the historic Old Granary Building. It was a deeply poignant experience that honored the Archbishop’s enduring fight for justice, peace, and human dignity. The Truth to Power exhibition took us on an emotional journey through South Africa’s turbulent history, vividly portraying the Archbishop’s role in confronting injustice with unwavering moral courage and compassion. Space is not only a memorial to the past, but also a call to action for future generations.
April 7. Evening after meetings, we departed for wine tasting and Chapman’s peak by open roof Jeeps. The road reminded me of the Amalfi Coast. We ended our adventure in a winery on the hills with beautiful views.
Meanwhile, Michael went to SANCCOB – Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing seabirds, particularly African penguins. SANCCOB operates from its headquarters at the Rietvlei Wetland Reserve in Table View, Cape Town. The organization was founded in response to the significant impacts of oil pollution on seabirds, particularly African penguins.
The tour was private, where he saw penguins, hung out with excellent trained personnel, fed the newly hatched baby penguins, and spent approximately an hour with the veterinarian who manages the facility. It was an amazing experience!
April 9. The first trade show ended and tomorrow we attend second event – World Travel Market – WTM Africa. We move to another hotel near Convention Center – Southern Sun Cullinan. It is a fully renovated 4* hotel. The hotel, named after the Cullinan diamond, features colonial architecture. It is located conveniently near the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (short driving distance and they have a shuttle there), and it served the purpose to be two minutes’ walk to convention center. In contrast to Alphen, where breakfast was made to order and served at the table, Cullinan provided an opulent breakfast buffet that catered to diverse tastes, featuring freshly baked pastries and local delicacies. The omelet station was great. I particularly liked their sweet fritters which is a specialty of South Africa. The staff ensured every need was met with a smile, making our stay truly memorable. The rooms, while were smaller than our suite in Alphen, were tastefully decorated. I did not eat at restaurants, but my colleagues who did, and Michael reported had good food.
WTM was larger than ILTM, requiring adjustment to navigate. The excitement was palpable as exhibitors from around the world displayed top African tourism offerings, including luxury safaris and eco-tourism initiatives.
In the evening, we enjoyed a reception at Cullinan with local music, delicacies and wines.
April 12. We checked out from Cullinan and met our driver/guide Jacques and started our next adventure – Cape Town, Wine Country and Garden Route.
We started with Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town’s Iconic Destination. Situated at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean with the majestic Table Mountain as its backdrop, it offers a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences.
It was raining and a bit cold with wind from the water, so shopping was the most logical thing to do.
We had lunch in Asian fusion restaurant Tang with delicious selection small plates Asian dishes. Service and food were excellent.
After lunch, we went to Afrogem, where we made an appointment for jewelry shopping. It is family-owned and operated jewelry manufacturer and design company. They offer a luxury shopping experience with Tanzanite’s, diamonds, and a wide selection of semi-precious stones. I like it because they provide private personalized experience, without other people shopping. You need to make an appointment though. After our shopping, we were ready to go to the hotel.
The first hotel on these six nights trip is Ellerman House, is a luxury boutique hotel situated in Cape Town’s upscale Bantry Bay neighborhood. Perched on the slopes of Lion’s Head, it offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. It has only 13 rooms and suites and two villas nearby. I am always looking for exceptional accommodation which suits my interests and style, same as I do for my clients.
I chose Ellerman house since it boasts impressive private art collection of South African artists, and it also has impressive collection of wines, about 17,000 bottles in their cellar. Being on the slopes of Lion Head mountains, the sea views are magnificent. The hotel is small, just what I like and the staff were very nice. Our suite was stocked with drinks – soft and alcoholic, snacks and they asked our preference in advance. They also had a pantry which you can get food at any time of the day. Our suite had a large terrace and a direct waterfront view. Laundry is included. The floors in the bathroom are heated. Art is everywhere. A wonderful and comfortable place to stay.
