This was my second time in Cape Town. And honestly? It hit differently.
I traveled to the Mother City as the official travel partner for the Diaspora Digital Futures: Building an African Diasporic Public Interest Technology Ecosystem Summit, hosted by the Black Tech Futures Research Institute. But if you know me, you know I never travel just for business. I added days on both the front and back ends of the conference. We call it bleisure, and it is one of my favorite ways to experience a destination. I also invited a friend to join me. Because good travel is meant to be shared.
The first time I visited Cape Town, I did all the tours. This time, I wanted something different. I wanted more local interactions and exploration. And Cape Town delivered.
Yes, the views are stunning. Ocean and mountain most everywhere you turn. But what makes South Africa such an amazing place is not just the scenery. It is the unique and challenging history. And the people who carry it with them, openly and honestly.
Locals talk about where they were when Mandela spoke or when he was in office. They talk about Desmond Tutu with pride. One Uber driver shared with us the challenges of the townships, but his optimism and pride in his country were palpable. While there are still those who hang on to yesterday, in general, the people of Cape Town acknowledge their past while moving bravely into their future.
I had an eye-opening conversation with one of the summit attendees about the nuance of race versus skin color. Black in the United States and Black in South Africa do not mean the same thing. In South Africa, a person who looks white might be considered coloured. These are the kinds of conversations that happen when you travel with intention. When you sit down with people. When you listen.
I really enjoyed the city safari tour. I learned the story behind some of the buildings I had been passing by each day. District 6 and Bo Kaap are worth the walk. If this is your first time in Cape Town, I highly recommend taking time to understand the history.
For airport transfers, I used one of my global go-to services, Transfeero, to prearrange transportation from Cape Town International Airport to our lodging. The experience was seamless. My driver was waiting at arrivals holding a sign with my name on it. That type of service for your arrival experience sets the tone for a trip, and I recommend it for clients who want to start their journey stress-free.
My friend chose to use Bolt, which worked with no issues. Both Uber and Bolt are convenient and widely used in Cape Town. According to a local contact, Uber is generally considered the safer option between the two. Either way, rideshare apps make getting around the city easy and affordable.
City Center: Cartwright's Corner
Our first four nights were spent in a fabulous serviced apartment in the Central Business District. Cape Town actually has a great inventory of serviced apartments, which I highly recommend for business travelers staying more than three days. We chose one in Cartwright's Corner, steps away from the Green Market and several co-working options. My friend even walked from the V&A Waterfront to our apartment in about 15 minutes.
The apartment was also within walking distance to the City Sightseeing office, where I caught the hop-on hop-off bus. Yes, I love them. Hop-on hop-off buses are a wonderful way to get the lay of the land and scope out spots where you want to spend more time. I chose the option that included the harbour cruise, but unfortunately the weather did not cooperate for that portion.
While the wifi in my apartment was slow (75 mbps), I had the option of popping over to Spaces 50 Long Street, a co-working space around the corner on Long Street. If you need reliable, fast internet for work, co-working options are plentiful in the CBD.
I also booked my client in a professionally managed serviced apartment, but their's was located in Sea Point. Sea Point is an affluent coastal neighborhood situated between Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean, just a few kilometers from the CBD. It was named one of the 40 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World by Time Out, and it is easy to see why. The famous Sea Point Promenade stretches along the beachfront, popular with joggers, walkers, and families. The area is known for its high-rise apartments, trendy restaurants, and stunning sunset views. Their wifi was much faster than mine, which is worth noting if connectivity is a priority.
A note for travelers: when choosing your lodging, be sure to ask about wifi speed. Also ask about air conditioning. Not all places have it, and we were surprised to learn that the apartments at the Lagoon Beach Hotel and Spa do not have air conditioning. February is summer in Cape Town, so plan accordingly.
