Cape Town Splendor

September 14-18, 2024 Registration Closed.

**Only one month away!**

Join us in Cape Town!

Cape Town is located at the southernmost tip of Africa and boasts exquisite scenery, beautiful beaches, adorable penguins, iconic Table Mountain, winelands, and historic gardens.

Cape Town is also a bustling city full of amazing restaurants and exciting nightlife. Join us for 5 days before Safari Swing West Coast Swing Event to explore the natural beauty, the culture, the gastronomy, the wine and of course some drumming and dancing in Cape Town! 

FAQs

  • You can arrive any time on Saturday, September 14th. It will be a chill day with an afternoon city tour and dinner overlooking the Ocean at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa restaurant at 6pm.

  • YOU WILL NEED A PASSPORT if you are not from South Africa.

    Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended date of departure from South Africa. You must have two blank pages available.

    If you are from the USA or UK, you do not need to apply for a visa. For other nationalities, you can either check your country’s embassy site or ask me.

  • Most places in South Africa accept credit card and Apple Pay on your phone. However, some taxi drivers prefer cash and some small shops and street vendors only accept cash.

    South African currency is called Rand and is abbreviated ZAR. The exchange rate is approximately 20 Rand to 1 US Dollar at this time.

    You can use the ATM in the airport to get cash. If you like shopping for souvenirs, I would suggest at least $200 (3700 Rand).

  • Tap water in Cape Town is safe to drink.

  • There are no specific vaccine requirements for South Africa. However, any international traveler should have vaccinations for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Typhoid.

    Yellow Fever and Rabies vaccines are NOT necessary in South Africa.

  • There is no Malaria in Cape Town or Johannesburg region. South Africa is a much dryer climate than central Africa which means less bugs and less mosquitos. Although there are mosquitos around, South Africa does not suffer from endemic Malaria, Dengue or Yellow Fever.

  • I have purchased flights for our group to fly directly from Cape Town to Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon, Sept 18th. It is a two hour flight. Jamie has a room block for us Wednesday night at the event hotel and everyone will pay on arrival to the hotel.

  • Locals suggest to always walk in pairs or groups, especially at night. Tourists are not generally targets of violent crime, but there are pick pockets about. Please leave valuables in the hotel safe and only carry what you absolutely need. Some cash and one credit card in a front pocket, zippered pocket or cross body bag is sufficient. Most of the touristy areas are very safe. If you want to explore one of the townships, we recommend you go with a guide.

  • Hairdryers will be provided in our hotel in Cape Town as well as in Johannessburg. If you use a curling iron or flat iron from the USA, be sure to bring a voltage converter. USA voltage is 110 and European/South Africa is 220, so you will fry your device. A battery operated device may be more convenient.

    (NOTE: computer and phone chargers already have dual voltage and can be used in either 110 or 220 plugs)

  • South African hotels generally have a combination of UK and European plugs, so any multicountry plug converter will be sufficient. I love this particular one that also has some USB ports.

    EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078S3M2NX?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k0_1_11&amp=&crid=EVI9F3AHQ6RU&sprefix=plug%2Bconver&th=1

  • The most simple flight itinerary would be to fly into Cape Town on September 14th and depart Johannesburg after Safari Swing.

  • If you are traveling on your own and need a roommate for Cape Town, let me know. I will attempt to match you with another solo traveler of the same gender.

    If you prefer to have your own room, there is a solo traveler supplemental charge.

Packing List

The weather in Cape Town will be very pleasant in the 70s (Farenheit).  Evenings can be cool, so a light sweater is useful.

During Safari Swing we will have early morning game drives which can be quite cold.  Depending on your cold tolerance you may want a jacket and hat.  This Florida girl was freezing and also wore gloves…… :-)

On the game drive it is best to wear more muted colors, not bright spring colors.  You don’t need to buy camouflage or special “safari clothes” rather just wear brown, tan, green, rather than bright pink or yellow, etc. 

A pair of trousers with a zippered pocket or a jacket with a zippered pocket to safely store your phone on the bumpy jeep is recommended.

 Unless you plan to do some serious hiking, sneakers or trainers work well for game drives and walking around the resort.  Leave your heavy Colorado hiking boots at home!

My packing list:

  • Sun hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Sun cream (sunscreen)

  • Bug spray

  • Binoculars

  • Long sleeve shirt

  • Cardigan (Sweater) or hoodie

  • Light Jacket

  • Warm hat or beanie

  • Gloves (if you are a wimp like me)

  • Trousers with zip pockets

  • Dance clothes

  • Dance shoes

  • Workout clothes

  • Trainers (tennies)

  • Socks for hot days

  • Socks for cool mornings

  • Pajamas

  • Swimming costume (swimsuit)

  • Shorts

  • T-shirts

  • (Am I missing anything???)

Activities included in Package.

  • Explore the beauty of the South African Winelands on a private guided tour to gorgeous and historic wineries. Learn about the influences of various cultures on the region as you taste the vibrant flavors of reds, whites and rose’s.

  • Enjoy a full day guided tour of the southern peninsula of South Africa, climaxing in a short hike to the southernmost tip where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Greet the African Penguins at Boulder’s Beach and visit multiple picturesque towns and bays. Enjoy the dramatic coastline of Chapman’s Peak Drive and make sure to bring a phone charger……

  • Ride the Cable Car to the top of this iconic mountain and discover why it has been voted a modern “Wonder of the World”.

  • Enjoy a group dinner together at Gold’s restuarant where we will have a drumming lesson, taste foods from around the continent of Africa and witness traditional African dancing.

  • Learn about the fascinating history of Cape Town as you walk through the historical city center.

  • Enjoy a cup of tea in the famous gardens at the base of Table Mountain or go for a hike through the lush vegetation.

  • Enjoy the great location and amenities of this Hyatt Regency Hotel with plenty of space to relax on your own or chill with the group. Lodging is in standard rooms (one or two beds) based on double occupancy. September 14-18th, 2024. (paid upgrades available upon request)

  • Fly to Johannesburg with the group on Wednesday afternoon, September 18th, 2024.

Accomodation Options

Hyatt Regency Hotel

Immerse yourself in the culture and color of one of Cape Town’s most vibrant neighborhoods, Bo-Kaap. This historic area is rich with brightly painted houses, spice shops, and cafes, to satiate your desire for discovery. This hotel boasts lovely rooms, excellent service and reasonable prices. The buffet breakfast is fantastic and the outdoor lounge is an ideal hangout spot. Take advantage of the gym, pool or sauna for a little self-care. If you make it in before dark, you just might catch a sunset-kissed view of Table Mountain or Signal Hill.

Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

If you are craving a bit of luxury, elect to stay at the award-winning 5-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. It is dramatically poised above the Atlantic Ocean and flanked by the majestic Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain ranges. Enjoy splendid luxury, passionate service and generous hospitality.  Surrender your senses at the holistic Spa, or enjoy the private cinema, a heated infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a rock pool or the heated Jacuzzi.