Guest post by Cape Fusion Tour Guide, Pam McOnie

This section aims to be an update of new restaurants that I have tried or want to try in Cape Town and the surrounding wine regions. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list—merely a list of what looks really exciting for this season. We are blessed to live in Cape Town, a creative hub where new restaurants open all the time. As such, our aim is to keep working our way through the exciting offerings in our city!

If you missed Part I or Part II of this post, view them by clicking the links below:

Part I
Part II
Part III

NEW IN CAPE WINELANDS:

Pierneef at La Motte: I would highly recommend you book this restaurant for lunch on your stay in the Cape. A visit to the La Motte wine estate is a wonderful experience. Hanneli Rupert owns the estate.

The Rupert family is one of the wealthiest families in South Africa and has always had a love affair with art. Here, you can visit the art gallery and view some local art, which includes a fairly large collection of one of our most famous artists, Pierneef. The estate also boasts great sauvignon blanc (one of which is organic) and shiraz.

In the tasting room you are welcome to walk around the barrel maturation cellar and enjoy a very civilized wine tasting. The staff members are extremely professional in the tasting room and focus on an elegant presentation in a beautifully appointed room. I love the extra touch of bringing the glasses on a silver tray with either a ciabatta bread roll or crackers to clear the palate between tastings.

Located between the gallery and the tasting room is the beautiful Pierneef Restaurant. If you are a slightly larger group, make sure you try and secure one of the rustic wood tables under the oaks—if you get it, you will not want to move for the rest of the day. The chef at Pierneef has tried to bring in historical Afrikaans flavors from the past in a contemporary way.  This does make the menu a little bit of a challenge as there are unknown and unusual flavor combinations (even for us locals!). They have, however, balanced their dishes well with a daily specials menu that caters for the slightly less adventurous.

I have now eaten there a couple of times, and each time the food has been excellent, the service good, the atmosphere wonderful, and the temptation to spend the whole day there—very large! On the property, you are welcome to wonder around the vegetable gardens and to go for a walk (well signposted—but not explored by me yet!). They also have a deli / shop, which is well-worth popping into—it has everything from barrel wood chopping boards to the most delicious looking mini cakes such as lemon meringue and cheesecakes. Location: R45 Franschhoek. Tel+27(0)21 876 8800. Email: pierneef@la-motte.co.za. Website: www.la-motte.com.

Note: Closed on Mondays.

Image to the left taken from www.babylonstoren.com.

Babel at Babylonstoren: Babylonstoren is a new wine estate and boasts a fantastic 5-star farm-style accommodation, which is both rustic and modern and extremely suited to those who are foodies!  They have been cultivating organic gardens for the last two years and their garden now boasts over 300 types of vegetables, herbs, and fruits. The estate recently launched their restaurant, Babel, which is a celebration of the fresh produce of the farm and the surrounding region. Open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch. Email: enquiries@babylonstoren.com. Phone: +27 (0) 21 863 3852. For more information on Babylonstoren and Babel Restaurant check out www.babylonstoren.com

Note: This is my favorite new spot in the Winelands and I highly recommend it!

Sofia’s at Morgenster: This restaurant is named after Sophia Loren—which is quite appropriate as the estate is owned by Guilo Betrand an Italian who has lived in South African for many years. Sophia’s is the new venture of Craig Cormack. Craig is co-owner of Overture Restaurant (one of South Africa’s top 10 restaurants) and is also a joint partner in a catering business with Chef Bertus Basson who is the head chef at Overture. Craig’s cuisine has been less accessible in the last few years and as such this is a really exciting restaurant opening.

The restaurant is located on Morgenster estate, which produces the best quality olive oil in the country, as well as award-winning wines. The restaurant is located in a little cottage on the property and actually has quite a relaxed feel to it. Expect relaxed outside tables under the trees and a menu that will change every week. The idea is to keep the creative juices of the kitchen running and to continually be inspired. Secondly, the idea is to change everything based on freshness and seasonality. Note that dishes can be ordered separately from the menu; however I would strongly recommend doing a couple of courses so that you can sample as many dishes as possible.

