Away Tours, South Africa

13/07/2020

When driving along the coast line leaving the city on a Peninsula tour, I point out this popular site where people come to jog and walk their dogs. I often mention that it gets very flooded here in our winter storms. Today being one of them. This is how us Captonians enjoy our winter.

17/06/2020

Whilst South Africa is still in a slightly eased up lock down currently, no one is truly certain yet as to when our borders may be opened again. So until then we can only keep on keeping on. For us in the tourism industry most of us are still sitting at home twiddling our thumbs waiting to be allowed to work again.
Let me keep your appetite wet for new flavors with this article I found of one of the most comprehensive lists I have seen of local South African dishes. Some of you who follow my page are locals, whilst others have already visited with me and then there are those who still wish to come. To the locals, is there anything missing off this list? Also is there anything you have never tried? To the internationals, what sounds most appetizing to you, and have you ever tried any of these items?

I plan on trying to cook more of these items whilst lock down continues. Starting probably with the Vetkoek! It has always been a favorite since a childhood friends mom used to make them for us, but I have never tried making them myself. I will definitely have to share these with my neighbors, as Vetkoek translates to Fat cakes. You shouldn't eat too many! https://www.visitwinelands.co.za/blog/2018/local-is-lekker-traditional-south-african-food

What do South Africans think of as their traditional food? Here are some dishes to look out for. They are cooked in our homes, in country restaurants, and sold at farmstalls. To our delight, our fine dining restaurants are beginning to re-invent them, deconstruct them, and generally create magic aro...

18/04/2020

Whilst our country is in lock down, The penguins are still free to roam. At least they doing it responsibly 😉

18/03/2020

On Sunday 15th March, the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced the countries actions going forward to tackle the Covid-19 Corona virus. As of today, the 18th April 2020, the tourism industry is practically in a total shutdown, with existing travellers trips been affected somewhat. Our borders are being closed to high risk countries, visas issued are now cancelled,schools are being closed from today until the 14th April with some businesses and government offices following suite allowing staff to work from home or limiting public access. These closures are in place at several wine estates, museums, Table Mountain Cableway, Robben island ferry. Closure is until April 14th 2020 after the Easter weekend, however border closure is indefinitely until the risk is gone.

What started out as an already slow year in terms of bookings, has now resulted in the few bookings I had for the months of March and April being cancelled resulting in no income. followed by uncertainty as to how much longer our borders will be closed. In a country that has a weak economy this affects many people. In a recent article it was stated that 1 in 5 people in South Africa are employed by tourism.

With this down time, I have been working on improving business operations with some focus on my website, catching up on work/personal admin and studying further adding a few accreditation's to my qualification.
Any advice on areas I can improve on or ideas will be appreciated.

Wishing you all good health, and during this world outbreak that you manage to keep your head above water.

Looking forward to our future trips together with friends and family!

10/02/2020

Not everyone is a museum person...But maybe one of these would change your mind.
https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/museums/

The Mother City is home to some of the finest museums in the land. Get your dose of history, culture, art (and even fragrance and toys), here.

05/02/2020

Feeling nostalgic.....Has anyone got pictures to share of when they traveled with me?

08/01/2020

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1839921546272425&id=1675691709362077 Met Felix today while walking around town. This is his story.

02/01/2020

The Cape has been producing wine since the late 1600s. Visitors to these parts don't have to enjoy wine to enjoy themselves with so much more than wine on offer.

02/01/2020

A full day tour which loops around the table mountain range following the coast through the southern suburbs of the Cape.

02/01/2020

Whale watching, shark cage diving are the main draw cards to this area. However there are more wine farms here, penguins, hiking and other adventure activities to be enjoyed here.

27/12/2019

Cycling around the Western Cape is always improving and growing with new off road routes to discover. Exciting times! Its always feels good to add an activity to your holiday to stretch those legs and burn off all those lavish hotel breakfasts and restaurant dinners!

The South African winelands is not only set up for wining and dining, it is also the perfect backdrop to explore your adventurous side, with the natural elements and lay of the land providing the perfect network of trails for mountain bikers.

