Roadtripping Around the Western Cape: First Impressions of South Africa
Hallo! I’m currently writing this post from the cutest Airbnb in Cape Town after about a week and half of staying with my friend, Lynsey, and her lovely parents in the Western Cape. I’m sitting on fresh memories, a ton of blog post ideas to come, and over 1,000 photos to edit. This is my very first time in South Africa (and Africa!), so I thought I would choose a few favorite photos from our road tripping around the Western Cape to share with you all.
I’m extremely fortunate to be staying with a local who owns her own car and is on summer vacation, so I didn’t have to worry about renting or learning how to drive on the opposite side of the road.
Lynsey took me to quite a few different places throughout the week, but it was all the moments in between that I particularly loved. We stopped off on the side of the road to snap a particularly gorgeous mountain pic, went off road a bit more than her car, Sophia, was ready for, and just enjoyed the random bits of scenery.
The Western Cape reminds me a lot of the West Coast of the US– dry heat (sometimes up to 40C/104F), vast lands, distinct mountains, and, from what Lynsey told me, and an overall more relaxed vibe.
Here are some photos from our random trips, and hopefully they help you decide whether to plan a road trip around the area on your own South African adventure!
The reason for our drive was…
If you can believe it, the Clarence Drive photos and the penguins at Betty’s Bay were taken within a few hours of each other! It was nice being a little chilly after day after day of 40C weather.
I have so much more to share, but I thought I’d start with a few photos in the meantime. The Western Cape is seriously one of the most beautiful places I’ve gotten to see, and I’m so glad I was able to take the time to go on little road trips and take in the scenery.
my current favorites
I’m always grateful when friends and family as for ways to support. Really I’m just happy people are getting use out of my love of travel. But if you do want to support, here are my current favorites! Most links are affiliate and I make a small commission if you shop through them.
SUMMER MUSTS
- Caudalie Beauty Elixir– favorite face mist for hot weather. spray then fan
- Trader Joes Sunscreen Lip Balm – nicest for lip sunscreen and no cast
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun – best sunscreen for face; feels like cream.
- Wegmans Sport Sunscreen – favorite for working out outside
- Nuun Hydration Tablets – good for electrolyte loss from sweat
- Innisfree Primer – combats shiny forehead the best!!
- Black Sunnies – the same pair i’ve worn for like 10 years now
- Teva Midform Infinity Sandals – cutest and most comfortable travel sandals!!
TRAVEL
- Booking – for hotels in Europe & North America
- Agoda – for hotels in Asia
- Get Your Guide – tours in Europe & North America
- Klook – tours in Asia
- Away – for luggage. I’ve tried a lot of different luggage brands but this one is the most reliable I’ve found!! I need to get my original one (from 2016) fixed before I can use again.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve – preferred travel credit card (combine with Freedom Unlimited to maximize points)
- Sony Alpha 7 IV – current camera!
- Sony 24mm Lens – current lens because it’s so small and compact.
BOOKS
- Bookshop – for buying physical books or finding local bookstores
- Kindle Paperwhite – when traveling & to connect to Libby; I’d had mine since 2018!
- Libby – how to use your library for e-books and audiobooks!!
BEAUTY & SKINCARE
- PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar – face wash when traveling, less liquid!
- La Roche Posay Double Moisturizer – favorite face cream for travel
- La Roche Posay Cicaplast – use in winter for extra protection.
- Lisa Eldridge Foundation – smoothest, lightest full coverage
- Ilia Concealer – nicest spot concealer
- Glossier Boy Brow – go-to for…10 years!
- Glossier Cloud Paint – favorite for blush
- Chanel Le Vernis – i hate it but this is, in fact, the best nail polish
- Secret Clear Deodorant – no marks, works, & isn’t a liquid!
HAIR
- Head and Shoulders Classic – only thing that works for dandruff on me
- L’Oreal Clarifying Shampoo – use 1x week for build or after swimming
- Tsubaki Hair Mask – favorite for occasional conditioner
- Dae Stargloss Shine – for when my hair needs some deep TLC
- Conair Infiniti Wet-to-Dry – Dyson Airwrap alternative, works really well.
- Innisfree Hair Serum – favorite finish on my hair
CLOTHING BRANDS
- Naadam – quality midrange cashmere
- Guest in Residence – truly high quality cashmere
- Doen – very pretty, unique pieces
- Damson Madder – quirky, feminine pieces
- JCrew – good for cotton and linen finds
- Madewell – excellent for leather shoes (and cotton/linen)
- Old Navy – good for basics and athleisure
- Popflex – most flattering workout leggings
- Lululemon – best sports bra support & quality leggings/shorts
- Michael Kors – very good for leather goods; I still own everything I bought back in college when I worked there!!
- HOKA – favorite all white running and workout sneakers