Craig is talented, innovative, and provides beautifully plated dishes. I love the fact that the staff is very accommodating (e.g. want to swop this dish with another, the answer each time has been “no problem”). I would highly recommend a visit to Sofia’s at Morgenster. A favorite touch that I loved is that they give you a mini gingerbread man with your coffee.

Tip: While in the area, do not miss out on visiting the main tasting room to learn how to taste olive oils properly and stop at Vergelegen next door for a walk in the gardens and to see the historical homestead. For more information on this region, check out Pam’s favorite Wine farms list. Open for lunch Wednesday – Monday (note this one of the few good restaurants open on a Monday), dinner Wednesday – Sunday. Telephone: +27 21 847 1993. Location: Morgenster Estate, Vergelegen Avenue, Somerset West.

The Common Room at Le Quartier Francais: My initial reaction to the opening of The Common Room was devastation since they had closed iCi at the hotel, which was a favorite of mine. Secondly, I was quite floored when they said that the new restaurant would not take bookings—it would be a first come first served. Both thoughts were unfounded concerns. Firstly, let’s put this restaurant in context: the head chef at Le Quartier is the hugely talented Margot Janse who is rated as one of our top chefs in the country. She is the chef behind the award-winning The Tasting Room restaurant, which is only open at night at the hotel.

Image above taken from www.lqf.co.za

The Common Room’s concept is to be a tapas bar that offers simple tapas-style bites, which are best described as mini flavor explosions. The concept is to order a couple of items and share over a bottle or two of wine. The setting is lovely; you can sit on the front terrace, inside with funky bright tables, or in the back courtyard in the garden.

The dishes are well-priced, the wine list is sadly on the high price end—so much as you would love to lurk for the whole afternoon—after you finish the tapas, chances are that it would be best to move onto coffee or to move further down the road to continue relaxing at one of the other sidewalk cafes! I love the new restaurant.

Note that they have now decided to take bookings; however, in quieter seasons I don’t think you will need to worry about making a booking. Note that the tapas are only available at “meal times”—we tried to pop in for a snack at 4 p.m. and were told they do not serve at that time! So stick to meal times! Telephone: +27 (21)8762151. www.lequartier.co.za. Address: Le Quartier Francais, 16 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

This Article was written by Pamela McOnie who contributes to the foodie side of this website and also offers private guiding services and gourmet & wine tours of the Cape region.

Have a question for Pam or want to have Pam guide your next tour to Cape Winelands? Contact us today.

Imagine spending an entire day completely dedicated to laughing with new-found friends and experiencing flavorful cuisine, culture, and wine. Sounds like the perfect day to me! This is exactly the kind of experience travelers receive when they embark on a gourmet tour through the Cape Malay Quarter (also known as the Bo-Kaap) in Cape Town, South Africa.

Below are some highlights travelers experience while on this food-devoted tour:

A tour through the Bo-Kaap area: Discover the beauty of the Cape Malay Quarter on a brief tour before your cooking class begins. On this tour, you’ll learn about the history of the area and culinary influences that date back to the 1600s when the Dutch East India Company settled in the area in 1652. Many of the dishes that you will be cooking during your class were influenced by these settlers and the slaves that they brought in from Indonesia, Malaysia, Madagascar, and India. Specifically, the Dutch brought over recipes that were quite bland and the slaves would cook these dishes, adding spices and recipes from their homeland.

An afternoon cooking traditional Cape Malay cuisine at a local home: The fun has just begun as you enter into a local community member’s home to cook up traditional Cape Malay favorites. You’ll experience a hands-on cooking course from local as you taste new spices and wines, and chat with other travelers in your group.

