Behind the Scenes

Lift As You Rise to the Heights of Table Mountain

Table Mountain is the iconic centerpiece of the Cape Floral Kingdom and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Each year, thousands of visitors ascend to its summit via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, but few are invited to discover the remarkable inner workings that keep this world-class experience in motion. Join Collette van Aswegen, Marketing Executive of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company, for exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the heart of this engineering and environmental marvel. Step into the engine room, learn the mechanics behind the rotating cable cars, and uncover how nearly a century of innovation has shaped one of South Africa’s most visited landmarks. Along the way, explore how this beloved destination is also a powerful platform for sustainability, inclusion, and biodiversity—values that resonate far beyond the mountain’s slopes. This is more than a journey to the top; it’s an invitation to see how legacy, leadership, and local impact converge at altitude.   

Get En Pointe with the Beauty & Wonder of Ballet

Step into the vibrant world of Cape Ballet Africa, where movement becomes a language and each performance tells a deeper story. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Debbie Turner, you'll gain access to raw rehearsals, creative processes, and the energy that fuels this dynamic company. This is a rare opportunity to witness ballet through a new lens—one shaped by strength, storytelling, and a bold African perspective. You'll meet the women redefining ballet in South Africa, merging classical technique with contemporary relevance. Whether you're a lifelong dance enthusiast or new to the art form, this experience offers a powerful look at creativity, discipline, and the reimagining of tradition. Let the rhythm move you, in more ways than one.

Take Charge of Tomorrow at a Powerhouse of Possibility

Energize your imagination and spark new ideas with an enlightening visit to Solar MD, a powerhouse of South African innovation. Led by Product & Project dynamo Rizqah MacGirlley, this exclusive tour of Africa’s leading lithium battery manufacturer takes you straight to the factory floor to witness cutting-edge energy solutions in action. From sleek battery modules to automated testing zones, you’ll explore how homegrown South African technology is lighting up cities, hospitals, and homes across the globe. Beyond the technology, you’ll hear the story of women leading the charge in empowerment, energy resilience, and global innovation. Get charged with inspiration as you watch Africa’s energy future unfold before your eyes.

Open Your Mind to the Miracle of Brainpower

Breaking new ground in how we understand the mind, the University of Cape Town’s Neuroscience Institute is paving the way for a brighter, brainier future. Join Dr. Hayley Tomes and Dr. Jacqueline Bracher for a behind-the-scenes look at Africa’s first integrated center for neuroscience research, specialized training, and patient-centered care. Meet the women leading this vital interdisciplinary work—pioneers who are transforming how we think about thinking. From lab benches to policy impact, this visit offers fresh insight into how South African researchers are influencing global conversations around health and humanity. Here you’ll see neuroscience come alive, mindfully, meaningfully, and with women at the helm.

Explore the Way Tomorrow works at Amazon's Amazing African Campus

Connecting the world from A to Z, Amazon leads globally in online retail, cloud computing, digital streaming, and advanced artificial intelligence. But there’s much more to how Amazon operates, as you’ll discover firsthand when you step into the workplace of the future at Amazon’s first corporate campus in the vibrant suburb of Observatory. With yoga lawns, padel courts, a restored wetland, and a biodiversity zone protecting rare species, every part of this campus is designed with purpose. As Enterprise Account Manager Lyle Ford guides you through this cutting-edge environment, you’ll see how technology, wellness, and community come together in a space that is smart, inclusive, and proudly South African. It’s a bold vision for what it means to work and thrive in the 21st century!

Feel the Call of the Ocean Waves at a Luxury Catamaran Workshop

Move to the Rhythm of Resistance on a Walking Tour of the Cape Flats

Between the watchful mountain and the restless sea, the heart of history beats through the streets of Cape Town, South Africa’s Mother City. With Anthony “Tony” Hartman as your storytelling guide, you’ll experience the rhythm of resistance, resilience, and renewal on a personalized walking tour of Athlone, where the struggle against apartheid still echoes today. Seeing the world through Tony’s eyes, you’ll learn how ordinary people stood up to injustice, laying the foundation for one of the most progressive democracies in the world. From historic monuments to an art studio and even a taste of the iconic Gatsby sandwich, this experience is rich with memory, flavor, and soul. It’s a rare, firsthand look at the community spirit of Cape Town, led by someone who helped shape it.

