The Guide’s Perspective | Spring 2021

We love to create unmatched once-in-a-lifetime experiences for honeymooners. In this case, a solitary moment with bubbles atop a mountain in the Cape winelands only reachable by helicopter.

This moment will certainly last a lifetime.

An early morning hike up Lions Head rewarding us with one of the better views one can have of the city below.  With the sun rising at 05h30 at the moment it’s getting hard to catch the sunrise at the summit. However, these views with freshly brewed coffee are still so worth the effort.

Sometimes, even we are pretty speechless as to how incredible this city is. 

This magnificent city. A perspective only a helicopter charter can provide.

Cruising the promenade (or the “prom” as the locals call it) by bike is the best way to experience the Atlantic Seaboard’s culture, views and people.

One of the rarest (and most hilarious) sightings of the year. Head Guide, Rodger, managed to catch a pair of Dassies (Rock Hyrax) “pomping” on the boulders within Boulders Beach. 

Guests’ meeting a snoek fisherman in Kalk Bay Harbour. This sustainable hand line fishing is highly selective and has little to no by catch. Snoek fishing is of cultural significance and many families have passed down boats and skills for generations. Read this article which offers a snap shot into an accurate account of Kalk Bay’s history.

It is rather hard to comprehend that even the prisoners’ food on Robben Island was differentiated based on your race. This is a scene from a recent private tour on the island.

The key to Nelson Mandela’s cell on Robben Island.

For birders, you are certain to find another lifer on Robben Island. This is the rather beautiful Chukar Partridge. Introduced all over South Africa in 1964 but surviving only on Robben Island today.

There is a bakery we visit often that has a history as rich as its chocolate croissants. First a cinema during the apartheid era, then a squash court, then a night club. Now a quirky and fascinating working bakery where locals play tunes for the bakers throughout the day.

You won’t find this in a brochure. Our latest wine experience is one for those who have a serious appreciation of wine. Fourteen wineries. One valley. An exciting collaboration. Wines are made from exceptional, single block and old vine sites in the Breedekloof Wine Valley. Some farms are home to Chenin Blanc vines planted as far back as 1692. An exclusive African Lynx experience.

Enter another world – where art and nature exist in subtle harmony. Set amongst lush indigenous vegetation, the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden is a truly exquisite home of artistic development and wonder.

Our first glimpse at the new pool and bar at Babylonstoren Fynbos Cottages.

Head guide Rodger, arm in arm with Edward Morton, the previous GM of La Residence Hotel in Franschhoek. Ed, who has now become the Ambassador of The Royal Portfolio, led his team in making La Res one of the best hotels in Africa and the world. Ed never hesitated in making sure the African Lynx guiding team felt right at home alongside our guests staying at La Res.

This is Alfio. A retired Frenchman who lives in Franschhoek and does not speak much English. Accompanied by his hand-written music, he is a wizard on the piano. In this case, La Res GM Ed, arranged for him to come and play for our guests while enjoying a wine tasting on the property. Things escalated and their was some singing involved. If your guests are staying at La Res make sure you ask them to arrange a personal performance by Alfio.

A recently discovered mural in Salt River. Named Corridors of Hope by @sonnysundancer.

Africa’s greatest garden. Standing on the “boomslang” canopy trail within Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens looking up onto the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.

Guests enjoying our signature gourmet picnic lunch somewhere in the Deep South.

Next edition after Summer 2021/22!