TRAVEL

Cape Town Step Into Spring Ladies Tour

BY 50 AND ME

step into spring

Join us for an amazing 3 nights / 4 days ladies tour to Cape Town from 31 August 2022 to 2 September 2022.

31 August 2022

On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to the V&A Waterfront. Spend time browsing, and grab a bite to eat before being transferred to Kloof Street Hotel (Bed & Breakfast).

As its name suggests, Kloof Street Hotel is situated on popular Kloof Street, located close to Cape Town central. Kloof Street Hotel’s rooms are modern and all maintain a signature style – earthy and natural materials, light and airy, with comfort in mind above all else. Strikingly natural in decor and vibrant in personality, this theme carries up to the sunny rooftop deck with its bar, pool, loungers and outside tables for those who’d prefer to dine al fresco. With its lush greenery, loungers, and an ice-cold Pina Colada in hand, you could be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere tropical, and not in the very heart of Cape Town.

Late afternoon we will transfer to one of the most iconic sunset view sights of Table Mountain. After sunset, join us for a culinary treat at one of Cape Town’s best kept local secrets.

Unpretentious – from scratch to passion: Our unique fine-dining and culinary experience is the product of Matt’s undeniable love for hospitality and years of exposure to the industry. Our Asian, European and locally inspired dishes are created with the specific intention to awe the senses and transport you on a journey of undiscovered, delectable flavours. Everything on our menu is home-made using quality, local ingredients.

Return to the hotel for overnight. For the night owls amongst us, Kloof Street night life beckons.

01 September 2022 

Today we say goodbye to some creature comforts and set out on a journey that every South African should aim to do once in their lifetime – hike Table Mountain! It is an early check out and departure from the hotel with packed breakfasts for the hikers. Those who want to take the Cable Car up instead can sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the Cable Way.

Platteklip Gorge hike is the oldest, easiest and most direct route to the summit and therefore also the most popular, so expect company along the way. The hike follows a well-constructed trail up a deep ravine on the iconic front face of the mountain, featuring imposing cliffs in its upper reaches. We start our ascent from the lower cable car station up Table Mountain’s northern slopes to the Contour Path. This is a beautiful level path running across the front of Table Mountain staring down at the city, and Table Bay.

We will have plenty of time to take in the mountain and appreciate the surroundings before the path is intersected and we start a steep ascent up Platteklip Gorge.
Platteklip Gorge, meaning flat rock gorge is known for its large

flat rocks and impressive ‘Table Mountain sandstone’ cliffs. This Table Mountain hiking route is covered in fynbos, and a

river passes through it. You’ll find a variety of fauna and flora

around this area.
The route overlooks the City, Table Bay, and Devil’s Peak. On

a clear day, you can see out for kilometres. Platteklip Gorge splits the cliffs of the main plateau, and the angle of the gorge

restricts views a little. But don’t let this put you off as this

route leads you to the top and the views from the top of Table Mountain are described as one of the most epic in Africa.
The route receives direct sunlight most of the day so is best hiked early morning.

 

What level of fitness is required?

A relatively good fitness level is required to hike this route to the summit.

How long does the hike to the top take?

The average time estimation to reach the summit via Platteklip Gorge is anywhere from 2.5 – 3 hours one way. Depending on your fitness levels and the number of times we stop to admire the spectacular views and capture these moments with Instagram-worthy pictures.

Distance to the top: +/- 2.5km

Time to the top: 2.5 – 3 hours to get to the top but we have no rush at all. Difficulty to the top: Moderate

Terrain: Single rocky track, stone steps. There are some steep sections.

Enjoy the breath-taking views at the highest point on Table Mountain- Maclear’s Beacon.From there it is an easier stretch than coming up Platteklip Gorge to get to one of Table Mountain’s dams where we will picnic.

We’ll finish the Spring Day’s hike with a short, easy stroll to our accommodation for the night on top of the world with delicious food and plenty of toasts to an incredible Spring Day!

Imagine the city at your feet and the stars as your canopy. The beautiful Overseers Cottage gives you the awesome opportunity to spend a night on Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, in comfort and surrounded by jaw-dropping views of the entire peninsula. It’s a rare privilege to spend a night at this special place.Overseers Cottage is self-catering and is a comfortable and stylish, renovated old stone cottage. Comfy couches, a big fireplace, gas-heated hot showers and several rooms with big soft beds, which will relax you after your long hike.

02 September 2022

Wake up with the sun rising over Cape Town, the Mother City, below.

Mindful Stretching Class is available for all our early rises, followed by a “help yourself” hiker’s breakfast.

We set off after breakfast down the other side of Table Mountain. It’s a good opportunity to loosen the legs after yesterday’s hike. This journey is a manageable 4km jeep track that meanders down to Constantia Nek where our transport awaits. From Constantia Nek, we head down into Hout Bay and over Chapman’s Peak with stops to enjoy the view, before arriving at the Noordhoek Farm Village for lunch (lunch at own expense) and / or shopping. Kirsten’s Kick-ass Ice Cream is highly recommended!

After lunch, we will transfer to our overnight accommodation nearby at Monkey Valley Resort (Bed and Breakfast).

