50 - From Abu Dhabi to Cape Town

Cruise on the AIDAprima

6 March - 4 April 2025

We'd had the idea quite a while ago to go on another holiday in late 2024 or early 2025. That might sound a bit over the top given our schedule, but our last holiday had been in the summer of 2023. Since then, Andrea has been studying for her exam to become a naturopathic practitioner in psychotherapy, and we have spent time together planning and preparing for our big trip. So we really wanted to relax and unwind properly for a change.
After visiting my parents, we looked for an affordable cruise during our desired period whilst on the train. During our search, we finally came across an unbeatable offer. Normally, a cruise is considered good value if the cost per person per day is around €100-110. Here, the price was significantly lower. What's more, the route sounded very exciting. It was set to go from the Arabian Peninsula via Mauritius to Cape Town in South Africa. The catch was that 12 of the 19 days were at sea.
Even so, we didn't have to think twice. The price, destination and dates were just right. So why not book straight away? Because it could be even better. The cruise could be started at various ports. Initially, we wanted to board in Dubai. Comparing the price with boarding in Abu Dhabi instead (one day less) revealed a saving of a whopping €300 per person. Given this price and the many days at sea, we then decided to start the trip in Abu Dhabi and treat ourselves to a balcony cabin. It turned out to be the absolute right decision.
As neither of us had been to Abu Dhabi before, we chose a flight three days earlier so we'd have a bit of time there. We also added a few extra nights in Cape Town, so our trip ultimately looked like this:

• 06/03/2025 Flight to Abu Dhabi
• 07/03 - 08/03/2025 Abu Dhabi
• 09/03/2025 Embarkation on the AIDAprima
• 9/03 - 28/03/2025 Cruise from Abu Dhabi to Cape Town
• 28/03/2025 Disembarkation in Cape Town
• 28/03 - 03/04/2025 Cape Town
• 03/04 - 04/04/2025 Return flight to Germany

Let's go to Abu Dhabi

We flew directly from Munich to Abu Dhabi with Etihad, entering a whole new world. We'd booked a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel via Booking.com, so we didn't have to worry about a thing. Even though the flight landed in Abu Dhabi nearly an hour late, the driver waited patiently for us. This meant we could start our holiday feeling completely relaxed.
Even on the drive from the airport to the hotel, we marvelled at the sea of lights and the skyline. At the hotel, our suitcases were immediately taken from us and brought to our room. Check-in was quick and straightforward, and a short while later we were in our spacious room on the 14th floor with a view towards the beach.
As it was now late in the evening, we wanted to find something quick to eat. With the temperature still around 25°C, we looked for a small restaurant near the hotel. Over a delicious meal, we watched the colourful hustle and bustle and the diverse mix of people living together. Everyone was represented. Every skin colour and every religion. And, although it was Ramadan, that didn't seem to matter here.

While planning our trip, Andrea discovered that there is a World Heritage Site near Abu Dhabi. Or perhaps we should say a place with several World Heritage Sites. The place is called Al Ain. There are quite a few sites here that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Unfortunately, Al Ain is almost a 2-hour drive from Abu Dhabi, and the sites are spread out across the entire city area. Therefore, exploring on your own is only possible if you have a hotel on-site and several days to spare. So we decided to do it as a guided day trip. Through GetYourGuide, we found a tour that suited us and were picked up right on time directly at the hotel. Together with another couple, we headed to Al Ain. Already on the drive, the first surprise: our driver took us to the camel racetrack. There, the racing camels were being trained, and we were able to watch as bystanders. In Al Ain, we first visited the Al Jahili Fort and then the Al Ain Oasis. At the oasis, we were able to admire the intelligent irrigation system. Additionally, we were explained how various crops are grown here on three levels. In doing so, the palms as the top layer provide sufficient shade for the other layers. Thus, the synergy effect of the individual plants is optimally utilised.

