#What to do in the Cape Winelands on Weekends
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Benefits of the HOHO Experience on the Franschhoek Wine Tram
Wine tours in Cape Town are very popular, not only for the international tourists, but also for local South Africans. Wine tours are a great way to get outdoors on a weekend and experience the beauty of Cape Town, especially if you are sharing the experience with friends and family. South African wine farms produce award winning wines, and there is no better way to experience the wine making process than with an interactive wine tour and wine tasting experience.
There are many options when it comes to wine tours in Cape Town, but Franschhoek wine tours definitely trump the rest, and one of the stand out experiences is taking a trip on the famous Franschhoek Wine Tram.
When booking a trip on the Franschhoek Wine Tram you can choose a curated wine experience, group experience, exceptional wine and cuisine experience or the most well known is the hop-on-hop-off experience.
Why are Franschhoek Wine Tours so popular?
Breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine and fine wines. These are the hallmarks of the beautiful Franschhoek Valley in the heart of the Cape Winelands! There is a longstanding tradition of winemaking in Franschhoek and the rich history and top quality wines make it one of the most popular places to visit.
Booking Wine Tours in Franschhoek are easy, especially if you choose the Franschhoek Wine Tram. You will not be disappointed with the variety of activities and experiences that are available to you when you do.
What are the benefits of the hop-on-hop-off Wine Tram experience?
The hop-on-hop-off experience is the most popular option when it comes to the wine tours in Cape Town. This is largely due to the convenience the Wine Tram offers, where you can easily visit many wine estates in one day. Not only will it save time traveling between the wine estate, but it is also a memorable experience to ride on a vintage tram.
Some of the benefits include:
● Hop on and hop off as you please
● Choose from the 10 lines, which gives you access to top wine estates
● Make a complete day of it and soak in the gorgeous outdoor space
● Tickets are easy to book online - securing your spot without long waiting lines
● A convenient traveling option for tourists and large groups of people visiting wine estate
With the hop-on-hop-off experience, you are able to really curate your day to your unique specifications. With the vast landscapes, amazing views and charming restaurants the Franschhoek Valley and all it has to offer is a hard act to live up to.
Whether you are looking for a day out with friends, a unique and interesting team building excursion or a romantic date with your significant other, the Franschhoek Valley and Wine Tram will not disappoint.
Dear visitors if you want to more information about Wine Tours in Cape Town and our all services please visit our website. We have a website. We welcome you. CLICK HERE
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South Africa For a Staycation This Year
With the COVID19 ruin plans for most, cancelling flights and trips abroad. You are now wondering if you should risk travelling abroad once borders open up again. Well, I can’t tell you what to do or not to do. But I can tell you why you should consider a Staycation in South Africa instead. When I say staycation I don't mean staying at home, I mean staying local. Some of the best travel options are right on your doorstep and with Drive South Africa's 4x4 rental, camper rental and car rental options you'll have the whole family ready for an amazing trip.
Cost savings
First, we must discuss the cost savings. Fewer flights, no exchange rates, and lower accommodation costs. You will save costs all around! With Return flights to London at around R12 000 each, that is already saving as most flights around our country will cost a fraction of that, and even better you can drive!
Where to go?
There are so many places to go depending on your preference! Be it beaches, be its city vibes, or middle of nowhere, our beautiful country has it all. With fewer risks of COVID19!
The Bush
Ah, the legendary African Bushveld. If you have not been yet, now is the time. With Luxury Lodges to Relaxed camping. Everyone is catered for! The Kruger area is famed for its wildlife and with little to no overseas tourists, it is now our playground!
I would try out 4x4 camping in the Kruger area. Your rooftop tents offer a luxury above ground tents, and the versatility of driving a high rise vehicle to see further and go over more.
Wake up to the roar of a lion and go to sleep with the hooting of an owl. I can’t think of much better.
The Garden Route
The Garden Route is known as one of the most beautiful routes in the world! I have done it many times and it never gets old. From fishing in Knysna and Wilderness to Birds of Eden and Monkeyland, and even a cheetah sanctuary. There is fun for the whole family!
Cape Town
The magnificent Mother City! With oceans on two sides and Winelands on the other, you cannot help but have fun. The Winelands and Cape coastline offers some tranquillity from the hustle and bustle of the city. And with the Casino, Waterfront, and city life offers an upbeat, lively atmosphere!
You can’t go wrong on a Cape Town vacation, with fun for the family, for a honeymoon, time away from the kids, or even a bachelor's weekend. There are endless activities to do, restaurants to eat at, and wines to taste. Definitely hard to beat!
So why waste money on flights and risks of infection when you can have a staycation that some may argue is better than overseas! If you need more staycation ideas, send me a mail and I’ll help you with the perfect staycation.
https://www.drivesouthafrica.com/blog/south-africa-for-a-staycation-this-year/
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Visitors to South Africa’s ‘New World’ winelands are regularly surprised to discover that the country’s winemaking history stretches back for nearly 350 years. The first wines were made here back in 1659 – and not long after that, one of the Cape’s landmark estates was first settled.
That was in 1685, when the French Huguenot Jean le Long laid the foundations of what would become modern-day Boschendal Farm. This venerable estate in the shadow of the Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountain ranges has long been known for its fine wines and fruit, but in the past five years has built a reputation as one of the leading luxury destinations in the winelands.
That is thanks to the consortium of new owners who, in 2012, brought a long-overdue injection of investment and energy to the historic property, revamping the accommodation, food and wine offering across the estate. Today the farm is a shining example of high-end agri-tourism.
