As a woman who’s spent a fair amount of time in a car exploring the Southeastern United States, I am very familiar with road trips. However, I was not prepared for the journey that this trip would afford me. From Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, we traversed across this phenomenal country.
Cape Town
For the start of our trip, we spent two days in Cape Town, exploring this beautiful city. We stopped at the famous Charly’s Bakery, the Truth Coffee Roasting (steampunk coffee house), and even at The Book Lounge. We ate dinner one night at Fork Tapas & Pinchos Bar, and the food knocked our socks off.
Tapa #1—Ricotta and spinach ravioli with a poached egg, sage butter, and chili. Tapa #2—Moroccan lamb meatballs. Tapa #3—Honey and vanilla quail with pickled cucumber and butternut mash. Tapa #4—Kudu fillet with potato gratin, garlic spinach, and citrus sauce.
Read more about our visit to Cape Town at From Table Mountain to the Pier.
Gansbaai
Pronounced with an “H” at the beginning—something we learned through a great deal of trial and error—this small town offers big adventures with their daily shark cage dive excursions. We stayed at the wonderful Great White Guest House, which allowed us to walk across the street the next morning in preparation for our trip out on the water. Utilizing the knowledge and talent of Marine Dynamics, we strapped ourselves into our life vests and hopped on board the vessel. Then, shortly after, I became more seasick than I have ever been in my entire life. Nothing would get rid of my incessant need to throw up my kidney.
However, the staff was incredibly helpful and did everything in their power to assuage my nausea. Luckily, we did see a great white in the water. It was a short sighting, which meant there was only time for one group to enter the cage to view the shark underwater. However, despite my desire to curl up into a ball and die, I was the first to spot the young great white as she swam right past our boat. All in all, it was still an incredible experience to be that close to a powerful predator.
Mossel Bay
Although we only stayed for a short time in this beach town, the lodging was well worth the visit. The Santos Expresss Train Lodge allows you to stay in a renovated train while avoiding the constant motion and noise associated with an active train. The train is situated right on the beach, so a simple opening of a window allows for a fresh ocean breeze to blow right into your suite.
We were also able to eat at the Fork & Train restaurant, where Nick had a delicious burger and I had a delightful pot of seafood gumbo. Though it was a quick stay, it was well worth it.
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