Category: Hints

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Bobotie

Bobotie, De Volkskombuis, Stellenbosch

Bobotie is a beloved South African dish that blends the culinary influences of the Cape Malay community, combining spiced minced meat, usually beef or lamb, with a rich egg-based topping. Often flavored with turmeric, curry powder, dried fruits, and a touch of vinegar, bobotie is traditionally served with yellow rice, chutney, and a side of sambal. This dish has deep roots in South African history, reflecting the diverse culinary heritage shaped by colonial influences and the fusion of various cultural flavors.

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Boschendal

Boschendahl, Franschhoek

There are so many wine estates near Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. If you’ve got time you can take the Franschhoek Wine Tram and visit multiple ones without the need to drive on your own. If you can only visit one, try one of the oldest: Boschendal Wine Estate is located in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley of the Cape Winelands and is one of South Africa’s most renowned wine estates. Established in 1685, it has a rich history, initially founded by the French Huguenot Jean le Long. Today, Boschendal is celebrated for its exceptional wines, particularly its Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, which reflect the estate’s commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices.

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Eidgenossen

Huguenot Memorial, Franschhoek

The Huguenots were French Protestants who fled France in the late 17th century due to severe religious persecution after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, which had previously granted them religious freedom. Many sought refuge in Protestant countries across Europe, but a significant number were granted asylum in the Cape Colony by the Dutch East India Company in the late 1600s and early 1700s. They were welcomed to South Africa for their expertise in farming, viticulture, and craftsmanship, which was highly valued in the development of the colony. The arrival of the Huguenots significantly influenced the agricultural practices in the region, particularly in wine-making, establishing the Cape Winelands as one of the world’s foremost wine-producing areas. Their contributions have left a lasting imprint on South African culture, especially in the Afrikaans language, architecture, and food.

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Afrikaans

Taal Monument, Paarl

Afrikaans is one of South Africa’s official languages, widely spoken as a first language by millions, primarily in the Western Cape and Northern Cape, and also used in various other parts of the country. It evolved from Dutch in the 17. century, influenced by Malay, Portuguese, and various African languages, and was historically used as the language of instruction in schools and government. Today, it holds cultural significance, especially in literature, music, and media, reflecting South Africa’s rich diversity.

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The Stellenbosch Hotel

The Stellenbosch Hotel, Stellenbosch

Sleeping at the Stellenbosch Hotel means being at the center of action as it is located on Andringa street of Stellenbosch which is filled with good bars and restaurants. On evenings everybody in the small city seems to gather in this street to unwind by having a good glass of wine. The hotel itself has a long-standing history and what I liked about it very much is that you’re directly at the city center but the hotel is an inner courtyard that gives you the chance for some quiet time as well.

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Boulders Beach

Boulders Penguin Colony, Simon's Town

When visiting Cape Town you can’t leave out Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town along the Cape Peninsula. It is famous for its resident colony of African penguins, also known as Jackass penguins due to their distinctive braying call. The beach is a protected area, providing a safe haven for these endangered birds, and visitors can observe the penguins up close as they waddle across the sand, swim in the clear waters, and nest in the rocks. The penguins have made Boulders Beach their home since the early 1980s, and their numbers have steadily increased over the years, making it one of the best places in the world to see them in their natural habitat.

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Cape of Good Hope

Cape of Good Hope, South Africa

Located at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa, the Cape of Good Hope is one of the most iconic and historically significant landmarks in the world. Often mistakenly thought to be the southernmost point of Africa, it marks the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and is famous for its rugged beauty, dramatic cliffs, and diverse wildlife. The cape is part of the Table Mountain National Park and attracts visitors for both its natural splendor and its historical role as a navigational landmark for sailors during the Age of Exploration.

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Chappy

Chapman's Peak Drive, Hout Bay / Noordhoek

Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world, winds its way along the rugged cliffs of the Cape Peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding mountains. The drive stretches for about nine kilometers between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, with the road hugging the steep cliffs and offering spectacular vistas at every turn. Built in the early 20th century, the road is a marvel of engineering, cutting through towering cliffs and providing a thrilling experience for drivers and passengers alike.

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Boomslang

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, located on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town, is one of the most renowned botanical gardens in the world, celebrated for its stunning array of South African flora. Established in 1913, Kirstenbosch showcases a vast collection of indigenous plants, including a variety of fynbos species, aloe, and proteas, and serves as a hub for plant conservation and research. One of the garden’s most unique features is the Boomslang, a wooden canopy walkway that allows visitors to experience the beauty of the garden from a bird’s-eye view.

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