The First of its Kind: Fly United’s Nonstop to Cape Town

 

Going to Cape Town, South Africa has always been on my bucket list. I mean, who isn’t dying to see the beautiful landscapes, amazing culture, and go on an exciting safari. So, when United added the very first direct flight from North America to Cape Town, the adventurer in me knew I had to be on it. With this new flight option, say goodbye to waiting for a connecting flight to this destination and save an average of 8 whole hours (!!) in flying time.

Usually before a red eye flight I’m preparing to unwind. But, in the excitement of this flight I was chock-full of elation. As the inaugural flight, it felt like we were pioneers landing on the moon. As we approached the ground in Cape Town, I could hear the beat of African drums as the plane descended. And that wasn’t just in my mind — we were warmly welcomed by a troupe of dancers wearing yellow beaded collars and clothing made of Hyde. It was truly a celebration as this South African picturesque city becomes more accessible to the USA. 

Newark to Cape Town Direct

Before this inaugural flight on December 22, the only way to get to Cape Town was to fly through Europe or Johannesburg. But United, being the innovators they are, introduced this solution so there’s no more need to endure a multiple hour layover. Now, in your own backyard, there is a direct flight from Newark, New Jersey to Cape Town, South Africa saving so much time and hassle for travelers. I, for one, did not miss the airport food and uncomfortable seats at the gate, trying to sleep while waiting to board for my final destination. With this flight, this can mean an extra day seeing zebras on a safari or an extra night wine tasting under the stars.

United Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

When traveling long distances, the comfort of the plane is key. United’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a luxurious way to travel. Whether in one of its 48 Polaris business class seats or in economy, the yummy provided meals and each personal entertainment console at each seat put you at ease for the duration of this 14 hours (the way there) and 16 hours (the way back) trip. The United staff were kind and accommodating from takeoff to landing. Offered three times a week during South Africa’s peak season, you can catch this flight through the months of December-March. This is the perfect time to go and escape from the cold and grey skies of North America to the warmth of Africa. This new route will make history as it creates a bridge across cultures and makes this flourishing city more accessible to North America.

Why Cape Town?

Known as the Napa of South Africa, Cape Town is quickly becoming a destination for girls’ trips and romantic escapes. Normally, travelers only consider visiting South Africa for long breaks. But, here’s the thing – you don’t need to save your African travels for when you can take two weeks off work. It’s much more accessible than you may think, and 5 days is all you need to experience the joys of this wonderful city.

Beyond what first comes to mind when you think of Africa, Cape Town has so much more to offer. After just an hour and a half drive to the closest safari, you’ll be face to face with the baboons and giraffes that you watched as a child in The Lion King. It contains over 200 of vineyards for wine tastings, scenic roads that’ll take you on an afternoon drive to the southernmost point of the continent, and it’ll even expand your cultural horizons with volunteer opportunities in one of their townships.

If you find yourself yearning for the trip of a lifetime, look no further than Cape Town and check out my…

CAPE TOWN TRAVEL GUIDE

DAY 1

🚘 Rent a car and drive south down the coast

• I do recommend using the restroom before you embark on the 1.5 drive to Cape of Good Hope. My eagerness to hydrate had me crossing my legs the whole drive 😂 in hopes of a rest stop that never appeared, so definitely go when you can! 

📸 Chapman’s Peak Viewpoint

🐴 Horseback riding on Long Beach 

🍷Cape Point Vineyards — known for their white wine

🌳 Drive through the Park. Home to baboons, antelope, zebras (you’ll pass by an ostrich farm right before) and iridescent vegetation that waves in the breeze

🐧 End with a walk through charming Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach with the penguins 

DAY 2

🦓 Safari at Aquila, the closest one to Cape Town (about a 1.5 hour drive)

🛍 Shop at The Water Shed, open from 10 am – 8 pm

The united family truly lived out their mission to unite the world. This new route to South Africa opened my eyes to how important it is to expand our horizons and get to know other cultures. My quick trip to Cape Town touched my heart and truly made the end of my 2019 year incredibly memorable. The beautiful Table Mountain watches over you like a big brother and makes you feel at home upon landing at the airport and makes it so hard to say goodbye. This might have been the first time I’ve visited South Africa, but it surely won’t be the last. If there’s any place I recommend o book your next life changing trip it would be here, making the most of your time taking in every second of what the city has to offer.

Where To Stay 

The One&Only Hotel is a 5-star resort perfectly located in the heart of Cape Town. Next to the seaport area, the rooms overlook both the majestic Table Mountain and a private river. Driving through the gated entrance, you’re instantly greeted with cool hand towels and a delicious morning buffet, starting your trip off on a great note. Friendly staff makes you feel at home and

Responsible Tourism

In addition to the wonders and amazements that come with visiting South Africa, hands down the best and most meaningful part of my trip was engaging in responsible tourism, making a positive impact on the environment, society, or economy as a tourist. Volunteer opportunities are abundant in Cape Town, with an unemployment rate of 27% (compared to the United States’ rate of 3.6%), resulting in many townships, the underdeveloped and racially segregated communities that resulted from apartheid.

I volunteered in Khayelitsha, one of the largest townships in South Africa, with Juma Art Tours. Founded by one of the loveliest people I’ve ever met, Juma Mkwela, Juma Art Tours creates positive and sustainable changes in communities through art, aiming to educate others on being more accepting and understanding of others. My group painted murals to help beautify the community and uplift the locals. We also planted home gardens to not only supply food to members, but also make it sustainable so they can continue to grow the garden and sell the produce.

I met the incredible citizens and had so much fun seeing the kids tell their stories through art. Not to mention, I got to practice my rusty high school soccer skills in a quick game 😂 While there, you need to try the umleqwa, aka “runway chicken”, at the amazing restaurant in Khayelitsha, called 4roomed eKasi Culture and Food. Engaging in this form of responsible tourism is something I’ll always remember and plan on doing in all of my future trips.