1. Constantia Vineyards

The Constantia Valley is truly Cape Town’s Vineyard. The oldest wine-making region in the southern hemisphere, dating back to 1685, Constantia Valley is today the Cape’s most intimate wine route consisting of eight wine farms, each with their own distinctive heritage and premium wines. Enjoyed by Napoleon Bonaparte and royalty in the 18th century, Constantia Valley’s unique combination of terroir and climate produces some of the world’s finest wines that continue to this day to win accolades and international awards for consistently high standard and quality. GROOT CONSTANTIA the oldest wine producing farm in South Africa 350 Farms in the Constantia Valley BUITENVERWACHTING Tel: +27 (0)21 794 5190 | www.buitenverwachting.co.za | info@buitenverwachting.com Buitenverwachting Wine Farm is situated in the heart of the historical Constantia Valley in Cape Town, South Africa. The farm boasts an exceptional range of wines as well as one of the top restaurants in the country. This beautiful farm on the east-facing slopes of the magnificent Constantiaberg and barely 12km from False Bay, originally formed part of the Constantia Estate, which was founded by Simon van der Stel, the first Governor of the new Dutch colony at the tip of Africa. CONSTANTIA GLEN Tel: +27 (0)21 794 7865 | www.constantiaglen.com | wine@constantiaglen.com "Capturing the essence of Sauvignon Blanc" Cradled on the slopes of the Constantiaberg overlooking False Bay lies Constantia Glen. This newest member of the Constantia Wine route will ultimately support the production of only 2 wines, namely a Sauvignon Blanc as well as a 5-varietal Bordeaux style blend which will be realeased at the end of 2009. Wine tastings by appointment only. CONSTANTIA UITSIG Tel: +27 (0)21 794 6500 | www.constantia-uitsig.com | reservations@uitsig.co.za Constantia Uitsig (meaning "Constantia View") is situated in the historic Constantia Valley where wine farming originated in South Africa. A mere 20 minutes drive from the centre of Cape Town, this beautiful valley is blessed with moderate temperatures, excellent soils, good rainfall and cooling sea breezes from two close-by oceans. Constantia Uitsig Restaurant Constantia Uitsig Restaurant is consistently rated as one of South Africa’s Top Ten Restaurants. La Colombe Restaurant Luke Dale-Roberts was appointed executive chef of this award-winning restaurant in November 2006. La Colombe was voted Best Restaurant in Africa and the Middle East and 28th Best Restaurant in the World in 2006 by UK Restaurant Magazine. It didn’t take long for the word to spread that a serious new chef was in town, building on the reputation for excellence and innovation. The wine farm is also home to The River Café, and a Hotel and Spa. GROOT CONSTANTIA Tel : +27 (0)21 794-5128 | www.grootconstantia.co.za | enquiries@grootconstantia.co.za Groot Constantia Estate is where the roots of the South African wine industry lie and it is the oldest wine producing farm in South Africa. It was developed by Simon van der Stel in 1685. Since then, Groot Constantia has had an uninterrupted record of being a wine farm and its name is forever linked to the most famous wines that were made in South Africa. Today the Estate is owned by Groot Constantia Trust, a company without gain, whose main objective is to preserve this beautiful and historic estate for posterity and to honour the name of South African wine. Groot Constantia produces a range of wines, excelling in reds as well as whites. The Estate has won numerous awards for its wines, and has done so consistently. HIGH CONSTANTIA Tel: +27 (0)21 794 7171 | www.highconstantia.co.za | david@highconstantia.co.za On a small corner of the original land, David van Niekerk has restored ‘High Constantia’ to its former winemaking glory. He is planting stocks and producing from the cellar - a structure that is reminiscent of High Constantia’s original home for wine - wines that, while they echo the gracious past of the former estate, give new life to the subtle flavours born of the mystic inter-relationship between earth and climate in the Constantia valley. KLEIN CONSTANTIA Tel: +27 (0)21 794 5188 | www.kleinconstantia.com | info@kleinconstantia.com "An historic tradition is reflected in every bottle of wine we produce." Duggie Jooste During the 18th and 19th centuries, Vin de Constance could count among its devotees in the great courts of Europe such luminaries as Napoleon Bonaparte, Bismarck, George IV and Frederick the Great. Some of the literary greats of the age were also so enamoured of its luscious taste that they immortalised it in their works – Charles Dickens singing its praises in Edwin Drood, for example, and Jane Austen recommending one forsaken heroine “try a little Constantia for a disappointed heart.” STEENBERG VINEYARDS Tel: +27 (0)21 713 2211 | www.steenberg-vineyards.co.za | info@steenbrg.co.za Since 1990, some 68 ha have been planted, comprising of a number of cultivars including its flagship cultivar Sauvignon Blanc as well as Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Nebbiolo. The state-of-the-art cellar, completed in 1996, has the capacity to produce around 70,000 cases, The cellar also boasts a viniteque, where bottled wines can be kept under ideal conditions until ready to be enjoyed. EAGLE'S NEST WINES Tel: +27 21 683 0487 | www.eaglesnestwines.com | info@eaglesnestwines.com Eagles Nest was originally a section of Groot Constantia, the wine supplier to European nobility, established by Simon van der Stel in the late 1600's. Its history reveals that it operated as a commercial farm producing export fruit, as well as, vegetables for the local market up until the lat 1960's. Over time the farm has had a number of owners; since 1984 it has been in the control of the Mylrea family.

