The mere mention of my solo trip to Cape Town, South Africa often elicits surprise and skepticism from others. “Really? I could never do that by myself,” they exclaim, their voices tinged with uncertainty. The questions inevitably follow: “Don’t you get bored? Aren’t you scared for your safety? You don’t have a man or a friend that would go with you?” These inquiries, steeped in apprehension, underscore a common barrier to travel – fear.
Fear, I’ve discovered, is the silent saboteur of dreams. It’s the invisible force that holds us back, whispering doubts and insecurities in our ears. For too long, I allowed fear to dictate the course of my life – until I decided to break free from its grasp.
As a single woman in my late thirties, I refused to wait for the perfect moment or the perfect companion to explore the world. I wanted to see the world on my own terms, so I embarked on a solo journey to Cape Town for my 40th birthday.
Embracing the Unknown
My choice was driven by a desire for adventure and self-discovery. Having previously traveled solo to Thailand and Portugal, I sought a destination that would challenge and inspire me.
After hearing rave reviews and discovering a convenient direct Delta flight from Atlanta, Cape Town became my destination.
Embracing the spontaneity that comes with solo travel, I opted to forgo meticulous planning and figure it out when I got there.
After a 15-hour flight, I stepped off the plane and felt the vibrant energy of the “Mother City.” Over the next 11 days, I navigated Cape Town’s contrasts—from driving on the opposite side of the road, language barriers, to being in Africa but surrounded by white people.
(It was surreal, one day I was at the beach, I looked around and there were white families and their dogs galavanting at the beach, with not a single black person in sight. I felt like I was at Malibu Beach and not a beach in Africa.)
I encountered South Africa’s complex racial dynamics. Right after I landed, I was called “colored,” by my Uber driver. As an American Black Woman hearing someone call you that in 2024 was jarring. But I learned the term “colored” isn’t offensive in South Africa because it is one of the races in Cape Town.
Visiting the different areas you are confronted with the country’s tumultuous past and ongoing struggles.
Forging Connections
Despite these challenges, I found beauty in connecting with locals and other travelers. On my first night, I was invited to dinner by a Delta flight attendant I met while stretching on the long flight.
My first night in Cape Town, I went to dinner with a group of strangers; we ate, danced and met locals.
Surrounded by new friends and immersed in local hospitality, I discovered one of the joys of solo travel: the freedom to forge connections and create lasting memories.
A chance encounter at the spa, I met someone that I instantly connected with; another solo traveler from my home state of Washington. We enjoyed exploring Cape Town for one day together. In a short time, we formed such a strong bond and connection; we laughed until there were tears and shared our life story with each other. It’s moments like these that remind me of the beautiful unpredictability of life and the magic of human connection.
Culinary Delights
Food was a highlight. As a seafood lover, I was delighted by the fresh seafood available at most restaurants. A favorite was Salty Sea Dog in Simon’s Town, where I tried traditional fish and chips and the beloved South African dessert, Malva Pudding. Someone said it best: Cape Town’s cuisine is as diverse as its inhabitants, offering a wide range of cuisine.
Accommodations
When it comes to hotels, many are converted homes rather than traditional hotels.There were very limited traditional hotel options. I stayed at 6 different 4-5 star hotels during my stay in Cape Town ranging from $70- $1200.
I will say, I felt very safe at all the hotels I stayed at. I stayed at two Tintswalo locations, which I loved. The properties made sure to have a security guard 24/7 and a gate to ensure the guest’s safety. While I was at my Tintswalo Atlantic and Tintswalo Boulders Boutique Villa, I was able to truly appreciate the beautiful ocean views and it was probably the only time I was able to fully relax and decompress because I felt safe at their properties. I truly felt like they provided a personalized service that helped me get drivers for my adventures, booking my massage and checking in to make sure I had everything I needed. The Tintswalo properties made sure to make everything easy for me, so I could enjoy my vacation and could truly appreciate the beauty Cape Town had to offer.
Dating Adventures
When I travel solo, I enjoy exploring the dating scene in other countries. I usually will download a dating app when I arrive in a new city—it’s a fascinating way to meet locals and learn how men in other cultures approach dating.
I view my brief encounters with these men as delightful experiences. After chatting with someone I found interesting, I decided to go on a date in Cape Town.
Is it risky to meet a stranger in a foreign country? Of course. But dating in the United States can be just as unpredictable, especially in Atlanta because please don’t get me started with that!
Honestly, I often have better dating experiences while traveling, and Cape Town did not disappoint.
Outdoor thrills
Cape Town’s landscapes and experiences offer a balance of adventure and tranquility, perfect for any traveler seeking to explore new horizons.
I am an adventure seeker. One of my favorite things I did while in Cape Town was riding an ATV in the white Atlantis Sand Dunes. It was truly beautiful to see. Crystal white sand dunes for miles. For an hour I got to ride my heart out and be in a new world, in my own world;opening my mind to all the endless possibilities.
Traveling solo, you can determine who you want to be and find what brings you happiness, peace and joy. In our daily lives, women often find themselves wearing multiple hats: that of a mother, aunt, wife, coworker, and more. These roles come with their own set of expectations, responsibilities and societal norms.
However, when a woman embarks on a journey, whether it’s a short escapade or an extended vacation, she steps into a realm where she can truly be who she wants to be without the fear of judgment.Traveling solo offers a liberating experience, a chance to shed the layers of societal expectations and embrace their true selves.
Exploring iconic landmarks like Boulders Beach to see the penguins, going to the colorful vibrant Bo-Kaap community, to the Cape of Good Hope, I was struck by the raw beauty of the natural surroundings and the rich history embedded in the landscape.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was visiting the Cape of Good Hope, the southwesternmost point of Africa. This was where I encountered roaming wildlife like ostriches, my driver shared with me it was a quiet day because visitors normally will see zebras, antelopes and tortoises. I hiked through breathtaking scenery, with views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Sea. Be prepared for the intense wind gusts. But the view is breathtaking.
