Cape Town Day Tours & Activities

DAY TOURS & ACTIVITIES

Cape Town is home to Table Mountain, one of the 7 Wonders of the World and can be seen as far as 200 kilometres out to sea. Affectionately known as the Mother City, Cape Town is historically, culturally and visually, the most diverse, breathtakingly scenic and vibrant city you’ll have had the pleasure to visit! From its achingly beautiful natural attributes to its colourful culture; from decadent wine farms to captivating history and architecture - it’s tourist heaven. There’s no finer way to savour its pleasures than a guided day tour with Thompsons Africa – from wonderful winelands and wine tastings, to riding the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, we’ll take you there in style, with great taste...

CAPE POINT TOUR

HALF DAY TOUR

Departs Daily between 07h45 & 08h45 • Returns at ±12h30 Journey along Millionaires Paradise, ogling the glamorous homes and beautiful people of Clifton Beach and Camps Bay, then wind your way towards the charming coastal town and working harbour of Hout Bay. Hug the cliffs as we snake along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, with its breathtaking views, towards the Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park and its rugged, intriguing landscape. Boulders Beach penguin colony, is a fascinating excursion. Finally, move on to the historical naval port of Simon’s Town.

Your experience highlights:

• Hout Bay • Chapmans Peak Drive • Cape of Good Hope • Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach (optional and for own account) • Simon’s Town

AUTHENTIC CAPE TOWN CITY TOUR

HALF DAY TOUR

Departs Daily between 07h35 and 08h30 • Returns at ±12h30 Sense the depth of history as you drive past Parliament Buildings, City Hall and the Slave Lodge before stopping for a short visit of the Castle of Good Hope (optional), originally built as a maritime replenishment station and now the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa! Alternatively we walk around the Grand Parade square which has its own historical significance. We hear of the brief history of District Six en-route to a visit at the Company Gardens where we walk through the landscaped gardens. Learn more about the history of the Bo-Kaap and its people as we move up the cobblestoned hills to the Malay Quarter, and marvel at the ice-cream colours of the quaint Bo-Kaap homes. Trace the moves of a professional diamond cutter as he creates every girl’s dream stone with a visit to a diamond cutting factory. After learning more about the history of diamonds and gold in South Africa, we drive past the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Stadium, Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay as we make our way to Table Mountain where you have the option of either admiring the views from the lower cable station or purchasing a ticket (for own account) to reach the summit. After delighting in this photo opportunity, return to the hotel or stay on top of the mountain and find your own way back to your hotel.

Your experience highlights:

• The Castle of Good Hope (Optional ) • Parliament Buildings, City Hall, Grand Parade and the Slave Lodge • The Company Gardens • Malay Quarter • Diamond cutter visit • Cable car to summit of Table Mountain (own account and weather permitting)

STELLENBOSCH WINELANDS TOUR

HALF DAY TOUR

Departs Daily between 12h45 & 13h45 • Returns at ±17h30 Explore the fine art galleries, the architecture, the history, and the curious and quaint shops of historical, glorious Stellenbosch (on Sundays not all galleries and shops are open). A leisurely drive will acquaint you with the beauty of this world-renowned region, before inducting you into the wine-making process in a fascinating cellar tour. And when the wine’s made, it needs to be tasted, so we’ll twist your arm to test and taste…

Your experience highlights:

• Art galleries • Shopping • Cellar tour • Wine wasting

WALK TO FREEDOM TOUR

Departs Daily between 08h00 and 08h45 Returns at ±12h30 *Extend to the full day tour and visit Robben Island in the afternoon. We drive past the Slave Lodge and City Hall to view Mandela’s Statue, site of the first ever public speech Nelson Mandela delivered after his release from prison. Then visit the riveting District Six Museum and travel through the District Six Site (Museum closed Sundays & Public Holidays) for a sharp reminder of the past. We proceed to tour Langa Township, the oldest apartheid housing scheme in the Cape, visiting the local market - Gugu Sthebe, where the community showcase their skills and various projects including arts & craft. Thereafter continue to see the informal housing as well as new housing developments under way. For those who have the time, do extend to a full day tour - a visit to Robben Island in the afternoon. Cruel home of our Nelson Mandela for so many years, it’s a highly charged and emotional moment when you visit the site of this suffering, and realize how far South Africa has come from those days.

