60-Second Geography

Cape Town, South Africa

• One of South Africa’s best-kept secrets is its expansive acreage dedicated to the cultivation of wine-producing grapes. Many of these Cape Town vineyards have vines that originate from those planted hundreds of years ago by Dutch settlers. The regions of the Winelands are also home to some of the most innovative cuisine in the country; local are chefs inspired to create dishes that are the culinary equal of the area’s world-renowned vintages. It is no surprise that the region is also a popular location for weddings and other intimate gatherings where high-quality cuisine and beverages are the order of the day. Besides wines and extraordinary gastronomy, visitors to the Winelands will be able to sample local cheeses, olives, produce, and a variety of fresh and dried fruits to enjoy.

• A feature of nearly every postcard sent from Cape Town is that of the iconic Table Mountain, one of the 7 Wonders of Nature. For the active adventurer, you can walk to the top, however most prefer riding the 85-year-old Table Mountain Cableway. The journey takes a little more than 5 minutes and operates 7 days a week, every 10-15 minutes. There is a restaurant atop Table Mountain offering full meals, as well as a small shop where you can grab a snack or a postcard. One thing to note is that the cableway is weather-dependent, and does not operate during strong winds or poor visibility.

• Located 9 miles from Cape Town is Robben Island – a unique symbol of “the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, suffering, and injustice”. The first recorded landing on Robben Island was in 1498 when a group of Portuguese sailors took refuge there and stayed overnight in a cave. During WW2, Robben Island was selected as the key site to protect Table Bay and Cape Town from the threat of enemy attack which resulted in the construction of artillery batteries, fortifications, and an airstrip. The Island was used as a prison for criminal and political prisoners during South Africa’s colonial and apartheid historical eras. With a 500-year-old multi-layered history, Robben Island tours are designed to inculcate both an understanding of, and a commitment to, human rights and development. Tours run daily from the V&A Waterfront and take approximately 3.5 hours, including the ferry trip to the island.

• Cape Town has beaches aplenty, but only Boulders Beach keeps safe a colony of over 2000 endangered African Penguins. The Boulders Penguin Colony is located within the Table Mountain National Park and requires an entrance fee to view the penguins as they scuttle across the shores. The beach itself is perfectly suited for little swimmers, as it is neither crowded nor the water too deep or cold. Park rangers patrol the area for both the safety of the local wildlife and visitors, so feel free to reach out if you need any assistance. If you want to get closer to the penguins, a walkway will take you near their breeding grounds, and the beaches are wheelchair-friendly.

Explore Amazing Cape Town With Africa Answers

Five Senses of South Africa

This magnificently diverse itinerary includes four nights in Cape Town with a full day exploring the Winelands and a full day exploring the scenic Cape Peninsula. Continue on to Hazyview, the gateway to your safari adventure, where you spend two nights and enjoy the opportunity to meet and interact with an elephant. Your Five Senses of Africa trip ends on a high note – two nights and 4 game drives at a game lodge in Kruger National Park!

Essential South Africa and Victoria Falls

Start your trip by traveling north to Zimbabwe – to the home of one of the finest natural wonders of the world, the breath-taking Victoria Falls. Enjoy a walking tour of the majestic Falls and a cultural evening of dance, drumming and local cuisine at The Boma. Then, enjoy the very best of South Africa with visits to Cape Town and Kruger National Park. Continue to Kruger National Park, where all of the “Out of Africa” images are lived out in glorious style. Experience the best of the African bush in open safari vehicle game drives as you seek out the “Big 5”. Savor a traditional South African meal under the endless silken skies scattered with millions of stars.

Romance and Rails

Begin your luxurious journey with a light aircraft flight into the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve, undoubtedly the most exclusive private game reserve in South Africa.  Guests might like to book a night under the stars in the famous Chalkley Treehouse. Depart by light aircraft to arrive into Pretoria. Explore this city steeped in history including the Voortrekker Monument, Church Square and the Union Buildings, the site of the emotionally charged scene which played out at Nelson Mandela’s joyful inauguration as president in 1994. You’ll get to experience the rich historical and cultural heritage while sampling wines of merit at local well known wine estates.