... See you at the top!

Table Mountain unique to Cape Town is truly an icon of this beautiful city.

Every day that you observe this towering landmark will give you a different glimpse of this majestic mountain.  No surprise that it was  voted as one of the new 7 wonders of nature.

So you have bought tickets and you are eagerly awaiting your trip to the top. The Cable Car takes visitors to the summit in less than 5 minutes.  Visitors get a 360 degree view as the cable car's floor rotates.  The Cable Car operates weather permitting.

See the Mountain from a different perspective as you see the jagged rocks and edges of the mountain as you approach the Upper Cable Station.

View the city centre, Table Bay, Robben Island, Lion's Head and Devils Peak, the Cape Flats, Hottentots Holland Mountains and make use of the many vantage points to enjoy the view to the full.

"The Shop at the Top" carries a variety of souvenirs and gifts to take back home.  The shop also sells useful items such as beanies, caps, and sun block.  Don't forget to pack in a jersey or jacket as it can get very cold at the top and the weather can change quickly.

The Table Mountain Cafe' is there to relax in and enjoy a variety of lights meals and refreshments.

So be sure to include a trip up the mountain in your Itinerary these Holidays, it promises to be a memorable outing for you and your family and an opportunity to capture some great family moments on camera.

We wish you good weather and a wonderful stay in this beautiful city.

... It's no ordinary experience ...

 

For further information you can call The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway on (021) 4248181.

Feel free to send us your favourite picture of your trip up Table Mountain and we will post it on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/TravelsAtLeisure

Adventure Seekers

If you are looking for an adventure with a difference. This is it!  Sit back and enjoy while we take you on a magical safari. 

Amazing African Train Safari's on board "Shongololo Express"  give you the opportunity to experience what it was like back in the day when train travel was the mode of transport.  See and do something different everyday while relaxing in comfortable surroundings.

Be welcomed on board by Senele and the crew who will look after you for the duration of your stay.  True African Hospitality will make you feel at ease and adds to the charm of the whole adventure.  Qualified guides accompany you on all the excursions and share interesting facts  and details with you.  These are people who love what they do and show true enthusiasm in showcasing this beautiful land and certainly make your trip come alive.

Waking up each morning is exciting as each day has something new waiting for you, you never know what might happen around the next corner. A fabulous way to see South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. There are 4 journeys to choose from. The trips range from 11 to 15 nights. The days are filled with specialised planned activities and the nights are spent travelling to the next destination in comfortable cabins to suit your requirements and budget. Unpack only once and relax in your home away from home with good food, good wine and good company. Be treated to it all and give someone else the worry of the transport, food, driving, entrance fees etc.

There is something to a journey that gives you the real experience.  A true adventure where you can walk down the streets, meet the people, see the sights, eat the food and experience the culture.  SA and its surrounding countries have a history steeped in tradition and transition which brings millions of visitors each year.

If seeing the "Smoke that Thunders" as seen from the eyes of the famous explorer is on your bucket list then take The Southern Cross from Johannesburg to Vic Falls.  The Dune Express is the trip to do to see Namibia - a land of contrasts. The Dr Livingstone will take you on an adventure from Vic Falls to Dar es Salaam and the Good Hope trip will take you through the main cities of South Africa. 

Let us know where you would like to go and we will arrange a tour for you.  Email us for more information on these exciting trips at: info@travelsatleisure.com or visit our website www.travelsatleisure.com to see some other interesting train trips that are on offer. 

...there is nothing ordinary about this...  

Be a responsible traveller

We would like to share these tips with you as you travel throughout this beautiful land.

Let each one of us do our best to promote responsible travel towards our environment: 

1. Use water as efficiently as possible.
2. Take care not to start a fire with your cigarette butts or matches.
3. Please use electricity as efficiently as possible, by switching off the lights, electric fan,  air conditioner and television when you are not in your room.
4. Do not approach or feed the baboons.  They are wild and potentially dangerous.
5. Do not take natural keepsakes like shells and indigenous flowers when spending time in nature.
6. When driving or hiking, stick to marked paths and roads.
7. Make sure the seafood you want to buy and eat is not on the list of endangered species.  SMS the name of the fish to +27 (0)79 499 8795 to find out.
8. Dispose of rubbish carefully, recycle where possible and reuse your beverage bottles and shopping bags.
9. Make use of public transport where possible or take a walking tour.
10. Offset your carbon footprint by planting a tree or buying local products. 

Some tips for responsible tourism towards our communities include:

1. Research the culture of the area you intend to visit before arriving at your destination.
2. Talk to locals, make use of local tour guides and stay in accommodation establishments that are invested in the local community.
3. Learn some of the language - a simple greeting and thank you in the language of our people will see you embraced as a guest and not only a visitor.
4. Respect the dignity and privacy of others - please ask permission before you take a photo.
5. Rather than giving money to beggars and street children, make an effort to donate to a local charity that supports community projects.
6. Purchase souvenirs directly from community markets and handcrafter's so that the money goes directly to local businesses.
7. Take your taste buds on a journey by experiencing local and regional cuisine. This will give you insight to the culture of the area and you will support the local economy.
8. Be vigilant about child prostitution.

These tips have been published by "Cape Town Tourism" in the interests of responsible tourism.

For a unique way of travelling in South Africa visit our website www.travelsatleisure.com

Take the scenic Route 62

Route 62 has become a favourite amongst many travellers.

Instead of taking the N2 between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, take the road less travelled.  Route 62 will take you to places and towns that reflect a different face to the Western Cape and beyond.  Travel through towns such as Worcester, Robertson, Ashton, Montagu, Barrydale and Oudtshoorn to name just a few. 

There is something here for everyone. For those who love the outdoors there are hiking trails, canooing, horseriding, fishing, caving and more.  If you are into the cultural scene then there are museums, art galleries, traditional arts & crafts and pottery etc. 

  

Wine lovers will be spoilt for choice as this is the longest wine route in the Western Cape.  There is also a Brandy Route which produces some of the best Brandy's in the world.  Stop in at some of the farms along the way there is such a variety to choose from such as the Slanghoek Winery, Badsberg Cellars, Robertson Wine Cellars, and the Graham Beck Wine Estate. A well loved favourite at many a dinner party is the Four Cousins wines produced by Van Loveren Wine Estate or if Brandy is your special drink, a visit to the Klipdrift Brandy Distillery in Robertson will be enjoyable.

There is also a vast array of Restaurants to choose from along the way, all serving their own unique dishes from Potjiekos to Pasta using local ingredients.

As you drive along the road you will see a variety of flowers such as Bougainvillea, Roses, Canna's, Protea's, Red Hot Pokers thriving in the hot sunny climate, the variety of fauna and flora along the route showcases the natural beauty of this region.

The Breede River is a vital source of water for the surrounding farms and natural habitat.  The River makes this region so fertile and suited to growing a variety of produce such as grapes, peaches, plums, apricots and herbs.  Dried fruit can be purchased at various shops showcasing the variety of local produce.

Events and Festivals in the region promote this as a great to go to destination.
The Breede River Canoe Marathon is a famous event in this area.
The Robertson "Wine on the River Festival" comes up soon on 19-21 October 2012 so why not make a long weekend of it with your family and visit the area.

This is just a short rendition of what this route is all about. There is far more to see and do, so why not get on the road and see what you will find. 

The last word...some tips on wine tasting:
Ask questions on the wines and the region
Use the water supplied to rinse your glass and cleanse the palette
Keep track of your wine consumption so that you stay within the legal limit.

For more information on this route go to :  www.route62.co.za

To experience South Africa from a different perspective go to www.travelsatleisure.com

Take the R27

There is something about the West Coast...a kind of hospitality unique to the region, that makes this a definite place to put on your list to see.  The people add a special charm to the beauty of the area, very down to earth, warm, polite and friendly.  As an outsider one will quickly notice this, in the big cities people do not greet each other anymore and hurriedly rush about their daily activities, but in these small towns life is different.

The R27 from Cape Town will take you past towns such as Langebaan, Saldanha, Veldrif, Laaiplek, Port Owen and many more and one can take an interesting trip, stopping at all the towns along the way.

The Westcoast has definite contrasts in scenery, vast open tracts of dry land covered in small shrubs and the sea on the other side glistening in the sun.   In the Spring you will see wild flowers in beautiful array all along the road as you drive.  A cool swim is definitely a saving grace in the Summer as temperatures can reach high into the 40 degrees C.

One of the Locals, Tollie Bezuidenhout is the Owner of Tollie's River & Boat Cruises and he can take you on a cruise down the Berg River.  This is a definite must do if you visit the Port Owen, Veldrift area.

Experience the river and its habitat from the point of view of Cormorants, Flamingos, Waders, and Pelicans.  Just sit and enjoy the peace on the river as you take in the beautiful surroundings and fresh smelling air, the perfect way to end the day.  The Boat is very sociable, with seats all around and one can sit and chat and enjoy the company.

Tollie will point out the places of interest and tell you a bit about the local area as you go along. He will take you to see Bokkomlaan, where one can see a West Coast speciality - dried fish (made from "Harders")hanging in the sun to dry.

Port Owen Marina and the beautiful homes stretched along its banks is something you will see too.  So if you are planning a trip to the area, contact Tollie on +27 79 763 6966.

 
Other things to do in the area include a visit to the Salt Factory, The Fisheries Museum and the Laaiplek Harbour.

For years the locals have made their living from Fishing and all over you will see fishing boats along the beaches.

If you are looking for accommodation in the area, try The Riviera Hotel in Veldrift where Kiewet and staff will warmly welcome you or The Laaiplek Hotel where Annetjie and her staff will make you feel just as at home, you can email Annetjie at laaiplek@eigevis.com

The West Coast is definitely a place to visit, make sure it's on your list.

For customised tours of the region email us on info@travelsatleisure.com

or visit our website to experience more of South Africa's beauty in a unique way www.travelsatleisure.com

The product of the vine

As I get older, my appreciation for wine has just increased.

I fell in love with wine through my travels,

but knowing what the wine country is all about definitely makes it my own.
(Jeff Gordon)

As you travel around the Cape, you get to experience spectacular scenery, mountains, the ocean, nature, there's loads to see and do, but something that makes the Cape so unique from other areas in South Africa is its array of wine farms.

The Winelands cover an area exceeding 112 700 hectares.  The earliest recorded wine production dates back to 1659. The climate and soil conditions have made the Cape the ideal region for wine production. As you travel around the country side you will see the vines growing up and around the mountains waiting to produce a full bounty of grapes.

There are over 17 regions in the Cape producing top quality wine. For example there is the famous Constantia, Stellenbosch and Paarl wine routes, Darling, Durbanville and the West Coast just to mention a few.  South Africa is the 8^th largest wine producer in the world, with over 900 million litre's of wine. Whether you prefer red or white,you will be spoilt for choice. There are five main grape varieties Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colombard, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc. Experienced wine makers work their magic in producing wines that appeal to almost any palette.

Visiting the Wine Farms is a treat and you can make a day of it.  Many have a rich cultural heritage, with interesting old Homesteads to view and wonderful restaurants offering food that showcases the best of South African cuisine and of course the opportunity to taste the fruit of the vine.

Do a cheese and wine tasting or walk around the Estates and soak up the beauty of the Cape setting.  As you swirl your glass of wine to get the best bouquet and enjoy the hospitality that is associated with this region, you will know that you are in one of the best places in the world.

"Babylonstoren" in the Franschhoek valley, is a Wine Farm with a difference.  You can join a guided cellar tour that starts daily at 12 noon.  Go through the whole winemaking process from the Vineyard to the end product.  Enjoy a cheese and wine tasting, or perhaps a lunch at "Babel" where you will be treated to freshly prepared food produced on the farm itself. It's a Farm that has won awards and its definitely a place where as one Guest put it, "you can fall in love with the world again"

Experience warm Cape hospitality and spoil yourself to a weekend away from it all.

To book email us at info@travelsatleisure.com or go to

http://www.travelsatleisure.com/ to see what other treasures South Africa has to offer.

Flowers, Flowers and more Flowers

" Flowers whisper "Beauty!" to the world,
even as they fade, wilt, fall. " 

- Dr. SunWolf -

It's the small things in the world that make us sit up and take notice. 

Vast fields of wild flowers, colours of every hue, is one such inspiring occasion!

 The Namaqualand Region which stretches from the town of Garies in the South (which is approx 472 km's from Cape Town) to the Orange River in the North.  The western boarder is the wild Atlantic Coast and the town of Pofadder (approx 651 km's from Cape Town) marks the eastern boarder.  This vast area which in the summer appears dry and heartless  suddenly dresses up for the occasion and produces a spectacular floral banquet. Little wonder that each year huge numbers of visitors flock to see the wild flowers, which can be viewed from  August and into September, after the winter rainfalls.  The flowers are at their most beautiful on a glorious sunny day.

A Tour taken along the Cape's West Coast is definitely a worthwhile one. The tour can be organised in such a way that you will be taken to the best possible places, to view the flowers as well as other places of interest. Because of the limited season it is important that you plan now for your trip. The best time would be the last weekend in August and the first week in September, as many of the annual flower shows will also take place. 

To wet your appetite here is a preview of the trip. One of the ports of call is Citrusdal, which is only a 2 hour drive from Cape Town. This town lies between the Koue Bokkeveld and Swartberg Mountain. This area is well known for it’s citrus orchards and large Rooibos Tea fields. This is the only region in the world where the Rooibos is grown. For those of you who are not familiar with Rooibos Tea, it is a brew enjoyed by many of the local people. Not strictly a tea but rather a herbal infusion. A pure and natural product!


Rooibos Tea


Another place to see is the Ramskop Nature Reserve, where there are 350 different species of wild flower. This is in the Clanwilliam area. In this area you will also visit the Biedouw Valley Reserve, which lies between the Biedouw and the Tra-Tra Mountains. Some of the flowers that you are likely to see is the Yellow/White Nemesias, The Blue Heliophilas and so many more. A wide variety of “Vygies”, and Rooibos plants!

The best kept secret of the region is the Tankwa Karoo National Park. A very unusual plant to see is the Snow Protea, which only grows in the Cederberg area. They can live up to 70 years of age and the flower takes a full year to open. A must see!

Vanrhysdorp, Bitterfontein, Kamieskroon, Ceres and the list goes on and on. 
There are a variety of organised trips to choose from. Some are day trips and others range from 1 night to 3 nights. The tours can also be tailor made to suit the area and parks you would like to visit. 

You could also consider a Farm Stay in Sutherland.  The first night is spent in the town of Sutherland affording a perfect opportunity to view the beautiful Stars, the second night is spent at a Farm 55 km's outside of Sutherland.  Meals (Breakfast, Light Lunch & Supper incl).

The West Coast Flower Line +27 071 320 7146 can provide you with information on the best flower viewing spots if you feel like taking a drive.

For more information on customised Flower Tours contact us at info@travelsatleisure.com

or go to www.travelsatleisure.com to see what else South Africa has to offer.

Take time to stop and see the Flowers
It may just be what you need to recharge!