Nestled in the shadow of Table Mountain, Cape Town is the oldest urban area in South Africa.  And what’s the best way to see it?  From above!  Flying high over the city offers breathtaking views.  As if that wasn’t stunning enough, I even caught a glimpse of a humpback whale from overhead!

There were a lot of firsts on my South African adventure, and one of them was flying in a helicopter.  From the moment it left the ground I was hooked!

One of my bucket list adventures was an African safari.  I’d always dreamed of seeing wild elephants, lions, giraffes, and everything in-between.  Well, the Gondwana Game Reserve had them all!  It’s the perfect location to make anyone’s safari dreams come true!

No bull hooks or gimmicky performances here.  Just a beautiful matriarch enjoying her expansive freedom.

The Muizenberg’s beach huts were inspired by the “bathing machines” of the 1800s.  Back in those days, a box-like contraption would be wheeled down to the beach so ladies could change into their nun-like attire.  Once in bathing suits that covered them from their neck to their ankles, they were off to enjoy the shallows.

The two rows of colorful facades stand out along the subtle hues of the Muizenberg beach.  Uniquely brilliant, they’re the perfect backdrop for films, commercial shoots, or a few hundred Instagram likes.

These aren’t the drones you’re looking for.  Who needs a high flying camera when you can simply dangle over the edge of a cliff for an epic shot?  Kids, don’t try this at home.

Completed in 1859, the original lighthouse on the Cape of Good Hope now serves as the centralized monitoring point for all lighthouses in South Africa.  You can visit it by either taking a 3-minute ride up the Flying Dutchman funicular, or by hiking up the hill and nearby stairs.  How many stairs you ask?…

… Well, let’s just say a lot.  But it gives you a great view of the southwestern tip of the African continent, as well as where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

Up for a little adventure?  Then I highly recommend a sunrise hike up Lion’s Head for a breathtaking view of Cape Town and Table Mountain.  The climb may get a little hairy towards the top, but the view is well worth a few near-death experiences.

I enjoyed the hike with a few other ladies on The Blonde Abroad Photography Tour.  And with a scenic reward like this, it’s no wonder Lion’s Head is one of the most popular trails around Cape Town (where hiking routes are plentiful!)

Hanging out with wild penguins on the beach.  Yup.  That’s a thing.  One of the most memorable moments of my African adventure (and one of the best reasons to visit South Africa) was getting up close and personal with these adorable little waddlers at Boulders Beach.  But despite cuteness overload, realize they’re still wild animals and not keen on hugs or snuggles (sad face).

Just when you didn’t think they could be any more precious.  They’re holding hands!  Or would it be holding wings?  Whatever you’d call it, it’s beyond adorable.

The colorful streets of Bo Kaap make up one of Cape Town’s most recognizable neighborhoods.  Located at the base of Signal Hill, it offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and colorful exteriors perfect for pictures.

Another prismatic neighborhood in Cape Town is Woodstock.  Here, once crime-ridden streets have been replaced with street art that draws crowds and artists from all over the world.  Not to mention a few snap-happy tourists, like myself.

We heart you, South Africa!  I met up with one of my friends, The Barefoot Drifter, who also happened to be staying in Cape Town.  Together, we rode the Table Mountain Cable Car up a 2,510ft vertical incline to the summit.  Once on top, we grabbed a snack and enjoyed one of the most spectacular sunsets I’ve ever seen.  Want to experience it for yourself?  Then grab your skip-the-line ticket with a private transfer here!

Seriously, that sky!  One of the best reasons to visit South Africa is the sunset views from the top of Table Mountain.  The vivid oranges and purples over Cape Town were unreal.  Photos simply can’t do it justice.

Another bucket list experience from my visit to South Africa was cage diving with great white sharks.  As a self-proclaimed science nerd, I’ve always been fascinated by these particularly mysterious hunters.  So having the opportunity to see them up close in their natural environment was unforgettable.

Founded in 1685, Boschendal is one of the oldest farms in South Africa.  Today, you can visit the picturesque estate for farm-fresh food, delectable wines, and long-lasting memories.  For those reasons, relaxing in the heart of South African wine country is a must!

Just another jaw-dropping sunset.  No big deal.  In the distance, Lion’s Head bids farewell to another gorgeous South African day.

South Africa offers not only new experiences, but also new stars!  The constellations are completely different in the Southern Hemisphere, making you realize you’re really far from home.  No Big Dipper.  And, no North Star.  No kidding!