Michael On The Move: Exploring South Africa

Welcome back to the fifth edition of this column. I hope you enjoyed reading about Norway and maybe found yourself considering it for your next festive getaway! This time, I am writing with some exciting and personal news: I’ve just received my year-abroad offer and I have been given the opportunity to study at Stellenbosch University in South Africa so with that in mind, it felt only right to dedicate this article to exploring South Africa. 

There were countless cities in South Africa I could have chosen to write about, but I ultimately settled on Cape Town. Located on the country’s southwest coast. Cape Town is a vibrant port city known for its rich cultural diversity. With three main languages spoken (Afrikaans, isiXhosa and English), it offers visitors a diverse experience. While many are hesitant to visit Cape Town due to its high crime rate,  it is generally considered safe for tourists who take sensible precautions. In fact, most popular tourist areas have heightened security and most visitors enjoy their stay without incident. As with any major city, you need to be cautious and exercise common sense, such as avoiding deserted or poorly lit areas at night. If these precautions are followed, visitors are likely to have a safe and enjoyable stay. 

This famous flat-topped mountain overlooks Cape Town and is renowned for its distinctive plateau, breathtaking views and diverse vegetation

One of South Africa’s most iconic attractions is Table Mountain. This famous flat-topped mountain overlooks Cape Town and is renowned for its distinctive plateau, breathtaking views and diverse vegetation. Recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, it rises 1086 metres above sea level and can be reached via a hiking trail or cable cars. I would strongly recommend taking the cable cars, as it offers remarkable panoramic views of the city during the ascent. With tickets starting from as little as £2.70, it’s an affordable and convenient way to reach the summit. Of course, for those feeling adventurous, hiking up the mountain is always an option. While the trail is only three kilometres long, it requires a good level of fitness due to its steep and rocky terrain. If you do visit the mountain during the winter months (June to August, since South Africa’s seasons are opposite to those in the UK), you might even be lucky and see snow!

Another must-see site is the Cape of Good Hope, one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks. Historically, it served as a vital navigation point for European explorers trying to reach Asia by sea, and later became a powerful symbol of international trade. Today, the Cape is best known for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, like baboons and zebras. The area is also infamous for its shipwrecks, with over 1000 vessels believed to have been destroyed here due to strong winds and rough seas, earning the Cape the nickname ‘the Graveyard of Ships’. Visitors can still explore some of the shipwrecks along the Cape through a trail where you can visit ships like the SS Thomas T. Tucker and the Nolloth, that both remain grounded after crashing into surrounding rocks. 

Thrilling safaris or activities like bungee jumping and swimming with penguins for adrenaline junkies

A quick disclaimer, entry to Table Mountain National Park, which includes both Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope, costs around R303 or £13.26, for international visiting adults. However, I believe this fee is definitely worth it, as you could easily spend an entire day visiting everything this park has to offer. 

As with many of these columns, I find myself with far more to say than the word count allows. There are countless other incredible experiences across South Africa that I have not discussed: thrilling safaris or activities like bungee jumping and swimming with penguins for adrenaline junkies. For history enthusiasts like me, you can discover the history of Apartheid through museums and visit the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela. As you can see, there is so much to do in and around Cape Town. For this article, I chose to focus on the nature side of the city, by looking at its natural beauty in the Cape of Good Hope and Table Mountain. However, if nature isn’t quite your thing, there is still a lot to do and visit. I hope you won’t be put off by the stereotypes surrounding the safety in Cape Town and instead feel encouraged to take a leap and visit this vibrant and unforgettable city for yourself.