Radio Personality Sibongile Mafu’s Take on the Mother City

From New York to London, Paris to Cape Town, urban adventures are trending globally. With Cape Town being at the top of many a traveler’s list for Summer 2016/17 it’s only fitting that Mother City living-and-loving, Sibongile Mafu, explore the best things to do in and around the heart of town.

A: There is nothing that compares to the energy within a city, and the glorious thing about Cape Town is there’s no such thing as a ‘quiet day.’ The city rocks from Sunday to Sunday.

Want to see the whole of Cape Town in 20 short minutes? No problem. Hop onto the Cape Wheel at the V & A Waterfront and get the view of a lifetime. I like to visit it every so often for some perspective. You’ll see the mountain, Cape Town Stadium and even the (in)famous Cape Town city traffic.

You can also pop into the Company’s Garden for beautiful flora and fauna, and a great lunch too. There is always something happening there. You may find yourself at an enchanted forest Princess party too, or playing chess on the big chess board at the garden!

Don’t forget to grab a massive, legendary milkshake from Protea’s Fire and Ice hotel. Lindtilicious and Turkish Delight are my favourites but there are endless options for your tastes.

I love food. A lot. Cape Town is the heart of foodie culture in South Africa. I can’t pass on good burger joints and IYO Burgers on Bree Street, voted the best burger joint in the city, is a a favourite hangout. The whiskey-BBQ burger is a must.

A: It is so incredibly easy to eat your way through the Mother City. The Oranjezicht City Farm Market in Granger Bay is the perfect way to spend a Saturday. Breakfast is a must. The eggs benedict at Lunchworx are divine. You can also buy tons of fresh produce. I get my vegetables there. And add some happiness to your home buy buying a fresh bunch of proteas.

The market is full of special spots. If you can’t ignore your sweet tooth, visit Queen of Tarts for a perfect vanilla cupcake.

A: The great thing about having an adventurous spirit is that you can find adventure on your doorstep. Stand Up Paddle boarding with SUP Cape Town is such a fun outdoor activity, and really simple. Their advice? If you stand, you can SUP. Anyone can get involved. My advice? Don’t be afraid of falling. Bend your knees and keep paddling. Your confidence grows as you move forward.

If you DO find yourself falling, fall forward, you’’ll have a greater chance of landing on your knees on the board, and keeping dry.

Wear sunblock because you won’t want to leave the water once you get the hang of it.

A: If you have a free morning or afternoon, hop onto the Red Bus for a great historical tour of the city. The Castle of Good Hope, District 6 and Cape Town City Hall are all a part of it. Parliament looks magnificent from the bus. I even passed by the oldest Standard Bank building on Adderley Street.

The tour really is the best kind of education, with some humour thrown in too.

You must sit on the top deck (pack a hat!) because you’ll get the best photos and views from there. It is quite something plugging those earphones in and listening to the story of Cape Town as you move through it.