Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest city & as such is known in the country as “The Mother City”.

It is South Africa’s 2nd largest city after Johannesburg.

The German anthropologist Theophilus Hahn recorded that the area’s original name was ‘Hui ! Gais‘ from the indigenous Khoi language meaning “Where clouds gather.”

Indeed, the week we were in Cape Town, Table Mountain was often covered by clouds.

Portuguese mariner & explorer Bartolomeu Dias was the 1st European to reach the area in 1488 & named it the “Cape of Storms.” King John II of Portugal renamed it the “Cape of Good Hope” because it opened a new trade route to the East Indies after the Ottoman Empire cut the overland routes to Europe.

Today you can visit the Castle of Good Hope not far from the bus station.

It was built by the Dutch East India Company between 1666 and 1679. The Castle is the oldest existing building in South Africa.

Another historic attraction to visit is Robben Island where political prisoners such as Nelson Mandela were imprisoned. Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years as a political prisoner on this island.

It takes its name from the Dutch word for seals (robben); hence, the Dutch/Afrikaans name Robbeneiland which translates to Seal(s) Island.

The island tour includes a 30 minute ferry ride, a bus tour around the island where you see the lime quarry where Mandela & other political prisoners did hard labor, & a walking tour around the prison. Our guide around the prison grounds was an ex-political prisoner who was able to give us a first hand experience about the daily life for prisoners on the island.

Among most popular spots in Cape Town is the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront. It’s the perfect place to shop, eat, & enjoy the views.

If you are a foodie, then Cape Town won’t disappoint. One evening we enjoyed typical African food & entertainment at Mama Africa.

We found a very nice food court called the Time Out Market on the V&A Waterfront where every meal was delicious & nicely served.

Our last tour in Cape Town was to the Diamond Museum located at the V&A Waterfront. South Africa’s diamond industry dates back to 1866. In the 1870s & 1880s, South Africa produced 95% of all diamonds in the world.

After the tour we were given a chance to purchase a diamond. Hmmm…maybe next time or after I win the lottery.

Sorry, we didn’t ask how much they cost. 😂