South Africa: Hindsight

Thanks for reading along through this adventure! Since the focus of this trip was largely around the wedding, it was a very different kind of trip than we usually take. I’ve covered the kinds of things we did to prepare for the trip here. So what did I learn and what can I recommend?

Modern Africa

Prior to my trip I was asked in a condescending tone if South Africa was, like…modern? My response was that these people do not live in huts. South Africa is the most modern and developed of the African nations. It ranks number one for GDP on the continent. It’s mineral wealth and position along two oceans has provided the economic engine to succeed. Wildlife and wineries attract tourists both nationally and internationally. We were pleasantly comfortable in the shopping malls, grocery stores, and NY pizza places that Cape Town had to offer. A well-maintained road system and public transit options were available almost everywhere we went.

Cape Town CBD

Mass transit in Kalk Bay

Tourism

We spent the first half of our trip in a tourist town, built on the popularity of the penguins. Small local businesses and shops cater to traveling clientele. Although there are 11 national languages, most people we encountered spoke fluent English and were very hospitable, offering help if we needed it. My little bit of Afrikaans study got some surprised faces and a few chuckles, but I could have done just fine without it.

We were truly amazed by the costs. A dinner at a waterfront restaurant for 13 people of seafood, steak, beer, wine, and dessert was less than $300 US dollars. Tall glasses of beer alone were $2 (the way they should be!). Souvenirs were reasonably priced, even in touristy areas. High-end wines were as little as $10 USD, while their American counterparts would have been upwards of $30 USD.

Penguin crossing in Simon’s Town

I never felt unsafe. Partly that may have been because of where we were in a high density of foreign tourists, partly because we traveled as a group. But underneath it all, there was a sense of ease and peacefulness there. I never fully let my guard down, but I also found that I could relax a bit. If you travel, have some savvy about you. Go in a group, keep your electronics out of sight, don’t flash large amounts of money in public, and stay in open public areas.

Come for the Views, Stay for the Wildlife

Every view we had from the airport to the Cape of Good Hope and back to the airport was stunning. We frequently commented sarcastically that all of it was stupid and a terrible waste of time. The reality is that the Cape was one of the most gorgeous areas I’ve ever been to. Huge mountains, blue waters, sweeping open vistas across the bay. It ranks up there with the Canadian Rockies, Yellowstone, and the western plains of the Maasai Mara.

What was exceptionally surprising was the amount of wildlife crammed into these small areas. Although the wedding was the focus of the trip, I really came for the penguins. But I got so much more than that. I captured nearly a dozen species of birds and five mammal species. That’s 16 species more than I was expecting. If you are into wildlife like we are, this is a place to check out.

Be Flexible

The weather worked out wonderfully for us, perhaps a sprinkle of that Tester luck that we run into. But we still had a rainy day that kept us inside longer than we should have liked. Have a wide array of options for indoor and outdoor activities that you can get to at any point in your trip.

Your camera arsenal should be equally flexible. I was glad I lugged my heavy 200-500mm lens almost everywhere we went. I didn’t expect to need it at Kirstenbosch, but the second a sunbird flitted past, I was prepared. I also changed out my big backpack for a small daybag while we were out and about. It was large enough to fit my 500, but not nearly as large as my Kelty and far less conspicuous. The Sigma 18-350mm was an excellent all-around lens. I borrowed it from the other half of OdysseyFive Photography, but I might have to get one myself. Lots of range and quality image in a compact body that doesn’t stand out. If you’re looking for a good travel lens, this is it.

Return Trip

In my head I’ve started compiling what I would do when (not if) I return. I’d spend more time at the Cape of Good Hope and see the lighthouses, do some hikes, and really experience the place. I’d love to hit some of the wine country near Stellenbosch. Table Mountain eluded us this time, so a cable car trip to the top is a must. There are of course some safari destinations about two hours north of the city, so that might be on my list. Would I go see the penguins again? Hell yes. I could spend all day with them and I need to swim amongst them! Cape Town is also famous for diving with Great White sharks and I’d love to photograph one from the water.

In short, I got just a taste of what Cape Town has to offer and I can’t wait to visit again.

Thanks for following along! See you on our next adventure!

-Ed