EXPERIENCE A CASTLE, A GARDEN AND FOOD LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER BEFORE

WanderfullySo is focused on Reimagining Travel in Africa, and this is exactly what you can expect from our Wanderful virtual experiences and In-Person tours. Today, this blog will be highlighting three experiences that happen to be sites filled with rich history and beauty. These experiences are The Castle of Good Hope, The Parade and the Company’s Garden.

THE CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE

Our Wanderful Host, Julius Davis a.k.a The Humbled Historian, takes you on a virtual historical tour of the oldest colonial building in South Africa, a five pointed castle which was built by Zacharias Wagenaer who was the Dutch Governor of the Cape of Good Hope. It was built between 1666 and 1679 after rumor's surfaced of a possible war between the Netherlands and Britain. It has five bastions which are all named after regions in the Netherlands. These bastions are named Leerdam, Buuren, Katzenellembogen, Nasau and Oranje. During this tour you can expect to see an impressive display of military artefacts and exhibitions at the Castle Military Museum, the Dolphin Pool, a bakery, the living quarters which belonged to the officers and the Donker Gat (Dark Hole) which was a jail and torture chamber as well as where the prisoners awaiting trial were held. Another big attraction you can expect to see is De Kat, which was the centerpiece of the Castle. The Governor’s office as well as the Captains tower, which also happened to be the tallest building in Cape Town for many years at 12 meters high, can also be seen. If this historical tour meets your cultural needs, be sure to check it out!

THE PARADE

This is an In-person experience that will take your taste buds on a journey like no other. In fact, all your senses will be taken on a journey, from sight to taste! Our Wanderful Host and Cultural Connoisseur Gilbert Carstens will take you on a sensory and historical inner city tour, where you will do tastings of some of the most delicious South African dishes. At one of the restaurants you will even be able to see how your food gets cooked as you order straight from the kitchen. Not only will you be eating, but you will also be learning about these dishes, gaining some insight into how these different business owners started out and you will be sightseeing! It is a three hour walking tour and you will be doing small tastings at each establishment. It kicks off at the Parade, where there are a few different Xhosa ladies you will get to meet, chat to and indulge in their meals. From there it will be a walk around the City Center going to different restaurants. What makes this In-person experience so special, besides all the food, is that you get to really know Cape Town and see it from both sides, the working class and upper class.

THE COMPANY’S GARDENS

Once again, we have our Wanderful Host Julius Davis taking you on a virtual journey back into time. The Company’s Gardens is the oldest garden in South Africa which serves as a green lung in the center of Cape Town. It was started in 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck who was the first Governor of the Dutch East-Indian Company at the Cape of Good Hope. In 1647 a ship named Nieuw Haarlem wrecked and got stranded at the harbor and the sailors who were on this ship started finding seeds and planting them for food. There was also clear clean drinking water available at this spot. This was the catalyst to starting the Company’s Gardens. It had everything the sailors needed during their time of being stranded. This awesome experience starts at the top of Adderley street at the Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu Arch, and will highlight all the places of interest which includes the parliament buildings, certain historical buildings, museums, botanical plants (including the oldest cultivated tree in SA), fountains, memorials and the planetarium.

If any of these experiences tickles your fancy, or you are interested in seeing more of what Cape Town has to offer, book your free Concierge session or get in touch with our Concierge Gurus to arrange a customized experience for you. Whichever you decide, these experiences will definitely entertain you.