Chef Christian Campbell at Boschendal Farm – by Claire Gunn
At the heart of the offering is the historic Werf precinct, centred on the 200-year-old manor house. In the renovated farm buildings on either side, Executive Chef Christiaan Campbell offers a wide range of culinary experiences that have proven themselves a hit with both locals and tourists.
At the Farm Shop & Deli visitors are presented with a wide range of homemade produce from Boschendal and selected local producers, alongside a menu of deliciousbistro-style dishes. A few steps away the on-site butchery sells superb cured meats and fresh cuts, with an array of wine tasting experiences on offer. But the main gourmet attraction is across the grassy lawns at The Werf restaurant, where Campbell dishes up an ever-changing menu of fine-dining dishes inspired by both the seasons and the farm.
Werf food garden salad in homemade house dressing – courtesy of Boschendal Farm
Campbell is a fierce proponent of farm-to-fork dining, and the estate presents his pantry with an enviable selection of fresh produce each day. The 2,000-hectare estate produces a wide variety of export-quality fruit, while the nine-hectare vegetable garden bordering the restaurant takes care of just about all the fresh produce needed by the kitchen.
Werf Cottages at Boschendal Farm – courtesy of Boschendal Farm
“The vegetable garden certainly dictates the menu at the Werf Restaurant – it feeds our creativity in the kitchen”, says Campbell.
The farm also has its own herds of pasture-reared sheep and Black Angus cattle, with flocks of free-range chickens roaming the pastures. In winter nearby forests provide wild mushrooms for the menu, too.
While the food and wine offering is superb, the estate’s accommodation is also turning heads.
Perhaps key to that success is the sheer diversity of offerings. With their stylish farm aesthetic, the romantic Werf Cottages are ideal for couples and honeymooners, while the Orchard Cottages are a more affordable, family-friendly option, with spacious lawns and a large pool area. For small groups, the exclusive-use Rhodes Cottage is the perfect five-bedroom bolthole, designed by acclaimed Cape architect Sir Herbert Baker. A National Heritage Site, the house comes with private staff and plenty of seclusion.
Bedroom aesthetic in one of the Werf Cottages, Boschendal Farm – courtesy of Boschendal Farm
In between afternoon siestas and gastronomic adventures there’s plenty to keep guests occupied on the estate. The farm runs up the flanks of the Simonsberg, where mountain bike and walking trails meander through indigenous Cape fynbos vegetation. Horse
Werf Restaurant interior – courtesy of Boschendal Farm
riding, trout fishing and vineyard tours are available, along with a range of treatments in the Farm Spa.
With the winter months traditionally a quiet season for inbound tourists to the winelands, Boschendal has been proactive in appealing to locals. Enticing Capetonians out of their homes in the depths of a drizzly Cape winter is no mean feat, but the array of engaging weekend workshops is certainly a good start. Alongside special menus and farm-focused feasts, over the next few months Campbell and his culinary team will offer hands-on weekends, focusing on everything from natural fermentation to artisanal bread-making.
It’s a fine example of a historic estate adapting to a modern-day tourism landscape. Whether guests are stopping in for lunch or unpacking for a long weekend, Boschendal is certainly leading the way in five-star farm getaways.
The post BOSCHENDAL: HOW TO DO FIVE-STAR FARM GETAWAYS THE RIGHT WAY appeared first on We Are Africa.
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Sundown on Cape Town
[JANUARY 30, 2019]
Howzit ma brus?
What a whirlwind few weeks in the Mother City!! I cannot believe my time in Cape Town already came and went. Between spending half the last weekend in the Winelands and the other driving down the Cape to see the southwestern-most point of Africa and the PENGUINS at Boulders Beach (along with some of the best fish & chips EVER), the time flew by, but man did we have a good time!
I realize that in my last post I did a very poor job of laying out exactly what I am doing, for those of you that I did not explain it all to in person :)
Remote Year is the name of a company that offers 4- and 12-month itineraries around the world. I was picked by my company to choose an itinerary; I was given 4 options and the one I chose was here in Africa and Europe… the company has many itineraries going in different areas at once, both 4 and 12; mine is a 4-monther called Kuungana, which means “connect” in Swahili…. and did I mention there are 50 of us? We did our first month here in the Mother City, head next to Marrakesh for 5 weeks, followed by 4 weeks each in Lisbon and Valencia. Each group has a Program Leader accompanying them to all the cities on the itinerary; our mama on Kuungana is Jen, a wonderfully bubbly and funny Aussie who has been living the nomad life for 4 years and been working for Remote Year for over 2— she rules. Once you have completed a program, you can jump into any city where there is a group and take advantage of the activities and resources that RY makes available to their newly christened Citizens (what they call folks who have finished a program). Obviously, I am already making big plans to figure out where I am going in May once my run with Kuungana has ended.
But I digress. With the whole setup of Remote Year, you truly do feel like you have an entire network in the city you find yourself, and there is always someone willing to go find a new restaurant or explore a new neighborhood. They encourage everyone to get to know EVERYone, which is actually kind of nice, as you find yourself able to talk to anyone in the group and have shared interesting interpersonal experiences in close proximity. And did I mention there are 50 of us in the Kuungana fam? It’s also interesting to learn bit by bit about what people do for work and how they form work habits in a remote environment. Some people are adhering strictly to their American work hours; others are not working at all. Some of use hang in the workspace til 11PM, others are early birds knocking out their tasks in the early morning. Today we actually had an “UNconference’, a quick event where everyone presented one slide about what they do, like to talk about, can offer to teach other, and want to learn from others…it was such a neat opportunity to understand how people got here, but also get an idea of the great resources available when you bring together a group of gifted and talented people, to see what other ways we can work and learn. Everyone is so eager to help, it is pretty freakin rad to see.
