Many international flights seem to leave later in the day, which only causes a problem when it’s necessary to check out of a hotel early, and then figure out what to do all with all your luggage in tow until departure time. Our last day in Cape Town, we figured this out ahead and hired a driver from the hotel concierge, so we could efficiently squeeze everything possible out of our Cape Town visit before meeting our 4:30 p.m. flight.

First on our wish list was a ride on the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, an unspoken requirement when visiting the city, for the unforgettably spectacular views of Cape Town and the bay. So we met Eshaam Abrahams, our very personable and capable, local driver, who informed us that Table Mountain was closed that day, due to the high and apparently frequent winds. Our last chance on our last day…dashed. Disappointing, but he was ably ready with suggestions. So, we, and our luggage, headed out with Eshaam down the stunning Atlantic coastal road of the Cape Peninsula, past the beach suburbs of Seaport and Camps Bay, over the mountains of the Twelve Apostles in Table Mountain National Park, to the laid back town of Hout Bay with it’s sheltered, picturesque fishing harbor, and active seal population. We perused the local craft market at the wharf and watched a seal eat fish from the hand of a local, in reward for his aquatic antics.

Hout Bay, South Africa

Hout Bay, South Africa

Hout Bay, South Africa

Hout Bay, South Africa

Hout Bay, South Africa

We continued higher to the top of Chapman’s Peak for astounding views over Hout Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, above towering cliffs and a rugged coastline. Then, across to Simon Town on the shores of False Bay, on the eastern side of the peninsula. This quaint village, home to the South African Navy, is nestled along the shore with the land rising steeply behind it.

Chapman’s Peak, South Africa

Chapman’s Peak, South Africa

Chapman’s Peak, South Africa

Chapman’s Peak, South Africa

Chapman’s Peak, South Africa

Just to the south of Simon Town is the popular tourist destination of Boulder Bay, with large sea washed boulders among the sandy shores, home to a breeding colony of about 3,000 vulnerable African Penguins, where they can be observed at very close range, roaming freely in a protected, natural environment.

Boulder Bay, South Africa

African Penguins, Boulder Bay, South Africa

African Penguins, Boulder Bay, South Africa

African Penguins, Boulder Bay, South Africa

African Penguins, Boulder Bay, South Africa

Boulder Bay, South Africa

There is a misconception that the Cape of Good Hope is the southern tip of Africa, and believed to be the dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. However, the Cape of Good Hope is actually at the bottom of the Cape Peninsula, in Table Mountain National Park, and marks the point where a ship begins to travel more eastward than southward. As one of the great capes of the South Atlantic Ocean, the Cape of Good Hope has long been of special significance to sailors, many of whom refer to it simply as “the Cape.” Our last day in Africa, we did not have time to make it all the way to the bottom of the peninsula to see this international landmark, but Eshaam took us back on a scenic land route inland, north through the valleys behind Table Mountain, and through the back side of Cape Town, where we were neatly dropped off at the airport, said our goodbyes, and exchanged contact information in hopes of meeting again for another adventure.

Too much to see, too little time. And, curiously, it seems the more I see, the larger my bucket list becomes, as the more I experience, the more I want to experience. But the mysteries of Africa that I have yet to encounter will have to wait…for now.

Views Over South Africa

Views Over South Africa