There are plenty of memorable locations, the most popular of which include places like the Garden Route, Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park, while the country also neighbours spectacular destinations such as Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Of all the places you can go, a tour through Cape Town is the perfect starting point and a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the city, witness the flood of cultural influences that are prominent all throughout the city, savour the delicious food and drink that results of the combination of different cultures and experience the beauty of the ocean, the cape and natural landscape.
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and is in the Top 50 urban areas in the world. Johannesburg is the Capital City of Gauteng, the wealthiest Province in South Africa. The City is located in the mineral rich Witwatersrand hills and is the center of the Gold and Diamond trade and was also a host city during the 2010 FIFA world cup. Though the city is so large, there isn’t very much in the terms of cultural significance as the city is more focused on commercialism and marketing. There are a few memorial sites and historically significant areas that are definitely worth visiting. Though Johannesburg is focused more on commercialism, Soweto is the culturally rich other half to the City.
Soweto used to be a separate city on the outskirts of Johannesburg that used to house native African American workers from the gold mine industry. Soweto eventually got incorporated into Johannesburg in 1994. Soweto today is very colourful and full of cultural influences that more than make up for the lack of colour and culture Johannesburg has. Kurt Safari Co. has wonderful tours that allow you to experience the cultural, commercial and historic wonders of Johannesburg as well as Soweto.
Yes and no. For the most part, Cape Town sees thousands of tourists visit every year without incident. But Cape Town is still nonetheless a dangerous city, according to the statistics. But with your street smarts and your vigilance, and while making sure that you are always aware of your surroundings, you should be safe while exploring. When on an official tour, your safety will be of paramount importance.
Generally, 5 days is more than enough time to see it all. The amount of time you spend in the city is really dependant on your preferences as well as what it is that you intend to explore. A city and a wine lands tour, for instance, might be better spread out over between 7 and 10 days, while a single tour of the city can be a 1 or 2 day event.
Absolutely! When visiting South Africa on a Cape Town tour, a safari trip is a must. The real bushveld safari experience is only a couple of hours away from the city and if the Kruger National Park is on your list of places to visit while in South Africa, the Kruger is just a 3 or so hour flight away.
Yes you can. Cape Town is a modern, highly-developed African city and it has safe tap water. Should you prefer to avoid the tap water, you can always grab a bottle of purified drinking water from any of the nearby shops.
For those travelling to South Africa, the WHO recommends measles, mumps, polio, rabies, yellow fever, typhoid, Tdap, hepatitis A and B and chicken pox vaccinations. Overall though, these vaccinations are simply precautionary. Most visitors to the city leave it perfectly healthy.
As the sun rises over the mountain, and the sleepy city dwellers awaken to the sounds of bustling city streets, the cries of seagulls in search of their next meal, and, for those lucky enough to live close to the ocean, the crashing waves of the icy Atlantic, the city that helped create modern South Africa is drowned in a golden light that instantly reminds the traveller that they have journeyed to somewhere special.
Cape Town is one of the country’s most eclectic cities. It is a place where cultures mix and blend, creating a one of a kind place where present day achievements and historical upsets live side by side, contributing to the city’s unique vibe.
There is no place on earth like Cape Town. Its personality is infectious. Its people are bubbly and with a character unlike any other. Its food is filled with flavours taken from other parts of the world and moulded into something uniquely South African. And its sightings, museums and breath taking natural landscapes are enough to fill you with awe and wonder.
From arts and crafts that have made the city one of the country’s artistic hubs, to numerous natural wonders that have landed the area on the map, Cape Town tours offer a unique perspective to the city which is beloved by so many who visit.
There is much to do here, if you are looking to fill the days with fun and informative trips around the area, and sometimes the best way to see them is to embark on a Cape Town tour. Not only will you be in the best of company, but you will also learn a lot about what you see along the way. Cape Town tours also have the habit of introducing guests to places off the beaten track.
Much of Cape Town’s history is deeply rooted in colonialism, simply because it is this part of history that was without a doubt the most recorded. Some would even argue that modern South Africa’s history began here, in 1652.