Meet Women on the Wing in the Heart of Air Traffic Control

Keep your feet on the ground and reach for the skies with an exhilarating behind-the-scenes tour of South Africa’s Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS). Step into the control tower where real-time decisions and quick coordination keep millions of travelers safe every year. Learn how precision, calm, and strategy come together in one of Africa’s busiest airspaces as you meet some of the women leading the way on the flight path to tomorrow. With South Africa ranking among the top countries for female executive leadership in aviation, this is more than a tour, it’s a celebration of new heights in both attitude and altitude.

Get the Inside Story of What It Takes to Build a Safer, Smarter City

Smart cities are safe cities, and Cape Town is setting the standard for the next generation of urban security systems by combining cutting-edge technology with real-time intelligence. On a rare insider’s tour led by Andrew Mortimer, Manager of the Emergency Policing Incident Command (EPIC), you’ll discover how advanced surveillance, data-driven insights, and strategic planning help keep residents and visitors safe. Be among the first to preview the city’s upcoming Fusion Centre—a visionary facility where urban planning meets emergency response. During a dynamic walkthrough of the Transport Management Centre, you’ll see city-wide operations being monitored and coordinated in real time. This is a compelling look at municipal leadership, foresight, and the role women play in shaping the cities of tomorrow.

Step Into the Dramatic Theatre of the World's First Human Heart Transplant

The world’s first human heart transplant, performed in 1967, was a giant leap of imagination and determination, rivaled only by the first manned moon landing. It all happened beneath the lights of an operating theater at Groote Schuur Hospital, where The Heart of Cape Town Museum brings this extraordinary medical milestone to life. Join an immersive and moving tour led by Cindi Lategan, the museum’s passionate manager and storyteller, who will guide you through the dramatic events of that historic day. See the original surgical instruments as you hear the inspiring story of Dr. Christiaan Barnard and his pioneering team. Then, take a leap into the future with a live demonstration of the Da Vinci surgical robot. This is an unforgettable journey through courage, innovation, and the unstoppable pulse of discovery and progress.

Meet the Rising Stars of Opera on South Africa's Stage of Dreams

In opera, artistry and emotion come together to lift the soul and spirit. Be part of that journey with an exclusive backstage tour at the South African College of Music, where global stars and divas are born.Under the guidance of Professor Jeremy Silver, you’ll see how world-class talent is shaped through music, mentorship, and unstoppable ambition. This rare experience offers an intimate look at the journeys of rising stars, many of whom have gone on to captivate audiences on the world’s most prestigious stages. Watch arias come to life and witness greatness in the making, one powerful, soul-stirring note at a time.

Dive Into the Hidden Wonders of Cape Town’s Two Oceans

Take a deep dive into the hidden wonders of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans with an exclusive, all-access tour of the Two Oceans Aquarium—Cape Town’s premier marine destination and conservation hub. Led by CEO Michael Farquhar and his passionate team, you’ll explore the iconic Predator Exhibit, the mesmerizing Kelp Forest, and the playful Penguin Colony before heading behind the scenes to see what it takes to protect, care for, and rehabilitate marine life every day. From seaweed to seahorses, every amazing creature here has its own story. Join the heroes leading the fight to protect our oceans for future generations on this spectacular, hands-on journey into sustainability and biodiversity.

Plant the Seeds of Flower Power and Wonder at Kirstenbosch

Nestled in the shadow of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a vibrant Eden of color and fragrance that delights the senses. Go beyond the blooms and into the botanical engine room with curator Werner Voigt and his expert team on a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the Plant Nursery, Living Collections, and Africa’s first dedicated plant seed bank. Discover how rare proteas are nurtured, why geophytes matter, and how seeds are stored to support future rewilding efforts. This tour uncovers the extraordinary science, care, and strategy behind the garden’s global reputation as you meet the champions of flora working to protect biodiversity in a rapidly changing world. It’s conservation with heart, purpose, and hope for a brighter, brilliantly blooming future.

