5 Days in Cape Town: Day 3 Canopy Walk, Coffee and Colored Houses
If you missed my earlier posts, be sure to read about Day 1 and Day 2.
Our third day was a Sunday. We got moving fairly early so that the photographers could take advantage of the early morning light at Kirstenbosch and so we could miss the crowds. (If you go in the afternoon the sun goes down behind the mountain).
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch is one of the most amazing botanical gardens in the world. The 36-hectare garden contains over 7000 species of plants from southern Africa. It costs R60 for adults and R15 for children (under 6 are free). You can buy tickets at the gate or online.
We parked on the street near the Rycroft Gate (Gate3) which is the gate closest to the Canopy walk. If you plan to spend a few hours in Kirstenbosch then you can park at the main entrance (be sure to go to the restaurant too – it’s great!). But if you want to go specifically for the Canopy walk as we did, then it would be a really long walk.
The Canopy Walk is not long but it is really cool to be walking in the tree tops. The photographers in our group (ie everyone but me) all got spectacular shots. I just enjoyed the feeling of nature all around me.
Truth Coffee Shop
Next stop was a coffee shop our younger son recommended. Truth Cafe is done in Steampunk style – not just the decor, but the waiters too! And their coffee is great so this is a stop you want to make. It isn’t a shop you will just walk past – you have to make a specific trip there, but it isn’t far from the Waterfront and the main part of Downtown, so jump in your car or call an Uber and visit!
The Bo-Kaap
The Bo-Kaap (previously known as the Malay quarter) is one of the oldest residential areas of Cape Town. It is known for its beautiful colored house. We parked on Wale Street and wandered around the area for about half an hour. This area became home to many freed slaves and Muslims. I would have loved to have visited the Bo-Kaap Museum but it is closed on a Sunday. It costs R20 for adults and R10 for children.
If you are there around lunch or supper, stop by Biesmiellah Restaurant. I have fond memories of their great food from when I worked Downtown in Cape Town many many years ago.
Lunch and the Rest of the Day
Back to the Waterfront for lunch at Balducci’s with old family friends, James and Kathy. This was the view from the restaurant. The food was excellent too.
Before walking back to our apartment for an afternoon siesta, the girls took a detour to H & M for a quick shopping expedition.
Sunday evening we spent with my brother and his family again. Find out what we did on Day 4 here.
