Not so long ago, Cathrin Küsters graced us with her presence. She visited Cape Town and gave us a front row seat to Austrian culture. I had never met an Austrian nor did I know anything about Austria. So learning about her, her country and getting to know her was a treat. I wanted to share a slice of Cape Town tourism and culture with Cathrin and so I acquainted myself with her.

One of the facts I found most fascinating while chatting to Cathrin is that Vienna in Austria is currently named the most liveable city in the world! After some deep dive googling, Vienna is definitely on my bucket list. Okay, let me stop bragging about Austria and kick off the story!

First Thursdays – Cape Town City Centre
First Thursdays (oh how appropriate the name) was our first adventure together! It was also Cathrin’s first time hearing about this event.

The event happens on the first Thursday of every month in the evening and it is a culmination of galleries, restaurants, shops and music until late. It really is a lively atmosphere, with the streets hustling and bustling with excitement. Check out the details – https://first-thursdays.co.za/.

We browsed through some stunning artworks, hopped in and out of a restaurant so pink from the lighting inside that one would wonder whether The Pink Panther lived here. We also jammed (SA slang word for having fun or being very into the music) to SA’s bass dropping house beats. This was an eye-opener for Cathrin as she had an opportunity witnessing Africans jam to one of their most favourite music genres! We then visited this pocket-sized bar that shares a charming courtyard with Honest Chocolate, where guests can sit and savour their spirit of choice. Be sure to pay them a visit – https://www.theginbar.co.za/.

Cafe Caprice & sunset – Camps Bay
If one could fall in love with a place, then it would be Camps Bae! We made our way along the coastal route to this beautiful suburb – took a stroll on the beach and watched sunset from Cafe Caprice, a very popular restaurant in this area. Pop by Caprice for some delicious food and drinks – https://cafecaprice.co.za/. Its funny that in the name itself, it has the word price. What is magical about Camps Bay is that there is this heart which just encapsulates everything there is to love about this place.

Sunset & Fire Jam – Clifton
We made our way to Clifton one evening to catch the Fire Jam event. Fire Jam is a fire dancing gathering of trained fire dancers showcasing their stunts and tricks with fire. Whilst we waited for the event to begin late at night, we caught sunset on the beach itself. Truly spectacular it was! Even with no filter on my camera, the pictures were something unreal!

Slave Route Challenge – Cape Town City Centre
What I really admired about Cathrin was her enthusiasm to living an active lifestyle – this included going to the gym, doing yoga, jogging/running and hiking. She then entered the iconic Slave Route Challenge – half marathon (21km), to go the extra mile (literally – jog/run 21km and figuratively – she already lives such an active lifestyle).

The name of the race was a testament to the slaves of the past. You pass through a whipping post – where slaves were whipped, a hurling swing pump – where slaves had to pump water for their masters, the company bell – that rang to call slaves, gallows hill – where the slaves were executed, the Castle – where slaves were imprisoned and tortured and the slave tree plaque – where slaves were sold. If you are a keen runner, check out their website at https://slaveroute.co.za/.

Fast Acai Cafe – Sea Point
After the race, we both went to grab breakfast. Cathrin had been to a restaurant in Sea Point and she decided to take me there. The name of the place is Fast Acai Cafe! Fast Acai is now and will forever be known as the hidden gem that Cathrin showed me! A foreigner showing me gems that even I never knew existed! Their food and service is truly amazing! We had a lovely brekkie (breakfast)/brunch here and sat on their outside tables to get some fresh air.

Now, it is here where I first noticed Cathrin’s talent of always knowing what colour to wear so that wherever she is going (even though she doesn’t know it at the time of dressing up), she matches the decor. A perfect example was displayed when she wore her favourite colour (maroon) top to Fast Acai!

Beau Constantia – Constantia
After brekkie, we headed to Constantia! Nestled within the heart of the Constantia Wine Route is the Beau(tiful) Constantia wine farm. There are two spectacular wine ranges to choose from, the premium range of wines – Beau Constantia and the lifestyle range of wines – Pas De Nom. A wild beard characterizes the design of Beau Constantia and is shown in full glory on the label of the Pas de Nom Range. We had a very relaxing afternoon just sipping away on some white wine whilst enjoying the view. Make your way to taste their beautiful selection of wines – http://www.beauconstantia.com/.