After lunch, there was a visit to the last camel market in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In numerous pens, goats and sheep were offered alongside camels. Around the outside, the right feed was available for purchase. And before the question arises, Andrea was not sold. But there were enquiries 😁. To conclude the trip, we went to the viewpoint on Mount Jabal Hafit. The mountain is located right in the border area with Oman. The border was secured only by a construction fence and a police car. The view was indeed spectacular, but all you could really see was a dry plain.

Back in Abu Dhabi, we took a walk at sunset along the waterfront promenade. From there, we had a great view of the skyline and passed by a beautiful shell sculpture. Then we headed back into the bustling streets to a small local eatery that our guide had recommended. We were not disappointed by the AlFarah restaurant with its delicious traditional food. To conclude, we ended up on the open pool deck on the 17th floor of our hotel, treated ourselves to a cocktail, and enjoyed the magnificent view of the city's sea of lights.

We started the second day in Abu Dhabi quite relaxed, because action awaited us in the afternoon. But first, we were surprised. In the hotel lobby, Andrea was given a rose. It was International Women's Day. Afterwards, we went to Fort Qasr Al Hosn, which is located in the middle of the city and is considered the founding site of Abu Dhabi. The contrast between old and new couldn't be greater. Next, we wanted to visit the free open-air museum. Since the paths were surprisingly long, we grabbed one of the many taxis and had them drive us. Due to Ramadan, the museum was open for viewing, but it seemed deserted.

The return journey was more difficult. Since hardly any taxis ventured here, we had no choice but to walk. This gave us the opportunity to enjoy the Abu Dhabi skyline in the sultry 32°C 😉. As a reward for the sweat-inducing walk, we wanted to treat ourselves to a gold cappuccino at the Emirates Palace Hotel. Even at the entrance of the pompous hotel, we felt somewhat underdressed and out of place, and the feeling intensified even more in the hotel lobby. Luxury wherever you look. Ceilings and walls are adorned with gold leaf, and gold and jewellery are displayed in showcases.
Placed by a hostess, we ordered the gold cappuccino along with a small tonic water and ginger ale each. The gold cappuccino is lovingly decorated and garnished with gold flakes. For that, the fun only cost us a total of €35. But you don't treat yourself to anything else 😉. A small amuse-bouche was included for free.

After this admittedly expensive indulgence, we took a taxi back to the hotel, as another highlight awaited us: a desert tour that we had also booked through GetYourGuide. Once again, we were picked up on time and headed out to the Al Khatim Desert. Upon arrival, the drivers first let some air out of the tires for better grip, and then we headed straight in. With breakneck speed and daring manoeuvres, we sped over the sand dunes. During a photo stop, we were literally sandblasted and finally had an idea of why the Bedouins always wrap themselves in cloth. The camels of a Bedouin turned out to be very affectionate and photogenic. The ride ended at a Bedouin camp, where there were various activities such as a very short camel ride, sandboarding, and photos with a falcon. Additionally, we were able to wrap ourselves in traditional garments. In the process, Andrea received her new nickname “Fatima”, which was translated to us as “beautiful”. Presumably, some of the visitors had already been given the name 😉. Later, there was delicious food and then a dance and fire show, before heading back to Abu Dhabi.

Embarkation Day

Finally, the actual journey began, off we went to the ship.
After checking out of the hotel, we took a taxi to the port. A little later, we had checked in on the AIDAprima and could marvel at the gigantic cruise ship. Quickly, we brought our hand luggage to our cabin, which would be our home for the next 19 days.

But before the AIDA set sail, we went on an excursion. The first destination was the Presidential Palace. The name is misleading, however, because it is actually an office and reception building. What must the palace look like? The gigantic central hall was connected to several wings, such as the library and the reception hall. Walls and ceilings are adorned with reliefs and gold, illuminated by huge chandeliers.