Nestled within the Milkwood Forest at the foot of Chapman’s Peak is Monkey Valley Resort. The resort has an unrivaled view of the Noordhoek beach and nature reserve,and was built with a sustainable environmentally friendly ethos in order to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
It is one of the most unique properties in the world:

  • Surrounded by nature reserve on three sides
  • Set in a rare forest of giant milkwood trees (whose root stock may be over 2000 years old) which Monkey Valley is designed to protect
  • Direct access onto an 8 kilometer long unspoiled beach
  • Whales, dolphins, seagulls, a lagoon where pelicans and flamingos are often seen
  • Superb views over the sea and two oceans and up the magnificent Chapmans Peak mountain behind.

After time to settle in and freshen up, for those interested in a spot of wine tasting, we will be transferred to the female-driven Cape Point Vineyards.

Cape Point Vineyards is a family owned, female driven Vineyard that is uniquely located in Noordhoek on the Cape Peninsula, where it is set rather majestically against the slopes of the famous Chapman’s Peak mountain range and overlooks the nearby Atlantic Ocean – a mere 1,2km’s away.Cool sea breezes along with ancient mountain soils make for a unique terroir with a late growing season that results in a world class Sauvignon Blanc with minerals tones and great complexity.

After wine tasting, we’ll return back to the lodge for sunset drinks with canapes.
There are various dinner options in the area and on-site (dinner own account). Overnight at Monkey Valley.

03 September 2022

Mindful Stretching Class is available for all our early rises, followed by a walk or jog on beautiful ‘Long Beach’ a.k.a. Noordhoek Beach.

Casting your eyes from the vantage point of Chapmans Peak the immense beauty of Noordhoek beach is matched by its length. Approaching the soft white sand your desire will be to place a footprint one in front of the other all the way the distant end of the taintless 8 km beach. Dunes and the Hoek are much loved surf spots with perfect peaks alternating with a series of sand banks. Watching the surfers will reveal an early 1900s ship wreck, Kakapo, to their left. This was the result of a skipper mistakenly believing that he had cleared Cape Point. This splendid coastline is also popular with horses, walkers, joggers and dogs who all take delight ankle deep in the foam of the Atlantic Ocean.

Return to the resort for breakfast and check out.

For those saying goodbye early, an early airport transfer will be arranged to get you safely back to the airport.

For those staying in Cape Town longer, we will transfer to quaint Kalk Bay for a delicious seafood lunch at Brass Bell (lunch for own account).

The Brass Bell Restaurants and Pubs, located in the trendy harbour town of Kalk Bay, is situated in False Bay, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Surrounded by the rolling waves, the restaurant complex of terraced dining areas, is nestled into the tidal pool walls, and offers visitors an unforgettable and truly unique seaside dining experience.
Brass Bell’s owner, Tony White with his dynamic hospitality team, has turned the Brass Bell from a once quaint seaside bistro into a beloved household name. The location and splendour of this magical place has captured the imagination and hearts of tourists and locals alike, and it is now a world renowned; welcoming guests with our warm hospitality and superb menu selections.

After lunch, the final airport transfer will take those heading back home to the airport.

For those who want to stay on longer in the Mother City, transfers to your next accommodation stop can be arranged (additional cost).

End of itinerary…until next time!

Included in your Ladies Adventure Travel itinerary:

Transfers

  • As per itinerary

Accommodation

  • One nights accommodation at Kloof Street Hotel in pod rooms (single rooms)
  • One nights accommodation on top of Table Mountain –Overseers Cottage (shared rooms / hiking style!)
  • One nights accommodation at Monkey Valley Resort (twin or single rooms available)

Included Meals

  • Breakfasts daily (“Help yourself” breakfast on the mountain)
  • Fine-dining 3-course tasting dinner at a secret local favourite (excludes drinks)
  • Picnic-style lunch on top of Table Mountain with select drinks*
  • Hearty 2-course dinner on top of Table Mountain with select drinks*
  • Sunset canapes on our final evening with sparkling wine

Included Activities

  • Guided slow-and-steady hike up Platteklip Gorge to the top of Table Mountain and accommodation
  • Wine Tasting at Cape Point Vineyards (excludes any pairing of food with tastings)
  • Long Beach walk and / or jog

Other Inclusions:

  • Knowledgeable hosts, Tracy Eccles and Marna Grobler
  • Porterage of 1 x small backpack per person up Table Mountain for your overnight stay. This must include something warm as it gets cold at the top!
  • Secure overnight storage of your main suitcase & any valuables while we are on Table Mountain
  • Scheduled session for L.A.T. Silent Book Club (bring your own book)
  • Morning Mindful Stretching classes

*DRINKS: Includes a selection of local wines and beers, local artisanal Gin (and tonic), teas / coffees, hot chocolate, water, soft drinks and juice.

Excluded:

All flights / transport to & from Cape Town
Drinks and meals not listed as included
One-way Table Mountain cable car tickets for those not doing the Platteklip Gorge hike. PLEASE NOTE: Even if you take the cable car option, you will still need to hike once up at the top to get to the cottage Medical Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Items of a personal nature
Gratuities and tips
Optional extra activities not listed as included

Total price per person: R 8 400

Single supplement for last night: Add R 450