Caravelle Tours

Tygerhof, South Africa

From the city we take the M6 (roadway) via Sea Point and Bantry Bay to Clifton. There are a number of beaches along the way - but, of course, it's at Clifton that the rich and famous come to play. Continue past Bakoven and Llandudno to Hout Bay, where you'll find a family friendly beach, restaurants, the World of Birds and gift shops in both the village and the harbour. You might also enjoy a scheduled cruise to Seal Island, the third largest seal colony in the world, if you desire. We Continue to Noordhoek via Chapman's Peak Drive or Old Cape Road. One of the most beautiful sceneries in Cape Town. A road cut through the mountain, of below which lies the great Atlantic Ocean. Then we go Kommetjie, where you�ll find the largest tidal pool in South Africa and, if you're a surfer, some of the best waves on the Peninsula. We continue along the M65 to Scarborough then head for the Cape Peninsula National Park and Cape Point. At Cape Point you will go to the viewing point by bus and a hike. You will come to a viewing point, and if you need lunch, there is a restaurant there too. Expect to see some wild game and large areas of pristine fynbos vegetation. On leaving the Park, we turn right towards Smitswinkel Bay - you're now on the M4, which takes us Simonstown. We will make a stop at Boulders to see the colony of African Penguins. In Simonstown you can visit the Naval Museum or stroll along the Main Street's Historic Mile and enjoy the atmosphere of South Africa's favourite naval town. Then we proceed to Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay, St James and Muizenberg. These are all seaside towns and you'll stop and enjoy the view of False Bay. From Muizenberg we head back to the City on the M3. The M3 offers an opportunity to visit the Constantia Valley for some tasting or a walk through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. We stop at Rhodes Memorial for a panoramic view of the Cape Flats and False Bay. The route back to the City will take us past the world famous Groote Schuur Hospital where Prof. Chris Barnard performed.

We offer following types of City tours: Cape Town Central (half day) Cape Town is a diverse, colourful city. We take you on a tour around the central area, where the commercial hub operates, then for a completely different shopping experience, we visit the flea markets on Greenmarket Square or the Grand Parade, where you sure to pick up bargains. If it's shopping�s your fantasy, you�ve come to the right place. The Grand Parade is saturated with abundance Of tropical flower sellers. (Although shopping is optional) After that we whisk you away to the top of Signal Hill, when you can get a breathtaking view of the entire city and Table Mountain, so make sure you bring your camera along. We go over the top of signal hill to Camps bay, and enjoy a glimpse of a white sandy beach. We drive along the Atlantic Seaboard towards Clifton, Cape Town�s most popular beach, where the rich and famous dwell, along the Cliffside�s of the mountain. Then we head to South Africa�s most popular tourist destination, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Filled with specialty shops, supermarkets, craft markets and attractions for the entire family. Cape Town - Eastbound Route This route offers a day of contrasts as it takes you from the vibrant street life of the townships to the peaceful reserves and beaches of the Helderberg. From the city centre, take the N2 eastwards, past the Cape Town International Airport, to Somerset West for cellar tours and tasting. Visit the Helderberg Nature Reserve to enjoy a stimulating walk before going to The Strand for a stroll along the promenade or a swim in the cool waters of False Bay. We follow the coastal road to Gordon's Bay where you can enjoy a cruise from the harbour, if you desire, before returning to the N2 - driving westwards. Cape Town - Northeast Route This is a day of scenic lands, delicious fruit and shopping. From the city centre take the N1 eastwards past the Paardeneiland industrial area. Detour at Brooklyn if you want to visit the South African Air Force Museum before continuing to Canal Walk - the largest shopping mall in South Africa and home to the Ratanga Junction Theme Park. Further shopping fun on this route is at the N1 City and Tyger Valley Malls. Further along the N1 you'll come to Durbanville and its route, and here you'll want to visit various cellars and sample some award winning wines. You can also tour a cheese factory at Zevenwacht, visit the Marvol Russian Museum or taste some olives at Saxenburg. Along the way you will find various farm stalls, the Tygerberg Zoo and the automobile Museum. Before returning to the city, why not try your luck at Grandwest Casino. Cape Town - Northbound If you�re looking for that classic photograph of Table Mountain with a white, sandy beach in the foreground - or if you want a taste of the Cape's unique West Coast, then this is the route for you. From the city centre, we take the R27 via Milnerton and Tableview to Bloubergstrand. You'll have Table Bay on your left all the way, where you will witness the new colourful phenomenon in water sports, called kite surfing, in person. Stop at Bloubergstrand for that dramatic view across the Table Bay: there's Robben Island on your right and, in the centre, the focal point of the entire panorama - Table Mountain itself. Continue along the beachfront to Melkbosstrand and turn inland to enter Durbanville via the Durbanville Hills. Enjoy tasting at any one of a number of excellent cellars - or, if you'd prefer some retail therapy, head for the shopping malls of Tyger Valley or N1 City in Goodwood.

