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Early morning adventures

We had an early start that morning, as our flight to Cape Town was scheduled for 7:00 a.m. After completing check-in and passing through security without difficulty, we stopped for breakfast at Wendy’s, a quick-service restaurant. I ordered a flat white coffee, appreciated for its smooth texture, along with a blueberry muffin. There were limited sweet options available, and because of my autism, I find it helpful to alternate between sweet and savoury breakfasts each day to maintain a comfortable sense of balance.

As we were finishing breakfast, my brother and sister noticed the men’s rugby team in the terminal, easily recognisable in their distinctive green and gold team shirts. Naturally, they went over to ask for a photograph, while Mum and I browsed the airport boutiques. During our shopping, we found a lightweight rugby ball featuring the team logo and contacted the players to ask whether they would like one. They confirmed that they would, so we purchased two. We briefly considered having one inflated for use, but decided against it after airport staff advised that attempting to bring an inflated ball onto the aircraft would be at our own risk.

Taking Off to Cape Town

Once breakfast and shopping were complete, we proceeded to the departure gate to board our small regional aircraft. Boarding required me to climb a narrow set of steep steps, which was somewhat challenging but manageable with Mum’s support. The aisle inside the aircraft was also very confined, and as my seat was located near the rear, reaching it required additional care and effort.

The flight lasted approximately two and a half hours. During the journey, I passed the time by reading on my Kindle e-reader, resting briefly, and having a snack and drink purchased on board. The aircraft bathroom was extremely compact, which made it difficult to use comfortably, but I was able to manage.

Before long, we began our descent into Cape Town. As is often the case, I waited until the other passengers had disembarked before leaving the aircraft. Although this is not my preferred part of the journey, I understand that it is necessary for safety and assistance procedures. An airport assistant was waiting at the aircraft door to support me as I descended the steps, with Mum following closely behind.

 My electric wheelchair was waiting at the bottom of the stairs; however, the batteries had not been fitted correctly, so it was not functioning as expected. As a result, Dad had to push me onto the bus that transported us to the terminal building. Once we arrived at the terminal, we were able to resolve the issue and get the wheelchair working properly again.

The Drive to Franschhoek

After collecting our hire car, which was the same spacious and comfortable SUV model we had used in Durban, we began the scenic two-and-a-half-hour journey to our next destination, Franschhoek. The town’s name translates from Afrikaans as “French Town,” reflecting its historic Huguenot heritage and distinctive cultural character.

The drive was exceptionally picturesque and offered striking contrasts, taking us through busy townships, expansive vineyards, and gently rolling countryside. On arrival, I was immediately impressed by the elegance and charm of the town. Franschhoek is renowned for its attractive streets, historic Cape Dutch architecture, and celebrated wine estates. We were particularly looking forward to experiencing the well-known wine tram and bus tours, which would later become one of the most memorable highlights of the trip, second only to the safari.

Arriving in our new home for the next couple of days

That evening, we prepared to celebrate Jack’s birthday. We went out to a well-reviewed local restaurant, and I treated everyone to the meal as my gift to him. I ordered the seafood pasta, which looked delicious with fresh calamari and prawns, but it turned out to be a bit too creamy for my taste — I couldn’t finish it, but I still enjoyed the lively atmosphere and seeing everyone happy.

After dinner, we returned to our room to rest. It had been a long but exciting travel day — from the early morning flight to the stunning arrival in Cape Town, it truly felt like the start of another chapter in our South African adventure.

Rest and recovery in Franschhoek

A slow morning

As I was feeling somewhat unwell, I chose to take a slower approach to the day and prioritise proper rest. While the rest of the family prepared for outdoor activities, including hiking and kayaking, I remained in bed for a little longer to give my body the time it needed to recover.

Dad kindly brought me a freshly baked cheese muffin from the bakery next door. It was still warm, soft, and filled with melted cheese, making it a welcome and comforting option after I had missed breakfast earlier in the morning. At times, the simplest foods can provide the greatest comfort, particularly when one is not feeling completely well.

Adventure time for the rest of the family

While I remained at the accommodation to rest, the rest of the family spent the day taking part in outdoor activities, including horse riding along scenic trails and quad biking at a local adventure park surrounded by lush greenery.

When they returned, I was interested to learn that the horse Ruby had ridden had reportedly been used during the filming of Racing Stripes, a well-known family film about a zebra aspiring to become a racehorse. Some of the other horses involved had also appeared in television commercials for popular brands. Although the guide was unable to share many details, likely due to confidentiality around behind-the-scenes information, this connection made the experience feel even more noteworthy.

A simple dinner

By the evening, I was still not feeling well, so I chose a simple and manageable dinner: a modest serving of crisp, lightly salted French fries. While eating, I spent some time reading the Scope online community page on my mobile phone .

The Scope online community offers a supportive platform for discussion, shared experiences, and connection with others who may be navigating similar health-related circumstances. Membership is free, and further information is available at forum.scope.org.uk/discussions.

After dinner, I took my medication, enjoyed a quick cup of  tea, and went straight to bed. I wanted to rest as much as possible before the following day’s Wine Tram tour through the picturesque vineyard region.

What I learned today

A memorable travel day does not always require a full itinerary of activities. At times, a quieter day centred on nourishing food, peaceful surroundings, and meaningful companionship can provide exactly the restorative pause needed for the body and the soul.