Day 01
Explore the V&A Waterfront and Silo District
- This tour revolves around Cape Town's oldest working harbour, its history, and its numerous attractions. The dock, first used by the Dutch East India Company for trading and military purposes, developed further in the mid-1800s under British rule after gold and diamonds were discovered in the northern part of the country, as well as through the many economic developments of Cape Town and South Africa. Today, the V&A Waterfront is the most visited destination in South Africa, with over 80 restaurants, 450 shops, two markets, and 22 historical hubs. The harbour, which is the equivalent of 80 rugby fields in size, offers a cosmopolitan mix of experiences ranging from culture, shopping, food and drinks, to entertainment.
- We will start our tour with the latest development at the V&A Waterfront: the Silo District, where the old original silo, originally constructed in 1927 and abandoned in 2001, has been renovated to its old splendour and now hosts the Zeitz Mocaa Museum, an award-winning modern museum of contemporary art, as well as the super luxurious Silo Hotel.
- We will enjoy the beautiful view of Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and Signal Hill. The guide will briefly touch on the discovery of gold and diamonds and the story behind the name of the V&A Waterfront.
- Then, we will see the second-oldest lighthouse in South Africa, which is now a clock tower. After visiting the clock tower, the guide will attempt to show us some seals. Please note that the seals are not in captivity, so viewing is not guaranteed.
- We will unveil why Signal Hill played an important role for the Dutch and examine an archaeological site: the Chavonnes Battery, which was buried under a fishery for a long time until a few years ago.
- Then, we will head to meet four significant South African freedom fighters and Nobel Prize winners. We will see the statues of Albert Lutuli, Desmond Tutu, F. W. de Klerk, and Nelson Mandela.
- At last, we will end the tour with a stroll around the restaurants and the boats, admiring the landscape and the panoramic wheel created for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
