Far to the north-east & gazing out beyond the city below, lie the valleys of the Stellenbosch & Franschhoek winelands; further still, the rugged rock-strewn mountain passes over which one must navigate to commence the fabled Garden Route; looking to the south, Cape Point - the tip of the continent; Robben Island is visible on a good day & it was here that South Africa’s beloved icon & statesman - Nelson Mandela - spent many years incarcerated in a small single bed cell, deemed an ‘enemy of the state’; below on the Atlantic Ocean side, gaze down on the magnificent beaches of Clifton, over-looked by many impressive homes snuggled into the rocky cliffs leading upward to Lions Head. Yes indeed, a ride to the top of Table Mountain will undoubtedly stimulate your senses & act both as a catalyst & a lure for you to explore more.

The region’s Mediterranean climate & superlative scenery make this a favourite destination of hikers, mountain bikers, day-trippers, joggers & all manner of outdoor enthusiasts alike. But whether your interests lie in culture, the art, indigenous crafts, theatre, excellent cuisine & fine wines, the outdoors, soft or adrenaline pumping pursuits or water sports, Cape Town & the surrounding hinterland command an almost endless list of things to fascinate, no matter the time of year you choose to visit.

Cape Town City Tour ( half day departing at 0830 daily )

No visit to the Mother City is complete without a city tour. You will start with a pick up from your hotel, then heading up the mountain to the cable-car station for a ride to the plateau top of Table Mountain for breathtaking views over the city, Table Bay, the beaches of Clifton & the far beaches of the Cape, towards the tip of Africa.

After descending we head to the Malay Quarter where spicy aromas fill the air from the many oriental cuisine serving restaurants that are in the vicinity. You’ll be taken to see the Houses of Parliament, the Castle, the SA Museum & other historical places of interest before arriving at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, which is a marvelous redevelopment of what were originally old warehouses but now have been transformed into South Africa’s greatest visitor attraction.

Here, wander the many curio & souvenir shops, the specialist safari outfitters boutiques or the arts & craft galleries. We’d recommend you stop by the ‘Legends of Africa’ gallery located on the first upper level. Here a wonderful array of one of South Africa’s leading artists who specializes in animals – Mike Fitzpatrick – are on display. This whole Waterfront complex is a maize of restaurants to suit all tastes & has the added attraction of being home to the Two Oceans Aquarium, which is very well worthwhile to spend time in. All entrance fees are included in the special half day introduction to Cape Town.

Cape Peninsula Tour ( full day departing at 0830, daily )

This comprehensive day tour delivers you the best of the Cape of Good Hope & spectacular Cape Peninsula. Starting with a pick up at your hotel, weather depending take a leisurely stroll in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. We’ll travel past Sea Point & Camps Bay, the beautiful & serene beaches of Clifton & Llandudno & head to Hout Bay.

After lunch , stop at Cape of Good Hope nature reserve & scenic viewing point where the Atlantic & Indian Oceans collide. Then on up the Indian Ocean coast to visit Boulders Beach where you’ll be able to sit amongst the famous Jackass Penguins. A short stop at the naval base at Simon’s Town, before heading back under the shadow of the ever present Table Mountain to be dropped off at your hotel.

The Winelands ( full day departing at 0900, daily )

Escaping the city & off into the lush green orderly vineyards of the Stellenbosch, Paarl & Franschhoek regions. You will be picked up from your hotel & the first stop is the famous ‘Afrikaans Language Monument’. Situated on Paarl Rock it offers superb vistas of the surrounding countryside. We’ll stop for wine-tasting & a tour of two of the prize winning wine estates before heading onto Franschhoek where we will visit the Huguenot Monument & Museum.

Lunch will be served at one of Franschhoek’s or Stellenbosch’s better restaurants after which, on Dorp Street in Stellenbosch we will visit the 19th Century old “Oom Samies se Winkel’- Uncle Samies all purpose store, before returning back to Cape Town & the drop off at your hotel.

The Four Passes ( full day departing at 0900, daily )

As an alternative to the Winelands day excursion, take a trip over the mountains of the Western Cape with their spectacular peaks, fertile valleys, rolling farms & neatly laid-out vineyards. You will be picked up from your hotel & travel the ‘Great Circle Road’ which circumnavigates through rugged rock strewn mountain passes, crosses Lowry’s, Viljoen’s, Franschhoek’s & Helshoogte passes. You will pass through the Eerste & Upper Berg river valleys & the towns of Franschhoek & Grabouw.

Springtime here sees this region ablaze in colour, blossoms, new leaves & wild flowers. In summer & autumn the orchards are laden with new fruits; apples, apricots, peaches, grapes which are grown in this fertile countryside for both domestic & export markets.

You will pass through the towns of Franschhoek where we will pause to visit the Huguenot Memorial before stopping at the Boschendal Manor House en route to Stellenbosch where lunch will be served in one of the better restaurants here. After lunch visit the fascinating ‘Butterfly World’ before returning to Cape Town down the N1 highway & drop off at your hotel.