I have already gotten really close with my “tramily”— my travel family (an RY term, not mine)— and it’s pretty interesting to reflect upon the relationships forged in the first month, both with the other Remotes and with the folks on the city teams and who work for Remote Year. Obviously, I am already making big plans to figure out where I am going in May once my run with Kuungana has ended.
As my month in Cape Town came to a close, I found myself reflecting on the time warp… it feels like I just got there … and now I have already left. I was so sad to be leaving “so soon”… but I am also filled with excitement and anticipation at what this next stop brings. January has been a true emotional rollercoaster— mostly highs, a couple lows, with a little stress in the mix to keep me honest. It feels like Cape Town was sort of a holiday, one on which I had to work, but also one on which I went NON.STOP. Seriously, no sleep. So, it will be nice to chill and spend a little more time alone and reflecting…. this whole journey is one of the crazier things I have had the opportunity to do in my life— and I have had a lot of crazy opportunities— and I am determined to squeeze every last drop out of the experiences; I remain unbelievably grateful. I have met amazing people, seen amazing sights, learned a lot about South Africa and its history and people, (hit some pretty rad parties,) and found myself feeling so at home and in love with the place. I was SO not ready to leave, and I already can’t wait to go back. (And I am still convinced I will marry a South African…)
I know I promised to be good about sharing, through photos and more…. This month I did not do a good job on ye olde social media; but I hope you all know that I have been living my best life, enjoying the moments to the fullest, and feeling incredibly blessed to share every second with people that I love, whether I knew them before getting here or met them upon arrival. Having Kristina and Nadia and Kelsey from home be around to get a glimpse into what this whole thing is (and drive convertibles down the coast of Africa while on a carrot cake tour for the ages) has been so special and SOOOO fun. I said it before, I’ll say it again: this is a life-changer.
🇲🇦Next stop: MOROCCO!!!! 🇲🇦
We left Saturday for our new home in Marrakech— two ~9-hour flights and a 3-hour bus ride away. The whole group of us traveled together (kids’ stuff—reminded me of Plexcon, traveling with a big ol’ group—we. got. this.). This city around, we are living in the same apartment complex (we were split across two here in CT), with new roommates, 25 min from the famous Medina marketplace and 20 min from our workspace, which is in the hip, up-and-coming part of town. Our city team here is a married couple from Marrakech and from our exposure thus far, they are sweet and knowledgeable and lovely and very enamored with their home (they both served the military, she as an engineer and he as a pilot, and they are amazing tour guides). So far it looks like the opportunities for doing unique, awesome things are vast and varied; I have already signed up for a leather workshop, a cooking class, and a heritage tour of the city (this one starts in about 8 hours)… camel rides on the Sahara are also on the table, and I already just know the shopping is insane.
On our first night (Sunday) a small group of us went “for a quiet dinner after our 25 hours of travel” and ended up sitting in a beautiful Moroccan restaurant for 3.5 hours eating delicious food, listening to live music, which was then interrupted by a show complete with belly dancers and women gyrating and shaking with trays of candelabras on their heads…. all followed by shisha (hookah) brought to the table after dinner…to accompany the most insane salted caramel dessert ever. Another wonderful, memorable, completely unexpected welcome to our new home. This morning we went for a traditional breakfast in the marketplace and had warm flatbread with eggs and khlii, a fermented meat mixed in, with the most delicious mint tea ever…. For about $3.60. YES.) The food does NOT disappoint here.
Morocco has already proven different from Cape Town in many ways; from the slower pace of activities organized by RY (orientations, etc.) to the dynamic of the workspace (pic above), as we share it with a whole bunch of entrepreneurs and remote workers who are not associated with RY. It is not as fancy schmancy as the one in CT, but we do have a delightful rooftop deck with reliable internet where we can work outside for the few hours that it is warm enough in the sun. (YES, it’s cold here. Really cold.) They do have some educational meetings set up for us to learn about language and culture, which is awesome to help us navigate the city, and—surprising to many—it is actually safer for us to walk around at night here than it was in Cape Town (albeit much more psycho drivers here!). I was at the workspace til late tonight and walking after 11 I wouldn’t have dared back in CT; here I feel fine walking with just one other girl the 20 min back home. (Which reminds me, I had my iPhone stolen on my very last night in Cape Town….unfortunate, and I am not proficient with the backup android I am using, so my photo quality has really taken a nosedive...)
☝My new home sweet home for the next 5 weeks!
Morocco promises to be pretty amazing; it is exciting to be in a place I have never been before and that is so completely different from really anywhere else I have been. The culture here is such an interesting mix of histories and the way Moroccans view themselves as a nation is fascinating, given how different it is in the rest of Africa, the Arab nations, and Europe. I am so excited to walk around, exploring, getting to know a new place, and to meet the people and eat alllllll the food.
So, month one down in the Mother City! We will be here in Marrakesh for 5 weeks, followed by 4 weeks each in Lisbon and Valencia. Again, please reach out if you have any questions about any of this— even if it's about being new to juggling time zones or what I have been eating. It’s always fun to hear back…. And I am amazed if you made it to the end!
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Top 5 things to do in Franschhoek, South Africa
Franschhoek Valley in Western Cape (South Africa) is one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. Flanked by the Huguenot Mountains and awash with clear streams running past rolling verdant vineyards, Franschhoek is about as picturesque as a small town can get. The people are inviting, it’s quiet, it’s safe to walk everywhere, and there are even a few hip eateries springing up thanks to the enthusiastic investments of Mr. Singh (owner of Leeu House and several other new establishments).
