Autumn has arrived in Cape Town, characterised by dramatic sea mists that sweep in below the terrace of Ellerman House, followed by mild days and blue skies that provide perfect weather for exploring all that the Mother City has to offer.
Capetonians all agree: Autumn is the best season in Cape Town, and it's a bit of an inside secret for travellers who return to Cape Town again and again. We love sharing this time of year with our guests. So much so that Ellerman House offers a 20% discount on bookings of four nights and more from April to September!
But what to do once you've made the savvy decision to visit in the 'secret season'? Well, that's no problem at all. We asked Ellerman House Head Concierge Yassir Ebrahim to flip through his little black book for 10 of his best-kept secrets to discover a different side of Cape Town.
This steam train excursion to the Elgin Railway Market offers a charming day out to the vineyards and orchards of the Elgin Valley. Departing from a station in the city centre, guests are in for a scenic ride through the city's outskirts, followed by a dramatic ascent up and over the Hottentots Holland Mountains. On arrival at the Elgin Railway Market, you'll find a vibrant, bustling space filled with artisanal goods, fresh produce, and delicious local foods and drinks. The market's blend of heritage and modernity creates a unique atmosphere that offers the very best of this iconic winemaking region.
The Cape Peninsula may be known as the Fairest Cape, but it's equally dubbed the 'Cape of Storms' by mariners, and over the centuries those storms have littered the coastline with dozens of sunken ships. In the company of expert local guides, qualified and experienced divers can explore wrecks like the Maori and the Katsu Maru, discovering abundant marine life and eerie traces of a bygone era. Guests will need a minimum Advanced Open Water certification and experience in deep and drift diving.
This experience offers a unique perspective of the Mother City's urban creativity, where murals and graffiti have transformed everyday spaces into powerful works of art. Guided by a local expert, these tours take you through the vibrant neighbourhoods of Woodstock and the East City, showcasing pieces that reflect Cape Town's rich culture and current social issues, with each artwork both an expression of artistic freedom and a lens into the city's evolving identity.
Cape Town is home to Africa's most exciting culinary scene, but for the most unforgettable food and views, it's hard to beat dinner atop Table Mountain. This bespoke and highly exclusive experience begins with a scenic cable car ride to the summit, where guests will indulge in a gourmet menu curated by some of the country's best chefs. It's a rare opportunity to enjoy fine dining – paired with Cape wines – in a truly astonishing and exclusive location.
Set off on an immersive journey to where nature meets the culinary world. Guided by local experts, guests venture into the rugged landscapes of the Cape Peninsula and beyond, discovering edible plants, mushrooms, seaweed and more. This hands-on experience will teach you about sustainable foraging practices and connect you to our local communities' ancient traditions. After gathering ingredients, the experience culminates in a cooking session, where participants turn their wild finds into delicious dishes.
From the terrace at Ellerman House it's easy to see Robben Island out in Table Bay. It's where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years behind bars and is a must-visit for most of our guests. For the most breathtaking perspective of this iconic site, an exclusive helicopter excursion is one for the memory books. This is a rare opportunity to approach Robben Island from the air before landing for a personal guided tour that takes you on a deep dive into the history of South Africa's struggle for freedom. With a private guide, guests can explore the prison where Nelson Mandela was held and hear stories that bring the island's powerful legacy to life.
One of the Cape's most celebrated micro-farms, supplying many of the city's top restaurants, also offers a memorable culinary experience against the backdrop of their working farm. Their restaurant focuses on seasonal, farm-to-table dishes highlighting the produce grown on-site, paired perfectly with local wines and cocktails. These curated (and exclusive) dining experiences are offered on specific dates for either lunch or dinner, and pre-booking is essential as limited seats are available.
Led by experts in the field, this interactive workshop guides you through the art of blending essential oils in fragrance creation. You'll learn about the different notes and ingredients that create the perfect scent, with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of fragrant botanicals, flowers, and spices sourced locally and internationally. You will leave with a unique, self-made perfume that captures your essence and serves as a lasting memento of your time in Cape Town.
With decades of experience as a private chef, Nicky Gibbs has cooked for rock 'n roll royalty (including the Rolling Stones and Red Hot Chili Peppers) and today welcomes guests into her private home to enjoy a six-course meal paired with herbal and floral teas. Her menu is inspired by the Cape Floral Kingdom and features ingredients foraged from her garden and the local coastline. Each course is introduced by Nicky, weaving global techniques with locally sourced ingredients and personal anecdotes from her culinary adventures.
Many of Cape Town's most fascinating stories lie beneath the surface, so get ready to step back in time as you explore the 17th-century water canals that once supplied fresh water to Cape Town. Hidden beneath the city streets, these tunnels were later covered and forgotten, but his fully guided tour offers a novel way to learn about the city's early infrastructure, growth and connection to the sea. It's adventurous and unforgettable, but not for the fainthearted!
180 Kloof Road,
Bantry Bay, 8005
Cape Town, South Africa
