Day 2: Arrival in Cape Town!

After a long journey, we finally made it to Cape Town! The moment we stepped off the plane, we were greeted by our wonderful guide, Andre, and the co-owner of Trailblazer Safari, Melisa Cansado. It was an extra special welcome knowing that Melisa is an alumna of Tennessee Tech—what a small world! Seeing them waiting for us with the bus ready to roll was such a relief.

As we made our way into the city, Andre filled us in on so many fascinating details about Cape Town. This stunning coastal city, often referred to as the "Mother City," is known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is truly a sight to behold. Its diverse influences—from Dutch and British colonial history to its lively African heritage—make it one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

To stretch our legs after the drive, we headed up to Signal Hill. This is one of the best viewpoints in Cape Town, offering panoramic vistas of the city, Table Bay, and the Atlantic coastline. It’s a favorite spot for paragliders launching off into the sky, and we saw a few soaring above us as we took in the scenery. The crisp mountain air and warm sunshine were the perfect welcome to this gorgeous city.

With our appetites growing, we made our way to Tiger’s Milk for lunch. The food was delicious, but the real highlight was the stunning view of the beach and the ocean right from our table. There’s nothing like enjoying a meal with the sound of waves crashing in the background—it truly felt like paradise.

Refueled and ready for more adventure, we set off for Table Mountain. Our guide Andre had timed our visit perfectly—arriving in the afternoon meant we avoided the crowds and didn’t have to wait at all for the cable car. And what a ride it was! The rotating cable car gives everyone a 360-degree view as it ascends, revealing breathtaking perspectives of Cape Town and the surrounding coastline. Once at the top, we were blown away by the vastness of the plateau and the dramatic cliffs that drop off into the ocean. Table Mountain is one of the New7Wonders of Nature, and it’s easy to see why. We took our time hiking around, soaking in the stunning views from every angle.

After a full day of exploring, it was time to check into our hotel for the night: The Portswood. Located at the V&A Waterfront, this elegant hotel has a unique history—it was once part of a 19th-century prison! Today, it’s a luxurious and comfortable place to stay, offering a blend of history and modern amenities in one of the best locations in the city.

For dinner, we headed to Karibu, where we indulged in traditional South African cuisine. We decided to be adventurous and try the ostrich, and let me tell you—it was absolutely delicious! The evening was made even more special by a lively performance from local dancers, bringing energy and culture right to our table.

By the time we got back to the hotel, we were completely exhausted—but in the best way possible. Cape Town had already stolen our hearts, and we couldn’t wait to see what the next day would bring!