Muizenberg is a fresh air escape. Straight down Metrorail's Southern Suburbs line, you'll go through the suburbs, wetlands, and eventually arrive at your destination - the False Bay side of the Cape, right in the heart of Surfer's Corner. This area, once a bit derelict, has changed since significant renovations and community investments have been made to keep it safe and clean. There are a few shops to rent boards and wetsuits from, if surfing is your thing. People watching is one of my favorite activities from the Knead cafe on the beachfront - all ages and races flock to this beach and you'll see why they call South Africa a "rainbow nation". If you've got time for another detour, I recommend the Muizenberg to St. James walk, just to the right once you leave the station. It's a promenade between the train tracks and the ocean that make for a really nice walk to the nearby town Kalk Bay.

When you search for "gardens" and "Cape Town", you will inevitably be directed to the Company's Gardens or world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Sure, those are worth a visit, but for something a little more unique and off the beaten path, I'll direct you to the Arderne Gardens. What was once a family's private estate is now property of the city and one of the finest collection of exotic trees in South Africa. The original owner, an English timber merchant, collected seedlings from all over the world. Six of the trees have now been distinguished for their age and significance by the City of Cape Town as 'Champion Trees', one of the most popular trees being the vast Moreton Bay Fig in this photo. There are a few different areas within the gardens - a great lawn beneath a giant Norfolk Pine, a Japanese inspired koi pond, and one section filled with hydrangea bushes (resembling something straight out of Alice in Wonderland). On any given weekend, you'll brush past groups of girls in of bright orange or maybe turquoise taffeta dresses at the entrance. The gardens are a cultural gathering point for some in the community, and the giant fig is known as the 'wedding tree' where newlyweds have their photo taken. If you're looking to escape the chaos and see a hidden gem, Arderne is perfect place for a romantic stroll or afternoon picnic.

Located across from Sakhumzi Restaurant and adjacent to Thali's Snack Bar I encountered wall art that captures the spirit of the people of Soweto and all of the once segregated townships. Walk up the street and you'll encounter vendors, dancers and all of the other things that cater to tourists. Soweto is a bit touristy but definitely worth a visit. I'd go in the morning or evening when the buses clear out. That's also when you can hang with the locals and get away from the Lonely Planet guides.

In 2010 we made our first trip to Cape Town and within 5 days it became one of our all time favorite places. The scenery, the people, the history, the places to see are so rich in culture and it's 'stormy' past all add to one's experience. Here's only one example and why we will be there again in 2012. The residents of Bo-Kaap are mostly descended from slaves who were imported to the Cape by the Dutch during the the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. They reigned from Africa, Indonesia, Java Malaysia, and elsewhere in Asia. They were known as “Cape Malays”, which is an incorrect term as most of BoKaap’s residents are not entirely of Malaysian descent. There are still traces of Indonesian vocabulary in BoKaap’s dialect. There are also many words which have also been substituted with Afrikaans. The Dutch imported slaves who were political exiles, convicts, skilled craftsmen, artisans, famous scholars and religious leaders. Islam started in Saudi Arabia some 1400 years ago and many people with that background also reside there, having come in the 1700's.

Trips to Cape Town find me returning to a quaint little Mexican bistro called El Burro. Fantastic food at perfect prices and superior service have me and my guests always itching for more! Pictured above is a speciality, Prawn and Mango Tacos. My only qualm with this dish is that it's not part of the standard menu offering!

The Victoria and ALFRED waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa has seen virtually every tourist who sets foot in Cape Town. It is a hub of dining and shopping venues on the waterfront of the most beautiful city in the world. A fabulous view of Table Mountain can be had on the boat over to Robben Island which leaves from the area. The Cape Grace Hotel is located right there but for a more boutique choice try the Cape Heritage Hotel. And don't miss - seriously don't miss- the Savoy Cabbage Restaurant. Two incredible dinners there in the month we were in South Africa. We also had a wonderful meal at Caveau adjacent to the hotel.

Origin roasts and serves, arguably, the best coffee in Cape Town. They're known for their quality and provide beans to around 80 city-wide establishments. I frequent their headquarters and cafe on Hudson Street whenever I'm in Cape Town for my caffeine fix. It's a trendy venue, tucked away in a small neighborhood where the Waterfront district meets the slopes of Signal Hill, making it a great place to people watch. Origin makes what they call "Montreal-style" bagels, which are a bit thin but still satisfy my cravings. For R30 their mini-breakfast includes a scrambled egg, tomatos, bacon (or mushrooms), and a bagel, and this is one of the best breakfast deals in town. If you're a caffeine addict like me, you'll want to ask for the loyalty card which will earn you a free drink every 10 stamps/beverages purchased.

