Why Summer in Cape Town is Great for Digital Nomads
To say: “It’s crazy what has happened in the last few weeks!” seems normal to me at this point. My relationship with South Africa is very special, and I have been coming back here regularly for the past 5 years (mainly Johannesburg). This time I wanted to experience Cape Town in the summer, also because it’s a “digital nomad hotspot” at this time of year. As always, it wasn’t what I expected. Here’s a wrap up…
“We don’t see the world as it is, we see it as we are”
To be honest, I’ve never been the biggest fan of Cape Town. I’ve always felt more connected to Johannesburg, and I’ve always found Cape Town to be more segregated and cliquish — I still feel that way. Nevertheless, Cape Town taught me something extremely valuable that I thought I already knew: nothing is ever what we expect it to be.
What I didn’t realize was that I came to Cape Town with my own subconscious preconceptions of what the place would be like, as well as other personal expectations — which was not only unfair to the place, but also ended up putting a lot of pressure on myself.
So I was faced with two options: (1) give Cape Town a chance and do the things I came here to do, or (2) go somewhere else. But I didn’t know where else to go or what else to do. And I didn’t want to leave without trying. So I stayed, and I’m very grateful for it — because I ended up enjoying Cape Town a lot. Here’s why…
1. Community
I always say I don’t like to live in bubbles, and the digital nomad community can seem like one. But Cape Town showed me how important it is to connect with other remote workers.
- Co-Working Space
I think the moment it clicked for me was when I signed up for a co-working space. I don’t usually do that, as I also usually go to places where I’m kind of the only remote worker. And I realized how isolating that can be.
Working in a place where other people are working around you, you have stable Wi-Fi, and there are real tables (you can’t always guarantee that in a café), REALLY makes a difference. I highly recommend it. There are many different ones, and I signed up for this one:
👉🏼 Neighbourgood: the monthly membership is around 50€, and it’s honestly a great deal.
- Co-Living
I haven’t joined a co-living yet, but I’ve met a few people who have, and they’ve had nothing but great things to say. It’s definitely something I’m considering for the future. Prices and duration depend on the host, but I’m happy to provide the contact upon request.
- Community Events
There are a lot of WhatsApp groups that I recommend you join because people share hikes, trips, or other events, and it’s a great way to meet people. There are a lot of them, and I’m happy to share them with you upon request.
I went on a few hikes and participated in my first digital nomad event, which was a great experience!
- Entrepreneurs, Solo Travelers, And Other Great People
But the highlight for me was the people I met: it’s really relieving to hang out with people who understand your lifestyle and not have to explain it 10 times. My highlight was definitely the girls I met, and I know I will definitely see them again. They have given me a lot of strength, inspiration and valuable input for my business.
2. It’s the Small Things
Another thing I really appreciate about Cape Town is that it’s very laid back. I’ve always taken walking around a city for granted, but having lived in different places now, I know that’s not true.
In Cape Town, I was able to walk to CrossFit, walk to my co-working space, and walk home. I was able to get to the beach with a short Uber or bus ride and access other natural highlights with ease. This is a great privilege for me and contributes greatly to my quality of life.
3. Spirituality & Self-Development
Cape Town has A LOT to offer when it comes to spirituality and self-development.
Cape Townians are very active, and there’s a wide range of outdoor sports (hiking, mountain biking, trail running, surfing, etc.), indoor sports, and spiritual events like breathwork, cocoa ceremonies, sound healing, or ecstatic dance.
I also participated in workshops on communication and vulnerability, or what freedom of mind means: having the opportunity to sit in a room with people who also like to talk about these things honestly blew me away and is something that has enriched me for my further journey.
4. Surrounding Area
If you are traveling to Cape Town, be sure to explore the surrounding area, which is stunning. You can take the train to places like Muizenberg, Kalk Bay or Simons Town, and watch the famous penguins at Boulders Beach. Of course, you can also Uber or drive there.
There’s the “my city” bus, which is a great option if you don’t have a car. It will take you to places like Llandudno Beach, or Hout Bay to enjoy the famous fish & chips. Also, available via Uber.
Another great way to see the highlights in and around Cape Town is the “hop on, hop off” bus, which you may know from other places. It even goes all the way to Cape Point, along the famous, and insanely beautiful Chapman’s Peak Drive.
I didn’t get to explore more of the Garden Route this time, but I highly recommend it!
5. Travel With an Open Heart & Mind
There’s one last point I want to make here that I think is extremely important. I am often asked: “How do you like South Africa?” — and of course I love it here.
But if there’s one tip I can give you, it’s to travel with an open heart and an open mind, because you’re going to observe things that aren’t always easy. South Africa is one of the largest economies on the continent, but it is also one of the most unequal countries in the world.
If there is one thing I can tell you, it is that South Africa holds up a lot of mirrors to you, and I can only encourage you to look into those mirrors instead of looking away. Ignorance may be the easier choice, but it’s not the better one.
Make sure you connect with South Africans because they are truly amazing. And listen when they tell you their story, even if it makes you uncomfortable.
Well, that’s it for now. Thanks for reading, and if you’re on your way to the Mother City: enjoy!
