The South Africans live well. You can feel it in
everything. Right down to the Cape sea air they breath. Discover the Cape of Good Hope in
all its glory. Marvel at what has been built over the centuries on this patch of Africa.
Stellenbosch, in the heart of the vineyards, is one of the reasons the Afrikaners held on.
Still do. Tenacious as the land itself. Majestic oaks, graceful whitewashed Cape Dutch
houses, the University, mountains. Superb restaurants. Wine tasting.
An easy drive to Capetown
and the waterfront harbor. A treat!
Capetown is the southern-most
city in Africa and, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, one of the most beautiful
cities in the world. In the early 1600's early Dutch traders set up a way station to
provision Dutch East India Company sailing ships between Europe and Indonesia. Modern
Capetown is the hub of the Cape Vineyard area -- a lush region of splendid mountain
ranges, green fertile valleys, historic towns, orchards, and vineyards. A stop in Capetown
puts you within easy driving distance of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl where some
of South Africa’s finest wines are produced. All are worth visiting for tasting wine
and cellar tours.
The port city of Capetown has a European ambiance and boasts stunning botanical and public
gardens, historic buildings, the Constantia Wine estates, and some of South Africa’s
finest hotels and restaurants.
Cape Flying Weather: The winter (May - October) often brings wind and rain and stormy
weather to the Cape and surrounding coastal regions with poor flying weather. Self-Fly
Safaris® to Capetown during these months are not recommended. We suggest
clients fly to Capetown commercially at the beginning of their South African visit to
spend a few days touring, resting, and recovering from jet lag. Luxury train service (The
Blue Train and Rovos Rail) is a pleasant and unusual way to travel from Capetown to
Johannesburg where you will begin your Self-Fly Safari® preparations.
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Recommendation: While in Capetown, we arrange for Jayneen
Keyser to meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel. We suggest
that at least one of your days in Capetown is with her on a tour. Jayneen was
born and bred in Cape Town.
She was born on her family's
farm in Aliwal North in the North Eastern Cape during the war years. They
came out originally as part of the 1820 settlers so her
family goes back a long way!
Schooled in Cape Town and thereafter a degree in Social Science at University
of Cape Town. For years she worked
as a counselor but six years ago she became a tour guide.
When time allows she continues to be involved in community projects. Jayneen
says " I am a true believer in the future of South Africa and am just
passionate about this country. Friends so often ask me if I don't get
bored going to Cape Point, Winelands, Hermanus so often - my answer is that
all groups are different, all tourists are happy relaxed people, and each
time on tour we have a new experience. On
one trip with clients we discovered an albino penguin - it had
arrived at Boulders and was being monitored as to whether it would be
accepted by the others - sadly lying all alone. Two weeks later lo and
behold I saw it again and it was lying basking in the sun with its beak
resting on the back of another so it had found a mate!!!. Besides
which I learn so much about people and their interesting lands."
All our clients have been thoroughly impressed
with Jayneen. She is relaxed, can easily change plans if need be and is
receptive to the clients wishes and needs.
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Recommendation: Three days/nights visit before or after your Self-Fly Safari®
by commercial carrier or Blue Train.
Airport: Where convenient, Self-Fly Safaris® will use Stellenbosch Airport for
all visits to Capetown and vicinity: Stellenbosch Airport (FASH), tarred surface, 2493
ft., Elevation 321 ft.
CLICK ON ANY LODGE THAT IS UNDERLINED AND BLUE TO VISIT THE LODGE'S WEB SITE
L'AUBERGE ROZENDAL - STELLENBOSCH,
L'Auberge Rozendal: situated amid vineyards, the country inn makes and bottles its own
wine. A Victorian style room, an individual patio, facing the Jonkershoek Mountains.
Horses and mountain bikes are available. You'll wish you had more time to explore the
Cape.
RADISSON WATERFRONT - CAPETOWN
New, crisp and elegant with a nautical motif befitting its position at the water’s
edge. The "back" rooms have a glorious view of Table Mountain while
"front" rooms enjoy views west over the Atlantic and the colorful Victoria and
Albert waterfront. Central, convenient, pleasant.
LANZERAC MANOR AND WINERY– STELLENBOSCH
Rated as one of the 10 best country retreats in South Africa. More than 300 years old, the
Lanzerac Manor and Winery is a restored homestead and vineyard in Stellenbosch that
captures the elegance and romance of a bye-gone era.
MOUNT NELSON HOTEL – CAPE TOWN
Newly renovated suites, Victorian verandahs, private gardens, high tea, great chefs, style
and a tradition of elegance dating back hundreds of years. The Mt. Nelson is one of South
Africa’s grand and luxurious hotels and among the great hotels of the world.