The 27 clauses of South African's constitution are carved into these massive, gorgeous doors leading in to the court. Inside the foyer, the curated art collection is on par with museum-quality standards.

The interior of the Apartheid Museum is powerful and sobering, but step outside in to the adjacent 'veld' (Afrikaans for 'field') and you'll lose yourself in the equally powerful beauty of the landscape.

Vilakazi Street is perhaps the most famous street in Soweto, or in all of Johannesburg, South Africa. The street claims a rather unique distinction, being the only street in the world to have once had as residents two Nobel Prize winners. Those two men are His Excellency Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu. It is also where where 13-year-old Hector Pieterson was shot dead, sparking the beginning of riots, on June 16, 1976. A memorial is nearby in Soweto and that day is now National Youth Day. At the corner of Vilakazi and Ngakane streets, is Mandela House which is a great testament to Mr. Mandela as well as to the greater fight against apartheid and for equal rights not only in South Africa but around the world. However, it is Soweto itself which is most important on this street. Vilakazi may be well known around the world but the neighborhood is still a simple one where people live and work every day. Perhaps what makes Vilakazi Street so great is just that simplicity, proof that out of the most ordinary of places can come greatness. All that is needed is for people to decide to stand up and fight. Because Soweto is a home to so many people, approach visiting with respect, particularly on Vilakazi Street. Please hire a local guide and take care while exploring the area.

On a random drive out with my cousin one weekend, we decided to venture out to some wine estates in the Stellenbosch area. We happened to stumble upon this gem called the Hidden Valley Wine Estate. Stunning views all around, provided us with an amazing drive right up to the door of the on site restaurant which happens to be the award winning, Overture Restaurant. A little further up the mountain, and you're privvy to a view stretching right out to the ocean!

The court is housed in a beautiful building atop Constitution Hill. Outside is the old jail, the new Flame of Democracy, and the even newer bust of Ghandi (he was jailed here 4 times). Inside, the art is incredible. Worth the trip just for it.

This Impala Stampede sculpture was originally donated by the Oppenheimer. It was vandalized many years ago at its original location in Oppenheimer Park, but has been repaired and moved to this spot on Main Street, a beautiful pedestrian mall, right outside the Anglo American headquarters. A nice place to take a stroll on an afternoon.

I got a sneek preview today of the new facility for WAM (the art museum of the University of the Witwatersrand). The opening gala is this Wednesday. A great space with the best collection of African art. they have over 10,000 pieces, about 300 of which will be on display. This image is of a portion of Jackson Hlungwane’s Women’s Altar to God. Join AFAR Experiences in South Africa this fall.

There are several shops in the trendy Parkhurst neighborhood that caught my eye. We were there with Jo'burg trend spotter Craig Jacobs who showed us the way. Essential Life was the first place we stopped. Here is a description from their website: "A unique retail experience awaits you at Essential Life lifestyle boutique on 4th Avenue in Parkhurst, Johannesburg. The store boasts hundreds of uniquely South African lifestyle products, interior accessories, artworks and multi-functional hard furnishings produced exclusively for Essential Life by the in-house design team. Ranges include Essential Earth home-ware and accessories themed on the essence of African botanicals, the reflections of nature Earth Furniture collection, Essential Wear's fashion for the soul and contemporary inspirations like Symbols in the City. Lifestyle items are emblazoned with iconic images of the city that landscape the interior, bringing the outside in."

This is one of the richest paleontology sites in the world. These sites team with scientists uncovering hominid fossils aged as old as 2 million years. It's incredible to stand, watch, and reflect as our ancient ancestors are being unearthed. While in the area, check out the Nirox Contemporary Art Foundation (www.niroxarts.com). The artists' residence and sculpture park contain works by South African and international artists. A peaceful place. You'll want to stay.

Walking through the CBD, I was delighted to come upon this buzzing shopping area. The street has been turned into a mall, with a covered area, where vendors can set up to sell all kinds of things. Haircuts are one of the favorites. There are nice shops, like Kurt Geiger, opening in the area, to go with the street vendors. I heard that people come from all over Africa to shop here.

Knysna - South Africa : In a park for orphaned elephants, one of my favorite memories of South Africa was getting to interact with the 'families' of elephants that the park gave home to. The animals were gentile and playful and interacting with them close-up gave me such an appreciation and overwhelming happiness. In addition, we had the opportunity to ride the elephants throughout the park with the African wildlife and beauty surrounding.