Happy Mandela Day, a South African celebration

Today is a joyous day for many South Africans who will not only be partaking in a worldwide celebration but commemorating the life of one their country’s greatest sons, former president Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela Day is a call to action for people across the globe and asks the question, ‘What can I do?’ what can each if us do to change the world for the better?

Considering what an auspicious day in the South African annual calendar today is, I feel rather obliged to concentrate this weeks post on the land they call the Rainbow Nation.

South Africa is an excellent place to enjoy a luxury holiday a diverse and beautiful nation that has so much to offer. There is an incredible amount to do and to see here from exhilarating safaris to the delicious vintages of the Winelands, the rugged Cape coast and the stunning beaches of Durban; the industrial history of Kimberley and its huge man made hole and the grandeur of nature and the towering Drakensburg mountains. South Africa truly is a place that has everything and even to experience part of its irresistible allure is to uncover something very special indeed. Unfortunately due to sheer scope of this place to discuss it all here would be an injustice on the country (and take a very long time). Instead I will focus on one of the most popular areas of the nation, the Western Cape, home to Cape Town and the Cape Winelands region.

Cape Town is without doubt South Africa’s most visited tourism hot spot. Even a brief tour around the city makes it obvious why millions of tourists flock here annually; the unique juxtapositions that identify the city are what make it such a refreshing and memorable place. This is a city that is at once both African and European, that is a bustling metropolis yet overlooked by one of South Africa’s most iconic natural features, Table Mountain; Cape Town is both very modern and yet nurtures at hits heart a heritage and sense of tradition; most of all it is a place that epitomises the diversity and eclecticism of modern day South Africa. Tourists can particularly enjoy the range of chic boutiques shops and malls on offer or for culture vultures there is a fantastic array of museums, galleries and historical buildings to peruse and examine. A visit to the infamous Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was famously imprisoned is also a must. A tour of Cape Town isn’t complete without a walk along the renowned Victoria and Alfred Waterfront with its beautiful views out across the bay and the many fashionable bars and restaurants. Accommodation in Cape Town rangers from homely B&Bs to luxurious 5 star resorts. Some of the most exclusive properties include the Mount Neslon, the unmistakable grand dame of the Cape Town tourism industry, the striking Ezard house with its new age take on hospitality and stunning contemporary architecture and Cape Grace, poised in the most desirable of locations right on the V&A Waterfront in the heart of the action.

Away from Cape Town the Winelands are another of the country’s major attractions and a real treat for gastronomic glutens. With some of the freshest and most delicious local produce you will find, as well of course the wines after which the region is named guests to this area of the Western Cape will have a real treat on their hands. Famous wine making communities such as Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch are the perfect places to complement your South African stay. Tour through the vineyards, sample some of the produce (of course) and take in the vistas of the beautiful.

The small but perfectly formed township of Franschhoek is also home to Le Quartier Francais and its restaurant, The Tasting Room; regarded as one of the best restaurants in the world. If you have time and can get a table a visit to Le Quartier Francais really is a must. Another leading property in the Franschhoek area is the Le Residence, a fabulously exclusive hotel which evokes a French châteaux aesthetic and offers peerless service and quality.