Next, we went to the Grand Mosque, also known as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. As is customary in all mosques, a dress code must be observed. Men are allowed to wear T-shirts, but long pants are mandatory. For women, the clothing must reach the ankles or wrists, and a headscarf is mandatory. Since we were already aware of this, we had made the necessary preparations. The snow-white mosque has impressive dimensions. The huge courtyard is adorned with mosaics and surrounded by colonnades. Chandeliers with Swarovski crystals adorn the prayer room, as does a gigantic handmade carpet. Stained glass windows let light in, and water basins surround the mosque.

Finally, it was time to return to the harbour, because at 6p.m. it was time to cast off and sailaway.

Doha, here we come

From Abu Dhabi, we travelled overnight to Doha (Qatar). At sunrise, we entered the harbour. The cruise terminal is unique, according to the captain. It houses a seawater aquarium with several sharks and rays, as well as other reef fish. We wanted to explore Doha on our own. At the harbour, we found a driver who wanted to show us the highlights of Doha at a reasonable price.
The first photo stop was at the National Museum, which is shaped like a desert rose, designed by architect Jean Nouvel, who also designed the Louvre in Abu Dhabi and the Galeries Lafayette department store in Berlin, among others.

Next, we headed to the Islamic Museum, which we wanted to visit. Here, the art and history of Islam are exhibited. The museum illustrates with its exhibits how advanced and modern the Islamic world was even back then. Above all, in mathematics, medicine, and astronomy, Islam was ahead of its time. The calligraphies prove the cultural and artistic understanding. Nothing here suggests the Islam that has been discredited by the radical IS. We really enjoyed the museum and can only recommend it.

The people we met were all very eager to introduce us to their culture and religion and were always open-minded and tolerant.
After the visit, we continued to the Katara Cultural Village, a district built specifically for tourists with numerous shops, a mosque, and a modern amphitheatre. After all, Andrea was lovingly provided with a traditional cloak and headscarf in the mosque, as the clothing here was specifically supposed to be in black.

We could hardly stop marvelling, and around every corner, a new surprise awaited us, and suddenly we found ourselves in the middle of Venice, complete with canals and bridges. On the way back, we also visited the old souk. Here we strolled through the bird market and past stalls with spices, perfumes, and fabrics.

Before setting sail, we went once more to the Mina District, the completely redesigned old harbour. Here, souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars line up next to each other. Particularly worth seeing is the fish market, which is located in a picturesque hall. Due to Ramadan, almost all the shops were closed, but the area was not overrun by tourists. So we were able to stroll along the streets and admire the murals.

In the evening, the AIDAprima set sail, and after a day at sea, it headed to Muscat (Oman).

Onwards to Muscat

After a relaxing and cosy day at sea, we reached Muscat in Oman in the morning. Oman is known for its trade in high-quality frankincense. The port, however, is located in the neighbouring town of Mutrah. Here, we had booked an excursion with AIDA, as one of the highlights was a good two-hour drive away.

Right by the ship, we boarded the bus that was waiting for us. Then we first went to the Great Sultan Qaboos Mosque. It is one of the few mosques with 5 minarets, symbolising the 5 pillars of Islam. The smaller prayer room for women is furnished with a simple carpet. Only the wooden ceiling with the chandeliers and the hand-carved doors are impressive. The prayer room for men is different. Here lies the second-largest hand-knotted carpet in the world. The room is covered by an elaborately decorated dome, in which a huge chandelier hangs.

From the mosque, we continued to an old souk in the village of Nizwa, which we were able to explore for an hour. Here too, many of the shops were closed due to Ramadan. Nevertheless, it was a welcome change, and the shady alleys were very picturesque.
But the real highlight was yet to come: the fortress of Bahla. The fortress is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The partially restored fortress provides a good insight into life at that time. We were able to visit various courtyards, rooms, and towers via narrow and steep stairs. In one of the towers, a rickety ladder structure was fastened to the clay walls. The adventurous climb to another platform was rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view.

Unfortunately, the trip ended far too quickly. The sunset made up for it. From our cabin, we could watch the sun disappear behind the mountains. Then it was time to cast off and sail away again.
For the evening, a party was still on the agenda. The famous themed party “White Night” was on the agenda. As the name suggests, you dress in white or at least very light. But before the party, there was food at the French Kiss Restaurant to strengthen us.

