Cape Town day tours, South Africa
| country: | South Africa |
| location: | Cape Town, Western Cape |
| departures: | Our day tours are offered year round, please contact us for details |
| price: | From R 270 (2 hours) - R 880 (full day) excluding flights |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Our truly innovative day tours in Cape Town are tailored for the responsible traveller on his quest for authentic South Africa. We pioneer interactive travel experiences in Cape Town, which introduce holiday makers to authentic South Africa, often with a 'hands-on' participative aspect (e.g. cooking, music, arts, crafts).
Our tours (see below for details)
Cultural: jazz, meet the people, soccer (football) & drumming Culinary: African cooking, Cape Malay cooking & wine route Wildlife: Cape Point and Peninsula, day safari, wild meerkats & baboons
From R 450 (evening tour) ex flights, inc rendezvous with Cape Town Musicians, dinner, drinks & transport.
Our Cape Town jazz tour takes visitors right into the fabric of the city’s musical spirit, at the same time giving back to the local music scene. Join us on an intimate evening excursion into the living room of latter-day Cape jazz cats such as Mac McKenzie, Hilton Schilder and Robbie Jansen. Dinner, drinks, and exclusive performances by one of these virtuoso musicians will be followed by a taste of contemporary Cape Town sounds, as we venture out of the inner city to enjoy live jazz at a nightspot, or saunter across town for a nightcap at the home of a second musician.
Meet the people tour
From R 450 (evening tour) ex flights, inc transfers return from city bowl, buchu tea, snacks, traditional potjiekos (vegetable stew cooked on open fire), braai (grill) chicken. We cater for vegetarians.
In a city where fences, freeways, trainlines and old habits continue to divide society along the lines of colour and culture South Africans have fought so hard to overcome, Kalkfontein is a breath of fresh air. Home to Xhosa, Zulu, Khoisan, Angolan and Mozambican residents, among others, this vibrant and eclectic township community is South Africa in microcosm. Our unique township experience begins at the home of 'ghetto poet' and living national treasure, Jethro Louw, who will give us a taste of the innovative art-form he and his brethren have dubbed 'word-bombing'. Later, we move to Oom Daan and Ma Nuri's house for a taste of homegrown oral tradition over a cup of buchu tea. These master storytellers will evoke township life and history with unforgettable and inimitable wit and insight. But much more is to happen on this inspiring night.
Cape Town soccer tour
From R 450 (afternoon tour) ex flights, inc rendezvous with Cape Town soccer experts, local soccer match in township & traditional lunch.
This Cape Town soccer tour celebrates local soccer (or football) culture through all standards and economic levels. From the beachfront to the township, from stadiums outfitted with every state-of-the-art luxury, to stretches of bare earth merely cleared of broken glass, we will explore places where the love of the game conquers all obstacles. We will see stark evidence of the great divides that linger on in this and every other facet of society, and how they are overcome through the unifying power of a shared passion. The conditions may vary, but the dreams are all the same.
Township drumming tour
From R 325 (half day tour) ex flights, inc township walking tour & drumming workshop.
Join our local guide at the Kayamandi Community Centre and accompany him on a walk highlighting the way of life in his town. He will make various stops along the way, of which the Kindergarten, the library, private homes and 'Spaza Shops' (informal stores) are the most popular. On return to the centre, you will have the opportunity to catch further Kayamandi vibes by participating in a drumming session! With the help and humour of Vuyo, who has experience in the performing arts, even novice drummers will feel the rhythms of African drums at their fingertips!
From R 325 (half day tour) ex flights, inc township walking tour, hands-on cooking demo & lunch.
A unique opportunity to get in touch with locals of the friendly Kayamandi Township. Explore African food and beverages on our hands-on cooking experience and discover the hues of South Africa’s cultural diversity. Our tour starts with a guided walk through Kayamandi focussing on food and food-related traditions as well as general cultural aspects. Finally, we pay a visit to Mama Shumi, who will introduce us to Black African Cuisine in a hands-on cooking demonstration. The afternoon is rounded off by a shared lunch with the opportunity for interesting talk and interaction.
Cape Malay cooking tour
From R 325 (half day tour) ex flights, inc guided walking tour of the Bo-Kaap, cooking workshop, traditional meal and small gift.