Visit a Heartwarming Factory Where Chocolate Chip Cookies Change Lives

Breathe in the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies at Khayelitsha Cookies, a workshop of craft and creativity that will warm your heart.This innovative social enterprise bakes hope and empowerment into every bite, offering skills and training to previously unemployed women in one of Cape Town’s most challenged communities. With powerhouse CEO Adri Williams leading the way, Khayelitsha Cookies produces a range of delicious treats enjoyed far and wide. Step inside the factory, meet the team, and see how dignity and sisterhood come together to break cycles of poverty. It’s sweet, bold, and business reimagined—served with a side of chocolate chip. You’ll leave inspired and enlightened, with a cookie or two to enjoy.

Open Your Eyes and Your Mind to a New World of Art at Zeitz MOCAA

Bright, bold, and thought-provoking, art stands at the heart of the African Renaissance at Zeitz MOCAA, the world’s largest museum of contemporary African art. Housed in a striking, repurposed grain silo at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, this visionary space is a beacon of artistic excellence, inclusivity, and fearless expression. Guided by an expert, you’ll explore powerful exhibitions, uncover the stories behind the art, and discover how African artists are reshaping global narratives. From emerging talents in the Atelier to groundbreaking work at the Centre for Art Education, this is an art movement that will move and inspire you. Zeitz MOCAA is where art meets purpose, where underrepresented voices rise, and where the future of African expression takes center stage. It’s a renaissance that will awaken your senses.

Walk in the Footsteps of a Giant at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation

Nobel Peace Prize winner, fearless critic of apartheid, and ambassador for truth, justice, and reconciliation, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the conscience of a nation. His legacy lives on at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, located in the historic Tutu House in the heart of Cape Town. This intimate experience invites you to walk in the footsteps of a moral giant as you explore the Truth to Power exhibition with CEO Janet Jobson, followed by a reflective walk to St. George’s Cathedral—where “The Arch,” as he was affectionately known, rests beneath a window glowing with hope. More than just a journey through South Africa’s past, this is a call to action—a stirring reminder of the compassion, courage, and unity needed to build a better world.

Celebrate the Sisterhood of Spice in Cape Town's Colourful Bo-Kaap

The air is alive with spice, flavor, and heritage in Cape Town’s vibrant Bo-Kaap neighborhood, where you’ll join a hands-on cooking class rooted in true Cape Malay tradition. Guided by a local instructor—affectionately known as an “Auntie”—you’ll learn to make fragrant chicken curry, fold perfect samosas, roll flaky rotis, and mix your own masala while uncovering the secrets behind the bold spices that traveled from distant lands to shape Cape cuisine. Then, gather around the table to enjoy a shared meal of your creations—a warm celebration of community, connection, and culture. Come hungry, leave full of flavor, and carry the heart of Bo-Kaap with you.

Celebrate Flavour, Faith, and Heritage on a Walking Tour of the Bo-Kaap

Savor the color, spirit, and flavors at the vibrant heart of Cape Town on a soulful two-hour journey through Bo-Kaap. Begin with a three-course Cape Malay lunch bursting with bold tastes and history—from fragrant curries to sweet heritage treats. Then, stroll the cobblestone streets on a guided walking tour past rows of brightly painted homes—each echoing stories of migration, resilience, and deep pride. Discover how Bo-Kaap’s unique identity, shaped by Southeast Asian, Indian, and African influences, lives on through its rich food, diverse faiths, and lively community traditions. This is your invitation to connect with the living heartbeat of a neighborhood shaped by struggle, celebration, and unity.

Walk the Path of Memory and Healing at the District Six Museum

Once a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood, Cape Town’s District Six was devastated under apartheid, displacing more than 60,000 residents.Relive this history and honor the lives behind it at the District Six Museum—a powerful space for remembrance, reflection, and justice.Through moving exhibitions, personal testimonies, and everyday artifacts, you’ll embark on a heartfelt journey into resilience, identity, and the lasting impact of forced removal. Step inside the historic Methodist Church and explore the Homecoming Centre—a gathering space for dialogue, healing, and creative expression. Meet the museum team working to preserve memory and support efforts to return the land to its rightful owners. This is an experience that stays with you—thought-provoking, deeply human, and unforgettable.

