Month: May 2018

The Constantia Wine Route in Cape Town

No visit to Cape Town is complete without a tour of the Constantia Wine Route, a rich and diverse wine-making destination with many wonderful attractions. The structures on the estates here are grand and historic, the world-class wines are delightful and the astounding landscapes will take your breath away!

Constantia’s Wine Route hums with the sweet serenity of the Western Cape countryside. Its natural unspoilt beauty makes it the perfect escape from any bustling city. Conveniently, though, the wine farm gems of Constantia are just a short drive away from the Cape Town city centre. Less than 20 minutes.

A brief look at Constantia’s history and offerings…

Constantia Wine Route history

Simon van der Stel, VOC Governor of the Cape of Good Hope built a Cape Dutch-style manor house and began to produce wine on the grounds of Groot Constantia. The land was granted to him in 1685. In addition to wine production, Van der Stel used the grounds to grow vegetables and begin cattle farming. After his death in 1712, the estate was divided into three – Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Bergvliet – and sold.

The part of the estate with Van der Stel’s manor house was sold to the Cloete family in 1779. Cloete upgraded the mansion. In addition, he planted extensive vineyards and added a wine cellar. In 1885, the estate, which had come to be known for its production of Constantia dessert wine, was sold to the government of the Cape of Good Hope. However, the house had to be restored following a devastating fire in 1925.

After becoming part of the South African Cultural History Museum in 1969 (the old manor house, that is), the Groot Constantia Trust took possession of the estate in 1993. Since then, several other Cape Town estates have joined Groot Constantia to form the lovely Constantia Wine Route. The original manor house now features an exhibition focusing on rural slavery and slave life during the Cape colonial period.

The Groot Constantia Manor House.

Wine tasting and food

Estates that joined Groot Constantia include Klein Constantia, Constantia Uitsig, Buitenverwachting, Steenberg and Constantia Glen. These are some of the best wine farms in Cape Town, each with their signature wines and unique history and tourist attractions in the Constantia Wine Region of the Cape Winelands. Eagles’ Nest, Silvermist Vineyards and Beau Constantia are other estates forming part of the scenic wine route.

As you might expect, wine tasting is a major reason why people visit the Constantia Wine Route in Cape Town. And with so many fertile wine estates to explore, visitors are spoilt for choice. From award-winning dessert wines to full-bodied whites and premium red wine blends, Constantia has it all. Furthermore, one can enjoy delicious food and wine pairings and there are some fantastic restaurants on the estates.

Restaurants that serve mouth-watering foods in Constantia include Jonkershuis Constantia, Green Vine Eatery, Bistro Sixteen82, the Greenhouse at Cellars Hohenort, Tryn, La Colombe and Beyond Restaurant. The Bistro @ Klein Constantia, Chardonnay Deli and Blockhouse Kitchen are other food establishments that are well worth visiting. Eating and drinking isn’t all that there is to do on the Constantia Wine Route, though.

A Beau Constantia wine and food pairing.

Constantia Wine Tour and wines

On a Hike Addicts Constantia Wine Tour, you get to explore five-star wine estates with lush sweeping vineyards and beautiful buildings steeped in history. You’ll learn about the wineries and get personal insights into how winemakers produce wines, as you sample them in the process. These are world-famous wines that you commonly find on public ‘best wine’ lists. As a tour bonus, you get to sample delectable foods.

Groot Constantia produces wine greats such as Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon, Gouverneurs Reserve Red and, of course, Grand Constance. Klein Constantia continues its tradition of producing the naturally sweet Vin de Constance. It also manufactures red blends like Anwilka and Petit Frère and various white and red “Estate” wines. Additionally, they offer an affordable “KC Range” on the Constantia Wine Route.

The Constantia Uitsig estate specialises in the production of the white wine favourites Sémillon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. They also make a selection of blends, namely Natura Vista, Red Horizon and Méthod Cap Classique. Buitenverwachting, which has a unique cool climate, produces rich Sauvignon Blancs and reds. Moreover, it has a “Vintage” range. These are just some of the wines available on a few estates.

Groot Constantia wine range.

Ready to discover the Constantia Wine Route in Cape Town? Book a wine tour of Constantia through our website now. Alternatively, contact us if you have questions about the tour or would like to learn more.

Tags cape town, cape winelands, constantia wine route, south africa, Table Mountain, things to do in constantia, wine tasting, wine tours, winemaking history

Experience Cape Point without missing out on anything

Cape Point. A place that so many tourists forget about. People know about Table Mountain and other attractions in Cape Town, but they forget about Cape Point. This is where the two different oceans meet. This is the end-point of Africa and South Africa. But, this isn’t all that you need to know about Cape Point. There are a lot of attractions that you can see, and activities that you can do.

