Grosvenor Tours

27/12/2024

At the Rose Terrace Tea Room (Vergelegen Wines) you'll get to sit beside the glorious rose garden enjoying the smell of roses while you enjoy their range of cakes, tarts, scones, savoury pies, quiches, and of course teas. On Sundays they also offer a traditional high tea experience.

Make this part of your group's unique experience in the heart of the Helderberg (Somerset West, South Africa).

Grosvenor Tours | www.grosvenortours.com | [email protected] | +27 (0)21 460 4888

24/12/2024

Season’s Greetings from Grosvenor Tours! 🌟

As the year draws to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who journeyed with us in 2024. From breathtaking safaris to culinary delights and unforgettable adventures, it has been our privilege to craft memories that will last a lifetime.

May your festive season be filled with joy, love, and the spirit of adventure. Here’s to an extraordinary year ahead, exploring the wonders of Africa together!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Grosvenor Tours.

19/12/2024

Our team had a wonderful day reflecting on an incredible year filled with adventures. It was a time to share stories, connect as a team, and feel truly grateful to be part of an industry dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences for our clients.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us in Africa for

18/12/2024

Have You Heard of the Everlasting Flower?

Part of the daisy family, these fascinating blooms come in about 28 species, with the most common being the delicate, white, papery variety. While the plant itself only lives around 7 years, its flowers possess an extraordinary ability to retain their vibrant colours and intricate shapes, even when dried—defying the fleeting nature of most blossoms.

These plants are adorned with stunning white flower heads that, when seen from a distance, resemble flocks of soft, clean sheep dotting the landscape.

Everlasting flowers continue to "bloom" as they dry, appearing to open and close even after being cut. This remarkable trait is what earns them their name—“everlasting” flowers, known for holding their beauty and charm long after their time in the soil. A perfect keepsake from nature!

Blooming time: November - January

Grosvenor Tours | www.grosvenortours.com | [email protected] | +27 (0)21 460 4888

16/12/2024

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re thrilled to celebrate Cape Town being named the Best City in the World for Food in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.

With its rich cultural diversity and boundless creativity, Cape Town earned an impressive score of 95.65, solidifying its place at the top.

At Grosvenor Tours, we ensure our travel groups enjoy the very best of Cape Town’s culinary scene, from top-tier restaurants to unforgettable food experiences.

Read more about the awards here: https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/cape-town-crowned-best-city-in-the-world-for-food/

Grosvenor Tours | www.grosvenortours.com | [email protected] | +27 (0)21 460 4888

11/12/2024

Spotlight on the Mighty Hippo 🦛 Did you know the hippopotamus is one of Africa's most fascinating and formidable creatures? While they may seem calm lounging in the water, these animals are full of surprises! Here are some incredible facts about these heavyweight icons of the wild:

· The hippo is the second-largest land animal on Earth, with males weighing up to 3,200kg!
· You’ll often spot them submerged in water to escape the heat, and they produce an oily red sweat that works as a natural sunblock to protect their hairless skin.
· As herbivores, they feast on up to 35kg of grass in a single night.
· Underwater, their nostrils and ears close, and they can hold their breath for an impressive five minutes.
· Their mouths can open a whopping 150 degrees, and they have the power to tear through an animal with a single bite.
· Don’t underestimate their size—they can run up to 30km/h on land, making them incredibly dangerous.
· While rarely preyed upon due to their size and aggression, their only natural predators are lions, spotted hyenas, and Nile crocodiles—and those encounters are uncommon.
· Hippos are highly aggressive and unpredictable. Admire them from a safe distance when on safari!

Photo: Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand, South Africa

Grosvenor Tours | www.grosvenortours.com | [email protected] | +27 (0)21 460 4888

09/12/2024

"At COY, our food is about unearthing Africa’s often-overlooked treasures, from uncovering ancient cooking techniques to rediscovering culinary stories and exploring indigenous ingredients. As with all that Chef Ryan does, sustainability, seasonality, and a dedication to locality are the cornerstones of this offering." - Coy Restaurant

COY is located between the striking marina, filled with luxury yachts, and the bustling activity of fishing boats navigating the working harbour at the V&A Waterfront. Perched right on the water's edge, it offers diners breathtaking views of Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain, creating a stunning backdrop at any time of day.

Grosvenor Tours | www.grosvenortours.com | [email protected] | +27 (0)21 460 4888

29/11/2024

Curious about food prices in South Africa? Here's a tasty breakdown:

Waffles or flapjacks: R50 - R80
Burger and fries: R130 - R160
Double G&T: R50 - R60
Breakfast: R70 - R120
Slice of cake: around R70
Pizza: R120 - R170
Salad: around R80
Chocolate croissant: around R15
Cocktails: R60 - R100
Glass of wine: average R60 - R110
Sushi: R60 - R120
Toasted banana bread: around R40
500ml beer: R40 - R55
Americano: R30 - R37

Prices depend on where you're grabbing a bite, but these give you a good idea. Got any other cravings? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll add them in the next food and drinks post!

All photos are from local spots around South Africa.