During this extensive cooking class, you’ll learn about the Ying and the Yang of the Cape spices and how the balance of spices affects the flavors of each dish. Some dishes you’ll learn to cook might include roti—a flaky, pastry-like dish filled with curry and minced lamb or chicken; samosa—a delicious triangular pastry filled with curry, cheese, and chicken or lamb, that is deep fried to perfection; bobotie—one of my favorite dishes, which is comprised of ground beef cooked in an egg custard (click here to see a recipe); sosaties—sweet-curry-marinated kebabs comprised of lamb, chicken, or mutton; and Bredie—a slow-cooked stew comprised of meat, vegetables and an edible lily called a waterblommetjie.

See below for a visual insight into what this cooking class is all about:

A sensational feast: It’s time to eat your culinary masterpiece! After an exciting afternoon in the kitchen, you can now relax at the table, surrounded by new-found friends and your gracious host to delight in your creations and talk about the day’s events.

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Pam McOnie

Guest post by Pam McOnie.

Pam McOnie, one of our brilliant tour guides based in Cape Town, South Africa, shares yet another one of her favorite regions in the beautiful Cape Winelands. This is part IV of her guest blog series, A Taste of Cape Winelands: A Vineyard Guide.

To see the other posts in this series, click the links below:

Part I

Part II

Part III

See below for Part IV of this series, which focuses on a portion of the STELLENBOSCH BERG WARD of the Stellenbosch wine region:

STELLENBOSCH BERG WARD

Waterford: I am in love with the Waterford Cab, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, and the chardonnay—it is definitely worth a visit to the estate to experience all of the wines. The estate is co-owned by Kevin Arnold (one of South Africa’s most talented wine makers with a reputation for excellent Shiraz) and Jeremy Ord a businessman from Joburg. Together they have taken this estate and built the winery from scratch. This is one of the most stylish tasting experiences around and they have consequently won awards for having one of the best tasting experiences.

A visit to Waterford is an exercise in relaxation. Note that they offer a chocolate and wine pairing experience that is well worth doing. Additionally, you can ask to taste the JEM, which is their most expensive wine—but they will charge you a fair amount to do so! The chocolate and wine tasting starts from R40 if you just do it with 3 of their wines—you miss out on the sauvignon blanc and the chardonnay!  http://www.waterfordestate.co.za/

De Trafford: This is a small family-owned wine estate that offers exceptionally good reds. They are particularly well known for their Shiraz, which got 5 stars in the John Platters (our most definitive wine guide) this year. Also interesting with the comeback of Chenin Blanc is that they are making an interesting straw wine that is really good. Note that the tasting hours are strange: Friday and Saturday 10 – 1.  They will, however, make appointments for tastings for wine enthusiasts! Note that this estate is close to Waterford, so they are a good combo when in this area. http://detrafford.co.za/

Dornier: This estate is in the same area as Waterford and De Trafford and has a wonderful restaurant on the property called Bodega. The setting could not be prettier as the cellar is an innovative design that looks like half a fish, and when it reflects on the dam it looks like a full fish! The mountains in the background make this spot jaw-dropping and the food is pretty good, too—a really fantastic spot. It is also completely kid-friendly with a wonderful play area to keep the kids occupied as well as a kids menu.  http://www.dornier.co.za/

**NOTE: Le Riche and Stark Conde are part of the same ward, they are, however, located in the Jonkershoek Valley and as such are nowhere near the wine estates listed above. To get to these estates you’ll have to pass through the Stellenobosch town. A useful tip to note for Stellenbosch is that the street names are all on the pavement (i.e. no street signs!).

Le Riche: Etienne Le Riche is rated as one of the top producers of cabernet sauvignon in the country. Nearly every year they walk off with a 5 star from John Platters for their Cabernet Reserve. On a visit to the estate you are usually looked after by the assistant wine maker, Mark.  You must ask Mark to show you their cellar and how their operation works—it is small and traditional and really fun to see.

