Karma hits in Cape Town

On top of Table Mountain

Let's be honest : one needs a lot of time to make it to South Africa. About 20 hours on the plane from Montreal. With a stopover. Not good news for those who can't sleep while they fly.

First thing that hit me in Cape Town, at least since it was dark and I couldn't appreciate the landscape, was how each house is surrounded with concrete walls and barb wires. Reassuring!

Considering how late it was when I got in the south of Africa, I almost went directly to bed. The next day, thanks summer, I woke up with a shining sun. At least 25 degrees, 40 sometimes, for the curious ones.

At the bottom of Lion's Head

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My first stop, to meet with my travel friend, was at the waterfront, under the Clock Tower, where you can see clearly Table Mountain. Already, I noticed I had to be careful about the birds. There is a lot of them and they tend to be... dirty.

We decided to visit Table Moutain first. Because it was a clear day. No clouds. When clouds get in, there is no use to go up there. Won't see anything. Our transportation : Hop-on, Hop-off bus, a first for me, since I try to avoid those touristic circuits.

If you have time, you can spend a few hours on top of the mountain or walk all the way up. We chose the lift (205 rands). The view is totally worth it and if you're lucky, you can see small animals. We got the chance to see a curious little lizard. And like everywhere else we've been in South Africa, we had no problem with the crowd. You can move freely without being annoyed.

The road back leaded us near the rich houses and mansions close to Clifton Beaches, and we saw the parks near the Waterfront, where people go to get in shape.

The next day, I explored Bo-Kaap, its colorful houses and its museum. I then went around the CBD, small and with a limited amount of attractions, and found out you need to negociate at the market. Hard. But if you won't bend, you'll get the price you want.

Those who wish to bring a souvenir back home have the choice between many animals sculpted in wood or stone, music instruments, games... Strangely, not only all the sellers have a relative living in Toronto, but they are all sculptors themselves... Except women. They sell what their brother make. Of course not the one from Toronto. Another one!

The plan for the afternoon was to visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. We planned weeks ahead. Because one needs to book a ticket for the ferry at least two or three days ahead. If not : sold out. We are smart!

Problem! For technical reasons, the boat we had booked, the last one of the day, was canceled. Since we were expecting to leave town the next day, we asked for a refund and crossed our fingers we could catch a ferry later before leaving South Africa.

Instead, we climbed Lion's Head, another mountain, wishing to see the sunset, in spite of the fog. It takes about one hour to go up. From the top, when the fog goes away, you get a 360 degrees view. It is advised to bring a snack (which we didn't do), water and a flashlight. Going back down in the dark may be hard without light.

The best way to reach Lion's Head is by car or by taxi.

Unexpected Africa

They say one should fight fire with fire.

Which means?

Which means that after the blues of being back from a long adventure, it is sometimes better not to ask too many questions. And to seize the opportunities when they come.

So South Africa invited itself in the portrait. Nowhere on my radar yet : a little far, expensive, not easy to take time off from work... again.

Or maybe... The proposition came from an Austrian friend who bought his ticket for Cape Town. Stars aligned themselves. Too bad for the doubts and the expenses. After all, money is made to be spent.

True we hear South Africa can be dangerous. I asked other travelers. Nothing too bad at first glance. I for one have no doubts.

No need for a visa to get in Oscar Pistorius country. At least, not when you're a simple tourist. The only hard thing is to find a "short" flight. From North America, one needs at least one stopover... three sometimes. In my case, the best and shortest option seemed to stop in Amsterdam before leaving for 12 more hours towards Cape Town. If lucky, you can find a ticket for less than 1500 $.

The plan, for now, is to spend two days near Moutain Table, also visiting Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. They say it is better to buy tickets in advance, online, to visit. Done!

We'll then ride along the south coast towards Addo National park, known for its elephants population. Crossing our fingers to see lions, rhinos and other big 5 animals. We have already booked a night drive in the park to get the best experience possible. We'll also sleep in the park for two nights, one of them being in a tent near the water hole. There again, it is better to book ahead of time. Especially in summer. I was lucky to get the last lodge for the night I wanted, booking three weeks in advance.

The website for the South African national parks is a good source of information and allows some bookings. It might be hard to navigate on it though.

I also found a ziplining experience in Tsitsikama park. We'll see if it seems as fun once I really have to slide up in the air.

If technology allows it, I'll update as I go.

Crossing my fingers, I say a temporary adios to winter.