7 Days to Relax and Unwind

For the next 7 days, it was “no land in sight”. From Muscat, we went through the Indian Ocean directly to Mauritius. Fortunately, the sea remained calm, so we didn't get seasick. Even though one might think that such a passage would become very boring, we can contradict that. In addition to numerous shows and activities, guests are offered a lot. For example, a puzzle with 6,000 pieces was provided, and many of the guests lingered and tried their hand at the design. Additionally, there was an offer to join a guest choir, which Andrea naturally accepted with pleasure.

From home, we had already booked a massage including 3 days in the spa area, where we could really let our souls dangle and do absolutely nothing. The spa also included a sauna area where we could sweat even more, despite it already being hot enough outside. Above all, we always found a place in the shade there. On deck, unfortunately, there was far too little to be found. Nevertheless, many guests lay in the sun and got thoroughly roasted.

Especially in the evening, various events such as the White Night and the Silent Night attract on a cruise ship. For the first one, you wear white, if possible. At the other party, it gets really fun, because actually, it's the quietest party ever. The guests will receive headphones. Now, you can switch between three channels using a switch. On stage, three DJs compete for listeners with three different music genres. From pop to house, everything is included. The funny thing is that the guests sing their favourite songs at the top of their lungs. What fun! And those who haven't had enough by midnight move on to one of the bars or the nightclub and party there until dawn.

Another event should not be forgotten, however. The AIDAprima was once again looking for The Voice of the Ocean. In several auditions, guests could apply with and possibly even without singing talent. How could it be any different, Andrea also showcased her talent and was invited to the Blind Auditions.

So the sea days almost turned into a stress fest. Guest choir, The Voice, a 3-course menu at the Buffalo, the shows, the spa area, and much more suddenly had to be scheduled. But as a good “manager”, Frank had it all under control 😜.

Even on the high seas, a true highlight must not be missing. On the fourth day at sea, Neptune himself boarded the ship. According to the good old sailor tradition, anyone who crosses the equator for the first time must undergo the equatorial baptism. This time, there were 4 tasks to be completed.

1. The Equator Jump: One had to jump over the equator.
2. Neptune's Blood: A sip of Neptune's blood had to be drunk.
3. Neptune's hair: Neptune's hair had to be eaten.
4. Seaweed: One had to smear oneself with a paste made from seaweed.

If you successfully completed all the tasks, you were allowed to stand before Neptune and were baptised by him. Andrea was given the nickname “Anemone”. Frank was baptised with the name “Fetzenfisch”.

We arrive in Mauritius

After seven long but exciting days at sea, we finally saw land again. At dawn, we arrived in Port Louis, Mauritius.
Mauritius entices with a variety of attractions. Unfortunately, one day is far too little for this. In addition to mountain peaks, volcanic lakes, and Hindu temples, the island has UNESCO World Heritage sites and supposedly the best rum in the world.
To see at least a few highlights, we had already booked a day trip from Germany. On time, we were picked up by our driver at the ship. We immediately coordinated with him about what we would like to see, and so we first headed to the small town of Chamarel. The place itself is not particularly interesting, but it is the namesake for several attractions in its vicinity. There you will find the Chamarel Waterfall. The Rivière de Cap plunges here over a rock edge nearly 100 meters deep. The base of the waterfall can only be reached by a time-consuming hike along a narrow path. Therefore, we could only look down into the valley from above. Our actual destination is right next door, the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths. The World Heritage site is the result of the weathering of the original lava rock. Through the deposition of various minerals, the hilly surface shines in seven colours and their shades. Depending on the light and humidity, the intensity varies.

Then it got high-proof. The Chamarel Rum Distillery invites not only for a tour but also for a tasting. Fortunately, we didn't have to drive. The rum brewed there is considered one of the best in the world. During a short tour, we were shown the production of the rum and the corresponding machines and tanks, and then it was time for the tasting. There weren't just one or two samples, no, in the end, there were ten different varieties. From white and brown rum to fruity varieties and cocktails, everything was included. Slightly tipsy, we returned to our driver, who took us to a nice place for lunch.