Le Riche buys-in their grapes—however they are very involved with monitoring the vineyards where they source their grapes. Note that the Le Riche sign is really, really small and, as such, it is easy to miss. I get the feeling that they only want those that know about them to come and visit due to the size of the sign! Also note that as a very small number of people pop in, they do not keep their full range of wines open for tastings. As such, you may have to trust my advice and immediately buy a bottle of the cabernet reserve without tasting it beforehand! Note that Le Riche cabernet reserve 2005 was awarded top red wine of the year in the recent John Platters.

Starke Conde: This estate is owned by the inspirational Jose Conde, a self-taught winemaker.  He is making exceptional reds and this is definitely worth a visit. The Three Pines range, which consists of a cabernet and a Shiraz, are exceptionally good. The tasting room is also novel in that it is a Bali-style “hut,” which has been located in the middle of a dam. This tasting room boasts panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, so even if the wines were not exceptional, this would be a fabulous place to visit. They will be opening a little restaurant on the property in November 2010.

What’s your favorite South African wine?

Add a new and exciting element to your wine tasting experience when you visit Cape Winelands in South Africa, and embark on a journey through wildflower-covered rolling hills and winding vineyards. Instead of spending the day in your car as you visit one or two vineyards, connect with nature while you enjoy a variety of wine tastings at various estates throughout Cape Winelands.

Whether on a bicycle, by foot, or via horseback, experiencing Cape Winelands involves much more excitement than simply enjoying a few wine tastings. On intimate tours through Cape Winelands, you will be able to visit some of the region’s most prestigious wine and olive estates, and try delicious wines, brandies, olive oils, and olives.

Below are some highlights associated with three types of wine tasting tours:

Wine tasting via bicycle:

Travel off the beaten path on a bicycle tour through the sprawling countryside of Cape Winelands and absorb the subtle aromas of budding grapes and fresh earth. As you leisurely cycle through lush vineyards and century-old wine estates, you’ll be able to see and experience as much of the world’s longest wine route as you wish.

When you take a bicycle tour through Cape Winelands, you’ll stop at various wine estates for a taste of world-renowned Cabernet, Pinot Noirs, and Shiraz. But that’s not all. When en route to these charming country estates, savor the sweet smell and vibrant sights of cultivating roses and wildflowers along the way.

For a break from cycling, enjoy a savory picnic among the Cape Dutch-inspired estates and vineyards, or enjoy a light lunch at one of the region’s renowned cafés.

Wine tasting by foot:

Walk or hike along the many winding trails of Cape Winelands’ quaint city, Franschhoek, and take in the scenic beauty and serenity of the countryside. Whether you’re looking to delight in a peaceful evening stroll or a hike to some of the region’s most fantastic vineyards, the surrounding trails are there for your pleasure and convenience.

As you walk past charming, century-old estates, stop by for a few wine tastings or olive oil tastings at your leisure and experience Cape Winelands on your time.

Some of the local villages you can visit by foot include Franschhoek’s historic French Huguenot Village, Paarl, and Stellenbosch. As you walk through these quaint cities you will observe all-encompassing, classic Cape Dutch style architecture and spectacular sight-seeing. You can also enjoy a variety of personalized one day wine tasting and olive tasting walking tours for an even deeper insight into the region’s history and cultural roots.

Wine tasting on horseback:

Connect with nature in more ways than one when you partake on a Cape Winelands horseback tour. The ultimate in romance and luxury, a horseback wine tasting tour embodies every aspect of peace and serenity with its slow-pace, natural surroundings, and personalized itinerary.

Whether you want to enjoy a multiday tour or a one-day tour, an intimate wine tasting tour through the prestigious wine vineyards of Franschhoek on horseback is an indescribable experience. Enjoy frequent stops at some of the region’s most exceptional vineyards and relax on the rolling countryside for a delectable picnic. Visiting only the vineyards you want to see, you can be certain you’ll experience the most personal, accommodating, and exceptional wine tasting tour you’ve ever had.