They are opening a new gourmet restaurant in May, so this will be another draw to stay here.
Our first dinner we had kudu tartare and tuna tartare for a starter and seafood curry. The hotel’s culinary offerings showcase South Africa’s diverse food heritage, presented with a modern twist.
African curries reflect the continent’s culinary diversity, being on crossroads of European, Americas and Asia, blending indigenous ingredients with influences from Indian, Arab, and European cuisines. I already enjoyed them in Namibia. Most common is Cape Malay curry: a fragrant, mildly spiced curry with roots in the Malay and Indonesian communities. Made with cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, and dried fruit (like apricots), it’s usually cooked with meat or seafood.
For starter, I enjoyed Kudu Tartare, I ate quite a lot of game on this trip and found it good quality and lean unlike beef or lamb.
April 13. We had a lovely breakfast on the terrace of Ellerman House. Jacques took Michael to the shooting range where he shot 6 rifles from AR15 up to 50 cal.
I stayed in the house, caught up on my work and enjoyed exploring the art pieces. They have a resident art specialist who conducts art tours, but I could not confirm with him on such short notice.
Artworks are thoughtfully integrated throughout the hotel’s common areas and dedicated gallery spaces.
This hotel is a draw for art lovers.
We went for a drive by the sea and Jacques recommended lunch at a local seafood restaurant on a bay, with a view of the sea and Table Mountain.
We continued to Signal Hill offering panoramic views over the city, Table Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean, part of the Table Mountain National Park. Jacques brought champagne and we enjoyed the beautiful view and relaxed. Somehow, we got too relaxed since after we left, we found out that Michael had lost his phone! We went back and looked for it but no avail…. He was phoneless for the rest of the trip.. ☹. We will remember Signal Hill, Cape Town for sure!
Back to Ellerman house, we enjoyed yet another delicious dinner.
April 13. We left Ellerman House and went to see an Ostrich farm. 
They have live ostriches, where we were given a tour and presentation on this unique bird. They also had a tortoise sanctuary.
We learned about the anatomy of ostriches, saw their eggs, fed them and shopped in their boutique for ostrich leather.
Michael, as a podiatrist was particularly interested in Ostrich leg bones..
I learned that Ostrich has very small brain… anyway these are our takeaways.
There was a chart showing Ostriches height. The smallest Ostrich in the world was named Tom Thumb and went into Guiinness book of records, he passed away in 2018.
I found out that my height is more than Tom Thumb and less than average African Ostrich.
They also had a café where you can eat Ostrich steak, burger, pate, biltong, and have Ostrich omelet.
Since we weren’t hungry for lunch, we went to see penguins instead in a amazing quite non-commercial reserve Stony Point, thanks to Jacques! It is a quiet reserve and not too many people and tour buses.
We observed these cute birds up from the boardwalks to see their nesting and social behavior, we enjoyed seabirds.
We ate at a restaurant right there. In the neighborhood we saw baboons strolling in the driveways and the roadside.
We continued to wine country and arrived to Le Residence in Franschhoek.
It is a luxurious boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley.
Set on a private 30-acre estate surrounded by vineyards and mountains, it offers an amazing view of mountains and vineyards. They also have a fenced area with miniature horses and springboks. There are peacocks on the property. We had a beautiful suite. The interior are opulent and eclectic, featuring a blend of French and Asian antiques, vintage Provencal finds, and East Asian artifacts. The tea service complements the hotel’s luxurious ambiance. I loved having tea from thin porcelain cups.
We enjoyed the beautiful golden light before dinner, reflecting on lavender plants, peacocks and lawns. We also enjoyed dinner at the dining space adorned with chandeliers, black-and-white Victorian tiles, and fireplace and friendly staff. La Residence is a small hotel, more like country manor with only 16 suites, so it never felt crowded. 
In the morning, we indulged in breakfast on our terrace, what a way to wake up!
