WINELANDS TOUR: Maybe the highlight of your holiday, with a picturesque drive through the beautiful country towns of Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl, where you'll see world famous vineyards and charming Cape Dutch homesteads nestling the in valley of large mountain ranges. This really is a trip of a lifetime! Stop for lunch at a beautiful and charming wine estate. Highlights include Wine cellar tour, wine tasting, lunch at wine estate and you can buy famous Cape wines of your choice. Price between R250 – R300 (US$35-40) per person depending on the number of people.

PENINSULA AND CAPE POINT TOUR: Cape Point -- the ‘Southernmost tip of Africa’ -- is a magnet for visitors Is this because of its geographical distinction, or simply because it is the "Fairest Cape? " On the way to Cape Point you'll see Hout Bay, a quaint fishing harbour; spectacular Chapmans Peak Scenic Drive (both these areas are included in the Two Oceans Marathon held in April) ; Groot Constantia Estate: a historical wine estate; and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The tour passes through the famous suburbs of Simons Town, Fishhoek, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg. Price between R250 – R300 (US$35-40) per person depending on the number of people.

MOTHER CITY WATERFRONT AND TABLE MOUNTAIN: Jan Van Riebeeck landed here in 1652 to set up Cape Town as a half-way station for Dutch traders. It is the oldest city in South Africa, having grown from those humble beginnings to the spectacular and beautiful city you see today. Discover its rich historical and cultural heritage. Visit a selection of the following places of your choice: Castle of Good Hope, Company’s gardens, SA Museum, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Bo-Kaap (Malay Quarters), Table Mountain (weather permitting) and the Waterfront. Price between R250 – R300 (US$35-40) per person depending on the number of people.

CRUISE: Take a cruise along Gordon’s Bay cliffs. Duration of the charter is one-hour. R60 per person (US$9) Max 12 people, min 6 people.

DIVING CHARTERS. Dive the wreck route, reefs, and with the seals. Average duration is 2-4 hours, R250 (US$35) per person. Diving gear can be arranged at extra cost. Max 10 people, min 5 people.

SUNSET CRUISES: Relaxed and romantic cruise along Gordon’s Bay Cliffs. Average duration of charter is 1 – 2 hours. The price per person is R120 ($15) which includes your drinks and light snacks. Max 12 people, min 6 people.

SEAL ISLAND ECO-VENTURE: Close encounter with seals in false Bay, average duration of charter is 1 – 2 hours. R180 pER person (US$25). Max 12 people, min 6 people.

WHALE WATCHING: A boat-based close encounter with whales.

• Table Mountain – take a trip on the revolving cable car (weather permitting) and experience an amazing aerial view of Cape Town afterwards enjoy a cup of tea with that on top of the world feeling. Rates according to season.
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – a two-square-mile reserve of 6000 indigenous plants to the region are found only R10 entry fee, guided walks are available.
• Robben Island – where one of the most famous prisioners Nelson Mandela was held which is now a World Heritage Site
• Cape Point – Take a drive to the Cape
• Two Oceans Aquarium at the V & A Waterfront
• South African Maritime Museum
• Greenmarket Square – open market where quality ethnic arts and crafts are sold
• At the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront one can find plenty of entertainment such as a boat cruise, Imax theater, boutiques, arts and crafts, a number of restaurants
• Sundowners on Signal Hill – perfect way to end the day as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean.
• Wine Estates – A number to choose from, Spier, Vergelegen, Avontuur, Stellenbosch Vineyards JP Bredell Wines – some of these offer picnic baskets, luncheons and wine tasting tours however bookings may be required.
• Retanga Junction African Theme Park for a thrill
• Tygerberg Zoo
• Swim with the jackass penguins at Boulder Bay
• Take a tour around the townships
• Go whale spotting
• Hire a combi and do the Garden Route

IN THE HELDERBERG AREA

• Visit the SA Naval College.
• Take one of the many cruises already mentioned.
• Visit Indibano African Village and maybe stay for a traditional African meal in the Shebeen.
• Visit the open-air craft in Somerset Wes.
• Take a hike, you can choose from the Boland Trial, Danie Miller. Hiking Trail, the Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary walk to name a few
• explore the Helderberg Wine Route.

Di at Gordon’s Bay Tourism will be happy to assist in advising on all of the above, providing more information or making reservations where necessary.

THE FAIREST CAPE-- by Richard Busch, editor of National Geographic Traveler magazine, originally published there, reprinted by Yahoo. This article describes the Cape in March, written by a non-Ironman-connected tourist, describing his experiences during the race month of March.

LONELY PLANET-- Not an article per se, but a fabulous website containing reams of information on the World in general, and South Africa in particular.

IRONMAN AFRICA-- Don't forget to check out the race's official -- and extremely well-done, website.