Thursday, 18 June 2009

2. Cape Point Nature Reserve

Situated within a National Park, Cape Point holds much in store for visitors to these shores from its rugged, rocky cliffs to the fynbos covered plains. A day of discovery will reward you with spectacular views, fine food, remarkable encounters with nature and history… and memories to treasure forever. Opening Hours Cape Point is open 365 days a year The Cape of Good Hope is opened daily from: 06h00 until 18h00 from October to March and 07h00 until 17h00 from April to September. One must exit the park by sunset The facilities at Cape Point are open daily from 09h00. The 20 reasons to visit Cape Point The most southwesterly point of Africa. Breathe the freshest air in the world – straight from the Antarctic. It’s where the cold Beguela current on the West coast and the warm Agulhus current on the East coast merge. Situated in the 22 100 hectare Table Mountain National Park, a natural World Heritage Site. One of the highest sea cliffs in the world – 249 m above sea level. The circumnavigation of the Cape of Good Hope led to the establishment of a sea route to the East and subsequent trade. 26 recorded shipwrecks. Bird watcher's paradise – at least 250 species. Approximately 1 100 indigenous plant species, some of which occur no where else on earth. Variety of buck, baboons and other animals. Swimming at Bordjiesrif and Buffel Bay tidal pools. Numerous scenic walks and trails. Excellent angling and diving spots. Whale and dolphin watching from May to November. 15.Historical monuments including the Diaz and Da Gama crosses. The funicular – scenic trips to the old lighthouse. Up market and family accommodation The Two Oceans Restaurant offers world class cuisine and spectacular vistas over False Bay. Three destination retail shops, each with an impressive range of high quality South African curios and Cape Point merchandise. A million points of view. MAIN ATTRACTIONS Game Watching and Whale Watching (in season) Flying Dutchman Funicular Two Oceans Restaurant Spot the Shipwrecks Visit the Lighthouses Bird Watching Bush and nature walks Curio and souvenirs shops And there are also… The tidal pools at Bordjiesrif and Buffels Bay Angling and diving sites The Global Atmosphere Watch Station Hiking Trails Luxury sleep over accommodation