Which of these wine tasting tours would you love to experience? Let us know in our comments section.

Famous for its role in South Africa’s rich historical heritage, the township of Soweto—located south west of Johannesburg—was once a segregated region for the black labor force in South Africa during the apartheid, and was home to a handful of famous anti-apartheid activists including Nelson Mandela.

Now, synonymous with the “new South Africa,” Soweto’s fresh notion of freedom and drive to overcome repression can be seen throughout their culture, lifestyle, modern amenities, and attractions including restaurants, museums, shops, and more.

Because Soweto is a growing cultural hub, tours throughout this township have become more and more popular in the past years. Some of Soweto’s most highly-acclaimed tours include:

The Soweto Bicycle Tour: This tour is one of the most famous in the area as it takes visitors through popular areas of Soweto where they can meet and socialize with the locals and enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful township without the constraints of a vehicle. The tour is also Fair Trade In Tourism certified, which means that the profits from tour participants help to directly benefit the local economy, community, and environment in a humane and respectable manner.

Visitors can choose to bike ride for several hours, half of a day, or a full day. During the tour, participants enjoy a local lunch and cocktail at a shebeen (pub) where they can break from biking, cool down, and soak in the rhythm of local music.

Some of the sites visitors are taken to during the various bicycling tours include: Workers’ hostel, Meadowlands, Site of the 1976 student uprising, Hector Pieterson Memorial, Mandela’s former home, township lunch, local shebeen, Home of former ANC Women’s League’s Chair.

Below is a video illustrating what you’ll experience on a Soweto bicycle tour:

Kliptown Tours: Kliptown is an amazing place to visit via bicycle. Home to the signing of the Freedom Charter, which was signed in 1955 by anti-apartheid activists, Kliptown holds a primary place in South African history. Today, Kliptown still struggles from lack of water, electricity, and housing, but efforts to sustain the local community and bring joy into the lives of the locals is an ongoing venture. One of the most successful organizations in the area is the Soweto Kliptown Youth (SKY), which is working hard to bring happiness to the youth of Kliptown and Soweto by exposing local youths to theater, dance, education, and the arts.

The bicycle tour through Kliptown is a highly-rewarding experience for participants, as they are immersed in the local culture and learn from locals about their history and their strives for a new South Africa. The tour is also offered via vehicle.

City Tour: As an excellent way to experience Johannesburg, the city tour brings visitors to museums, historic sites, local markets, cafes, restaurants, and attractions. Specifically, participants are exposed to the vibrant culture of Johannesburg in Newtown, and visit MuseumAfrica, Constitutional Hill (former prison for political activists), and the Carlton Panorama—a place where visitors can see a panoramic view of the city of Johannesburg. 

Other Off-The-Beaten Path Tours and Experiences: For those who want to discover various elements of Soweto culture, they can visit a local sangoma (traditional healer), visit a local church, witness community projects, visit local schools, and experience Soweto at night.

Synonymous with gorgeous weather, Port Elizabeth in South Africa’s Garden Route is the best place to visit for enjoying ocean and beach related activities such as sun bathing, sailing, scuba diving, and boating, as well as fine dining, shopping, and more. In addition, Port Elizabeth is also famous for its close-proximity to local townships and private game reserves.

With its ideal location in the Garden Route, Port Elizabeth is a short drive to a variety of game reserves including Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Addo Elephant Park, and a handful of other smaller reserves where visitors can view a wide spectrum of diverse fauna and flora as well as the Big Five.

Port Elizabeth is also known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. As the second oldest city in South Africa, Port Elizabeth is celebrate for its Xhosa heritage and a wide spectrum of historical landmarks such as the Historic Donkin Heritage Trail, Old Hill, old-world architecture, and stunning parks comprised of intricate gardens and gorgeous green fields.

Although Port Elizabeth is famous for its beauty and abundance of activities, some argue that nothing compares to visiting a local township where you can interact with locals, learn about their everyday lifestyles, and immerse yourself in an enlightening cultural experience.

