It can be a bit over-whelming knowing where to start when visiting a city like Cape Town - there is just so much to see. We pride ourselves on having a truly unique offering in Cape Town, which we couple with lovingly hand-picked accommodation. There are so many different ways of getting under the skin of Cape Town and we have taken great pride in selecting some of the best experiences with the best guides. There is no real substitute for spending a day with a local guide. Not only are you helping to support the local economy, but you are also getting a chance to speak to someone who has grown up in South Africa during a most turbulent time who will be able to add some genuine insights into the country, which will help to set the scene once you head off on the rest of your holiday.  With the lack of jet lag and the prospect of a good night's sleep on the plane on the way over, there is no reason why you can't get out and about on your first afternoon, discovering the best of what Cape Town has to offer. Please have a browse through some of our favourite experiences and let us know which ones you would like us to include in your itinerary.

Guided Cycling Tour (Suitable for adults & children)

A short guided cycle tour is a lovely way to see the waterfront and stretch your legs after a long flight, recommended for a first afternoon in Cape Town. The pace is gentle and is a lovely introduction to what the waterfront area has to offer. Cycling is mainly on the flat and is suitable for all ages.(Children's seats & bikes available for all ages and abilities)

Robben Island Visit (Suitable for adults & children)

Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was held, is on many wishlists for visitors to Cape Town. However, we offer our own twist on this as our guide is Lionel Davies, who was himself in Robben Island at the same time as Mandela. Lionel will take you around the island and will give you a deep insight into what it was like being imprisoned there and will also share stories of the part he played in the anti-apartheid movement. 

Guided Table Mountain Hike - (Suitable for adults & children)

There is no better place to get a sense of Cape Town than from the top of Table mountain amidst the lush fynbos, indigenous to the region. Most tourists venture no more than 5 minutes from the Cableway, however we recommend getting away from the crowds. There are several options to choose between, depending on how active you want to be. For those wanting a gentle guided walk, there is a lovely 2 hour circular walk on the plateau to Maclears Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain. The trail passes stunning viewpoints and marsh and fynbos bush. For the more adventurous, we recommend a more challenging trek climbing Table Mountain via Skeleton Gorge or from the Twelve Apostles (around 6 hours) and taking the Cableway down. And if you want something challenging and want to really get away from everyone, then we suggest our three day Table Mountain hike, camping along the way.

Private Wine Tours (Suitable for adults & children)

If you like wine and the finer things of life, then we suggest spending a day visiting vineyards and artisanal producers with our guide Pamela, a passionate foodie and local resident. You can get stuck into some fine wines and enjoy delicious great food in incredibly beautiful surroundings. Pamela knows the vineyards inside out and, for our family visitors, has picked out those with space for the kids to run around; from the jungle gym and famous hot chocolate at Warwick Estate to the gorgeous gardens and fruit orchards (where the children can help themselves to fruit) at Babylonstoren. Pam does all the driving, so you can just sit back and enjoy yourself. 

Guided Township Tours (Suitable for adults & children)

It is all too easy to travel through the Cape region in comfortable lodges and not have any sense of how the majority of the country lives. On the basis that exposure breeds understanding and awareness, we think it is a good thing to learn about this magnificent country's turbulent past and present and fascinating culture. If this is done sensitively, it can hugely beneficial to both the township residents and also the visitor. We work with a couple of fantastic projects in the townships, a gentle bike tour through the township of Masiphumelele and a township cooking class, where you learn to cook local staples such as Pap, chakalaka, samp and African stew in an inspiring cooking school that is teaching the catering trade to locals in the townships.

Cape Town Foodie Experience (Suitable for adults only)

For those interested in food and cooking, we recommend spending a day with our resident Capetonian foodie, Pamela who will take you on a tour of her favourite eateries in town. South Africa is a melting pot of numerous cultures and her tour will give you an insight into all of these and will also explore you to their different cuisines.  You will walk the streets of Cape Town together, stopping to taste a mixture of traditional food, South African street food and to visit some artisan foodie and coffee shops. If you prefer something more hands on, then we can arrange a cookery course for you with a local chef who will teach you all about Cape Malay food.

And for the more adventurous.......

Guided Kayaking trip to Boulders Beach (Suitable for adults & children aged 10+)

At Boulder's Beach on the Cape Peninsula, there is a colony of penguins that you can go and visit. However, rather than waiting on the beach to spot these creatures, we suggest taking to the seas and viewing them from the comfort of your own kayak. Heading away from the beach past the harbour, you will paddle to Boulder’s Beach. If you’re lucky, you may see the penguins swimming alongside you in the water, or hopping on to the beach. The double kayaks are very stable and perfect for those with no paddling experience. After viewing the penguins, you will stop on the beach for refreshments and a swim before heading back.  

Mountain Biking tour (Suitable for adults only)

If you really want to let off some steam, then we suggest spending a day off the beaten track with one of our mountain biking guides. There is a variety of rides on offer, depending on your level of experience and how adventurous you are feeling. We guarantee excellent views, great climbs and beautiful surroundings. You  can choose between an epic ride up the lower slopes of Table Mountain, leg busting climbs through Tokai forest and free-spirited off road riding in Silvermine Nature Reserve. These are private departures, so you can go at your own pace, but you do need to be experienced to take part.