In March, Giltedge in collaboration with South African Tourism, hosted a group of 40 Nordic agents from the MICE and FIT sector. We had one day to blow their socks off and show them how amazing our city and its surroundings are!
After much planning and preparation, we were ready for the group to arrive.
The aim of the day was to explore the highlights of the Cape Peninsula, with a focus on the communities and experiences around the peninsula. Looking for any excuse to embrace the ocean and explore one of the most unique marine habitats in the world.
Due to the size of the group we found it easier to split in two for our first stop. 20 agents visited the surf mecca of Muizenberg Beach and the other 20 agents visited the bohemian fishing village of Kalk Bay.
In Muizenberg, we visited one of the coolest coffee shops in Cape Town, Rolling Wood Café whom apart from offering a great cup of coffee, are also pioneering the way in sustainable surfing with their handcrafted wooden surfboards.
For the group stopping in Kalk Bay, they visited the local institution, Olympia Café, for a cuppa before exploring the working fishing harbour and meeting the local seals.
From here both groups made their way through to Simon’s Town where we stopped off at a remote beach to find our very own rogue penguins. The group was given the opportunity to see the adorable African Penguins in their natural environment. We offered the group 3 unique ways to view the penguins away from the crowds of Boulders Beach. Either Stand Up Paddling, Kayaking or on foot with a guided Penguin walk with a local conservation team. (A great experience at that as the African Penguin is on the endangered species list.)
The group set off with a laugh, energetically paddling their kayaks! Some found their sea legs on the stand-up paddleboards whilst the rest of the group set off on their educational walk in search of the penguins. After a time each group congregated on a private beach nearby for a delicious picnic and refreshments to chat about their various activities and gain their strength for the short trip back.
The third stop of the day was to experience a botanical, fynbos, and foraging lunch with the amazing Roushanna Gray.
We headed to a lesser known spot along the peninsula; a magical land where the group could discover the local fauna and flora of the region. Immersing themselves in an interactive botanical experience allowed them to learn more about the fynbos in the South Peninsula. Seaweeds, fragrant aromatic wild herbs, edible flowers and weeds, medicinal plants, indigenous beg, seeds, roots and shoots – are a few of the discoveries that our rich land has on offer!
We arrived at Veld & Sea at the Good Hope Garden Nursery. On arrival the group was presented with a welcome drink and snack, followed by an introductory talk on wild flavours by Roushanna Gray.
A buffet-style light lunch was served outside under a beautiful stretch tent. The dining area was decorated with wild herbs and included fynbos tinctures, infusions, syrups, and fruits with which the guests could create their own botanical G&T cocktail.
After lunch, the group was taken to visit a local factory and meet their wonderful staff that specializes in bath beans for children. This simple concept uplifts those involved and supports over 200 children in local schools. Their products are now being exported as far and wide as Norway. This visit gave insight into how a garage business was turned into a locally run production line supporting many families in the neighbouring township!
From here we headed to a local school, where the group met an inspirational lady, by the name of Yandiswa (Mama Yandi). Yandi runs an innovative art project collecting waste material and plastic and creating pieces of art which have been exhibited worldwide. She is a remarkable leader making a positive change within her community and we joined her with some school children to make some unique objects of art together.
In the late afternoon, the groups slowly made their way back towards Cape Town, one along the coastline along the scenic Chapman’s Peak drive and the other weaving their way through the Constantia Wine Valley back to Cape Town.
We at Giltedge DMC would like to thank the Escape + Explore Team for the tremendous work they did with the days activities.
For dinner, we went to GOLD restaurant for a farewell dinner with interactive drumming.
From the moment the agents walk through the glass doors, they are taken on a taste safari from Cape Malay to African cuisine – from Cape Town to Timbuktu.
On entering the aged brick interior, wooden beams and iron pillars, you will feel the heartbeat of a unique African restaurant. A soothing hand washing ceremony begins the dining experience, followed by an African feast. Shared platters are brought to the table by gorgeous African staff, face painting & entertainment is included the night is filled with the beat of the African drum, soulful voices in song & energetic dancing.
13 March: Cape Town Departure
On the last day of any tour, we like to offer guests the freedom to choose what they would like to do. Be it some last-minute shopping, exploring one last museum, or just walking around the city.
On this trip, we had a group who really wanted to go up Table Mountain and so we organised a few tickets and made our way early the next morning for some coffee and a walk around the plateau.
Our group departed mid-day on Tuesday back to their respective Nordic homes.
We would like to thank the hotels The Radisson RED Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront and Pepper Club Hotel & Spa for hosting our travel agents. MK Tours for facilitating our transfers, Gold Restaurants for hosting us for a delicious dinner and Escape + Explore for the fun-filled day of activities!
