Recently, City Sightseeing Cape Town launched a new special, whereby two kids (under the age of 18) can travel for free with every full-paying adult over weekends, public and school holidays.

To celebrate and awsome the deal, we invited local actress Jeanne Nielson and her twin sister Jaqueline Duncan (mother of Grace,4, and James,3) to take the Red Tour around the city.

The morning was bright and the Twin Noakes pair (as they became known more recently for their collaborative health work with UCT Professor Tim Noakes) introduced us to two excited, blond travellers (Grace and James). Apparently, the kids had been looking forward to this expedition for days, and would point enthusiastically at every bus they saw driving along the road. Both had packed mini-suitcases, and were then given their (red) earphones and (complimentary) colouring set.

Meandering through town, Grace sat on Jeanne’s lap and James his mother. As they pointed down to the street below, they would call to one-another whenever something caught their attention, simultaneously listening to the voice giving a historical account of everything they saw.

Above the street, this didn’t feel like a Monday morning. As the sun bounced off colourful walls of the buildings we passed, a woman leaned out of a backpacker’s window. Overhead, buildings towered high: clean and angular.

Slowly leaving the city, we then climbed towards Table Mountain (Stop 13), where we all hopped off the bus and into the cable car. Revolving its way up, the wind breezed through an open window, as we scampered around trying to avoid the cold by standing in sun-spots. Below, the ground passed swiftly (and far) beneath, as the cable car’s shadow fell on a foot path leading up the mountain.

Reaching the top in a few minutes, Grace and James ran to explore; their first discovery being the rock dassies (which could be seen sunning themselves on a large rock). The creatures all seemed to fix their gaze on us: unconcerned and curious. For exploration purposes, James had brought a pair of ‘binoculars’.

Jeanne and Grace: looking out

James surveying the land

The temperature having dropped, we decided to have a seat at Table Mountain Café, where we ordered hot chocolates, coffees (at the descent price of R15) and savoury snacks. Enjoying a wind-free view (which made me feel like I was overlooking the Alps), I asked Jeanne about her acting and more specifically about her debut appearance in the film Faith like Potatoes (shot in the vicinity of a quaint Natal-Midlands town called Greytown). As she spoke the story came alive, as did scenes of rolling green hills (which I remembered from my three years of having lived in the area). The beauty of the memory seemed to match the vista outside.

Jeanne also spoke a little about Pebble (due to be born in September). Though difficult to act whilst pregnant, she said that the experience would add depth to her career. As for Grace and James: they were apparently excited for this happy new addition to the extended family.

Leaving the mountain, James almost started crying, but there was still the next part of the bus ride to look forward to. We sped past the Greenpoint Urban Park (a short walk from Stop 18) by mistake (as we had meant to get off for playtime) and all too soon arrived at Stop 1, the Two Oceans the Aquarium. Gratefully happy and exhausted, we stepped back out into the sunshine (still bright and crisp).

The bus rolled away.

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Buy your City Sightseeing bus tour and canal cruise tickets here:

• Online at www.citysightseeing.co.za: Adults R120 (offline price R150), Kids (5-15 years) R70, Kids under 5 free.

• On the bus (credit card only)

• At out Ticket Office, outside the Two Oceans Aquarium: Bus Stop 1

Locals Pensioner Special! Every Tuesday and Friday – half price for Cape Town’s City Sightseeing bus or Canal Cruise – only available from the Tour Office at Bus Stop 1

Want to share your experience with our City Sightseeing community? Post a picture on our Facebook page, tweet us @CapeTownRedBus or tag us in your Instagram photos using @CitySightseeingSA and the hashtag #CapeRedBus!

I’d rather it be about you (the reader): to know what you think, enjoy, disagree with or can relate to. So if there’s anything I could implore you for – its feedback.

She’s friendly, talented and one heck of a gorgeous lady – Bonang Matheba has the world at her feet!  She recently joined the Top Billing team and now a presenter on Mzansi Magic for the reality tv show Clash of the Choirs.  But her most exciting moment to date was her unveiling as the face for South Africa for the international beauty brand, Revlon. Bonang joins the likes of Halle Berry and Emma Stone as ambassadors of this well known skin and make-up range. She has also been named as one of 13 Africans to keep an eye on by Forbes Magazine.