Your experience highlights:

• District Six Museum (closed Sundays & public holidays) • Langa Township local market, Arts & Craft centre • Robben Island (on full day tour)

FULL DAY TOUR

Departs daily between 08h00 and 09h00 • Returns at ±17h30 A superb day dedicated to celebrating the glorious grape, the exceptional winelands region, and the heavenly scenery! The area’s rich with history, and we can’t help but feel it as we move through the region to experience a wine cellar tour and tasting, where you’ll learn all about the process of winemaking, from grape to goblet. We visit the exquisite little town of Franschhoek, pass by the impressive Huguenot Monument, and in a town with a reputation for gourmet fare, where else could we choose to enjoy lunch. Wind our way to the heady heights of the Helshoogte Mountain Pass to meet the charming university town of Stellenbosch on the other side. Stroll through this little town, absorbing the quaintness, and sneaking into the odd shop or two (on Sundays not all galleries and shops are open)! Enjoy a wine tasting at two different wine estates where you’ll be able to purchase your favourite wine to take back home!

Your experience highlights:

• Lunch (for own account) • Helshoogte Mountain Pass • Stellenbosch • 2 wine tastings

FEATHERS AND FINS TOUR

FULL DAY TOUR

Departs Mon, Wed & Fri between 12h45 and 13h45 • Returns at ±17h30 This entertaining adventure trip with your children includes a visit to the Hout Bay World of Birds where children can get up close and personal with nature with over 400 different species to discover including birds, reptiles and mammals and don’t forget to visit the walk through monkey jungle! Enjoy some of the finest beach views on the coastal drive to the Two Oceans Aquarium in the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where the magical underwater awaits. Your children will learn about mysterious deep sea creatures, dangerous predators and see a real ‘happy feet’ family. Touch pools and tidal walks are part of the fun while puppet shows and play area are on the entertainment menu. Older children are not forgotten…interesting facts, fascinating discoveries, shark encounters and the discovery of what really lies beyond the pond.

Your experience highlights: • Hout Bay World of Birds • Two Oceans Aquarium

PENINSULA TOUR

FULL DAY TOUR

Departs Daily between 07h45 & 08h45 • Returns at ±17h30 Cruise along Millionaire’s Paradise from Clifton to Camps Bay and on to Llandudno before an up-close-and-personal Seal Island cruise. Wind along Chapman’s Peak Drive with lunch (own account) at Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park before meandering back along the coast, visiting Simon’s Town and ending your day at the penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach where you get to watch these entertaining, waddling characters.

Your experience highlights:

• Seal Island Cruise (optional and for own account) • Chapman’s Peak Drive • Cape Point • Simon’s Town • Penguin Colony at Boulder’s Beach (own account)

A DAY SAFARI

FULL DAY TOUR

Departs daily between 06h15 and 07h00 • Returns at ±18h00 The Big Five near Cape Town? A mere two and a half hours from the City, and we’ll be tracking them at Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve. Enjoy a scenic drive to Inverdoorn travelling via the wine region and Klein Karoo. Refreshments on arrival will ensure we’re fully awake, before setting off on our adrenaline pumping game drive. Transferred into the ideal 4 x 4 safari vehicle and accompanied by an experienced game ranger, we’re off, camera’s and binoculars at the ready, searching for telltale signs of lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, cheetah, zebra, rhino, ostrich, baboon, warthog, springbuck and many other wild animals, birds and fauna. We spend two to three hours scanning the countryside, relishing the sightings. Return to the lodge for a leisurely buffet lunch and time to relax around the pool (summer) or settle cosily around a fire (winter). Departs Wed, Fri & Sun between 07h45 & 08h45 Returns at ±17h00 (Only operates Jul to Nov during Whale Season) • Drive along the coast to the fishing village of Hermanus, lapping up the glorious ocean view, eyes peeled for the southern right whales at play. There may be an opportunity to join boat-based whale watching (for own account and subject to availability and weather). • These massive mammals breaching are an awe-inspiring sight, and the excitement will undoubtedly leave you with a large appetite for a good lunch (own account). • We continue to the Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven & Earth) valley to visit a boutique winery to sample some wines of outstanding quality (On Sundays the wine estates are closed so a visit to the Stoney Point Penguin Colony is visited as an alternative). • Our return to Cape Town is via the pretty apple-growing region of Elgin, then wind our way through Sir Lowry’s Pass – spectacular views - and back into the Mother City.

