We’re so excited to have you join us for our wedding! If you're making a trip out of it (which we highly recommend!), here are some fun things to do while you're here, plus a few travel tips to make your stay smooth and enjoyable.

🌍 General Travel Tips:

✅ Best Time to Visit: Cape Town has beautiful weather from October to April. If you're visiting in winter (May–September), expect cooler temps and some rain. 🌦️

✅ Getting Around: Renting a car is great for flexibility, but Uber is reliable in the city. For wine country, use a tour service or designated driver.

✅ Safety: Like any big city, be mindful of your belongings, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and use reputable transport services.

✅ Currency: The local currency is South African Rand (ZAR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have some cash for smaller vendors.

✅ Tipping: 10–15% is standard at restaurants. Tip hotel staff, guides, and taxi/Uber drivers if you receive good service.

✅ Packing Essentials: Bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket (even in summer, evenings can get cool). If you're hiking, pack activewear and good sneakers.

🐘 Safari Adventures

If you're dreaming of seeing the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino), here are some options:

🦁 Aquila Private Game Reserve – Just 2 hours from Cape Town, great for a quick safari experience.

🐘 Inverdoorn Game Reserve – Another great option for a day trip or overnight stay.

🦓 Sanbona Wildlife Reserve – A luxury safari experience about 3.5 hours from Cape Town.

For the ultimate safari, consider flying to Kruger National Park for a multi-day adventure!

🐋 Whale Watching in Hermanus

Hermanus is the best place in the world to see whales from June to November. You can spot them from the shore, or take a boat tour for an up-close experience!

🚗 Drive time: ~1.5–2 hours from Cape Town

👀 Best viewing spots: Cliff Path, Sievers Point, Grotto Beach

🚤 Best whale watching tour companies: Southern Right Charters, Hermanus Whale Cruises

🍷 Wine Country: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek & Elgin

If you love wine, you're in the right place! 🍷

🚂 The Wine Trams in Franschhoek

Hop on a wine tram and explore multiple vineyards without worrying about driving. There are different routes to choose from, each visiting a selection of the best wineries.

📍 Book your tickets in advance! Franschhoek Wine Tram

🍇 Wine Estates to Visit

Stellenbosch: Spier, Delaire Graff, Tokara

Franschhoek: La Motte, Boschendal, Haute Cabrière

Elgin (cooler climate wines): Oak Valley, Paul Cluver

🚗 Drive time:

Stellenbosch: ~45 min from Cape Town

Franschhoek: ~1 hour from Cape Town

Elgin: ~1 hour from Cape Town

🚂 Elgin Railway Market

A unique, steampunk-style market in the Elgin Valley. Great for food, drinks, and live music. 🍴🎶

🚂 Take the Ceres Rail train from Cape Town to Elgin for a scenic experience! Book here

🥾 Hiking & Adventure in Cape Town

🥾 Lion’s Head (1.5–2 hrs round trip)

Best time: Sunrise or sunset 🌅

Difficulty: Moderate (some scrambling & ladders)

Views: 360° of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the ocean

⛰️ Table Mountain

Options: Hike up (2–3 hrs) or take the cable car (5 min)

Best Route: Platteklip Gorge (steep but direct)

Tip: Check the weather—if it’s windy, the cable car may be closed.

🏔️ Other Cool Spots Near Cape Town

✔️ Helderstroom & Surrounding Areas – Small town charm with wine farms, nature, and cozy guesthouses.

✔️ Cape Point & Boulders Beach – See the famous penguins and drive along one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes.

✔️ Chapman’s Peak Drive – A must-do road trip with breathtaking ocean views.

✨ Final Tips for Enjoying Your Trip

✅ Book tours, wine tastings, and safaris in advance, especially in peak season.

✅ Dress in layers! Cape Town weather can change quickly.

✅ Relax and enjoy! South Africans are warm and welcoming—take your time, sip great wine, and soak in the views.