Things to do
One of the best times of the year to visit Cape Town is October. The weather is warming up and being outside of peak holiday season means accommodation rates a typically lower.
Flying - The closest airport to our wedding is Cape Town International Airport. For our Australian guests, you most likely will need to fly via Johannesburg and get a connecting flight to Cape Town.
Car Hire - We would recommend hiring a car once you arrive in Cape Town. This is an easy, safe and cost effective way to travel around and get to Franschhoek.
Cape Town to Franschhoek - Depending on when you arrive in South Africa you may want to spend a couple of days in the amazing city that is Cape Town. Check out our suggested things to do & travel tips below on where to go! Franschhoek is approximately a 1 hour drive from Cape Town. Staying a few nights in this beautiful wine valley is a must!
Want some help planning your trip? We have a wonderful travel agent in South Africa we highly recommend, who can plan your entire stay. Contact bea@sportsventures.co.za and tell Bea we sent you!
Nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape winelands, lies the Franschhoek Valley, a 1 hour drive outside of Cape Town.
This is the food and wine heartland of the country, where wines have been grown for over 300 years and top chefs create international cuisine, boasting several of the best restaurants in South Africa and the world.
There truly is no place on Earth like Franschhoek and we have no doubt once you visit, you'll see why we chose this incredible place as our wedding venue.
You'll want to spend a few days here, taking in the breath-taking scenery, world class cuisine and the finest wines (make sure you jump on the famous Franschhoek Wine Tram for the full tour!).
For our adventurous guests, hike the Drakenstein or Wemmershoek mountain ranges. Part of the UNESCO Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve and observe wildlife such as klipspringers, dassies, baboons, and caracals, as well as sugarbirds and black eagles.
Alternatively, take your time to walk through the main street of town, visiting boutiques and galleries and admiring the beautiful Cape Dutch architecture and French influence on this stunning town.
Weather in October is pleasant and mild, with days reaching low to mid 20s and cooler nights. October is also regarded as the beautiful month with flowers and vines in full bloom.
Cape Town is our favourite city in the world and we could talk all day about all the must-do things this city has to offer!
For our international guests, take what you think you know about South Africa and throw it out the window. Cape Town is the ultimate surprise and delight. We've put together our top experiences below but please reach out if you want more!
1. Table Mountain - Drive to the base and take the revolving Cableway up to the top of Table Mountain (if you're really keen you can hike up to the top). Be prepared for the most incredible scenery you will ever see and look out for Dassies! TIP: Shorten the queue by buying your Cableway ticket online, at least one day before you ride here.
2. Bo-Kaap - The Bo-Kaap neighbourhood on the slopes of Signal Hill is one of the most photographed spots in Cape Town, famous for it's multi-coloured houses and cobbled streets. Take a stroll and learn more about Cape Malay culture by booking a cooking class here.
3. Simon's Town / Boulders Beach - This stunning beach is one of the best spots in the world to get close to penguins in the wild. If you're keen on a swim with these cuties, drive a little further down the road from the Sanctuary and jump in!
4. Chapman's Peak Drive - One of the most spectacular marine drives in the world, Chapman's Peak will be a true highlight of your trip. Wind along the coast, stopping along at the viewing points to take it all in.
5. Dive with the sharks at False Bay - Shark Week fans, now is your time to visit the famous False Bay & Seal Island for your ultimate shark diving adventure! Not keen on diving? Take a boat trip out to Seal Island and tick it off your bucket list!
6. V&A Waterfront - One of Africa's most visited destinations, the V&A Waterfront is a favourite amongst both locals and travellers. Situated in the oldest working harbour in South Africa, you'll be spoilt for choice with over 80 eateries (both fancy and casual), 500 retail stores, 5 museums and live entertainment 365 days a year. The Waterfront is also the place for activities such as helicopter tours and sunset boat trips.
For good food and wine lovers, South Africa is the place to visit. We've collated some of our favourite spots to eat below.
Franschhoek
1. Protege - Prepare to be wowed with what they call casual fine dining, we highly recommend the tasting menu at this award winning restaurant.
2. La Petit Colombe - If you're a foodie this is a restaurant that can't be missed. A set menu, with each course better than the last, vegetarians have their own special menu as well.
3. Reuben's - A more laid back approach to fine dining, Reuben's puts a twist on the classics you won't forget.
Cape Town
1. Royal Eatery - With burgers as their speciality, Royal Eatery is a go-to and also caters to vegans.
2. Biesmiellah - Sample the tastes of Cape-Malay cuisine on a dime!
3. Codfather Seafood & Sushi - Set in beautiful Camps Bay, make sure you get a table by the window.
4. Gigi's Rooftop - Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner or just sunset cocktails, Gigi's Rooftop, as part of Gorgeous George Hotel, is the place to be.
5. Willoughby & Co - Japanese Fusion on the V&A Waterfront, you'll eat some of the best fresh seafood of your life.
South Africa boasts an abundance of safari options throughout the country (including some private game reserves in and around Cape Town).
Whether you want to spot lions in The Kruger or rhinos in Hluhluwe Game Reserve, we are more than happy to give you some recommendations!
Even better, our travel agent Bea is the perfect person to ask about your safari!