Your comfortable guesthouse in Sea Point is close to restaurants, bars and other facilities. The guesthouse is Fair Trade certified and you will find this back in all the small details that make your stay more than just a hotel overnight. After settling in, get your first taste of the city when going on a sunset champagne cruise. Stunning views of the city sprawled at the foot of Table Mountain and the spectacular sunset in the Atlantic Ocean make this a treat you won’t easily forget. 

You’ll see Cape Town’s highlights, but you’ll see it from a very different angle. Start the day with a scootour, riding down Table Mountain in a completely clean self-propelled way. Gravity does all the work and you only need to break where necessary. Look down on Cape Town and the colourful Bo-Kaap, which you will explore afterwards.

Eyepopping kaleidoscope

The Bo-Kaap is an eyepopping kaleidoscope of brightly coloured houses, spice shops and mosques, smothered in a thick layer of Cape Malay tradition. Your host will take you to the most scenic spots in the Bo-Kaap, ending up at her home. There she will initiate you into the secrets of the famous Cape Malay cuisine. She’ll teach you hands-on how to make delicacies like samosas, a curry, naans, and a sambal. You are in effect cooking your own lunch… and you get her secret recipes to take home.

After this delicious lunch you visit the incredible Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, in short Zeitz Mocaa. An old grain silo in the Victoria Waterfront has been transformed into one of the must-see museums of the world.  A mix of rotating temporaray collections, the permanent art work and incredible views of the harbor, town and Table Mountain makes for a wonderful afternoon.

The long and winding road to the Cape

The Cape of Good Hope must be the world’s most famous cape. This is the most south western point of Africa. Here the famous Flying Dutchman harassed ships of old that rounded the Cape on their way to the far East. There are many ways to explore the Cape by car, but why not step outside the normal boundaries and make it an unforgettable experience by going by water bike and sidecar?

On the way to the Cape, Simonstown is famous for its penguins. Unlikely as it may seem, thanks to the cold Antarctic water penguins thrive here. Simonstown has one of the largest colonies and they live in the town itself.  Go out on the water on a water bike and pedal past seals and penguins in their natural habitat, going in and out of the sea. And no, you don’t need to be a sports fanatic to enjoy this leisurely paddle.

The winding roads to the Cape Point are made for motorbikes, and a sidecar ride for the rest of the day adds a lot to the fun. Each motorbike comes with a driver/guide and all the gear you need to look like a black-and-white movie star.  You’ll ride past all famous landmarks, including Cape Point National Park, the Cape of Good Hope itself, the lighthouses and of course Chapman’s Peak Drive. This was recently voted (again) as one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world.

Don’t want a side car ride? You can do all of this in your own car or with a private guided chauffeur-driven excursion too. 

Explore the Mother City – your way

Your last day in Cape Town is free for you to fill in with whatever you like. Cape Town is amazing and there is so much to do and to see that the choice will be hard. You’d need at least another week to do it all, so let’s help you by giving you some of our own favorite secrets of Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Like what you see? We’ll happily assist you with booking any of these options.

Like walking? The most beautiful walk you can do starts in the botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch and takes you across the Table Mountain to the cable car. Once on top you walk along the edge of Table Mountain with stunning views of the Cape Flats. You then cross the mountain to the other side where the cable car station is. Despite its name and the way it looks from afar, the mountain is definitely not flat on top. Sloping hills, gorges and steep climbs crisscross the mountain, making it a beautiful traverse.  We offer this only as a guided walk.

Do you prefer street art and township culture? Then spend a day starting with the street art tour in fashionable Woodstock and Salt River. Here are over 120 street art murals and graffiti paintings. Artists from South Africa and around the world adorned the facades of over 120 buildings in an extraordinary display of artistic self-expression and empowering messaging.  After this you are transferred to one of the townships where Uthando (meaning love) is operating. All township tours are aimed at showing the positive developments in a township, not poverty tourism. Your visit actively helps, inspires and supports the people living there. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the extremely friendly reception you’ll get and the many chats and laughs you will share with the people living there. 

