Flying Sydney to Johannesburg

On a beautiful day we left left Cape Town and flew to Johannesburg, 

Our  flight, on a British Airways plane, was short but comfortable. Once the aircraft took off, we were treated to aerial views of the sprawling city of Cape Town, with Table Mountain standing proudly in the distance. The coastline shimmered as the plane banked and turned inland, soon soaring over the diverse South African landscape.

This was only a one night transit stop, we arrived in Johannesburg in the middle of a huge electrical storm that the locals told had blown in from Mozambique

  We checked into our guesthouse, the Sunrock, which is a lovely place with an honesty bar and good home cooked food. The evening brought torrential rain but inside the Sunrock they served up a lovely meal. 

Cape of Good Hope - South Africa

Up bright and early in the morning, we joined the “Baz Bus” tour of the Cape of Good Hope, excited for the adventures that lay ahead. The day promised stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences, and we couldn’t wait to explore this iconic region.

As we boarded the bus, the energy was palpable. Other travelers from around the world shared their stories, and we quickly bonded over our mutual excitement. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the city and highlighting the majestic Table Mountain in the distance.

Our first stop was at Hout Bay, where we marveled at the picturesque harbor and the surrounding cliffs. We even had a chance to take a boat ride to see the famous seal colony on Duiker Island. The sight of the seals basking in the sun and playfully splashing in the water was delightful and set the tone for our day.

We moved on up to Chapman’s point with Spectacular views over the bay. Next stop was Boulders beach to visit the Cape penguins, there were hundreds of these little fellas on the beach and the boardwalks allowed you get up close and to the new born chicks as well as the adult penguins who marching around the beach with their funny little walk.

 One of the highlights was our adventure in the Cape of Good Hope National Park. As we entered the park, the excitement was palpable. We unloaded our bicycles and set off, riding about 7 kilometers to our lunch spot. The scenery was stunning, with rugged cliffs and sweeping ocean views that made the ride exhilarating.

After a delightful lunch, we made our way to the Tip of the Cape. We hopped onto the funicular, which took us up to the lighthouse. The views from the top were nothing short of dramatic, overlooking False Bay and the shimmering ocean. It felt like we were on the edge of the world.

We then embarked on a 4-kilometer walk along the cliff's edge, taking in the breathtaking sights. Along the way, we encountered several large Cape baboons, casually making their own way through the park, and a couple of wild ostriches, which added to the sense of adventure.

As we approached the very end of the Cape, we couldn’t resist stopping to capture some photos at the famous sign. Standing there, with the wind in our hair and the vast ocean stretching out before us, it felt like a truly special moment before returning to Cape Town.

In the evening we had dinner at a lovely local restaurant in Seapoint’s and Rob tried roast Springbok for the first time, its absolutely delicious.

CapeTown -South Africa

Sunday we had planned to go up Table mountain but the weather on top was so bad that they cancelled the cable cars. We made our way to the V and A waterfront, just after lunch a German tourist fell and badly cut his foot, It was quite nasty with a fair bit of blood, Mandy jumped into action stemming the blood flow, bandaging the would and calming the wife down, they were very grateful for Nurse Mandy's assistance.

We then went for a smashing walk alone Seapoint's prom and walked as far as Bantry Bay, it’s a beautiful walk alongside the Atlantic Coastline.

In the evening we made our way to “The Winchester Mansion's” restaurant, a Very nice place overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Rob tried Ostrich for the first time and really enjoyed it.

Cape Town - Helicopter Flight and HOHO bus

Our third day in Capetown  we started the day by waiting to be picked up for an excursion, the problem was that there was the Cape town triathlon taking place and a lot of the roads were closed so the travel company could not get to us, we rang them and said we would get to them ASAP. Thankfully, our host, Earl, said “Jump in my car, I'll get you there” and as good as his word he drove “hell for leather”  to get us there.

I forgot to mention that the excursion was a helicopter flight over Cape town and the surrounding area. Well, we arrived at the helipad ( that sounds posh ) and the company apologised so much that they upgraded us to a private flight with a full DVD and photo package, that was a lovely gesture.

We had our pre flight briefing and then met our pilot, a young, blonde, South African girl named Sammie who I would estimate was about 14 years of age, well she looked it to us. 

Sammie could not have been friendlier or more professional, she put us at ease and had a easy going attitude and sense of humour, she was also a perfect guide, pointing out various landmarks in the City and along the coast.

As soon as we lifted off, Cape Town stretched out beneath us like a vast, sun-drenched canvas. The vivid blue of the Atlantic sparkled in the midday light, contrasting with the rugged slopes of Table Mountain. We could see the city’s landmarks shrinking below—Sea Point, where we had walked along the seafront days earlier, and the iconic V&A Waterfront. Mandy squeezed my hand as the helicopter banked gently, giving us an uninterrupted view of the mountain peaks and the lush green valleys nestled between them.

I’ll never forget the moment we caught our first glimpse of the Cape Peninsula stretching ahead of us, a jagged arm of land reaching into the ocean. The colours were striking—the emerald greens of the coastal vegetation, the white froth of the waves crashing against the rocky shore, and the deep blues of the water that seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon.

South Africa continues to surprise us with its diversity of people and landscape.
After the helicopter experience we took time out to have a coffee and relive the flight and come back to Earth, so to speak.

We then boarded the Hop on Hop off bus. The bus wound its way through the heart of Cape Town, past impressive buildings that stood as a reminder of the city’s rich history. The architecture was a mix of colonial influences, modern skyscrapers, and vibrant colors, which all gave the city an undeniable energy. As we moved out of the bustling center, the landscape changed. We found ourselves driving through a densely wooded area, with thick trees and lush greenery creating a peaceful, almost tranquil atmosphere.

