5 Reasons to visit Cape Town Michelle Cyster, front office manager at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, shares five reasons why travellers should add Cape Town to their list of top destinations.
Cape Town is internationally renowned Cape Town is deemed one of the best cities in the world. The city was nominated for multiple awards in the prestigious World Travel Awards and has a long list of accolades under its belt. From its scenic attractions, top-class eateries and top-notch shopping opportunities, there’s something for everyone.
Cape Town is regarded as one of the best cities in the world.
You can have every type of holiday in the Mother City Want a beach holiday? Cape Town has you sorted. Perhaps a holiday on the mountain? The city has that too. A farm stay? Yep, that’s also possible. No matter what type of holiday you are looking for, Cape Town has what you need. If you were going to Europe for an arts and culture holiday, you can find that in Cape Town. If you were planning a road trip across America to take in the natural beauty of the land, well, Cape Town is pretty stunning too – and it boasts some of the most picturesque driving routes you’ll find anywhere in the world.
The sculpture garden of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa at the V&A Waterfront.
The accommodation is world-class Accommodation across this city is easily among the best in the world, catering to all types of travellers. Hotels in Cape Town are perhaps best known for their warm and friendly service - from the minute you walk through the door, you are made to feel at home.
It’s a city committed to keeping guests healthy and safe
The City of Cape Town along with Cape Town Tourism (CTT) has been working hard to ensure that visitors to the city are at minimal risk of contracting Covid-19 while they are here. Throughout the coming holiday period and beyond, CTT is committed to ensuring that businesses within Cape Town are armed with the right information to adhere to strict protocols, while still offering an enjoyable tourism experience. Saunders Beach
Guests at Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate enjoying some of the best local produce the Cape has to offer.
The food and wine are exceptional No matter what your budget, you can find delicious food in Cape Town. From stunning dining experiences at restaurants like Tobago’s or perhaps something more casual like market food, you will not be disappointed by the culinary offerings in this city. When it comes to wine, forget the vineyards of France because Cape Town has all you need. From Stellenbosch to Constantia and Durbanville, wine aficionados will revel in the delights of the local, world-class wineries.
Wonderland
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE We are open everyday including all public holidays. With 24 different rides to choose from you have to try our extreme thrilling 9D Virtual Reality ride. Our X-Rider is a 4-seater motion theatre showcasing 4D effects such as snow, wind and bubbles with moveable seats integrated into many different rides. Some of our other feature include kiddie rides, pool tables, dance, driving and arcade games plus lots more for all ages to enjoy. Wonderland also offers redemption machines on which you can win tickets. You can then redeem your tickets and select from our fantastic range of prizes.
Tokens cost R1 each and the games vary between 1 and 6 tokens per game. Canal Walk: 0215551557 N1 City Mall: 0215951725
X Rider at Wonderland N1 City and Canal Walk
Step into the magical experience of the X Rider - a four-seater 3D/4D motion theatre at Wonderland N1 City and Canal Walk showcasing 4D effects such as snow, wind and bubbles.
Witzenberg Meander - a splendid Cape journey
The beautiful town of Ceres is surrounded by mountains and breathtaking passes. Wolseley. AngloBoer War Blockhouse THE WITZENBERG area, a mere 90-minute drive from Cape Town, is nestled in the Cape Winelands and consists of five gems: Ceres, Tulbagh, Wolseley, Op-die-Berg and Prince Alfred’s Hamlet.
Wolseley - explore, taste and stay
Situated on a natural watershed that divides the Berg and Breede Rivers, Wolseley is home to all kinds of farming - vegetables, wine, organic wine, olives, wheat, dairy and cattle. The natural surroundings are also conducive to a wide range of outdoor activities including river rowing, hiking, sunset drives, mountain biking, bush walking, birdwatching, 4x4 trails, horse riding and wine tasting. A historic Anglo-Boer War Blockhouse, dating from 1901 is open to visits by appointment. On Sundays from December 20, Adene’s Farm Flowers is open for day visits. Follow the route for Farmstalls for delightful local shopping - from preserves to handmade leather bags. Wolseley has a wide variety of accommodation ranging from luxury guesthouses to self-catering cottages and wooden cabins.