The afternoon was to be dedicated to the sad history of the island and a swim in the sea, the area is called Le Morne. On the mountain of the same name, many escaped slaves had built a new free life. When England finally abolished slavery, a military unit was sent to inform the former slaves about it. The people, of course, knew nothing of this and feared being enslaved again. Out of fear, many of them threw themselves off the mountain to their deaths before the misunderstanding could be resolved. Today, a small park with various sculptures informs about this time.
Unfortunately, the swim in the sea had to be cancelled. The approaching rain wasn't necessarily cold, but it did bring lightning and thunder. And swimming in a thunderstorm is best avoided. So we had ourselves taken back to the ship earlier than planned.

Since a day trip had been arranged with our driver, he also had the idea to show us more sights of the island. So he first drove through narrow and steep alleys to the citadel “Ford Adelaide”. From the ramparts, we had a great view over the city and out to the sea. Afterwards, he took us to the marina, where we saw the AIDA being refuelled and the Blue Penny Museum is located. The museum houses, as the name suggests, one Blue and one Red Mauritius. These are probably the rarest and thus the most expensive stamps in the world. Unfortunately, the admission price is quite steep, so we only viewed the museum from the outside and briefly visited the museum shop.

Since many Indians live here alongside Africans due to colonisation, including slavery, the most diverse cultures collide. So it was a great day on a wonderful island that doesn't feel African at all.

Back in the EU (La Réunion)

Already the next morning, we reached almost familiar territory. La Réunion belongs to France and thus to the EU. Entry is therefore possible with an ID card. In La Réunion, we had booked a rental car to explore the island on our own. During the past few days at sea, we had gotten to know Britta and her daughter Vanessa. The two hadn't made any concrete plans yet and were happy that we offered to accompany them.
The four of us then headed to Piton Maïdo. The drive there takes you along a winding and steep road up to the viewpoint. From here, you have a great view into the basin of the breathtaking volcanic landscape. But you have to be quick. From 11 o'clock onwards, fog and clouds usually shroud the scenery. Scattered across several terraces are small villages that can only be reached by air or on foot.

From the mountain peak, we went back down to the sea. In Saint Leu, the Kélonia turtle station awaited us. Here, sick and injured turtles are received and cared for. The nicely designed tanks gave us the opportunity to admire the elegant swimmers in their habitat from various perspectives.

After a short lunch stop, we were supposed to go to Saint Gilles for some shopping. However, a heavy downpour forced us to seek shelter and cut short our shopping spree. When the rain took a short break, we fled to the car and drove back to the port on flooded streets. In the best sunshine, we returned the rental car and boarded again.

In the evening, there was once again a show that we had watched, but this time we were incredibly impressed by the effort put into the stage design, the costumes, and the overall atmosphere, which was happening everywhere. We were thrilled by how elaborate everything was designed. Above all, the acrobats were incredible. The show was called “Heart of the Ocean” and is probably the latest show from AIDA.

Another 4 Days at Sea

There followed another four days at sea during which we travelled from La Réunion to South Africa. Although we were able to rest properly once again, we still had enough leisure stress. Between eating, resting, and watching shows, the puzzle once again beckoned. Additionally, we finally wanted to try out the water slide.
But everything had to be well planned, because the guest choir had rehearsal again and the event The Voice was coming up. Rehearsals had to be held here as well. And amidst all the activities, we don't want to forget our dinner at Rossini. Dressed to the nines in the Little Black Dress and in a suit, we headed to the elegant à la carte restaurant Rossini. Here, we treated ourselves to an opulent 6-course menu and toasted to ourselves and our future.

