Cape Town Uncovered

Arrive Cape Town, mother city of the republic is the pearl of Africa sitting on the southern coastline at the very edge of the continent. The majestic Table Mountain and 12 apostles look over the spread of the city, wharf and colorful marketplaces.  You will be collected on arrival for transfer o your hotel for overnight. Relax and get acclimated to your surroundings.  This afternoon relax or perhaps explore the waterfront.  Dinner on own.

Enjoy a 1/2 Day City Tour

Half Day Table Mountain & City Tour

Travel by cable car to top of Table Mountain (excludes cableway ticket fee & weather permitting) then descend and pass through Malay Quarter, city centre and Company Gardens. Visit the Castle of Good Hope (time permitting) and Diamond Works.

4.5 Hours

Leave from Cape Town City Centre

This half day tour departs from the city centre at around 08h00 or 13h00. Cape Town’s fantastic scenery, Mediterranean climate and friendly people have made it one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations.

The city began as a Dutch way station in the 16th century. Protecting and refreshing weary sailors as they passed the tip of Africa. It grew steadily through the centuries, fed on a diet of French settlers, Indonesian and Madagascan slaves and English colonists. A thriving farming and wine making industry was established thanks to the rich, fertile soils of the Cape. Today this rich history comes together in distinctive architecture and a unique local culture.

Tour Cape Town City Centre

The fine old buildings of the Cape Town represent a journey through the centuries. You can see influences from the many people that have made Cape Town their home over the years. The Castle of Good Hope was built in 1666 by the Dutch East India Company to protect the replenishment station and is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. For many years it was centre for official life in Cape Town and is still the main headquarters for the South African military in the city.

A short distance from the Castle, across from the Grand Parade, you can see the City Hall, a mock baroque building constructed in 1905. Much of the building’s fixtures and fittings were imported from Europe. As we follow the city’s main road, Adderley Street, we will see St. George’s Cathedral, the Anglican Diocese of Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Also keep your eyes out for the Company Gardens, which were established in 1652 by the Dutch Settlers to re-provision passing ships. Today the garden is a welcome green oasis in the middle of the city.

Bo-Kaap

Explore the vibrant Bo-Kaap

We will go through the Malay Quarter (also known as the Bo-Kaap which means “Above Cape” due to it being up against the slopes of Table Mountain). In the early 18th century, a multitude of slaves from Java, Ceylon and other Far Eastern regions were brought to Cape Town. After slavery was eliminated, their descendants, known as the Cape Malays, settled here.

The first mosque in the Cape was built here and is still in use today; albeit much altered. The Bo-Kaap became an exclusive residential area for Cape Muslims during the Apartheid years. And it remained one of a handful of few working class neighbourhoods that were still close to city centres in the country.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain Cableway station

We now arrive at the lower aerial cable way station, positioned about half way up the iconic mountain's lower slopes. The aerial cableway offers a fun and quick way to get to the top. Rotating cable cars give visitors a fantastic 360˚ view as you ascend to over 1 000 metres above sea level.

Table Mountain

It is impossible to picture Cape Town without the iconic shape of Table Mountain in the background. A flat plateau gives this mountain its distinctive shape and when the conditions are right a mass of cloud streams over the edge, giving the mountain its table cloth. Legend has it that the “table cloth” is the result of a smoking contest and a local pirate known as Van Hunks.

The mountain lies at the northern end of a sandstone mountain range that extends throughout the Cape Peninsula like a spine all the way to Cape Point. The upper part of the mountain consists of hard wearing sandstone, which is how its characteristic cliffs were formed.

Table Mountain is privileged to have the smallest and richest floral kingdom in the entire world. You can find over 1 470 species throughout the Table Mountain National Park.

Visitors and locals alike flock to the mountain for hiking, sightseeing and other activities.

Explore the Top

You will now have some time to explore the top of the mountain. You can wander across well marked paths to see views from all sides of the plateau. Look out for the unique cape vegetation or enjoy the antics of the rock dassies as they stretch out in the sun. These little creatures are actually the elephants’ closest living relative.

You can also sit back and just enjoy the view, considered one of the best in the whole of Africa.

When it’s time to come down you can enjoy another ride in the rotating cable car.

Return to Cape Town

At the end of an insightful tour exploring Cape Town we hope that you have gained some insights about this fascinating city. We will return you to the Cape Town city bowl in comfort.

This morning following breakfast you will be collected for a tour of the Cape Peninsula. 

Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour

Embark on a spectacular journey around the Cape Peninsula taking in all the highlights and breathtaking beauty of this world-renowned region. Travel through historic suburbs, charming fishing villages and awesome viewpoints on your way to Cape Point, where the mighty Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet in harmony (as per legend).

