Only 3 days in Cape Town? Here's what you can do.

Courtesy of Amanda Olusanya - Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

I've hosted many people in Cape Town and there is SO much to see but often people have just a short window to do it in. First, let me be clear, I'm not the "over schedule" type of person, I'm more the "have options" and make sure the must haves have been scheduled.

Why I say that is this: there are a lot of micro climates in Cape Town (hence the wineries) so sometimes if you over schedule, the weather might have other ideas. One of the best tips I can give you is - try to do Table Mountain earlier than later if it's on your list. I've seen many people schedule if for the last day and then it's cloudy. My apartment overlooks Table Mountain so I watch the clouds around it all day. It's so high that it can even create clouds when there are no other clouds anywhere else around.

Evening Arrival

If you get in late and you're eager to see the city, you can head to dinner at Kloof Street House in Tamboerskloof. You will need reservations but you'll quickly find out why. It's a perfect introduction to a foodie restaurant with great food and service, it has a vibe, and it's in a residential area that isn't traditionally touristy. Even though it's expensive for South Africa, the prices are very reasonable if you're coming from abroad - including other African countries. In summer, you'll be able to grab some ice cream across the street or there are some casual hang out spots just up the road at Yours Truly or at BLONDIE that are right next door to each other, each having different music and different crowds so you can pick the one you favor.

Courtesy of Amanda Olusanya - View from Lion's Head Hike

Day 1

I would start with a hike to see the stunning views of the city. You can't lose but if I had to chose - I prefer Lion's Head for mainly one reason: it's a 360 degree view of the city as you climb! Table Mountain is great as well but the cable car can bring you up to the top so you can enjoy exploring the many views and pathways on top of the mountain OR you can try abseiling down (you descend by rope). Both hikes are intermediate and I'd just take the Cable Car up if you struggle with any knee injuries. Even though it is more intermediate, if you go slow, most people can reach the top.

From there, I would take a short Uber ride to Camp's Bay and enjoy lunch by the ocean. You can bring your swimsuit and have a swim (in VERY cold water) or just enjoy watching people getting smashed by the waves. If you feel so inclined, you can even paraglide from Lion's Head or Signal Hill right down to brunch as well! After a nice shower and a possible nap, you can check out a late afternoon, early evening stroll at V&A Waterfront. They have shops both local and international, some of the best street music that just personally vibes with my soul, and restaurants from every country from Mozambique, Turkey, or Italy - you can find it all.

Accommodations: My personal Airbnb in Sea Point and in Foreshore.

Courtesy of Amanda Olusanya - Pipetrack Trail Hike

Day 2

Visit the wineries in Stellenbosch. There are a few ways to do it:

1. Take a tour.

The advantage is that you will be able to stop at many wineries and you'll be able to meet people who are also on vacation, enjoying themselves.

2. Self drive

The obvious advantage is the freedom, however, not the freedom to drink too much! Rental cars are plenty in Cape Town, cheaper if they are manual. You can also stop in Stellenbosch for a nice dinner and enjoy the small town beyond the wineries.

3. Hire a private driver.

This is the benefit of both. You can expect to pay from R150 - R300 an hour based on the driver and the season. Grab an Uber number's driver from the airport as most of them are more than willing to bring you around. You can also consider taking Ubers from place to place as needed.

You can stay the night or just make it a day trip. If you're just in town a short few days, I would make it a day trip as it's only about 30 minutes from Cape Town.

Some of the wineries that I've personally visited and would recommend:

• Spier (The eagle sanctuary is worth the visit where you can pet owls and foxes!)

• Stark-Condé Wines

• Delair

• Babylonstoren (great entertain for kids as well)

Accommodations: Sunset Farms

Courtesy of Amanda Olusanya - Condé-Starks Winery

Day 3

Take a tour to the Cape of Good Hope.

There are many routes to take but I would take M65 on the way there, stop off at the world famous penguins at Boulders Beach. This won't take long but it's worth a visit for the photo opps alone.

Once you reach the National Park, there are many roads leading to the Atlantic Ocean on one side of the peninsula and the Indian Ocean on the other. I like heading off to the right to the Atlantic sea side because usually there are wild ostriches! If you take your first right, there is a quiet beach that less people visit. If you keep going to the Cape of Good Hope, there are some beautiful easy paths to climb for some breathtaking views. Or, head straight to the lighthouse where it's buses, baboons, and a tram or a pathway to take you to the top. If you get hungry, there is also a restaurant and of course - a gift shop.

Pricing for Cape Point National Park. Find fees here and or buy in advance online.

Before or after your adventures, there are some great restaurants from Simon's Town to Muizenberg. Here are some to check out: Salt for the foodie lovers, Cape of Cuba for a cute little drink spot, Blended for the health conscious, Minari Korean for some authentic Korean, or if take Muizenberg back you can watch the surfers and check out Casa Labia for a unique experience.

1. Self Drive is probably the best for this tour.

2. If you take a guide, you'll need to pay their entrance fees. You can negotiate a hourly or daily rate.

3. Tours are ok but I personally enjoy the journey of getting there just as much or more than being there.

Courtesy of Amanda Olusanya - Cape of Good Hope Beach

Here are some other activities that you might want to do instead, or if you like cramming it all in then here are some other things to do!

• A drive down to Hout Bay to eat an expensive, seafood loving restaurant with a fixed menu right on the bay at Chef's Warehouse. You WILL need reservations.

• Robben Island is a great way to get on the water. It's weather dependent but a great tour for the history buffs.

• Some of the best Botanical Gardens! Make sure to check out the walking bridge for some Instagram worthy photos.

• If you're into beautiful views and an easy hike, you can Google Pipetrack Trail that overlooks Lion's Head and Camps Bay. If you're an advent hiker and want to keep it going, take a left up to Springboard hike! I'd plan a good 4 - 5hours but I haven't seen anything else like it. It's epic! (photo below) When you hike down, you can then take an Uber or keep walking through Camps Bay to the beach while admiring the large, modern houses along the way. Once you reach, I personally like Zenzero.

• Not the reservation type? Check out the vibes at any of the markets which attracts a rainbow of people. Weekdays at Mojo Market and weekends at Oranjezicht or Old Biscuit Mill District Market.

Courtesy of Amanda, Springboard Hike on Table Top Mountain

Enjoy! I can always book your accommodations as well, as I'm a travel agent. Let me know how I can make a great experience for you!

With love,

-Amanda O-