Conference Hotel: Lagoon Beach Hotel and Spa
For the summit, we moved to the Lagoon Beach Hotel and Spa. Overall, it was not a bad stay, but there is definitely room for improvement. The hotel offers a mix of hotel rooms and apartments, with multiple swimming pools and a couple of restaurants on premises. Some rooms have full or partial ocean views. Ours had a partial ocean and partial mountain view. The staff was pleasant and always ready to help with a smile. One note for future travelers: the hotel offers a shuttle, but it operates on a predetermined schedule rather than hourly departures.
Wine Country: Lovane Boutique Winery and Guesthouse
After the conference, we extended our stay into wine country, specifically Stellenbosch. We managed to snag the last room available at Lovane Boutique Wine Estate & Guesthouse. Our room opened to a view of the vineyards - which was exactly what I envisioned. The stay included a lovely breakfast and a wine tasting. They also have a club room where I set up to work for a few hours during our stay. It was the perfect balance of relaxation and productivity. Bleisure at its finest.
Cape Town is a city made for wandering, and my friend and I took full advantage. We explored the Green Market, popped into the Trafalgar Flower Market, strolled down St. Georges Mall, and browsed the Oranjezicht City Farm Market. The Old Biscuit Mill Neighborgoods Market was a highlight, full of artisan vendors, incredible food stalls, and that buzzing weekend energy (Go, DJ!). We walked by the Saturday market at Grand Parade but did not have time to browse. During our Stellenbosch days, we visited the Market in the Garden, a lovely addition to wine country exploring.
It is the little moments that make travel memorable. Walking through the Trafalgar Flower Market, we learned that the national flower of South Africa is the King Protea. We met a woman named Jean who was preparing a heart-shaped frame with flowers for a proposal. Walking through a strip mall, I met a man selling books. We had a great conversation about some of my favorite books that he had on his table. These are the moments you cannot plan. They happen when you slow down and stay open.
I also took a spin on the ferris wheel at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Sometimes you have to embrace being a tourist. For R200, I got ten minutes on the wheel (about four rotations). I happened to ride during sunset, so it was a visual treat.
Cape Town’s wine scene is world-class, and the Cape Winelands are reason enough to visit. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the most well-known regions, and both are easy day trips from the city. Chenin blanc is the signature white grape of the region, and you will find it on nearly every tasting menu. For reds, do not miss Pinotage. It is a grape unique to South Africa, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, and you will not find it grown anywhere else in the world. If you think you do not like chenin blanc or chardonnay, give them another chance here. I did, and I brought bottles home to Mexico.
Beyond tastings, the wine estates offer beautiful grounds, excellent restaurants, and unique experiences like Gin and Jazz at Ginologist Distillery in Lourensford Wine Estate. And if you only visit one winery, make it Klein Goederust. The wine is excellent, the braai is unforgettable, and the story will stay with you.
Cape Town’s food scene is diverse. You can find just about every cuisine represented, from traditional South African braai to global flavors. If you are looking for more than a meal, Mama Africa and Gold are not just restaurants; they are cultural experiences. Our group enjoyed dinner at Gold and everything was delicious. I even tried springbok, which I later learned is both an animal native to Southern Africa and the name of South Africa’s national rugby team. Speaking of rugby, South Africa is number one in the world. At one of the shops, the staff were wearing Springbok shirts. We asked about it and got a proud explanation. Sports, food, and national pride all wrapped into one conversation.
My friend and I ate at Willoughby’s in V&A Mall and also tried Nando’s (when in South Africa, right?). At the Old Biscuit Mill market, I had Tanzanian food. My friend, who is vegan, had a beet salad that I refused to try because I have never met a beet that I liked (okay, she tricked me into one bite). We also had lunch at GiGi Rooftop in St Georges Mall. Check them out for their “Sour Hour” where select cocktails and all whiskey sours are only R80, approximately $4 USD.
You can find various types of African food, but you won't find anything labeled as South African because local favorites are a mix of cultures and flavors. Braai, meat pies, braaibroodjie (like a grilled cheese), bunny chow (no, it's not rabbit; it's curry in a kind of hollowed out bread). My favorites are chakalaka (it's like a chunky salsa) and malva pudding.