It’s all been a VERY big secret and we don’t know how on earth Bonang managed to keep her appointment as ambassador quiet for a whole 7 months! City Sightseeing was very proud to have been part of the historic unveiling event held at Turbine Hall in Newtown (Stop 9) on Thrusday – particularly because Bonang is the first black woman to represent the brand in South Africa.

1. Bonang arrives in Newtown on the #JoziRedBus

2.  Bonang welcomes the crowd and thanks them for their support.

3.  The countdown to the unveiling of the billboard begins …

4. … 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!

5.  Bonang’s beautiful face graces the Jozi skyline for the first time

6 & 7. Bonang sees the banner for the first time

8 & 9.  Bonang shares some words of inspiration and her experiences with the crowd

10. Bonang hops of the #JoziRedBus to meet the crowd

11.  City Sightseeing blogger, Samantha Dube, meets Bonang at a star-studded event at Vuyo’s Place after the unveiling.

We’re are so proud to have been part of an event that showcases the beauty of the city of Joburg – beautiful people, beautiful places and and a beautiful (bright red) way to see them! Best of luck to Bonang, our gorgeous new homegrown Revlon face!

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Want to share your Braamfontein experience with our City Sightseeing community? Post a picture on our Facebook page, tweet us @JoburgRedBus or tag us in your Instagram photos using @CitySightseeingSA and the hashtag #JoziRedBus!

Buy your City Sightseeing tickets here:

• Online at www.citysightseeing.co.za: Adults R120 (offline price R150), Kids (5-15 years) R70, Kids under 5 free.

• On the bus (credit card only)

• At out Ticket Office, at the Gautrain Station at Park (Stop 1) or Gold Reef City (Stop 6)

As the cheerful Red Bus comes over the Nelson Mandela Bridge, no one could blame you for feeling immensely proud of our country and city, and perhaps even a little bit teary. It really is the most magnificent feeling. But keep composed because just over the bridge is the trendy heart and soul of the city: Braamfontein (Stop 11). Filled with boutique, one-of-a-kind stores, cafés and restaurants, Braamies has completely exploded with energy over the past couple of years!

The first thing you’ll notice as you drive through its streets is the colour – dashes of green, blue, pink and orange that make the once dilapidated abandoned buildings come to life. If you’re riding the bus on a Saturday, you’re likely to find the streets packed with gorgeous people all coming to grab a piece of the action (and the delicious food). Saturdays in Braamies are especially fun thanks to the, now famous, Neighbourgoods Market and The Beach. Neighbourgoods offers homemade foods in every variety you can think of (from burgers and coconut cocktails to flatbreads and organic wine), live entertainment, and designer clothes and accessories. It’s an experience that should be mandatory for every Joburger, purely because it’s too wonderful to miss out on. Following brunch or lunch, The Beach offers a sandy paradise on a city rooftop, complete with drinks and sun loungers!

Not a Saturday? No problem! Braamfontein boasts an array of amazing restaurants, from pub/bar/club style to designer coffee shops where everything is made with the utmost care by the owners themselves.

Sadly for us, we arrived in Braamies on Sunday afternoon, when most of the shops and cafés were closed. Determined to see every part we could, we window shopped at 70 Juta (I am definitely coming back to actually shop, these stores were amazing!) before stopping in at Joburg’s oldest bar, Kitcheners. While we admired the old school vibe, we chatted to the barman who was super friendly, but informed us that the kitchen was closed. Since we were pretty famished by this stop, we thanked him and headed out in search of food. That was when we found Father Coffee.

The lights were on and the smell of coffee wafted out the door, and we excitedly entered the little wooden haven to ask if they were open. The owners informed us that they were officially closed, but that they’d be happy to brew us some coffee on the house. We couldn’t believe our luck! As we sat down to enjoy our coffee (and had complimentary coconut brownies!) we learned a little more about Braamies’ brand new gem, which had officially opened only the day before. We got chatting to the owners and I fell in love with what was, undoubtedly, the best cappuccino I’ve ever tasted. I’m not even being biased.