Tulbagh - valley of abundance
A charming historic town with a wealth of Cape Dutch architecture set in a beautiful landscape, Tulbagh is famous for its heritage and magnificent country living. Tranquility is the operative word in this place of tradition, scenic beauty and majestic mountain ranges. Church Street, home to 32 provincial monuments, constitutes the largest concentration of provincial monuments in one street in South Africa. The valley’s natural scenery sets the tone for an array of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, picnics, Tuk Tuk tours and even a scenic tractor trip up the historic Oudekloof Pass. Tulbagh’s many other offerings include art and craft browsing, enticing pub culture, a wealth of interesting museums, beautifully restored Victorian buildings, gift shops that sell top quality products made in the valley, and a range of gourmet restaurants to delight the culinary senses. You can sample craft beer or top quality olives and olive oil produced in the valley, or you can explore Tulbagh’s Wine Route, with its mix of gracefully old and conspicuously new estates together with a handful of micro-producers and boutique wineries.
Ceres - pure adventure
The beautiful town of Ceres is surrounded by mountains and breathtaking passes – and its tranquil atmosphere, blue skies and windless days makes it the ideal place to unwind. The greater Ceres
Anglo-Boer War Blockhouse in Wolseley. area comprises the towns of Ceres, Prince Alfred’s Hamlet and Opdie-Berg, as well as the beautiful mountain landscapes of the Koue Bokkeveld and the open plains of the Ceres Karoo. For those seeking a little adventure, Ceres has got you covered with activities that include one of the country’s best zip lining tours, abseiling, “kloofing”, 4x4 routes, MTB trails, golfing, hiking trails, fishing spots, horse-and-carriage rides and many more. There is even an opportunity for a close encounter with SA’s “Big 5” at surrounding game reserves or to view the unique fauna and flora of the southern Cederberg and Swartruggens mountains. Other must-visit attractions include the Ceres Transport Riders Museum, Loxtonia Cider and Ceres Brewery. The area has also evolved into one of South Africa’s most popular bird watching destinations. During December, visitors can also explore the Ceres Cherry Route for fabulous culinary delights at select restaurants and cherry-licious discounts at various participating accommodation and activity establishments. An authentic cherry-picking experience at Klondyke Cherry Farm will be possible until December 24, 2020 – depending on availability of cherries. The Witzenberg area is a tourist destination for all seasons and provides an excellent base from which to tour the Cape Winelands and surrounding areas. Accommodation in the area includes three to five-star guesthouses and game lodges, bed and breakfasts, self-catering cottages, luxury tree houses, a holiday resort as well as mountain eco-huts. Ceres Tourism Bureau Tel: 023 316 1287 E-mail: info@ceres.org.za Web: www.ceres.org.za Tulbagh Tourism Bureau Tel: 023 230 1348 E-mail: info@tulbaghtourism.co.za Web: www.tulbaghtourism.co.za and www.tulbaghwineroute.com Wolseley Tourism Bureau Tel: 082 835 7625 E-mail: info@wolseleytourism.co.za Web: www.wolseleytourism.co.za
Adventure along the Witzenburg Meander
The Mother City, as it is fondly called, is traditionally known and loved for its beaches and natural landmarks, but that’s not all there is to Cape Town.
A glimpse into the unexplored side of Cape Town By Vuyolwethu Fundam
Locals and tourists make the most of the fine weather on a Friday afternoon to enjoy the breathtaking scenery that is on offer from the top of Table Mountain.
Cape Town has a rich and diverse cultural heritage which is scattered throughout the city, from the suburbs all the way to its townships. The Mother City, as it is fondly called, is traditionally known and loved for its beaches and natural landmarks, but that’s not all there is to the beautiful city. Visitors, both foreign and local, are exposed to a just a few activities, such as hiking up Lion’s Head or Table Mountain, visiting Robben Island or eating a Gatsby, thus missing out on the abundant experiences that the city’s townships have to offer. Here are five booming township spots that provide a glimpse of township life and cultures:
Kwa Ace eParkini, Khayelitsha. Picture: Facebook/Kwa Ace eParkini
RANDS CAPE TOWN, situated in the heart of Khayelitsha, Cape Town’s largest township, is a multifaceted venue and a haven of good music, food and quality entertainment. Rands has its resident DJs, but from time to time it also hosts well-known musicians, such as Black Coffee, AKA, Nasty C and DJ Zinhle. KWA ACE EPARKINI is a chesa nyama chill spot - chesa nyama being the township term for a barbecue or braai. The establishment has both indoor and outdoor areas where DJs are available to entertain patrons all day. Locals are invited to bring their own beverages and camp chairs and just enjoy the vibe. When looking for a nice, chilled scene or just looking to dine out, there is 4ROOMED EKASI CULTURE, a cosy restaurant also in Khayelitsha. 4Roomed offers a set menu of African and Western fare, where dishes are served on bright ceramics made by a local artist. Last year, food critic Besha Rodell listed 4Roomed eKasi Culture as one of top 30 restaurants in the world.