Most unique experience

The most unique experience you can do in Cape Town is also the most unexpected: a wine safari in a 4×4 safari vehicle. A unique wine valley tasting experience in the heart of Cape Town. This is truly unique and different from main stream tourism. Travel on a converted Game Viewing vehicle in a fun way up the mountains of the Constantia Winelands. Here you’ll park in a beautiful viewpoint where we will setup a wine tasting you can’t find anywhere in the world! Choose between afternoon or sunset options.

Here are some further suggestions for you:

• Descend from Signal Hill hanging from a paraglider for an exhilarating view of the city from the air. 
• Make a helicopter flight over the city or even all the way to Cape Point.
• On Saturday or Sunday morning, visit the amazing Oranjezicht farm market for great vibes, great music and great foodstalls.
• Go shopping in the old harbour district of the V&A Waterfront, where a working harbour is incorporated in a host of shops, restaurants, bars and great views.
• Visit the Two Oceans aquarium, not only one of the best aquaria in the world but also deeply involved in rescuing ocean animals, teaching school kids about Ocean life. It is not for nothing Fair Trade Tourism certified.

Beer and bicycles in the wine town

After the secrets of Cape Town it’s time to move to the secrets of Stellenbosch. A first discovery of the historic town with a lunch of delectable specialty meats, crepes, baked goods, craft beer, coffee, fresh Saldanha Bay oysters. Situated at a cherished 18th century historical building at the heart Stellenbosch’s vibrant cultural district, it gives home to a collective of diverse merchants, each passionate about their craft.

Visit a brewery on a working farm and learn all about the beer making processes which are still done by hand here.

Explore one of the cycle trails around Stellenbosch. Rental of the bikes is done by a fund that contributes to the local community.

Uncover more intriguing stories of Stellenbosch during a guided tour and connect with talented food artisans and artists/ crafters and get an insider’s perspective on the outdoor art exhibition in Stellenbosch. But most of all, indulge in the amazing food Stellenbosch and the region has to offer by making sweet and savory tasting stops. Samples of Stellenbosch craft beers is of course also on the menu!

Khoisan heritage

Transfer from the accommodation to !Khwa ttu San Culture & Education Centre . This offers you a unique opportunity to experience and learn more about the San culture and heritage. Take a through a guided tour, a cultural display and even a language session with qualified San guides. They tell you all about how they are hunter gatherers and know all about the land, the plants, the animals and the elements. They not only understood how to live but how to live well. A people that thrived!

Our Darling: a carbon neutral brewery

Continue to the picturesque town of Darling that transformed from an 18th century farming community into the Darling we are familiar with today: a town hosting some of the West Coasts finest festivals, performances, art, landscapes, wine, beer, food and activities.

You won’t get hungry in Darling and you won’t go thirsty. Sit back, raise your glass and enjoy everything this quaint town has to offer.

Of course, a visit to a brewery cannot be forgotten. Slow beer, sustainable beer and enjoying tastings and platters at South Africa’s only carbon neutral beer brewery! Learn all there is to know how they do this. 

Evita’s Perron

Make another stop in Darling for a treat for those with a sweet tooth.

You can’t miss the Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout Museum – dedicated to this lady who had such an influence on Apartheid-politics through her angle of humoristic criticism. It is part of Evita’s Perron, founded by Tannie Evita and recently featured on the tv show ‘In die Sop’. In one episode famous chef Bertus Basson redesigned the restaurant and the menu. You’re in for treat!

In this one week you will have seen the two oldest towns of South Africa in a completely new light and different way than other travellers do. We can’t wait for you to come and discover the secrets of Cape Town and Stellenbosch!

Marataba conservation area

Marataba, a 21,000-hectare (52,000-acre), privately managed section of the Marakele National Park, is uniquely situated where lush bushveld gives way to the Kalahari sands, in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. A contractual National Park, Marataba is one of South Africa’s most innovative conservation models. From the vision of an iconic president to the unique public-private partnership that exists today, we protect the area’s diverse flora and fauna through modern and hands-on conservation practices.