Refreshed and happily caffeinated, we explored the Grove and window shopped a little more, making plans to come back and try absolutely everything. Between Eighty Six Public pizzeria, Velo café, and the Wits hospice shop, we could have spent an entire day exploring.

Having entered Braamfontein tired and hungry, we left energised and full, and particularly inspired by our serendipitous experience. After all, you never know what might happen in Braamies.

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Want to share your Braamfontein experience with our City Sightseeing community? Post a picture on our Facebook page, tweet us @JoburgRedBus or tag us in your Instagram photos using @CitySightseeingSA and the hashtag #JoziRedBus!

Buy your City Sightseeing tickets here:

• Online at www.citysightseeing.co.za: Adults R120 (offline price R150), Kids (5-15 years) R70, Kids under 5 free.

• On the bus (credit card only)

• At out Ticket Office, at the Gautrain Station at Park (Stop 1) or Gold Reef City (Stop 6)

I’m Tash, economist, stargazer, founder of T & Serendipity, and kindness advocate. I’m passionate about this country and about Jo’burg in particular! I adore finding new and exciting things to do, see, taste and experience in a city I’ve lived in my entire life. I’ll take you along on my adventures and give you honest, unbiased accounts of what and where I’m falling in love with… all while pretending to be an adult.

www.Tandserendipity.com

Watching over the city is a muscular horseman. Naked, his hand shields his gaze from the sun, as he stares stone-like into the distant horizon (which centuries ago would have been entirely unmarred by building or structure).  Today, many stand along side him (albeit on the ground), and muse over this prized land leading all the way to the sea (much of which belongs, or at least once did, to Cecil John Rhodes). I’m sure that Rhodes, an industrious and hardworking man, would have appreciated the name of the statue chosen to stand guard over his once domain – Energy.

Situated on the ‘northern slope of Table Mountain’ is the Rhodes Memorial Restaurant and Tea Garden. Here, cell phone reception is limited, leaving tranquility and peace to roam (signal) free. Having enjoyed the last few years in Cape Town, I have been often: in an attempt to snatch at the feeling of being ‘outside the city’, yet in reality only a few minutes’ drive away. Seated for example, you can see the traffic along De Waal Drive (which incidentally is where the Blue Mini Peninsula Tour runs) but thankfully, cannot hear it … thus leaving both Cecil, and every other tea drinker, to rest in peace (though the latter thankfully brief).

According to the restaurant’s website, ‘the menu changes seasonally, with a strong al fresco influence in the summer’. In winter however, you can enjoy the quaint indoors, which when cold enough, boasts a roaring log fire. On such days, the only ‘appropriate’ thing to do is to order a sweet Gluhwein, accompanied by one of the restaurant’s ‘wholesome specialties’ dishes such as an Ostrich Bobotie, Cape Malay style curry or Lamb Bredie.

Should you prefer an afternoon or morning tea however, an ‘on-site home-style bakery’ will adorn your plate with a decadent looking (and tasting) cake. And as you sit, you may even have the privilege of listening to the invited live band who (on occasion) will entertain in a very non-demanding, gracious sort of way (where you don’t feel obliged to clap, but do so never-the-less).

For the elderly or retired who may be accompanied by their grandchildren, the ‘recently renovated’ establishment also includes a playground with swings, slides, jungle gym and a kiddies sand pit: anything to keep the miniature busy, and happy in the own worlds of the imagination. In addition to this, the restaurant also offers ‘special rates’ for children under the age of ten. For those accompanied by furry friends: there are water bowls (from which the animals can drink).

A trip Rhodes Memorial therefore is an all-round, generally ‘wholesome’ experience, where (local and visiting patrons), as well as their accompaniments, can enjoy sunshine, tea and the occasional musical note carrying through the air, and into the view beyond a low, stone wall.

For more information go to:

http://www.rhodesmemorial.co.za/

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Buy your City Sightseeing bus tour and canal cruise tickets here:

• Online at www.citysightseeing.co.za: Adults R120 (offline price R150), Kids (5-15 years) R70, Kids under 5 free.

