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Early start and morning routine

I woke promptly at 5:30 a.m., feeling well rested and prepared for the day ahead. As we were due to travel back to Cape Town, I wanted to ensure that the morning proceeded as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

I began by carefully packing our bags, ensuring that each item, from clothing to toiletries, was neatly organised and accounted for. Once everything was in order, I took a quiet moment to sit with a warm cup of herbal tea and my morning medication before the busier part of the day began.

With some time to spare, I made my way to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. I ordered a freshly prepared omelette served with ripe avocado slices, accompanied by a smooth latte and a shortbread biscuit. It provided a calm and satisfying start to what was expected to be a long travel day in the car.

A little morning drama

 After breakfast, we returned to our room and discovered that the lift was temporarily out of service. As a result, we had to walk up two flights of stairs, which was less than ideal. As we had previously been informed that the hotel had backup generators, Mum enquired about the situation at reception. The staff explained that the interruption was due to load shedding, a common occurrence in South Africa. Although the explanation was understandable, it did not make the climb any less demanding.

The road back to Cape Town

By 11:00 a.m., we had departed and were on our way. The weather was pleasant, with bright sunshine and a light breeze, and the surrounding landscape was exceptionally scenic. Rolling hills, green fields, and distant mountain views created a memorable and picturesque journey.

We arrived at our new hotel at approximately 1:00 p.m., and the check-in process was completed smoothly. However, the room initially assigned to us was disappointing, as it was small, dimly lit, and lacking several basic amenities. After speaking briefly with the hotel staff, we were offered a significantly improved alternative: a mini house located in the heart of the city, complete with a comfortable living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a guest bathroom. The upgrade made a considerable difference, providing the space, comfort, and practicality we needed after the long drive.

Lunch and a lovely surprise

 Once we’d unpacked, it was time for lunch. I ordered a chicken mayo toastie, not realising it was a double-decker sandwich until Daisy pointed it out! I paired it with a fresh salad, which balanced things perfectly.

After lunch, I explored our upgraded space, which Edward, one of the hotel team, had kindly arranged for us. It turned out to be more like a penthouse suite than a regular room — it had a kitchenette, two bathrooms, a spacious living area, and a king-sized bed with a comfy couch that reminded me of our very first hotel.

Hunger soon set in, and I wasn’t feeling entirely well so Mum gave me some mooty to help settle my stomach.

I just want to thank Edward from the hotel for helping sorting out rooms and changing rooms for us we got sorted.

Dinner in the city

That evening, we chose to dine in our room, allowing ourselves a quiet and restful end to what had been a busy travel day. I ordered hake and chips accompanied by a non-alcoholic mocktail. Although the meal was very enjoyable, the portion was particularly generous, and I was unable to finish it.

Afterwards, as I sat back and reflected on the day, I could see the lights of Cape Town shimmering through the window and hear the distant sound of evening traffic outside. It served as a gentle reminder that we had arrived in one of South Africa’s most vibrant cities. The setting provided an ideal opportunity to rest and recover before the next day of adventures.

Cable car up table mountain

I woke early to the crisp Cape Town morning and made my way downstairs to the hotel’s spacious dining area. To my surprise, breakfast was being served as a buffet, the first we had encountered during the entire trip. As previous hotels had required us to order from a menu, the wider selection felt like a welcome change. The buffet offered an extensive range of options, including pastries, cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to choose exactly what I wanted.

After breakfast, we returned to our room to brush our teeth and ensure that our bags were prepared for the day ahead. I made my way along the long, polished corridors, taking in the elegant chandeliers overhead. We then waited in the lobby, warmly dressed against the morning chill, until our concierge arrived with a luxury black car to take us to Table Mountain.

Arriving at Table Mountain.

We had anticipated a lengthy wait, expecting queues to extend down the mountain in the warm weather. The area was busy with visitors, with people conversing, laughing, and gradually moving forward as the line progressed. However, to our surprise, a kind member of staff appeared and guided us directly to the front of the queue. Her assistance was greatly appreciated and made the arrival process considerably easier. At that point, I urgently needed to use the restroom, which added an unexpected sense of pressure just as the arrangements were proceeding smoothly. As the queue continued to move forward, the situation became increasingly uncomfortable. Fortunately, we reached the facilities in time, bringing a considerable sense of relief before continuing with the visit

Back at the hotel

Upon our return, we decided to have lunch at the hotel. I ordered a Caesar salad with capers before returning to my room for a quiet and restful afternoon.

A difficult everning

By the time we left for dinner, I was feeling extremely unwell. Although I ordered a chicken burger, I was unable to eat any of it. I sat at the table feeling shaky, very thirsty, and needing to use the restroom repeatedly. Eventually, the combination of discomfort and exhaustion became overwhelming, and I became upset because of how poorly I felt.

When we returned to the hotel, Mum gave me the rescue drops that the pharmacist in South Africa had recommended. Fortunately, they provided some relief. I went straight to bed, hoping that I would feel significantly better by morning, as we had a full day of travelling ahead and I needed to be well enough for the journey.

Good night everyone — see you in the morning…

Not if I see you first.

Boulders Beach and Cape of Good Hope

A nourishing part of the day.