The Lagoon Beach Hotel had pretty good food. I could not get enough of their pork belly dish. I ordered it twice during my stay.
The only subpar meals I had were at a seafood spot on the hop-on hop-off bus line and an Italian restaurant in Stellenbosch. Great service, very bland food. It happens.
My friend got her hair braided in Cape Town, and this is a tip worth sharing. Throughout town, you can find braiding shops. There are also stylists who will come to your home or hotel to braid your hair. My friend recommends that you wash and detangle your own hair prior to your appointment. They will do it for you, but she likes using certain products and not everyone values haircare over hairstyling. If maintaining your hair while traveling is important to you, come prepared.
Gin and Jazz at Ginologist Distillery
On a lovely Sunday afternoon, I met up with friends who relocated to Cape Town. They invited me out for Gin and Jazz at Ginologist Distillery in Lourensford Wine Estate. Beautiful experience. We were joined by a group of about five Black American women living in Cape Town. They shared their stories as we sampled gins and enjoyed the jazz. It was one of those unexpected connections that remind you why travel matters. You never know who you will meet or what conversations will unfold when you put yourself out there.
Grand Cafe and Beach Club
My client treated the team to a night at Grand Cafe and Beach Club. We enjoyed a live DJ set on the beach. After a bit of confusion regarding our table, we were seated in a section with seating right in the sand. The food was delicious. We ordered the seafood platter, a vegetarian pizza, and a meat platter. Now, this meat platter was not what I expected. It was not cold cuts for sipping wine. No. This was South African style braai meats. A pleasant surprise and a generous spread.
Photo Shoot with Jurgen's Photography
One thing I always recommend to clients, and finally did for myself, is booking a photo shoot with a local photographer. I spent about 90 minutes strolling through the Central Business District, Green Market, and Company Gardens with Jurgen's Photography. It was a delightful experience, and I came away with beautiful images that capture this trip. If you are planning a Cape Town visit and want professional photos to remember it by, check out Jurgen's Photography.
The Paragliding That Wasn't
My friend had planned to try paragliding, but the wind would not cooperate. Secretly, I was relieved. I do not think my nerves could have handled watching. Cape Town is famous for paragliding off Lion's Head and Signal Hill, so if you are braver than me, add it to your list.
While in wine country, I had the pleasure of visiting Klein Goederust Wine Farm. A friend had spoken highly of the food, and another local recommended their weekend braai. Since we were lodging nearby, my travel companion and I decided to give it a try.
The braai menu is preset and includes lamb, chicken, a number of sides, and two dessert options. The food was delicious. After a couple of very bland meals earlier in Stellenbosch, we were relieved. The lamb is slow-roasted and finished in a sauce made with their own Shiraz. Divine.
But Klein Goederust is not just about the food. The story behind it stopped me in my tracks.
Klein Goederust is the first and only 100 percent Black-owned wine farm in South Africa's Franschhoek Valley. In 2019, entrepreneur Paul Siguqa, the son of a former Cape Winelands farm worker named Nomaroma Siguqa, acquired the 10-hectare property using his own savings. Paul grew up watching his mother perform grueling labor at vineyards, sometimes receiving nothing but jugs of wine as payment under South Africa's notorious dop system. He grew up detesting wine and everything associated with it.
His perspective shifted when he got a job serving wine at a tasting room while putting himself through college. He noticed more Black people coming to enjoy wine, and the idea of ownership took root. Today, the 120-year-old winery holds deep historical weight. Within the old cellar, remnants of the dop system are still cemented into the walls, a reminder of the mistreatment endured by their ancestors. Klein Goederust is dedicated to acknowledging this painful history while restoring dignity and rebuilding community.
The winemaker, Rodney Zimba, is also the child of a farm laborer. He and Paul grew up together; their parents worked side by side on the same estate in Franschhoek. That is the team making the wine you are tasting.
