Les Clefs D'Or
Les Clefs D'Or

Your Key To Cape Town – This is My City!

I am proud to say I was born and bred in what is affectionately known as the ‘Mother City’ of South Africa. Soft white beaches, dramatic mountains, warm summers, a vibrant culture, and exceptional cuisine. Cape Town truly has it all.

If you are visiting for the first time, you should make sure to experience our most famous landmarks, including Table Mountain, Cape Point, and Kirstenbosch Gardens in your days.

The Cape is also a wine-lover’s paradise! Just 15 minutes out of the city, the Constantia Valley boasts a centuries-old wine-making history, magnificent views and award-winning vino from the nine estates that make up the route. It’s easy to hop on a bus to the farms and soak up our Cape heritage (and a fair amount of Sauvignon Blanc) in style.

Capetonians love to eat out, and we’re lucky enough to have some of the very best restaurants in the world, which is particularly exciting for me as I really enjoy finding new places to dine at. The Test Kitchen is the most famous of the lot, and definitely a worthwhile experience. However, if you are in the inner-city, I’d tell you to visit SeaBreeze in Bree Street and Tjing Tjing in Longmarket Street. SeaBreeze offers sustainable seafood presented simply, but beautifully. I just love the fact that you can enjoy oysters and bubbly outside too! Tjing Tjing is a divine hidden gem located in a restored heritage building. Head to the rooftop bar for a drink, or book a multi-course dining experience if you like Japanese cuisine.

If you’re here over a weekend, you must head to the Oranjezicht City Farm Market at Granger Bay. I never get tired of the ever-changing array of local produce and artisanal food, and make it my mission to try something new each time I visit. 

Lastly (but most importantly) as the mother of a five-year-old daughter, the Two Oceans Aquarium is always on my list. Not only does it keep my little one busy, but the conservation work they do is incredible (and often goes unnoticed) too! We also love The Scratch Patch, where anyone could spend hours sifting through and selecting a bag of semi-precious stones from endless heaps (Aladdin treasure style). In fact, Cape Town is very family-friendly, and I just love sharing my latest kiddie-hits with my guests.

Meet the Author
Moira Mdakana

I come from a single parent household, where my mother was a domestic worker for a lady named Moira, whom I am named after. Moira contributed to my schooling, and both incredible ladies played a large role in shaping who I am today. My passion for hospitality was fanned into flame by an experience I had at the young age of 16. I had the opportunity to have High Tea at a lovely Capetonian hotel. From the moment I walked in, I knew that the hotel industry and hospitality were my callings. From then on, I’ve wanted to be a part of providing the best customer service and experience for people coming to Cape Town and South Africa. I started my career in 2006, studying Hospitality Management while working part time in hotels to gain my experience. Through a lot of hard work, and an absolute love for what I do, I’ve grown to where I am now – receiving my Golden Keys in June this year. I am the first woman in Cape Town to receive her Golden Keys and the first black woman in South Africa to have done so. While this makes me feel very proud, I also hope that it leaves others inspired to achieve their dreams. I’ve proven that anything is possible if you set goals and work hard.

Cape Grace

Situated on a private quay in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Grace hotel offers an unparalleled experience of Cape Town. Flanked by Table Mountain and the yacht marina, staying at Cape Grace is both central and exclusive, an experience marked by timeless elegance and unrivalled service. We invite you to absorb the Cape’s colourful history, woven into our exquisite hand painted fabrics, rare antiques and fresh Proteas that hint at the Mother City’s natural wonders. Share in tailor-made experiences that include our sumptuous tasting menus, rare whisky pairings, luxurious spa treatments, and indulgent Afternoon Teas – all thoughtfully created to enhance your journey in the Cape and with us. More than that, we believe that it’s our Cape Grace family that makes all of the difference. From the warmest of welcomes, to the last ‘see you soon’, we give a little more. A complimentary chauffeur service, introduction to Cape wines with our excellent sommelier at sunset, or a booking at that impossible-to-get-in spot – we ensure that each and every guest has a lasting memory of their stay with us.

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