Naturally, the time before the arrival of the colonialists had plenty of its own stories, especially those of the fascinating Khoisan people who are South Africa’s only indigenous people. These hunter-gatherers were well-suited to living in the harsh terrain that is the Cape, and would survive on fishing, hunting and edible plants.
The people lived in groups and were basically Nomads. They moved from one place to the next, as game migrated to areas where they could get more food.
Imagine there shock when European ships began alighting in their homelands.
When colonialists began their expeditions to places unknown, in search of land and natural wonders to profit from, it was the Cape of South Africa that was not only an alluring stop off, but a treacherous one.
Nicknamed the Cape of Storms by weary seamen who had heard the tales of compatriot ships being mashed into wreckages on the rocks off the coast, a trip around the bottom of Africa, although faster than the other routes, was one to be feared.
The first European to have swung around the tip of Africa was the Portuguese Explorer Bartholomeu Dias. His first trip took place in 1488. The next time a European took the journey around the bottom of Africa was Vasco da Gama in 1497.
South Africa was then left alone until 1652, when Jan Van Riebeeck, a Dutch explorer landed in the Cape. Not only did he and his crew land in the Cape, but they set up South Africa’s first European colony.
The influence of the Dutch in the Cape is one that has had a long lasting feel. To this day you can hear citizens speaking Afrikaans, a close version of Dutch, and guests to the country can also try cuisine that has a few roots in Dutch culture.
The Dutch East Indian Company saw the opportunity to create a refreshment point in the Cpae and quickly set to work building their stop to supply meat, vegetables and fresh water for passing ships. Jan Van Riebeeck took on the role as Governor of the colony and in 1679, he was replaced by Simon van der Stel. The refreshment stop proved invaluable for passing ships and ensured that the Dutch explorations to the East could continue.
Cape Town, and the rest of the Western Cape, is home to one of the most eccentric, friendly, and truly welcoming people, whose history dates back to 1654, and the arrival of Asian immigrants. Today they are known as the Cape Coloured community (please note that the term coloured is accepted in South Africa, and the coloured population are fiercely proud of their heritage and community. Descendants of slaves from the Malay and Indonesian citizens, brought here by the Dutch, but also connected to the Khoi, Dutch and English populations, this community has a fascinating history.
The next to arrive in the Cape, in 1688, were the French Huguenots. Their influence is also felt to this day, in the architecture and the wine lands, which many a tourist has been entranced by. The French Huguenots were persecuted across France, and many fled in fear of their lives. Some of them arrived in the Cape after fleeing to the Netherlands and then being sent here. Their expertise in wine making has resulted in South Africa producing some of the best wines in the world, to this day.
The success of the Cape Colony proved to be too alluring for the marauding British who were seeking to expand their empire. The Dutch were ousted by the English military in 1795 at the Battle of Muizenberg.
By 1802, a truce had been agreed upon and the colony was returned to the Dutch. The peace would not last long, and in 1806, the English reclaimed the colony, following the bloody battle at Blaauwberg. The British controlled the Cape and Cape Town in particular until 1960, when South Africa was declared a republic and broke free from the crumbling British Empire.
By 1839, the supply point had grown into a moderately big town for the era. With 20 016 citizens, the town had everything it needed to function. And as more people arrived from Europe to make their homes here, the town grew quickly. At the time, the Cape Colony was an entity unto itself, while the rest of South Africa had other fractions in control.
In 1910, the British had full control over the country and established the Union of South Africa. The Union consisted of the Cape Colony, the Colony of Natal, and the 2 former Boer Republics which had been defeated by the British army.
1948 saw the introduction of one of the most devastating segregation policies the world had ever seen, Apartheid. The 4 racial groups of South Africa were forced to live apart and Cape Town was not spared. The formerly mixed communities were ripped apart, and grouped according to race. Much of South Africa’s harshest Apartheid events happened in the City, crushing its soul, although only temporarily.
On a side note, Robben Island, the infamous place where Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner for 27 years. The island can be reached via a boat ride from Cape Town and is an emotional visit. The prisoners on the island were not the first inhabitants to live on there. In fact, human presence on the island dates back to the Stone Age.
