Experiencing the World: South Africa

Our South African Adventure Begins: Cape Town and the Strand

On April 30, 2025, we boarded Turkish Airlines with great anticipation, bound for Cape Town, South Africa. This journey would mark a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—a dream fulfilled—and our very first time stepping foot on South African soil. Our travels would take us across the region for a month and a half, including unforgettable stops in Zimbabwe and Botswana.

Getting to Cape Town wasn’t a quick trip. With a layover in Istanbul, Turkey, it would take us two full days to reach our destination. But by May 2, 2025, we had finally arrived. Filled with excitement and wide-eyed wonder, we landed safely in Cape Town. To say we were on cloud nine would be an understatement—we were thrilled, snapping photos at every turn.

After collecting our bags, we met our driver, who would take us to our accommodations at the Strand Hotel. Along the way, he shared insights into Cape Town’s deep and complex history. Of course, we already knew of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first Black president, and the legacy of apartheid. But we also began to learn more about the original inhabitants of the region—the Khoekhoe and San people, collectively known as the Khoisan.

As we drove, we were mesmerized by the breathtaking mountain landscapes towering above the city. We also noticed rows of small, metal-roofed dwellings that appeared to be informal settlements. Our driver explained that these were part of Cape Town’s public housing system, where residents received free utilities and, in many cases, chose to live there.

Eventually, we arrived at the Strand Resort. While the hotel itself felt somewhat dated and not exactly what we had imagined, it had a charm of its own. One unforgettable highlight was the staff’s tradition of singing joyfully in the hallways every Friday—it was something that truly warmed our hearts. And knowing we’d be staying in several other accommodations during our trip made the less glamorous aspects of the hotel easy to overlook.

The hotel was right by the water, offering lovely views, and we appreciated its convenience, especially since we were advised to remain close to the Strand area for safety reasons. Following that advice, we explored local dining options and discovered a few gems: Prime Wagyu, the Belgian Waffle House, Oh Hello Coffee, Ocean Basket, and Oceana Fisheries. Our favorite spot for coffee—any time of day—was Ekhaya Coffee Roasters.

During our two-week stay, we also spent time at Somerset Mall, which exceeded expectations. It was large, spotless, and filled with a mix of familiar and new stores. The South African Rand made shopping surprisingly affordable. Most people we met spoke English, as well as Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, or Shona, making communication seamless.

One of the most memorable days of our visit was celebrating my birthday with visits to two beautiful wineries—Fairview and Spice Route. The latter was our favorite, with views that took our breath away. We also had lunch at Boschendal Deli Restaurant. While the food didn’t quite suit our tastes, the setting made up for it: a charming outdoor courtyard shaded by trees, with a cool breeze hinting at the South African winter. Light jackets or sweaters were necessary, though some afternoons warmed pleasantly.

Everyone we encountered was kind, helpful, and welcoming. While we don’t plan to return to the Strand specifically, due to a few limitations, we’re deeply grateful for the experience and the wonderful people we met along the way.

This is our first of many posts sharing our experiences in South Africa. Please don’t forget to:

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