For those looking to travel off the beaten path, a tour with Calabash Tours is the perfect way to open your eyes to hidden areas you would have never seen on your own. What separates Calabash Tours from other tour providers is their superior expertise and knowledge of the area as well as their ability to open your eyes to both urban and rural cultures. Whether you’re looking to take a safari tour through a nearby game reserve or tour a local Xhosa township, Calabash Tours brings you up-close to it all.

But Calabash Tours offers more than exceptional tours through Port Elizabeth’s townships and adjacent game reserves. As a Fair Trade In Tourism (FTTSA) certified touring company, Calabash Tours gives back to the local economy, communities, and school systems, and works to sustain the local environment to ensure a thriving wilderness.

Select from a variety of excellent Calabash Tours, including . . .

The Addo Day Tour:

Home to the largest population of elephants on the planet, Addo Elephant Park is the perfect place to spend a day while visiting Port Elizabeth. During your tour through Addo Elephant Park you’ll see mother elephants tending to their young, as well as antelopes, zebras, lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos, and more. As you observe these magnificent creatures in their natural environment, Calabash Tours’ exceptional guides will provide you with their rich knowledge on the behavior and lifestyle of these animals.

The Real City Tour:

Calabash Tours provides you with a deep insight into the local villages and people as you venture to the nearby townships of Kwazakhele, Zwide, and New Brighton. During this visit, you’ll discover what it was like for South Africans during the apartheid and how their social history has shaped their existence today. You’ll also travel down one of the main shopping streets where street vendors sell their products and works of art, visit a local community-run children’s school (where some of the funds from your tour fee goes to), and tour through Red

Location—the oldest township in South Africa.

During your trip to the local townships, you’ll partake in one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime as you witness the excitement and eagerness of the locals to share with you their lives and history. Throughout the entire tour you will learn about the history of Port Elizabeth as you interact with the guides and locals. Because you are not traveling in a closed vehicle, you have the rare opportunity to interact with the locals without the barriers of a car or bus window.

Shebeen Tours:

If you love the social atmosphere of a pub than you’ll absolutely love this tour. Shebeens, which were previously outlawed, are places where the local community gets together for drinks, music, and dancing. The shebeen is a way for locals to socialize and enjoy a drink while listening to live music. On this tour, you’ll experience the entertaining atmosphere of a variety of shebeens and have the opportunity to interact with the local Xhosa people, and enjoy a traditional dinner and drinks!

Synonymous with gorgeous weather, Port Elizabeth in South Africa’s Garden Route is the best place to visit for enjoying ocean and beach related activities such as sun bathing, sailing, scuba diving, and boating, as well as fine dining, shopping, and more. In addition, Port Elizabeth is also famous for its close-proximity to local townships and private game reserves.

With its ideal location in the Garden Route, Port Elizabeth is a short drive to a variety of game reserves including Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Addo Elephant Park, and a handful of other smaller reserves where visitors can view a wide spectrum of diverse fauna and flora as well as the Big Five.

Port Elizabeth is also known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. As the second oldest city in South Africa, Port Elizabeth is celebrate for its Xhosa heritage and a wide spectrum of historical landmarks such as the Historic Donkin Heritage Trail, Old Hill, old-world architecture, and stunning parks comprised of intricate gardens and gorgeous green fields.

Although Port Elizabeth is famous for its beauty and abundance of activities, some argue that nothing compares to visiting a local township where you can interact with locals, learn about their everyday lifestyles, and immerse yourself in an enlightening cultural experience.

For those looking to travel off the beaten path, a tour with Calabash Tours is the perfect way to open your eyes to hidden areas you would have never seen on your own. What separates Calabash Tours from other tour providers is their superior expertise and knowledge of the area as well as their ability to open your eyes to both urban and rural cultures. Whether you’re looking to take a safari tour through a nearby game reserve or tour a local Xhosa township, Calabash Tours brings you up-close to it all.