On the last sea day before South Africa, the highlight then: Andrea and six other guests were to impress the jury and the audience at the Blind Auditions. Unfortunately, two of the singers dropped out due to a cold, but it was still a huge spectacle. Thanks to the rehearsals, the singers were able to impress, making it a tough choice for the jury. For the final, each team was allowed to nominate only one candidate. With “What a Feeling”, Andrea was able to impress and made it to the finals. There she was only beaten by an Elvis song. But being part of the show is what matters most.

South Africa delights with its Wildlife

Finally, we docked at the port of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) in South Africa. The ship was supposed to stay here overnight, so we had two full days available for excursions. But before we could go ashore, this time we had to go through passport control ourselves. For this, several customs officials came on board to carry out a “face check” and put the obligatory stamp in the passport. The waiting time was sweetened for us by a school of dolphins that playfully swam and jumped around the AIDA in the harbour basin with several calves.
On the first day, we went to the Kwantu Reserve, a private lodge with an attached safari park. There, we switched to off-road vehicles and then it was off into the wilderness. Our driver knew exactly where the best spots were to see animals. So, after a short drive, we found ourselves face to face with a lazy lion. Not far away, several lionesses had also made themselves comfortable under a bush. Hardly had the driver reported on the four lion cubs in total, when a lioness stood up. With her, two small lion cubs also rose, their heads peeking out from the dense grass.
Then we moved on to a small pond where two hippos - a mother and her son - resided. The young one kept coming up to us curiously, but maintained a respectful distance, while the mother was not disturbed by our presence.
Next, we continued our search for exotic animals. We discovered gnus, zebras, and many different types of antelopes. Often, there were also young animals present. The animals were apparently accustomed to the presence of vehicles, as they came very close and showed no fear. This way, we were able to observe the animals up close.
Our driver was eager to show us giraffes, elephants, and rhinos. Therefore, he wound his way through the reserve on bumpy tracks. Unfortunately, the giraffes had retreated to a more distant plateau. In contrast, the rhinos were less agile. From barely 20 meters away, we were able to quietly observe two magnificent specimens as they rested in the grass. Finally, we found a small herd of elephants with young ones.
Unfortunately, this beautiful safari also had to come to an end at some point. On the way back, however, we encountered some warthogs. Happy about the many sightings, we returned to the lodge, where a delicious lunch and a traditional dance performance awaited us. Additionally, we were surprised by the ignorance of some people. There was actually a statement that the animals, especially the lions, are fed every morning so that they can be easily found and are harmless to the visitors. Our driver had specifically pointed out to us not to stick any limbs out of the vehicle. The big cats would see this as an invitation and try to “play”. Of course, these were wild animals that lived completely freely and had to hunt for themselves regularly. Food was plentiful enough. It is common for only one out of four hunts to be successful.
Back on the ship, we were surprised to find that the AIDA had also invited a local dance group, and so we were able to enjoy another traditional dance performance in the Theatrium. Here, we also had to actively participate at the end. What a blast.

For the second day, we had chosen a river cruise on the Sunday's River. Since we were accompanied only by an English-speaking photographer from AIDA and a local guide who also spoke English, Andrea was somewhat involuntarily turned into the interpreter on the tour. In the process, Andrea also had to explain and imitate the strange click sounds of the Xhosa, a local tribe. Not so easy. With a small boat, we first went to a colony of bee-eaters. They had dug numerous nesting cavities into the steep bank. Then we went down the river towards the mouth. There, a vast dune field awaited us. Along the way, we encountered various birds, such as the majestic giant heron and several kingfishers. Unfortunately, we were not fortunate enough to spot a monitor lizard.
With every meter of the river, the landscape became drier and the dunes taller, until we finally reached the sea of sand. Here we could disembark and climb the sand dunes. From above, we had a panoramic view of the hinterland and out to the sea.
Late in the evening, the AIDA set sail again. A final day at sea lay ahead of us before we had to disembark in Cape Town.