Savvy travellers flock to Franschhoek by the thousands in season, and South Africans spend weekends enjoying picnics on the sunny lawns of its many wine farms. There are literally thousands of options for sleep, play, dining, and of course wine tasting.
This article helps narrow down the various options. Check out our locally curated ‘Top 5’ things to do in Franschhoek and get ready to enjoy the best of the winelands:
1. Wander the gardens and enjoy farm to table dining at Babylonstoren
The 3.5 hectare (8 acre) gardens of Babylonstoren are utterly iconic. Using organic farming methods in a self-sufficient environment, the massive garden contains everything from stone fruit to medicinal herbs. Ducks and chickens wander freely, fertilizing the soil while streams fed from a local river water the plants. At each of the cafes and the incredibly stylish wine tasting room, visitors can enjoy a genuine farm-to-table wine and food experience. Not to be missed.
2. Wine tasting on horseback
Franschhoek is famous for its Bordeaux-inspired wine farms, and what better way to experience the farms than on horseback? Available for all levels from beginner to advanced, several passionate equestrians in the village can guide a walk along less trodden mountain paths to a curated list of wine farms. If you are nervous about ‘drinking and riding,’ a lift can be arranged back home – or you can just ask the horse to walk a bit slower.
3. Spend an afternoon at Boschendal Farm
Boschendal has become a haven of activity with an incredibly tasteful re-brand and re-design a few years ago. The farm has a colloquial charm, and houses several dining options as well as some pretty cool activities. You can ride a horse through the farm or go on a carriage ride. Go mountain biking in the mountains above the farm, and end with a picnic under the oak trees or a 5-star meal at The Werf.
4. Wine tasting at Chamonix Wine Farm
Franschhoek has many wine farms, but the consensus amongst wine makers is that Chamonix is by far the best of the lot. Their wines are incredibly complex yet smooth, and the tasting is done in an old fashioned cellar type room. On a warm summer day, go outside and listen to the gurgling sound of the adjacent stream while sipping the best wines in the valley!
5. Enjoy a dinner at Foliage
In the five star dining world, the concept of ‘rewilding’ is rare indeed. The delicious exception to this rule is Foliage. Chef Chris Erasmus is the multiple award winning chef who responsible for the groundbreaking foraging concept which informs a delightful menu in which everything is ‘wild.’ Book in advance to avoid the disappointing possibility of missing the opportunity to dine on wild things.
That sums up the highlighted travel experiences of Franschhoek in the Western Cape Winelands. Feel free to let us know in the comments below whether you would like any more ‘locals’ tips on enjoying the best of this delightful winelands village.
Willow Constantine is the Founder of Bespoke Safari Co. Bespoke Safari Co. is a boutique travel agency offering cutting edge curated travel experiences in Africa.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
The post Top 5 things to do in Franschhoek, South Africa appeared first on Tripstations.
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My son recently turned 5 years old. He’s growing up too fast… #GrowingUpMustFall
To celebrate his birth, a week before his birthday we went on a mom-son bonding weekend away. We travelled about 45min- 1hour outside of Cape Town to a relatively small Afrikaans’ town of Stellenbosch in the Winelands of the Western Cape, down the famous Garden Route.
I’m still not sure if it was about celebrating him or more my success of somehow managing to keep him alive and healthy for this long…
This place was definitely what the doctor ordered and all the reviews do not do it justice. It is so tranquil, beautiful and it catered for both our needs and tastes so perfectly. And we can both be fussy.
From the sparkling swimming pool, to the lovely rooms with WiFi( yes this is a pre-requisite for a travel getaway). I don’t even consider a place without. For me this is as important as the crisp white linen on the bed.
The lodge is called Dirtopia lodge, located in the wine estate of Delvera. It offers so many activities, from wine tasting, beer tasting, olive tastings to running and mountain biking trails, to carts, jumping catsles, jungle gyms and pottery classes for the kids.
We’ve actually been here before to do a trail run last winter. It was cold, raining and the hills of the trail that felt like were going up forever properly kicked my butt. So when I saw the lodge on ‘www.booking.com’, I was excited to go back. But when it came down to it, I decided to abondon the trail running experience for a beer tasting rather… it was a very hot day in my defence. Hydration should be a priority in such conditions, ha ha ha.
The country side setting with wide open spaces and natural vegetation is capturing. You have no choice but to kick back and relax.
Highly recommended with affordable room rates at R550 for both of us sharing, with everything you need. Definitely value for money. This price also comes with a very comprehensive breakfast and highly friendly and very trustworthy staff. This was put to the test when I forgot my hand bag and shoes on the shared patio overnight…
Did I mention good coffee!
Truly amazing place.
Definitely will be back again, very soon.
Rated 9/10 on my scale. Only reason it’s not 10/10 is because of the shared bathroom that came with our room.
Please do take the whole family for a weekend of pure fun and relaxation. The kids will definitely be entertained and running around doing different activities, while you enjoy yourself too. The rooms do very well for families.
Pictures tell a thousand words, check them out if you don’t believe me.
Inside the shared lounge and room with views of the garden and pool…
Amazing breakfast and cafe on the premises…
Some of the activities…
Travel Review: Dirtopia Lodge in Stellenbosch a true gem! My son recently turned 5 years old. He's growing up too fast... #GrowingUpMustFall To celebrate his birth, a week before his birthday we went on a mom-son bonding weekend away.