Rands Cape Town, Khayelitsha. Picture: Facebook/Rands Cape Town
THE KHAYELITSHA CRAFT MARKET is situated at the St Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church in the heart of Khayelitsha. Here you can purchase pottery, beadwork, paintings, baskets and many more items all handcrafted by the township residents. The market is aimed at easing poverty in the area. While at the market, one can also purchase fascinating African souvenirs. THE VAMOS TOWNSHIP CYCLING TOUR allows visitors to experience the vibrant community of Langa. The tour entails two hours of being immersed in the creativity and wealth of the culture and its people.
4Roomed eKasi Culture. Picture: Facebook/4Roomed eKasi
Cape Town has more than 30 townships. While the above may be the booming township spots, there is certainly a lot more to discover in the city.
COME COME AND AND ENJOY ENJOY
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Eagle Encounters at Spier
Spier’s new Elemental Play Garden
Music, adventure and family fun on Spier’s festive line-up Sundowners, platters and live music on The Werf Head to the Werf on weekend evenings to feast your ears on “Soul of Motown” - a selection of soul, Motown and pop classics performed by the vibrant and charismatic singers Nathan Daniels and Chelsea Vox. Get a glass of wine from the Spier Wine Truck and some snacks from the Spier Farm Cafe to enjoy while you relax and listen on the lawn. 6pm to 8pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from December 11, 2020 to January 17, 2021. https://www.spier.co.za/events/live-music-on-the-werf
SUNDOWNERS AND SNACKS
The long summer nights are here to enjoy. Soak up the setting sun on Spier’s Tasting Room deck with wine and snacks. Cheese and Charcuterie platter with two compli mentary glasses of Signature Wine - R185 Cheese and Olive platter with two complimentary glasses of Signature Wine R160 Daily between 4pm and 6pm from December 11, 2020 to January 31, 2021. https://www.spier.co.za/visit/wine-tasting
Take your inner child – and your kids – on an adventure inside Spier’s new Elemental Play Garden
This summer, a new garden with fun outdoor workshops for kids launches at the historic Stellenbosch wine farm. Features of the garden include a slide landscaped into earth mounds, a tunnel to crawl through, a Charl Conradie wind sculpture and a swing bridge. The water in the Water Quadrant has been treated and is safe to splash about in – perfect for hot summer days.
Occupants of the Inhabited
Curated by Kefiloe Siwisa, in collaboration with Spier Arts Trust, the historic Spier Manor House is home to a new exhibition this summer. “Occupants of the Inhabited” sees selected artists (their thoughts) and their practices inhabiting the Manor House. In a sense, they become its occupants, the building’s second skin. Be sure to explore the artwork with your next visit to the farm.
Treat your friends and family to the goodness of Spier
Spier’s online shop, home to a gorgeous range of more than 15 gifts, ensures your festive season present buying is a breeze. Each comes beautifully wrapped and can be delivered nationwide. Spoiling your loved ones with distinctive, high quality gifts has never been so easy.
Celebrate the warm weather with the Spier Signature Chardonnay/ Pinot Noir Granita
Simply made for summertime sipping, this Signature Granita is unpretentious, beautifully balanced and full of flair – marrying strawberry and apple flavours with a crisp finish. While delightful at brunch, on a picnic or alone with a good book, the Spier winemaking team also recommends combining it with fresh strawberries and thyme to create granita: a luscious, delicately flavoured frozen dessert. The perfect show-stopping conclusion to a lavish dinner, this granita is also brilliant as a palate cleanser served during a multi-course feast. The hardest part is simply remembering to make the granita a day ahead, as it needs to spend at least overnight in the freezer.
Spier Signature Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Granita: The Recipe (serves 6) Ingredients:
250 ml (1 cup) Spier Chardonnay/Pinot Noir 1/2 cup regular white sugar 4 sprigs thyme 250 g fresh strawberries, stalks/hulls removed A squirt of fresh lemon juice Method: Place half the wine in a small saucepan with the sugar and thyme. Heat to the beginning of a simmer, then remove the pan from the heat, swirling until the sugar has dissolved. In a blender, add the remaining wine, strawberries and lemon juice. Remove the thyme sprigs from the hot syrup mixture; then add the syrup to the blender. Blend on high speed to a very smooth pulp. Transfer to a wide plastic container, cover with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate overnight (or longer, but not less than 8 hours). The granita will never freeze completely due to the alcohol and sugar content. At serving time, quickly use a fork to scrape the granita into the desired number of glasses. Eagle Encounters The birds of prey project at Eagle Encounters is an all-ages crowd pleaser. Come and join the daily flying display (including dancing owls) at this incredible birds of prey rehabilitation and conservation project on the farm.
