MY LATEST adventure took me to a whole other hemisphere across the planet to Cape Town, South Africa.
Six months ago I had to no intention of visiting this country, but a twist of fate landed me in this place far from my home. Originally, I went there for a work trip to act in some films and commercials, but as soon as I got there that quickly evolved into an outdoor excursion.
A view of the city centre where JJ stayed in Cape Town.
I have traveled to many countries that would be considered off the beaten track, but there is something unique about traveling to Africa. Cape town is a beautiful coastal town reminiscent of Santa Barbara and Santa Monica in California, USA. Since it’s located in the southern hemisphere, their summers are our winters although Los Angeles was experiencing unusual blistering 90-degree weather in February, so it wasn’t much of a difference. But wow is Cape Town windy. Imagine Los Angeles with winds like Chicago with the intense summer sun of Lake Tahoe and you have Cape Town’s weather.
Beyond Cape Town’s beautiful yet windy weather, the geographical scenery is another amazing feature. Table Mountain, the city’s natural wonder, hovers over one side of the city while Lion’s head, another mountain, encompasses another side, and the Atlantic Ocean borders the rest of the city. It’s no wonder why outdoorsy folks flock to this area. There are mountains in every direction, providing an endless array of activities for hikers, mountain bikers, hang gliders, and climbers .
So of course as soon I got there, I put on my running shoes and my hydration pack and I ran from City Centre where I was staying to the nearest trailhead. Cape Town isn’t actually that large of a city in terms of land size, so to put this in perspective, you can travel from the trailheads of Table Mountain all the way to the ocean within a few miles. Since I’m a trail runner, it’s a perfect size town to walk and run everywhere.
African penguins at Simon’s Town.
The trails overlook the ocean and provide amazing views of the city and mountain ranges depending on where you hike. I remember my first hike up Lion’s Head thinking I never wanted to leave because there was so much to explore.
With so many trail variations and rock routes to climb, I could spend months on end exploring the area, and that’s just Cape Town. Outside the city there is an exotic untamed world. I mean it is Africa! And did I forget to mention African penguins? These little guys roam around the beaches of Simon’s Town just outside Cape Town. Just be careful or you will get bitten like I did.
JJ at the top of Lion’s Head.
One of the joys of travelling to new places is the food. Cape Town is a perfect example of amazing world-class fare. If you are a seafood lover than Cape Town will be a buffet paradise for you. Calamari, steaks, wine, chicken pies, so many delicious options, and it’s a fraction of the price of US prices. Nothing I like better than getting bargain prices with lots of good foods. It just makes you want to eat more, especially after a long day in the outdoors.
Cape Town is a must see destination for anyone looking to explore the world, especially those who love climbing, the outdoors, the hot sun, and great food. It’s a developing country, so just keep that in mind, but a little adventure keeps you on your feet. My trip there was short, but I’m already planning to go back soon.
JJ running on Lion’s Head.
If you are planning to visit Cape Town, South Africa and would like some recommendations on places to go, restaurants, climbs, hikes, please feel free to contact me at www.jjyosh.com
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