INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
We are including two private excursions whilst you are in Cape Town: A full-day Peninsula Tour taking in Cape Point, Simonstown, the Penguins at Boulder's Beach, Chapman's Peak Drive (weather permitting) and beautiful Hout Bay. A second full-day tour will visit the Winelands, taking in Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, with two wine tastings and cellar tours included.
CAPE TOWN
One of the best ways to familiarise yourself with the city is to take the cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain. The cable car's rotating floor and huge windows ensures all passengers get a 360 degree aerial view as they head up the mountain. However, if there are clouds on the table-top, it's best to leave your visit for another day. On the summit there are spectacular views of the coastline and you will be able to see clearly Camps Bay with its stunning beaches, and bustling promenade of shops and restaurants.
VICTORIA & ALFRED WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN
This is a busy harbour with fishing boats, private yachts and ocean going liners slipping in and out of the quays, but it is also a magnificent meeting place perfect for strolling, or stopping for drinks at one of the many outdoor cafes and bars, watching the boats as they come and go. There are many first class restaurants, a superb shopping centre with a huge variety of shops and areas where colourful jazz bands and African dancers and singers entertain the crowds. Within the Waterfront is the Two Oceans Aquarium, reputed to be one of the finest aquariums in the world with over 3000 exhibits.
ST JAMES
The town of St James is becoming one of the trendiest places to stay in Cape Town. With majestic views across False Bay and the Indian Ocean, this small suburb of Cape Town is a perfect place to relax. The main road is a hive of antique shops, delicatessens, boutiques and art galleries. These are situated a short walk from St. James Manor and across the road are the famous tidal pools, swimming beaches and colourful Victorian bathing boxes. This picturesque area also boasts many fine grand old houses. There are interesting walks along the historic promenade and beyond up into the mountains.
KALK BAY
Just a short walk from St. James is the village of Kalk Bay with its attractive harbour, antique shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Here there is a cosmopolitan atmosphere, but the village also has a lively working harbour and a colourful sight on the quayside is the Kalk Bay fishermen as they haul in their catch, destined for the tables of the many excellent restaurants and hotels.
BOULDERS BEACH
Close to Simonstown, Boulders Beach is a sheltered area of inlets between huge granite boulders from which the name originated. Here you will see the penguins that have made this area their home. From just 2 breeding pairs in 1982 the colony has grown to about 3,000 pairs in recent years. The beach is bordered by indigenous bush above the high water mark and it is here that the birds make their nests. Very close to a residential area, the penguins are now prevented from freely accessing the local town and newly constructed boardwalks take visitors to within a few metres of the birds.
KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS
Not to be missed, these magnificent gardens cover the 'back' sidfe of Table Mountain. There is a wonderful selection of trees and plants, many indigenous species, a superb collection the beautiful proteas, and lovely mountain views.