Cape Town, South Africa - Africa Cruises

Visit the historic and proclaimed World Heritage Site, Robben Island, where former president, Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned.

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.

Note: 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.

Enjoy the Cape Town experience in total style with high tea served at the stylish Mount Nelson Hotel.

Your scenic drive takes you through the city centre, passing the houses of Parliament along the way. Your destination is the imposing entrance to the Mount Nelson Hotel where you will be invited into the elegant lounge and terraced gardens, and you can relax in comfort and style.

The Mount Nelson Hotel is the most iconic luxury hotel in Cape Town situated within a sprawling lush garden estate in the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural centre and close to the bustling V&A Waterfront and some of Cape Town’s best beaches.

Accompanied by the sound of classical piano music, sample the many delicacies from the high tea buffet and enjoy the elegant atmosphere of yesteryear. The return drive is via the scenic route over Kloof Nek Road, Camps Bay, Clifton and Sea Point.

Note: The dress code for Mount Nelson is smart casual.

Experience the lights and sights of Cape Town by night including Sea Point and Maidens Cove.

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.

Note: There is minimal walking on this tour.

Make the most of your day and experience the dramatic scenery of the Cape on this highly popular tour.

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.

Note: 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 passengers 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.

No visit to Cape Town would be complete without a trip up Table Mountain, one of the world’s most famous landmarks.

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.

Note: 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.

Soak up the views on the scenic route known as the ‘Four Passes’ and visit the towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

This tour takes you towards the mountains of the Western Cape, with their spectacular peaks, fertile valleys, farms and vineyards. The route is made accessible by means of the stunningly beautiful ‘Four Passes’.

Head for Somerset West situated at the foot of the magnificent Hottentots Holland Mountains, which will be crossed via Sir Lowry’s Pass. The view from the summit embraces the whole of False Bay and the Cape Peninsula, from Table Mountain to the lighthouse at the tip of the Cape of Good Hope.

Passing Grabouw and Elgin, make your way towards the Viljoen’s Pass and Franschhoek Pass. Also known as the Elephant Path, Franschhoek Pass was used by the original settlers, who discovered that migrating wild animals had found the most practical way over the mountain. Pass the Huguenot Monument and enjoy luncheon and some free time in the beautiful town of Franschhoek.

Crossing the last of the Four Passes, Helshoogte, you will arrive in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second oldest town. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the oak-lined streets before continuing to a wine estate, where you will be treated to a tasting of some outstanding local wines.

Note: This tour involves an hour of walking tour in Stellenbosch and a further 30 minutes’ walking in Franschhoek, including some steps. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. In order to avoid congestion, the order of sites visited may be rotated.

Visit one of the world’s most famous Botanical Gardens and enjoy wine tasting at South Africa’s oldest wine making centre.

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.

Note: 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.

Sample the beauty of this amazing and unique city, including a visit to the Castle of Good Hope and Signal Hill.

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.

Note: This tour includes walking of approximately two hours over some cobble-stoned areas and an incline at Signal Hill.

This day tour to Aquila Game Reserve will take you to the semi scrub desert of the Karoo for a wild encounter with Africa’s game.

The Aquila Private Nature Reserve is a prestigious four star Reserve, situated over 11,000 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.

Note: The drive to and from Aquila is approximately 2 hours. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure. 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.

A firm favourite with first time visitors, this leisurely and scenic tour unveils some spectacular views.

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.

Note: 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.

Enjoy pre dinner drinks to the backdrop of the dramatically stunning views on the summit of Signal Hill.

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.

Note: 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.

Discover the famous Cape Winelands, home to some of the world’s finest wines, and visit the charming town of Stellenbosch.

Marvel at the scenery on this tour as you pass whitewashed homesteads, rolling green hills with wild flowers and fertile valleys, alive with the sounds of surging streams. Heading east towards the famous Cape Winelands, your first stop is the town of Paarl. Surrounded by fruit and wine farms in the Berg River Valley, it lies beneath the imposing granite rocks of Paarl Mountain.

After visiting the Taal Monument, the only monument ever built to immortalise a language (Afrikaans), enjoy a guided tour of a wine cellar, followed by a formal wine tasting in the Paarl region.

From here, head to the lush Franschhoek Valley, and the village of Franschhoek (French Corner) for a brief stop at the Huguenot Monument, commemorating the arrival of the Huguenots in South Africa.

A second wine tasting will be conducted prior to a picnic luncheon.

Stellenbosch, ‘Town of Oaks’, includes examples of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian styles, which can be appreciated during an orientation tour.

Note. Guests are advised that there are steps to negotiate throughout the tour and that there will be approximately two hours’ total walking. Comfortable walking shoes and a sun hat are recommended.

Discover the delights of Stellenbosch, the undisputed heart of the Winelands, on this half day tour.

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.

Note: 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.

Experience a safari drive in the green oasis amidst the Karoo environment viewing a wide selection of game animals.

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.

Note: The drive to and from Inverdoorn is approximately 2½ hours each way. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure. 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.

This unique experience of visiting the West Coast Ostrich Ranch will really give you something to write home about.

Your tour to the Ostrich Ranch takes you along the west coast, where you will stop briefly for a photograph of Table Mountain and the city across Table Bay.

The Ostrich Ranch is home to a variety of ostrich species and other birds, including the Westcoast White Ostrich, Dwarf Ostriches, Black-Neck Ostriches, emus, rheas and peacocks. During your visit, learn about the habits, breeding and characteristics of this unique bird. The trail through the Ranch takes around 45 minutes, during which you will see a display room, leather factory and cactus garden, which affords spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The highlight of the tour is a photograph opportunity, sitting on an ostrich against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain.

Following this unique experience, head for a Winery in Durbanville. This Winery draws its grapes from a group of neighboring farms, selected for their outstanding quality crops. Enjoy a guided tour of the cellar, followed by a formal wine tasting.

Note: There is a weight restriction of 16 stones (100 kg) to sit on an ostrich. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.