Thursday, 18 June 2009

3. Kirstenbosch Gardens

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is world-renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch grows only indigenous South African plants. The estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country.Kirstenbosch grows only indigenous South African plants. The estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country. It was founded in 1913. Opening Hours: Open 365 days per year 1 April – 30 August: 08h00 – 18h00 1 September – 31 March: 08h00 – 19h00 Telephone: + 27 (0)21 799 8783 FLORA, FAUNA AND HIKING The garden is home to many bird species (including breeding owls, guinea fowl and sugarbirds) and small endemic mammals (Cape Fox, small grey Mongoose, and Cape Otter). For hiking enthusiasts, Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine offer panoramic trails and getaways to the top of the Mountain. Special Features: The Botanical Society Conservatory - enables Kirstenbosch to display South African plants which cannot be grown in the outdoor gardens. Here, under one roof, you will find plants from high mountain peaks, shady forests and hot, dry deserts. The main house, dominated by a large baobab tree, features succulents from the arid regions of southern Africa. Special collections of bulbs, ferns and alpines are displayed in smaller corner houses. Peninsula garden - displays some of the 2 500 plant species found on the Cape Peninsula. Water-wise garden - demonstrates how to create a garden which needs far less water and maintenance than a conventional garden. Fragrance garden - features plants with interesting textures and scents. Medicinal garden - Find out about the many medicinal uses of South African plants. The Dell - the oldest part of the Garden, featuring Colonel Bird's Bath, tree ferns and a variety of shade-loving plants. Protea garden - features members of the protea family (Proteaceae). This part of the Garden is most magnificent in winter and spring, when the proteas, conebushes and serrurias are in flower. Pincushions provide a colourful display in early summer. Restio garden - focuses on the incredible variety of texture and form found in the reed family (Restionaceae). Useful Plants garden (UPG) - the redevelopment and extension of the Medicinal Plants garden Van Riebeeck's hedge - planted in 1660 to protect cattle of the Cape colonists. �

Thursday, 18 June 2009

4. Robben Island

Robben Island has become a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit, and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999. On 1 December 2007, Nelson Mandela officially opened the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. A tour of the Robben Island Museum is a multifaceted journey which begins at the Gateway, where multi-media exhibitions, a restaurant, an auditorium, and a museum shop are housed. A Robben Island Museum tour includes a half-hour ferry trip, a guided tour of the Maximum Security Prison, interaction with an ex-political prisoner, and a bus tour of the historic buildings and the unique flora and fauna of the 575-hectare Island. Tour Schedule The standard tour to Robben Island is 3.5 hours long, including the two half-hour ferry rides. Ferries depart at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, weather permitting, from Nelson Mandela Gateway, at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Standard Tour The standard tour to Robben Island is 3.5 hours long, including the two half-hour ferry rides. Ferries depart at 9am, 10am, 12pm, 1pm, 2 pm and 3pm, weather permitting, from the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town. The Robben Island Tour includes: A return boat trip across Table Bay A visit to the infamous Maximum Security Prison Interaction with an ex-political prisoner A 45-minute bus ride with a guide providing commentary The opportunity to explore the Murray's Bay Harbour precinct attractions, such as the Muslim shrine, or kramat, and the Museum Shop. Contact: Telephone: +27 (0)21 413 4200 Fax: +27 (0)21 419 1057 Web: www.robben-island.org.za �

Thursday, 18 June 2009

5. Table Mountain Cableway

The top of Table mountain boasts the best views of Cape Town, this is definitely an experience not to be missed. The Cableway takes you to the summit in under ten minutes whilst the rotating cable cars ensure that visitors enjoy a 360º view of Cape Town and Table Bay. Once on top of Table Mountain, visitors are able to walk along 2km of pathways and enjoy magnificent views from over 12 viewing sites and decks. Facilities at the top of the mountain: Self service café Gifts and curios from the ‘Shop at the Top’ Venues available for hire Wheelchair friendly pathways Free guided walks About the Table Mountain Café: Table Mountain Café offers a trendy menu that caters for the changing demands of the Cableway's visitors. Menu items include pizzas, gourmet burgers, and harvest rice bowls (meals of the day) that showcase traditional South African cuisine. A selection of pre-packed light meals are available from the gourmet deli. Meals may be complimented with a selection of fine wines. A wide variety of pastries, speciality teas and coffees are also on offer from the coffee bar. Halaal Friendly The Table Mountain Café is also Halaal Friendly. Meat is supplied by a halaal butchery. No pork products are used and the sauces served in the Café do not contain any alcohol.  www.tablemountain.net info@tablemountain.net Information line: +27 (0)21 424 8181 � �

Thursday, 18 June 2009