The City of Cape Town is culturally diverse and you can get a glimpse of what�s going on in the local newspapers. These include complete guides to current exhibitions, shows and concerts. There are numerous art galleries, theatres and music venues. Types of activities that the city has to offer: Dining Out A variety of Restaurants serve almost every kind of international cuisine - from African to European, Eastern to Western. Whatever your tastes are, you�re sure to find something to satisfy your appetite. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Cape Towns most famous hang out, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (V&A), is home to designer label stores, national retailers, boutiques and services, along with a spread of restaurants, coffee shops and fast-food outlets. There are also two cinema complexes and craft markets. You can also take a tour to Robben Island from here by catamaran. The ride takes 30 minutes each way. Then visit a world-class aquarium at the V&A waterfront. With so much to do in such a beautiful setting, you are certain not to get bored in this beautiful city. Canal Walk Cape Town�s largest mall packed with beautiful boutique shops, movie theaters and great restaurants are enough to keep you occupied for the day. Shopping If shopping is your fantasy, you�ve come to the right place. South Africa�s most popular tourist destination, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is filled with speciality shops, supermarkets, craft markets and attractions for the entire family. For a completely different shopping experience, visit the flea markets on Greenmarket Square or the Grand Parade, where you sure to pick up bargains.

South Africa�s greatest landmark, where its summit rises to 1085m at its highest point (Maclear�s Beacon). The summit is approximately 3 kms wide and is visible from as far as 200 km out to sea on clear days and is often covered with cloud called the tablecloth. A revolving cable car system, revamped in 1999, carries visitors up and down. The ride takes approximately 5 minutes each way. But for the adventurous type, numerous walking and hiking paths lead up and across the mountain. Spectacular views of the city, the Cape Peninsula, the coastline and the ocean can be seen from 11 viewpoints on the summit. The mountain is more than a place of dramatic scenic beauty; it is also a place of richly diverse flora. Over 1, 470 plant species occur on the mountain, more than in the British Isles. Complementing this is the fauna such as the Table Mountain Ghost Frog that is found nowhere else in the world. Facilities A gift shop and restaurants are available at the upper cable station. The Cableway Cocktail Bar is ideal if you prefer to sit and watch the sun set over the city. The Cableway is accessible to folks with disabilities, and guide dogs are welcome onboard, too. On most days, the cableway operates between the hours of 08h00 and 19h30, but these times are subject to weather conditions.

The name hails from the Dutch word for seals, �robbe.� The island was home to political prisoners, most importantly Nelson Mandela, revolting against the apartheid government. It has now been turned into a museum. The Island is a half an hour each way by boat ride, where you can get a tour of the World Heritage Site by an ex-inmate. As a place of history, education and insight into South Africa�s past, this is an essential excursion and an experience not to miss.

The best view of Hout Bay and the Sentinel, and if you are lucky, you might even see whales playing in the ocean below. Designed and built by Thomas Bain, an engineer who is responsible for the construction of a number of mountain passes in the Western Cape, including Bainskloof Pass, it cuts into the mountain walls and winds along near vertical cliffs. There are plenty of viewpoints, so make sure you have your camera. The views are majestic and ever-changing. Reopened in December 2003 after a wildfire, the drive has been made safer and even better with more lookout points. This is truly a Cape Town icon not to miss.

