Cape Town, South Africa - Africa Cruises

Stellenbosch is named after its founder, Governor Simon van der Stel, who discovered the broad fertile valley of the Eerste River in 1679. Today, this is one of South Africa's premier wine-producing regions.

Stellenbosch has one of the most beautiful settings of all South Africa's inland towns. Its original oak-lined streets, clear water furrows and classic architecture have all been preserved, and some of which have been declared national monuments. The best way to explore Stellenbosch is on foot and during a short guided walking tour the guide will introduce you to this University town.

Visit the Stellenbosch Museum, which comprises of four different houses, depicting different eras of the town's architectural and social heritage. Afterwards, enjoy some free time.

Your tour is rounded off with a visit to a privately-owned wine estate in the Stellenbosch area, where you can participate in a wine-tasting session and gain a glimpse of the fascinating skills practiced in the cellar.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are steps to negotiate at the wine estate and there will be approximately 30 minutes of walking during the guided tour and free time, when walking is optional. The itinerary may operate in reverse order to avoid overcrowding.

Take a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, passing by Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton and Camps Bay. Stop at Maiden's Cove to enjoy the magnificent views of Camps Bay Beach and the Twelve Apostles, before continuing along the coastal road, past the up-market suburb of Llandudno and on towards the fishing village of Hout Bay.

From here, you will travel along one of the world's most spectacular routes, Chapman's Peak Drive, which offers magnificent views over the ocean towards Hout Bay and The Sentinel.

Passing the pristine white sands of Noordhoek Beach, call in at Noordhoek Farm Village for a comfort stop. Join the scenic Ou Kaapse Weg (Old Cape Road) for views over the Southern Peninsula, Cape Flats and False Bay.

Heading back to the city via the M3 motorway, your route takes in the University of Cape Town, Rhodes Memorial, Mostert's Mill and the famous Groote Schuur Hospital.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This scenic tour involves a small amount of walking during the comfort stops. The routes taken are along narrow, winding roads and the tour is therefore unsuitable for guests with vertigo. Chapman's Peak is government run and can be closed at any time.

Skirting the slopes of Devil's Peak, you will travel to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens spread over 1,300 acres on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, and are home to over 8,500 species of indigenous plants. Wander through the beautiful surroundings and enjoy some free time in the well-stocked Curio Shop.

Afterwards, travel through the prestigious suburbs of Bishopscourt and Constantia into the region where South Africa's wine industry began over three centuries ago. Groot Constantia Estate boasts one of the most magnificent Cape Dutch homesteads. Once the private home of Dutch Governor Simon van der Stel, the manor house, which you will be able to visit briefly, is a fascinating blend of the West, East and Africa, incorporating European ideas, Asian craftsmanship and African materials. Join a guided tour of the cellar, followed by a formal wine tasting.

Returning via Hout Bay, you will pass through the Atlantic seaboard suburbs of Camps Bay, Clifton and Bantry Bay.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is over one hour of walking at the gardens and the winery. Flat, comfortable non-slip walking shoes and a sun hat are recommended. Please note that there are two flights of stairs in the wine cellar at Groot Constantia. This tour itinerary may operate in reverse order.

Your scenic extravaganza begins with a drive through the suburbs of Bantry Bay and Clifton to Camps Bay, behind which rise the impressive peaks of the Twelve Apostles. Continue along the Atlantic coast to the fishing village of Hout Bay.

Continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point, said to be the meeting point of two oceans. This area plays host to a wealth of indigenous flora and fauna with dramatic sea cliffs (among the highest in South Africa) and Cape Point as the main attraction. A funicular railway will whisk you to the viewing platform at the top of the Point. Take in the breathtaking views and enjoy fantastic photograph opportunities. At the platforms, you may opt to climb the additional 120 steps to the top of the Point, where the lighthouse is located.

A delicious luncheon will be served at a scenically situated restaurant.

Highlights include visiting the enchanting penguin colony at Boulders Beach as well as a visit to the wonderful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.


This excursion will operate by coach, foot and funicular. Long queues often develop at the funicular station during peak times. The tour involves two hours’ walking so flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Chapman’s Peak Drive is narrow and winding and is unsuitable for guests with vertigo, it is run by the Government and be closed at any time without notice. The order of sights may vary. There is approximately over four hours of coach travel on this tour in order to take in the stunning sights. There is approximately a ten minute walk over sandy and slightly rocky paths to reach Boulders Beach. In order to avoid congestion, the order of sites visited may be rotated.

Your scenic drive will follow the steep road up Kloof Nek, enroute to conquering the summit of Signal Hill. Views from the 1100 foot high summit are nothing short of spectacular, rewarding visitors with vistas of Table Mountain, Cape Town Harbour, Table Bay and Robben Island.

