If you’d ask me if I’d like to combine driving and eating, my first response would like be, “no thanks”. As someone who gets incredibly motion sick, it’s not often I feel totally well and safe when someone else is driving. For context – I have even felt ill when I am behind the wheel! And yet here I am, about to share an incredible experience that combines both food and driving – courtesy of Jeep Tours Cape Town.
Scenic Food Tour
It’d be hard to believe that multiple winter storms were on the way, in the following few days, as bright blue skies shone above the city of Cape Town. Meeting in the city centre, at the Cape Sun, was slightly tricky for us suburban locals due to morning traffic; however, for holidaymakers this is easily resolved as pick-ups usually happen directly from guests’ hotels.
With bright coloured Jeeps parked in a row, I was drawn to what I refer to as “Happy Yellow”, a bright cerise yellow that just lifts my spirits when I see it. Accompanying the Jeep – Cornelius, our knowledgeable, patient and kind tour guide (who immediately obliged to take a few Insta pics for your gal!)
Stop 1: Xhosa & Afrikaans Cuisine
It was ironic that just the Friday before this day, I incidentally gate crashed a wedding party at the Athletic Club and Social in town, where I was asked, “Where is the best place to get authentic South Africa cuisine?” Thanks to Jeep Tours Cape Town, I now have the perfect answer – Seven Colours Eatery in the Foreshore.
Knowing there’s a skatepark “somewhere behind the Ferrari shop”, I now know access to the small car park is based next to the City Lodge Hotel and provide convenient and central parking for any stores along the pristine canals.
Grabbing a seat firmly in the center of the umbrella shade to protect my ghostly like skin, breakfast began with a clear explanation from the business owner about the dishes and the origins of each dish:
- Vetkoek “fat cakes” – Cape Malay cuisine: deep fried dough balls filled with savoury, Malay spiced mince.
- Roosterkoek “grilled cakes’ – Afrikaans cuisine: grilled rolls, typically filled with cheese and apricot jam.
- Pap en Wors “sausage and maize” – Afrikaans cuisine: grilled farmer sausage and maize meal stiff “porridge”.
- Chakalaka “relish” – Zulu cuisine: essentially spicy beans made with onions, carrots, chillies, ginger and beans.
- Spinach balls – Xhosa cuisine: this isn’t the correct name, but it is an African spinach and pap ball.
- Potjie “pot stew” – Afrikaans cuisine: beef stew served with samp, typical grain for south african stews.
Seven Colours only serves cool drinks that are made in South Africa/traditionally South Africans, which is a lovely touch. Various other dishes are also available, like tripe, but that would require a longer visit and possibly not for breakfast!
Stop 2: Bay Views
On this day, we had a bit of extra time so we took the “long route” around Lion’s Head, driving through Sea Point and allowing guests to spot whales and take in the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Moving around the Atlantic Seaboard, past Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Llandudno, Houtbay and onto Chapman’s Peak, the famous Cape Town Cycle Tour road. Spotting dolphins from the coastline, this is always time well spend.
Stop 3: Fish & Chips at a Vineyard
As we cruised along the spectacular coastline, Cornelius had told us many facts about the flora, fauna and history of the area. Turning into Cape Point Vineyards, the ocean a slab of blue sandwiched between a white beach and bluer skies, the gentle scent of South africa’s famous fynbos floated down from the crispy mountain peaks.
Fresh fish and chips were served with their crisp white sauvignon blanc. Not eating seafood, I was kindly given chicken and chips – a hefty portion too! While it paired perfectly with the wine, I knew we still had a few mountain passes to ascend and wanted to keep the motion sickness at bay. We’re always only one sharp turn away from feeling awful!
Stop 4: Venison
Steenberg is one of my favourite estates in Cape Town, more particularly their signature restaurant Sixteen 82. On this occasion though, Tryn was our host for the day. It’s a larger space and much better for groups.
TIP: Here we were served a plate of venison – something overlooked by our North American guests. Why? Because venison could be an array of meat in South Africa! Oryx, springbok, kudu, eiland, the list goes on. So be sure to enquire so you can know and truly enjoy the experience. Served with their red wines, this was the dish of the day for me.
Stop 5: South African Desserts
The cellars-hohenort is known for their impeccable cheese souffle but on this food tour we’re there to explore and enjoy South African cuisine. As part of the Jeep Tour, 3 South African desserts are shared – milktert, koeksister and peppermint pie. These are 3 traditional desserts with various flavours:
- Milktert “milk tart” – a milk based custard in a shortcrust base, should have a similar texture to a creme caramel.
- Koeksisters “plaited dough” – a deep fried plait that is immersed in extremely sweet sugar syrup.
- Peppermint Pie – caramel whipped with cream and topped with a “Peppermint Crisp” a South African chocolate with dark green like shards providing a strong mint flavour.
This is the perfect way to end off the proudly South African meal. Served with iced rooibos tea, the Cellars Hohenort is a hotel surrounded by beautiful gardens with a rich in history of the Cape and worth having a saunter about. In the heart of the Constantia Hills, it’s one of Cape Town’s more discrete locations in the Mother City.
Why Was the Day So Special?
I’m sure it’s clear I know nothing about cars. Jumping into the Jeep Wrangler first thing in the morning felt fun, but I had no idea how much it would add to the day.
With better views due to the elevation of the vehicle, thick tyres for a smoother and more secure ride, modern technology for charging my phone and listening to local music – and excellent hosting, it really added a new level to the experience that I had underestimated.
Jeep Tour Cape Town has a number of tours including:
- Luxury Dune Tours (dune boarding in Atlantis) from R4,690pp
- Stellenbosch Wine Tours from R4,475pp
- Scenic Food Adventure from R5,495pp (includes 4 tasting meals & local drink)
- Constantia Premium Wine Tour from R4,690pp
- MIni Peninsula and Vineyard Tour from R4,370pp
- Custom Tours also available.
Final Thoughts
As Adventure Tour Company AFRICA winners in 2023 and 2024 at the World Luxury Travel Awards, it’s well deserved. The professionalism of the Jeep Tours Cape Town team, coupled with the warm, hosted experiences are excellent.
The stops and fresh air along the route also really helped ground me, as well as Cornelius’ smooth and consistent driving, ensuring I didn’t feel motion sick at any point. I did, however, sit in front the whole way and didn’t drink too much.
WHAT TO WEAR: Jeep caps are provided, however, I suggest wearing thin layers or sunblock for the sun (particularly if the sun roofs are open on the Jeeps). Closed shoes aren’t a must, but I recommend them for firmer steps on various garden terraines.
I highly recommend this excursion from Jeep Tours Cape Town, for a fun day out and a great way to explore South African food (and wine) in comfort and ease. Book via their website or contact them on bo******@*******rs.capetown for more information. Alternatively, book via Get Your Guide.
Context of Feature: Thank you to the organisers of the ILTM who invited me to join this media excursion. All writings and opinions are my own, and I was not obliged to cover this event.