22/09/2019

Here are some views of a few different angles of Table mountain in spring. Many hidden pockets to explore.

30/08/2019

Just returned from a flower tour that went up the West coast, into the mountains then finished off at the Namibian border. It was a bit early for some of the flowers, and some areas had not received enough rain, but it was a beautiful enjoyable trip with a group of people that came with the right attitude for a trip that is so dependent on nature playing its part.

07/08/2019

This year's winter has broken a 4 year dry spell. Our dams and underground water table is slowly recovering, and the wild flowers up the West coast are predicted to be on full display this year. I have been booked by an operator to run their Flower tour this month. In continuation of a good winter, today is cold and rainy, so I switched touring days with my current group so we can best utilize the good weather predicted for tomorrow. Whilst they have their day of art galleries and shopping, I carry on working on my next groups tour. This is how I get my study on in preparation for a trip. With all this information, there is always a good side story to distract me from the story Im currently telling. 😝❤️ Excited.

01/04/2019

March was a month of recognition for me. I was voted by the industry (other tour guides) as Guide of the month. Then on top of that at the AGM of the Cape Tour Guide Association I was nominated and voted into the Executive Committee. New season new adventures and personal growth. All very exciting. Also watch this space as my website is almost ready to go public.

20/03/2019

Sometimes I like to hang out with Elands.

11/03/2019

Learn to speak South Efrican... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YLIydhNZcE

THE ABC'S OF SOUTH AFRICAN SLANG! Welkom by skêrtips/sarkasties se official YouTube channel! Word deel van ons mal familie en subscribe! ___ BEDERF JOUSELF M...

13/02/2019

Touring in Stellenbosch. We enjoyed cycling through the mountains and wine tastings with beautiful views

31/01/2019

If you have been on tour with me, I may have told you about this meme. In South Africa this is a familiar sight. We refer to a pick up truck as a Bakkie. And yes this is still technically legal, if not a blind eye is cast upon this act.

23/01/2019

One of my more memorable guests who I had the privilege of taking on tour was Paul Potts. We were doing a wine tour and I asked him what he does for a living and he said he was a singer. I thought he must be famous considering his hotel he stayed at and that he was on a private tour as opposed to a group tour. He said yes fairly....I didn't know who he was. Lets just say, I got to know who he was and now we stay in contact over Face Book. He has even "saved" my life after I posted a picture of a bee sting I had that was infected and he insisted I go to hospital, good thing I listened to him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16T54OqO40s&fbclid=IwAR2RA7L2sgSpUhpnB4F5-YSL4zbzlwq5XsNH5A2bvY0Skp0l0_SyM8Dho-o

The first winner of Britain's Got Talent delivers a breathtaking performance of the classic song, "Caruso." » Get The America's Got Talent App: http://bit.ly...

21/12/2018

Before I loose touch with the real world as I begin our peak season, just wanted to wish every one a festive time with family and loved ones. A good time to reflect on the last year and prepare ourselves mentally for the coming year. We have an interesting year ahead next year. Politically we have an election year coming up. Brexit is to be decided on in March.
Personally I may do another international trip still to be decided. Any invites ;) And Game of thrones final season is coming out mid year! What are you looking forward to?

29/11/2018

The wind in Cape Town is often very welcome as it helps to keep us cool in the summer heat. Watch this video and see how beautiful rainbows are formed as swept up water dances across the surface....sorry, perhaps turn sound off on this one.

17/10/2018

Caught in the act. Found this Dassie on Table Mountain trying to get food from the trash.

22/08/2018

Some pictures from the last month. Because..... 1000 words worth

21/08/2018

Today's guests having fun at Kalk bay. Searching for sea glass and withstanding waves. Whilst whales float by.

10/08/2018

Winter in Cape Town is the time to enjoy our hiking trails followed by a good wine. Here is a clip I took whilst hiking along the 12 Apostles looking over Camps bay. You may see and hear the sugar bird, and hear other birds such as the sun bird and Guinea fowl.