When South Africa’s Apartheid era ended in 1990, Cape Town was firmly in the international spotlight. It was in Cape Town that the world caught the first glimpse of a free Nelson Mandela, his iconic fist in the air victory pose was taken in the city and became the photographic symbol of the times.
The release of Nelson Mandela and the end of Apartheid birthed the beginning of the rainbow nation and all of the struggles that were to follow as the country fought to find a path.
Modern day Cape Town is a city with a Mediterranean feel and is a beautiful place to explore regardless of the time of year you visit. The city is always on the move and through its various challenges, the people have pulled together and continue to stand strong.
As a historically significant landmark, and a key city in the political landscape of South Africa, tourists flock to the city every year. Cape Town tours offer an unforgettable experience, one filled with learning about the history of the city, taking in the scenic natural wonders and immersing oneself in the cultures.
Cape Town is a foodie hub as well, and it is filled with some of South Africa’s most eclectic restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries. The day can be spent exploring the museums, art exhibitions and landmarks, while trying out some of the exciting eateries in between.
Before we close this chapter, on a historical side note, one of the most fascinating historical destinations is Table Mountain. This mountain is what Cape Town is best known for. It dominates the sky line and is possibly the most photographed feature of the city. The rocks that make up the mountain are about 600 000 000 years old, which to put it into perspective is 6 times older than the Himalayas. The Khoi people called the mountain “Hoerikwaggo or The Sea Mountain, and in 1503 an explorer named it Taboa da Caba or Table of the Cape. In time it became Table Mountain.
For those looking to experience the wonders and the history of Cape Town, you’ll be happy to know that getting to Cape Town is possibly easier than getting to any other popular travel destination in the country.
Seeing that Cape Town is one of the country’s capital cities, it has a massive international airport, which receives flights from all over the world each day. The Cape Town International Airport is only 12 km away from the bustling city centre and just 10 years ago the airport underwent massive renovations in order to accommodate more visitors.
Cape Town International Airport is South Africa’s second biggest airport and is considered to be one of the best on the continent.
Flying directly from your overseas home is one option, whilst your other option is to land at either OR Tambo International Airport (in Johannesburg) or King Shaka International Airport (Durban), and then enjoying an exciting road trip down to the Cape.
This option is one for the adventurer. Seeing that South Africa is a big country, and getting from one side to the other is quite an undertaking, especially if you are not a local, familiar with the roads and the wild ways of our drivers. Luckily, you don’t have to drive yourself if you choose this option. Plenty of tourists combine their tours when they visit South Africa, often travelling to the Kruger National Park for a safari, and then touring around Johannesburg and Pretoria, before venturing off to Cape Town.
While in the Cape Town area, you should be sure to visit the Garden Route. It is only a short drive away and it is filled with plenty of vibrant attractions.
If you are looking for a quicker trip to Cape Town, flying should be your first choice, while if you are keen on seeing more of the country and spending more time in South Africa, a drive, even if it is in the form of a transfer is going to be the better option.
With its blustery winter wind and rain, and its hot, dry summers, Cape Town most certainly has its fair share of crazy weather throughout the year.
Generally, as long as you pack correctly, any season is a good choice, especially as there is always something happening, either indoors (during the rain and wind) or outdoors (where hiking and wine tours are a must.
The best time of the year to visit Cape Town is between October and November, although September is not a bad time to travel. October is the beginning of the summer months in South Africa, which means Cape Town starts heating up, the skies start clearing and the wind dies down.
You won’t necessarily want to book a holiday from November until about the middle of January, as this is the city’s peak season and locals from all over flock to the city for their summer holidays. Naturally, this time of the year can get a little crowded and you might miss out on seeing some of the best sightings the city has to offer.
So yes, aim for around September/October but don’t count out the rest of the year just because of the weather. The wind and rain does let up every now and then, and when it does, the winter days can be truly magical!
If you are a first time visitor, there is a bunch of useful tips that you can use in order to make the most of your holiday in Cape Town.