Ultra SA Music Festival – Cape Town Ostrich Ranch
Right! So music heads, are you ready? Shall we turn on the music? At least there is something we can turn on in SA. Eskom (Eishkom as we pronounce it), our national electricity provider is not able to meet demand and as a result, rolling power outages (load shedding) is a common sight! Okay, back to the music! Ever wonder if there is anything that beats (music has beats also) Ultra Mel Custard? Well, for EDM (electronic dance music) and House music lovers, it is Ultra SA Music Festival! It is a massive EDM festival boasting some of the world’s top DJ’s with the best EDM and House beats.

What really surprised me was Cathrin’s interest in SA House music as well as EDM and other house music. We had a good jol (SA slang word to have a good time) at the festival with a spectrum of people and colours! Check the festival out at https://ultrasouthafrica.com/.

Kalk Bay harbour – Kalk Bay
Kalk Bay is renowned as a fishing village. The Afrikaans translation is Kalkbaai which means Lime Bay. The name derives itself from the tonnes of mussel shells found there in which the early settlers burned to make lime. Lime kilns to roast mussel shells are still found along the West Coast. As you approach Yzerfontein, be sure to check out the only two kilns left in South Africa – both are national monuments. A fun fact – did you know that if you spell my name (Emil) backwards it spells out the word lime!

Part-sleepy fishing village and part-buzzy high street, Kalk Bay’s mix of historic buildings, cobbled streets, vintage bookstores, art and antique galleries, quaint cafes and restaurants is what makes it so charming. The Kalk Bay harbour is another bustling spot with it’s famous zebra-striped lighthouse (just kidding it’s red and white striped) at the tip of the pier. Do try out the famous fish and chips from Kalky’s – super affordable and the size of the fish is generous! Take a walk along the pier but be sure not to peer too long as large waves are known to come crashing against the pier with extreme impact!

Boulders Penguin Colony – Simon’s Town
Simon says: “march to Simon’s Town” – left, right, left, right… After Kalk Bay, we reached our next destination – Simon’s Town, the land of our squishy penguins. We arrived at Boulders Penguin Colony – most famous for the African penguins. There is a relaxing boardwalk where the red carpet awaits for your royalty to pass through – be sure to greet the penguins as they stand as still as statues!

These cute penguins most certainly walk left, right, left, right… One thing I will not forget is how Cathrin adored the penguins and laughed at the way they walked! There is a cool souvenir shop inside with many penguin teddy bears to choose from! Do come say hello to these cute penguins – https://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/attractions.php.

Kloof Corner – Table Mountain National Park
Are you an avid hiker? Would you like to hike the easiest trail on Table Mountain? Then you will admire Kloof Corner! As you driving from the city, turn onto Table Mountain Road from Kloof Nek Road. The hike is super short and steep, and right at the corner of Table Mountain. Facing the front of Table Mountain, just to the right of the cableway in the corner, you will see the trail.

Once atop, you will see magnificent views of the Mother City, Lions Head, Signal Hill and Table Mountain! Once we soaked in all the beautiful views, we made our way to the start of the India Venster hiking route, not too far away. This route is extremely dangerous and difficult – maybe another day we can try this when Cathrin re-visits.

YU restaurant – Cape Town City Centre
Asian persuasion. You have to try YU, an Asian restaurant. Cathrin and I were looking for a restaurant to have supper one evening. We randomly took a stroll along the city centre. We were lucky to find this “hidden” restaurant – you actually cannot see the restaurant while driving on the road. It was also my first time seeing this place. The decor and ambiance is similar to what you would expect in a fine dining restaurant. The inside walls were painted greyish which almost gave one this eerie feeling. Check out YU – https://www.yucapetown.co.za/.

Artscape Theatre – Cape Town City Centre
Exit the real world in dramatic flair with an escape to the Artscape Theatre. Cathrin and I tuned into the “Cape Town Comedy Festival 2020 – The U.N. Comedy Show” at the theatre. We were greeted with 7 comedians from 7 countries around the globe! It was definitely a treat even though we did not understand every word said – who does? I would highly recommend a visit to the Artscape to watch brilliantly choreographed shows. Keep up to date with the latest schedule on their website – https://www.artscape.co.za/.

Biesmiellah’s restaurant – Bo-Kaap
Cathrin was an eager beaver to taste all South African foods. So I joined her in her eating adventures – who says no to food anywho? During this, I learned about the Gatsby – a South African submarine sandwich that is very popular in the Western Cape province and the Salomi – a roti filled with some yummy curries.

Bobotie! Ever heard of that? I know I must have tasted it sometime in my life, I just cannot recall when or how it tastes like. We made our way to Bo-Kaap, to the heart of the Cape Malay kitchen where the bobotie was born. We tried Bo-Kaap Kombuis, but unfortunately on the exact same day we decided to come – they were hosting a private event. Check out their kitchen – http://www.bokaapkombuis.co.za/.

