Set just over an hour from Cape Town, within the inspiring landscapes of the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is a heritage town and a world-renowned food and wine destination. Travellers could choose to focus their visit on any one aspect alone - nature, cuisine or culture - and find plenty to keep them busy. The estates here attract wine experts from around the globe with their Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cap Classique sparkling wine (among others). Five-star restaurants alongside the cellars are surrounded by the same jaw-dropping valley scenes that have brought artists and writers to the area for centuries. A superb literary festival takes place around May every year, and, combined with the town’s Cape Dutch manor houses, fascinating museums, and charming boutiques, makes Franschhoek a wonderful place to visit in winter. Summer provides endless hiking, cycling and other outdoor opportunities among the lush farmlands and mountains.
De Kelders is a small town in Walker Bay, about two hours drive from Cape Town. Protected coves and inlets provide the ideal conditions for Southern Right Whales to mate and give birth, and, every year between July and November, these giant creatures can be spotted in the waters. A collection of caves offer much to explore; at Klipgat, some of the oldest human remains and stone artefacts have been found; while Drup Kelders presents a freshwater pool cave perfect for swimming and decorated by striking stalagmites and stalactites. The tranquil cove at Standford’s Bay is another perfect place to swim, surrounded by 150-year-old fig trees. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, angling, quad biking, and horse riding in the area, and the exquisite natural beauty of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Make sure to visit one of the local restaurants, too, which serve up wonderful fresh seafood.
Cape Town is undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. No matter what you do here – and there is a lot to choose from – you will leave with that iconic image in your memory of the spectacular Table Mountain, rising over the city, nestled between the mountains and the sea. A journey to the top of the mountain by cable car or on foot is not to be missed. Other attractions are seemingly unlimited. It is a large, cosmopolitan city, and at the same time, it has an abundance of nature to explore. Top attractions include: the bustling V&A Waterfront with a myriad of shops and restaurants; Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was once held captive; a breeding colony of African penguins on Boulders Beach; the brightly colored houses of the Bo-Kaap community; and the soft sands of the beaches in Camps Bay. Be sure to visit the historic towns of the nearby Winelands for local art, delicious food and wine, and stunning views.
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve offers what some would say is the best game viewing experience in South Africa. It is part of the Greater Kruger National Park, an enormous area, including Kruger, without any fences, allowing wildlife to move freely. But unlike Kruger, which allows self-drive safaris, it is a private reserve – you can’t drive around on your own. Safaris are led by highly-trained guides – perhaps the quintessential advantage of staying here. You aren’t just looking at animals and taking photos, you are learning about their behavior, adaptations, conservation efforts, etc. They also know how to find wildlife, often tracking paw prints, droppings, and animal trails on foot, and are also allowed to drive off road, which is prohibited in Kruger, following game into the bush instead of being confined to what you can see from a distance.
