2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #3 - Cape Town

from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

Capetown

Consistently named the most beautiful city in Africa, Cape Town combines a mild Mediterranean climate, gorgeous ocean front setting, spectacular mountain backdrop, dramatic white sand beaches, world class dining and outstanding shopping and nightlife. The city is famous for its harbor as well as such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Cape Town quickly outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope, becoming the economic and cultural hub of the Cape Colony.

TRANSFER
Today as you arrive in Cape Town Airport we have arranged for a special meet & greet to assist you through customs, immigration and to collect your bags. Please note that direct assistance when disembarking the plane can be cancelled at this airport without warning, so if you do not see a representative as soon as you disembark, please make your way to the baggage claim and arrivals hall. Please look out for an airport representative with your name on a signboard. You will be assisted to meet with your driver for your private road transfer to your accommodation.

ONE & ONLY CAPE TOWN
Set along Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront, One&Only Cape Town blends city vibrance with island-style tranquility. With views of Table Mountain and the marina, you're perfectly placed to explore top attractions, cultural sites, and the city's bustling culinary scene, all just steps from your door.

Choose from 131 of the city's most spacious rooms and suites, each featuring a private balcony or terrace with mountain or water views. Spread across the Marina Rise and two private islands, the interiors combine African-inspired elegance with modern comfort, including marble bathrooms, rain showers, and luxurious linens.

Unwind at the award-winning spa on its own private island, where treatments are available at an additional cost. Enjoy the heated infinity pool, dine at Nobu or Isola, or relax at the Vista Bar & Lounge. With a fitness center, yoga studio, children's club, and curated experiences, your stay balances relaxation, flavor, and discovery in the heart of Cape Town.

Both Sharon and I got very restless on the 11 1/2 hour flight from London to Capetown. Although my watch shows that I may have gotten 3 hours sleep, my oura didn't give me credit for any sleep.

We were on the ground in Capetown just before 11 am. Rothschild had a greeter meet us at the end of the gangway with a "Heringer" sign. She led us to the passport control. While we waited in the passport control line, she collected our luggage.


The greeter led to the transportation arranged by Rothschild. It was a very nice Mercedes SUV. It took us about 25 minutes to drive from the airport to the hotel. Sharon was very happy with the car, the driver and the ride! Donna and Kevin's flight from Istanbul was about 45 minutes behind us; they had a separate car to the hotel.

We are spending five nights at the One & Only in Cape Town. After we booked the tour, we made a decision to add two nights on the front end. Our formal tour with Rothchilds Safari doesn't start until Saturday morning.

It took us 40 hours from the front door of our house in Carmichael to the lobby of the One & Only. A couple of long days.

After getting a much needed shower and a change of clothes, the five of us met in the bar of the hotel. Eventually, we wandered into the V&A Waterfront. This is the oldest working harbor in the Southern Hemisphere.

We had an early dinner at Den Anker. I had Pepper Encrusted Tuna au Poivre [Loin of Tuna encrusted in white peppercorns served on a bed of spinach with smooth potato mash and a rich pepper sauce], while Sharon and Tom both had Moules Mariniéres [mussels (not from Brussels but from Langebaan), prepared the Belgian way].

After dinner, Kevin and Donna headed back to the hotel, while Sharon, Tom and I wandered through the African Trading Port store. With only a couple of hours sleep the last two nights, Sharon and I crashed hard about 8 pm.