Cape Town is a friendly city and aside from a few places that should be avoided, it is mostly a safe place to visit. Thousands of visitors pass through the city each year, and for many of them, the most difficult decision they need to make is which attractions they wish to see first.
Planning is key to a successful tour of Cape Town and it is certainly worth the effort to make sure that you have all of the necessary information at your disposal to guarantee that the trip will be one to remember.
1. Know what to expect from the tourist areas
Cape Town is no different to any other popular major city. There are numerous areas designed with tourists in mind, and naturally, the prices can be a little steeper than the rest of the city. Cape Town is a tourist city in every sense of the word and as such there is a lot of business which is aimed for the tourist market.
From your average store to those places you can buy a few souvenirs, and even restaurants, prices can be hiked. And then there are tourist areas like Camps Bay and the V&A Waterfront, which make no secrets about their steep prices.
When travelling around on a Cape Town tour, shopping where the locals shop is a wonderful way to save money while still enjoying a top notch experience.
2. Embrace the weather
Throughout South Africa, Cape Town has a reputation for its less than popular weather. The summers are hot and dry, and the winters are windy, cloudy and icy cold. And the weather changes depending on which side of the mountain you are on.
Travelling here in the winter is not impossible but it is important that you take every step to plan for the weather. It can rain for days on end, and the wind will literally have you walking at an angle in an attempt to stay upright.
On rainy days, you can head out on a wine land tour, where you can sit by a fire and enjoy a drink and a good meal, and on those windy days, you can go for a long drive and simply take in all the sights along the way.
In the summer, everything is possible, and if the weather is not too warm, you can always go on a long hike.
3. Don’t miss the wine lands
The wine lands consist of a series of farms as well as small towns filled with great places to eat. While it is not in Cape Town, it is only a short drive away and you should make sure that you don’t miss out on a trip out of town to see the sights and sample all of the best vintages.
Most of those venturing off on a Cape Town tour will naturally also take a trip to the wine lands where an overnight stay is a must.
Constantia and Franschoek are without a doubt the two most popular places among new visitors, but there are all sorts of other interesting places all along the wine route to see and experience.
4. Book a table at a restaurant
If you are a foody, you will be in luck. Cape Town is full of fantastic places to eat and many of the trendiest places are book for months in advance and if there is a particular place where you’d like to go eat, it is a good idea to find out if they take bookings, so that you can make the necessary plans.
Should you leave things too late, and you find that the place you’ve been dying to try out is booked up, you shouldn’t stress too much as many of the restaurants will accept last minute bookings as well as walk-ins.
5. Summer is peak season
Just like so many tourists are in love with Cape Town, South Africans are just as infatuated with the city. This means that the city’s peak season is during the summer months, especially the Christmas/New Year period. If you visit the city between November and February, be prepared to push your way through hordes of people while also paying more for holiday.
Ideally, for the best weather and the least people, the period between October and November, is considered to be the best time of year to visit the city.
6. Go hiking
The first thoughts about the city is possibly not going to conjure up images of beautiful outdoor hiking trails. But Cape Town has its fair share of amazing places to go hiking, and one starting point, if you have the time to spare, is Lion’s Head. Ideally, this trail can be tackled in an afternoon, as it will only take around 45 minutes to scale it.
The view from the top is absolutely astounding, especially at dawn or sunset. Remember to bring a camera along with you. The spot is considered to be one of the most photographic places in Cape Town, and it will most certainly become the perfect postcard moment.
7. Local transport
If you are touring the city as a part of a tour group, you will be driven around wherever you go. But if you intend to visit the city on your own, you can make use of a number of travel options, the most popular of which is the bus. The city is home to a tour bus that takes people to all of the city’s famous destinations, but travelling by bus is also a good, and safe, option if you are intending to take longer trip, perhaps to the city outskirts.
Should you want to travel around the inner city, and you don’t have your own transport, opting for a taxi service would be best.