But Calabash Tours offers more than exceptional tours through Port Elizabeth’s townships and adjacent game reserves. As a Fair Trade In Tourism (FTTSA) certified touring company, Calabash Tours gives back to the local economy, communities, and school systems, and works to sustain the local environment to ensure a thriving wilderness.

Select from a variety of excellent Calabash Tours, including . . .

The Addo Day Tour:

Home to the largest population of elephants on the planet, Addo Elephant Park is the perfect place to spend a day while visiting Port Elizabeth. During your tour through Addo Elephant Park you’ll see mother elephants tending to their young, as well as antelopes, zebras, lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos, and more. As you observe these magnificent creatures in their natural environment, Calabash Tours’ exceptional guides will provide you with their rich knowledge on the behavior and lifestyle of these animals.

The Real City Tour:

Calabash Tours provides you with a deep insight into the local villages and people as you venture to the nearby townships of Kwazakhele, Zwide, and New Brighton. During this visit, you’ll discover what it was like for South Africans during the apartheid and how their social history has shaped their existence today. You’ll also travel down one of the main shopping streets where street vendors sell their products and works of art, visit a local community-run children’s school (where some of the funds from your tour fee goes to), and tour through Red

Location—the oldest township in South Africa.

During your trip to the local townships, you’ll partake in one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime as you witness the excitement and eagerness of the locals to share with you their lives and history. Throughout the entire tour you will learn about the history of Port Elizabeth as you interact with the guides and locals. Because you are not traveling in a closed vehicle, you have the rare opportunity to interact with the locals without the barriers of a car or bus window.

Shebeen Tours:

If you love the social atmosphere of a pub than you’ll absolutely love this tour. Shebeens, which were previously outlawed, are places where the local community gets together for drinks, music, and dancing. The shebeen is a way for locals to socialize and enjoy a drink while listening to live music. On this tour, you’ll experience the entertaining atmosphere of a variety of shebeens and have the opportunity to interact with the local Xhosa people, and enjoy a traditional dinner and drinks!

View Part I here.

Night drive: Observe some of South Africa’s most interesting wildlife—at dark. During night drives, you’ll see Africa’s nocturnal wildlife and some of the Big Five at their most active. At night, lions and leopards are frequently spotted on the move or hunting.

Ostrich farm: Visit Western Cape’s Little Karoo for a unique tour through one of its many ostrich farms. During these tours, you’ll observe breeding behaviors and witness how ostrich eggs and feathers are crafted into decorative assortments for the home and stylish accessories.

Port Elizabeth: Filled with an array of stunning beaches, nearby golf courses, boardwalk shopping, a casino, water sport activities, and an aquarium, Port Elizabeth creatively combines relaxation with adventure. And at night, the city comes to life with exciting ghost, graveyard, and cell tours.

Quad Biking: South Africa’s rugged, bumpy terrain has made this country synonymous with quad biker’s paradise. Whether you want to ride through the Drakensberg Mountains or the beaches, the bushveld or the Valley of The Elephants, Mpumalanga wetlands or Kruger National Park, you’re guaranteed to find adventure in the varying terrains of South Africa.

Rust en Vrede: This exceptional estate exclusively produces only red wines and is located in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Their wines include 1694 Classification, Syrah 2006 (which has already sold out), Estate 2005, Shiraz 2005, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, and Merlot 2008. Their bold, full-bodied reds are a treat to anyone’s itinerary and this estate should not be missed. In 2008, the Rust en Vrede estate’s 1694 Classification wine and the Syrah 2006 wine both received the double golden Veritas Award for excellence.

Swim with the penguins: Not as traditional as swimming with the dolphins, swimming with the penguins offers a completely unique experience if you’re looking to get up-close-and-personal with these adorable little creatures. Boulders Beach on the Cape Peninsula is one of the only places in all of Africa where the African penguin lives and it is a highly-rewarding experience to interact with them in their natural environment.  

