CAPE TOWN
The South Africans live well. You can feel it in everything. Right down to the Cape sea air they breathe. 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 Cape Town and the waterfront harbor. A treat!
Cape Town is the southern-most city in Africa and, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, is 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 plying between Europe and Indonesia. Modern Cape Town 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 Cape Town 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 Cape Town 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 Cape Town during these months are not recommended. We suggest clients fly to Cape Town 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 Cape Town to Jo’burg where you will begin your Self-Fly Safari® preparations.
Recommendation: Three days/nights visit before or after your Self-Fly Safari® by commercial carrier or Blue Train.
Cape Town International Airport has several flights daily to Johannesburg with some going to Lanseria Airport (FALA) where your pilot validation exercises and safari launch takes place. Very convenient!
BLUE TRAIN - Elegant, luxurious, and comfortable, the best way to travel to Cape Town either before or after your Self-Fly Safari. An early morning departure from Pretoria allows you to enjoy the scenery as your travel south to southern most point in South Africa. You arrive in Cape Town by noon the next day. Enjoy delicious food in the dinning car, settle into you suite for a restful afternoon or meet new friends in the Club Car or Lounge. https://www.bluetrain.co.za/
HERITAGE HOTEL – Cape Town. Come here for the convenience of being in central Cape Town – and discover a place of character! Standing adjacent to Greenmarket Square, the building was originally built in 1771 and has gone through a series of incarnations. Its inner courtyard contains the oldest grape-bearing vine in South Africa. Enjoy this setting for lunch or afternoon tea. On weekends it is a favorite spot for drinks among Capetonians. Each room is uniquely decorated. Several restaurants in and around the building catering to a variety of tastes. https://www.capeheritage.co.za/
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. https://www.belmond.com/hotels/africa/south-africa/cape-town/belmond-mount-nelson-hotel/
RADISSON WATERFRONT – Cape Town. 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. https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-cape-town-waterfront
LANZERAC MANOR & 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. https://lanzerac.co.za/
L'AUBERGE ROZENDAL – Stellenbosch. Situated amid vineyards, this 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. https://rozendal.co.za/