• On the bus (credit card only)

• At out Ticket Office, outside the Two Oceans Aquarium: Bus Stop 1

Locals Pensioner Special! Every Tuesday and Friday – half price for Cape Town’s City Sightseeing bus or Canal Cruise – only available from the Tour Office at Bus Stop 1

Want to share your experience with our City Sightseeing community? Post a picture on our Facebook page, tweet us @CapeTownRedBus or tag us in your Instagram photos using @CitySightseeingSA and the hashtag #CapeRedBus!

I’d rather it be about you (the reader): to know what you think, enjoy, disagree with or can relate to. So if there’s anything I could implore you for – its feedback.

Being a member of the Green Campus Initiative at UCT I try to be responsible in terms of sustainable development when I can. City Sightseeing have been on board the sustainability ship for some time now and have made huge strides in not only worldwide issues surrounding sustainability but have also supported local initiatives. This has culminated into an association between City Sightseeing and the Cape Town based composting company, Reliance, a relationship that seeks to decrease City Sightseeing’s carbon footprint if not to eradicate it completely.

Many may know what a carbon footprint is but very few understand its gravity or how much of a carbon footprint they, as individuals, leave behind. In essence it has been defined as an individual’s, nation’s, or organizations contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. City Sightseeing are an organization that have been certified as Carbon Neutral, they have reached a sustainability level where they have net zero carbon footprint, essentially achieving a status of emitting zero carbon emissions.

At this moment you may point out that this cannot be; a company like City Sightseeing who rely almost completely on the use of fuel to function cannot possibly emit zero carbon emissions? My visit to the Reliance headquarters helped to clarify the apparent paradox. Arriving at the Reliance farm in Paarl gave a very vivid idea of the scale of the project. Reliance had recently located itself here upon an eight hectare farm with seventy-seven massive rows of organically certified compost. This organic certification is important because it means additives like dangerous pesticides and fertilizers are not added, it is organic, sustainable and long lasting compost.

One capacity in which City Sightseeing have participated in this exciting organization is by ensuring that tree cut-offs along the routes of their buses reach Reliance to be processed into compost that can be used in the next generation of agricultural, or possibly domestic, plant growth. Capetonians similarly could participate by dropping off their Green Waste (garden waste being an example) off at one of the many drop off points in Cape Town. In Cape Town, 90% of its Green Waste reaches Reliance, picked up from 12 of the 22 drop sites in the Mother City. The waste is chipped on site thereby reducing the overall volume to be transported by 75% where one of Reliance’s roller bed trucks are able to load up to 30 tons of waste at a time.

The natural decomposition process begins after the chippings reach Reliance where it would be formed into a new row. The centre of one of these rows can reach soaring temperatures of up to 70 degrees Celsius where seeds are destroyed and pathogens killed. The soil is then churned through massive turners daily for 6-8 weeks to cool, water and aerate them. Tests are done on the soil by an onsite laboratory using crest to biologically test the quality of the soil. Ruan, the lab manager, explained that to speed up the decomposition, Reliance adds inoculants to the waste which kick starts the degradation of the waste materials through small microbes that quickly break it down.

Of course this entire operation needs a considerable amount of funds and this is where the public and private enterprises like City Sightseeing have the opportunity to pitch in. City Sightseeing have achieved their Carbon Neutral status by purchasing credits from Reliance which essentially counteracts their carbon emissions. By purchasing one credit from Reliance, City Sightseeing effectively reduces one ton of carbon emissions from being released into the atmosphere. During the World Cup here in South Africa the United Nations chose five projects where people were given the opportunity to offload their emissions, one of which was buying credits. Seven participating teams offset their emissions by purchasing credits and Reliance contributed further by providing the compost used in the grounds around the Cape Town Stadium, providing a sustainable and truly green alternative.

