Cape Town, South Africa
Trip Perspective(s)
Tell us a little about you and your travel style.
My hands are in a few aspects of travel and the travel sector. I’m Jelani and back in 2021 I founded the hospitality investment firm, The Wapechi Collection. Currently our firm owns and operates, Selah, which is a luxurious beach front hotel property in the sleepy surf shore of Kokrobite Beach, Ghana. In addition we have a partnership with an AI travel chat company that is leading in AI innovation in the travel sector, Maya Travel AI.
I like first exploring a destination solo first so that my experience is authentic in my terms and then I like to contrast my experience with friends, family, etc. as to their experience. Why? I aim to formulate thoughts of a location that is beyond the surface level. I ponder my interactions with the people, my experience with their culture and then the nature of the land. This adds to the importance of travel for me, as I don’t like to miss out on what makes a location truly special. The world is large and wide and being boxed into one nation, one form of thought and adventure is not an idea that I want to practice.
Understandably, I travel quite a bit and have an affection for almost everywhere but I am not without my favorites. Shockingly, Iceland was my first solo trip and will always remain the beauty of the globe in my eyes. Mexico City is a cultural mix that stands above the field which aims to continue to lure me back year after year. But Cape Town, South Africa, won my heart from head to toe. On its surface, the land is immaculate, the people are beyond kind and cordial, and the energy of the nation is vibrant, blossoming with optimism in business, music, gastronomy, surf and sport and tons more that make up the great nation.
What makes Cape Town special to you?
Cape Town satisfies a few boxes as a destination. It covers many focal points surrounding wellness, cultural, and business that I desire in a location. From the views, to the gastronomy, to the diverse opportunities that South Africa offers it’s people and abroad, continue to entertain the mind, body and soul. This makes a trip feel full.
What type of traveler would enjoy Cape Town based on your time there?
I would suggest that Cape Town, SA is a great option for all. All defined as solo, expats, digital nomads, families, and nightlife seekers. The Cape leaves no stone unearthed for a numerous kinds of travelers.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Cape Town, SA?
I like to stay in Muizenberg to take advantage of surfing in the morning or a long walk on the beach on lay days. Venturing into the Cape of Good Hope is a magnificent visual beauty that all should experience. For my food and wine lovers, a sunset dinner at Hoseki at the Delaire Graff Estate is a perfect way to end the day.
What should travelers know about the food scene in Cape Town?
South Africa specifically is a blend of plates. A mixture of diverse fusion influenced by African, Dutch, and Indonesian culinary traditions. A combination of beef, lamb or game lead the plates but South Africa isn’t shy of many different Asian, Italian fusions as well. For the salad lovers, there are tons of dishes to enlighten your taste buds as well. I don’t have a favorite but Hardy McQueen of Manje Manje has a great list of spots to try.
How was your experience with the nightlife in Cape Town?
Stones Pool Bar on Long Street and Openwine on Wale Street — are solid enjoyable nightlife jumps to try. If you explore these places on Fridays and Saturdays, I don’t doubt that you will stumble upon other spots that will reveal itself in that moment. I must also mention the Mojo Market where they offer a collection of food booths in addition to where they host a musical guests in the evening time.
What should travelers know when it comes to safety in Cape Town, SA?
As in any location, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Cape Town is safe but not without its flaws and loose ends. For the most part, you will be fine.
What should travelers know about budgeting for Cape Town and what's one thing they should splurge on?
First, never go into debt and budget every dollar. Second, on an inaugural trip to the Cape here is what should be on your list of things to splurge on. Cape of Good Hope – find offers dramatic, rugged coastal scenery, a rich history as a legendary waypoint for sailors, and abundant unique biodiversity. People should visit to witness the meeting of major ocean currents, see diverse wildlife like baboons, ostriches, and antelopes, and explore its numerous hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and the historic Cape Point Lighthouse. It’s a must-see destination near Cape Town for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Muizenberg – for its unique blend of vibrant beach culture and rich history in the quiet surf town. It’s most famous for its iconic, brightly painted Victorian bathing boxes, which line the Blue Flag beach and provide a perfect backdrop for photos. As the birthplace of surfing in South Africa, its gentle, warmer waters on the False Bay coast make it an ideal beach break for all surfers and especially beginners to learn the magic of surfing.
Delaire Graff Estate – is a world-class winery and fine dining, complemented by an impressive collection of contemporary African art and beautiful botanical gardens filled with sculptures. It’s a place where luxury hospitality, acclaimed wines, and exceptional art converge in a setting of natural South African beauty. These are my splurge items for a first timer experience to Cape Town, South Africa. I’d estimate for a week in Cape Town an overall budget of 3.5K – 5K USD is a safe area to operate within.
Do you have any closing thoughts on your time in Cape Town, SA?
My closing thoughts and advice regarding Cape Town is to first learn and understand the dark history on the founding and operation of Cape Town’s early days. This will provide clarity and richness to understand how the originators of Cape Town, who were once sitting under an oppressive regime, still found a way to make this land beautiful, flavorful, and cordial to all.
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