Bask in the Beauty of the Cape Winelands on a Vintage Wine Tasting Tour

The French Huguenots who set foot on Cape shores in the 17th century brought with them the secrets of an ancient and noble craft: winemaking.Today, you can savor the flavors of that heritage on a scenic walk through the Constantia Valley, South Africa’s oldest wine-producing region.Guided by a master storyteller, you’ll journey along private trails and into the cellars of such world-renowned estates as Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, and Buitenverwachting. With wine tastings, a harvest platter, and mountain views that stretch beyond imagination, this experience blends heritage, beauty, and the art of taste in one extraordinary day.A must for wine lovers, history buffs, and anyone craving the vintage soul of Cape Town’s countryside.

Feel the Pulsebeat of Art at the Iziko South African National Gallery

Nestled in the historic Company’s Garden in the heart of Cape Town, the Iziko South African National Gallery is home to one of the most dynamic collections in Southern Africa. From classical portraiture and colonial-era painting to contemporary installations, beadwork, sculpture, and photography, the gallery brings together a vast spectrum of artistic expression. Rotating exhibitions spotlight fresh narratives and underrepresented voices, sparking bold conversations around memory, protest, identity, and healing. This is where beauty meets truth, and history meets the imagination of tomorrow. A soulful retreat for art lovers, deep thinkers, and culture seekers, the gallery offers a vivid window into the evolving story of African expression—past, present, and future.

Confront Truth, Memory & Dignity Inside the Iziko Slave Lodge

Behind Cape Town’s scenic beauty lies a deeper story—one of pain, survival, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Step inside one of the city’s oldest buildings to explore the powerful legacy of slavery at the Iziko Slave Lodge Museum. Once a holding site for enslaved people brought by the Dutch East India Company, this deeply moving experience reveals the human stories of endurance and resistance behind the statistics. Walk through renamed rooms and reimagined exhibitions that center the overlooked lives of women, children, and the once-free, and explore the intertwined histories of the enslaved and the Khoi. This is a space of remembrance, justice, and reflection—where you’re invited to honor the past and carry its lessons into a more conscious future.

Marvel at the Magic of Africa's Most Acclaimed Puppeteers

Step into a world of towering puppets and powerful storytelling at the Ukwanda Puppet Studio in Cape Town. Crafted from recycled materials and animated with purpose, these larger-than-life creations bring to life themes of justice, heritage, and environmental stewardship. Celebrated globally for their breathtaking artistry, the puppet-makers of Ukwanda—meaning “to grow” or “expand”—offer a rare look at the intersection of design, performance, and social change. Watch as engineering and imagination merge to awaken puppets that are as emotionally stirring as they are visually unforgettable. This exclusive visit invites you to see South Africa through a new lens—where creativity moves hearts, shifts narratives, and sparks transformation. You’ll leave inspired, wide-eyed, and rethinking the power of art to ignite change.

Journey Into the Amazing History of Humankind at the South African Museum

Trace the footsteps of humanity through time at the South African Museum, nestled in Cape Town’s historic Company’s Garden. Founded in 1825, it’s the oldest museum of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa—and home to more than 1.5 million artifacts that bring science, history, and culture to life. From 700-million-year-old marine fossils to ancient rock art and vibrant traditional dress, the exhibits here tell the expansive story of our shared past. Whether you’re captivated by evolution, archaeology, or the mysteries of ancient life, this museum invites curiosity at every turn. It’s a journey through deep time, rich culture, and the enduring wonder of what it means to be human.

Savour the Wild Tastes of the Cape’s Floral Kingdom in the Mzansi Gin Collection

Raise your glass to South Africa’s botanical brilliance with a gin tasting experience like no other—led by Slee Mbhele, visionary founder of Obonato Distillery. The Mzansi Gin Collection is infused with the essence of the Cape Floral Kingdom: rooibos, honeybush, buchu, pelargonium—each note a tribute to place, purpose, and innovation. This is more than gin—it’s a celebration of terroir, culture, and women-led entrepreneurship. Hear how Slee transformed her passion into a bold, flavorful brand that honors the land and the stories of those who cultivate it. Taste the spirit of South Africa—crafted with care, rooted in heritage, and brimming with botanical soul.

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