With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A harmonious blend of architectural styles reflects the tastes of dictates of the past as well as today's more functional requirements. Between the high-rise office blocks, Edwardian and Victorian buildings have been meticulously preserved, and many outstanding examples of Cape Dutch architecture are found. Narrow, cobble stone streets and the strongly Islamic ambience of the Bo-Kaap enhance the cosmopolitan feeling of the city. Cape Town is a melting pot of cultures
Cape Town shopping options invite you to endlessly browse. Elegant malls such as the Victoria Wharf at the V&A Waterfront, antique shops, craft markets, flea markets and art galleries abound. Specialist boutiques offer an enticing array of unusual items not readily obtainable elsewhere. Gourmets and lovers of fine wines have a treat in store, with the Constantia Winelands producing some of the finest wines worldwide.
Cape Town City Bowl
Fondly known as the ‘mother city’, Cape Town lies in the bowl of Table Mountain, more often than not shrouded in cloud from the prevailing Summer South-Easter (‘Cape Doctor’) wind, and one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. The heart of Cape Town’s city, her centre, is one of the only major Central Business Districts in South Africa, if not the world, that is currently experiencing enormous growth and urban revival.
Highlights:
- Company Gardens
- De Tuynhuis
- District Six Museum
- Bo Kaap
- Greenmarket Square
- Houses of Parliament
- Noon Day Gun
- Signal Hill
- South African Museum & National Gallery
- St George's Cathedral
- St George's Mall and Adderley Street
- Castle of Good Hope
- Cape Town City Hall & Grand Parade
Montagu lies at the gap where Route 62 makes its way through the Langeberg Mountains, on the edge of the Klein Karoo.
Oudtshoorn is famous for its ostriches and the magnificent Cango Caves. Located along the renowned Route 62, which takes motorists past one awe-inspiring sight after another, Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World: these huge birds are almost as common as people in this charming town. Other than ostriches and the wonderful feathers and meat they provide, the Oudtshoorn area also boasts the spectacular Cango Caves; the largest show cave system in Africa, permeated with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites and captivating rock formations.
As a family owned and operated private game reserve, Kariega Game Reserve offers a warm and friendly environment where guests can experience a real connection with all that Africa has to offer, including its rich culture. Local cuisine, traditional braaivleis (barbeque), and outdoor dining in the African boma are all part of the authentic African journey at Kariega. Of course, your African safari would not be complete without the big game experience offered at Kariega. Comprising 10,000 hectares of rich biodiversity and lush landscapes, Kariega is a malaria-free safari destination home to the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cape leopard) and much more. Twice daily game viewing from open game vehicles is the center of your safari experience but other safari activities on offer include walking safaris, river cruises, canoeing and fishing. Also available is a tranquil health spa, and a well-equipped gym.
Nestled between the imposing Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean and surrounded by world-renowned forests, Knysna offers a wealth of activities for visitors. The beautiful lagoon and more than eight beaches provide opportunities to swim, surf, canoe, yacht, jet-ski, boat, fish, walk on soft sand and take ferry rides. Various markets offer organic goods, delicious food, indigenous plants and a social atmosphere. Mountains, valleys, lakes, forests and streams are ready to be explored. The region isn’t known as the “Garden of Eden” for nothing! A birding route is available for avid bird watchers. World class golf courses are at your doorstep. And of course the area is famous for the Knysna Heads and delicious oysters.
This rugged stretch of South African coastline snakes along the Atlantic Ocean, with magnificent mountains rising up on the other side. The spectacular scenery is made up of charming seaside villages, farms, rivers, coves and valleys, and during the right season, the region’s namesake – whales – can be seen cruising and wallowing in the coastal waters.
The French corner of the Cape, Franschhoek lies in one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the world, just 45 minutes’ from Cape Town and within half an hour of the Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Somerset West wine routes.
This traditionally French town is the food and wine capital of this area and one would be hard pressed to dispute the claim. Eight of the top 100 restaurants in the country are found in Franschhoek, there are nigh on 30 wine cellars and over 28 restaurants from which to choose for your gastronomic experience.
The Franschhoek valley has launched a Cap Classique route that includes nine cellars, within a distance of 4 km, in a combined marketing initiative. The sparkling wine tour includes teaching visitors about the methods of making Cap Classique in a unique attempt to add value to wine consumption.
Originally known as the Valley of the Huguenots, a community of French Huguenots were granted land in this valley by the Dutch government of the Cape, after fleeing their homeland when Protestantism was outlawed in France in 1685. Today, many of the wine farms still bear their original French names and most of these farms have beautiful examples of Cape Dutch architecture.
Franschhoek’s village has a wonderful collection of art and antique shops and galleries and the main streets are lined with restaurants and coffee shops. It is easy to spend a day here and it serves as an excellent springboard to other wine routes and the Four Passes Fruit Route, of which Franschhoek is also part; and there are a number of walking trails in the surrounding mountains, for the more energetic.