The Rhino Conservation Experience

Marataba offers fully interactive rhino safaris for guests to get involved over three days in elective procedures like rhino notching, collaring and/or DNA collecting. This experience is only available from 1 February to 31 October.

Notching is an ongoing intervention at Marataba and the long-term objective is to identify every single rhino in the Reserve. This will ensure that annually they are only required to notch the younger animals that are dispersing from their mothers.

Animals are individually located and immobilised (a tranquilising dart is shot by a professional veterinary team) from a helicopter. Once immobilised, the animal is moved into a comfortable position. Then, notches are incised into the ears, under anaesthetic, and microchips are inserted into the horns and the body.

The tissue removed from excising the notches is collected and the DNA, now correlated to the microchips, is submitted to the RHoDIS database (Rhinoceros DNA indexing system). RHoDIS is a national DNA database maintained by the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of Pretoria and is kept to provide forensic evidence related to the provenance of confiscated rhinoceros horns.

Get actively involved

You will not be a passive visitor during this! No, you will be part of the team and help hands-on with any work that needs doing. The Vet will direct you what to do. Your itinerary will generally look like this:

Day 1: After a briefing with the conservation team, embark on an afternoon drive to identify a specific rhino and learn about the social interaction and make up of rhino groups.

Day 2: Darting, notching & monitoring of the rhino. A follow up and post-notching monitoring will take place in the afternoon.

Day 3: Alternative day for notching, or to enjoy a selection of other conservation experiences.

Day 4: Departure.

Other Conservation Experiences

Marataba is one of South Africa’s biodiversity hotspots. The area is not only rich in its diversity of wildlife and flora, the magnificent landscapes provide an unforgettable and everchanging backdrop to all activities. Enjoy game drives by safari vehicle or boat and mix and match them with more interactive experiences for a full immersion into the Marataba way of life.

Every booking is allocated a private conservation guide and vehicle to allow for maximum flexibility. Experiences on day 3 can be chosen on a ‘mix and match’ basis for a fully tailor-made stay. Besides the normal safari activities like game drives and game walks, you can choose to participate in camera trap setup and analysis, game census logging and compiling of ID kits. Or a telemetry tracking walk of cheetahs, community outreach programs and further opportunities. Get involved in specialised experiences with the conservation team and get an unique look behind the scenes of a game reserve.

The Conservation Camps

Founders Camp and Explorers Camp are about enriching experiences in balance with nature and immersing yourself in the solitude of the vast, wild landscapes…

Founders Camp is a lodged camp and has 4 suites for up to 8 adults & 2 children and you book the whole camp. The base rate is for 4 adults (except during Rhino Conservation Week). You get your own vehicle and guide. Children of all ages are welcome.

Explorers Camp is a tented camp and has 5 tents & 1 family tent for up to 12 adults & 6 children. This is set up for a maximum of two groups of 6 adults plus children. The base rate is for 4 adults (except during Rhino Conservation Week). Each group gets its own vehicle and guide. Children of all ages are welcome.

A night on the wild side

Want to disconnect from the modern world completely and reconnect with nature? Change one night for a night in the Star Camp Out. The Star Camp Out experience is focused on stargazing and wild walking. There are beautiful mountains and gorges to explore around camp.

Four spacious tents are equipped with 2 stretchers and luxury bedding. The bucket-showered bathroom is at the back of the tent but is not accessible from inside. At the main camp area, there is a large stretch tent covering a comfortable chill out zone, as well as a small bar and an outdoor firepit. There are plenty of places to relax and put your feet up at the end of the day – and plenty of ice for a G&T!

Light is provided by paraffin lantern. There is no electricity and no mobile phone reception. The entire camp is extremely light impact, leaving no footprint behind on the landscape.

Food at the Star Camp Out is wholesome and hearty – and there is lots of it! Everything is cooked over the campfire, so expect honest South African flavours with a good dose of fun.