Our walk through the historic Malay quarter of Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap takes us through its nooks and crannies, its legends and secrets, as we hunt for the sources of those wonderful aromas and discover the distinctive cuisine of the Cape Malay community. It’s 'hands-on' during the informal cooking workshop which follows in a Bo-Kaap family home. We learn how to mix Masala, fold Samoosas, and how to balance the delicate flavours of a Cape Malay curry. Our Cape Malay cooking tour is a truly special Cape experience, and a model example of our philosophy of giving back to the communities that welcome us.
Wine route tour
From R 525 (full day tour) ex flights, inc wine tastings and transfers.
The art of winemaking has a long and glorious history in South Africa, and particularly in the Cape. More then 90% of all the country’s vineyards are located here; the vast majority sprinkled across the so-called Winelands Region that supports towns like Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Nestled in the sunkissed valleys of the Boland, the fine estates of this region boast breathtaking landscapes, world-class wines, and intriguing pasts. Our wine tour aims to show you the bigger picture of South African viticulture, introducing you to well known cellars as well as diamonds in the rough. This is a wine tour with a difference: you will sample some of the region’s great wines, but along the way, you will also come to grips with the challenges of wine farming in the New South Africa, and the inspiring ways in which the community is answering them.
From R 550 (full day tour) ex flights, inc visits, locally guided fishing village tour, entrance fees and transfers.
This full-day tour takes you all the way to world-renowned Cape Point, the most southwesterly tip of Africa, situated in the Cape of Good Hope nature Reserve. En route, we will circle the southern peninsula, soaking up the magnificent Atlantic coastline as we pass through the trendy beach culture of Camps Bay, the picturesque fishing harbour of Kalk Bay, and historic Simon’s Town. Travelling in an intimate group of no more than 10 people, you will be able to enjoy the personal attention of your knowledgeable guide.
Day Safari in Cape Town
From R 880 (full day tour) ex flights. Various packages include horse-back safaris, walking safaris and overnight.
Aquila is the proud recipient of an Imvelo Award for our Social Involvement Program. The reserve provides over 120 jobs to the previously disadvantaged community of Touwsriver, and sponsors the local cricket team, as well as a full-time school teacher. Less than 2 hours travel from Cape Town via the scenic Du Toitskloof Pass, Aquila Private Game Reserve is the perfect place for a break in style. The reserve offers 4 star accommodation in an intimate setting, with the romance of the wilds on our doorstep. On a three hour game drive we will track the 'big five' (Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino and Buffalo) with an experienced ranger, stopping en route to enjoy snacks and sparkling wine in the splendour of the bush. Visits to world-renowned rock art sites of the Khoi San ('Bushmen') are also possible.
Wild meerkats in the Klein Karoo
From R 400 (2 hour tour) ex flights
Featured on National Geographic, BBC, and Discovery Channel, the Wild Meerkat Project is run by Grant, an active nature conservationist with a passion for these industrious little mammals. The tour starts just before sunrise, when the meerkats leave their burrows to warm up in the sun. World meerkat expert Grant will arrange an ideal spot for you to observe them sunbathing, while he expounds on the intricacies of their behaviour and communication. But be warned: these plucky creatures have a disconcerting habit of observing you right back!
Close encounters with baboons
From R 270 (2 hour tour) ex flights
Filmed by Discovery Channel, 'Walking with Baboons' is the South African equivalent of the Central African Gorilla projects, and a unique chance to get up close and personal with our genetic neighbours, the Chacma baboons. This entertaining and educational tour begins with a spectacular guided walk through the Cape Fynbos just outside the Cape of Good Hope nature Reserve… and right into the midst of a troop of wild baboons. Here Jenni, head of this endangered primate monitoring and conservation project, will teach us how to interpret behavioural patterns such as grooming, feeding, and communication, and get to grips with the complex social structures and codes of this intelligent and sadly threatened species.
Our tours (see below for details)
our cultural tours - Cape Town day tours
Cape Town jazz tour From R 450 (evening tour) ex flights, inc rendezvous with Cape Town Musicians, dinner, drinks & transport. Our Cape Town jazz tour takes visitors right into the fabric of the city’s musical spirit, at the same time giving back to the local music scene. Join us on an intimate evening excursion into the living room of latter-day Cape jazz cats such as Mac McKenzie, Hilton Schilder and Robbie Jansen. Dinner, drinks, and exclusive performances by one of these virtuoso musicians will be followed by a taste of contemporary Cape Town sounds, as we venture out of the inner city to enjoy live jazz at a nightspot, or saunter across town for a nightcap at the home of a second musician.
Meet the people tour
From R 450 (evening tour) ex flights, inc transfers return from city bowl, buchu tea, snacks, traditional potjiekos (vegetable stew cooked on open fire), braai (grill) chicken. We cater for vegetarians.