A visit to Cape Town and the Western Cape is not complete without a visit to any one of the many wonderful beaches we have. The beaches of Cape Town�s Atlantic Seaboard attract mostly swimmers, paddlers and sun worshippers. Surfers are drawn more to the warmer, big breakers of places like the Garden Route�s Plettenberg Bay, approximately 4 hours from Cape Town, while windsurfers and parasailors migrate up the West Coast to places like Langebaan Lagoon, approximately 2 hours from Cape Town. Without a doubt, life here really is a beach.Popular beaches. Clifton The most popular beach in Cape Town. Found nestled way below Beach Road along the Atlantic Seaboard, Clifton�s Third Beach is great for a day of tanning and relaxation in the sun. Beautiful bodies are drenched all over the white sandy beach. Camps Bay About a mile down from Clifton. Surrounded by beautiful restaurants and bars at the Promenade, it is a sure way to spend your day in the sun on the beach. Fish Hoek Safe bathing and a great beach for the entire family. Surrounded by shops and restaurants.

The most spectular view of the entire Table Mountain and the city from this beach on the West Coast, only 25 minutes from Cape Town. Sandy Bay Nestled away behind the beautiful hillside suburb of Llundudno, Sandy Bay was one of the world�s first legal nudist beaches.

The South African country and surrounding Cape Winelands are situated to the east of Cape Town. They were settled by European immigrants in the 1600s. Many of them were French Huguenots and their legacy can still be found today, in the names of the estates, La Motte, La Provence, Haute Provence and L'Ormarins are some of the better-known producers of fine wines founded by those early pioneers. The country is popular for day tours from Cape Town. Most of the estates offer -tasting and sales. Many of the estates include top-quality-restaurants, while others provide picnic baskets, which can be enjoyed on lawns under shady oaks. Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa and the capital of the region, is very popular for its oak-lined streets, beautiful Cape-Dutch architecture and fine restaurants. The teeny town of Franschhoek boasts more than 20 restaurants with a wide variety of choices, from gourmet breakfasts to top-quality dinners, including smoked trout from the clear and unpolluted local rivers and lakes. Optional A worthwhile trip is a drive over Franschhoek Pass to the Elgin Valley, the apple-growing capital of South Africa. The pass follows the route originally taken by elephants on their travels, although it is now well-maintained asphalt.

Covering five square kilometers (two square miles) on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, it is home to more than 8500 indigenous plant species, and is know as one of the Seven Magnificent Botanical Gardens of the world. Established in 1913, Kirstenbosch only grows indigenous South African plants. It is best known for its proteas (bestz time to see is winter or spring) and summer sunset concerts and picnics. There are hiking trails through the fynbos as well as guided tours, including twilight nature walks. Kirstenbosch is a birdwatchers delight. Facilities Restaurant on site or pack your own picnic basket, Kirstenbosch shop and Botanical Society Bookshop.

Less than two hours drive from Cape Town the town of Hermanus offers the best land based whale watching in the world. Southern right whales approach to within 20 meters of the lookout points on the rocky shores. Since the ban on whaling, the numbers of these magnificent creatures have increased to the point where over two thousand of them make an annual migration to the coastal waters of South Africa. Here they calve and mate in the warmer and calmer waters. Every year between mid-July to November locals and tourists alike take time to see this natural spectacle. Although Hermanus is the best place to get close to them you are likely to see whales anywhere along the cape coast at this time of year.

The Cape Town region has many excellent spots for bird watching. The waters off the Cape Town coast are home to albatrosses, petrels, terns, gulls and many more. Just offshore on Robben Island, there is a breeding colony of African Penguins and it is the only place in southern Africa where you will see the Chukar Partridge. The Milnerton Lagoon on the Cape Town Blaauwberg coast has about 180 bird species, which include more than 100 water bird species. One of the best-kept birding secrets in Cape Town is Strandfontein on the False Bay Coast. About 200 species have been counted, which include the endangered African Black Oystercatcher, migrant waders like the Marsh Sandpiper (September to December) and raptors like the Peregrine Falcon. The biggest variety of birds in the Cape Town region can be seen at Cape Point in the Table Mountain National Park. To date, more than 250 species of birds have been recorded, which include ostriches, the Orange Breasted Sunbird, the White Backed Mouse Bird, Eight Tern species and the Black Eagle.

For many years, the Great White Shark was branded a monster and hunted to the point of extinction. South Africa was the first country to offer safety to the Great White. Shark hunting was outlawed here in 1991. The Cape coastline is ideal for seeing these dramatic creatures. Gansbaai and Mossel Bay along the Cape south coast are two of the best places in the world to do shark cage diving. There are a number of professional operators who know the best spots to see the Great White Shark in its natural environment.