#Affordable accomodation#biking trails#Delvera wine estate#Dirtopia#family vacation#good breakfast#olive tasting in stellenbosch#Stellenbosch#Trail running#travel#Western Cape Winelands#Zebonkey craft beer
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Following some delightful deli delicacies from the upmarket Asara boutique hotel outside Stellenbosch one early Saturday morning in October last year (the original plan had been to pick strawberries at Polkadraai Farm down the road in case you are wondering), we next popped our heads in at nearby Vredenheim – where we promptly decided to much rather head further down the road to visit the newly revamped Vergenoegd Wine Estate for the first time – and man are we glad that we did!
Despite being the third oldest wine farm in the Cape (having been established way, way back in 1773), Vergenoegd has never really been a part of Stellenbosch’s famed (and super lucrative) wine route tourism market – a fact that has only now recently been rectified, following a change of ownership in 2015.
The new owners have done an amazing job of renovating and breathing new life into this grand old dame of a wine farm, allowing for Vergenoegd to very much become the new Stellenbosch destination darling that everyone seems to currently be talking about!
(Seriously, whomever is handling their marketing needs a massive raise. That team is doing a brilliant job of putting Vergenoegd very firmly on Stellenbosch’s tourism map!)
Front and center in terms of popular attractions is of course their amazingly well trained herd of Indian Runner ducks, tasked with keeping the vineyards snail and bug free.
The famous duck parade (the girls LOVED it!) is of course a massive hit with the kids, and in fact, has done so well for Vergenoegd that they now even host full on, informative duck tours!
In terms of dining offerings, they have a lovely restaurant area in front of the manor house, as well as a range of artisan picnic options to choose from.
Then of course there is the wine tasting covering their various well made wines, and even more interestingly, a range of interactive wine, olive oil, tea and coffee blending experiences that teaches you about the source and technique behind some of the Cape’s best food and drink products.
Naturally, as just about every other place in the winelands is doing these days, Vergenoegd is also home to its very own Saturday farmer’s market, with both adults and kids well catered for.
Given the market’s runaway success, the team has now further expanded on the this experience by hosting live music events, bringing in some surprisingly popular local musicians in the process!
(Oh, and they also have a weekly, family friendly fun run/walk through the vineyards.)
In other words, it is really, really hard not to like this place.
As I mentioned at the start of this post, we kind of just wandered onto the estate without knowing anything about it other than there was a pretty cool duck parade to be seen. The market was certainly a pleasant (and welcome!) surprise, and we ended up having a great afternoon out there on the day, soaking up the vibe and enjoying the live music.
As always, I snapped a few pictures which does nothing to do the place any sort of real justice, but serves well enough to give a decent idea of what you can expect to find any given Saturday afternoon at Vergenoegd:
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In summary: The little ones are of course guaranteed to get a kick out of the ducks, but that said, the restaurant location is fantastic, not to mention the new market. Well worth a weekend outing then.
Related Link: Vergenoegd Wine Estate
Indian Runner Ducks and a Market at Vergenoegd in Stellenbosch (2016-10-15) Following some delightful deli delicacies from the upmarket Asara boutique hotel outside Stellenbosch one early Saturday morning in October last year (the original plan had been to…
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Cape Town: Insider Travel Guide
(CNN)Surrounded by ocean on three sides, with the landmark Table Mountain soaring 1,000 meters above the packed streets of the City Bowl, Cape Town rightly places high — maybe number one — in any ranking of the most scenic big cities on the planet.
Powder-white beaches fringe the Atlantic seaboard. Trellised vineyards line historic winelands. A fynbos-covered national park is parked in the heart of the city.
Never heard of a fynbos? You haven’t lived. We can fix that.
Home to 3 million Capetonians, the top tourist destination in Africa feels more like a collection of idiosyncratic villages than a one-dimensional metropolis.
There’s Miami-glam on the Camps Bay strip, urban grit in up-and-coming Woodstock, genteel wine estates in the horse-centric southern ‘burbs and boho-chic in the seaside boutiques of Kalk Bay.
Want to know what to do in South Africa’s “Mother City”? Keep reading.
Hotels
Luxury
One&Only Cape Town
This glam “urban resort” was built for name-dropping: Bastien Gonzalez gives mani-pedis in the spa, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s only eatery in Africa is here and local celeb-chef Reuben Riffel dishes up South African cuisine at the somewhat-cavernous Reuben’s.
If your credit card needs a good hiding, book the top-floor penthouse with its four bedrooms, 360-degree views, two swimming pools and baby grand piano.
A bargain at US$12,000 a night.
Mount Nelson Hotel
Located at the foot of Table Mountain, this thoroughly updated historic hotel has been a Cape Town landmark or two centuries.
The extraordinary pink exterior has earned the hotel a number of famous nicknames, “Mount Nelson Pink” and “Pink Lady” among them.
It’s also made her a destination for couples and romantic travelers.
Afternoon tea here is a poshy “must” for those pondering what to do in Cape Town.
Mid-range
Steenberg Hotel
Twenty minutes from the central business district (CDB), this relaxed winelands hotel rolls out the vintage welcome mat at rates you’d expect to pay for plonk.
The winelands are what to do in Cape Town and this is the place to make home base.
Vineyards surround the hotel.
There’s a winery on site making damn fine bubbly — all just a solid eight-iron from the Steenberg Golf Club, which has one of the best golf courses in the Cape.
Budget
Grand Daddy Hotel, Airstream Trailer Park
The recipe is simple: wade through a mountain of red tape; hoist seven vintage Airstream trailers to a downtown rooftop; tell seven renowned artists to throw rules out the window when designing the interiors; sprinkle with city views …
From all this you get — what else? — the country’s (world’s?) first rooftop trailer park.