With Jacques, we explored Franschhoek – a delightful wine country small town. We shopped and visited Lanzerac winery where we sampled a wine Pinotage specific blend of Pinor Noir and Hermitage. It goes well with chocolate. We ate seafood in the French restaurant of the town. I found a synagogue there but it was closed. It is a sizable population of Jews in South Africa.
We had delicious gelato, browsed art galleries. I really enjoyed this wine country vibe. For you wine lovers reading it, let me compare the way I feel it with other locations I’ve been: It is like Napa Valley but less expensive, less corporate, more intimate, soulful. It is less formal, old class than aristocratic French chateaux in Bordeaux and Burgundy, it is probably more similar to Tuscany and other Italian regions but smaller, more polished and soulful. I would summarize it as a place where you can sip a vintage Syrah while watching peacocks stroll through lavender fields. I Recommend for wine lovers to check it out.
The area also is well known for world-class golf, with stunning courses set in dramatic landscapes ranging from oceanside cliffs to safari plains and vineyard-covered valleys.
The Garden Route is a home to three world-renowned courses (The Links, Montagu, Outeniqua); considered SA’s premier golf resort.
We went back to LA Residence and walked around property checking out their springboks and horses. Then we had drinks and another delicious dinner by the fireplace.
April 14. After another delicious, pampered breakfast on our patio, we bode farewell to La Residence and departed for a long drive on the garden route. Next destination is Western Cape, de Hoop Nature reserve.
We stopped on the way at some farm roadside supermarket, had delicious smoothies there and ginger shots, they have amazing products, biltong station, game pies, you name it. I can also tell that travel on South African roads is very comfortable. They have clean and comfortable bathrooms and well stocked small supermarkets, beautiful scenery along Garden Route, and well-maintained roads.
We arrived at Cape L’Agulhas on a Western Cape in a charming coastal village located at the southernmost tip of Africa. We ate at a local café on the coast, self-service with excellent fresh caught food. After lunch, we visited L’Agulhas.
Agulhas National Park is located at Cape Agulhas and encompasses the southernmost tip of the African Continent and the surrounding coastal plain and interior. The park’s most renowned feature is the official meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. A stone monument marks the actual southernmost point, a symbolic moment for us. 
Cape Agulhas has been historically important for sailors and explorers. In the past, it was known as a dangerous part of the coastline due to its rough waters and rocky shores. The waters around it are known for their strong currents and shifting tides. There is a historic Cape Agulhas lighthouse. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in South Africa and continues to help guide ships navigating these challenging waters.
Standing at the southernmost point of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, is incredibly inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder of the vastness of our world and the interconnectedness of nature. The sight of two mighty oceans converging symbolizes both the challenges and the beauty of exploration and adventure. For explorers, sailors, and travelers, it must feel like being on the edge of the world, where two great bodies of water meet and create a unique, dramatic landscape. It’s not just a geographical boundary; it’s a representation of resilience, discovery, and the spirit of pushing limits. That sense of standing at the meeting point of two oceans, with history and nature unfolding around you, is something truly humbling. It must make you reflect on the journeys of those who braved these waters before, like early explorers and adventurers who set out with little more than hope and courage.
We continued from Southernmost point to our accommodation. I cannot call it hotel, it is a destination in itself! Morukuru Beach Lodge located in De Hoop Reserve, a boutique, five-suite lodge situated just 100 meters from the Indian Ocean, offering uninterrupted sea views and direct access to the beach. Ideal for couples and small families seeking an off-grid, eco-friendly retreat. It is all inclusive and secluded.
I hope you follow my choice and my selection of diverse accommodations. As Michael is saying, with me, life is never boring! 
We arrived at De Hoop Reserve, located along the southern coast of South Africa, a stunning natural haven known for its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. It is like a coastal safari for sea and ocean lovers. In the season, you can watch whales from your bed. Unfortunately, the season (June – October) is not now but we will go on nature drives and coastal walks to see flora and fauna. The eco system is called Fynbos – quite different from other safari lodges we experienced before.