In a city where fences, freeways, trainlines and old habits continue to divide society along the lines of colour and culture South Africans have fought so hard to overcome, Kalkfontein is a breath of fresh air. Home to Xhosa, Zulu, Khoisan, Angolan and Mozambican residents, among others, this vibrant and eclectic township community is South Africa in microcosm. Our unique township experience begins at the home of 'ghetto poet' and living national treasure, Jethro Louw, who will give us a taste of the innovative art-form he and his brethren have dubbed 'word-bombing'. Later, we move to Oom Daan and Ma Nuri's house for a taste of homegrown oral tradition over a cup of buchu tea. These master storytellers will evoke township life and history with unforgettable and inimitable wit and insight. But much more is to happen on this inspiring night.
Cape Town soccer tour
From R 450 (afternoon tour) ex flights, inc rendezvous with Cape Town soccer experts, local soccer match in township & traditional lunch. This Cape Town soccer tour celebrates local soccer (or football) culture through all standards and economic levels. From the beachfront to the township, from stadiums outfitted with every state-of-the-art luxury, to stretches of bare earth merely cleared of broken glass, we will explore places where the love of the game conquers all obstacles. We will see stark evidence of the great divides that linger on in this and every other facet of society, and how they are overcome through the unifying power of a shared passion. The conditions may vary, but the dreams are all the same.
Township drumming tour
From R 325 (half day tour) ex flights, inc township walking tour & drumming workshop.
Join our local guide at the Kayamandi Community Centre and accompany him on a walk highlighting the way of life in his town. He will make various stops along the way, of which the Kindergarten, the library, private homes and 'Spaza Shops' (informal stores) are the most popular. On return to the centre, you will have the opportunity to catch further Kayamandi vibes by participating in a drumming session! With the help and humour of Vuyo, who has experience in the performing arts, even novice drummers will feel the rhythms of African drums at their fingertips!
our culinary tours - Cape Town day tours
African cooking tour From R 325 (half day tour) ex flights, inc township walking tour, hands-on cooking demo & lunch.
A unique opportunity to get in touch with locals of the friendly Kayamandi Township. Explore African food and beverages on our hands-on cooking experience and discover the hues of South Africa’s cultural diversity. Our tour starts with a guided walk through Kayamandi focussing on food and food-related traditions as well as general cultural aspects. Finally, we pay a visit to Mama Shumi, who will introduce us to Black African Cuisine in a hands-on cooking demonstration. The afternoon is rounded off by a shared lunch with the opportunity for interesting talk and interaction.
Cape Malay cooking tour
From R 325 (half day tour) ex flights, inc guided walking tour of the Bo-Kaap, cooking workshop, traditional meal and small gift. Our walk through the historic Malay quarter of Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap takes us through its nooks and crannies, its legends and secrets, as we hunt for the sources of those wonderful aromas and discover the distinctive cuisine of the Cape Malay community. It’s 'hands-on' during the informal cooking workshop which follows in a Bo-Kaap family home. We learn how to mix Masala, fold Samoosas, and how to balance the delicate flavours of a Cape Malay curry. Our Cape Malay cooking tour is a truly special Cape experience, and a model example of our philosophy of giving back to the communities that welcome us.
Wine route tour
From R 525 (full day tour) ex flights, inc wine tastings and transfers.
The art of winemaking has a long and glorious history in South Africa, and particularly in the Cape. More then 90% of all the country’s vineyards are located here; the vast majority sprinkled across the so-called Winelands Region that supports towns like Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Nestled in the sunkissed valleys of the Boland, the fine estates of this region boast breathtaking landscapes, world-class wines, and intriguing pasts. Our wine tour aims to show you the bigger picture of South African viticulture, introducing you to well known cellars as well as diamonds in the rough. This is a wine tour with a difference: you will sample some of the region’s great wines, but along the way, you will also come to grips with the challenges of wine farming in the New South Africa, and the inspiring ways in which the community is answering them.
our wildlife tours - Cape Town day tours
Cape Point and Peninsula tour From R 550 (full day tour) ex flights, inc visits, locally guided fishing village tour, entrance fees and transfers. This full-day tour takes you all the way to world-renowned Cape Point, the most southwesterly tip of Africa, situated in the Cape of Good Hope nature Reserve. En route, we will circle the southern peninsula, soaking up the magnificent Atlantic coastline as we pass through the trendy beach culture of Camps Bay, the picturesque fishing harbour of Kalk Bay, and historic Simon’s Town. Travelling in an intimate group of no more than 10 people, you will be able to enjoy the personal attention of your knowledgeable guide.
