The Guide’s Perspective | Winter 2025

Reflecting on our vision – to help guests feel connected to our home and leave knowing they have experienced something extraordinary – this past winter was a perfect example of this vision coming to life, especially for the many families who travelled with us. 

Despite the typical winter weather, we saw a season filled with unparalleled warmth and connection, where every trip forged lifelong, happy memories. 

As a father of two young children, the greatest gift we can offer them is the chance to spend quality time together. The images within these pages show how beautifully this gift was received this winter by the families who travelled with us.

This update is a testament to the dedication of our team and the beauty of the Cape, proving that our mission is more than just words; it’s the very soul of every experience we curate.

We invite you to see for yourself the extraordinary experiences that made this our best season yet, and how they created an impression on every member of the family…from the guides’ perspective.

Warm regards,
Daniel Sheard (Founder & MD)

You don’t get much more spectacular than a drinks stop on a remote mountain top: silence, views and the guide manning the heli-bar. 

Flying past Chapman’s Peak on the way to rounding the Cape Peninsula. 

Exploring the wild ocean below Chapman’s Peak cliffs by boat on an Ocean Safari. 

Clear and calm winter days create dam-like conditions for our ocean kayak in False Bay.

The benefit of guides with intimate knowledge of animal behaviour is that they can position our guests at Boulders Beach, allowing them to get up close to the penguins without interfering with the birds in any way.

A picnic lunch and a swim at the Bordjiesrif tidal pool in the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Intentionally slow days allow guests to take time to wander, explore and feel where they are. 

Giving places the time they deserve. A family adventure which will leave a lifelong impression.

A picture-perfect picnin lunch in Cape Point for Mom and the lads.

A mid-winter country lunch in Stellenbosch.

Drinking wine within the vineyards with the second-generation wine farm owner.

Speaking of experts in their field, a pair of guests were lucky enough to spend a day with Leon Kluge within the West Coast National Park during wildflower season. Leon is a world-renowned botanist and landscaper who designed South Africa’s Gold Award-winning garden at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show in the UK.

The Cederberg region of the Western Cape exploded into bloom at the end of August. Vast fields of daisies and other perennials in the Biedouw Valley left our guests in a state of wonder.

Small moments and the slightest touches create lasting memories for honeymooners. A morning hike up one of Franschhoek’s surrounding mountains offers a stunning viewpoint along with delicious coffee – brewed on the spot – and dipped traditional rusks.

It is no small achievement to have your photo framed by the “ventser” [window in Afrikaans] of the India Venster route up Table Mountain. This challenging, exciting and rewarding hike is only for the most fit and adventurous.

A lovely family photo to cherish the memories of a life-changing holiday in Africa!

Our private guide, Quintin (on the right), and our specialist city food and culture step-on guide, Dennis (on the left), accompany guests in front of Cape Town’s City Hall. This location is significant not only because of its stunning Edwardian architecture, but also because it is where Nelson Mandela made his first public address after being released from 27 years of imprisonment on Robben Island.