Cape Town Urban & Kirstenbosch Adventure: HIKE, CULTURE, CITY, BOTANICAL

Explore Cape Town via its inspirational people making a difference in people’s lives, meet inspiring township artists along the way and exploring the meaning behind the art works, that in itself unravels the history of Cape Town and South Africa. Taking in the stories of the apartheid era struggles to the founding of a new democracy, wildlife conservation and more.

Our morning begins as we make our way up to the top of the Iconic Table Mountain which overlooks the dynamic city of Cape Town.

Your ascending cable car reveals increasingly breath-taking views over the city and an endless sea until you stand atop iconic Table Mountain. Leave the noise behind and hike away from the crowds, keeping watch for wildlife and rare plants - if you can tear your eyes from the vistas. Enjoy the fauna and flora and the breath-taking views on your way to the top and once you reach the peak, take in the 360-degree views while tracking Dassies (Mountain Rock Rabbits) that can often be spotted on the tabletop. On top of Table Mountain, we will take a short hike away from the crowds whilst our guide brings alive the history of Cape Town combining the elevated view over the city with turn of the century photographs to highlight the changes of the city. Fresh coffee and home baked treats revive the body before we head back down to sea level.

With a better understanding of the city layout, we descend and wander through the inner city, soaking up the magical vibe of Cape Town, through a combination of tales of the past juxtaposed with modern day culture, and meet some of the absorbing communities which form the town’s vital building blocks. Focusing on food, design, arts and crafts we uncover a selection of historical sites, such as Company’s Garden, Green Market Square and St George’s Cathedral - buildings and monuments which stood as the backdrop for memorable icons who changed the world. Depending on your interests, touch on the fascinating and controversial politics that have shaped the city - delving into recollections of the once-vibrant District 6 community or perhaps the occasion where Mandela made his first free speech.

From here we make our way to the colourful Bo-Kaap area in the historic city centre. Here we will spend time exploring the cobbled streets and spice markets to experience a lively suburb filled with brightly coloured houses from as early as the seventeenth century, Muslim saint shrines and many beautiful Mosques.

For lunch, we head to the vibrant Bree Street, known for its gastronomic delights on offer, for a well deserved lunch at one of the local restaurants or cafes.

After lunch we will visit to the Kirstenbosch Gardens, one of the world’s most scenic botanical gardens which is home to an incredible array of the Western Cape's unique floral kingdom species. With winding walkways through the tree canopy, to exhilarating hikes through the forest, to its lush rolling lawns, Kirstenbosch offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself on the slopes of the Table Mountain range.

Our next stop is Constantia Glen Winery, perched high on the upper reaches of the Constantiaberg in the oldest wine producing region of South Africa, lies the magnificent boutique wine estate, Constantia Glen. Acclaimed for bespoke wines and sweeping panoramic views, Constantia Glen is one of the gems of the Constantia Valley, the home of South African wine with a proud history of winemaking dating back to 1685.