Mandela’s final years of incarceration were at the Victor Verster Prison, near Paarl in the Cape’s Winelands, hence, this is where he actually walked to freedom. 2014 is Cape Town’s year of World Design Capital. Visit Cape Town in March to cheer on the cyclists doing the Cape Argus cycle tour (Sunday 09 March 14) around the world’s most beautiful city (if you’re keen, get training now and join the cyclists) or dig out your lucky running shoes and get fit for Cape Town’s Two Oceans marathon (19 April 14) – undeniably the most beautiful marathon in the world!
March & April
March and April are great months for visiting the Cape – the days are still crisp and warm, perfect for being active outdoors. Turquoise recommends a stay at Babylonstoren – an historic Cape Dutch working wine farm in the heart of the Cape Winelands (less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town), between Franschhoek and Paarl. It is spread over 600 acres, where 12 traditional Cape farm workers cottages have been transformed into contemporary guest suites, all with views of the surrounding mountains. The menu at Babylonstoren’s Babel restaurant is inspired by the organic garden, all served with homemade cordials and fine Babylonstoren wines. Herbs are picked daily for use in the Garden Spa. Perfect for families and couples. Canoe on the farm dam, cycle through the vineyards and explore Cape Town – close enough for a day’s adventure. Travel from June to September, and see the whales in Hermanus.
Learn more about Babylonstoren
May
In May – our spring, the Winelands’ autumn, it is even more exceptional value for money as they head into low season pricing but the days are still crisp with bright blue sky. You can still wear t-shirts and so a wonderful time of year to go exploring on foot or on mountain bike…and you can also still enjoy canoeing on Babylonstoren’s dam. In May, you can still pick raspberries on the farm and there’s lots going on in their greenhouse….and you can enjoy wine tasting and a cellar tour too… Babylonstoren is such a wonderful base for exploring Cape Town and the Winelands …you have all the glorious scenery, hills and rolling vineyards of the winelands, and yet you are less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town (without the Cape Town price tag)….and Franschhoek (South Africa’s foodie capital) is only 20 minutes away. And with the strength of the pound against the rand right now, you can eat like a king and queen and still have change ….
Enjoy 7 nights (for the price of 6!) in May, at Babylonstoren, from just £1545 per person (based on two sharing a spacious and contemporary one bedroom suite) including breakfast, car hire from Cape Town and international flights with BA in economy class from Heathrow to Cape Town.
