South Africa’s wine-making tradition began in the 17th-century, and today the industry is an important part of the local culture and economy. The farms and winelands attract thousands of tourists because of their high-quality wine and magnificent landscapes. _____________ “The first wine produced in South Africa was by Dutch explorer Jan van Riebeeck in 1659.” _____________ South…
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If there’s a “heaven on earth” Franschhoek must be as close as you get! The traditionally French town is one of the oldest in South Africa. Embraced by three mountain ranges – Franschhoek, Wemmershoek, and Groot Drakenstein – the beautiful valley is a few miles east of Stellenbosch and Paarl and a short drive from Cape Town. Franschhoek…
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The hikes this weekend were urban outings in Oranjezicht and Bo-Kaap. Oranjezicht rests on the lower slopes of Table Mountain, and I think it’s one of Cape Town’s most beautiful neighborhoods. The name Oranjezicht means “orange view” in Dutch. We began our hike at the entrance to Van Riebeeck Park and followed a gentle trail toward…
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Today was a day of continuously getting lost. It was my first day of hiring a car and driving myself around Cape Towns suburbs. Renting a GPS is South Africa is ridiculously expensive (?) so I’m traveling via maps alone. Decided to stay near Cape Town and spend more time at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden but…
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