You can do this tour with your own transport, or we can arrange transfers for you. Choose between a road or fly-in transfer. The airstrip is ca. 45 minutes from the camps.

The beauty of the bay

Upon arrival at Tintswalo Atlantic you check into your room. Each room is a beautiful, individual design around the soul of some of the worlds’ most famous islands.  If you want, we can arrange for a transfer from the airport or town to Tintswalo Atlantic. 

Perched above a pebbled beach at the foot of Chapman’s Peak, and overlooking the Cape’s iconic Sentinel mountain, Tintswalo Atlantic sits sheltered by the Table Mountain National Park. As the only hotel permitted to operate within the boundaries of the word-renowned Heritage site, the lodge enjoys the very best of magnificent, panoramic ocean views, as well as access to the natural beauty found along the mountainside’s winding hiking trails.

Tintswalo is built in such a way that the impact on the environment is minimized. The whole lodge is built on stilts above the original rocks of the Hout Bay beach, so that if ever it is broken down, the original beach still exists. The use of water, energy and how the whole lodge is run is also done in a sustainable way. 

Along the water: a table at Chef’s Warehouse

Your first Marine Experience is dinner at the edge of the Ocean. The restaurant is situated on a deck along the shore of the Hout Bay, with awesome sunsets and views over the bay to the village. 

Here you are guaranteed a table in a favourite foodies’ delight: Chef’s Warehouse. Chef’s Warehouse is about experiencing food like you’ve never experienced it before. In short, it’s about the sheer pleasure of taste. By pairing flavors in unexpected and exciting ways, an infinite number of fresh taste sensations is created for you to enjoy. 

Waiting lists for a table can be weeks, if not months in advance. However, when you book this exclusive City Break with us, you will have a table reserved for you in Chef’s Warehouse in Tintswalo Atlantic. Or you can even order meals from Chef’s Warehouse as room service. 

Riding a side car over stunning Chapman’s Peak?

After a leisurely breakfast you go to your next destination: a wonderful hotel on top of Boulders Beach, the famous beach where the penguins nest. 

The journey takes you along Chapman’s Peak, voted one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. A whopping 114 curves take you along steep cliffs and along cut-outs in the rocks, with plenty of viewpoints to take in the stunning views over the ocean. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot whales coming close to the shore.

You can do this drive with your own car or we can arrange a transfer for you. One of the most fun ways to do this transfer is by side car. This will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a scenic ride over Chapman’s Peak and past some other sights before you reach your hotel in Simonstown. Helmets and coats are provided, you only need to bring good cheer! 

A true gem on False Bay

Tintswalo at Boulders Manor is located in Cape Town’s charming suburbs of Simonstown. Surrounded by fynbos and with unobstructed views over False Bay and across Boulders Beach and its internationally famous colony of endangered African penguins, it’s truly a gem.

Upon arrival you are served a light lunch.  These days are filled with your other Marine Experiences inspired by ‘My Octopus Teacher’. First you go over the water by kayak, later you go under water to snorkel in the kelp forests where ‘My Octopus Teacher’ was shot. The last Experience takes place on the edge of land and water when visiting the penguins.

When and at what time these experiences take place will depend on how the weather and the tides are. Upon arrival, you will be informed on what day and at what time each activity will take place.  

On the water: Sea Kayaking with penguins

Usually, your first experience is today in the afternoon. You will visit the penguins in a unique way: by kayak. This guided tour is with very stable double kayaks. Paddle the waters of False Bay along the shore to the penguins at Boulders Beach. No experience is required and reasonably fit, able-bodied people can do it. You start in the harbour and will paddle out past the civilian and Naval Harbours, where you get a bonus close up view of the naval vessels and then to the penguins. On the way you often encounter a number of seals.  

You will be given a thorough safety briefing before heading out into the beautiful False Bay to view our endangered African Penguins swimming out to their fishing grounds. Shark Warrior Adventure Centre is a responsible Tourism initiative and funds generated through their guided sea kayak, stand up paddling, snorkeling and penguin walks are used to fund conservation projects.

