Post-Congress Tours

Malgas Island & Verlorenvlei

Malgas Island (33°03'S, 17°55'E), lies about 800 m from the mainland, located at the northern entrance of Saldanha Bay in the Benguela upwelling system. It is a small island, about 8.3 ha in size. It is almost rectangular and fairly flat, with the highest point raising about 9 m above sea level. Most of the central areas of the island are occupied by nesting Cape Gannets, whereas other nesting seabirds are mostly confined to the periphery. One exception is the Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) that has managed to establish itself in the very centre of the island, although in low numbers. The few rocky outcrops in the midst of the gannets' nesting ground are used both by Crowned and Cape Cormorants.

Verlorenvlei is the largest Wetland on the West Coast and drains into the Atlantic Ocean at Elands Bay. This 30km Vlei is RAMSAR protected and is well renowned for its rich diverse birdlife such as the African spoonbill, African fish eagle, European bee-eater, white pelican, a variety of fynbos and untouched nature. Redelinghuys is situated in the upper reaches and thus the ideal location for birdwatchers . . . Preliminary programme coming soon

Robben Island & Table Mountain

Robben Island is an island in Table Bay, 6.9 km west of the coast of Bloubergstrand in Cape Town. Robben Island is roughly oval in shape, 3.3 km long north-south, and 1.9 km wide, with an area of 5.07 km². It is flat and only a few metres above sea level, as a result of an ancient erosion event. The island is composed of Precambrian metamorphic rocks belonging to the Malmesbury Group. It is of particular note that it was here that past Presidents of South Africa, Nelson Mandela and Kgalema Motlanthe, as well as the current South African President, Jacob Zuma, alongside many other political prisoners spent decades imprisoned during the apartheid era. The island also boasts a lighthouse, built on Minto Hill in 1864, which is 18 metres (59 ft) high and was converted to electricity in 1938. It is the only South African lighthouse to utilise a flashing light instead of a revolving light, which is visible for 24 nautical miles.

Table Mountain is made up of granite and sandstone rock. Today the mountain is famous for its unforgettable profile and the sheer wealth of species, both plant and animal, that inhabits its slopes. The cableway has been in operation since 1929 and runs from Tafelberg Road to the top of the famous flat table. The view from the top is spectacular and a must for all visitors to Cape Town. At the top of the mountain there are a number of well laid out walks that can be taken, with plenty of viewing sites and photo opportunities . . . Preliminary programme coming soon

Darling/Riebeek Kasteel Wine Route

The Swartland, otherwise known as the wheat and rooibos-producing part of the Western Cape, lies between Malmesbury in the south, across the Riebeek Valley to Piketberg in the north, Darling in the west, to the Oliphants Mountain at Porterville in the east.

A visit to the wine farms in the area is a great way to spend a relaxing day. Kloovenburg has excellent, if fairly pricey wines. It also sells yummy olives and a range of olive-related products. Just down the road, you'll find the Riebeek Olive Boutique, which also supplies olive-related products – anything from soaps and lotions made from olive oil. Riebeek Cellars offer a large range of wines at value-for-money prices. Also in the area is the awesome Allesverloren Estate, famous for its red wines and ports. In Darling, you'll find Darling Cellars, which produces some exceptionally well-priced wines . . . Preliminary programme coming soon