Safe family fun awaits visitors to GrandWest
With the December holiday season upon us, the children’s facilities and fast food area at GrandWest has reopened and is ready to entertain families in a fun and safe environment. GrandWest’s greatest priority is the safety of visitors and staff, so all health and safety protocols and social distancing will be applied - and it will be mandatory for all visitors, including children over the age of two, to wear masks. The coolest place at the complex is The Ice Station with its choice of mini-rink and a large Olympic-sized ice rink. Visitors of all ages – including parents - can hire ice skates. Or head to the six-screen CineCentre cinema complex where 2D and 3D blockbuster Hollywood productions will keep testy children glued to their seats while parents can relax. At The Magic Company, youngsters can show off their skills at the Magic Arcade while the X-Rider 3D will take riders on a thrilling adventure complete with authentic motion and extra effects for added excitement. There are also a number of themed rides to choose from. For some fast-paced action, channel your inner Star Wars hero as you out-tag family and other targets with Laser Tag’s infrared laser beams. For more family fun, do not miss a visit to Magic Bowling, a 12-lane ten pin bowling alley that glows in the dark. Equipment and bowling shoes can be hired and automated scorecards make scoring child’s play. The Food Court has a wide variety of mouth-watering options that will take care of a dad-sized appetite. Choose from popular fast food stores along with a number other restaurants. Competition Enter the Spend to Win Competition and you could stand a chance to win cash prizes valued at between R5 000 and R10 000, or a new Suzuki Swift valued at over R180 000. Participating outlets will be provided with competition entry tickets. How to enter All you have to do is spend R150 or more from one of the participating outlets in The Cape Village, or spend R300 or more at one of the participating restaurants in The District or The Cape Village, and you will receive an entry ticket from the respective participating outlet. You will need to complete the entry ticket, attach it to the till slip and pop it into a tombola. Tombola’s will be displayed in The District and in The Cape Village. The draws will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 and winners will be contacted telephonically and via email. Go to www.suninternational.com/grandwest/ retail-promotion/ for a list of participating stores and Terms and Conditions.
Montagu offers plenty of options for travellers. Picture: Allison Foat.
Explore the Cape’s wonderful small towns By Clinton Moodley THE WESTERN CAPE is the backdrop to some remarkable locations - and definitely worth exploring. Besides the usual Cape Town attractions, you should also spend a few days discovering new places in the province. A few years ago, I planned a road trip from L’Agulhas, meandering through the small towns to Langebaan. Making a pit stop at these quaint towns gave me a newfound appreciation of the province. I realised that small towns have much to offer, but are often overlooked by travellers who spend more time ticking famous destinations off their bucket list than exploring the unknown. Here are some underrated small towns you should add to your Western Cape road trip: Bredasdorp Bredasdorp was named after the first mayor of Cape Town, Michiel van Breda, who is best known as the father of the merino sheep industry. He was the first in the country to introduce the animals on his farm, Zoetendals Vallei, in the 1800s. Places to visit include the Shipwreck Museum and Kapula Candles.
Napier Napier was established in 1838 when Van Breda and his neighbour, Pieter Voltelyn van der Byl, could not agree on a location of a church. They decided on two separate churches, and two separate towns, Bredasdorp and Napier. Napier was named after the then governor of the Cape, Sir George Napier. Places to visit include Moerse Farmstall and Napier Farm Stall. Caledon Caledon is famous for its hot springs that were discovered by the early Khoi people. Interestingly, the water of Caledon is also free of organic matter, and when submitted to the Chicago World Fair in 1893, it was awarded first prize as the world’s top-quality mineral water. Places to visit include The Caledon Hotel and Spa and Caledon Museum. Montagu Named after the former secretary of the Cape Colony, John Montagu, Montagu is one of those places you have to see once. It was once known as Agter Cogman’s Kloof and Cogman. The town is located between Ashton in the Robertson wine valley and Barrydale. Places to visit include Montagu Nature Garden and Capedry Farmstall, Wine Boutique and Bistro.
The rolling farmland of Napier.
Caledon at night.
De Hoop nature reserve near Bredasdorp.
