Day 5: When Plans Change, Make Magic Anyway
As any seasoned traveler knows, no matter how carefully you plan, sometimes things just don’t go your way. Day 5 in Cape Town was supposed to include one of the most anticipated parts of our itinerary: a half-day trip to Robben Island, the infamous prison that once held Nelson Mandela and many other political prisoners during apartheid. Unfortunately, an early morning phone call changed all of that—mechanical issues with the ferry meant our tour was canceled. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned on this trip, it’s to roll with the punches.
Thanks to the quick thinking and flexibility of Melisa and Andre (Trailblazer Safari’s dynamic duo!), we pivoted and managed to reconfigure the day into something equally meaningful and memorable.
A Visit to the Robben Island Museum (Minus the Boat Ride)
Even though we couldn’t get to the island itself, we headed over to the building at the V&A Waterfront that serves as the launching point for Robben Island tours. This space, typically just a staging area for boarding, turned out to house an incredibly powerful museum experience in its own right.
The museum is home to a detailed and moving collection of information, historical artifacts, photographs, and personal items from former political prisoners. It’s an immersive space, full of videos documenting life on the island, stories of struggle and resilience, and interviews with former inmates. One exhibit that particularly stood out was the timeline—a long, multi-room display that chronicles Robben Island’s layered history, from its early use as a leper colony to its transformation into a high-security prison during apartheid.
Even without setting foot on the island, we felt the emotional weight of its legacy. The museum does a phenomenal job of honoring the courage, sacrifice, and unyielding hope of those who fought for freedom.
A Sparkling Detour: Cape Town Diamond Museum
From stories of struggle to sparkling stones, our next stop took us to the Cape Town Diamond Museum, located conveniently at the V&A Waterfront. This hidden gem of a museum gives a fascinating look into South Africa’s diamond and precious metal industry—a cornerstone of the country's economy and history.
We learned about the 1867 discovery of diamonds along the Orange River and how it sparked the world’s largest diamond rush. The museum showcases replicas of some of the most famous diamonds in history, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at how diamonds are cut, polished, and set into stunning jewelry. It also highlights the often complicated and controversial legacy of mining in South Africa—how it shaped the country economically, socially, and politically.
From raw earth to refined brilliance, it was a captivating journey through geology, craftsmanship, and the glint of history.
Tranquility and Lunch at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Next up, we made our way to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, one of the most breathtaking gardens in the world. Nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is a lush, expansive sanctuary showcasing the incredible biodiversity of South Africa’s unique plant life, especially from the Cape Floral Kingdom.
We strolled through shaded paths, fragrant with indigenous blooms and bird song. The students loved the tree canopy walkway—also called the “Boomslang”—which offers sweeping views over the gardens and the mountains beyond. We also enjoyed a relaxing outdoor lunch at the garden’s café, surrounded by nature and the soft hum of bees and breeze. It was the perfect spot to recharge after a full morning of discovery.
Free Time at the V&A Waterfront – St. Patrick’s Day Shenanigans
By around 3:00 p.m., the structured part of our day wrapped up, giving everyone some well-earned free time. I decided to continue exploring the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, one of Cape Town’s liveliest and most scenic areas. With Table Mountain looming in the background and boats gently rocking in the harbor, I wandered in and out of shops, enjoyed live music from various corners of the promenade, and soaked up the festive atmosphere.
And since it was St. Patrick’s Day, how could I not pop into the local Irish pub? (Let’s be honest—every city has one!) I treated myself to a pint of Guinness and a shot of Tullamore Dew, raising a toast to unexpected adventures and good company.
A Flavorful Farewell Dinner at Mozambik
As the sun dipped below the horizon, I wrapped up the day with dinner at Mozambik, a colorful and cozy spot that serves Afro-Portuguese cuisine with bold flavors and vibrant vibes. I ordered the cheesy escargot—and seriously, where has this been all my life?—followed by a mouthwatering plate of peri-peri squid, shrimp, and chicken.
Peri-peri sauce, made from African bird’s eye chili, garlic, lemon, vinegar, and oil, is the heart and soul of Mozambican and Portuguese-style cooking. It’s spicy, tangy, and absolutely addictive. Paired with a cool drink and great service, it was the perfect send-off to our time in Cape Town.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
Even though the day didn’t go as originally planned, it turned into something just as powerful, enriching, and fun. Cape Town has a way of surprising you like that—with depth, beauty, and flavor around every corner.
Tomorrow, we’ll be flying to Johannesburg before heading to Sun City Resort for a well-deserved down day. Spa treatments at The Palace of the Lost City, here I come!
Until then—cheers, sláinte, and salani kahle, Cape Town. You’ve been unforgettable.