8. Hit the markets
For some reason, most of South Africa’s coastal cities play host to some of the most fascinating markets. Not necessarily farmers markets, or even crafters markets, but gorgeous antiques. Cape Town has a number of local markets, especially over the weekend, and it is the perfect place find the kinds of things you wouldn’t find in an ordinary shop. It is also a great opportunity to get some practice with your bargaining skills.
9. Be aware of internet limitations
Although South Africa is in many ways ahead of the rest of the continent in terms of consistent internet connectivity, you can’t always rely on having consistent connection wherever you go. Restaurants and most hotels will do their best to keep you online, but be understanding if your connection takes a sudden dip.
10. Buy a local SIM card
To save money and ensure that you can use your phone while you are in the city, it helps to buy a SIM card from a local service provider. Each has their own pricing and their own benefits, but the most popular providers in the country include MTN, Vodacom and Cell-C.
First time in Cape Town? You are in for the adventure of a lifetime! There is a good reason why Cape Town attracts locals and overseas guests alike, and the reason is variety. With a carefully planned out itinerary, you won’t have a moment to be bored. There is so much to do and see, so many experiences to enjoy and so many friends to make.
These are all of the must visit destinations that have to be on your Cape Town bucket list.
Of course the bucket list needs to start with the city’s most iconic landmark!
Table Mountain is one of the first things you are going to see when you arrive in the city, and, if the weather permits, a trip to the top in a cable car is an absolute must for every newcomer to the city. The cable car trips are run by The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and their cars are quite magnificent, since they are able to rotate 360 degrees, giving you the most spectacular views.
The car travels around 3 500 feet up the mountain, right to the very top. When you get to the top, you can buy a souvenir or gift for a loved one back home, have a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, and spend the rest of your time there walking the trails. Another fun thing to do when you get to the top, is to send a postcard.
And for those who want to post that perfect selfie from the summit, you’ll be happy to know that the summit has Wi-Fi.
It has to be one of the most legendary streets in South Africa. Kloof Street is a trendy hot spot for those who want to tuck into delicious food, taste local craft beer, do some bar hoping, and just soak in the atmosphere.
There is something for everyone to enjoy on Kloof Street, from savoury treats to those sweet sensations.
It is the one place where many locals go for a romantic night out, or a get together with friends, because there are so many places to visit. Not only are there many great restaurants to enjoy, but it is the action packed activities that really draw in the crowd.
The V&A Waterfront has the Cape Wheel, which gives guests a fabulous view of the city, and a trip on the Red Anchor Harbour Cruise is also something to experience. The waterfront is also home to food markets, local craft shops, gift shops, and all sorts of fashion and décor places.
While you are in the area, don’t miss out on a stop off at the Two Oceans Aquarium. An afternoon here will be more than enough time to see all the various marine life, local to the area.
This part of the city is incredibly trendy and a little upmarket, so it is ideal for those who are looking for something a little classier. Camps Bay is a perfect destination for a sundowner after a trip around the city. There are also quite a few party spots here, so if you want to get a better idea of the night life, this is certainly the place to be.
For the surfer, or those who’d like to learn how to balance on a board, Muizenberg is the place to be. The quaint village on the outskirts of the city is best known for its colourful beach huts and its delicious delis. Muizenberg is popular for visiting families and it is home to the creative, so you can be sure to find all sorts of wonderfully interesting things to buy as keepsakes.
Most things in this town are within walking distance, which makes Muizenberg the perfect place to spend a day exploring.
Home to South Africa’s other favourite Black and White creatures, a visit to Boulders Beach is for everyone wanting to see the African Penguin colony that has made its home here. It will be love at first sight when you spot these little, waddling creatures going about their day but it is also a very special moment as these magnificent creatures are on the endangered species list.
The penguins are not the only attraction on offer at Boulder’s Beach. Close to the beach is the beautiful Simon’s Town. The town is filled with attractions as well as some truly historical neighbourhoods, and it is also where you will find South Africa’s Naval Base.
Step right onto the very edge of the African continent with a trip to Cape Point. This is as far south as you could possibly walk and the trail down to the end of the world will leave you with sightings of ostriches, baboons, and all sorts of indigenous plants, which include the icon Cape Fynbos.