9 Hours

Set Out From Cape Town

The tour departs at around 09h00 from the Cape Town City Bowl, which is hugged by the wide arms of Table Mountain. Cape Town’s vibrant and multicultural population is a legacy of its history as a safe haven for passing ships and traders. A genial Mediterranean climate and the stunning natural beauty causes locals and visitors alike to fall in love with the city

As we travel through the town you might notice the distinctive gable design on some of the buildings; this is a characteristic of Cape Dutch Architecture, inspired by the Dutch farmers who first settled in the area in the 1600 and 1700’s.

The road out of town takes us through the historic suburb of Sea Point. Segregated as a whites-only area during the years of Apartheid, a stroll down the cosmopolitan Sea Point Promenade is a potent symbol of the unity the country now enjoys.

Cruise past prime real estate with glorious coastal views.

The road meanders out of Sea Point and into Clifton which is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the country. Looking to the right you should be able to catch a glimpse of Clifton’s four pure-white sand beaches, sheltered from the south-easterly wind and revered by sun-worshipers everywhere.

You might notice that Clifton has some unusually small properties, a legacy of World War 1 when returning soldiers were awarded small plots between the Fourth and Second beaches. The original bungalows were built from packing cases used to transport motor cars in the 1920’s and 30’s.

Next to Clifton is the similarly affluent suburb of Camps Bay, famous for its long beach and pumping night life. Extremely popular with locals and international tourists throughout summer, this is the place to strut your stuff, and be seen.

Hout Bay

Victoria Coastal Road in the shadow of the Twelve Apostles

Named in honour of Queen Victoria’s jubilee in 1888, this road hugs the coast as it winds around to Hout Bay. Overlooked by the famous Twelve Apostles on one side, and with the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean on the other, this is a favourite drive for many.

The road was carved out by famous road engineer Thomas Bain, responsible for many of South Africa’s most beautiful mountain passes. A true renaissance man, he had a keen interest in natural history, geology, archaeology and palaeontology.

The Charming Fishing Village of Hout Bay

Hout Bay is a cosy little hamlet surrounded by mountains to the North, East and West and the Ocean to the South. Home to bustling craft markets, antique shops, big wave surfers and a thriving fishing community. It is much beloved by locals, who have attempted to get it declared an independent state in the past.

Hout Bay (Wood Bay from the Afrikaans) was established in the late 1600’s when the Dutch needed a great quantity of timber for building and other projects. Since then, its rural, idyllic charms have been enticing people for centuries.

Duiker Island

While visiting Hout Bay you can take a boat trip to Duiker Island, time permitting and at your own expense.

Duiker Island

A favourite outing of many visitors to Hout bay, this small island is home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals and local birdlife. The boat ride out from Hout Bay lets you see the Cape Peninsula from a new perspective. Duiker Island is only 77 x 96 metres in size but is teeming with wildlife and is a renowned marine haven.

Twists and turns around the World Famous Chapman’s Peak Drive

With a towering mountain above it and a sheer drop below, Chapman’s Peak Drive hugs the face of its namesake as the road curves around to Noordhoek from Hout Bay. Chapman’s Peak Drive is renowned for its spectacular 180° views of the Cape Peninsula as well as its 114 twists and turns. Viewpoints and picnic spots are scattered throughout its 9km length and its dramatic views have made it a favoured spot for photographers.

Construction began on the road in 1915 and it was fully opened in 1922. It is built upon a 630 million year old Cape Granite Contour. It was considered a marvel of road engineering at the time of its construction.

Cape Point Nature Reserve

Cape Point Nature Reserve

Our journey now reaches the tip of the Cape Peninsula, a dramatic view point located in an 17 750 hectare nature reserve. Looking out over the shining sea from the Cape Point Lighthouse truly makes you feel like you are standing at the edge of the world. You may also feel the brisk touch of a wind dubbed the “Cape Doctor” for its healing powers.

The rich diversity of the nature reserve, part of the Table Mountain National Park, makes it home to a stunning array of animal and plant species. Visitors can encounter buck, baboons, Cape Mountain Zebra and over 250 species of birds. The reserve is also one of the largest breeding grounds for tortoises in the world.

False Bay Coastal Road

After leaving Cape Point Nature Reserve we travel up the other side of the Cape Peninsula on our way to Simon’s Town. On a clear day you may be able to see the mountains and coastline all the way on the other side of False Bay. The road may not be as steep as Chapman’s Peak Drive but its dramatic views are just as enticing.

Visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach

Since 1985 a colony of African Jackass penguins have made their home between the boulders and white sand of Boulders Beach and these small citizens have been charming residents and tourists ever since. Located just round the corner from Simon’s Town, the colony is best accessed via the Boulders Visitors Centre (at own expense), whose boardwalks allow you to get up close and observe the penguins in their natural habitat.

Simon’s Town has been an important naval base and harbour for over two centuries and you can still see some historic naval vessels anchored just off-shore. On a visit to the town you might see the famous statue of Just Nuisance, the only dog to ever be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. The town also has a fantastic collection of restaurants and boutique stores.