As for the wine itself, I will be transparent. I am not a chardonnay person. I am not a chenin blanc person either. But a fellow patron nudged me toward the chardonnay during the tasting, and both wines completely surprised me. I bought a bottle of each to bring back home to Mexico.
I also chose the sparkling wine, the Cap Classique, because it is named Nomaroma, after Paul's mother. I am a boy-mom. A wine named after a mother, made by her son and his childhood friend, on land where she once labored for almost nothing? That is not just a wine. That is a legacy in a bottle.
The grounds are peaceful and beautiful. The mountain views from the tasting room are exactly what you would imagine when someone says the Cape Winelands. There is also a boutique on premises to add some shopping to the experience.
As a travel professional and a Black woman, I am intentional about where I spend my money and whose stories I amplify. Klein Goederust is both an exceptional experience and a genuinely important one. In an industry still shaped by apartheid’s legacy, Paul Siguqa purchased a piece of it back and built something extraordinary.
Planning a trip to Cape Town? Let’s talk. Reach out at team@lawaltravel.com.
Serving as the official travel partner for the Diaspora Digital Futures Summit was an honor, and our scope went far beyond booking flights.
My team and I were responsible for sourcing the conference hotel, coordinating conference arrangements, researching furniture suppliers for additional event furniture, researching translation services, researching photographers, arranging transportation for attendees, and organizing a group dinner. We also coordinated flights across multiple time zones and ensured seamless arrivals at Lagoon Beach Hotel for attendees traveling from across the African diaspora.
This is what group travel management looks like when you work with Lawal Travel Services. We do not just book travel. We handle the full picture so event organizers and visionaries can focus on what matters most.
Congratulations to Dr. Fallon Wilson and the entire Black Tech Futures Research Institute team on an incredible summit.
Transportation: Prearranging airport transfers through a service like Transfeero provides a smooth arrival experience. Uber and Bolt work well for getting around the city, with Uber generally considered the safer option by locals.
Lodging: For business trips longer than three days, consider serviced apartments. They offer more space and flexibility than traditional hotels. You get the space of an apartment with the amenities of a hotel - like housekeeping.
Getting Oriented: If this is your first visit, the hop-on hop-off bus and city safari tour are excellent ways to understand the layout and history. City Sightseeing offers three lines - blue, red, and the city safari. They also offer a harbor boat tour, harbor boat tour, and a sunset bus ride.
Markets: Plan your visit around market days. The Old Biscuit Mill Neighborgoods Market on Saturdays is a fun option. Oranjezicht City Farm Market and Market in the Garden in Stellenbosch are also worth your time. Walk through Green Market and St. Georges mall for souvenirs as well. And don't worry if you don't have cash; many of the vendors accept card payments. Fun fact: I did not withdraw any cash for this trip.
Capture the Memories: Book a local photographer for a photo shoot. Jurgen's Photography offers a wonderful experience.
Wine Country: Do not skip Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. Gin and Jazz at Ginologist Distillery in Lourensford Wine Estate is a beautiful afternoon experience. And if you make it out to the winelands, Klein Goederust is delightful way to while away the day.
Cape Town offers the kind of travel experience that feeds both the professional and the personal. Beautiful landscapes, rich and complex history, world-class wine, vibrant markets, and meaningful conversations at every turn. Whether you are attending a conference, exploring with friends, or doing both, this is a destination that rewards intentional travel.
My first visit to Cape Town was just a few days before we left for safari and then Johannesburg. This time, I had nine days. And it was not enough. I felt like I needed at least one more week. That should tell you everything.
The people of Cape Town carry their history with them, openly and honestly. They talk about their challenges and their pride in the same breath. They acknowledge the past while moving bravely into the future. That spirit is what makes this city unforgettable.
If South Africa is on your radar, and it should be, let us talk. At Lawal Travel Services, we specialize in curated journeys that go beyond the itinerary.
Ready to plan your Cape Town adventure?
Contact us at team@lawaltravel.com