On the 5th June 2017, Kerstin Klang our Nordic representative winged her way on Ethiopian Airlines, to Cape Town with 7 agents from Norway and Sweden. They were travelling to South Africa to experience the wonders of our great country first-hand with our MICE team to better sell the destination to future clients.
The trip was carefully planned and every detail checked off and confirmed. The agents were set for an experience of a life time.
And so, came the news of the biggest storm due to hit Cape Town in 30 years, a somewhat double-edged sword as Capetonians danced for joy at the anticipated much-needed rain for our drought-stricken region and we at Giltedge DMC jumped into action to reshuffle the action-packed itinerary that was bursting with outdoor activities.
Our plans of sundowners at the Twelve Apostles terrace on Table Mountain, powerboating from Hout Bay, cycling through the vineyards, a visit to Cape Point National Park with lunch in the Two Oceans restaurant and a visit to Boulders Beach to see the African penguins, were now very much on hold until the storm passed. With predicted 11-high waves, winds over 100km/h and torrential rain, everyone was warned to stay safely indoors.
As our agents were mid-flight, our team jumped into action to make Plan B arrangements for indoor activities in Cape Town and its surrounds.
As they arrived, we managed to catch the last bit of sunshine on Signal Hill with magnificent cloud formations ahead of the impending storm. The following morning, Barry of Adventure Works got the group warmed up with some interactive exercises at the One&Only Cape Town Hotel and told them about his various exciting products as we watched the approaching storm, safely indoors.
We used Cape Town’s beauty and culture to our advantage by organising a Cape Malay “Cooking with Love” interactive cooking class, hosted by Faldela Tolker in her lovely Bo-Kaap home. An authentic experience and a chance to learn to cook a fragrant Malay chicken curry and learn to fold and fill samosas, with spices and recipes to take home.
The agents experienced the wine region not by bicycle, but rather in the beautiful, cosy, fire warmed tasting room at Delaire Graff Wine Estate, meeting the GM and enjoying a personalised wine tasting.
Views were spectacular with snow covered peaks surrounding the area. The weather cleared on the last day, allowing the group to experience a magnificent wind free morning at Cape Point and Boulders Beach.
The final destination on the trip was a two-night stay at Gondwana Game Reserve, an ideal malaria free safari option 5 hours from Cape Town. Comfortably accommodated in the Gondwana Villas, with meals hosted at Lehele Lodge, the agents were treated to both morning and afternoon game drives, a sundowner drumming session, an exclusive Cheetah walking experience and specialist wine tasting on their final evening. The group loved their time at Gondwana, despite the cold weather.
We would like to thank One&Only Cape Town, Taj Cape Town and The Southern Sun Cullinan for hosting our agents.
Thanks to Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa for hosting a wonderful lunch and site visit, as well as Boschendal Wine Estate, The Table Bay Hotel and Park Inn by Radisson for their site visits.
Our wonderful dinners were thanks to The Silo Hotel and Granary Café who hosted our sublime arrival dinner, Belthazar for an evening at the Waterfront and Gold Restaurant for their exciting African inspired meal and entertainment.
Written by: Tarryn Craig