There is a place to grab a snack and enjoy the views, and while here you can also buy a few mementos to take home. When taking this trip, which is often included as a part of a Cape Town tour, be sure to bring along your camera.
Vibrant and eclectic is two words commonly used to describe the Bo-Kaap. Just a walk away from the always bustling CBD of Cape Town, this is one place that every person visiting the Cape for the first time should not miss out on visiting. It is a great place to find all sorts of local tasty treats, such as Cape Malay dishes and the delectably sweet koeksister, which is a deep fried, syrup covered pastry.
The green gardens, set on the slopes of Table Mountain, are without a doubt every nature lovers dream escape. Not only are there many places to sit down and enjoy a picnic, but there are also a whole lot of walking trails that you can spend a full day exploring. Some of the walkways offer brilliant views so again, bring along a camera.
Kirstenbosch is also popular for its even concerts which take place in the summer months.
In many ways, Groot Constantia is the epitome of everything Cape Town. There are fantastic local restaurants serving up local cuisine, there is Cape wines which are legendary throughout the world, there is gorgeous scenery, and there is that wonderful laid back Cape Town vibe. Groot Constantia is well-known for being one of the country’s most popular wine estates and it is a great place to indulge in both chocolate and wine.
Given the fact that the city is surrounded by some of the best farms, it is quite natural to find the best produce at the local farmers market that which is next door to the V&A Waterfront. It is not only the perfect place to grab some local produce, but you can also buy crafts, treats, crafted coffee, all sorts of snacks.
While in the city, also have a look at the Old Biscuit Mill Neighbourgoods Market which takes place on a Saturday and the Lourensford Twilight Market in Somerset West which takes place on a Friday night. The Earth Fair Market in the CBD is another one not to be missed and you can find it on a Thursday at around lunchtime.
If you want to make sure that you miss none of the best Cape Town attractions, booking a Cape Town tour is a must. Tour companies of their way to make sure that they have created an exciting tour that ensures that guests have the opportunity to see it all before they head home.
From visiting meaningful historical destinations that hold some of South Africa’s most encouraging tales of hope and courage, to natural attractions and the cities best places to grab a bite to eat, a Cape Town tour will include it all.
Tours are conducted by those who know the city best. Not only are the guides generally locals who are born and raised here, but they are also passionate story tellers who turn a tour into something truly special.
Tours can range from a fun day out to a 7 day adventure, with guests just having to take care of their paperwork, drinks and souvenirs. The best Cape Town tours include accommodation and travel as well as entrance to certain venues (unless otherwise specified). By the end of the tour, guests have a full Cape Town experience and a new appreciation of South Africa’s most beloved coastal city.
These are a few of the Cape Town tours that we currently have available.
One of Cape Town’s most popular attractions is Cape Point. Cape Point has beautiful, clear beaches, jaw-dropping Views of the ocean and landscape and stunning coastal villages. The Cape Peninsula starts from the center of the city and stretches all the way along the beautiful and stunning scenery to Cape Point with Chapman’s Peak and Ou Kaapse Weg used as routes. There are multiple pickup points for the tour at: Oranjezicht/ Gardens, City Bowl/ Foreshore, Waterfront/ Sea Point & Banta Bay/ Camps Bay. Collection times may vary depending on the collection route. A reconfirmation will be sent the night before to avoid confusion.
The Tour will take you along the Atlantic Seaboard via Camps Bay, Clifton and Sea Point to charming villages and a fishing harbor at Hout Bay. The tour continues along via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most beautiful coastal Drives to Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve which is apparently where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The next stop in this amazing tour is to Simons Town, a village with beautiful Victorian architecture a penguin colony at the stunning Boulders Beach and the iconic Simon’s Town Naval Base and Museum. The tour stops nearby for a lunch break and then goes to the final destination, the well-known Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. This garden contains five of the six unique South African biomes and is known worldwide for its divers and beautiful Cape Flora. The Magnificence of Table Mountain stands over the gardens and stands as a beautiful end to the tour.