In short Reliance aims to assist municipalities across the country by saving land fill space, avoiding capital expenses, earning carbon credits, saving general expenses, and creating jobs. It is registered with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and was a finalist in the 2010 Climate Change Leadership awards. They would also be the first to tell you that the Reliance Group is a business, with all the relevant goals, aims and principles; yet they would also be the first to say: “We are however, firstly South African and share your passion for the environment and our Country.” It is this passion that has driven Reliance’s goals into a reality; a passion that City Sightseeing has taken the initiative to share in.

I am currently a third year student at UCT and matriculated at Camps bay High School in 2009. My majors at UCT are English and History and for fun I go for regular hikes across the Cape Peninsula and can’t think of many trails or mountains I haven’t navigated within the area. I’ve traveled throughout the Western Cape by car for simple sight seeing and bird watching, including all the way up the West Coast and on a occasion to Graaff Reinet and Port Elizabeth.

Once considered a petty crime committed by rebellious teenagers, graffiti art has come a long way in the past few years. Now better known as Street Art, this genre of creative expression has exploded onto the streets of Cape Town, providing colour and vibrancy where cold, grey concrete once ruled.

Whether you’re looking for a piece created by an anonymous passerby or a well known artist like Faith47, there is much to be found along the pavements and pathways of the CBD, Woodstock and the hip Fringe precinct.

If you’re exploring City Sightseeing’s Red City Route, hop off at Stop 6 and take a short walk towards the Centre for the Book. You can’t miss this piece by Faith47 – purposefully placed close to the Huguenot Chambers and offices of the Department of Justice on Queen Victoria Street.

All shall be equal before the law – Faith47. Image courtesy of the African Digital Art Archives.

From here you can either return to stop 6, board the bus and continue on to Stop 9 or you can enjoy a walk through the Company Garden’s – down Government Avenue – and on to Buitenkant Street.

Once you’ve reached the District Six Museum (Stop 9) and take a short wander up Albertus street to Onse Plek, a residential home for girls who used to spend their days begging on the city’s streets. When Faith47 transformed the outside of this building, she not only gave it a much needed face lift, but the mural has become a point of pride for residents and staff and an uplifting reminder of the people who care for these young women.

Continue your walk towards Charley’s Bakery and turn right into Harrington Street. You’re now smack in the middle of Cape Town’s creative precinct, The Fringe, where you’ll spot a bright array of street art on practically every corner.

Follow a circular route – up Harrington Street (towards the mountain), turn right into Roeland Street, and then right again into Buitenkant – which brings you back to the District Six Museum.

By far my FAVOURITE piece of Cape Town street art.

The wonderland that is Charley’s Bakery. Image courtesy of CapeTownDailyPhoto.com

Although the bus doesn’t travel there, a visit to Albert Street in Woodstock is definitely worth the taxi fare. Not only is there a heap of exquisite street art, but the area is home to a ton of creative complexes including The Foundry and The Woodstock Exchange. You can also pop into //A word of art, a gallery founded by Ricky Lee Gordon AKA Freddy Sam – another popular Cape Town street artist.

Freddy Sam’s ‘Two great minds’. Image courtesy of The Incidental Tourist.

Image courtesy of GraffitiSouthAfrica.com

If you’re planning on making your search for Cape Town’s best and brightest street art a regular mission, then grab yourself a copy of Painting Cape Town by Matthew Olckers.

I’d love to see photos of any street art you come across so please share it on City Sightseeing’s Facebook wall or tag us in your Instagram pics descriptions using @CitySightseeingSA and #CapeRedBus.

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 Buy your City Sightseeing bus tour and canal cruise tickets here:

• Online at www.citysightseeing.co.za: Adults R120 (offline price R150), Kids (5-15 years) R70, Kids under 5 free.

• On the bus (credit card only)

• At out Ticket Office, outside the Two Oceans Aquarium: Bus Stop 1

I’m undergoing treatment for a travel addiction (if 16 world capitals and innumerable “dorpies” qualifies as a problem), but Cape Town and Johannesburg remain my obsession. Pet hates include book defacers, hot milk in tea and anything granadilla flavoured. I’m an aspiring photographer, museum nerd and die hard optimist. Find me on Twitter at @ShellsWillBe.