Author: Anaisa Mohamed
Post-covid, the travel bug bit us. Us being me and my, then, 14 year old daughter. Our first trip was in December 2022, when all the Covid restrictions had been lifted. I had not stepped inside an airport since 2018, and it was nothing but overwhelming. I began planning for the trip in March of 2022, and by May, I had secured & paid for the flights. I had opted for the week between Christmas and New Year, as it was school holidays and the quietest time of year for us at work. It also gave me ample time to decide on booking accommodation. Further to tonnes of research and conversations with all the people I know in Cape Town, we had settled on Green Point or Sea Point as the location for staying.
We scouted airbnb and booking.com, but eventually booked the Protea Hotel on Arthur’s Road in Sea Point. Ubers are very accessible to this hotel, and it is not too far from the airport. Uber eats is also available with a quick drop off time to Sea Point. For our first trip, we pre-booked a few activities, including the 2-day ticket on the hop on hop off bus. This is quite convenient as the bus stops in the street in Sea point, which leads up a path to the hotel. We stopped at every single stop, except Camps Bay, as it is way too full over the Christmas period. The best part of the holiday over the Christmas period is the weather. We had an entire week of sunshine, and no infamous cape town wind. Granted, we did pack in a travel umbrella in case of rain.
Notable stops on the hop on hop off bus
The Aquarium, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain (you need an additional ticket to go up & down), Cruise, Hout Bay (best fish & chips), Sunset bus tour. We also went to Betty’s Bay with our friends to see the penguins and we toured the outside of Stellenbosch university – which are beautiful for site seeing on a summer’s day. Muizenberg Beach and Boulders Beach also made it into our itinerary, and allowed us to take the most pinteresty pictures as memories of our trip. We also shopped & ate to our hearts’ contents. One of the best breakfasts we had in our trip was in the train restaurant on sea point. This is less than a 3 minute walk from the hotel. Be prepared to wait for a seat, however, it is really worth it.
Notable shopping centres
Canal Walk, V&A, Kenilworth Centre (halal Mugg & Bean), Access Park (Outlet shops). As soon as we returned home, we planned another trip to Cape Town & this time, it was September 2023. This trip was just about the shopping, eating and hanging out with friends, as we got peak winter rains and wind, and unfortunately, my daughter caught a bronchitis bug. I also went in June 2024, for a solo long weekend, to recharge. Again, it was just about the shopping, eating and hanging out with friends. Don’t forget to have amazing fish & chips in Cape Town, especially with snoek.
Notable eateries:
Knead Bakery, Bo Kaap deli, Khao Hom Halal Thai cuisine, Kenilworth Mugg & Bean, Shift in Newlands, Woodies burgers, Nuri Sushi, Bootlegger in Sea Point (Halal), By Concept, Simply Asia. It goes without saying that Cape Town is perfect for a retreat away from the hustle & bustle of my intense corporate job. It really feels like going to Europe for a few days, and getting a complete battery recharge. It also really helps that my best friends reside there.
My Advice
My best advice in relation to trips to Cape town is, don’t bet on a last-minute flight or accommodation. Book everything early, to get the best at the most flexible prices. Cape Town can be an expensive destination, especially last minute. Budget in advance for it. Make an itinerary. Cape Town has a myriad of halal eating places, and it can become overwhelming. Do make it a point, however, to make a stop at the outlet mall. The prices are amazing. Looking forward to my next trip, inshallah.
About the Author
My name is Anaisa. While I was born in Portugal, I grew up, schooled and worked in Johannesburg, so I am South African in spirit. Currently living in Mozambique for over a decade, and am passionate about seeing the world, one Masjid at a time.
My travel as a single parent will always be economical, yet luxe and finding amazing halal places to eat. I am always on the look out for travel tips to share and use, and be inspired to travel. I never have less than 3 trips planned at any given time. I am a corporate legal professional, and that is what pays the bills.
My insta and tiktok handle is @i_am_anaisa
