Franschhoek, meaning "French Corner," was founded in 1688 by Huguenots who fled persecution in France due to their Protestant-Calvinist beliefs. The French settlers found a new home at the Cape, significantly boosting the quality of South African wine production. The Huguenot Memorial in Franschhoek commemorates these immigrants, who gave their names to many places and families in the region. Families such as Du Toit, De Villiers, and Le Roux are common in South Africa, especially around Franschhoek. The town offers a French-inspired atmosphere along the Main Road, with stylish cafés, French restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.
THINGS TO DO:
- Wine tasting at one of the many wineries, including the Wine Tram (www.winetram.co.za).
- Visit Babylonstoren & take a garden tour – also, check out the new tour at the historic working farm Soetmelksvlei (www.babylonstoren.com).
- Hike in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve.
- E-bike tour through the Franschhoek Winelands with wine tasting and lunch: (www.vinebikes.co.za/franschhoek-bicycle-wine-tour/).
RESTAURANT & WINERY RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Le Lude Estate, near the Huguenot Memorial – excellent cuisine (www.lelude.co.za).
- Boschendal, especially for the picnic (www.boschendal.com).
- La Petite Colombe (Top 10 South Africa, www.lapetitecolombe.com).
- Le Chêne (www.lechene.co.za/restaurant).
- La Motte (www.la-motte.com).
- Grande Provence (www.grandeprovence.co.za).
OUR TIPS:
Franschhoek Village Market - Every Saturday, 09:00h - 15:00h
Address: 29 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690 (www.franschhoekvillagemarket.co.za)
Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa and the capital of the Western Cape province. Cape Town is also affectionately known as the "Mother City" due to its importance as the first city to be founded during the South African colonial era. The city is characterized by a cultural diversity that can be traced back to the influences of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers. These have influenced not only the architecture and language, but also the country's cuisine and winemaking methods. These diverse influences have made Cape Town a unique city that keeps its rich history alive to this day.
THINGS TO DO
The city offers countless wonderful opportunities to tailor your stay according to your preferences. Here are our personal highlights:
Scenic helicopter flight over Cape Town: Explore the beautiful landscape of the Cape Peninsula from above! Private helicopter flights are becoming increasingly popular, and especially during a visit to Cape Town, it's an unforgettable experience! Depending on the tour, you'll fly over the most popular regions and beach coves in Cape Town, always with Table Mountain in view. We can book you a private flight or join with other guests, but please note that these helicopter rides are weather-dependent. (www.helicopterscapetown.co.za)
City tour on the red double-decker: With the Open Top Bus, you can comfortably take a city tour combined with a leisurely stroll on foot. During your tour, you'll see historical buildings (e.g., the Parliament, the City Hall, the colorful Bo-Kaap Quarter, and Company's Garden). Keep your camera ready. (www.citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town)
Constantia Winelands: The Constantia wine-growing region is, so to speak, Cape Town's "home vineyard," about 15km from the city center. Discover Cape Town's most hidden wine route and learn about the history of the oldest wine-growing region in South Africa! Our personal recommendation: a wine tasting at the historic Groot Constantia estate. (www.groot-constantia-wine-estate)
The Lion Trail: The Lion Trail is a guided walk through fynbos, forests, and beaches, ending with a beautiful ride on an electric scooter along the Sea Point Promenade. With fascinating stories, ever-changing views, and delicious local cuisine, the Lion Trail is the perfect way to explore Cape Town's biodiverse nature and discover what makes the city unique. (https://www.theliontrail.co.za/)
Hike or Cable Car Ride on Table Mountain: Enjoy breathtaking views of Cape Town and the ocean with a hike or a relaxed cable car ride. During peak season (October to March), we recommend the Fast Track for the cable car to avoid long waits. Climb to the summit and be enchanted by the beauty of nature and the city. Table Mountain is a must-see for any South Africa visitor.
Township Tour - Uthando: If you want to engage in social activities during your vacation, consider a township tour to support Uthando, a non-profit organization. Uthando uses custom tours to advance social projects, particularly in the areas of HIV, drug and alcohol abuse, and support for abused women and children. (www.uthandosa.org).
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden: This renowned garden on the picturesque eastern slopes of Table Mountain preserves and showcases South Africa's flora, especially the fynbos. With around six thousand well-maintained plant species, including ancient cycads, proteas, ericas, pelargoniums, and ferns, the garden offers a diverse array of blooms year-round. During summer, visitors can enjoy popular Sunday concerts. Tip: Free guided tours of the Botanical Garden are available Monday-Friday at 10:00, 11:00, and 14:00, and Saturdays at 10:00. Duration: approximately 90 minutes. (https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenboch/visitor-information/guided-tours/)
For more activities and ideas, check out Inside Guide: www.insideguide.co.za/cape-town
E-Bike Tours: Cape Town offers beautiful destinations for cycling tours. For longer distances, using an e-bike is recommended. (www.ebikecapetown.com).
