City sightseeing in a sidecar

We went to the launch of the night tour, where we were introduced to the new sidecar product. We gathered at the Two Oceans Aquarium - which is the starting point of the tour - and were heartily welcomed with snacks from Ocean Blue and Theo's, and wine from Groot Constantia.

Before our departure, the tour organisers held a lucky draw so that a few people could win trips in the sidecars - either up to Signal Hill or back down to the Waterfront. We were crossing fingers to actually not win a trip in a sidecar...simply because we weren't particularly dressed for a bike ride. But, as Murphy's Law would have it, we won a trip back.

Once you hop on the bus, you are supplied with your own set of earphones (and yes, they are brand new) to plug in so that you can listen to a tour guide that tells you of the significance of some buildings, places and landmarks on the way - really some cool stuff that I never knew about.

Route

The night tour bus travels via Beach Road past Green Point, Mouille Point, Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton and Camps Bay, before heading up to Signal Hill where you can enjoy your own picnic whilst watching the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately, the weather didn't play along too nicely on our trip. It was overcast so we couldn't see the sunset really well, and it was freezing cold on top of Signal Hill. I did mention that I was not dressed for a bike ride, but it turned out that I was not dressed properly for the whole outing. I know now that "bring something warm" does in fact mean something warm. My cardigan did not qualify as something warm. Nonetheless, we still had a stunning 180-degree view of Cape Town and on a nice, sunny day, a picnic would be lovely up there.

Once everyone finished their picnics and got onto the bus, we put on our helmets, zipped up our leather jackets that were provided, and hopped into our sidecar to experience the trip down via Kloof Nek Road. Needless to say, I soon forgot about my freezing hands and feet as we drove into the city with its buzzing nightlife.

The route back goes all along Buitengracht, Heerengracht, Adderley and Wale Streets, for passengers to view the old city buildings up close, before heading back to the Waterfront.

Groovy contraptions

The sidecars are quite groovy contraptions with experienced chauffeurs that can ride bikes like it ain't nobody's business. So if you are thinking of doing one of these new Cape Point sidecar trips (which I hope you are considering), you can feel at ease in knowing that you are in good hands.

The night tours are approximately three hours long, and the sidecar adventures to Cape Point are about five hours long. Be sure to dress comfortably, and since this is Cape Town, which is known for its unpredictable weather, be extra sure to pack something warm.

City Sightseeing also offers many other tour options including wine tours, township tours and mini Peninsula tours, to name but a few.

For more, go to www.citysightseeing.co.za or call +27(0)21 511 6000.