Each Airstream “room” offers the usual hotel mod cons, but if you’re partial to baths — or standing up straight — opt for one of the equally arty rooms in the Grand Daddy hotel below.
Restaurants
The Test Kitchen
If you want to know what to do in Cape Town, start with the best.
Voted South Africa’s top chef in 2011 by restaurant bible EatOut, chef Luke Dale Roberts likes to challenge palates at his cutting-edge eatery in the trendy Biscuit Mill complex.
A sense of Asian adventure runs through the menu, making this a place for gourmands not comfort-eaters.
The restaurant’s retro-industrial decor is gritty, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t throw on your dressier clothes.
The Roundhouse
This historic hunting lodge on the slopes of Table Mountain is the perfect foil for the playful cuisine of chef duo Eric Bulpitt and PJ Vadas.
These kitchen cowboys aren’t afraid to experiment.
Expect dishes like artichoke risotto with sweetbreads, or eland carpaccio with cranberries.
You won’t leave with much change out of R1,000 (US$132), but the excellent service and world-class cooking make it worth the splurge.
Bizerca Bistro
Located in the unlovely bottom-end of the City Bowl, fully booked tables are a testament to the outstanding French cuisine dished up by chef Laurent Deslandes and his South African wife, Cyrillia.
Laurent’s offerings change with the seasons, but regulars would likely threaten violence if he took his signature dish off the menu.
Such is the majesty of the braised pig trotter with seared scallop and drizzle of truffle oil.
Societi Bistro
This neighborhood bistro offers consistently good value, and is booked with locals almost every night of the week, always a good sign when you’re considering what to do in Cape Town.
The compact menu changes with the seasons, but look out for specials that traverse France and Italy.
There’s a lovely terrace for rare wind-free days, and fireside tables for when the Cape of Storms lives up to its name.
95 Keerom
You can’t take two steps in Cape Town without tripping over a Giorgio Nava restaurant, but this is the Italian stallion’s home base, where he lovingly folds fresh ravioli, trims the lamb raised on his own farm and presents the menu to diners in his sultry Milanese accent.
Lauded as the best Italian restaurant in the country by EatOut magazine, and we’re inclined to agree.
The Kitchen
Even before Michelle Obama stopped in here for lunch, it was almost impossible to get a seat at Karen Dudley’s quirky deli in the newly cool Woodstock area.
The impressive salad spread (they concoct a dozen each day) and fresh “love sandwiches” draw in local creatives, while Dudley’s gooey chocolate brownies almost literally fly out the door with hipsters in hot pursuit.
Takumi
Hatsushiro Muraoka is grumpy, cantankerous and … the best sushi chef in the city.
He’s a local legend whose new eatery — he left the much-loved Minato’s a few years back — adds a touch of Japanese glamour to his perfect slivers of piscine produce.
To beef up the raw fish there’s also an exciting range of Japanese dishes, including feather-light tempura and perfectly seasoned and cooked udon noodles.
To dine here you’ll have to play by Papa-san’s most important house rule: “No wise guys.”
Nightlife
Planet Bar
If there’s a celeb in town, chances are you’ll find them draped over a bottle of bubbly at the Planet.
The bar describes its own “stylish celestial decor.”
We’re not sure what that means but the upscale feel also makes this a perfect date spot, or just the place to start when planning a what to do in Cape Town nighttime itinerary.
The Mount Nelson Hotel may be the grande dame of Cape Town, but her naughty niece downstairs is up to all sorts of classy mischief.
French Toast
You could spend days driving around the Cape winelands — or simply settle into a cozy banquette at this industrial-cool wine bar.
With 80 wines by the glass, and plenty more rarities by the bottle, you’ll likely want to get familiar with the tapas menu while choosing what to eat and deciding what to do in Cape Town.
Wine flights of three tasters are ideal if you’re the indecisive type.
The Waiting Room
Previously the actual waiting room for the burger joint downstairs, this rooftop watering hole has become one of the city’s trendiest hangouts.
Tuesday nights feature up-and-coming bands, while DJs spin tunes Wednesday through Saturday.
Skinny jeans and designer T-shirts optional, but recommended.
Caf Caprice
In summer, the Camps Bay strip is the place for hipster watching, and Caprice is the hottest hangout of all.
There’s food, but you’ll find a far better meal elsewhere in town. This is the place for tall cocktails, short dresses and time on the dance floor.
World’s best wine tours and trails
Shopping / Attractions
Pan-African Market
This three-story consumer playground offers a mesmerizing array of curios and crafts from across Africa.
Fertility statues and wedding masks from West Africa are worth seeking out.
The friendly traders are ready for a good haggle, so don’t be afraid to bargain.
The Old Biscuit Mill
The gritty Woodstock area is getting a facelift, with this high-end shopping precinct leading the charge.
You’ll find art galleries, designer boutiques and coffee roasters, but the highlight is the Saturday morning produce market that’s become a weekend ritual for local foodies.
Arrive before 9 a.m. to avoid the crowds.
Constantia winelands
If you want to experience the Cape winelands but are pressed for time, the Constantia Valley is just 20 minutes from the city and boasts some of the country’s oldest estates.
Klein Constantia and Steenberg are two of the better wineries.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Yes, it’s touristy.
Yes, it can get crowded.
Yes, the incredible views from the top will leave your jaw on the ground and challenge the memory card in your camera.
Apart from slogging to the summit on foot, the cableway is the only way to soak up the panoramic views of the Mother City, so just brave the crowds and go.
Book online and you can go straight to the front of the queue.
