Cape Town and the Garden Route
Our tour started in Cape Town, along the Garden Route finishing in Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.
Flying with South Africa Airlines to Cape Town via Johannesburg, the transit in Johannesburg was very speedy and efficient.
June in South Africa is their winter, so temperatures are cooler and rainfall common. Upon arrival in Cape Town the weather was wet and windy. Not to be deterred by the weather, we took a lovely winding journey via the Atlantic Coast road passing by the stunning Camps Bay before arriving at the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
We had lunch at ‘The Market Place’ an undercover gathering of local traders selling all a large variety of food from Crocodile dishes to Asian stir-fries and everything in-between. The Market Place is only a stone's throw from the V&A Shopping center, so after a hearty lunch we browsed the shops for a while.
Staying at the 5 Star Vineyard Hotel, a stunning property situated in the leafy green Newlands suburb approximately 15 mins drive from the centre of Cape Town, you feel like you’re in a peaceful oasis. The Vineyard is situated on beautiful landscaped parkland with Table Mountain as back drop. Idyllic setting. The hotel caters well for all types of clients. They have family rooms, luxury rooms and beautiful Suites, something to suit everyone. A laid back elegant hotel for people who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Thankfully the weather the next day was much more favorable and we headed off on a full day Cape Point Tour. Our first stop was Houts Bay, a local working port. This lovely fishermen's town, twenty minutes outside of Cape Town. We took a boat trip operated by Drumbeat Charters to Seal Island, a huge colony of Cape Fur Seals. We saw hundreds of seals laying on the rocks and playing in the water. We were able to get up really close and see them in their natural habitat.
Proceeded along the coast to Boulders Beach, home to the African penguin colony. A walkway has been made for visitors to view the Penguins nesting and breeding sites.
Not far from Boulders Beach is a delightful restaurant ‘Black Merlin’ promotionally a seafood restaurant. Black Marlin offer a set menu. The food was superb and the seafood lovers amongst our group were blown away with the variety, quality of the food served. I personally highly recommend this little gem of a restaurant.
Heading on to Cape Point, driving over the famous Chapman's Peak Drive, this drive offered spectacular scenery. Once at Cape Point we took a drive through the natural reserve. We took a ride on the Flying Dutchman funicular up to the viewing point and climbed the many steps to the lighthouse at the top.
After two days in Cape Town, we left to explore the Winelands. After a short drive we arrived at Babylonstoren, a Cape Dutch farm with vineyards and orchards surrounded by the dramatic mountains of the Drakenstein Valley.
Guests staying at the farm have full access to the entire farm so they can choose ingredients and pick from the fruit, vegetable and herb garden. A wide range of activities including spa, yoga, cycling, canoeing, swimming, guided walks and hiking and wine tasting. Children are most welcome here and can be involved with all activities. All food and wine sold at Babylonstoren have been made a produced on site. Daily tours take place daily at 10am.
Arriving early afternoon at the quaint and picturesque Stellenbosch. The oldest ‘town’ in South Africa. Pleasantly located amidst the many wine farms and vineyards.
I fell in love with Stellenbosch, this quaint town was very different to what I had imagined. Offering a very historic, leafy town centre with individually owned restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries and boutiques. You could easily spend a day wandering amongst the little quirky shops and eateries. Food, wine and the arts are very prominent and rightly so the town is very proud of it offerings. We took "Foodies and wine tasting walking tour", we walked our way around the town, learning about its history as well as sampling many culinary delights en-route. This was a fabulous enjoyable way to explore Stellenbosch and something I certainly will be recommending to my customers.
My home for this evening was Oude Werf Hotel. Ideally set amidst the towns many heritage sights, museums, galleries and vibrant cafe and boutique culture. A beautiful hotel, with a relaxing outdoor pool. High standard chic elegant hotel.
The following day we started along the famous ‘Garden Route’. The roads are very good and easy to drive (which is the case for all the places we visited) with spectacular sea and mountain views, as we were only on a short visit we drove after five hours straight through to Knysna. Nestled on the banks of a spectacular lagoon and surrounded by indigenous forests and the Outeniqua Mountains. A market town, there are many craft and flea markets and Knysna is also well known for its oysters. Featherbed Nature Reserve, across the lagoon, offers day tours to spot the sea horses and Knysna Loeries. The Knysna Heads and the twin sandstone cliffs at the mouth of the lagoon are also worth seeing. We stayed at the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays, set on the Knysna Quays Waterfront with the lagoon at your doorstep. This is a good 4* hotel offering everything you need for a convenient base. After a short one night stay in Knysna, we set off for one of the most famous private game reserves in the world. Shamwari Game Reserve. The crown jewel of private game reserves situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape.
Shamwari has six lodges all of which are very different in personalities. Our base was Riverdene, the more family focused lodge. This lodge has a welcoming ease and warmth and is a place where families would feel its a home from home. Offering elegant comfort and provides many additional activities to entertain children of all ages. Children can engage in the “Kids on Safari” program, visiting the Animal Rehabilitation and Born Free Centers.
I’m delighted to say our driver ‘Phil’ managed to find all of the 'Big 5' a truly magical experience.
Shamwari is home to Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue & Education Centre. The goal of this foundation is to create an awareness of the horrific way in which wildlife is exploited in captivity around the world. We were very lucky to meet some of the rescue big cats. Shamwari guests have complimentary guided tour, believe me, it’s very much worth a visit.
There is also a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Shamwari. The aim of this centre is to rehabilitate and return all animals back into the wild. It was a very moving experience – the dedication of the game keepers/vets are second to none. Their passion for the wildlife shines through them.
I hope my travel journal has ignited a spark in you to explore the wonderful and varied South Africa.
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