Instead we went to Biesmiellah’s just down the road – and it did not disappoint. In fact the bobotie was so tasty, with the rice served in an orange colour almost symbolizing the colourful nature of the Bo-Kaap area! Check out their bobotie – https://www.biesmiellah.co.za/.

Promenade and The Dairy Den – Sea Point
On this day we decided to take things a little slow and easy. What better way than to take a casual relaxed stroll down Promenade lane and thereafter lick some yummy ice-creams at The Dairy Den. Not only do they serve amazing soft-serve, but also some of the best donuts in the city! Be sure to check them out at https://www.thedairyden.com/.

As we walked along the Promenade, we were lucky to catch a picture with some of the most iconic tourist attractions – Table Mountain, Lions Head and the Sightseeing Red Bus. Do not miss out on the beautiful views of the Cape Peninsula – https://www.citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town.

Nourish’d – Gardens
The next morning we decided to try a new restaurant for brekkie. With so many options, you are spoilt for choice! We wanted to nourish our tummy’s and what better way than to eat at Nourish’d Cafe & Juicery! There is a dedicated parking space available right next to the restaurant with so much space. And no, we not referring to outer space! The cafe is very small and intimate – intimate in the sense that one would say its very cramped as you sit very close next to other people! Add to this, the seating on the inside gets super noisy as you right up against the kitchen with the chefs, blenders buzzing and pans sizzling!

The entrance of the cafe is very cool – dried palm leaves are stacked on the roof top which give this feeling of relaxing on a beach island! There is also seating facing the road – one can watch passersby and the traffic on a relatively quiet street. The food – spectacular, the coffee – one of the best! You have to taste their plant based cafe & juicery – https://nourishd.co.za/.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – Newlands
After our brekkie and being incredibly so full – we drove to Kirstenbosch. This is by far the most well known and biggest botanical garden in South Africa. The best time to come is when the flowers blossom during Spring time – around August and September.

We strolled through the garden to kill some time while we waited for a concert showcasing various local artists. The concert is hosted by the Kirstenbosch summer concerts, bringing local artists from all over the country to perform and showcase their talents. We both loved the music of a particular artist – his real name is Sanele Sithole and his DJ name is Sun-EL Musician. We had to see his live performance!

The biggest hit which brought him fame and glory in the music industry was his track “Akanamali”! The concert was amazing, every song he played was mixed with drums and guitar to add a different beat! Truly talented guy! One of his ambitions is to bring Africa to the world, which means representing us on the big stage! And boy has he delivered! As we say in Africa – #This is Africa #TIA and #Africa to the World.

And that’s a wrap! I would like to thank all my sponsors, fans and those who supported me throughout this journey – just kidding! A big thank you to Cathrin Küsters for making this month and a half one of the greatest and most memorable! Anyone keen for more tourism activities in Cape Town or Western Cape province, hola at me! Peace!

Some fun facts about Cathrin
Bobotie. She loves bobotie! She will literally try every restaurant that serves this!
Mangoes. She loves mangoes but cannot for the life of her cut it without leaving a mango mush!
Rusks. She loves only some of the Woolies rusks, Woolies need to up their baking game!
Romany Creams. She loves these biscuits so much that she eats herself sick!
Fitness. She loves yoga, jogging/running, being outdoors and in nature – her big calves are living proof!
Breakfast. She loves to eat food, and she can eat a lot of food, especially for breakfast/brunch!
Words. She has her own dictionary – “sprankle”, “swim-staff” or “doing staff”, “juhu”!

Quote of the day
“A memory lasts forever, never will it die… true friends stay together and never say goodbye…”

My best of half-half!

Until next time Cathrin Küesisters aka. Miss Austria aka. CK!

Directions
Take the N1 to Worcestor
Turn right onto the R60 to Robertson
Turn right at Reitz Street
Follow the road to McGregor
Follow the road back to Robertson
Turn right onto the R60
Turn right onto the R317

Are you a fan of Eeyore from Winnie-The-Pooh? Then “yore” in luck! The Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary is a wonderful place for up close and personal interaction with donkeys. Not too far away is the nature reserve – Vrolijkheid which means “happiness”. This well-maintained reserve will definitely put a smile on your face. You’ll be in awe of mother nature. The last stop over is at the beloved family wine estate, the Van Loverens. I would recommend being an early bird as the drive takes plus or minus 3 hours one way.