Grosvenor Tours | www.grosvenortours.com | [email protected] | +27 (0)21 460 4888

25/11/2024

Maasai daughters have long watched their mothers practice the art of traditional beading, but sadly, some customs are lost to modern influences. Sidai Designs is dedicated to preserving this cherished tradition by creating financial opportunities for Maasai women. Every order placed directly supports these artisans, enabling them to provide for their families. Additionally, profits fund social programs designed to uplift their communities and expand their knowledge, ensuring the continuity of this beautiful cultural heritage.

We're so glad we met the Sidai Designs team and can't wait for the custom bracelets they are making for one of our travel groups.

Grosvenor Tours | www.grosvenortours.com | [email protected] | +27 (0)21 460 4888

20/11/2024

South African painter Mel Elliott is dedicated to uplifting his community by offering weekly art classes for children. He also knows the importance of preserving special memories. If you capture a favourite moment on safari, Mel can transform your photo into a stunning painting. Whether you prefer it shipped or ready by the time you head home, it's a perfect way to bring a piece of Africa back with you. Whether it's breathtaking wildlife encounters or moments shared with friends, everything can be beautifully captured in a painting.

Elliott Art Gallery and Studios

Grosvenor Tours | www.grosvenortours.com | [email protected] | +27 (0)21 460 4888

15/11/2024

Welcome to Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve - a private game reserve renowned for its luxury accommodations, welcoming staff, and outstanding wildlife encounters, with over 32 years of expertise in the game lodge industry.

In 2003, Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve also established an on-site school, offering the children of managers and staff across the Sabi Sand Reserve access to quality education.

"Our philosophy is to offer guests the ultimate safari experience in a sustainable way, ensuring the safety and security of wildlife for generations to come." - Leopard Hills team

12/11/2024

Explore South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania aboard Rovos Rail, 'The Golden Age of Luxury Rail Travel'. With routes ranging from three to fifteen days, each journey promises an unforgettable experience. One of our Grosvenor Tours team members recently joined the three-day Rovos Durban Safari Journey, traveling between Pretoria and Durban. Read all about her experience here: https://www.grosvenortours.com/the-golden-age-of-luxury-rail-travel/

Grosvenor Tours | www.grosvenortours.com | [email protected] | +27 (0)21 460 4888

08/11/2024

Leopards communicate with each other in unique ways. To mark their territory and send warnings, they scratch tree trunks with their claws or rub their cheeks against the bark. The scent glands on their cheeks leave a long-lasting fragrance on the tree, which can remain for weeks, alerting any other leopards passing through. So, the next time you spot a leopard or notice claw marks on a tree trunk, remember that it’s more than just a mark - it’s a message left for others in the wild.

Grosvenor Tours | www.grosvenortours.com | [email protected] | +27 (0)21 460 4888

29/10/2024

We are incredibly proud of South Africa’s wildland firefighters from the Working on Fire -Kishugu Joint Venture (WOF-Kishugu JV) who were deployed to Canada to combat some of the most intense wildland fires in Alberta Province during the 2024 wildfire season.

"The success of this deployment highlights the critical role of partnership and collaboration in combating environmental disasters, in the face of climate change. This deployment also demonstrated confidence in the capabilities of South African firefighters who are always ready to tackle even the most formidable challenges on the global stage." - WorkingOnFire.org

Well done!

Grosvenor Tours | www.grosvenortours.com | [email protected] | +27 (0)21 460 4888

28/10/2024

Dear Friends in Travel

On Thursday afternoon the Table Mountain Cable Way was affected by a fire that was fortunately not as destructive due to the quick response of our local fire brigade.

On Friday experts and assessors spent most of the day at the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company to investigate the damage caused to the parking garage and the administration building at the lower station, after a fire in the parking garage on Thursday.

“Based on preliminary feedback, we have been advised not to resume commercial operations yet. We hope to be able to resume early in the next week but we will be able to give our next update by midday on Monday,” says Wahida Parker, Managing Director of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company.

“All operations at the Cableway, including our food and beverage operations, will be closed to the public. People who have bought tickets have a window period in which to use those tickets or they can ask for a refund. We thank the public for their support and understanding, and we will provide updates on our social media channels on Monday."

All commercial activities at the Cableway will be closed to the public until the new week.

Experts and assessors visited the Lower Station building today to investigate the damage caused to our parking garage and the administration building by Thursday’s fire. We have made the decision based on their recommendations to not resume services until next week.

All cable cars and all our shops will be closed to the public. If you have bought tickets, remember that you have a window period in which to use them or otherwise you can apply for a refund.

We will provide an update on Monday on when we are able to resume services. Thank you for your support and understanding.

25/10/2024

Nestled in tranquil and breathtaking Winelands of Somerset West, Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa blends historic charm with modern luxury. Adjacent to the renowned Gary Player-designed golf course and surrounded by iconic wine estates, this Preferred Hotels & Resorts gem is framed by the Helderberg Mountains. With 56 elegant rooms, three on-site restaurants including the fine-dining Stefan’s, a luxurious spa, and stunning indigenous gardens- guests can dine, sip, spa, play and stay – knowing they’re spoiled for choice on all fronts.