Handy tip: Sun protection, protective clothing and preventative treatment against seas sickness are advisable when going on the optional boat trip.

Your experience highlights:

• Hermanus • Boat-based whale watching (for own account and subject to availability and weather) • Lunch (own account) • Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven & Earth) valley wine tasting (On Sundays the wine estates are closed so a visit to the Stoney Point Penguin Colony is visited as an alternative) • Sir Lowry’s Pass

CAPE TOWN FOOD MARKET EXPERIENCE

HALF DAY TOUR

Departs every Saturday between 08h30 & 09h00 • Returns at ±12h30 Experience a typical Market Day at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, where small local farmers and artisanal food producers link urban farming with Cape Town’s history and heritage, using seasonal produce. Mingle with locals whilst they do their weekly food shopping (vegetables, fruit, bread, honey) and try out some delicious cooked and raw foods (for own account). Continue to the Old Biscuit Mill, the location of the Neighbourgoods Market, where you can enjoy delicious eats and treats (for own account) and the opportunity to browse through local arts and crafts. Your expert guide will be on hand to assist with insider tips on the local farmers and the produce that they sell.

Your experience highlights:

• Oranjezicht City Farm Market • Neighbourgoods Market (The Old Biscuit Mill)

SUNSET BEACH AND DINNER

EVENING TOUR

Departs Tue & Thu between 17h30 & 18h00 (Operates September to May only) Head out of the city before sunset, savouring a chilled glass of sparkling wine as you watch the sunset turn the surrounds peach and gold. We’ll point out the Southern Cross in the night sky, before enjoying dinner at a sensational ‘out of town’ restaurant offering seafood and South African specialities. Special occasion? We can arrange a separate table on request. As we return to the hotel, we’ll make sure you enjoy the city lights by night. We’ll take care of everything – just enjoy!

Your experience highlights:

• Sunset glass of sparkling wine • Dinner

PRIVATE TOURS

HALF DAY - Departs daily on request - 08h30 to 12h30 or 13h30 to 17h30 (150km’s) FULL DAY - Departs daily on request - 09h00 to 17h30 (250km’s) * Note: Tolls, Parking, Meals & Entrance fees for own account. Our private tours let you decide what you’d like to experience…. Let our Thompsons Africa guide create a personal tailor-made tour or book a private version of one of our scheduled tours. The choices are legion; the options are yours. Just name it.

VEHICLES: Air-conditioned 7 seater Quantums with registered tour guides. Language Guides are available on request at a surcharge.

REFINED WESTERN CAPE EXPERIENCE

PRIVATE TOUR - Available on request basis only Departs Mon - Sat at 08h30 • Returns at ±17h45 *Entrance fees for own account Depart Cape Town at 08h30 stopping first for a wine tasting at Allesverloren, the oldest wine estate in the Swartland area and renowned for its distinctive red wines. Dating back to the 17th Century, Allesverloren’s rich history and picturesque setting will have you enthralled. Next stop, the town of Riebeek Kasteel! One of the oldest towns in South Africa, set in the fertile vista of The Riebeek Valley, we spend 2 hours exploring and shopping. Often referred to as ‘the best kept secret of the Western Cape’, the tranquil village is covered in the softest hues of pink and white during spring when the peach orchards are in bloom and is also home to the oldest hotel in South Africa, The Royal Hotel. Some of South Africa’s most famous painters, attracted by the picturesque surroundings of the valley, are resident in Riebeek Kasteel today adding an artistic flair to the atmosphere of this quaint village. We enjoy lunch at Mama Cucina, a popular local Italian restaurant, before leaving for the multiple award-winning Kloovenburg Estate, also in The Riebeek Valley, for wine and olive oil tasting. We bid farewell to Riebeek Kasteel travelling via Malmesbury, commonly known as ‘the heart of the Swartland’ and arrive back in Cape Town at approximately 17h45.