Best Beaches in Cape Town: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/best-beaches/
SHOPPING TIPS IN/AROUND CAPE TOWN
- Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (www.waterfront.co.za)
- Tribal Trends (www.tribal-trends.business.site)
- Baraka Gifts & Décor (www.barakashop.co.za)
Markets:
Here you'll find organic fruit and vegetable stands, street food from around the world, and local art. Often, there's live music or a DJ on site.
- Old Biscuit Mill (Woodstock (www.theoldbiscuitmill.co.za)
- Oranjezicht City Farm Market (www.ozcf.co.za/market-day)
RESTAURANT TIPS
Fine Dining:
- FYN Restaurant (www.fynrestaurant.com)
- Pier Restaurant (www.pier.restaurant/food)
- La Colombe at Silvermist (www.lacolombe.co.za)
Stylish & Hippe Restaurants:
- Willoughby & Co (Sushi, www.willoughbyandco.co.za)
- TANG (Japanese, (www.tanghospitality.com)
- Dorp Hotel Restaurant (www.dorp.co.za)
- Grand Africa Café & Beach (Beach-Bar, www.grandafrica.com)
- Bilboa (www.bilboa.co.za)
- Ramenhead (run by the team from FYN Restaurant, www.ramenhead.co.za)
- Belly of the beast (www.bellyofthebeast.co.za)
- The Strangers Club (Breakfast, www.thestrangersclub.co.za)
A special Cooking Tour in Bo-Kaap allows you to experience South African culture through its cuisine. (http://www.bokaapcookingtour.co.za/)
The 20 Best Bars in Cape Town: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/bars/
Find more restaurant tips in and around Cape Town here: www.insideguide.co.za/cape-town/restaurants-in-cape-town
We recommend reserving your spots at top restaurants in Cape Town and the Winelands 1-2 months before your trip via www.dineplan.co.za.
Often, a deposit via credit card is required, which will be deducted from your bill at the restaurant.
OUR TIP
First Thursdays: On the first Thursday of every month, Cape Town's art galleries stay open until 9 PM. Locals gather, stroll through galleries with a glass of wine, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere along Bree Street and Church Street in the city center, all year round, regardless of the weather. (www.first-thursdays.co.za)
On the third Thursday of every month, the event takes place in studios, galleries, and museums on Roeland Street, Buitenkant Street, and Harrington Street.
And here are some more insider tips for Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/hidden-gems/ & recommendations for hiking trails: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/hiking-trails/
Situated in the heart of the Karoo in the province of the Western Cape in South Africa, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is said to be the area’s premier wildlife destination offering one of the best safari experiences in the country. Stretching over 54 000 hectares, this tranquil reserve is one of South Africa’s largest private reserves boasting pristine natural beauty with its endless plains and awe-inspiring landscapes inhabited by an array of wildlife including the endangered riverine rabbit. To add to this, it is also home to the only free-roaming and self-sufficient white lions in the world. Visitors can also look forward to excellent birdwatching, viewing ancient rock art, enjoying wonderful game viewing, as well as a comfortable stay at the luxury lodges.
Resting in a fertile valley of the majestic Outeniqua Mountains, along South Africa’s world-famous Garden Route, the historic city of George is one of the oldest town in the country and was once a woodcutter’s outpost. Today, this is the commercial hub of the Garden Route. Surrounded by endless beaches, soaring mountains, and glittering lakes, and is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers, while providing all the luxuries of a modern town, including a great number of excellent restaurants and shops, and a large mall. Visitors can play a round of golf on a variety of championship courses, discover local history at the fascinating George Museum and visit the Garden Route Botanical Garden, which features sublime trails and brightly-colored local fynbos plants.
Located on the eastern coast of South Africa, just outside of the port city of Durban, Umhlanga Rocks, also referred to as Umhlanga, is a popular seaside resort town. The tropical weather and lush vegetation make this an enticing holiday destination attracting visitors from all over the world. Umhlanga and its surrounds feature golden-sand beaches stretching over 200 kilometres, endless sugarcane fields and the rolling verdant landscape of the Valley of 1000 Hills. It is the perfect location for ocean enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, with great opportunities for diving, swimming, scuba diving, whale watching, dolphin viewing, deep sea fishing and kiteboarding. Don’t miss Umhlanga’s excellent golf courses; they are a real treat for the avid golfer.
Stretching from Amanzimtoti to Port Edward, South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal South Coast is all about stunning beaches, excellent fishing and fantastic golf locations. Well-developed resort towns dot this lush coastline and cater to every need from diving to dining, with top-notch golf courses often forming the basis of holidays to the area. Animal lovers flock to the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary, home to 150 bird species including Giant Kingfisher and Hamerkop. Adventure sport enthusiasts can take a brave leap at the Oribi Gorge’s Wild Gorge Swing, the highest swing in the world, equivalent to a 55 storey building. The KwaZulu Natal South Coast offers visitors an endless summer with a variety of activities including excellent swimming, snorkelling, hiking, birdwatching, dolphin spotting and viewing the annual sardine run.