If you do nothing else touristy, this is what to do in Cape Town.
Get out of the city
Had enough concrete? When you’re in Cape Town, nature is never far away.
The Company’s Garden
It’s not quite Central Park, but this green lung in the center of town is well worth a visit.
Shady benches offer respite from the heat, and some of the city’s best museums and art galleries abut historic gardens.
There’s a lovely tearoom, as well.
Hoerikwaggo Trail
Table Mountain National Park dominates Cape Town’s skyline, and a new multi-day walking trail lets you wander this World Heritage Site.
The 88-kilometer Hoerikwaggo Trail runs from the city to Cape Point, promising spectacular views and sore legs.
Shorter hiking options are also available.
Contact SA National Parks for accredited guides and operators.
Sea Point promenade
This seafront promenade is where locals head for fresh ocean air.
Jewish grannies, iPod-toting joggers and families all get along famously on this wide waterfront walkway.
Keep an eye out for regular art installations.
Sea Point promenade, Off Beach Road, Sea Point
West Coast National Park
Hit the R27 north of Cape Town and you’ll soon wonder how the city disappeared so quickly.
A combination of parklands and mountains, West Coast National Park is one of the country’s largest nature preserves.
It’s a popular destination for adventure fans, who come for bush walks, canoeing and wild animals.
The best time to visit is in spring, when flowers carpet the hillsides, antelope graze on new shoots and whales cavort in the icy Atlantic.
West Coast National Park, R27, 100 kilometers from Cape Town; +27 22 772 2144
Read more: http://ift.tt/2mEYyFG
from Cape Town: Insider Travel Guide
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Wine Tasting Cape Winelands
Wine tasting is definitely an absolutely enchanting way for you to cross the weekend. Whenever combined with one of the most gorgeous landscapes on the planet, hundred years old architecture as well as awe-inspiring food, it will become one of Cape Town’s most much-loved activities for guests as well as locals as well.
But exactly how to start acquiring the absolute most from your own experience? Well, to begin with, you could have a look at the insider’s help guide to the Cape Winelands!
One of the best ways to experience the wine lands is on a Cape Town Bike Tour with Bikesnwines.com.
THE CONSTANTIA VALLEY WINE ROUTE
The particular Constantia Valley is the nearest wine route to the town, a maximum of twenty minutes away. The wonderfully gorgeous region hosts a few of the country’s oldest and perhaps most renowned wine farms going back to 1685. The wines of the Constantia Vineyards are mostly cold environment offerings, so check for first class Sauvignon Blancs, wonderful reds, and well known fairly sweet wine choices. This is the most scrumptious things you can do in the area in case your palate is tingling for food and adventure. You can search the internet for some guide to the best means to discover Constantia.
THE STELLENBOSCH WINE ROUTES
Offering almost 200 wine and grape makers, Stellenbosch was the very first region to build an official route among the many winemakers, a route that has ended up among the country’s six most in-demand holiday destinations. 148 wine farms beautify the vine-swept scenery, most of them historical farming along with achingly stunning Cape Dutch manors houses, hotels, gardens as well as fine-dining eating places. This can make you yearn for your wine adventure. However, it’s not only the estates you can anticipate to.
THE HELDERBERG WINE ROUTE
The wineries which belong to the Helderberg Wine Route’s authority are all around the Somerset West region, a thirty-minute drive away from the city center. Historical estates line up together with the top of the line modern cellars, all making a fantastic diverse variety of wines. In recent years, it has obtained a title for making extraordinary white wines, specifically Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Also, there are a few wonderful things to do in the region. Don’t fail to see the absolutely stunning nature reserve while you are in the region.
THE DURBANVILLE VALLEY WINE ROUTE
A brief drive, twenty minute north of the town is what is needed to see fantastic wine and dine pairings at many of the Durbanville estates. Among the region’s numerous benefits is also the astounding landscapes back along the ocean near Table Mountain. Also, you can soak your toes on the rivers of the close by nature reserve over a beautiful morning. The area produces intensive, fruit-driven but refined wines, as special as the hills they planted on and also the master wine producers who made them.
THE FRANSCHHOEK WINE ROUTE
One other wine route with the insanely stunning scenery. With a lot of the wine farms expressing a French Huguenot history, look forward to finding tremendous French influence here and unsurprisingly a Champagne-inspired sparkling win sub-route called the “Cap Classique Route”. The beautifully charming village of Franschhoek is abundant with museums and galleries, vintage stores, restaurants as well as shop hotels. Go ahead and take wine tram to get a beautiful dose of history.
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My Cooking Wild Safari. In Air Namibia’s Flamingo Magazine.
A few months ago I was invited by Graeme Forbes of HYPE, to join him for a Cooking Wild Safari at Rickety Bridge Winery in Franschhoek. It was truly an exceptionally fun and lovely way to spend a weekend. Delicious in every way too.
Look out for my article on the experience and pics as published in Air Namibia’s Flamingo Inflight Magazine. Or for your easy reading, as included below.
‘We wake to the early morning sun, drink strongly brewed coffee and indulge in a hearty breakfast of fluffy omelettes that spill perfectly cooked cherry tomatoes and wild mushrooms onto the plate. There’s an excitement about as we chat with mutual anticipation, aware that we’re about to share a unique culinary infused treat in the Cape Winelands
Joining a Cooking Wild Safari, I’m one in a group of six that will be spending three days meeting the experts, being guided by Chefs, tasting and blending wine and taking lessons in food making from those passionately in the know. On arrival no time is was wasted and after checking in to Basse Provence Guest House, Jan van Huyssteen welcomed us, giving an overview of what to expect over the coming days.