Under water Marine Experiences inspired by ‘My Octopus Teacher’

The next Marine Experience is snorkelling in the kelp forests of False Bay. You too can adventure into the ocean where Craig Foster spent thousands of hours filming his personal encounters with an octopus. Entering this mysterious underwater world is an exhilarating experience that will leave you in sheer awe of our beautifully tranquil marine ecosystem. Snorkel in unexplored areas where fish dance in the flow of the currents in painted reefs, and swaying kelp and marine life all move at a snail’s pace. After your return you can enjoy an extensive Brunch. 

Where land and water meet

The last of the Marine Experiences inspired by ‘My Octopus Teacher’ takes place where land and water meet. You can plan this whenever you want. Walk along the beach between the penguins that have made this place home. Boulders and it’s surrounding beaches form part of the Table Mountain Marina protected area, thus ensuring the beaches are safe and clean and the penguins are protected. Summer is prime time to visit Boulders and that is when you see the most Penguin action. However, you can see Penguins throughout the year. Between September and October, they spend much time feeding out at sea so there are fewer Penguins on the beach. The birds are most active early in the morning or late afternoon. Incredible conservation eff orts have grown the colony to over 2,200 birds in recent years.

Quaint wonderful Simonstown

All Marine Experiences take about 2 hours long, so there is plenty of time left to explore the quaint and colourful centre of Simonstown. This is within walking distance. Learn about Just Nuisance, the only dog ever to have a rank in the South African Navy. As the story goes, he always accompanied the sailors to town and took care that however drunk they were, they boarded the train back safely. However, the railways did not allow stray dogs on the trains and threatened to ban him. The solution? Make him an official sailor, who were allowed to ride the trains for free. 

Other places to take in are the Naval Museum and looking out over the Naval Base. For the grown-up kids-at-heart, the Toy Museum is a must.

You can do this tour with your own transport, or we can arrange transfers for you. Choose regular or bespoke luxury transfers, or go for adventure and go by side car.

A first discovery of Stellenbosch with a lunch of delectable specialty meats, crepes, baked goods, craft beer, coffee, fresh Saldanha Bay oysters. Situated at a cherished 18th century historical building at the heart Stellenbosch’s vibrant cultural district, it gives home to a collective of diverse merchants, each passionate about their craft.

Visit a brewery on a working farm and learn all about the beer making processes which are still done by hand here.

Beer and bicycles

Explore one of the cycle trails around Stellenbosch. Rental of the bikes is done by a fund that contributes to the local community.

Uncover more intriguing stories of Stellenbosch during a guided tour and connect with talented food artisans and artists/ crafters and get an insider’s perspective on the outdoor art exhibition in Stellenbosch. But most of all, indulge in the amazing food Stellenbosch and the region has to offer by making sweet and savory tasting stops. Samples of Stellenbosch craft beers is of course also on the menu!

Khoisan heritage

Transfer from the accommodation to !Khwa ttu San Culture & Education Centre . This offers you a unique opportunity to experience and learn more about the San culture and heritage. Take a through a guided tour, a cultural display and even a language session with qualified San guides. They tell you all about how they are hunter gatherers and know all about the land, the plants, the animals and the elements. They not only understood how to live but how to live well. A people that thrived!

Our Darling: a carbon neutral brewery

Continue to the picturesque town of Darling that transformed from an 18th century farming community into the Darling we are familiar with today: a town hosting some of the West Coasts finest festivals, performances, art, landscapes, wine, beer, food and activities.

You won’t get hungry in Darling and you won’t go thirsty. Sit back, raise your glass and enjoy everything this quaint town has to offer.

Of course, a visit to a brewery cannot be forgotten. Slow beer, sustainable beer and enjoying tastings and platters at South Africa’s only carbon neutral beer brewery! Learn all there is to know how they do this. 

Evita’s Perron

Make another stop in Darling for a treat for those with a sweet tooth.

