Franschhoek: Know Your Friends

First things first, can we talk about how all my life I thought Franschhoek had one “h”? Only to discover, a few weeks ago, that it’s rocking two h’s, double the drama. 😂 South Africa never stops flexing, and Franschhoek is living proof. Surrounded by mountains, with winter mornings where the sun clocks in after 7:00, my body was like, “Sis, what time zone is this?”

I’ve been to Cape Town plenty, but never to this valley gem. Normally, I’m a water baby, give me the ocean and I’m happy. But Franschhoek had me forgetting the sea even existed.

So here’s how it went down: Pumza calls me up, says she wants to hike in Franschhoek for her birthday. My response? “Say no more, tell me when, I’m there.” My friends know I’m a liker of things especially travelling. If it were up to me, I’d be packing a bag every month.

We landed in Cape Town early evening, expecting gloomy winter vibes, but instead got hot weather and no wind. Cape Town, are you okay? Not complaining. We grabbed our rental car and hit the road. Franschhoek is only 50 minutes from the airport… unless you’re us. We managed to turn it into 100 minutes. Don’t ask. 😂

Our accommodation was rustic farm meets glamping, self-catering, surrounded by mountains, animals, and birds. Adulting? Forgotten. Peace? Unlocked. And here’s the kicker: this is where Pigcasso, the world-famous painting pig, lived. Yes, a pig. Her abstract art sold for over $1 million. Her owner even wrote a book about her. Sadly, she died in 2024. Google it. Travel really does teach you things.

The next morning, we set out for Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. Known for its panoramic views, it’s basically Franschhoek showing off. But first, breakfast in the village. Pumza swears by carbo loading before a hike, plus coffee (non-negotiable).

Driving up Franschhoek Pass was breathtaking, winding higher and higher until we were halfway to the clouds.😊 We aimed for the 10km trail (our “minimum standard”), but the board’s time estimates had us laughing. “No ways, they don’t know us!” The board had long hours to finish most of the trails and we thought no ways. Guess what… 😂

Altitude humbled us fast. One kilometre felt like ten. Breathing was hard, noses leaking, sun blazing. But when we reached one of the viewing spots, seeing the entire village from above? Worth every step.

We even spotted off-the-grid accommodation tucked deep in nature. Looked dreamy, but let’s be real, I’m a city girl. Two days max, then I’d be begging for city buzz. Still, farm-meets-modern houses? Gorgeous.

By 1pm, we called it. We’d done just over 4km that felt like 15. Yoh! Next time, we’ll be more prepared. But honestly, the struggle made it memorable.

Back at base camp, we washed up and decided glamping wasn’t enough we wanted full-on “mini vacation” vibes. Pumza hopped online to check out a spot we’d been eyeing earlier, and boom, by dinner time we’d upgraded. After settling in, we hit the shops, and that’s where we met Nicholas a Johannesburg native turned Franschhoek local. The man was pure energy, a whole vibe. We spent ages laughing with him, teasing about everything he’s missing back in Joburg. He wasn’t budging though Franschhoek had claimed him for good. All love, Nicholas.

And when I say gorgeous, I mean gorgeous. Fit for Queens making the best of every minute. Five-star treatment, staff who made us feel like royalty the kind of place that erases all memory of mountain struggles.

Next day was Pumza’s birthday dinner. OMG, what an experience, quaint restaurant, food out of this world. And everywhere we went, people offered us wine. LOL. We don’t drink, but who says you can’t have fun in wine village without the wine? We hopped trams, visited wine farms, and laughed our way through it all.

Moral of the story: Not everything needs planning. Sometimes you just need to be a little crazy and wake up in a different province. Franschhoek gave us laughter, challenge, luxury, and memories that will last forever.

And because travel loves drama our flight home was delayed by six hours. We got home at 3am, but hey, that’s part of the adventure. When you travel, you’ve got to be ready for “anything can happen” and stay nonchalant.

So much happened, but I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. Fun was had.

Till next time, my Fabtastic People

Moira