On-the-way attractions
After taking the N1 to Worcestor and turning right onto the R60 to Robertson, you will come across a Pumpkin Patch on your right just outside outside of Worcestor. The name of the farm stall is Pampoen Padstal/Die Pampoenstalletjie – and it houses some of the biggest and most orange looking pumpkins you will ever see. Just don’t stall too long here. There are plenty of pumpkins on display outside their shop – and what kept me wondering was whether these were real or not. I thought surely if these are real, then they would have to replenish them quite often as they get rotten over time. Still wondering…

Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary
And then you can hop back onto your donkey cart en route to the sanctuary…just kidding! These are not medieval times. Once you reach Robertson, and take a right onto Reitz street, the road will lead you to the sanctuary on your left. Be sure to have a guide accompany you to get up close to the donkeys – it’s for mahala! I found it incredible that they house several donkey breeds, including the Indian donkey. You can pet the donkeys as well as take pictures standing next to them. Feeding of the donkeys is not allowed. Just remember not to ever stand or walk behind a donkey as it may just kick you into the nearest horse-pital (the donkey is a domesticated member of the horse family).

Once you’ve said your goodbyes to the donkeys, you can take a peaceful stroll of about 1km long on the Adam’s Walk trail around the sanctuary. They have 9 sign posts along the trail that create awareness about the history of the sanctuary and its surroundings – it is short and sweet. The last sign post on the trail is a Memorial Garden and cairn – a quiet spot where you can contemplate and remember your loved ones. They have stones with khoki pens for you to add to the cairn should you wish.

Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
The next stop is the Nature Reserve, right next door to the sanctuary. In fact, if you backtrack the same road you came on, you will see the reserve to your right. You will notice a closed gate. You are welcome to open this – it just needs to be closed at all times. There’s an honesty box on the wall of the small thatched cottage at the entrance for you to self-register and pay a small fee – R50. Maps and information about the reserve are also tucked into the register box. There is a fantastic picnic area at the main gate and it’s no surprise that music is prohibited – this place is about the birds and the wildlife.

This reserve has one of the most spectacular trails I have seen in at a nature reserve – The Heron Trail. The trail is an easy three-kilometer return walk through succulent Karoo vegetation up to two dams. Along the route you’ll find informative boards giving interesting snippets about the reserve, its plants, mammals and history. What makes this trail so surreal is how quiet it is, you can actually hear the plants and mammals in the background.

At the end of the trail you will approach the first bird hide and dam. Again, the bird hide is genius – it’s so isolated that the birds thrive here and there is hardly any noise from the hustle and bustle of humans. Bird hides are always best in the early morning or evening. I loved every second I spent here and I would recommend any nature lover to check this place out!

Van Loveren Family Vineyard
The final destination is the famous Van Loveren vineyards – founded by 4 brothers. To get there – head back to Robertson and take a right onto the R60 and then a right again onto the R317 which will take you to the winery on your right. The winery is beautiful with a lovely garden. The garden has many trees that were planted to commemorate particular family members, as well as political and historical occasions – take a self-guided tour or ask for a guided tour. They also have a great variety of wine pairing options to suit everyone’s taste buds. On top of this, their wines are most affordable – some of their wines sell for less than R50 per 750ml bottle!

With 150 years of history, Robertson has grown into one of the most attractive Cape Wineland towns, with Victorian buildings, jacaranda-lined streets and beautiful gardens!

Take the N2 to Caledon
Turn onto the R316 to Bredarsdorp
Turn onto the R319 to L’Agulhas

Want to touch the southern most tip of Africa? Figuratively not literally. Who doesn’t! And no, we are not talking about Cape Point. The southern most tip of this beautiful continent is where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. The drive from Cape Town is spectacular and as you approach L’Agulhas on the R319, the road becomes ever so serene. If you are planning on taking a drive from Cape Town, I would recommend leaving early morning as the drive is quite long, plus or minus 3 hours and 30 mins one way.

From the N2, the first town is Caledon. This small town has a beautiful entertainment centre called the Caledon Casino. I had chanced my luck since it was my birthday month and I managed to win 4 times what I invested.

After Caledon, the next town is Bredasdorp. The shipwreck museum is a must see for sea enthusiasts. There is detailed history of shipwrecks dating year and years back as well as artifacts collected from the wrecks. It is fascinating to see the tools and equipment people used back in the days and how we still use the basic foundations laid by them.

After Bredasdorp, our final destination – the iconic Cape Agulhas. There is no entry fee which is great! Once you reach Agulhas National Park, you will notice two paths at the fork in the road –
1) lighthouse and boardwalk start
2) a road to drive to the tip of Africa.

