Top 10 Experiences in South Africa

The lure of the exotic; the mysteries of the unknown, the confluence of cultures… South Africa has a universal, seductive appeal.

1.    Scenic splendor

South Africa has some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery in the world. Expect miles of golden beaches and unspoiled coastline; dramatic mountains and mountain passes; 19 national parks; game reserves teeming with big game and hundreds of birds; ancient forests; semi-deserts; oceans and rivers; rolling grasslands, and natural flower fields – all waiting to be explored.

2.    Winelands

South Africa’s vineyards have been producing some of the best wines in the world for more than 300 years. Wine regions stretch from the Western Cape to the Northern Cape, where you can sample wine at world-famous estates or little-known gems. Where there’s great wine, there’s also great food – so Bon Appétit!

 3.    Safaris

South Africa has some of the best and most accessible safari destinations in the world. You can luxuriate at a world-class private lodge and go on guided jeep, walking or elephant-back safaris.

4.     Kruger National Park

The size of Israel or Wales, Kruger is one of the world’s oldest and most famous game reserves and is teeming with game.

Here’s where you’ll find the famous Big 5: buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino.

 

5.    Struggle sites, rock art and historic battlefields

You can visit our top Struggle sites and museums and follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest freedom icons in modern history, such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and Mahatma Gandhi. South African rock art is among the best in the world and historic battlefields abound.

 6.    Marine magnificence

Where else can a person sail beside a whale, or watch whale mothers and babies bask and roll; go eye-to-eye with different kinds of sharks; cage dive with great whites; be charmed by friendly penguins and leaping dolphins; experience some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world; watch giant turtles lay their eggs on deserted beaches; or see the hatchlings making their desperate run for the sea?

7.    Getting to know the locals

You can spend time in a city township you’ll be amazed at the activities and experiences on offer.

Spend some time at a Zulu cultural village, admire the intricate beadwork, metal neck rings and unique geometric mural art of the Ndebele people; enjoy the hospitality of a South African farm.

Take the opportunity to chat with the locals – South Africans are known for being warm, friendly and welcoming to visitors.

 

 8.    Outdoor rush

Gorgeous, sunny weather most of the time, spectacular locations, loads of mega-thrill adventures (including the highest commercial bridge bungee jump in the world), river rafting, abseiling, hiking, horse riding, hiking, paragliding and 4×4 routes – South Africa is known as the adventure Capital of the World.

9.    Indulge the senses

Relax and rejuvenate the South African way. Visitors will find health and wellness retreats – many of them globally award-winning – throughout the country.

Many use indigenous oils and ingredients to help clients de-stress and wind down – by the beach, in the bush, at a hotel, or wherever they are.

10.    Urban rhythm

Experience the unique rhythm of our cities when feeling the beat of live kwaito, hip-hop or jazz at a local nightclub, bar or township shebeen (tavern).

Be entertained in our theatres; play at our ritzy casinos; visit our unique museums and art galleries.

Shop in glitzy shopping malls or African craft markets; or dine in our fabulous restaurants.

Our itineraries highlight the best of South Africa. Click here to learn more!

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Valentine Venues on the Cape

Sweethearts pining for adventure will find plenty to love in Cape Town. Whether you’re fortunate enough to be in The Mother City right now or are planning a trip in the future, here are some hot spots to keep in mind.

V&A Waterfront

Treat your beloved to a breakfast at any of the V&A Waterfront’s superb restaurants.

Get those hearts racing with an exhilarating helicopter ride over the harbor or an unforgettable shark diving experience at the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Spend the afternoon on some retail therapy at various fashion stores before hopping aboard the Wheel of Excellence for a bird’s eye view of the city.

City Sightseeing Cape Town

Explore the Peninsula on the City Sightseeing Bus and visit the Constantia Winelands (embark on the Wine Tour for this), take a relaxing Canal Cruise, or enjoy a walk along Hout Bay or Camps Bay beach (get your tickets for the Red or Blue Tours).

Pack a picnic and hop on the City Sightseeing Night Tour that stops off at Signal Hill where you can enjoy a romantic sunset.

Cape Point

Revel in the sensational views and special Red Hot Menu at Cape Point’s renowned Two Oceans Restaurant. If you’re feeling more lonesome than loved, the Blue menu will cheer you up just fine.

