Post-Cruise Stay in Cape Town (3 Nights Experience)

After our cruise, we decided to spend three additional nights in Cape Town. Our sailing ended in Durban, and instead of flying home immediately, we added a short stay to explore the region.

After disembarkation, we took an Uber to Durban Airport, which took around 40 minutes. Our flight departed at 12:10, which worked well timing-wise. It allowed for a relaxed morning without rushing after leaving the ship. Both check-in and the flight to Cape Town went smoothly.

Upon arrival in Cape Town, we picked up a rental car with Avis. We opted for a smaller model, as we only planned to drive for a few days and preferred something easy to handle, especially with left-side driving. We received a Suzuki Swift, which turned out to be an excellent choice; compact, fuel-efficient (around 300 rand for 3 days), and easy to drive.

Where We Stayed: Ocean View House (Camps Bay)

We stayed at Ocean View House, a small guesthouse located in the Camps Bay area. The property is about a 35–40 minute drive from Cape Town Airport.

The guesthouse is located within a gated property, with secure on-site parking. Guests receive a remote to access the gate, which makes coming and going very easy.

We specifically chose this location to avoid staying in the busy city center. Camps Bay offers a quieter, more relaxed environment, while still being well connected.

• Cape Town city centre: ±15–20 minutes by Uber
• V&A Waterfront / cruise terminal: ±25–30 minutes
• Camps Bay beach: walking distance (around 15–20 minutes). There’s also a Woolworths supermarket near the beachfront, which is convenient if you want to pick up snacks or drinks. In the evening, we usually took a short Uber back, which cost around 50 rand and was simply more convenient. The hotel also recommended using Uber after dark, which felt like the safer option.

For evenings, we mostly used Uber to go into the city. It’s inexpensive, convenient, and avoids the hassle of parking. Typical rides into the city cost around 100–150 ZAR.

Location for Exploring Cape Town

Camps Bay is a great base if you want to explore beyond the city.

During our stay, we visited:

• Boulders Beach (penguins)
• Cape of Good Hope
• Chapman’s Peak Drive (about 15 minutes away)
• Lion’s Head hike (starting from Signal Hill)
• Table Mountain

The area makes it easy to combine coastal drives, nature, and city visits without feeling rushed.

Our Experience at Ocean View House

Overall, our stay was very good.

We booked a Superior Room with sea view, and the view from the balcony was a highlight. The room had a private terrace with sun loungers overlooking the ocean and the Twelve Apostles mountains.

Breakfast was excellent, with a wide selection of fresh fruit (berries, papaya, pineapple, passion fruit) and other options. The staff was consistently friendly and helpful.

The staff also provided helpful local tips on what to do in Cape Town, including suggested routes for visiting Cape Peninsula, restaurant recommendations, and practical advice such as not leaving valuables in the car. They even suggested timing for certain stops, which made exploring the area much easier.

Additional features:

• multiple swimming pools
• honesty bar (self-service, charged at checkout)
• small spa
• bicycles available for guests

Everything felt relaxed and well organized.

Downsides

The only real downside was the sound insulation. Walls are relatively thin, so noise from neighboring rooms can sometimes be noticeable, especially in the evening.

Is Camps Bay a Good Location After a Cruise?

Camps Bay works very well for a post-cruise stay if you plan to explore Cape Town and the surrounding coastline.

It offers a quieter setting, better views, and easy access to places like Cape Peninsula and Chapman’s Peak Drive.

For embarkation day, however, staying near the V&A Waterfront is more convenient due to its proximity to the cruise terminal.

Practical Tips for a Post-Cruise Stay in Cape Town

If your cruise ends in Durban, allow enough time for your domestic flight. Late morning or early afternoon departures are ideal.

Renting a small car is recommended if you plan to explore. It makes driving easier and reduces fuel costs.

Uber works very well in Cape Town and is inexpensive, especially for evenings.
Camps Bay is a strong alternative to staying near the waterfront, offering more space and a quieter environment.

Would I Stay Here Again?

Yes, especially for a post-cruise stay (or pre-cruise).

The combination of a quieter location, great views, and easy access to Cape Peninsula made this a very comfortable base after the cruise.

For a short one-night stay before a cruise, however, staying closer to the V&A Waterfront would likely be more practical.

Final Thoughts

For cruise travelers, location choice in Cape Town depends on timing.

If you are boarding a ship, staying close to the port makes things easier. If you are staying after your cruise, choosing a quieter area like Camps Bay can significantly improve your overall experience.

For us, Ocean View House offered a very good balance between comfort, location, and value after the cruise.

If you’re looking for hotels closer to the terminal, see our guide to hotels near Cape Town cruise port for more practical options.