Challenging Hikes
While I consider myself an experienced hiker, I was not prepared for the steep elevation and incline of Cape Town’s iconic trails. The hikes up Lion’s Head and Table Mountain were among the most challenging I’ve ever done, but they were also the most rewarding.
During the 5.5-hour hike on Table Mountain, there were moments I felt like quitting—but, just like in life, you can’t give up when things get tough. Reaching the summit, with its 2,000-foot elevation, was a triumphant experience.
If you’re not comfortable hiking alone, consider going with a guide, or take the cable car up Table Mountain for stunning views from above the clouds.
Breathtaking Beaches and Sunsets
When I wasn’t seeking adventure in Cape Town, I was enjoying the beautiful beaches. I am one who can lay out and relax at the beach all day.
One of my favorite things to do while I travel is to watch the sunset. I enjoyed the beautiful sunsets at Boulder Beach, Hout Bay, Camps Bay, Clifton Beach, and Bloubergstrand Beach.
I felt incredibly grateful to witness some of the world’s most stunning sunsets. The sunsets in Cape Town have a way of making people pause and appreciate the beauty around them. With the 7 Apostles in the background you have one of the most picturesque cities.
Harsh Realities
However, amidst the beauty in Cape Town, I couldn’t ignore the harsh realities. Conversations with locals revealed the enduring effects of apartheid, with many workers commuting from townships to affluent areas, highlighting the stark economic disparities.
It was very visible the socioeconomic inequality. “With over 32% unemployment – the world’s highest – and 59.4% among ages 15-24, South Africa’s failure to deliver jobs, housing, and services to the poor is evident.
The African National Congress has been in government since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule in 1994, but has seen its support gradually wane over the last 30 years, largely because of its failure to deliver jobs, housing and services to millions of poor people.” According to the Associated Press.
My instinct to walk and explore was curtailed, and I took extra precautions with my belongings. I encountered challenges and moments of unease. Conversations with locals and recommendations from fellow travelers underscored the importance of vigilance and awareness in unfamiliar surroundings.
One of the weekends I was there, 7 people were murdered in Cape Town. The crime was violent and it was like a war zone the week I left with 94 murders in 3 days, According to the Daily Maverick “Western Cape ‘war zone’ killings exceed European country’s annual fatal shootings.”
I learned about the harsh realities of Cape Town’s crime rates and socioeconomic disparities. Uber drivers rolled up windows and locked doors in certain areas, and I was told to avoid the townships due to high crime rates. I even found myself the victim of an opportunist at dinner; My American Express card was stolen and on my birthday they racked up $700 worth of charges.This was the first time I have had my credit card stolen. But I didn’t let that damper my trip.
To give you perspective, the current minimum wage in South Africa is ZAR27. 58 per hour in 2024. The amounts are in South African Rand which equates to $1.45 in USD. I was told by my drivers they make between $50-200 USD a month.
The fact is there are limited to no jobs for Black South Africans to thrive and provide opportunities for themselves because I was told even if you do go to University it doesn’t always make a difference because they can’t get jobs. In my brief observations, the only jobs for Black South Africans were service industry jobs. In fact, while I was at dinner in the Sea Pointe area, my waiter told me that I had to leave because the restaurant was closed and their shuttle was there to pick up all the servers to take them back to the township area because they all get bused in for work.
To give you an idea, in the Camps Bay area, homes in the area are a million dollars upwards. Food prices are high end. It is unaffordable for locals to even enjoy the Cape Town areas.
Many South Africans are frustrated about systemic injustices, persistent poverty and inequality; The World Bank reported that South Africa was the most unequal country in the world, ranking first among 164 countries in the World Bank’s global poverty database. South Africa suffers among the highest levels of inequality in the world when measured by the commonly used Gini index;a statistical distribution of welfare indicators commonly used to measure inequality.
Racial Divide
The racial divide was very blatant. I was often mistaken for “colored” until speaking, local Black people often didn’t speak to me until I initiated conversation, I experienced being an outsider in white-dominated tourist areas despite the city’s Black African (45.7%), Coloured (35%), and White (16.2%) demographics. The 1950 Population Registration Act’s legacy of legalized discrimination persists, a sobering reminder of the country’s turbulent history.
Cape Town, like America, is a country of two nations: the rich whites and the poor blacks. The Population Registration Act, introduced in 1950, divided South Africans into four groups—White, African, Coloured, and Indian—to enforce racial segregation. Though repealed in 1991, the racial divide remains stark.
Transformative Growth
As I reflect on my time in Cape Town, I am reminded of Mark Twain’s words: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Solo travel broadens our perspectives, challenges our assumptions, and fosters connections across cultures.
In conclusion, my solo journey to Cape Town was a transformative experience that tested my limits and broadened my perspective. While I may not recommend solo travel to Cape Town for the faint of heart, I wholeheartedly encourage others to step outside their comfort zones and embrace solo exploration. In the midst of uncertainty and discomfort, we often find the greatest opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
At 40, I have reached a pivotal moment in my life—a time of introspection, and profound transformation. This solo trip symbolizes my decision to take control of my own narrative, to shape my destiny with intention and purpose. It is a bold statement to the world that I am unapologetically embracing who I am, where I’ve been, and where I’m going. This is only the start of a journey filled with endless possibilities, boundless horizons, and the unshakeable belief that the best is yet to come.
Here’s to the solo travelers, the dreamers, and the adventurers—may your journeys be filled with wonder, courage, and the unwavering belief in the power of travel to change lives.