Picturesque drive past Fish Hoek and Muizenberg (It is unclear whether there are stops in Fish Hoek and Muizenberg)

As we head back towards Cape Town along the False Bay coastal road; we will travel through Fish Hoek (Vishoek in Afrikaans), a little town with a long history. There have been records of people living here on the earliest maps of the area. Leisure activities like surfing, sailing and sunbathing on Fish Hook’s 1.5 km stretch of beach now join the more traditional pursuits such as angling and ‘trek’

From Fish Hoek we will drive past Muizenberg, another seaside town. The warm waters and long stretch of beach make this a popular spot for holidaymakers and there are a wide variety of activities, like kite boarding and surfing, for the adventurous

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

The lush and diverse Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Gentle walking paths, inviting grass lawns and an astounding variety of indigenous plant species await you at our last stop on the tour. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is justifiably acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Set against the gentle lower slopes of Table Mountain it is the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day.

Established in 1913 to conserve and exhibit the incredibly rich flora of Southern Africa, Kirstenbosch displays an enormous variety of indigenous species. You will see many great examples of unique Cape Flora as we enjoy a walking tour of the gardens.

Return to Cape Town

Our return to Cape Town will take us past the University of Cape Town, the Rhodes Memorial and Groote Schuur Hospital (site of the world’s first heart transplant). We will deposit you safely, and happily, back in town.

This morning following breakfast meet your driver/guide for a full day tour of the Cape Winelands. 

Full Day Cape Winelands Tour

What is the best feature of the Cape Winelands? It’s true that it is renowned for its crisp white and classic French-style red wines, fantastic cheeses and olives; but it also has a stunning wealth of natural rustic beauty with vast estates shaded from the African sunshine by giant oak trees and towering mountains overlooking lush valleys.

8.5 Hours

Leave from Cape Town City Centre

We will leave from Cape Town’s picturesque city bowl, which lies in a natural amphitheatre ringed by Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak. This fantastic natural beauty, along with a temperate climate, has made Cape Town a long-time favourite of world travellers.

As we head out of the city you might see a distinctive architectural quirk that is characteristic of this area. The gable design on many of the buildings is a legacy of the first Cape Dutch farmers who came to settle in the area in the 1600 and 1700’s. Their influence can be seen in the architecture of the region as well as the great farm and wine estates.

We will head eastwards, travelling on the N1 out of the city.

Paarl

Arrive in Paarl

Our tour of the Cape Winelands starts with a visit to Paarl; a charming valley overlooked by the ‘Pearl of Paarl’, an imposing granite mountain that towers above this area. Stately oak trees line well-manicured streets and gardens and you can expect to see many fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture.

This region was originally inhabited by the Khoikhoi and San people. European explorers first came into the area in 1657 in search of trading relationships with the local people. One traveller, upon seeing the giant granite mountain shining after a rainstorm described it as ‘de Diamondt en de Peerlberg’ (the Diamond and Pearl Mountain); this is the origin of Paarl’s name.

Dutch and French Huguenot farmers settled in the area in the 1680’s and quickly found the fertile soil and temperate climate to be perfect for farming. Fruit, vegetables and gardens flourished; as well as the vineyards that began Paarl’s prominence as a wine producer.

We will visit one of the top Paarl wine estates to sample their fine wines and enjoy a tour of their cellar, where you can gain insight into the process of vinicult

Franschhoek

Travel To Franschhoek

Moving on to our next stop, it’s a short but spectacular drive from Paarl to Franschhoek. We are now deep in the Cape Winelands and you are surrounded by vineyards, verdant valleys and rolling mountains.

Franschhoek lays south-west to Paarl, near the Drakenstein Mountains. It was established in 1688 by French immigrants fleeing Huguenot religious persecution in Europe. A monument in the town commemorates the arrival of these early settlers. They helped to develop wines that were greatly sought after and desired by Napoleon, Bismarck and royalty such as Edward VII, the Prince of Wales. Many of these great wine estates still retain their original farm houses.

Fantastic Cape Dutch Architecture also remains preserved in the town thanks to restrictions that help retain the spirit of the original settlers.

Here we will stop for lunch (at guests own expense) and another wine tasting at an excellent wine estate.

Stellenbosch

Travel to Stellenbosch

The last stop on our tour of the Winelands is Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa and the historic heart of the country’s wine region. In 1679, Dutch East India Company governor, Simon van der Stel, noticed the fertility of this long valley, on the banks of the Eerste River, as ideal for vineyards. Van der Stel’s foresight led to the growth of one of the world’s best wine regions. An elegant mix of 18-century Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings is noticeable as you head down Dorp Street, where huge Oaks still shadow original water furrows. Enjoy a final wine tasting before returning to Cape Town.

Return to Cape Town

At the end of a leisurely day exploring the stunning Cape Winelands we will return you to Cape Town in style and comfort.

Bid farewell to your journey and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay