48-Hours in Cape Town

A QUICK LOOK AT 48 HOURS IN CAPE TOWN 

Day 1

10am V&A Waterfront

Greer kicks off her Cape Town canter at the V&A Waterfront, the city’s glamorous harbourside district. She meets her friend and Cape Town local, Janice-Lynn beneath the shadow of The Clock Tower, a popular gathering point at V&A Waterfront. The two then make their way around their city centre, ticking off multiple highlights, including the Grand Parade, Cape Town’s main public square and the location of Nelson Mandela’s first speech following his release from prison in 1990. The sightseeing continues in Cape Town’s most colourful district of Bo Kaap – it’s also the best neighbourhood to try the fiery flavours of Cape Malay cuisine.

11am Cape Peninsula

City sights done, Greer and Jamie-Lynn head out of town and enjoy a different view of the wonders of Cape Town. Along this coast-hugging route, they encounter pristine beaches, stretch their legs on the Cape of Good Hope scenic walk, a rocky headland on the Atlantic coastline, and make a stop at Cape Point at the southern tip of the African continent – the rocky promontory truly has an edge-of-the-world feel about it.

Midday Boulders Beach

The soft white sand and warm waters aren’t the only reasons why Janice-Lynn has taken Greer to Boulders Beach. Their visit is all about the locals – penguins! This protected sandy stretch is home to a colony of African Penguins, and a stroll along the boardwalk offers an up-close and personal view of these waddling creatures. What was once two penguins in the 80s is now a colony of 3,000!

1pm Grand Provence

It’s time for a bit of grape therapy as Greer and Janice-Lynn venture into wine country; Franschhoek is located approximately 1.5 hours from Cape Town. Their destination is Grande Provence, a wine estate that dates back to 1694. Sitting in South Africa’s Western Cape, the lush vines of this historic property are spread across 19 hectares against a backdrop of rugged mountains. Matthew, the winemaker, takes Greer and Janice-Lynn through the winery, cellar region and vines. After the tour, they all sit down to a decadent lunch prepared by executive chef Darren Badenhorst. Chef Darren marries local ingredients, South African flavours and French cuisine in the edible masterpieces he creates.

7pm Camps Bay

The Bungalow After being thoroughly wined and dined in Franschhoek, Janice-Lynn takes Greer to one of her favourite places in Cape Town to enjoy sunset: Camps Bay. This chic beachfront neighbourhood is lined with restaurants and bars, and the girls head to The Bungalow. Here, they enjoy cocktails and watch the crimson sun descend below the horizon as they reflect on the day’s activities.

10pm Gold Restaurant

The day isn’t over just yet… Janice-Lynn and Greer head to one of the most unique African restaurants in the heart of Cape Town for dinner. Gold is a feast for all the senses, as Greer and Janice-Lynn soon learn. Their Gold experience begins with a drumming class, with various iterations of traditional entertainment continuing all throughout the signature 14-course Cape Malay and African menu. Their taste buds travel from Table Mountain to Timbuktu!

Day 2

5am Shark diving

It’s an early start for Greer and Janice-Lynn today as they make their way to Simon’s Town Harbour to board White Pointer II for a truly heart-racing adventure with Apex Shark Expeditions. Run by Chris and Monique Fallows since 1996, Apex Shark Expeditions is recognised for their conservation and education efforts of the great white shark… The boat speeds through the water to False Bay and is joined by a pod of frolicking dolphins – the surrounding seas are home to numerous dolphins, whales and sharks. When the arrive around Seal Island, it’s time to hit the water and come face to face with one of the world’s most feared - and misunderstood - apex predators: the great white shark. It’s an exhilarating experience for Greer and Janice-Lynn as see these graceful giants of the sea up close

11am Kalk Bay

After their hair-raising adventure on the water, it’s time for some lunch, and Janice-Lynn brings Greer to one of her favourite hidden gems in the area: Kalk Bay. They wander the bustling seafront of the fishing village and sit down to a hearty fish and chips spread from local favourite, Kalky’s.

Midday Table Mountain

A trip to Cape Town wouldn’t be complete with venturing up to the clouds on Table Mountain for one of the best views in the world. Greer and Janice-Lynn take the easy way up in the revolving cable car (you can also hike) and soak up the views over the cityscape.

6pm Aquila Game Reserve

They hit the road towards Aquila Game Reserve, a 10,000-hectare conservancy in the southern Karoo, just two hours from Cape Town. This private reserve is home to the Big 5: elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino.

The luxurious reserve offers the ultimate African safari experience, complete with welcome cocktails, gourmet meals, afternoon and morning small-group game drives and private luxury chalets. They are met my Memory on entry and taken on a tour of the grounds. They spot two rhinos, giraffes and a lazy pride of lions!

After the safari, they sit down and watch the sun set over the amazing reserve, enjoying a chat with Memory. Later, they toast marshmallows and watch the fire crackle under the stars.

Day 3

7am – midday Aquila Game Reserve

Greer and Janice-Lynn enjoy an early morning breakfast with Memory out in the wild, before embarking on their final game drive. And as for those lazy lions the day before? They’re much more active this morning, and the group enjoy an up-close view of the roaming pride – the perfect end to a memorable trip in South Africa.