Books For Africa 30th Anniversary Journey - Cape Town, South Africa

Welcome to Cape Town, South Africa!

Upon exiting customs and immigration, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a welcome rest after our long journey.

Our hotel has an enviable location smack in the middle of the central business district overlooking bustling Greenmarket Square. Basically - a location visitors can walk to most local places of interest. You'll also find convenient transportation including the Hop-on, Hop-off buses within a 1-2 block walk from the hotel.

Thanks to a comprehensive renovation, the four-star property flaunts an interior that’s modern, stylish and elegantly playful. Rooms come complete with all of the mod-cons (flat-screen televisions, double-glazed windows to make for a peaceful sleep, and sumptuous beds, to name a few) that travellers have come to expect; plus, the hotel offers up a few not-so-ubiquitous extras: free Wi-fi (a rarity in South Africa), a heated rooftop pool decked out with stunning views, and an entertaining schedule of events that includes everything from summer Friday braais to a workday happy hour.

Dish, the shabby-chic in-house restaurant that’s loosely decorated to conjure up images of an upmarket farmhouse, serves up top-notch cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With an award-winning, locally sourced wine list and a selection of culinary options to suit nearly every whim and palate – the eatery even has a kiddies’ menu and a milkshake menu. The restaurant treats diners to well-priced, delicious South African-style fare in a relaxed setting.

A leisurely morning for everyone. Breakfast at the hotel.

11:00am - meet in the hotel lobby where we will have an informal gathering to welcome everyone to Cape Town and review the events and days ahead.

12:00pm - our city guide will meet us at the hotel and we depart on an enjoyable stroll about the town. Our hotel is centrally located with famous Greenmarket Square is just outside our doors. Our guide will provide a bit of history and insight about South Africa and Cape Town as we stroll through the market area and neighboring local sights. There will be opportunities to purchase snacks or a light lunch should you wish.

We return to the hotel by 4pm with time to relax and freshen up for our Welcome Evening!

6:00pm - meet in the lobby for transfer to Africa GOLD Welcome Dinner and drumming evening!

Welcome to GOLD, a unique African restaurant in the heart of Cape Town. Our set 14 course Cape Malay and African menu is a taste safari that will transport you from Table Mountain to Timbuktu. This culinary experience is accompanied by unique interactive traditional entertainment. A vibrant one-of-a-kind experience of all things African, brace yourself for a cornucopia of taste sensations” from all over our rich, multi-faceted continent. Be prepared for an evening of opulent feasting as you are served traditional delicacies from a set menu (which changes seasonally). Later, we are transferred back to the hotel.

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!" Dr. Seuss

NOTE: please indicate on your registration form if you will be hiking or not.

HIKERS: Full day Table Mountain Summit Hike!!

Our fearless founder, Tom Warth, is today's motivator extraordinaire! He specifically chose this route for our group as it is one of the most picturesque and you'll experience three sides of the mountain in one hike AND hike to the highest point at Maclears Beacon!

TABLE MOUNTAIN SUMMIT HIKING ROUTE:

Kasteelpoort Ravine to the mountain's highest point at Maclears Beacon +/- 8hrs guided hiking

Early morning transfer from the hotel. Its good to get an early start especially in the summer months as there is little to no shade on Table Mountain and we want to beat the crowds, so the earlier the better. This time of day is very special as it is really beautiful and tranquil as we watch the sun hitting the mountain in the morning light. It’s a great time for photos and seeing bird life.

This route starts heading up the jeep track from the stunning Camps Bay or Atlantic side of the mountain. It connects to the historical Pipe Track and we head up Kasteelpoort which is a steady climb up a beautiful ravine. Halfway up we visit ‘breakfast rock’ which is a great photo spot with views of Lions Head and the ocean.

