Hello Beautiful Souls,
Continuing our journey through South Africa, let’s dive into the details of my adventures from Day 8 onwards. From the breathtaking beauty of Plettenberg Bay to the historical charm of Swellendam and the vibrant cityscape of Cape Town, each day brought discoveries and unforgettable experiences. If you missed Part 1, go back to read all about the first 7 days in South Africa before continuing to read Part 2.
Day 8: Exploring Plettenberg Bay
Despite a rainy start to the day, we didn’t let the weather dampen our spirits. We ventured on a breathtaking hike in Tsitsikamma Park, where the dramatic coastal scenery against the forest backdrop made every step worth it. However, the chilly aircon from the previous night left me with a cold, so I opted for a cosy evening in bed, preparing for the excitement of whale watching the next day. The hotel at Plettenberg Bay was one of the best during the trip, Bayview Hotel Plettenberg. The meals in the hotel restaurant were superb and room service made it possible to eat in the hotel room when I needed to recover from the cold.
Day 9: Whale Watching and Protea Farm
Bid farewell to Plettenberg Bay with an amazing morning adventure on the Indian Ocean! Our excursion with Ocean Blue Adventures offered glimpses of majestic whales and visits to the Seal Colony at Robberg Nature Reserve. Despite the challenge of capturing these incredible creatures on camera, the experience was a definite success. Afterwards, we indulged in a relaxing visit to a protea farm, where we learned about these fascinating plants and enjoyed stunning views. The evening ended with a delightful BBQ hosted by our friendly fellow travellers in Oudtshoorn, making for a memorable night under the stars.
Day 10: Oudtshoorn Adventures
Our day was filled with exploration in Oudtshoorn, guided by the knowledgeable Roland. From an eye-opening excursion to the majestic Swartberg to an up-close encounter with ostriches on a local farm where we met Betsy “the kisser”, every moment was filled with wonder. We indulged in a wine tasting afterwards and savoured a mouthwatering dinner featuring juicy ostrich meat [one of the tastiest meat I ever tried], making for a day filled with special experiences.
Day 11: Swellendam Heritage Tour
We immersed ourselves in history with a visit to Swellendam, the fourth oldest town in South Africa. The Drostdy Museum provided insights into the town’s rich heritage [during the Cape Dutch Colony], while a day of relaxation and fine dining at Field & Fork offered the perfect balance of history and indulgence.
Day 12: Hermanus and Stellenbosch
A picturesque day filled with whale watching in Hermanus, strolling around and wine tasting in Stellenbosch! We marvelled at the majestic whales in the South Atlantic Ocean before indulging in a wine tasting at Neethlingshof Estate. Stellenbosch is a university town with lots of gorgeous Cape Dutch architecture. The day ended with our arrival in Cape Town, where we embraced the vibrant city atmosphere and enjoyed dinner at V&A Waterfront.
Day 13: Cape Town Excursions
Our final full day in Cape Town was packed with exciting excursions, from a Seal Island cruise to exploring the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. We witnessed African penguins in their natural habitat at Boulders Beach before enjoying a fantastic dinner with the entire Djoser group at Marco’s. It was a night filled with laughter, African music, and delicious food, marking the end of an incredible trip.
Day 14: Farewell to South Africa
As our adventure came to an end, we soaked up the Cape Town sunshine with a historical walking tour through the city centre and went on the hop-on hop-off bus to go through Cape Town in a few hours. After we indulged in Dutch delicacies at La Botessa Boutique Hotel, had an authentic ramen at Ramenhead on Parliament Street. We bid farewell to this beautiful country, grateful for the memories made and the experiences shared with my mum. With hearts full of gratitude and our minds filled with unforgettable moments, we boarded our [11-hour] flight back to Amsterdam, already dreaming of our next adventure to Africa.
For hassle-free travel outside Europe, consider using an Airalo eSIM. It offers global coverage, including countries like South Africa, and is often more cost-effective than roaming. You can conveniently activate it online before your trip without needing a physical SIM card. Ensure your phone supports eSIM, download the Airalo app, purchase a plan, and follow the activation instructions. Check it out here. It kept me connected during the entire trip.
Stay tuned for more travel tales and adventures to come!
With love,
Miss Widjaja
