Cool Kids in Cape Town
Jerk & Jollof Cape Town with singer, Odeal
Detty December warriors know this time of year is usually dominated by Nigeria and Ghana, at least publicly for the last few years. Ever since 2019, with Ghana’s campaign for “The Year of the Return” the spotlight on west Africa has been effervescent, attracting people from all over the world, to celebrate, party, partake in cultural activities and be at home. This past year, I and over 300 over travelers from all over the world decided to mix it up, and head to Cape Town for a change of pace, scenery and amapiano, and it was the best decision ever!
Voted ‘Best City in the World 2025” by Time Out Magazine, Cape Town absolutely deserves that title! Cape Town is located in the western cape of South Africa, in the southern most country on the African continent. It’s where the mountains meet the sea, with winding roads at the edge of cliffs, beautiful beaches, artistic urban development, and so much more. It offers a variety of activities outside of partying, that will meet the needs of any traveler.
No memo was set out to head to South Africa this past Detty December, but if you’ve been following pop culture, the rise of amapiano and South African tv and film abroad, has pushed South Africa to the forefront of people’s minds. Despite its terrible political and racial history of apartheid, South Africa truly is one of Africa’s giants.
I created a group chat on WhatsApp that brought together over 300 travelers, content creators, DJs, event curators, photographers, community leaders and more to share resources, events and recommendations for Cape Town and boy, did we have a time! So grateful for the experience to curate a space for people to meet new people and learn new things, in a new city. Even though I was glued to my phone, most days, coordinating meetups, and helping to curate vibes, just seeing the connections fostered from the group, was amazing. It was great meeting people from all over including the U.K., Sweden, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, France, and the U.S.
Now, let’s get into these recommendations shall we! I will probably make a part II to this because there’s so much information to share. Everything I share will be based on my experience or the experiences of others in the group chat. There were mansion parties in Camps Bay, yacht parties, winery tours, group dinners, day parties at Rooftop on Bree, beach meet ups, and so much more! This won’t be an all inclusive list of where to go and what to do but I promise you’ll have more than enough to do in a full week trip to Cape Town!
Things to Do
Aquila Safari
Lion's Head hike
Kayak with dolphins
Table Mountain cable car
Cape Point/Castle of Good Hope
Boulder’s beach (penguins)
Muizenberg beach (surfing)
Chapman’s peak drive
Sante Spa
12 Apostles Spa
One & Only Spa
Sunrise hike to the top of Lion’s Head
Places to Visit
Zeitz MOCAA Museum
Robben Island Museum
Bokaap neighborhood
V&A Waterfront & mall
Old Biscuit Mill/Neighborgoods Market (weekends)
Winery tour in Stellenbosch & Franschhoek
Greenmarket Square
Milnerton Flea Market
Oranjezicht City Farm Market
1st Thursdays Night Market
Winery Tour in Franschhoek
where to eat
The Bungalow
Gigi Rooftop
The Codfather
Therapy
Tang
Uptopia Rooftop
FYN
La Colombe
Salon
Nikkei
Jarryds (all day brunch)
The Nines
Gold
Kloof Street House
Arthurs Mini Super
Mantra Cafe
Laparada
Sevruga
Art of Duplicity
Asoka
Athletic Club
Neighbourgood’s Market @ Old Biscuit Mill (weekends)
Where to Party
Enzo
Souk
Vogue
Drama
Saint
RANDS in Khayelitsha (weekends/outdoor)
Sneaker Cartel
Cabo Beach Club
Strictly Soul
Slow Cooked Sundays
Neighbourgood’s Market @ Old Biscuit Mill (day party/outdoor)
As you can see, a time was had in Cape Town this past December/January! This was my third and best time visiting, and can’t wait to make it back this December! Hope these suggestions are helpful in planning your Cape Town vacation itinerary.
The Cool Kids will be back in Cape Town 2025!
If you want to join the Cool Kids in Cape Town or Cool Kids in JoBurg WhatsApp group chat,
comment “Cool Kids” below!