The reserve spans over 34,000 hectares and includes a variety of ecosystems, from fynbos vegetation to wetlands and coastal dunes. This diversity supports a wide range of wildlife and plant species. De Hoop is a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts, especially bird watchers. It’s home to over 260 bird species, including rare and endangered ones. The reserve also hosts large populations of mammals like kudu, bontebok, rare extinct mountain zebra, and eland. It’s a great location for wildlife viewing in their natural habitats.
We arrived at the gate, were told “they are expecting you” and we continued more for 45 mins on unpaved roads with only occasional car in sight. After we started doubting if we got lost – then sign appeared “Morukuru Beach Lodge”.
“Not all who wander are lost” as Tolkien said.
Another 15 minutes and we arrived! It is indeed a pristine part of South Africa.
We were met by the lodge’s staff, Nicole and Jaco, who will be our guide, were given an overview and settled in our suite. It is again, like Ellerman house, facing the ocean, but there is nothing nearby. Just raw, pristine nature. At the dinner, we’ve talked to Jaco and discussed our plan for morning drive. It will be safari but different from wildlife, it is coastal drive.
April 17. We’ve met Jaco before sunrise and departed on nature drive. The Fynbos eco-system is different from the bush but nevertheless it is beautiful. The spider webs were large and sticking like tv dishes 😊.
We saw kudus, bonteboks and elands, here they roam freely since no carnivore animals. We got out of the vehicle. The ground was kind of white moss, soft, like foam. The red colored plants and evergreen contrasted with sand dunes. We saw beautiful birds. 
Jaco prepared coffee with local liquor Amarula, and cookies. We returned to Morukuru for breakfast and after breakfast went for a nature walk in sand dunes to the beach. We were outfitted for a water walk, there was a choice of water shoes or Wellington boots. We chose wellies. At the beach, there were few
people snorkeling in lagoon.
We saw some lizards or maybe they were iguanas. In the coastal pools, the tide was changing, getting low as we walked on the rocks. We saw and touched sea urchins, and I even touched octopus! We saw beautiful shells with abalone. We returned to the lodge, had lunch and rested while Jacques tried sandboarding.
Eight more people arrived at the lodge for dinner.
April 18. Jaco took us on sunrise drive where we saw Zebras, Elands, Kudus, Ostriches and lots of birds.
I snapped a photo of Kingfisher bird. The golden hour light was just unreal.
We came back to the lodge and left Morukuru for our last destination – Knysna.
45 minutes ride to the gate did not seem that long now. We continued East and stopped at town Wilderness for lunch, a very pleasant outdoor café. I tried Ostrich steak, it was served medium rare under Madagascan sauce and it was delicious. It tasted like filet mignon but no fat at all.
We arrived at Knysna which is famous for seafood. Jacques showed us his favorite places for sea views in the area called Heads and we took great photos. We strolled waterfront for a shopping and had dinner at 34 South – which is altitude location of Knysna. We enjoyed famous local oysters and abalone chowder. It was the first time I tried abalone, way better then clams.
We came to our accommodation in Knysna – Kanonkop Guesthouse after dark. It is located on a hill in Knysna. The staff brought our bags to our room “forest suite” somewhere in the back of the house. We slept soundly. It was a great place for stargazing and Michael got up at 1am for star photos. In the morning, I opened the curtains to reveal unsurpassed panoramic views over Knysna Lagoon, the Heads, and the surrounding mountains.
We found our way to the main house to find a friendly staff who served us coffee in the living room and I walked around checking hotel. It was set up in a private forest, seemed to be secluded but only five or so minutes to Knysna. It was established in 1999 by Chris and Selwyn Sue Conyers as an intimate luxury 3-bedroom guest house. Today, their youngest son, Mark Conyers (whom we met at breakfast), and his wife, Adele, continue the legacy as the current owner-managers, maintaining its reputation for personalized service and luxury accommodation.