Fatima Anter
Explore the Cape Point of view
WHEN visiting Cape Point, many tourists and locals head on over to the main attraction, the lighthouse, without giving it too much thought - and who could blame them? Those breathtaking viewpoints are perfect for selfies and family portraits. Cape Point, however, is known for having a lifetime of things to see and do within the reserve. From the endless horizons to hidden beaches and beautiful hiking trails all over the reserve; there are so many that it’s impossible to fit them all into a single visit. Here are a list of activities and things to do in the reserve: Ride the only funicular in Africa When an area is too steep or too dangerous to travel on foot, a funicular can be your best bet for getting from point A to point B. At Cape Point, the Flying Dutchman Funicular is the first of its kind on the African continent and its panoramic views on the way up certainly make it a contender for having the most breathtaking vistas on the planet. A key appeal of this funicular is that it is also wheelchair-friendly, giving the elderly and physically disabled an easy access vantage point. Named after the legendary Flying Dutchman Ghost Ship, the funicular runs through dense fynbos and gets visitors up to 214 metres above sea level, leaving just a short flight of steps for the best view over the South-western corner of Africa. Lunch with a view at the Two Oceans Restaurant If it’s a panoramic vista you’re after, the Two Oceans Restaurant at Cape Point is the place for you. From its long balcony area, diners can feast on some of the best ocean views overlooking False Bay, while enjoying a menu featuring everything a seafood lover could possi-
bly desire - and more. The restaurant serves lunch from 12pm until 4:30pm, so be sure to arrive early to secure the best seats. Grab a cool souvenir at one of the three curio stores When heading off to Cape Point, make sure you fit in a visit to the three curio stores at the reserve. Here you’ll find everything from T-shirts and magnets to books. The Cape Point Certificate – the official record of a visit to Cape Point - is also sold here. Everyone will be able to find a memento to take home as a reminder of their visit to this beautiful place. Hiking trails at Cape Point Some might not know this but Cape Point is also considered a hiker’s paradise, as there are a number of beautiful and manageable short walks throughout the park. Each trail serves up a selection of panoramic ocean and mountain views, access to unspoilt beaches, and the opportunity to spot rare wildlife wandering peacefully among the fynbos or across the salt-white sand. So, gather your hiking buddies and make a day of it. Some need-to-knows about visiting Cape Point Things are particularly bustling during December, and Cape Point tends to get quite busy. To avoid the queues, it would be best for you to visit as early as you can. During summer the reserve opens at 6am, so head over early to enjoy the reserve before the crowds arrive. Locals are also encouraged to bring along their IDs so they can qualify for the special rates for South Africans.
Next time you’re in Paarl, the Pearl of the Cape Winelands, be sure to visit Nederburg’s beautifully revamped wine and food hub, The Manor, situated in the historic manor house on the estate. Here, we emphasise authentic experiences featuring wholesome and hearty dishes with a touch of heritage.
Full-flavoured, fresh, summer-inspired food, prepared by chef Maveer Thulsie and his team, is served inside the manor house, outside on the stoep, or under the trees in the lush garden. Pair your meal with Nederburg’s award-winning wines for a doubly delicious experience.
Play winemaker for a day as we guide you through a wine-blending experience. Learn the characteristics of various cultivars and blend and bottle your own signature wine to take home. Available on request for groups of 6 to 24 people.
For bookings and additional information, please contact us on 021 862 3104, send an e-mail to info@nederburg.com or visit www.nederburg.com.
Enjoy family-friendly picnics under the trees in the garden and an array of fun lawn games. Picnic baskets are filled with scrumptious picnic fare and fine wines. Kiddies’ picnic boxes are also available. Pre-booking is essential.
Delight in our new summer tasting – bubbly and oysters. Our Première Cuvée Brut, award-winning Cap Classique 2013 and Green Bubbles Sparkling Cocktail are each served with an oyster dressed with ingredients that complement the flavour profile of each drink.
We regularly change our wine-tasting options so the experience is always a new one. In addition to our current vintage wines, we also present Vintage Vault tastings, featuring very rare older vintages, some of which are also for sale. The Manor’s new Five Senses Wine & Food Experience invites you to indulge your senses and inspire your imagination. This special event is hosted at 11h00 and 15h00 every day except Tuesdays. Pre-booking is essential.
Step back in time as you explore our beautifully restored manor house. In typical Cape Dutch style, this national monument features original yellowwood shutters, beams and doors and brass escutcheons. “1800” features on the front gable, the year the house was completed.
Some considerations: Strict Covid-19 hygiene and safety measures are in place at The Manor. The wearing of masks is mandatory. Guests will be greeted at the front door, where a member of staff will take their temperature. Right of admission is reserved. We support the responsible consumption of alcohol.
Our friendly staff looks forward to hosting you at The Manor. www.nederburg.com @Nederburgwines @Nederburgwine @Nederburg
KINGJAMES 52055/R
THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO ENJOY AT NEDERBURG THIS SUMMER
