Table Mountain, Robben Island & Penguins in Cape Town, South Africa

I’m really excited to interview David E. Frost of Well Past Forty about Cape Town, South Africa. David’s tips for the best things to do in Cape Town are awesome because he spent time there as a faculty advisor on a study abroad trip. Although David lives in Southern California, he felt completely at home in Cape Town and cannot wait to return. He loves the city’s people and the natural beauty of Cape Town.

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Table Mountain sunset. Photo courtesy of Dewald Van Rensburg on Pixabay

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is the capital of South Africa and the country’s 2nd-most populous city. It is located on the country’s southwest coast on a peninsula beneath the shadow of Table Mountain. You can hike up this prominent landmark or ride the cable car to catch remarkable views of the city and ocean. One of the country’s three national capitals is located in Cape Town.

Visitors will find many worthwhile museums that document the country’s history of slavery, apartheid, and the Boer War. Robben Island is a must-visit, as it is the island prison of Nelson Mandela that has since been turned into a museum. No visit to the African continent would be complete without taking in a “Big 5” safari, where you’ll attempt to see a lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo.

Based on its location, Cape Town has very mild coastal weather similar to Southern California, where David is from. Throughout the year you’ll experience the Cape Town Jazz Festival, surfing contests, and whale watching. You can also catch a rugby, cricket, or soccer match during your trip. David recommends visiting during whale calving season from June to November each year.

We share a lot of resources and local suggestions in today’s podcast, but you should also check out Love Cape Town, the local visitor’s bureau. They are a wealth of information and can help you plan an itinerary based on your time, budget, and interests. The Namola app provides travelers with educational information on health and safety during their visit.

When you visit, consider the City Pass Cape Town because it offers unlimited access, discounts, and special offers to over 80 attractions within the city. You can buy a City Pass for 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days at a time. Popular attractions include the Table Mountain Cable Car, Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off bus tour.

If you’d like to learn how to travel for free using airline miles and hotel points, check out my free 7-day email course.

Penguins on Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town. Courtesy of falco on Pixabay

Getting around Cape Town

The local airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT), which is about a 20-minute drive to the city. Use our Expedia tool below to find flight, hotel, and rental car options.

David says that most people should not rent a car. South Africa uses the “Brit”-style of driving, with the car on the left side of the road. Most U.S. drivers are uncomfortable driving on the “wrong” side of the road. Buses, commissioned limos, and taxis can get you to most of the areas that you would want to see. If you must drive, click here for the best offers from Avis, Budget, or Hertz.

Uber is also an excellent way to get around. The mobile phone system in Cape Town is one of Africa’s best, so you always have service to hail a ride.

Colorful houses in the Bo-Kaap Muslim neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Pascal Ohlmann on Pixabay

Places we talked about on the podcast

Here is a map of all of the places we talked about on the podcast episode with David E. Frost about Cape Town, South Africa. You can zoom into the map and click on each dot to explore the city.

• Red dots = best places to eat in Cape Town, South Africa
• Green dots = best things to do in Cape Town, South Africa
• Yellow dots = best places to stay in Cape Town, South Africa

Who is David E. Frost?

David Frost used to see the world from US Navy Ships. He now enjoys, when international travel is possible, meeting citizens and engaging in active itineraries. Here’s hope that he’ll soon have more stamps in his US Passport. On international travel, Dave finds gyms, BoatHouse, walking tours, and hiking trails to celebrate. His wife and he like “off the beaten tourist paths.”

Now that he is retired “Koach David” is focused on helping people live longer, happier lives “well past forty.” He has started the “KABOOMER” philosophy that thinks of movement as good medicine. Under his system, he shares the healthy habits and strategies for people to thrive and strive into their nineties so they don’t have to feel old as they age. You can read all about it in his book KABOOMER and on his Well Past Forty website.

David Frost with a picture of Nelson Mandela in prison.

Here are a few articles and podcasts that he has been in:

• Thriving into your 90s with David Frost
• Capt David E Frost USNA’75 Author “Kaboomer, Thriving and Striving Into Your 90’s on #SALRadio
• REHIIT–Tailoring Interval Training for Older Fitness Clients

You can connect with David on his website and on Twitter and Facebook.

Click here to download our one-page guide of David’s tips for Cape Town.

Big thanks to today’s affiliate partner – Acorns

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I’ve been using Acorns for years, and I love how easy it is to use. For a limited time, when you sign up at wetravelthere.com/acorns, we’ll both earn $5.

Table Bay Harbour. Photo courtesy of Jean van der Meulen on Pixabay

Stay tuned for our next episode

Listen to the next episode when Carrie Nicholson of Hashtag Colorado Life shares the best things to do in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Carrie and I talk about Garden of the Gods, corn mazes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and driving up Pike’s Peak. We hope you’ll join us when We Travel There.

What’s your favorite part of Cape Town? Send us a Tweet, let us know in the comment section below, or continue the discussion in our Facebook group!

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To see which cities we’ve interviewed and scheduled, please visit WeTravelThere.com/map. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, please submit an application at WeTravelThere.com/guest.

Related episodes

To learn more about visiting Africa, listen to our other episodes:

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• Badagry Museum, Freedom Park & Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos, Nigeria
• Safari Walk, Karura Forest & Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya
• Bahia Palace, Jardin Secret & Exotic Ski Resort in Marrakech, Morocco