I enjoyed impala sausage with eggs for breakfast.
We left for Elephants Park, a pioneering sanctuary between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Established in 1994, it was the first facility in the country to house and care for orphaned African elephants.
Over the past three decades, the park has provided a haven for more than 40 elephants, including those that were orphaned, rescued from culls, or relocated from circuses.
All of them are females. We listened to their presentation and went for a guided walk with elephants, fed them and learned about their behavior and biology while supporting conservation effort. 
We continued to the “Birds of Eden”, the world’s largest free-flight aviary and bird sanctuary. Spanning 2.3 hectares of indigenous forest, the sanctuary is enclosed by a mesh dome that rises up to 55 meters above the ground. It is home to over 3,500 birds representing more than 220 species.
The sanctuary had a network of walkways, with most of them elevated, allowing to observe birds at various canopy levels at natural environment of gorges, waterfalls, streams and forests. The separate area was with flamingos. It was a beautiful sight.
We returned to the waterfront for lunch. Usually we try different restaurants, but we were impressed with seafood selection at 34 South, so we went back for oysters and African lobster this time. It did not disappoint. African Lobster was so sweet just like our Maine lobsters, but it was large in size.
We were not hungry for dinner, but we had a reservation at Scirocco, and we had light but delicious dinner there.
April 20. Our last day of adventure in South Africa ended and after breakfast, we said goodbye to Mark and his staff and left for a long drive to Cape Town airport for our 8pm flight to USA. The drive took about 5 hours. We stopped few times in the rest areas on the highway and again were impressed with some shopping area on the way, for example, Bali Trading, is a South African retailer specializing in home décor, furniture, gifts, and accessories. Great place for gifts, but alas we did not have any space in luggage! The coffee shop was good there.
Most of the road on a highway was with nothing there, and then we stopped at a small town Swellendam at a characteristic diner called “Swellendam Republic” . It reflected episode in the area history: In June 1795, discontented with the Dutch East India Company’s administration, the burghers of Swellendam declared independence, establishing the Republic of Swellendam. The citizens adopted the title “national burghers,” inspired by the French Revolution. However, this self-declared republic was short-lived; by November 1795, British forces had occupied the Cape, bringing the republic to an end. So the establishment Republic of Swellendam aims to revive the Revolution of the Republic. The food was characteristic local food. I had Cape Malay Chicken Curry, and pumpkin fritters, everything was good although this curry was a bit spicy.
We arrived at Cape Town Airport, and sadly, our trip came to end. We thanked and said goodbye to Jacques. Jacques was hands down the best guide—so knowledgeable and a lot of fun to hang out with. We really connected, and he made our trip super easy, interesting, and educational. He anticipated all our needs, had a great sense of humor, and knew exactly where to go for everything—from shopping and nature to restaurants.
Final Thoughts.
This was my second visit to South Africa, but I hope to return.
Special thanks:
My local friends/tour operator’s team – Monika and Adrian for patience with planning my itinerary and meticulously executing it.
Jacques, our driver/guide, who shared his knowledge and love for his country.
Staff and guides at our accommodations who provide us with excellent comfort and great meals.
I highly recommend for first time traveler to Africa to start with South Africa. It has great infrastructure, amazing cities, safaris, golf, nature, great food, wine, shopping.
It has something for everyone – safari, food and wine, nature, food, art, vibrant nightlife, golf, great activities for adventures, families.
South Africa is a land of contrasts and deep beauty—where dramatic landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable wildlife experiences come together in a way that leaves a lasting imprint on the soul. From the majesty of Table Mountain to the heart-stirring sightings on safari, and the warm, diverse people you meet along the way, it’s a destination that educates, inspires, and captivates.
It’s not just a journey—it’s a powerful experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
Copyrights 2025, Sophia’s Travel, EMCO Travel LLC