We began the morning with a hearty breakfast of omelette and beans, ensuring we were well prepared for a full day of exploring Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. As we left the city, we collected Harry from his aunt’s house, which was conveniently located along our route. The journey began with lively conversation in the car, until Jack received an unexpected call from his dentist. The timing was rather unfortunate, as I had just noticed something interesting outside the window. By the time Mum had finished speaking with the receptionist, I had completely forgotten what I had intended to point out.

Coastal Village and missed penguins

We began the morning with a substantial breakfast of omelette and beans, preparing us for a full day of exploring Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. As we departed the city, we picked up Harry from his aunt’s house, which was conveniently located along our route. The journey began with lively conversation in the car, until Jack received an unexpected call from his dentist. The timing was unfortunate, as I had just noticed something interesting outside the window. By the time Mum had finished speaking with the receptionist, I had completely forgotten what I had intended to point out.

Our route passed through a series of picturesque coastal towns and vibrant fishing communities, each framed by rugged cliffs and expansive ocean views.

Our drive carried us through charming seaside towns and vibrant fishing communities, each framed by rugged cliffs and fab oceon views

As we approached Simon’s Town, my anticipation grew, as I had hoped to stop at Betty’s Bay to see the penguins. Unfortunately, the queue at the entrance was too long. Before continuing, Jack located his geocache, and I took the opportunity to use the restroom.

Lunch and a little mooty

We found a nearby café where I ordered mussels served with warm ciabatta and a Coke Zero because it’s unlikely you will get a Diet Coke in South Africa as it isn’t that popular here and you . The mussels were enormous larger than expected—so I couldn’t finish them, though they were delicious.

The beauty of the Cape

Feeling refreshed, we continued on to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. The scenery was spectacular: towering cliffs, sweeping oceans, and dramatic rock formations

We were especially lucky to witness a group singing in perfect harmony , their voices echoing beautifully across the coastline. After another quick loo stop, we headed back to the car, mindful of our dinner reservation at Spice, a traditional South African restaurant.

A quick stop by the gift shop

Before leaving the reserve, I made a quick visit to the gift shop. As I went to pay, I realised I was short on money cue moment of panic. Thankfully, Daisy stepped in and covered the rest. Feeling relieved, I rejoined the family and we set off.

Unwell on the drive home

Despite the wonderful day, the stress caught up with me. I began to feel unwell again during the drive and soon realised I wouldn’t make it to dinner at Spice—a place I had been eagerly anticipating

Instead, I returned to the hotel, disappointed but grateful for the chance to rest

A calm evening and a daddy and daughter evening

Back at the hotel, Dad ran me a warm bubbly bath which was exactly what I needed. While I soaked, he hinted at a surprise coming my way—either tomorrow or the next day—but refused to reveal anything

For dinner, I ordered a wrap with salad and the same mocktail I’d enjoyed on my first night in Cape Town. Dad had a striking black burger. Later, Mum returned with a thoughtful gift: a keyring Harry had chosen for me because I missed part of the adventure earlier.

Another day is complete

With my body calmer and my mind settled, I drifted off to bed—grateful for the good fun we had despite being ill the whole time I was there.

Last day in South Africa- the final sunrise of an unforgettable adventure

Slow start to the morning and breakfast treats.

This morning began quietly, with Dad, Jack, and Ruby heading out early to the nearby lake for a fishing trip. Meanwhile, Mum, Daisy, and I stayed at the hotel. I wasn’t feeling well, so I took my time waking up and easing into the day.

For breakfast, I treated myself to a warm, flaky croissant with sweet strawberry jam, followed by a hearty bran muffin. Since it was my last morning in South Africa, I allowed myself this little indulgence. Funny enough, it’s the same breakfast Jack kept ordering at nearly every hotel we stayed in during this trip!

Packing and Preparing to Leave

After breakfast, we went upstairs to begin packing our suitcases for our journey home. I was looking forward to being back in the UK, hoping the NHS might finally help me recover from the illness I’d been struggling with—but unfortunately, my symptoms continued for another month.

UNO by the pool and lunch treats

Once we finished packing, we headed downstairs and played Uno by the pool. As lunchtime came around, we decided to order food and enjoy our last hotel meal.

I chose a cheese toasty with chips on brown bread and a flat white Mum had cheese and tomato on brown, and Daisy had a chicken mayo on white. Even though we ordered brown bread, it arrived on white—but the filling was delicious, so we let it be. I finished the whole toastie and left a few fries once I was full.

V&A Waterfront Mall- Final Souvenirs

After lunch, we returned to our penthouse suite  to get ready for one last outing: a trip to the V&A Waterfront mall. We debated between taking a bus or a taxi and eventually chose the taxi, which turned out to be the right call.

Unfortunately, on the way, I had a brief episode with tremors and seizure-like shakes even though I seemed fine earlier in the day. Despite that, I managed to pick up some final souvenirs, including new Croc charms and gifts to bring home.

Final South African dinner

Knowing it was our last night, we returned to the hotel and went straight to dinner once I’d settled and the shakes eased off. I ordered calamari and chips once again — my favourite South African holiday meal along with my go-to mocktail. It felt right to end the trip with the meal I loved most.

Early night before long travels

After dinner, I headed straight to bed. We had long travel days ahead and I needed all the rest I could get. As I drifted off to sleep, I felt a mix of sadness and gratitude — sad to be saying goodbye to South Africa, but grateful for the memories, the adventures, and the time with family.

That’s a Wrap!

Another chapter closed.

A suitcase full of souvenirs.

A heart full of South Africa.