Signal Hill is one of the only places in the world where critically endangered Peninsula Shale Renosterveld vegetation can still be found. It used to be the dominant ecosystem of the Cape Town City Bowl and was completely endemic.

Relax and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and a selection of tasty canapés, whilst taking in the sunset and the beautiful views of the ‘Mother City’, before returning via the upmarket Atlantic seaboard suburbs of Camps Bay, Clifton and Bantry Bay.


This excursion will operate by coach. There is a walk of 65 feet from the coach to the viewpoint. There are paved surfaces at the main car park and viewpoint area on Signal Hill, however, should guests wander away from the main car park and viewpoint area, the terrain does become uneven.

Enjoy an orientation tour of the Mother City with its meticulously preserved Edwardian and Victorian buildings, before proceeding to the Company Gardens, which are situated in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely walk through these scenic surroundings, passing St George’s Anglican Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and the National Art Gallery.

The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest building in South Africa, take a tour of the Castle, including a visit to the Military Museum and the William Fehr collection. This cultural history museum contains a collection of old Cape Dutch porcelain, historic paintings and many antique pieces of furniture.

Proceed to Signal Hill, where you will have the opportunity to photograph the views, before returning to the ship via the stunning seaside residential suburbs of Camps Bay, Bantry Bay and Sea Point.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour includes walking of approximately two hours over some cobble-stoned areas and an incline at Signal Hill.

The Aquila Private Nature Reserve is a prestigious four star Reserve, situated over 7,500 acres of the Southern Karoo Highlands and encapsulating breathtaking majestic mountains, rivers and valleys.

Depart on a two hour safari in a 4x4 vehicle with a ranger guide. Having been proclaimed a Nature Reserve in 1985, Aquila has a natural wetland, magnificent mountains and valleys which make for varied and ideal game viewing. Aquila has free roaming elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe and hippo. Large herds of game are also found on the Reserve such as Black Wildebeest, Burchell's Zebra and Black Backed Jackal.

Aquila is home to 172 species of birds with several breeding pairs of the rare and endangered Black Eagle, after which the Reserve has been named. Karoo Chat and Fairy Flycatcher can be found on short walks into the surrounding wilderness.

A buffet luncheon is served in the Reserve’s restaurant.

ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach, 4x4 vehicle and on foot. The drive to and from Aquila is approximately two hours. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under 12 may not participate. Comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended. Guests are advised that the 4x4 vehicles do not have seat belts fitted, it is not permitted for participants to stand up whilst the vehicles are in motion and a disclaimer is required to be signed on arrival. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. This reserve cannot be compared to the Kruger Park, Sabi Sand or Phinda, but does offer first time visitors to South Africa the opportunity to view the game in the Western Cape if they are not travelling to any of the other regions.

Flat-topped Table Mountain, on the northern end of the peninsula, has long dominated Cape Town. When viewed from the city, the central massif has Devil's Peak on the left, Lion's Head on the right and Signal Hill in the foreground: together they form a sort of amphitheatre, which encloses the city centre.

The coach will take you to the lower cable-way station for the ascent to the summit of Table Mountain. The journey takes just under four minutes and the floor rotates 360 degrees during the ascent and descent, giving you a full panorama of the area. There is nothing to beat the mountain top for fabulous views of the city, Table Bay and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

The tour includes a short orientation tour of the 'Mother City' famed for its meticulously preserved Edwardian and Victorian buildings.


This excursion will operate by coach and cable car. The operation of this tour is dependent on weather conditions. In the event of inclement weather conditions, the tour will continue but omit the cable car ride. No refunds will be issued in this event. All guests must be able to negotiate steps onto and off the coach. You are advised to carry a jacket or sweater and wear flat, comfortable shoes and a sun hat. This tour is not suitable for those with a fear of heights. In the event of the cable car not operating - the South African Museum will be visited.

Your scenic drive will pass the wine region of Paarl, travelling through the fertile Tulbagh Valley to the fruit-growing region of Ceres. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink upon arrival at the Inverdoorn Game Reserve.

The Inverdoorn Game Lodge and Safari's ten thousand hectares are dedicated to conservation and contain over 1,200 wild animals representing 28 different species and hundreds of species of birdlife. Africa's magnificent wild animals have returned to this area for the first time in over a century.

During your two-hour game drive, you will have the opportunity to see giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, oryx, sable antelope, kudu, impala and springbok. A large number of birds can also be seen.

Inverdoorn runs a Cheetah Rehabilitation Programme on site and lions and cheetahs can be seen in an enclosure. Enjoy a luncheon of fresh farm produce in the Lodge's Restaurant.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach 4x4 vehicle and on foot. The drive to and from Inverdoorn is approximately 2½ hours each way. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under 12 may not participate. Comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended. Guests are advised that the 4x4 vehicles do not have seat belts fitted, it is not permitted for participants to stand up whilst the vehicles are in motion and a disclaimer is required to be signed on arrival. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The terrain is very different to bushveld safari areas as this is considered to be a semi desert area. This reserve cannot be compared to the Kruger Park, Sabi Sand or Phinda, but does offer first time visitors to South Africa the opportunity to view the game in the Western Cape if they are not travelling to any of the other regions.