The lighthouse is such a magnificent sight from the outside. It is the second oldest working lighthouse in South Africa. Inside there is an entry fee to climb the 71 steep stairs and view a small museum. The stairs are very steep and I would not recommend the weak jointed or elderly climbing as it can be quite daunting. If however you have the stamina, the climb is totally worth it as the views from top of the lighthouse are glorious overlooking the landscape in it’s entirety. It is quite scary mind you at the top.

Back on level ground, there is a brilliantly laid boardwalk next to the lighthouse where one can venture to the tip. I would highly recommend this walk if you have time. If not, then one can take the drive to the tip.

Once at the tip, you will notice the famous plaque where the two oceans meet. You are now officially at the southern most tip of Africa. Well done! In addition to this, a large map of the African continent has been added and it is a sight to behold. Be sure to take photo’s with the map as if you are physically touching the tip of Africa.

Other must-sees at the doorstep of Agulhas National Park include the Southern Wright Art Gallery which showcases oil paintings made by the locals. Another must see is Suidpunt Potpourri – a decor and gift store as well as a restaurant. You can be sure to collect memorable/unique souvenirs.

The Cape Agulhas is something unparalleled to the African continent and I encourage everyone to make the road trip to behold this fantastic sight.

Directions
Take the N1 from Woodstock
Once you see Mountain Mill Shopping Center on your right, take the first left after the mall onto Roux Road
Follow the road until you reach another left which continues Roux Road
A little further down the road you will see the garden on your right

Take the N1 back to Woodstock from the garden
Turn right onto Michell’s Pass (R43)
Further down the road you will see Bosjes on your right

Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden
The garden is part of the South African National Biodiversity Institute. There are some lovely trails as well that overlook far and wide into the distance beyond where you can gaze and dream in a tranquil space.

The history of this garden is amazing. Initially established on a piece of land near a railway siding at White Hill, 5km east of Matjiesfontein – and named “Logan Memorial Garden”. It was the second national botanical garden to be established after Kirstenbosch. It then later moved near to Worcester and was called the Karoo National Botanical Garden. Years on, 80 to be exact, they added the word “desert” to it’s name to emphasis the fact this garden cultivates and displays plants from the desert and semi desert regions of Southern Africa. The full history of the garden can be read in the article “From Whitehill to Worcester” – https://www.sanbi.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/fromwhitehilltoworcester.pdf.

Entry to the garden is super affordable at R10 per person. There are two parking lots – one as you enter on your left and the other on the opposite end if you drive along the circular garden route. There are many trails to walk about in the garden itself to see all the biodiversity on offer. The garden is beautiful with all kinds of desert type plants. It probably is a bit too dry for my liking, but that is just a personal preference. It has that desert feel almost as if there is no water anywhere near and you get thirsty from just being there.

There are also three trails on offer (easy, medium and hard). I opted for the easiest route as it was really short yet offering fantastic views of the surrounding areas. What really surprised me was a cave I managed to see. I adventured towards it – and mind you, it is very reachable for any person. As I peeped into the cave, concerned about my safety – I was greeted by a mouse. It didn’t bother me and went away. I think the best one can do at the cave is take some awesome selfies and pictures. But if you are taking this trail be sure to check out the cave.

Bosjes
This is one of this magical places where not many have heard of. One of those places I would say is “off the beaten track”. Whenever I hear the name I think “Boss Yes” – and it sounds exactly the same. It is a wedding venue, a tea garden and a kitchen for those wondering.

As you enter you will notice the chapel, and it is some sight. The architect behind the design made something spectacular and was truly a genius – I have never seen such a unique design in South Africa. The views from the chapel are spectacular – surrounded by the Slanghoek and Waaihoek mountain. This is a must see! Next to the chapel there is a mini garden where one can take a leisurely stroll. There is also a mini garden mountain with a windy circular route where you can absorb the views around Bosjes at the top. Next to all of this is their tea garden – which is also an amphitheatre area.

Once you leave the chapel area you make your way to the kitchen area where they house the restaurant. There is a small duck pond where you can witness lovely white ducks. The restaurant is quite popular and bookings should be made before going as it gets quite busy – they were fully booked on the day I got there.

Overall opinion
If you are a plant lover, the garden is a must see – and if you are excited for a hike definitely check out the shortest trail and do remember to check out the cave. With Bosjes, the biggest attraction is the design of the chapel and the mountains in the distance – it makes for postcard perfect pictures indeed.