Kirstenbosch & Groot Constantia

Your morning begins with a leisurely drive through the leafy southern suburbs of Cape Town to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, one of the great botanical gardens of the world. Nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch showcases the extraordinary diversity of southern Africa’s plant kingdom, with over 7,000 species cultivated across 528 hectares of manicured gardens and wild forest.

Stroll along winding pathways through the Fragrance Garden, the Medicinal Garden, and the ancient cycad collection before making your way to the Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway. This striking steel-and-timber bridge curves and dips through the treetops, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the garden below and Table Mountain above. It is a genuinely unforgettable experience and one of the most photographed spots in Cape Town.

From Kirstenbosch, you will head deeper into the Constantia Valley to Groot Constantia, the oldest wine-producing estate in South Africa, established in 1685 by Cape Governor Simon van der Stel. The beautifully preserved Cape Dutch homestead is a national monument, and the estate’s cellar has been producing world-class wines for over three centuries. Napoleon himself famously ordered Constantia wine during his exile on Saint Helena.

Enjoy a wine tasting in the historic cellar, sampling the estate’s acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and the legendary Grand Constance dessert wine. Between tastings, take in the elegant manor house, the original wine cellar museum, and the sweeping views across the vineyard to the mountains beyond. For those who fancy lunch, the Jonkershuis restaurant on the estate serves excellent Cape Malay-inspired dishes in a beautiful courtyard setting. Mike will share the fascinating stories of the estate’s colourful history, from Dutch governors to British colonial intrigue.

This half-day tour is the perfect introduction to Cape Town’s natural beauty and winemaking heritage, combining world-class gardens with one of the country’s most storied wine estates, all within a relaxed and intimate private setting.