The West Coast Trail ( full day departing at 0900, daily )

The West Coast of the Cape is equally as spectacular as its counterpart East Coast & after you are picked up from your hotel, we’ll head north & make a brief stop at Bloubergstrand where you will look back to see a different perspective of Table Mountain & Robben Island. Continuing on, we pass through Melkbosstrandand arrive at the National Park. It is famous for the wildflowers that are carpet-like from April to October. It also hosts a wealth of wild life with antelope of many species, zebra & wildebeest.

Next stop is Preekstoel where the world’s oldest known footprints dating back 117000 years were discovered in 1998. Then onto the beautiful Cape Dutch homestead of Geelbek Manor. Our lunch stop will be at Langebaan on the beachfront after which we will drive to the fishing port of Saldanha Bay. If you are willing an able, at the ostrich farm that we are going to visit, not only will you delight in the tour but perhaps try riding one of these amazing long legged birds. Back to Cape Town & the drop off at your hotel.

'The Long Walk to Freedom’ ( full day departing at 0830, daily )

This day experience will provide you insight into the difficult racial past South Africa has experienced & is now moving ahead from. After picking up at your hotel, this morning is dedicated to the various cultural heritages of the Cape. The Bo-Kaap, the picturesque Malay Quarter with the many curry & spice aromas wafting from the many ethnic restaurants; the District Six area where we will pause at the Museum. From here, tour the Langa which is the oldest apartheid housing project on the Western Cape & Guguletu. Your guide will provide commentary & insight into the various cultures of each township. We have time to visit the ‘Spaza Shop’, ’Sheben’, Hostels & the Tsoga Environmental Gardens.

Lunch is at one of the many V & A Waterfront restaurants before departing on a three hour cruise & tour of Robben Island. It was here in a tiny cell for all of two decades that the convicted ‘terrorist’ - Nelson Mandela - now likely the world’s most admired & loved man as well as a South African icon - was imprisoned for crimes against the Republic. And from here, he emerged to be elected the first black President of South Africa, having been at the fore of bringing an end to the policies of apartheid, leading his country once again onto the world stage.

Robben Island is famous not only as a now defunct prison, but equally for the seabirds, Caspian Terns & Jackass Penguins that make its rocky crags & windswept cliffs, their home. We trust this day will be one to enlighten & open new corridors of understanding in each & everyone of our guests. On returning to Cape Town you will be dropped off back at your hotel.

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Cape Town has a wide range of hotel accommodation clustered around the city, & still other options on the ocean side of Table Mountain. For those guests with rental vehicles, really most all hotels are within an easy 10 minute drive of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront complex & for those guests who do not have transport, half day & full day sightseeing tours pick up & drop-off at the hotels.

Cape Cadogan ( Luxury Boutique Hotel )

The stately Cape Cadogan is a double-storey Georgian & Victorian period mansion that dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. It was originally a farmhouse which was ‘Victorianised’ in 1912 & declared a National Monument in 1984.

Located in the ´trendy´ Upper Kloof district of Cape Town this fabulous boutique hotel is well known for its comfortable, luxurious atmosphere. The reception areas are individually decorated & designed for comfort and tranquility. It is themed on the Irish literary figure Oscar Wilde who was renowned for his bohemian lifestyle throughout Europe & New York during the latter part of the 19th century.

The public areas comprise a comfortable lounge with an open fireplace, a garden & plunge pool area, a library where guests can relax & read or research from the computer terminal provided for their convenience.

The Cape Cadogan has:

12 luxuriously appointed en suite bedrooms (4 Luxury en-Suite Bedrooms & 8 Standard en- Suite Bedrooms) each exquisitely decorated with an eclectic mix of contemporary & antique furniture using dramatic fabrics to maximum effect.

Guest Suites facilities:

M-Net TV / Satellite TV; DVD & surround sound system; ADSL internet access; air-conditioning & heaters; electronic safe; personal fridge-bar; luggage rack; ample wardrobe storage; Tea / Coffee maker; hairdryers; robes & slippers; direct dial telephone

The Breakwater Lodge ( Historic Budget Hotel )

If location is everything, Breakwater Lodge is right in the heart of the V & A Waterfront complex & 25 kms from the International airport. It is a simple style décor hotel, some of the 300 rooms having private en-suite facilities, while for guests wishing to benefit in a lower tariff can choose rooms that require sharing shower facilities. Television, radio & tea- coffee making facilities are in each room. It offers a choice of self-serve or a la carte restaurants & ample parking is available

Protea Hotel Sea Point ( Modern Comfortable Hotel)

Situated 200 metres from the famous promenade at Sea Point, 23 kms from the International airport. All 123 rooms, whether family, studio, honeymoon , executive or corner suites have air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, television & tea & coffee making facilities. This is a Mediterranean styled property offering views of Table Bay. A sparkling pool set on wooden deck, good restaurant & covered guest parking are featured.