Once we reach the top of Kasteelpoort we will make our way to see the remnants of the historical Old Cableway. Here there is an opportunity for the brave to go out onto ‘diving board rock’ for the amazing picture to show others back home. From the Old Cableway, we head up part of the Valley of the Red Gods & into the Valley of Isolation which has interesting rock formations creating a bowl-like valley. Then we descend into Echo Valley and up the backside of Table Mountain up 3 ladders. Here we can enjoy the views overlooking the city below.

We make our way to the Cableway. From here it is rather an enjoyable walk as we hike along the backside of the loop to get amazing views of the back side of Table Mountain including the Hely-Hutchison dam and the Cape Peninsula on a clear day.

From the Cableway, it takes about an hour to reach the highest point on Table Mountain, Maclears Beacon at 3560 ft. From here we take in the sights and head around to the front side of the loop back to the cableway and head down (cable car is weather permitting). At the bottom we transfer back to the hotel.

NOTE: The Cableway is weather permitting and does not operate at times because of strong winds. If the cableway is closed once you reach the top we will hike down Platteklip Gorge which adds 2+ hours of hiking. Your guide will discuss hiking options with you that morning based on the day's weather as use of the cableway may alter our hiking options.

HIKERS LUNCH PROVIDED - a sandwich, seasonal fruit, snacks and 2 liters of water to keep your energy up along the way.

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NON-HIKERS:

8:00am - You will be met and transferred to the Table Mountain cableway to ascend to the top for an unforgettable view.

Note that the cableway is weather dependent.

After descending, you are transferred to the beautiful Kirstenbosch gardens for a visit (2-3hrs). The Cape region is world-renowned for the unique biome -- the Cape Floral Kingdom. It is the smallest biome and yet the most diverse. Enjoy a light lunch before you are transferred back to the hotel this afternoon.

NON-HIKERS LUNCH PROVIDED - buffet lunch at MOYO restaurant at Kirstenbosch Gardens.

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Evening at your leisure. There are numerous dining options in the immediate area or consider heading to the V&A Waterfront. TIP: Uber is very popular in Cape Town and quite cheap! Be sure to download the app before you leave home.

CULTURAL DAY: we have this day to meet with BFA book recipients, school children and educators. The day is still being planned, but will likely be one of the most impactful of the trip!

NOTE - the links to the right are just a sample of what we may be experiencing.

We'll end our culture-filled day in local flair to enjoy dinner at Sea Point's La Boheme (dinner on own account).

https://www.labohemebistro.co.za/

From here it is walking distance to a local home where we add a sweet cap to our day with a dessert reception overlooking Table Bay.

This morning is our weather back-up day for climbing Table Mountain.

Otherwise - this morning is at your leisure to enjoy exploring on your own or consider some of the wonderful sightseeing options. We have a few optional SCHEDULED tours you can consider joining:

1.

This afternoon, we have reserved for a tour of Robben Island.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a tour of Robben Island takes 3 and a half hours and lasts a lifetime in your mind. The ferry ride approaching Robben Island and returning to V&A Waterfront across Table Bay displays a spectacular view over the city, Table Mountain and its coastline.

The island environment is a natural haven to a wide variety of wildlife and a man made reminder of South Africa's history. Some tour guides are ex-political prisoners whose first hand accounts will serve as commentary on the 45 minute bus ride tour of the island and the tour of the prison museum including the former prison cell of Nelson Mandela.The island gives testimony to Nelson Mandela's great legacy and serves simultaneously as a reminder of South Africa's shaded past and bright future.

"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." Nelson Mandela

MORE INFO: http://www.robben-island.org.za/

For our final day of the trip, we have planned a fabulous day in the Cape's famous Winelands!! Our friend Bob Marx has hand-picked a few of his favorite wineries to explore, have tastings and just enjoy the gorgeous scenery.

Our day will include lunch and a famous duck parade. A visit to South Africa would not be complete without experiencing a BRAAI!! That's BBQ to you and me -- but absolutely South African Style!

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Transfer to the airport for your homeward journey.

NOTE -- there are numerous options to extend your stay iin Africa. Contact Jody at Borton Overseas to discuss ideas.