Cape Town & The Winelands

Cape Town

Described by Sir Francis Drake in 1580 as ‘the fairest cape in all the world’, the ‘Mother City’ of Cape Town is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. The oldest city in the country, nestled in the shadow of Table Mountain, Cape Town is a vibrant and colourful city. Often described as ‘’One City, Many Cultures’’ Cape Town, with it’s cultural diversity, epitomises South Africa’s Rainbow Nation tag.

The Portfolio Collection features nearly 220 benchmarked accommodation establishments in Cape Town and the winelands, ranging from great value Bed & Breakfasts to some of the best boutique and country house hotels around – very few places do chic as well as the Cape !

With plenty to offer the tourist you should never get bored. Table Mountain is the iconic backdrop of Cape Town rising over 1000m above sea level - it can be seen from all over the city. Taking the revolving cable car up to the top is a must or if you’re feeling adventurous there are several hiking routes to the summit.

The Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront is a prime attraction in the city, a working harbour and tourist attraction offering world class shopping, a huge variety of restaurants, cafes & bars and the Two Oceans Aquarium. The ferry trip to Robben Island, the site of Nelson Mandela’s incarceration for much of his 27 years in prison, leaves from here. The park-like botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch, Cape Town’s beaches and the city centre with its outdoor street markets, boutique shops & stylish restaurants are all added attractions.

The Winelands

Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town and you’re in the scenic mountains and valleys of the Winelands – gracious gabled Cape Dutch homesteads, cask-lined cellars, oak-treed towns, historical monuments and fine restaurants. The charming towns and wine routes of Stellenbosch, Franschoek, Paarl and Wellington are there to be explored and savoured, like good wine ! With a selection of over 200 cellars to choose from, you are guaranteed to taste some fine wines.

The historic centre of the university town of Stellenbosch is packed with cafes, galleries and restaurants (roughly 75 of them). The attractive town of Franschhoek is also a culinary delight, with many award winning restaurants and cafes. Experience the historical and cultural heritage of the region while visiting quaint villages and vibrant townships, outdoor museums and galleries, open-air theatres and outdoor art and craft exhibitions. For the more adventurous visitor there are activities such as canoeing, 4x4 trails, horse-riding, hiking, mountain biking, rock pool swimming, abseiling and kloofing.

The best time to visit is October – April, with September and May still very pleasant months, with some great deals to be had !