Christmas in Cape Town

Safely berthed in the Victoria and Alfred Marina, we planned our time to explore the city and its surroundings.

Firstly, we tackled a few boat jobs.  Mending another leak in the dinghy (it may be time for a new one!), hoisting our new mainsail (arrived in good time thanks to Rolly Tasker) and having some patches put on our genoa where we had noticed some wear. After that, it was time to clean and tidy the boat in preparation for visitors joining us for Christmas (Martin´s mum) and New Year (Kai and Monica).

Table Mountain is probably the most iconic monument in Cape Table and it can be seen from all over the city. Visiting its summit is a must do for any visitors. There are several walking trails up the steep sided mountain, but, as our first visitor was Martin´s mum, we decided the cable car would be more prudent. Once at the top, we were treated to spectacular 360 degree views of the city and the surrounding coastline. Jean enjoyed the trip, especially being serenaded by a bag pipe playing minister who was up there spreading Christmas cheer.

A road trip south of Cape town took us to the beautiful Camp Bay with views of the Twelve Apostles. This was followed by a lunch stop at the fishing port of Hout Bay to sample its famous fish and chips and then a scenic drive along Chapmans Peak Drive. The road here hugs the winding cliff side, affording amazing views of the steep drops to the ocean below.

Next, it was a quick stop at Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Many people think of this as the most southerly point of Africa. It is not, but it is probably the most infamous. Originally, called the Cape of Storms, it underwent a name change to give it better PR.

Heading back towards Cape Town, we made a stop at Boulders Beach, the home of a colony of African Penguins. It was very strange to see them on the sand.

Having visited Cape of Good Hope, we decided to head to the real tip of Africa, Cape Aguhlas. We had sailed past this on our passage from Richards Bay to Cape Town, but this was a chance to visit it by land and, of course, take a photo of the place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

No trip to Cape Town would be complete without sampling several of the city´s superb restaurants. Cuisine of all sorts is available, but we wanted a flavour of Africa. Mama Africa fitted the bill: interesting décor, face painting, drumming and dancing accompanied a delicious meal of local game – springbok, eland, kudu and ostrich.

Moving more traditional British, we joined together with Tony and Katy from Tam Lin to put on a Christmas Eve dinner on board. All of our home favourites: turkey, roasties, various veg including sprouts, pigs in blankets and even stuffing and white sauce, followed by Christmas pudding custard and crème anglaise. Absolutely delicious!

On Christmas day, the sun shone brightly and after a light breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, orange juice and fizz, we had a leisurely walk to the waterfront. Here we stopped for gin and tonics and then headed for a late lunch at Karibu. More South Africa fare: Springbok, seafood chowder, ostrich and malva cake were some of the delicious options for lunch …all with a stunning backdrop of Table Mountain.

The highlight of Jean´s visit was two nights at Gondwana Game Reserve. This reserve is small compared to the rolling plains of the famous Kruger, but it was a perfect getaway. Beautiful location with stunning views, so much amazing food and, of course, plenty of wildlife.

Our guide for our four game drives was Ashley and he was superb. So knowledgeable and he managed to find all of the animals. We were so lucky to see springbok, eland, kudu, zebra, water buffalo, hippos, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, lions and a cheetah hunting!

We had planned a getaway with them and Tam Lin in a quiet lodge about an hour´s drive from Cape Town. Kolkol Mountain Lodge was not on a game reserve, but was a cabin with spectacular views, a wood fired hot tub and braai (BBQ). The plan was to head here for two nights and bring in the New Year with braai cooked food and plenty of alcohol. A perfect plan. Unfortunately, this was not to be as several of us were ill.  Kai and Monica stayed on board Escapade in Cape Town and Martin and I were unwell at the lodge and went to bed by 10pm.  However, Tony and Katy celebrated for all of us, bringing in the New Year in the hot tub under the stars with several glasses of fizz!

Needing to make up for New Year, the six of us headed to Franschhoek. Famous for its wine estates, it has several wine trams to ferry you through the area in style. We picked the orange route as it stopped at some of the smaller estates. We spent a wonderful day eating and drinking. Noble Hill for breakfast and then wine tasting at Bacco and Vrede en Lust. Large gin and tonics at Plaisir and more wine tasting and dinner at Boschendal.