This is one of the most beautiful points in Cape Town. Some say it’s even better than Table Mountain. Before you decide that this isn’t going to be on your go-to list, they should make sure about everything you are going to miss out on. It might be somewhat of a hike to get to the edge of Cape Point, but then you will be standing on the end of Africa. A place where not many people are able to get to. This is everything you need to know about Cape Point and why this is something that you should try to visit, during your Cape Town stay.

Cape Point lighthouse

Something that you should not miss out on is the Cape Point lighthouse. It might be a short hike to the lighthouse, but this is going to be worth it. The best part of this lighthouse is that the lighthouse is still working. Each and every night. People think that lighthouses don’t work anymore, but this isn’t the truth. This is just one of a couple of lighthouses in and around Cape Town that is still working today.

The lighthouseis one of the first lighthouses that were builtin the Cape Town area. This is because of the two oceans that are getting together and that can cause lots of ships to crash onto the rocks, years ago. This is great to see how the lighthouse worksand learn more about the lighthouse, and the many lives they have saved.

Some interesting facts about the Cape point lighthouse: The height of the focal plane of the lighthouse is 87 meters above the high water. The lighthouse is giving three flashes every three seconds. Making sure that the ships in the area areaware ofthe rocks and other danger areas. The strength of the light is 10 000 000 Candelas and is visible for a distance of thirty-four nautical sea miles. The brightest lighthouse in the Cape area.

Hiking to the point where South Africa ends

You might not be able to drive to the exact point where South Africa and the Cape ends, but you can always hike to the point. And, this will be worth the hike. Not only is the flora of the trail something to see, but you have a view over the ocean, every step of the way.

At the furthest point, you will be standing where South Africa and Africa ends. Where the two oceans meet. The only place in the world where you can go to the tip of a land, and see two oceans meet. This is a sight that is worth the hiking. An experience that you will not forget ever again. After your hike to the point of Africa, you can go and eat at one of the best restaurants in the area. There you will find a large variety of seafood and some great cocktails. You might be tired of the hike to Cape Point and back, but the food at the restaurants in the area will strengthen you again from the inside.

Seeing a different side to Cape point per boat

There are many boats that are taking tourists to Cape Point. From the ocean’s side. The boats are giving you a completely different look of Cape Town, Cape Point and the exact place where the two oceans meet.

If you are lucky, you might even be able to see whales or dolphins on the route to Cape Point. This is a great experience that the whole family can enjoy. You can make a day outing of it, especially if you are hiring a boat that are taking tourists around the Cape to see the Cape, Robben Island and Table Mountain from the ocean’s side. A breathtaking view that’s unique and that you will not see ever again. There are many people that don’tknow about these boat trips, or they don’t realize the view that they are going to get. This is an experience that is completely different from when you are standing on the edge of Africa. Cape Point.

Visit the largest bird in South Africa near Cape point

The largest bird in South Africa? We are talking about the ostrich. And, if you are at Cape point, you should make time to go to the Cape Point ostrich farm. There you will learn some interesting facts about ostriches. Will be able to see and touch a real ostrich egg and feather. If you are adventurous, you can even get a ride on one of the ostriches. But, then you really need to have the guts for it. This isn’t like riding a horse.

And, if go to the ostrich farm ata certain time of year, you will beable to see the baby ostriches. They are cute and look completely different from their parents. This will be an interesting and great learning experience for you as well as for your children. There are a tea garden and restaurant where you can get some real ostrich meals. You will also be able to purchase some great ostrich products at their shop that you can take home or to give as a present to someone special. Popular gifts that people are buying here are the ostrich egg and the different colored feathers.

The two oceans restaurant for a view to die for, and a meal that is real South African

You can’t leave the Cape point area without visiting the two oceans restaurant. This is the most popular restaurant in the whole of Cape Town. Not only do they serve the best food in Cape Town, but they have a view to die for.

The restaurant opened its doors in 1995, and since then they are the most popular restaurant in the area. Serving the freshest seafood dishes, from the most qualified chefs. The restaurant has improved the building recently, giving you an even better view off the two oceans meets. The restaurant is now part of the Good hope section and the Table Mountain National park. Making sure that everyone can dine at the restaurant, enjoying great South African meals. If you love sushi, then this is the place to go.

They have a sushi bar, where you can select from a large variety of sushi. And, if you have nevertried sushi before, this is the place to try it for the first time. You can’t leave Cape Point without a visit to the Two Oceans restaurant. If you want to make sure that you are getting a real South African meal, then you should visit this restaurant. You might want to make reservations, otherwise,you might be disappointed when you are arriving and find that the restaurant is full.