The End is near; Disembarkation in Cape Town

As we entered the port of Cape Town, our cruise came to an end. One last time, we enjoyed a great sunrise on the deck of the AIDA. We were treated to a spectacular panorama of the surprisingly cloud-free Table Mountain. After a final breakfast on board, we had to check out and face South African life. First, we had to find a taxi to the car rental station. Apparently, a taxi in Germany is very cheap. For less than 3 km, they wanted to charge us around €20. Only with the help of a policewoman were we able to negotiate a reasonable price.
The pickup of our small rental car went smoothly, and shortly thereafter we were able to check into our room in a nice guesthouse. On the drive there, however, we had to be extremely careful. In South Africa, they drive on the left. You have to get used to that first. The windscreen wipers were used more often than the turn signal, and that without any rain 😂. The rest of the day was spent with a walk along the beach

For the next day, we had arranged to meet up with Britta and Vanessa again. Together, we wanted to drive down to the Cape of Good Hope. However, we planned to make a few stops along the way. So, there is a viewpoint on Duiker Island south of Cape Town. The small rocky island is populated by sea lions. The viewpoint, however, was only accessible on foot from a small settlement and was located far above. Thus, the sea lions could only be seen as dark spots. Further towards the Cape was Boulders Beach. Here you can encounter African penguins.

Then the cape was supposed to follow, and promptly we were stuck in traffic. Apparently, many others had the same idea. A considerable queue had formed before the entrance to the national park. Only after a good half hour could we pay the hefty entrance fee and then drive to the various viewpoints.
The cape boasts wild cliffs, picturesque sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. The flora and fauna are at least as impressive. Unfortunately, the Cape has become increasingly touristy over the past ten years, so there is now an inclined lift to the lighthouse and paved paths have been created. Nevertheless, the Cape is worth a trip. We also took the obligatory photo at the “Cape of Good Hope” and admired the view from the lighthouse. Additionally, we were captivated by the colour of the water at Platboom Beach. From the rich wildlife, we only discovered several small lizards, various birds, sea lions, and several ostriches. On the way back, we joked about the sign warning of baboons, and suddenly a majestic baboon strolled coolly right along the roadside. Back in Cape Town, we dropped off Britta and Vanessa at the V&A Waterfront again.

For the evening, we had reserved a table in advance at the Gold Restaurant to conclude our trip. The program included something about a traditional drum and dance show. On site, it turned out that we had to work for our food today. Because at each place there was a djembe, a small African drum. Before we could eat, we had to prove our talent in drumming. We were not aware that we had booked a drumming course. Under the guidance of a professional, around 200 guests tried to replicate the rhythm sequence at the same time. Only when we had sufficiently exhausted ourselves were we given the drums and the multi-course menu began. During the meal, there were repeated dance and singing performances. Additionally, we could have traditional face painting done. After the lively evening, we drove back to our accommodation, dead tired, and were already looking forward to the adventures of the next few days.

The next day, we wanted to take it a bit easier and decided on the Botanical Garden in Kirstenbosch. The weather was quite mixed, but just right for our purposes. So we strolled through the vast area and kept discovering new beautiful plants and surprisingly curious animals. After we had explored the many paved paths, we took a turn onto a small nature trail. It wound through lush vegetation and branched off multiple times. At some point, we suddenly found ourselves at the foot of the Table Mountain. From here, we could have attempted an ascent. Due to the late hour, however, we turned back.
For dinner, this time we stopped at a somewhat unusual establishment. On the very first evening, we had already discovered the Atlantic Express train car among the surrounding buildings. In nostalgic charm, we were served with great friendliness and were able to enjoy delicious meals.