You can’t miss the Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout Museum – dedicated to this lady who had such an influence on Apartheid-politics through her angle of humoristic criticism. It is part of Evita’s Perron, founded by Tannie Evita and recently featured on the tv show ‘In die Sop’. In one episode famous chef Bertus Basson redesigned the restaurant and the menu. You’re in for treat!

This 3-day tour gives you many things to talk about. Because of its close proximity to Cape Town, is a perfect relaxing break away from the city or as an add on to a further travel itinerary. You won’t regret it!

Cape Town, the Mother City, welcomes you. Here you will spend your first few days. Have you ever wanted to learn how to make a traditional Cape Malay dish? Now you will have the opportunity to cook with one of the residents of the brightly coloured Bo-Kaap houses. Visit the township of Khayelitsha and see how the locals go about their everyday lives. Because you are on foot, you’ll have plenty of impromptu meetings and conversations – you are a guest in their community and will receive a warm and heartfelt welcome. For the more adventurous a kayaking trip through the local wetlands surrounding the townships is a must.

Experience life in a local community

In rural Cape, the community of Goedverwacht welcomes you. This is a coloured community that was founded by former slaves as a Monrovian mission post. Walk along the main road, talk to the inhabitants of this small church community, listen to their stories and get a taste of their culture through their food and rich history. You stay, life and eat with a host family and you’ll truly become part of their family life. And with each visit to the village between 5 and 10 people get an income – what better and more fun way is there to learn about daily life in South Africa?

Along the longest wine route in the world

A visit to !Khwa ttu San Heritage centre will give you insight into how the Khoisan, the first inhabitants of Southern Africa lived and survived before European settlers came to the south and African tribes came to the north. Open your mind to the rich cultural heritage that these wonderful people have.

Along Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, lies the quaint historic town of Montagu. Stay in a Fair Trade certified hotel and discover Montagu by foot or in an American classic car – you decide how you want to explore this town.

More than just a safari

Gondwana Game reserve’s Malaria-free climate offers exceptional year-round Game Viewing in a spectacular landscape with the unobstructed views over the vast open rolling hills and plains. Exceptional sunsets and sunrises are part of your stay. Stay in the tented eco-camp for a unique conservation experience. You will engage in activities vital to ensuring the welfare of the wildlife and vegetation in the Park.  You will try your hand at being a Game Ranger and experience the ultimate bush getaway deep in the heart of the reserve. You’ll experience so much more than during a regular safari!

Hidden Gems along the Garden Route

The garden route has much to offer for the adventurous type. The Tsitsikamma area, with its deep gorges and towering trees, is a treasure trove of adrenaline pursuits that include bungee-jumping from Bloukrans Bridge, gliding through the treetops or above waterfalls on a series of ziplines (cable slides), abseiling the steep cliffs, and tubing through the Storms River Gorge.

Next stop: the famous Knysna Heads, dividing the roaring Ocean from the tranquil Knysna Lagoon. Discover the Garden Route differently: make a Scootour in the oldest Fynbos forest, canoe on the lagoon or go sailing on the ocean, looking for whales and dolphins.

Back down the Garden Route towards the De Hoop Nature reserve, you’ll find the best views of the ocean you’ve ever seen. Go on a walk through the reserve and see the beautiful fauna and flora or take a guided tour along the beach, looking for life in the many tidal pools. During the whale season, you can regularly spot these immense mammals close to shore.

Food and wine

Between the mountains lies Stellenbosch, the heart of the wine area. You sleep 3 nights on a sustainably working wine farm. You can make a Segway tour between the vineyards to learn how they grow their wines, recycle their water and many more things. Order a picnic basket and sit on the beautiful lawns, enjoying pâté’s, cheeses, freshly baked bread and all kind of goodies, accompanied by a bottle of their excellent wine of course.

In Stellenbosch you’ll go on a city tour with a culinary twist: you’ll walk around the town seeing the historical side, but also visit different restaurants where they serve typical traditional South African bites and plates. A lovely and very tasty experience!