Cape Town is filled with priceless culture and history regarding human rights of South Africa. The Walk of Freedom helps you to explore the history of the Khoisan to Jan van Riebeeck and the historic accounts from Apartheid to democratic celebrations. Cape Town is the hub for most of South Africa’s culture and history and stands as a testament to all of the events that helped shape the country. Cape Town is the home of Afrikaans the Afrikaans Culture as Jan van Riebeeck came to South Africa by arriving at Cape Point. It was here where the clash of culture started and how South Africa became so culturally concentrated.
The tour of the Walk to freedom begins in Bo-Kaap in a historic area that was where many slaves had been freed and was also home to many Muslims. Here you will get to experience South African culture, personality and Lifestyle in all its diversity. The Next stop in the tour is Zonnebloem, the home of the famous living museum that was established in December 1994. The Museum was built in the memory of those who were thrown out of their homes during Apartheid.
Next up on the Walk to Freedom Tour is in Cape Flats to visit Gugu S’Thermbe Arts and Culture Centre. Here you can embrace the vibrancy and colour of South Africa as the Centre is dedicated to empowering the local people with exploration of cultural talents and native arts. Last stop on this wonderful tour takes you to Victoria & Alfred Waterfront so you can depart to Robben Island. Enjoy a guided tour of the island as well as the experience of exploring the Maximum-Security Prison, where former President, Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned. The experience of walking through the prison, looking at how the prisoners used to live and also the small size of the cells the prisoners used to live in. There are plenty of amazing sights on the island like penguins, Springbok and a unique view of Table Mountain and the city. It might be a good idea to take a hat and a water bottle with you as this can be a long tour and you will be in the sun for a long time. There is a shop on the island where you can buy drinks and a snack to keep up your energy.
For a different kind of tour, you can take part in the Cape Canopy Tour. On this tour you can meander through the beautiful mountain ranges, vineyards and the Cape Dutch villages of the Cape Winelands. You can taste and explore the highly esteemed and rich tasting wines the Cape Winelands has to offer. Journey along the Overberg region, via the Sir Lowry’s Pass, into the Elgin Valley which is one of the most beautiful Fruit Growing areas in the Cape. The tour is located in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve. Everyone will gather at the reception to sign in and register, afterwards your guides will give you a safety lesson and explain everything that is going happen during the tour. You will then be kitted up with safety harness and helmet and will then make your way to the vehicles. The guides will take you via 4×4 to the top of the mountain where the start of this amazing and fun canyon zipline experience will start.
Your two professional guides will accompany each group to ensure strict safety standards are held while also providing an educational and very enlightening experience by providing interesting facts about the area’s nature and geology. Slide along steel cables between platforms with some memorable sights being waterfalls, valleys, canyons and the view of the ocean. Each of the 13 platforms along the route are 320m long that will have both nature and adventure enthusiasts coming back for more. After a short walk back to the vehicle, you will be taken back to the reception area where you can enjoy a light meal, at your own account. After the wonderful and memorable experience, you will be taken back to Cape Town.
Cape Town is famous for its amazing sights, richness in culture and their world-renowned wines. Naturally it would be a great idea to go on a Wine Tour to experience the delicious wines the Cape Winelands are famous for. Meander through the Vineyards, mountain ranges and the Cape Dutch Homesteads as you travel to the center of the Cape Winelands. Capetown has the perfect climate for growing different kind of grapes to make different kind of wines. The saltiness in the air along with the very nutrient and fertile ground make for perfect growing conditions to help produce some of South Africa as well as the worlds best and iconic wine.
One of the first wineries you can visit is Stellenbosch, the centre of South Africa’s wine industry and is covered in oak covered Avenues. Next of the wineries is Franschoek, where you need to travel over the Helshoogte Pass to reach. Franschoek dates back all the way to the 17th Century and is where the French Huguenots arrived. You can enjoy local wine tasting at an award-winning restaurant. Last of the Wineries is Paarl, one of the first farming districts and is placed at the foot of a Granite Dome cluster. At the end of this wonderful tour we make our way back to the rumble of the city life. The tour ends with a drop off at your accommodation.