Your experience highlights:

• Allesverloren • Riebeek Kasteel • Shopping • Lunch • Wine and olive oil tasting

WINE AND HISTORY EXPLORATION

PRIVATE TOUR - Available on request basis only Departs Mon to Sat at 08h00 • Returns at ±17h30 The Wine and History Exploration departs at 08h00 for Stellenbosch for wine tastings and shopping at some of the most outstanding wine estates in the Cape. Our first wine tasting is at Rustenberg Estate, where wines have been bottled for an unbroken period since 1682. The estate offers an intimate exclusivity and the beautiful gardens are truly a plant lovers dream. Our next stop is the beautiful Delaire Graff Estate, nestled between majestic mountains and overlooking the vineyards of Stellenbosch. The original artworks from Laurence Graff’s personal collection are on display throughout, representing some of South Africa’s finest contemporary artists. After a wine tasting and fascinating walk through this estate, we travel to Franschhoek for lunch at a local restaurant (own account) before stopping at L’Ormarins, home of Antonij Rupert Wines. L’Ormarins was restored in 1984 and the Manor House and Cellar declared national monuments. The Antonij Rupert Cellar is a state of the art gravity fed cellar with revolving ceiling and underground barrel cellar built in memory of Antonij Rupert. The Franschhoek Motor Museum at the magnificent L’Ormarins offers the opportunity to look back at more than 100 years of motoring history, with its unique and exciting collection of more than 300 vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and memorabilia. After a day of spectacular views of valleys and farms, we depart for Cape Town arriving at approximately 17h30.

Your experience highlights:

• 3 wine tastings • Lunch (own account)

PRIVATE TOUR - Available on request basis only Departs Daily at 08h00 • Returns at ±18h00 * Entrance fees for own account Head out to Robertson on this unforgettable day travelling via Paarl and Worcester. The Robertson Wine Valley has so much to offer, including free wine tasting at any of the 47 wineries, Olive Tours and Tasting, Cheese shops, and short river cruises on the Breede River. The Breede river is the lifeline of the area by supporting the main industry, agriculture, and there is plenty to do on and around the river. The Bird Park is ideal for families and children, with over 260 exotic birds, monkeys, crocodiles and ponies. The kids will be well entertained while you relax and enjoy something from the coffee shop. The town is also home to the famous Brandy Distillery called Klipdrift. Brandy was first distilled in this area in 1938. Pop in for a distillery tour and brandy tasting and get an idea of how brandy is made. Remember to stop by at least one of the ‘padstalle’ offering local goods to nibble on, on your way back. Stroll down any of the small towns’ main streets to see local works of arts and craft, taste locally roasted coffee, or buy wines from the area at cellar door prices.

Your experience highlights:

• Paarl • Worcestor • Wine tasting • Olive oil tasting • River cruise • Bird Park • Distillery tour • Brandy tasting

WEST COAST FLOWER TOUR

PRIVATE AND SCHEDULED TOUR - Available on request basis only Departs Tue, Thu & Sat at 08h00 (Aug to Sep) Visit the West Coast National Park for a view of the annual display of wild flowers that burst into sight as spring approaches. Travel via Darling to reach the park and then proceed through to the protected area of Postberg which is opened to the public for an opportunity to view these flowers blooming. In our search for these beautiful flowers, we will cover Mamre, Darling, West Coast National Park and Langebaan to view the variety of flowers on display. Time dependant, our return to Cape Town may include an optional Ostrich Tour visit to complete a successful and beautiful day.