From there it was directly to the Rickety Bridge Winery for a private cellar tour and tasting. This historic estate has a long-standing tradition of winemaking, with the new winery completed in 1997 and the old cellar converted into a barrel fermentation centre. We walk between the towering tanks and bottling section, where Winemaker Wynand Grobler’s carefully crafted Paulina’s Reserve, Foundation Stone and Rickety Bridge range is labelled, as well as my favourites, the Rickety Bridge Brut Rosé MCC.
Lunch is served in their Paulina’s restaurant, named in honour of the original owner of the property in 1797, Paulina de Villiers, and takes the form of beautifully presented half and full sized bistro style portions, allowing the opportunity to sample and share dishes.
With the mood set, the afternoon takes us into Franschhoek village for a craft beer tasting at the recently opened Tuk Tuk Microbrewery, while those with a sweet tooth are appeased with a lesson in the worship of the cocoa bean and the art of chocolatiering, as well as a tasting at Huguenot Fine Chocolate.
Later, the highlight of the day, cooking lessons with Chef Brett Nussey of Stir Crazy Cooking School, who partners with Cooking Wild Safaris to mentor and teach, drawing on his years of expertise. As we enter the kitchen, we are met by neatly laid out prep tables, a pantry section heavy with ingredients and recipe rich clipboards reminiscent of Masterchef.
Paired into teams and sporting Cooking Wild Safari aprons, we are set to work mixing, chopping, flavouring and nurturing the dishes assigned to us. All the while Brett moves between us offering guidance and advice.
His enthusiasm and love for food, fresh ingredients and the way that coming together to make and share a meal connects friends and communities is palpable, and we all strive to please him. Once ready, the dishes are garnished and set on the warm pass while we top up our wine glasses with a well-matched Rickety Bridge, before helping ourselves eating together, by now friends in food and life.
The second day brings the privilege of a morning spent foraging on the land with Nick the Sous Chef from Foliage and his team. Bringing essence to what would otherwise simply be consider wild greens, we are talked through the carefully selected items and offered ideas on how to use them.
Its always different says Nick, who starts each day in search of handpicked ingredients from which to create his dishes alongside famed Chef Chris Erasmus. We pick a lot of wood sorrel, dandelions, chickweed, goosefoot, wild cress, lupine and wild peas. Although it is the mystical mushrooms that captivate in their size and colour and the use of nettle to make pesto, that sticks in my mind.
Later that day we eat at Foliage, seeing how the morning’s harvest is put to use in the kitchen. A serene and quiet atmosphere driven by soulful chefs in touch with nature and the ingredients they use. My chosen dish is a roasted cauliflower head served with herbs we picked ourselves, it brings a triumph of flavour.
Another first awaited as we gather inspired by the lessons learnt, to blend our own wines back at the estate. It’s more intimidating than one might think and I have renewed respect for the art as I add a touch of Semillon to my Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc mix, before corking it and applying my hand drawn label. Something I never imagined I’d do.
That night we couldn’t wait to get back into the kitchen with Chef Brett to take more lessons. This time we even master the art of crème brulee. Although my personal takeaway is that risotto will always challenge me, and even though under the watchful eye of Chef Brett I get it just right, I’m yet to achieve the same result at home. Practice, practice, practice – one day it will be so.
As our time at Rickety Bridge draws to an end, I can’t help but think forget Tuscany or France, learn to cook in Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands. It’s Africa’s top premier culinary and wine destination for a reason.
The impassioned days feed into the need for experience-based holidays with a hands-on approach and celebration of the ingredients, and where they come. It’s an opportunity to look at food differently, in this case through the eyes of the professionals who celebrate it and serve it to patrons daily.
The Cooking Wild Safaris are always slightly different, determined by group size, season and interest. Other inclusions could be the Aphrodisiac Shack on the languid and picturesque banks of Theewaterskloof Dam, world-renowned for their Charcuterie as well as a variety of cheeses and other gourmet goodies.
Also a tour of the 3,5ha garden of cultivated fruit and vegetables at Babylonstoren and a visit to Boschendal, one of the oldest wine estates in the country. In between you have the option of fynbos walks and cycling, as well as time spent relishing the surrounds.
The program suits the novice and the seasoned cook, with the immersive experience touching on the delicious cuisines of the Southern African continent from aromatic Cape Malay sweet curries to local slow-cooked country-style delicacies.
In addition to the countless memories I take home a bound cookbook containing recipes and am presented with a certificate of achievement. Although the true lesson is in the humility of the passionate and talented people I’ve met and how intricately food and nature are tied together.’
Accommodation:
Accommodation is offered in the 300 year old oak tree engulfed Basse Provence Guest House with its 1855 thatched Cape Dutch Manor and adjoining Country House that blends traditional Huguenot heritage with stylish modern luxury. There’s a swimming pool and sunny garden patio from which to enjoy the mountain backdrop and delicious farm style breakfast. Alternately the 19th century Manor House at Rickety Bridge can be requested. Both are just over 3km to Franschhoek village.
Booking Details:
To book or for more information take a look at Cooking Wild Safaris and contact Jan Van Huyssteen at [email protected] or Cindy Muller at [email protected]. The package rate varies from about R3750pp for one night to R10500pp for 3 nights. There are scheduled weekly departures and a minimum of two pax is required. Rates include accommodation, all meals and cooking lessons; local wines and activity related transport, but exclude spirits, gratuities, personal items and transfers ex Cape Town. Non-cooking partners are welcome to join you.
Find more of my pics see on Facebook. For more of my Freelance Writing here.
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