Cape Manor ( Beachfront Hotel )

Situated on the Sea Point promenade within easy walking access to beachfront, shopping, restaurants & the V&A Waterfront complex. 88 well appointed en-suite double rooms with either sea or mountain facing views, all air-conditioned, with television, telephone, tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel offers a fine restaurant for breakfast & dinners.

The Capetonian ( Modern City Hotel )

Centrally located on the foreshore, near the V& A Waterfront & 17kms from the International airport. 170 rooms with private bathroom facilities, air-conditioning, tea & coffee making facility, television & telephone. Good restaurant , gymnasium, undercover garaged parking.

Holiday Inn Garden Court – Market Square ( Modern City Hotel )

Situated in colourful Market Square in the heart of the city, 20kms from the International airport. 182 spacious rooms with en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, television, telephone & tea, coffee making facilities. Excellent restaurant, bar & lounges.

Best Western Cape Suites ( Family Village Styled Hotel )

Situated in the tranquil suburb of Zonnebloem beneath Table Mountain, this family village styled hotel is 15kms from the International airport. 123 fully equipped studio styled rooms offering 1 , 2 & 3 bedrooms, en-suite bathroom & air-conditioning. A good restaurant, 2 swimming pools, Laundromat & games room. Free shuttle to the V&A Waterfront, city & main beaches.

The Portswood ( Luxury Hotel )

Situated in the heart of the V & A Waterfront, 25 kms from the International airport. Excellent location, 58 twin rooms, 36 double rooms & 9 suites all with en-suite bathroom, television, tea & coffee making facilities & air-conditioning. Excellent restaurant , bar & swimming pool.

The Commodore Hotel ( Luxury Hotel )

Situated in the heart of the V & A Waterfront, this property boast 360 degree views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Granger Bay, Table Bay & Robben Island. With 198 elegantly furnished superior rooms, 27 Business class & 10 First Class suites all with en-suite bathrooms air-conditioning, television, radio, direct dial telephone, tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel has a reputation for quality service & excellent cuisine. Other amenities for guests include a gymnasium, swimming pool & sauna room.

Radisson Hotel Waterfront ( Modern Oceanside Hotel )

Situated close to the V& A Waterfront, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean & opposite one of Cape Town’s finest golf courses, 25 kms from the International airport. The hotel offers en-suite Standard, Business class & 2 bedroom suites. All air-conditioned, spacious & with modern amenities. Gourmet restaurant, bars, spa, swimming pool & beauty salon for guest use.

Le Vendome ( Luxury Hotel )

Situated in the quiet suburb of SeaPoint, 23 kms from the International airport the Le Vendome is a hotel that is classically finished, providing refined luxury & comfort of a French chateau with world class facilities. It offers 143 luxury rooms & suites, all air-conditioned, spacious, elegantly appointed with en-suite bathrooms, cable television, fax / modem line, security safe, tea & coffee making facilities & non-smoking guest room floors. This hotel provides exceptional value for money.

The Table Bay ( Luxury Waterfront Hotel )

Situated on Quay 6 in the heart of the V& A Waterfront, 25 kms from the International airport. The hotel features Victorian elegance & contemporary charm. Stunning views of Table Mountain & the waterfront area typify the all en-suite spacious air-conditioned rooms. Each room has electronic safe, hairdryer, mini-bar, butler station, direct dial telephone with voice-mail, television, writing desk & 24 hour room service. Guest services & amenities include world class health spa, swimming pool & fully equipped gymnasium. Ample undercover secure parking is available.

The Table Bay is a member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’.

Cape Grace ( Luxury Waterfront Hotel )

Situated in the heart of the V& A Waterfront, 3 minutes walk from city center and 25 kms from the International airport. Each of the 121 guest rooms provide the best in furnishing, with Queen sized , double or twin beds, oversized bathrobes & floris bath products in the amenity kits. French-doors open for views of the harbour, Table Mountain & yachting marina. Rooms have en-suite elegantly appointed bathrooms, writing desk, mini-bar, international fax / modem line.
For guests, a private library & reading room, beautiful restaurant & bar, swimming pool & enclosed terraced gardens.

The Cape Grace won the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award as the’ best hotel in the world’ in 2000.

Now for accommodation choices on the other side of Table Mountain in the beautiful & quiet suburb of Bantry Bay. Here, easy access to the famous golden sand beaches such as Clifton Beach & many seaside fine restaurants & cafes is but walking distance.

The Ambassador Hotel & Executive Suites

Situated above the rocks on the Cape Peninsula’s famous Atlantic coastline, only 20 kms from the International airport . This unique property offers two styles of accommodation – 68 en-suite hotel rooms or 29 Executive 1 & 2 bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchenettes, balconies & sea-views. The Ambassador has its own restaurant, swimming pool, bars, undercover guest parking & is close to a golf course. Excellent value for money.

Protea Hotel President

Situated in the heart of Bantry Bay the hotel is decorated in a nautical theme. All rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite bathrooms, security safes, heating & the majority have kitchenettes.
The hotel has a guest swimming pool, restaurant & undercover guest car parking.