Windhoek is usually the first city visitors experience when arriving in Namibia but also the last destination before embarking on their onward flight. The German colonial influence is clearly visible in the architecture of the city.
In Windhoek, you’ll discover lifestyles ranging from sophisticated to simple, modern to historical, with hints of each visible in everything from the beautifully restored Colonial architecture, to the modernity of the commercial high-rise buildings. This fascinating city is redolent with history, historical buildings and monuments which pay tribute to its rich heritage
The Winelands offer breathtaking scenery, historic homesteads on wine estates, superb restaurants and of course, copious quantities of fabulous wines. Like the wine it’s a region best savoured rather than visited for a day from Cape Town (time permitting). Allow yourself time not only for the food and wine but also for the landscape itself. There are dramatic mountains such as Simonsberg and the Helderberg, which dominate the surrounding area. These mountain ranges make for great walking and birding and there are plenty of well-mapped footpaths available for exploring. Alternatively, make the most of the views by driving to the top of the Franschhoek, Helshoogte or Bainskloof passes
Historical glorious Stellenbosch; Sidewalk cafes, oak lined streets and elegant architecture are all perfectly blended in the old university town. With its Cape Dutch architecture, it is the warm and wonderful heart of the Cape Winelands, and is surrounded by stunning wine estates; and you’ll love exploring the fine art galleries, the architecture, the history, and the curious and quaint shops
Franschhoek was originally known as ‘Olifants Hoek’, after elephants took to calving in the sheltered valley. Between 1688 and 1690 land was apportioned to 200 Huguenots fleeing persecution in France. Finding the climate similar to that of France, the settlers planted vines. Today, 20 members of the Vignerons produce wines consumed throughout the world.
Nestled below the landmark Paarl (Dutch for Pearl) rock, this is the home to the world famous KWV and Nederburg wine labels. Paarl boasts the Afrikaans Language Monument, with its striking design and the stunning vistas, it is the only monument to a language in the world.