Your experience highlights:

• West Coast National Park • Postberg • Mamre • Darling • Langebaan • Ostrich Tour (time dependant and for own account)

DISCOVER WOODSTOCK

PRIVATE TOUR - Available on request basis only Departs Mon to Sat at 08h30 Start with a drive past The Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. From there it’s on to the Woodstock Exchange, a treasure hunt of creativity from internationally acclaimed designers and artists and heads of youth culture and music. Here you will find photographers, fashion designers, illustrators, film directors, traders and artists... it’s the workshop for artists in every form of the word. We visit a famous local shoe shop to watch shoe-making by hand before moving on to the enchanting Bromwell Boutique Mall. The sophisticated and refined Bromwell Boutique Mall offers an array of limited-edition and one-off pieces of art, sculpture, rare decor, jewellery and top-end fashion and accessories from South Africa and abroad. The Old Biscuit Mill is a vibrant, warm-hearted little village in the heart of Woodstock, home to day and night markets, designer stores, delicious farm stalls and decadent restaurants, and some of South Africa’s most talented, innovative designers, artists and photographers. Time permitting, we visit the Woodstock Co-op, home to entrepreneurs with unique products and services in fashion, design, furniture, arts and crafts, as well as selected antiques. We head to Delos, a church converted into a unique warehouse, for a tour and talk on antique pieces. This leading antique lighting and furniture showroom presents restored and recycled relics from around the globe and boasts one of the largest collections of original antiques in South Africa. The final stop is a visit to the Woodstock Foundry, specializing in bronze casting. We browse the gallery, which showcases wall-mounted work, sculpture, furniture and art pieces and watch coffee roasting. Enjoy a light lunch at Tribes (own account), followed by a tour and demonstration of casting at Bronze Age before heading back to Cape Town.

Your experience highlights:

• Castle of Good Hope • Woodstock Exchange • Bromwell Boutique Mall • Old Biscuit Mill • Woodstock Co-op (time permitting) • Woodstock Foundry • Lunch (own account) • Bronze casting demonstration

FOODIES ON FOOT

Departs Mon to Fri at 13h00 and returns +- 16h30 Excite your taste buds on this walking tour which focuses on fresh, local, sustainably-produced and seasonal produce. In addition to its international wine reputation, Stellenbosch is also home to curated, public art exhibitions. During our leisurely walk you will savor the handiwork of both passionate food artisans and celebrated artists in Stellenbosch.

Your experience highlights:

• Leisurely guided walking tour of the old town centre • Indulge in a chocolate/confections and wine pairing • Sample fine Stellenbosch craft beers • Try top quality cured beef snacks • For lunch, savour a local produce platter served with artisan bread • Sip a liquid ‘dessert’ at an innovative coffee laboratory

WINELANDS BIKING

Departs daily (weather dependent) at 10h00 and returns +- 13h30 Departs daily (weather dependent) at 13h30 and returns +-16h30 Perfect for those who have limited time in the wine lands, this tour packs the best of Stellenbosch into half a day of laid-back cycling. Enjoy the unique experience of exploring farm roads and private vineyards by bicycle, stopping for two memorable wine tastings en - route. For guests who would prefer a less strenuous option right from the start, they may opt to upgrade to an e-bike (electric bicycle). No pedaling needed!

Your experience highlights:

• 2 wine tastings • Lunch (for own account) • Option to upgrade to an E Bike (for guest account)

FRANSCHHOEK WINE TRAM – CURATED WINE EXPERIENCE

Departs daily (summer) at 10h10 and returns +- 16h00 Departs Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun (winter) at 10h10 and returns +- 16h00 Not operational during Franschhoek Uncorked Festival (usually second week of September) and on 25 December, 31 December, and 1 January. The day starts with a journey by tram to a local wine estate where a knowledgeable wine guide weaves the facts, figures and scientific aspects of winemaking into interesting stories about Franschhoek’s history of wine and culture. During this engaging and interactive experience, guests will be guided through, and have an opportunity to sample, the subtle tastes of terroir, as well as learn about the local grape varieties, cultivars and the aspects of viticulture which are unique to Southern Africa. A tour of the estate wine cellar will be followed by a specially curated three course lunch at the estate restaurant. In the afternoon, guests will visit two additional Franschhoek wine estates, enjoying a premium wine tasting at each estate. At the end of the experience, guests will leave feeling more knowledgeable and connected to the local wine culture and ready to discover the Franschhoek Valley further.

