Cape Town, nestled at the south-western
most point in Africa, is fondly known as the ‘mother city’ and is a
perfect place to start or end any journey in Africa.
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Cape Town
It has described as the ‘Cape of Storms’ by
the earliest Portuguese explorers in 1488, the ‘Fairest Cape’ by Sir
Francis Drake in the 1500’s, and has since won numerous accolades,
including ‘Best World City’ (2008 Telegraph Travel Awards).
AWOL is able to plan your perfect day tour
whilst in Cape Town. See below for popular highlights to select from:
Baboon Walks
This half day walking tours will take you through the mountain fynbos
of the Cape Peninsula where you encounter the last remaining chacma
baboons in their home territory. This is a unique opportunity to
observe these fascinating animals as they eat, play and socialise
around you. Qualified guides ensure your safety and enjoyment of this
unique experience.
Bicycle
Township Tour
This international award winning and socially responsible Bicycle Tour
in Masiphumelele is a new take on township tours, providing guests with
the opportunity to meet and interact with the local community from a
bicycle seat. In conjunction with the Bicycling Empowerment Network
(BEN), a non-profit organisation that facilitates the importation of
second-hand bicycles to South Africa, we assist members of the local
community to start their own businesses. A local, qualified guide will
escort guests around the township, visiting interesting places and
explaining Xhosa customs. A highlight of the tour is traditional
dancing by a Sangoma (African traditional healer) and a visit to the
local pre-school (which receives proceeds towards the betterment of
their facilities). Enjoy tea or lunch in an African home and the taste
of authentic African cuisine.
Botanical tours
Learn more about the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO world
heritage site, with a local botanist. With over 8500 plant species
along a narrow coastal strip covering an area of just 90 000 square
kilometres, it makes the Cape the smallest and richest of the world’s
six floral regions. Not only will you learn about the plants, you will
also get the chance to plant rare or extinct plants on the Cape
Peninsula.
Cape Peninsula
,The Cape Peninsula, where sea, sky and the mountains meet, is a unique
world waiting to be explored. Feel the exhilaration of exploring the
Cape Peninsula accompanied by a personalised nature guide. Wildlife
including eland, zebra and bontebok can be seen amongst the unique
vegetation of the Cape Floral Kingdom. We visit Cape of Good Hope, the
most south-westerly corner on the African Continent. Enjoy a leisurely
hike in the Cape Point Nature Reserve, watching the legend of the
renowned “Cape of Storms” come alive. Relax and enjoy a picnic lunch
while sharing the same sense of wonder that drove early explorers to
discover the spice route to the East. En route visit the remarkable
African Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach. Guests have an option of
cycling and/or hiking in the National Park.
Cape Malay Cooking
The Cape Malay people originally came from Dutch East Indies in South
East Asia and were brought here as slaves. Their skills as craftsman
were highly sought after by the Dutch colonies at the Cape. They were
the group that first introduced Islam to South Africa. The colourful
and cobbled Bo-Kaap is the Malay Quarter situated on the slopes of
Signal Hill above the city centre and is a historical centre of Cape
Malay culture in Cape Town. The Cape Malay are renowned for spicing up
meals at the cape since the 17th Century and through the ages they have
become master chefs. Learn how to mix masala, fold samoosas, and
balance the delicate flavours of a Cape Malay curry. This “hands-on”,
informal cooking workshop celebrates recipes that have been passed
through generations.
Shark diving
Great White sharks may be terrifying to most humans but the beast that
inspired the movie Jaws is now regarded as endangered in many parts of
the world. Shark cage diving in Gansbaai, a small sea-side village
close to the southernmost point of Africa, is a humbling experience and
a chance to meet these giant predators eye-to-eye in the safety of a
steel cage. Great white sharks are now a threatened species and
therefore protected by South African law. It is also possible to dive
with mako and blue sharks without cages. We can arrange tours for you
with the most responsible and ethical operators.
Table Mountain Hike
Discover the magic of Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain whilst hiking
with our experienced nature guides, who will interpret the wonders of
the unique Cape Floral Kingdom and regale visitors of stories of local
legends. At just over 1000m altitude, Table Mountain is a UNESCO World
Heritage site and a remarkable geological and natural feature. Routes
can be tailor-made to your hiking experience and preferences. Choose
from a gentle meander on the table plateau to Maclear’s Beacon (the
highest point), to a challenging scramble up Nursery Ravine or India
Venster. Enjoy spectacular views of Cape Town and the surroundings
before descending on foot or, if legs are weary, in the revolving
cableway.
Winelands Meander
Experience Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, home to the oldest wine route
in the Cape, with our knowledgeable guides who will regale you with
stories of early settlers and methods of wine cultivation. Enjoy a
picnic lunch with award-winning wines in one of the many vineyards. A
visit to the Stellenbosch Village Museum gives insight into the
earliest Cape Dutch inhabitants. Wander down the oak-lined avenues and
explore Cape Dutch architecture while taking in breathtaking scenery.
An option is cycle or hike in the Jonkershoek Valley which ranks as one
of the most beautiful valleys in the Cape.
Please contact us about our Cape
Town day tour itineraries
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