DESTINATIONS SOUTH AFRICA | WINTER SUN


Escape to Western Cape


From vibrant streets to the vineyard retreats, discover the brilliance of the Western Cape, says Lina Molloholli


i travelweekly.co.uk


’ve done this trail more than a thousand times and I’m still in awe of the view every single day – it’s the best part of my job,’ says our guide Fatima. I’m 90 minutes into a steep mountain hike up the Lion’s Head, 669m above sea level, in Cape Town. ‘This is the most difficult bit, but it will be worth it,’ says Fatima, as we climb ladders and rocks towards the peak. I’d been contemplating whether I should have stayed in bed, but when we reach the top by 7am, all my doubts are gone. The sunrise is a spectrum of golden hues, softly hugging the picturesque city. Fatima serves us freshly made koeksisters – syrupy fried doughnuts in the shape of a plait – and much-needed coffee while we take in the view. I’m in the Western Cape with seven top-performing agents on a reward trip for frontline sellers in Virgin Atlantic’s Sky High Club – in partnership with Virgin Limited Edition, South African Tourism and One&Only. With visitor numbers to South Africa on the up –


250,000 Brits arrived in the nine months to September 2023, a 35% rise on 2022 – and the tourist board planning more agent fam trips for 2024, the Rainbow Nation is set for a strong year with the travel trade.


CITY ESCAPE Back in the capital, we’re greeted by guides Sherene and Shaheed for a local history and art tour. Among the colourful Victorian houses and spice and produce markets, the house facades are blooming with art. This is where we come across artist Jumah and his


seven-year-old daughter Alima, who are painting two zebras underneath the hashtag ‘#meetsouthafrica’. We quickly learn that zebras symbolise balance, harmony and unity, and the black-and-white stripes are often seen as a reflection of life in this once-divided nation. As she hands me a brush to help her paint, Alima questions: “If zebras can unite white and black, and be happy, why can’t we?” The day continues with a tour of the Victoria &


Alfred (V&A) waterfront, although there’s no walking involved this time – NAC Helicopters Cape Town luxury


As seven-year-old Alima hands me a brush to help her paint, she asks: ‘If zebras can unite white and black, and be happy, why can’t we?’


choppers are waiting to whisk us away on the journey of a lifetime. ‘We are 3,000m above sea level,’ says our pilot Federico, as we gaze out at spectacular views of valleys and vineyards before reaching the waterfront. Originally a working harbour, the V&A has evolved into a bustling hub of activity, spanning world-class shopping, dining and vibrant street performances. After cooking up a hearty meal of coconut curry, mango salad and berry pastries at Food Jams, we return to our city base, One&Only Cape Town. With 131


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