Your experience highlights:

• Passage on the double-decker railway tram to a local wine estate • Wine lecture by knowledgeable wine guide • Guided cellar tour (when available) • Three course lunch • Premium wine tastings at two additional wine estates

TABLE MOUNTAIN HIKE – PLATTEKLIP GORGE

Departs daily (weather dependent) between 06h00 and 07h30 and returns +- 12h00 Hike up the front face of Table Mountain which overlooks the City Centre, Table Bay and Robben Island. The route we follow was the first recorded route to be hiked by early explorers dating back to the early 1500’s and is the only way to truly appreciate the views from the top of Table Mountain. You begin the hike by winding your way up the front of the mountain stopping regularly along the way to take in the amazing views of the city and Table Bay. As we make our way to the top you will notice how the vegetation changes along the way, a beautiful feature of the hike. Once at the top we amble around taking in the breath taking views. We then make our way down with the cable way (cable car ticket for guest account). The hike up is approximately 2 to 3 hours long and as there is not much shade from the sun we prefer starting earlier before it gets too hot.

Your experience highlights:

• An experienced Cape Town qualified guide to accompany guests • Transfers to and from Cape Town City hotel • Bottled water and an energy bar/snack

GERMAN DAY TOURS

TAGESTOUREN-DAS SCHONSTE VOM KAP

German: Kapstadt ist eine äusserst lebendige und unvorstellbar vielseitige Stadt. Traumhaft schöne Landschaften mit vielfältiger Kultur, historische Weingüter und eine faszinierende Geschichte. Es ist ein Tourismusparadies. Während einer Tagestour mit Thompsons Africa bietet sich die beste Gelegenheit, alle Schönheiten bequem zu geniessen.

KAP-HALBINSEL TOUR

Zweisprachig: Deutsch / Englisch Abfahrt: Dienstag & Freitag um ±08.00 Uhr. • Rückkehr gegen 17.00 Uhr Mittagessen ist fakultativ Sie verlassen Ihr Hotel und fahren nach Hout Bay. Hier haben Passagiere die Gelegenheit an einer 30-Minuten Bootsfahrt zur Duiker Insel teilzunehmen (auf eigene Rechnung & zeit- & wetterbedingt). Weiter geht es über Chapman’s Peak zur Kapspitze und dem Naturreservat am Kap der Guten Hoffnung. Der Ausblick vom Kappunkt ist atemberaubend (fakultative Auffahrt mit einer Seilbahn oder zu Fuß möglich). Nach dem Mittagessen geht es über Simon’s Town zum Besuch der Pinguine (fakultativ). Weiterfahrt nach Fish Hoek, Muizenberg und zum Botanischen Garten von Kirstenbosch mit über 5000 Pflanzenarten im Garten und in den Gewächshäusern. Besucher können zwischen dem Restaurant, Geschenkladen und mehreren Spaziergängen wählen. Rückfahrt nach Kapstadt und Ankunft gegen 17.00 Uhr.

KAPSTADT – STADTRUNDFAHRT

Zweisprachig: Deutsch / Englisch Abfahrt: Donnerstag & Sonntag um ±08.00 Uhr • Rückkehr gegen 12.30 Uhr Die Fahrkarte für die Seilbahn ist nicht eingeschlossen Vom Hotel fahren wir zum Tafelberg, auf den Sie mit der Seilbahn hinauffahren können (ca. 60 Min Aufenthalt, wetterabhängig). Spazieren Sie zu den verschiedenen Aussichtspunkten, um den unvergesslichen Ausblick zu genießen. Danach fahren Sie mit Ihrem Bus zum Malaien-viertel, ins Stadtzentrum und zu den Company Gärten. Nachdem Sie die Burg, das ‘Castle Of Good Hope’ besucht haben (zeitbedingt), geht es nach Milnerton für einen Ausblick auf den Tafelberg aus der Ferne (zeitbedingt). Dann besuchen Sie Diamond Works und der Ausflug endet an Ihrem Hotel oder an der V&A Waterfront.

FAHRT IN DIE WEINGEBIETE

Zweisprachig: Deutsch / Englisch Abfahrt: Montag & Mittwoch um ±09.00 Uhr. Rückkehr gegen 17.00 Uhr Mittagessen ist fakultativ Fahrt von Kapstadt zunächst in die Weinregion von Franschhoek, Paarl und Stellenbosch für eine Weinkellertour und 3 Weinproben. Kurzer Spaziergang in Stellenbosch und Rückfahrt nach Kapstadt.