Then, almost without warning, we emerged from the trees and were greeted by the breathtaking sight of Hout Bay. The contrast was striking—the deep green of the woods gave way to the dazzling white sands of the bay, framed by towering mountains. The beauty of the place was undeniable, with the calm, azure waters lapping gently at the shore. The high mountains around us seemed to cradle the bay in a protective embrace, adding to the serene and picturesque feel of the spot.

When we arrived at Hout Bay, we hopped off the bus and made our way to the pier. The vibrant atmosphere of this small fishing harbor was alive with the sounds of locals chatting, boats bobbing gently in the water, and the occasional squawk of a seagull overhead. The sun was shining, and there was a fresh sea breeze that carried the unmistakable scent of the ocean.

What really caught our attention was a local fisherman who had set up near the edge of the pier. He was casually feeding seals, tossing fish to these playful creatures as they bobbed and darted around in the water. We stood there, captivated, watching the seals expertly catch the fish with an almost effortless grace. One seal, in particular, seemed to have developed a special bond with the fisherman, leaping out of the water with a practiced ease whenever he tossed another fish its way.

We decided that this would be the ideal place to have lunch, so we chose “The Wharf” restaurant and had a superb fish lunch washed down with a nice bottle of white wine. We continued our trip visiting Camp's Bay for a stop off for a well deserved ice cream before heading back to Sea Point. 

That evening we walked up to Jerry's bar to watch the Rugby, Rob's team were playing England in the six Nations but the less said the better, but the did serve really good home made burgers and a very nice pint of ale.....

Seapoint - to the V& A Waterfront in Cape town

Our first trip to South Africa in 2017 started with a refreshing walk along the seafront in Cape Town. Beginning in Sea Point, we were greeted by the lovely, invigorating scent of the Atlantic Ocean, filling the air with a strong, salty freshness. As we strolled along, the path was alive with activity. The sky was dotted with colorful paragliders descending gracefully from Lion's Head, their vibrant canopies swaying gently as they floated down toward the shoreline.

Our walk took them closer to the iconic V&A Waterfront, where the sounds of the waves and the bustling waterfront added to the energetic atmosphere. With the sun shining brightly and the ocean stretching out before them, we felt the excitement of their adventure truly beginning in this beautiful corner of Cape Town.

The day continued as we made their way through Green Point Park, a lush oasis of greenery nestled amidst the urban landscape. The park offered a serene escape, and they enjoyed the tranquility of the gardens. As they passed Cape Town National Stadium, the iconic venue that hosted World Cup matches in 2010, we were impressed by its grand architecture and significance to the city.

Reaching the lively V&A Waterfront, we found ourselves surrounded by the buzz of activity. The place was alive with a mix of restaurants, street performers, live music, and the energy of locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere was infectious, and we were keen to soak in the sights and sounds of this iconic destination.

Amidst the bustling waterfront, Rob spotted a demonstration of a VR operating system and, intrigued, decided to give it a try. Slipping on the VR headset, he was transported into a virtual world, the immersive experience causing a sense of disorientation. When he finally removed the headset, Rob felt slightly wobbly, his senses needing a moment to adjust back to reality. Mandy couldn't help but laugh at his slightly shaky legs.

As we reached the V&A Waterfront, they were greeted by a lively atmosphere brimming with restaurants, activities, and the unmistakable sound of live music. The area was bustling, a meeting place for both locals and tourists, offering something for everyone. We wandered around, taking in the sights of the boats bobbing gently in the marina, street performers entertaining the crowds, and the sounds of laughter from nearby eateries.

For lunch, we chose a restaurant that had outdoor seating with views of the waterfront. As they settled in, the rhythmic sounds of African marimba music floated towards us. Just a few feet away, the Ikamva Marimba Band was playing some spirited African tunes, creating an incredible soundtrack to their meal. The band’s music was vibrant, rich with energy, and it brought a sense of authenticity to the experience.

In the evening we returned to the Seapont district and went to a Greek restaurant  for our evening meal and enjoy a glass of wine and a delicious  meal.

Day 11 - Fying to South Africa

We took the short drive to Dubai airport and boarded an Emirates B777-300 aircraft for a 9 hour flight to Cape Town, South Africa, we landed in the Mother City to be greeted by 30 degree temperatures, we were also greeted by the most friendliest immigration office we'd ever met, with her beaming smile and genuine interest in our plans it was a lovely introduction to the Country.

We dropped off our bags and explored the Seapoint area that we are staying in. We stopped off at “The Corner bar” for a cooling drink, the view over the “Lion’s head” and the setting sun made for a special end to our first day in South Africa.

Day 10 - Dubai - The Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall

The final day in Dubai began with another trip on the Metro, this time I kept well away from the “woman only “ compartment. We jumped off at the Mall of Dubai stop and from there it was a good 10 minute walk on those flat moving escalators.

The first thing we saw was the  Aquarium wall with a scuba diver feeding the fish, very entertaining. There was a huge variety of marine life, but the Rays stole the show. 
We then moved onto the giant waterfall with its unusual sculptures of diving men.

We then moved onto visiting the Burj Khalifa, the tallest man made structure in the Word. The lift swept us up 140 floors in double quick time  and it was the smoothest of rides. The views from the two observation decks were spectacular. While we were on the deck we saw a guy get down on one knee and propose to his girlfriend, she accepted, not a dry eye in the house.

We then moved onto the outdoor pool area, grabbed a front row table at one of the restaurants and watched the dancing fountain and music show which was mighty impressive.

We returned to the old town and there was just enough time for some last minute shopping and a very good Chinese meal. Tomorrow we head back to Dubai international airport for the next leg of our journey.