The Soweto Tour starts at the pickup points at Sandton and Rose bank early in the morning. After the pickup, you will depart to the large cluster of townships known as Soweto. At the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, you will have a very amazing panoramic view of the local area from the footbridge of the hospital. The next stop of this wonderful Cultural experience is Orlando West which is where the home of the former late president, Nelson Mandela is located. The old home is now known as the Mandela House Museum, which is a memorial that allows you to indulge in the history of Nelson Mandela and his impact on Apartheid and South Africa. This is an eye opening experience where you get to know Nelson Mandela and will have an insight on how Nelson Mandela ended Apartheid hand and what he did during his time as president.
The exterior of the museum tells an interesting story. The walls of this little red matchbox house, that was built in 1976, can be seen filled with bullet holes as well as the black scorch marks from petrol bombs that were thrown at the house while he was in prisoned on Robben Island. Mandela returned to this home even though he has build a new home, because it is the home of his memories. The Mandela House Museum is not the only memorable site in the area. Just down the road in Vilikazi street, you can witness the mansion of the late Winnie Madikizela Mandela, the current home of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Just around the corner of Vilikazi is the Hector Pieterson Memorial where the student uprising of 1976 began. More closer to where Mandela’s home is located is where pieterson fell. The average duration of this Soweto Tour is about 4 hours. There are plenty of cultural hotspots in Soweto, but it would take more than a day to experience what Soweto has to offer.
The Bicycle tour will start after everyone is picked up at the two pick up spots at Sandton and Rosebank early in the morning. Your tour starts with your guides giving you a quick safety lesson and will tell you the route and what you will be expecting. You will be kitted up and given a bicycle. The first stop on this unique bicycle tour is at Orlando West and East Lookout Point. Here we can visit the home of one of South Africa’s favourite soccer teams, the Orlando Pirates where you can learn about the history of Soweto and all of the developments that happen all around the city. Next stop on the bicycle tour is the Mzhimphlope Men’s Hostel. Here you can learn about the history of the area as well as the local community of the Meadowlands from all the local pubs and hostels. It is very interesting interacting with the locals and listen to all of the amazing and unique stories from the older members of the community. Other stops on this bicycle tour is the mansion of the Jazz artist Abigail Khubeka, the Hector Pieterson Memorial, where the student uprising in 1976 took place and is also very close to where Pieterson was shot and killed, and the Nelson Mandela House Museum. The old house of former President Mandela was attacked while he was in prison as bullet holes and black scorch marks are evidence on the walls of theis red matchbox house. After this culture filled tour, you will receive a traditional meal Al Fresco at Lebo’s Backpackers before travelling back to your hotels.
Johannesburg is not known for a lot of cultural influences as the city was built more on commercialism and was founded as a result of the diamond and gold trade that was booming in the area. Johannesburg now is one of the busiest cities in South Africa and is also the Financial Centre of the country. Just because there isn’t many cultural sites to see, you can still experience some key places in this bustling Metropolis. Booming with lights, life and vibes Exploring Johannesburg is a real experience.
Constitution Hill is the insightful living museum that encased the history of South Africa’s road to Democracy. The site is actually a former military fort and prison that reveals the turbulent past and is now home of the country’s Constitutional Court. The Court Building is the only place of incarceration in South Africa that has held world renowned names, including Nelson Mandela, Joe Slovo, Mahatma Ghandi, Winnie Madikizela Mandela, Fatima Meer and Albertina Sisulu. Before being a prison, this building used to be a military for as stablished earlier. This building used to hold thousands of people throughout the 100 years the fort and prison was in service.
The Center Business District is one of the few places in Johannesburg that has been impacted by arts and culture. There are more than 560 wooden crafted heads around Newtown and there is also the Banner of Hope, which is a steel sculpture of South Africa’s flag that is located in front of the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre. A memorable and amazing site is also to travel to the Magistrates Court as well as the Supreme Court and the City Hall. There is something about visiting the sites of famous and intimidating buildings like the Magistrate court that instill a feeling of respect and fear.
