Visiting Cape Town provoked a lot of emotions in me.
I was visiting the home and family of my partner, Josh, for the first time (all of the nerves!). Cape Town is also one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations and a city loved by so many. It is vibrant, filled with incredible beaches and nature, not to mention, the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain which seems to always be looming beautifully over the city. Cape Town also has the most amazing food and perfect summer weather. Sounds like a dream, right?
Well, it is. And don’t get me wrong, I LOVED Cape Town and can’t wait for my next visit. But despite all of the wonderful and amazing parts of Cape Town, I couldn’t help but feel really unsettled at times. South Africa is obviously an incredibly complex country, with a history I’m only now beginning to really learn about and research more in depth. But what unsettled me most in Cape Town was it’s “Malibu” like lifestyle (predominately white) in stark contrast to the many townships (predominately black) that surround the edges of the city.
Cape Town felt very much like paradise for a few.
A few that I was also definitely part of as a tourist. Yes, this is true in many places I’ve traveled to (also including my own country) but for some reason it hit me HARD while visiting Cape Town and I had such a different awareness of myself while I was there. The social and spacial inequality that still exists in Cape Town is striking if you choose to look beyond the pretty views and sunsets. And I felt like that was something I needed to also share before I post 20 scenic photos that just show the more rosy side of the city.
15 Scenic Photos of Cape Town
Sunset view from Signal Hill
Trail across Table Mountain
Bo Kaap Neighborhood of Cape Town
View of Lion’s Head from Beta Beach
The Cederberg Wilderness outside of Cape Town
Hammock views at Tintswalow Atlantic Resort
Geiko Creek in the Cederberg Wilderness
Sundowners in Cape Town
View of the 12 Apostles from Lion’s Head
Kayaking in front of the waterfront in Cape Town
Cederberg Wildnerness
Snorkeling with seals
Kirstenbosch Gardens
Chapman’s Peak drive
View from Lion’s Head
Read More:
Staying at Tintswalo Atlantic: South Africa
12 Comments
Sarah
April 14, 2018 at 11:48 amI want to be in that hammock looking at these views RIGHT NOW! Gorgeous and inspirational pics!
Eleonore Everywhere
April 17, 2018 at 8:24 amThank you, Sarah. I want to be back in that hammock right now! 🙂 Xx, Eleonore
Hayley
April 14, 2018 at 12:57 pmLove this! I’m from Cape Town and now living in London so was extra special to read 😊 Your photos are amazing!
Eleonore Everywhere
April 17, 2018 at 8:23 amI’m also based in London! Lots of people from Cape Town living here it seems – I’m even dating a guy from Cape Town 😉 Eleonore
Becky
April 14, 2018 at 1:14 pmThose pictures are incredible! I’d love to travel to South Africa one day 🙂
Eleonore Everywhere
April 17, 2018 at 8:23 amThanks, Becky! I so hope you can make it one day – such a beautiful country (and I only saw a small part of it!). Xx, Eleonore
Mirela
April 14, 2018 at 1:48 pmWell, the pictures are amazing. Dream scenery and inspiration to visit South Africa <3
Eleonore Everywhere
April 17, 2018 at 8:22 amThank you, Mirela! Xx, Eleonore
Louise
April 14, 2018 at 6:33 pmAhh all your photos are so gorgeous!! Cape Town looks so beautiful. I wish it wasn’t so far from Canada! lol. I need to make it there one of these days. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Eleonore Everywhere
April 17, 2018 at 8:22 amIf only it wasn’t so far! That’s the one difficult part, it is SO expensive to fly to…but definitely worth it. 🙂 Eleonore
Jordan
April 14, 2018 at 9:19 pmI was supposed to go to Cape Town in February but the trip fell through :/ Regardless, your photos are absolutely stunning! I love how colorful everything looks xo
Eleonore Everywhere
April 17, 2018 at 8:21 amHi Jordan! I hope you can find another time to go – so much natural beauty to Cape Town. Xx, Eleonore