Afterwards take a ride on the impressive Flying Dutchman Funicular or hike along the nearby trails.

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Cableway’s Summer Sunset half-price special, and enjoy a picnic or dinner as you watch the sun go down.

Happy Valentines Day from all of us at Go Touch Down Travel & Tours!

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The Rhythms of Cape Town

What You’ll Discover

The rhythms of Cape Town are as complex and interesting as her multicultural people. Most of all, the Mother City is known for its unique take on jazz and hip hop, although an abundance of music continues to pour out of the city’s many musical genres.

Cape jazz is a distinctive mix of Western and African influences, and a highlight on any jazz aficionado’s calendar should be the annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

The hip hop scene is another big genre to come out of Cape Town, which includes a most unconventional rapping in Afrikaans and Xhosa.

What You’ll See

Cape Minstrel Carnival
The Cape Minstrel Carnival traditionally takes place on the second of January each year, the one and only day that slaves in the Cape were given off. Locally known as Tweede Nuwejaar (second new year), it is one of Cape Town’s longest-running street parties, made of merrymaking, music and a parade of colorful dancing performers that make their way from Zonnebloem, formerly known as District Six, through the City Centre.

Traditional African Music
Traditional African music stems from a mix of South Africa’s African cultures, with the most popular activity being djembe drumming. African rhythmic experiences can be found at places like the Gold of Africa restaurant, the Africa Café and Zula Bar in the City Centre; but if you really want to kwela, try AmaZink Live, a new homegrown township musical and dining experience in the heart of Kayamandi, near Stellenbosch.

and more…
Pop, rock, electro, zef … you name it, Cape Town’s musicians are experimental and ambitious, and many have made a name for themselves outside of the Mother City’s borders. Freshlyground, Die Antwoord, Goldfish, Locnville and Abdullah Ibrahim are to name but a few. These artists are ambassadors for the country, and every performance is a showcase of South Africa’s varied cultures and potential.

Your Cape Town Experience features the best of The Mother City, a rare cultural gem.

Tours leave weekly with Go Touch Down Travel & Tours.

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7 things to experience in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, the capital city of South Africa, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

So, what is there to do in this stunning city?

1) Wine Tasting – I am sure everyone has seen the bottles of wine from South Africa at your local liquor store. However, some of South Africa’s best-kept-secrets, are not exported to the Americas, we only get to taste the quaffer wines.  You have to experience this yourself to appreciate the exceptional elegant and bold combination of these award-winning South African wines and the unforgettable scenery of the winelands they hail from. There are many wineland regions, the most famous of which are Constantia, Elgin,  Franschhoek, Paarl, Robertson, Stellenbosch, Swartland, Walker Bay and Worcester.

2) White Shark Cage Diving – This is exactly what it sounds like, a high-intensity cage diving experience with Great White’s surrounding you.

3) Table Mountain – You can either hike or take a cable car to the summit of this 3,000 ft. mountain. Named for its resemblance of a table (and tablecloth when it is cloud covered) this iconic image of Cape Town can been seen from almost anywhere in the city.

4) Cape Point – Cape Point is one of the most southern points of Africa, and is among the greatest landmarks in the world. As the legend states, this is where two oceans meet, the cold icy waters of the Atlantic ocean meet the calm currents of the Indian ocean. The pinnacle of Cape Point is within Cape Point Nature Reserve, perhaps the most scenically spectacular park in South Africa.

5) Victoria and Alfred Waterfront – Also known as the V & A Waterfront, this is South Africa’s shopping Mecca! It is famous for its upscale shopping (such as Versace and Prada), fine dining (Harry’s Pancakes and Balduccis’) and attractions (Two Oceans Aquarium).  This beautiful harbour front district has as many tourists as the Kruger National Park!

6) Simon’s Town Penguin Colony –  It is amazing not to see snow around these cute creatures! The African penguins, now regarded as an endangered species, are very much at home in their natural South African habitat on the beach of Simon’s Town.

7) Cape Town Stadium – This stadium was originally called the Green Point Stadium, but for the FIFA 2010 World Cup, it was torn down and re-built larger. Cape Town Stadium seats 64,100 people and was recently the venue for the U2 concert!
These are some of the adventures offered in our Cape Town Experience. For more information or a price quote on this 8 day / 7 night dream vacation, contact Go Touch Down Travel and Tours or visit us at http://www.touchcorporation.com/.

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