Sit back, relax and experience the beauty of Cape Town as you drive up Kloof Nek, the saddle between Table Mountain and Lion's Head, en route to the Lower Cableway Station. Then it’s up, up and away as you ascend to the top of Table Mountain. The 5 minute cable car ride offers spectacular 360° vistas of Cape Town, the ocean and the neighbouring peaks. Enjoy some free time at the summit to stroll along the paths and admire the single richest floristic area in the world.

Then it’s time to embark on a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast. Marvel at the magnificent views of Camps Bay Beach and the Twelve Apostles, before continuing along the coastal road towards the fishing village of Hout Bay. From here, you’ll travel along one of the world’s most spectacular routes, Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. It is here that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, along with their diverse ecosystems, are thought to converge. Cape Point and its dramatic sea cliffs, are among South Africa's highest, and are the main attractions of the reserve. Upon arrival, you’ll hop aboard the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the top of Cape Point, where you’ll have breathtaking views and ample photo opportunities.

After luncheon, a visit will be made to the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

After such an amazing experiences, what better way to end your day than with a visit to Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine-growing region. At the Groot Constantia Estate, one of the finest examples of Cape Dutch architecture, enjoy a wine tasting session.


This excursion will operate by coach, cable car, funicular and on foot. Guests are advised to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes and a sun hats. Throughout the day, there is approximately three hours of walking over generally, paved or wooden walkways. Table Mountain is weather dependent. Long queues often develop at the funicular station during peak times. Chapman’s Peak Drive is narrow and winding and is unsuitable for guests with vertigo, it is run by the Government and can be closed at any time without notice. The order of sights may vary. There is approximately over four hours of coach travel on this tour in order to take in the stunning sights.

Your scenic drive will pass the impressive Cape Town FIFA World Cup Stadium towards Sea Point. The promenade of Sea Point stretches to Mouille Point and is very popular with joggers and is a spot where locals meet for a walk and a talk.

Clifton Beach has something of a reputation with the trendy set in Cape Town and is a haven for international jetsetters, along with its immaculate white sands and glistening water which has earned it blue flag status.

A photograph stop will be made at the Maidens Cove area between Camps Bay and Clifton, near the Glen Country Club. As you look up at the cableway station you will see the narrowest view of Table Mountain that can be seen from anywhere in Cape Town.

Continue towards the mountain and over Kloof Nek towards the bustling city centre of Cape Town.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is minimal walking on this tour.

Parkwood Primary School first opened its doors in 1961 with just over 300 pupils in seven classrooms. Due to overpopulated classrooms, double shift classes were introduced, whereby teachers had to teach two separate class groups per day. Today with the help of Non-governmental Organisations and community workers, Parkwood Primary has over 528 eager pupils with 15 dedicated educators.

Your guide will take you to the school, where you will have a chance to interact with the pupils and teachers as well as help prepare the meals for the children. At around 10.30am, the children will be fed and here you will have a chance to meet some of the youngsters that benefit from this special programme. After the meal, you will once again have the chance to get stuck in and to help clearing the dishes (if you wish) and there is also the opportunity to interact with staff at the school.


This excursion will operate by 7 seater vehicle and on foot. Our excursion operator and Cunard will in no way benefit financially from this visit, except to cover the direct cost of the transport and guide services. Please note that participation is voluntary.

Since 1960 Robben Island has been synonymous with the political struggle against apartheid in South Africa, holding prisoners such as Nelson Mandela and poet, Dennis Brutus, during its incredible history. As well as holding past prisoners Robben Island is a home to over 20 mammals and 130 different bird species including the third largest colony of African Penguins.

A short coach transfer will take you to the ferry terminal at the Nelson Mandela Gateway where you can browse through the museum before boarding the ferry across Table Bay to the Island. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation tour, by bus, of the old leper colony, Muslim shrine, shipwreck and the lime quarry where prisoners went through back breaking work.

A highlight will be a former inmate giving a guided tour through the maximum security block and inside Nelson Mandela's cell, where prison conditions can be witnessed firsthand.


This excursion will operate by coach, ferry and on foot. There is approximately one hour of walking on this tour. The ferry ride is 30 minutes each way and is weather permitting. The ferry is Government owned and can be cancelled at any time and transport on the island will be in a variety of different sized coaches, so the main tour group might be split up. Please note that ex inmates will guide on the island, so groups may have varied experiences depending what the ex inmate went through while imprisoned. Please note that the regular guide is not able to guide whilst on the island. Early booking is recommended due to the popularity of this tour and final numbers need to be submitted 72 hours before the ship's call.