Different activities that you can do here

If you are one of those people that love doing outdoor activities, you don’t need to worry. There are a large variety of things that you can do in and around Cape Point. Water sports activities are really popular in South Africa, and you will not be disappointed with the number of things that you can do in and around Cape Point.

Some of the things that you can do there are hiking, biking, swimming and having a great outdoor picnic. Different hiking spots and different biking spots that are great for the whole family. If you are an experienced diver, you will also be able to find some great diving spots in the area. There are other activities as well, but it depends on the weather and time of year that you are at Cape Point.

Shopping paradise for shop lovers

The part that most women like. Shopping. There are a large variety of local shops at Cape Point. Shops that are selling local products and things that you can buy to remember Cape point for a very long time. This is also the place where you can find some great special sand unique items that are made by hand. Shopping malls and markets are everywhere in Cape Town, and you will find a place or two in Cape Point that you will like. The one thing that you will also find at these shops is fresh seafood at great prices. You will not get any fresher seafood than there.

Cape Point. A place that is almost just as popular as Table Mountain. The reason why so many people don’t go to Cape Pointis that they think that Table Mountain is the only tourist attraction in the area. If you ever think about Cape Town and going there for a great experience, then you should make sure that you are going to Cape Point and experience the one place where the two oceans meet and Africa ends.

The fastest hike up Table Mountain

The fastest hike up Table Mountain in Cape Town is Platteklip Gorge. It takes approximately two hours to hike the Platteklip trail, which covers a distance of two plus kilometres. This Platteklip Gorge hike time or Platteklip Gorge hike duration factors in rest breaks, safety and a moderate fitness level.

While a Platteklip Gorge hike is the quickest hike up Table Mountain, it is not the best hike up Table Mountain, in my opinion. Some folks might disagree, of course. The route is pretty much the least scenic on the mountain. This is because the angle of Platteklip Gorge greatly restricts views. Hikers do still get to enjoy sights of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean, though, and the rock formations on the way up are amazing.

The rock formations on the steep Platteklip Gorge, Table Mountain.

Cape Town’s fastest hike up Table Mountain: description

As hikers may expect, the fastest hike up Table Mountain is the most direct route. However, the Platteklip Gorge walking route is not only the quickest but also the steepest hiking route up Table Mountain. You do need to be fit to hike this route. Technically, Platteklip is an easy hiking route, as there isn’t any scrambling or climbing. Still, it can be challenging, especially for hiking beginners, and it is often hot and crowded.

Platteklip gorge route is a stair-like route, better described as rocks and boulders in a stair like form. It is not our favourite route, but it beats the cable car. I generally recommend a more adventurous and exciting Table Mountain hike, one where you enjoy incredible views the entire way up. India Venster or Kasteelspoort are great examples of alternate hiking routes up Table Mountain that effectively do it justice.

Platteklip’s rocky, concrete stairs will give you a workout! Fortunately, you can rest on the way up.

The Platteklip hike and other Table Mountain hiking trails

If you really want the fastest hike up Table Mountain and are terrified of heights, then Platteklip Gorge is your route. Otherwise, consider a Skeleton Gorge hike or a Kasteelspoort hike. The best time to hike Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge trail is early morning. There is little shelter from the sun on Platteklip Gorge. The route heats up quickly as the sun rises over and around from the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.

Have a safe Platteklip hike. Know what to take with you and how to go about planning a Table Mountain hike. Be aware of your limits, and more importantly, what you are getting yourself into. If you are not fit, then you may wish to opt for the cable car or take one of the many Table Mountain hiking routes that don’t go to the top but instead go around Table Mountain. A Table Mountain guided hike is always a good idea.

The Pipe Track, an easy and scenic Table Mountain hiking route that doesn’t go to the summit.

Want to hike the fastest hike up Table Mountain? Perhaps try the Skeleton Gorge route or Kasteelspoort hiking trail? Check out our Table Mountain hiking tours on our website or contact Hike Addicts here.

Tags cape town, hiking, hiking routes, platteklip gorge, south africa, Table Mountain

Table Mountain hike time info for hikers

In this post, I list popular hike routes on Table Mountain and provide information on the Table Mountain hike time, distances, difficulty levels and more. Hopefully you will find this helpful.

There are many tourists that simply want to tick this adventure off their bucket list and get up Table Mountain. They want the fastest hike up Table Mountain; they want to get it done! And fair enough, any Table Mountain hiking route is better than taking the cable car (hiking fanatic alert).

Tags cape town, hike, hike time, hiking, hiking routes, popular hikes, south africa, Table Mountain