Set in beautiful surroundings on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, this magnificent 538-hectare (1329.43 acre) garden features a rich diversity of indigenous South African plants. The lower portion of Kirstenbosch consists of large flowerbeds and expansive lawns while higher up the slopes, the cultivated garden gives way to natural forest and fynbos. At the main entrance, an impressive conservatory houses a wide variety of plants from other climatic regions of South Africa. There is a restaurant, an information desk and a great shop. Come summertime, the gardens host the annual, magical Sunset Concerts. The gardens also have their own Stone Cottage which can be hired for various events like lectures, meeting and such other events. The cottage can accommodate about 60 people and has a self-catering service.
A historic public garden, The Company's Garden has seen several changes, much like the city of Cape Town itself, from the time of its original foundation. Originally established by the Dutch in 1652, they used it as a station to supply and stock provisions to ships sailing to the East. Maintained by the Dutch East India Company till 1795, when the garden fell into ruins as the company dissolved into bankruptcy. Following years saw further changes by the British and finally, it was taken over by the Municipality in 1892 and opened to the public six years later. Due to its historic nature, as well as the natural beauty, the gardens are a major cultural landmark as they house institutions like the Parliament Houses, Iziko Museum, Great Synagogue and Tuynhuys amongst others. A lovely place to spend a day visiting the sites, or just relaxing amongst the greenery. Kids will love the lovely pond and aviary and the local crafts along the main avenue.
Guided tours of this national monument take place at the top of the hour daily. The pentagonal building was built by Pieter Dombaer in the shape of a five-pointed star, following a construction system inspired by French military engineer Vauban. The five bastions carry the titles of the Prince of Leerdam; Oranje; Buren; Catzenellenbogen; and Nassau. The bastions housed the military, provided storerooms, prisoner cells and chambers. Come and see the formal changing of the guard at 10:00a and again at noon on weekdays.
Between the 17th and 20th Centuries, Robben Island was synonymous with isolation, variously used as a prison, leper colony and asylum. Through the course of its history, this small island off the coast of Bloubergstrand, Cape Town, South Africa was also employed as a post office, military outpost and port for ships visiting Table Bay. However, the island is most renowned as the site of the maximum security prison for political prisoners opened in 1961 to detain the leaders of the anti-apartheid revolution. The most notable of the island's inmates is Nobel Laureate and former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 years of his 27-year sentence at Robben Island. Other former inmates include Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma, both of whom went on to be elected presidents of the country following the fall of apartheid in 1990. Robben Island is now a museum that preserves the legacy of the island; a symbol of the triumph of democracy over racism, inequality and discrimination. Besides the imposing edifice of the maximum security prison, the island also encompasses the crumbling ruins of the military fort, the lepers’ church, a small lighthouse and the tomb of Hadije Kramat - a place of pilgrimage. A World Heritage Site, Robben Island attracts thousands of visitors each year. Guided tours are led by former inmates who offer a rare glimpse into the lives of those incarcerated at Robben Island.
Heading out of downtown Stellenbosch on the R310 is Spier Winery. The history of this winery is rich, with a cellar dating back to 1692, making it the oldest in South Africa. Spier is well-known in South Africa as being one of the finest wineries in the country and is the home of frequent art exhibitions, dance performances, and varieties of music. Spier is also on the cutting edge of organic farming projects and sustainable environmental planning. Available only at Spier are signature wines, aged to perfection, which won the award for the best wine in South Africa at Belgium's wine awards. Do not miss this one of a kind winery just outside of Stellenbosch.
The Arderne Gardens sprawl by the Main Road of Claremont in Cape Town, South Africa. It was founded in the mid 19th-century by Ralph Arderne, a timber trader. His exotic collection included the magnificent Norfolk Island Pine. In the 1920s, the garden was rescued from certain doom by the Municipality’s Parks and Gardens division. It is famous for its Champion Trees; the largest in South Africa. The garden is also popular as a spot for wedding photography.
This tour company is was established in 1997 and has built a reputation for informative, relevant tours of Cape Town and the surrounding areas. The company is also actively involved with the local community; they have secured many donations for the predominantly black township of Khayelitsha as well as building community creches and renovating primary schools. Through Roots Africa, you can visit Robben Island, Cape Town's Alcatraz, or have a glass of wine at some of South Africa's most prominent vineyards on the Winelands Tour. They also provide tour packages, ranging from 2 to 15 days and these aim to show you the very best that the area has to offer. Call ahead for details or check out their website.
Set in beautiful surroundings on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, this magnificent 538-hectare (1329.43 acre) garden features a rich diversity of indigenous South African plants. The lower portion of Kirstenbosch consists of large flowerbeds and expansive lawns while higher up the slopes, the cultivated garden gives way to natural forest and fynbos. At the main entrance, an impressive conservatory houses a wide variety of plants from other climatic regions of South Africa. There is a restaurant, an information desk and a great shop. Come summertime, the gardens host the annual, magical Sunset Concerts. The gardens also have their own Stone Cottage which can be hired for various events like lectures, meeting and such other events. The cottage can accommodate about 60 people and has a self-catering service.
Originally established in 1822, the Central Methodist Mission lies in the city center of Cape Town. The church has been involved in various peacekeeping activities including the Gun Free South Africa project and the World Methodist Council Peace Award Ceremony in honor of Nelson Mandela. The turbulent history of Africa was a trial for the church, but it has persevered to become one of the iconic Gothic structures one can see on Greenmarket Square.
The Gardens Shul is located on Hatfield Street was established in 1841 and is one of the oldest and largest Hebrew Congregations in South Africa and perhaps even in the whole Southern Hemisphere. The building is an architectural feat and a historic landmark. An active community, the members partake in all of the traditional activities including the Shiurim, Bar Mirzvahs and Zahrtzeit. It also hosts activities like Friday Night Live and Super Shabbos and is known for its mellifluous choir.
Groote Kerk, which translates as Great Church, is South Africa's oldest formal place of worship. Founded in 1665, and built by Herman Schuette, this is the most important Dutch Reformed Church in the country. Groote Kerk also lays claim to housing the country's largest organ, which was installed in the 1950s and has an incredible 5917 pipes. This imposing place of worship is situated on Church Square, just off Adderley Street.
Heading out of downtown Stellenbosch on the R310 is Spier Winery. The history of this winery is rich, with a cellar dating back to 1692, making it the oldest in South Africa. Spier is well-known in South Africa as being one of the finest wineries in the country and is the home of frequent art exhibitions, dance performances, and varieties of music. Spier is also on the cutting edge of organic farming projects and sustainable environmental planning. Available only at Spier are signature wines, aged to perfection, which won the award for the best wine in South Africa at Belgium's wine awards. Do not miss this one of a kind winery just outside of Stellenbosch.