Signal Hill Breakfast: An Unforgettable Morning Above Cape Town

It was still dark when our shuttle gently came to a stop near the top of Signal Hill. My partner, still drowsy from the early wake-up call, burrowed deeper into her seat, cosy in the warmth of the vehicle. As I stepped into the crisp winter air, I instinctively breathed into my hands and rubbed them together.

"Just a moment longer and you'll have a hot drink to warm you up from the inside out," our driver called out with a smile, as he carried a table and picnic basket across the road. I assured him the view had already made me forget the cold.

Cape Town, usually vibrant and bustling, had quieted under the cover of night. Below, the grid of streets and buildings was only marked by the shifting glow of traffic signals and the occasional headlights of early morning commuters. To our right, Table Mountain arced across the sky, its dark silhouette outlined by the stars. To our left, the ocean stretched beyond the city, an inky black expanse, calm and endless, its surface scattered with the faint glimmers of distant ships.

A call from our driver, signalling all was ready, broke me from my trance and coaxed my partner out of the shuttle. Once seated at the table, we were handed cosy blankets to drape over our legs as our drinks were prepared. My steaming tea chased away the last of the chill from my hands, while the sweet richness of my partner’s hot chocolate swept the last traces of sleep from her eyes. I watched as she straightened, took a deep breath and savoured the view. She didn’t need to say a word; the look in her eyes told me everything. We clinked our cups, sharing a quiet moment of elation, grateful for how lucky we were to be here.

Our breakfast was served just as the first hints of orange began to creep over the horizon. A spread of muffins, croissants, cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and yoghurt lay before us. Every craving was satisfied, from my savoury preferences to my partner’s love for sweetness. For the most part, we ate in comfortable silence, appreciating not just the meal but the breathtaking sunrise unfolding before us. It was a feast for both body and soul.

As the sun climbed higher into the sky, it was time to head back. Reluctantly, we made our way to the shuttle, stealing one last glance at the bird's-eye view of the city we would soon return to. The drive down was peaceful; our hearts still glowing from the experience. When we arrived back at Cape Cadogan, our home away from home, the staff greeted us with their characteristic warmth as well as eager questions about our morning. We could only answer with beaming smiles and a sincere thank you. It felt as though we had already lived a full day and yet, excitingly, our adventures had just begun.