Tour Table Mountain: Enjoy a panoramic view of Table Mountain as you journey up the rocky mountainside in a rotating cable car. Each cable car has the ability to fully rotate, giving you the opportunity to see 360 degrees around you. On your cable car trip you’ll see stunning gardens, death-defying cliffs, and playful dassies—furry brown creatures that live on the mountain whose closest relatives are the elephants. Because there are 350 routes up the mountain, having a guided tour is highly recommended, as it can be extremely difficult and sometimes dangerous to navigate the mountain on your own.

uKhahlamba-Drakensberg: As the longest, tallest, and largest mountain range in all of South Africa, uKhahlamba-Drakensberg (meaning “Dragon Mountain”) is a must-see natural phenomena. This World Heritage site has one of the largest collections of Sans rock paintings in all of Africa. On the mountain you can also see a wide variety of plant, bird, mammal, and reptile species, and you can experience exciting activities such as hang gliding, hiking, and rock climbing. 

Victoria and Alford Waterfront in Cape Town:  This area is one of the most culturally enriching places to see in Cape Town. With a working harbor, unique seaside culture, five-star restaurants, historical monuments, and world-famous shopping hubs, Victoria and Alford Waterfront has it all.

Walking safari: If you’re looking for an African safari tour that combines an interactive experience with a rich cultural and learning environment, then you’ll want to take part in a walking safari through Kruger National Park, South Africa. On a walking safari, you’ll learn to listen for the distinct callings of South Africa’s wildlife, search for animal markings, and track paths of residential lions and elephants with the invaluable expertise of certified local guides. These highly knowledgeable guides introduce you to the hidden elements of indigenous wildlife that ranges from larger game to intricate wildlife hidden beneath rocks and inside crevasses.

Xhosa People: With a population of around 7 million individuals, the Xhosa people primarily live in the Eastern Cape and are the ancestors of the Nguni, a group that migrated from central and northern Africa to southern Africa. Keeping their traditional culture alive, the Xhosa people provide visitors to the region with a culturally enlightening experience. Watch as they craft exceptional beadwork, perform dance rituals, and speak in the Xhosa language (comprised of clicking sounds).

honeYmoon safari: South Africa is one of the most exceptional places to enjoy a romantic honeymoon safari. With a variety of intimate and luxurious accommodations that provide honeymooners with superior service and care, and a wide spectrum of activities for honeymooners, it’s no wonder South Africa has made a name for itself as the perfect honeymoon destination.

Zulu Traditions: Zulu culture has kept the same traditions passed down from their ancestors including ceremonies, rituals, and old traditions. With the belief that birth, marriage, and death are important times to interact with the ancestors, the Zulu people will sacrifice a variety of items to the ancestors during these moments in life such as home-brewed beer or a slaughtered animal.

View Part I of this post here.

My clients, the Sirois family, just returned from their African safari vacation to South Africa, where they traveled to Cape Town, the Garden Route and went on safari.  Here’s what they had to say:

The Sirois family having a Cape Malay cooking lesson

Thanks to Hills of Africa we had a very unique and personalized experience on our visit to South Africa. We would never have been able to find all the wonderful places we visited without their invaluable advice. We even learned to cook a traditional Cape Malay meal in a home in the Bo Kaap District of Cape Town! Tour books don’t come close to what they did.
We had a fairly rigid time line and lots of things we wanted to do. They put together a fabulous itinerary that not only allowed us to fit in all the things we wanted (touring, shopping, wineries, safari, etc…) but also gave us some flexibility to add things along the way. They booked us with hotels, game reserves and tour guides that they KNEW would be top notch. Hills of Africa met all our expectations and more. We can’t wait to go back.

The Sirois family having lunch in Kalk Bay, Cape Town

I love Africa, I love planning vacations to Africa, and I think it really shows.

Have you been to Africa?  What were your lasting impressions of your trip to Africa?