A Day on the Edge of Africa

Standing at the edge of a continent, with waves crashing against the timeless cliffs of the Cape of Good Hope, was one of those rare moments that brought both awe and a humbling reminder of just how vast the world is. The day began with a journey down the Cape Peninsula, winding along South Africa’s coast in a scenic, almost meditative, drive that revealed nature in its most stunning form.

Chasing Horizons along Chapman’s Peak

Driving Chapman’s Peak, I felt like each curve in the road unveiled a new wonder. Clinging to the mountainside, the road offered sweeping views of the cliffs meeting the turquoise waves below. It was impossible not to pull over, step out, and let it all sink in—this place where sea and sky meet in endless,  beauty. Here, even as a traveller, I felt small, yet completely alive.

Cape of Good Hope

When I reached the Cape of Good Hope, the wind was wild, and the atmosphere seemed to hum with energy. Standing there, I felt the weight of countless journeys that had come before mine, sharing a moment with the intrepid spirits of those who once charted these waters. For a few precious moments, I was part of that legacy, feeling the power and history of this rugged coastline beneath my feet.

Seafood at Simon’s Town

As I continued up the coast, I stopped for lunch in Simon’s Town, where the smell of the sea mingled with the aroma of freshly grilled seafood. My table overlooked the harbour, boats gently swaying as I savoured local specialties, each bite a reminder of the ocean I’d just been admiring.

Meeting Boulder Beach’s Famous Residents

After lunch, Boulder Beach awaited, where a colony of African penguins waddle along the shoreline. Watching these little penguins strut across the sand, as if they knew they were the stars of the show, made the visit unforgettable. They charmed everyone around, their curious glances seeming to invite us into their world, if only for a little while.

As I left the Cape Peninsula, I felt deeply grateful for the experience. This journey felt like an immersion in the raw, natural beauty of our planet—a reminder of how awe-inspiring it is, from towering cliffs to quiet moments with penguins. It was a day that will forever remind me why I travel: to connect with places that remind us of how magnificent our world truly is.

Travel experienced and written by Maite Newell, General Manager, National Travel

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Discovering Cape Town