Day Safari in Cape Town
From R 880 (full day tour) ex flights. Various packages include horse-back safaris, walking safaris and overnight.
Aquila is the proud recipient of an Imvelo Award for our Social Involvement Program. The reserve provides over 120 jobs to the previously disadvantaged community of Touwsriver, and sponsors the local cricket team, as well as a full-time school teacher. Less than 2 hours travel from Cape Town via the scenic Du Toitskloof Pass, Aquila Private Game Reserve is the perfect place for a break in style. The reserve offers 4 star accommodation in an intimate setting, with the romance of the wilds on our doorstep. On a three hour game drive we will track the 'big five' (Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino and Buffalo) with an experienced ranger, stopping en route to enjoy snacks and sparkling wine in the splendour of the bush. Visits to world-renowned rock art sites of the Khoi San ('Bushmen') are also possible.
Wild meerkats in the Klein Karoo
From R 400 (2 hour tour) ex flights Featured on National Geographic, BBC, and Discovery Channel, the Wild Meerkat Project is run by Grant, an active nature conservationist with a passion for these industrious little mammals. The tour starts just before sunrise, when the meerkats leave their burrows to warm up in the sun. World meerkat expert Grant will arrange an ideal spot for you to observe them sunbathing, while he expounds on the intricacies of their behaviour and communication. But be warned: these plucky creatures have a disconcerting habit of observing you right back!
Close encounters with baboons
From R 270 (2 hour tour) ex flights
Filmed by Discovery Channel, 'Walking with Baboons' is the South African equivalent of the Central African Gorilla projects, and a unique chance to get up close and personal with our genetic neighbours, the Chacma baboons. This entertaining and educational tour begins with a spectacular guided walk through the Cape Fynbos just outside the Cape of Good Hope nature Reserve… and right into the midst of a troop of wild baboons. Here Jenni, head of this endangered primate monitoring and conservation project, will teach us how to interpret behavioural patterns such as grooming, feeding, and communication, and get to grips with the complex social structures and codes of this intelligent and sadly threatened species.
travelling with a local operator
This holiday is operated by a company based in the holiday destination and they will be able to provide expert local knowledge. They will be able to tailor make your holiday to suit your requirements not only concerning the dates of travel but also typically the standard of accommodation, and thus price. It is rare for local operators to be able to help with the booking of your flights.how this holiday makes a difference
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We try our best to buy locally only and to support local entrepreneurs whenever possible (e.g. visit local restaurants and local shops to buy the local homemade atchar/condiment as apposed to the bottled industrial version in supermarkets). We support the fair trade policy; our employees and service providers get a good share/salary. 95% of the people we work with are locals. The centre and main beneficiary of our cultural tours are local hosts. Our office team is 50% South African.
We train individuals in needy communities to host our clients and/or to become tour guides. In the last 3 years we have not only created jobs, we have also empowered people to set up there own businesses in cooperation with us. In the Bo-Kaap our tours create an income for women who were previously unemployed or full time housewives. The cooperation with us requires them to obtain necessary business skills, such as writing invoices or creating a bank account. Our tours help to fund various conservation projects; a local baboon monitoring and conservation project, a Meerkat research project, etc. We only market safari lodges with an explicit environmental/conservation and or social responsibility policy (Sanbona, Shamwari, Aquila). We stay away from controversial adventure tours (e.g. 4x4, quad biking, cage shark diving) but promote eco-friendly ventures (walking tours, hiking trails, hot air ballooning). Furthermore we keep our groups small to reduce the impact on the nature areas visited. Our unique 'hands-on' workshops (e.g. local cooking classes, African beading, drumming) offer a platform for interaction with locals, while simultaneously providing economic benefit to the hosting community. Popular themes such as crafts, music and cooking are used to promote cultural exchange. For example, on our cooking tours visitors exchange recipes and kitchen anecdotes with their local hosts. Locals are left with a heightened sense of the importance and value of their own cultural and natural heritage. Only through a continually bolstered partnership will we ensure that this incomparable legacy will be preserved for future generations. One day per week we send a staff member into a community we work with and do volunteer work as well as tour guide training and also to keep in touch with the people we work with in order to better understand their needs and for them to get to know us better. For example, in Kayamandi township we do volunteer and educational work with a local crèche which receives no government funding. We are also going to source sponsorship for material for the crèche. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |