Cape Town Experience

Day 1 - Arrive into Cape Town International Airport (airport code CPT)

Today you will be met at the airport and taken to our volunteer house in Fish Hoek. You’ll need to arrive in before 4pm so that you’re all ready for the briefing session which kicks off at 5pm. The journey from the airport to Fish Hoek should take around 45 minutes and if you keep your eyes open you might get to see Table Mountain on the way! After the briefing you will have an evening meal and some time to relax.

If you aren’t able to arrange a flight to get you into Cape Town before 4pm then we’d recommend you fly in a day early. We can arrange an early airport pick-up for you including one night’s accommodation, please give us a call for more information.

Day 2 – Township experience

Today you will experience the vibrant township life of Masiphumelele (Masi to the locals), situated along the Cape Point Route. You’ll be guided through this friendly township whose name means “we will succeed” in English. This informal Xhosa settlement was first developed in 1992 by people from the Eastern Cape coming to Cape Town and looking for work opportunities. The township has grown enormously since then and is now home to more than 25,000 residents with the majority living in poverty.

Your guided walk will include an introduction to the way of life for the residents in this township; including shops, crèche’s and local artists. Your guide is a resident of Masi and she will be able to give you a far greater insight into the community life of a township population that you could achieve on other tours. On the tour you will pop into crèches providing child care to as many as 70 preschool children per crèche, giving them a safe learning environment while their parents go out to work. They empower and support the families of the children of the Masiphumelele community, many affected by Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Your guide will share her insights into Masi history and culture; there won’t be much you don’t know by the end of the day.

In the afternoon you will have the chance to meet some of the innovative residents by visiting a junk recycling beach litter programme. It’s a simple case of turning rubbish into something worthwhile and keeping the area clean at the same time. You will be amazed at what can be turned into something saleable and you will get the chance to make your own piece of art, with expert tuition of course. Your day of cultural immersion finishes with the most important thing of all – food. You’ll learn how to make a traditional African dish and get to eat the fruits of your labour too.

Breakfast included, self-cooked African meal included

Day 3 - Wine tasting

Time to taste South Africa; sample some of the world-famous wine and give your opinion!

You will spend the full day visiting the world famous wine producing area of Stellenbosch situated in the Hottentot Holland Mountain region of the Western Cape. Many farms are steeped in the early Dutch/Afrikaans culture and history. The farm buildings are classic examples of Cape Dutch architecture and the towns also have finely preserved examples of Georgian and Victorians buildings. Highlights include stunning mountain scenery, cellar tour and two wine tastings, with a third wine tasting if time permits.

You will see the Hellshoogte mountain pass, one of the most beautiful passes in the world. Lunch will be in Stellenbosch or Franschoek (dependent on timings) and you will have a short tour of Stellenbosch during the day as well.

Any entrance fees, wine tastings, food and drinks are not included. Please note: tastings cost R20 per farm – however if you buy wine – you drink for free.

Breakfast included.

Day 4 – Cape Peninsula

Today you’ll be exploring everything that the Cape Peninsula has to offer, and there is a lot.

You will have the chance visit the naughty African penguins at Boulder Bay and the Cape Point Nature Reserve. The reserve is home to many species of antelope, zebra, ostrich, and the Chacma baboons (watch out they will steal your ice cream is you let them!). You’ll also go to the most south-westerly tip of Africa, The Cape of Good Hope.

The peninsula is a crooked finger of land that juts into the sea. The coastline is a combination of steep mountain slopes descending directly into the sea and gentle white sandy beaches. Table Mountain National Park incorporates the entire peninsula, including Cape Town city bowl as well as the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

Travelling back along the scenic coastal road of Chapman’s Peak we will pop into Kirstenbosch Gardens which was voted best picnic spot in the world. Weather permitting we will visit Table Mountain and then travel back to Fish Hoek along the Atlantic seaboard.

Lunch and entrance fees not included. Cape Point (R80), Boulders Beach (R45) and Kirstenbosch (R20), Table Mountain cable car (R120).

Breakfast included.

Days 5 to 6 – Cape Town

After breakfast you will transfer to your accommodation for the weekend in Cape Town. You’ll be in a hostel in the city centre giving you the best opportunity to explore the many sights that the city has to offer. You’ll be given help and advice on how to get about, what to do and how to make bookings but the weekend will be free for you to explore at your leisure.

Some of the must-see attractions are Table Mountain (if the weather didn’t allow on Day 4) or you can walk up it for free. V&A Waterfront and the wealth of shopping opportunities there, this is also the place to catch a boat trip to Robben Island, there is also a sightseeing bus that will take you around the city attractions including Greenmarket Square flea market and District 6 museum.

There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to sample in the local area and close to your hostel. Again, the team can help point you in the right direction.

Day 7 - Your last day

After breakfast you will need to check out of your accommodation in Cape Town and continue with your onward travel plans. Your return transfer to the airport is not included in the cost but we can make arrangements for you if you would like.