Due to the weather forecast, we decided to explore the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood today. The predominantly Muslim district is known for its colourful houses and murals, making it a trendy area. To start, we went to the small local Bo-Kaap Deli for breakfast. Afterwards, we strolled along the streets and alleys. Since today was Eid al-Fitr, the last day of Ramadan, we encountered festively dressed people and families everywhere. This made the scenery even more colourful.
By chance, we met Daniel during this. The native German spoke to us on the street because of the large camera and invited us to his holiday home and studio for African artists. He guided us through the rooms and showed us the currently exhibited artworks and photographs. Over a cup of coffee, he told us about his life, Cape Town, and his project DAC on Dorp. On the way back to the car, we stopped by Laude Classic Cars Here, you can enjoy a cold drink or coffee among various classic cars right in the workshop and shop for one of the many vintage cars.
To conclude, we went to the Company's Garden, a small city park. The nice park is populated by numerous friendly squirrels that curiously approach everyone in hopes of getting a few nuts and sniff at their hands.
Now we have taken a cruise with a pool to various islands and have never gone swimming so far. We wanted to change that today and drove out to Muizenberg. Here there is a long sandy beach with lifeguards. But the real highlight is the colourful changing huts. Upon arriving at the beach, our desire to swim vanished. The cool wind created decent waves, and the water was damn cold. Nevertheless, the beach invited us for a walk, and at least with our feet, we were in the water.
For dinner, we were back at our accommodation and looked for a nice place to eat, not knowing that there would be karaoke that evening. Of course, Andrea had to join in once again and delighted the audience. Even on the way back, we were approached about the great performance.

All along, we had planned to hike up Table Mountain. Today was finally the day. The weather forecast was promising, and we felt fit enough. From the valley station of the cable car, we first went up to the steep wall. Here we could choose between three options. The medium easy tour, the short but dangerous ascent, or the long route through a gorge. We chose option three because we had enough time. The path led along the steep wall to a stream. From there, the path wound up the gorge in ever-narrowing switchbacks until we reached the summit. Along the way, we spotted various birds; otherwise, due to the season (autumn there), everything was quite dry. One bird particularly impressed us. Again and again, a flapping sound could be heard, which we couldn't identify. Then we discovered a small bird with an incredibly long tail. In flight, the tail made this noise. Later, we found out that this is a Cape Sugarbird.
During the hike, the view of Cape Town and the sea was breathtaking. Unfortunately, more and more clouds rolled in later, so we had to cover the last few meters in dense fog. Upon reaching the summit, we were able to take advantage of some gaps in the clouds and take a look down. As it noticeably cooled down, we soon took the cable car back down.
Exhausted but happy to have climbed Table Mountain on foot, we treated ourselves to a small snack in Bo-Kaap and ended the day with a stroll through the V&A Waterfront. There, we bought tickets for the World Heritage Site Robben Island for the next and, unfortunately, also the last day of our vacation.

In the morning, Andrea suddenly didn't feel well, but we still went to the V&A Waterfront to take the ferry to Robben Island. Unfortunately, Andrea's condition worsened. When it was time to board the ship, nothing worked anymore. A crossing and visit to the historic island was out of the question. Instead, we went to the doctor. Fortunately, we were squeezed in at short notice, and shortly thereafter, we had a comprehensive prescription in hand. After we had obtained the medication, we went back to the ticket counter. There, they were so accommodating as to cancel our tickets and refund the costs, since rescheduling for the following day was not possible for us, as it was the day of our departure.
Andrea was, of course, very sad and frustrated because she would have liked to visit the World Heritage site. The rest of the day, Andrea spent sleeping, and Frank worked a bit on our homepage and sorted the vacation pictures.

Heading home again

Last but not least, it was our departure day. For breakfast, we went back to the train car. The waiter recognised us immediately and was happy about our return visit. Back at the accommodation, we packed everything up and stowed it in the suitcases. At 11 o'clock, we had to check out. Our flight was not until 6:30 p.m. Therefore, we took our time and drove to the Company's Garden again. From there, we strolled to the Jewish Center. There, there is a small exhibition on the Holocaust as well as an impressive museum about Judaism in South Africa.
Then we wanted to return the rental car in the city as per our booking. When we asked there for a taxi to the airport, the employee kindly offered to drop off the rental car at the airport for free. This way, we saved on the taxi costs and headed to the airport relaxed.
From Cape Town, we first went to Dubai and then continued to Munich. When we finally arrived home early in the evening, we realised that we had hardly slept for about 34 hours. We made up for it the next night.