Cape Town Curated: The Concierge’s Guide

Discover “Your Cape Town”

The Silo’s prime location, close to the city centre while overlooking the V&A Waterfront and with Table Mountain as its backdrop, means you needn’t venture far to find Cape Town’s heart. Yet, as each visitor’s journey unfolds, our tour guides are available to shape experiences informed by individual interests—be it art, nature, wine, or a blend of all three.

The Silo Hotel with Table Mountain as its backdrop

A Local Lens

Getting to know a city’s ins and outs is a tall order. Cities need to be known to be loved, and uncovering their true character often calls for local insight and the gift of time. Our concierge team provides a homegrown perspective, letting guests participate in the story of Cape Town—whether through lesser-known locales or more famous landmarks.

Phumlani Magwa is one of The Silo’s qualified tour guides/chauffeurs. Born and raised in Cape Town, he knows the city’s depth and breadth and delights in revealing its many layers to visitors.

He says, “I carry many of the city’s untold stories with me – and these narratives inspire me to share our history and continue discovering new details about our beloved Mother City.”

For Phumlani, Cape Town’s cultural diversity provides the context that gives the city its distinctive character. Interpreting this multifaceted heritage against the backdrop of beautiful beaches, vineyards, and mountains is integral to his role as a guide and tells a fuller, more truthful story.

George Menyoli is part of the two-person chauffeur/guiding team at The Silo, and he too has a deep sense of curiosity – which led him to become a qualified tour guide. George’s respect and sense of wonder for Cape Town continue to evolve, as does his knowledge of the city.

He says, “I love learning about this beautiful continent and sharing the unique stories of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula with our guests.”

With a range of different tours on offer and a beautiful new fleet of cars, George and Phumlani’s average day in the office could mean visiting the penguins at

Boulders, enjoying a wine tasting in Stellenbosch, or taking a photographic safari through the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap. It all depends on what guests want to see and experience.

Left: Phumlani Magwa; Right: George Menyoli

Canvas, Vines and Coastlines

The Exploring the City Tour offers a glimpse into Cape Town’s rich history and culture, including stops at the Company Gardens and the Castle of Good Hope. Visitors can experience the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighbourhood and perhaps even stop to taste delicious Cape Malay dishes at a restaurant frequented by the community. The tour includes visiting District Six, a reminder of apartheid’s impact on the city, and a final stop at Greenmarket Square.

The Winelands Tour explores Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek. Each area features historic estates, world-class vineyards, and gourmet dining experiences. Closer to home, the estates of Constantia are great for a half-day excursion.

The Cape Peninsula Tour showcases the region’s coastal beauty. The journey follows the shoreline to Cape Point Nature Reserve, offering stunning views. Stops may include Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak Drive, and the naval base of Simon’s Town. Visitors can also choose to enjoy the beautiful stretch of Noordhoek beach or visit Kalk Bay with its loud and bustling harbour, assorted shops, and restaurants where you can feel the spray of the ocean as you enjoy fish and chips fresh off the boat.

Left: Bo-Kaap; Right: Cape Point (Image by Oscar Orpen)

Art & Culture Tours

Under the guidance of Michael Jacobs, The Silo’s Art Concierge and Guest Liaison, art enthusiasts can embark on a journey through Cape Town’s art scene.
Michael says, “Growing up in Cape Town, I developed a deep passion for African contemporary art and design. I love sharing my enthusiasm for African fashion and design, telling stories through beautiful objects.”

A Private Tour of the Zeitz MOCAA, Africa’s largest contemporary art museum located beneath The Silo Hotel, is an exciting option. Michael, a Zeitz MOCAA founding team member, co-created the museum guide programme. His knowledge brings the museum to life and also lends insights into the significant African art collection at The Silo.

For a more intimate experience, Michael can arrange Contemporary Art Tours with visits to local artists’ studios. These tours provide a behind-the-scenes opportunity to meet artists in their working environments (and possibly buy local art to take back home).

The Bespoke Winelands and Art Tour combines wine tasting with art experiences. Guests visit estates like Grand Provence and Delaire Graff, which feature wines and art collections. Many visitors enjoy the Dylan Lewis Studio and Sculpture Garden. The day often ends with lunch at La Residence in Franschhoek, The Silo’s sister property, which also houses an art collection curated by the Biden family.

For those keen to delve deeper into Cape Town’s rich history and diverse cultures, The Cape Town Cultural and Museum Tour comprehensively explores the city’s most significant museums and cultural sites.

Left: Michael Jacobs beside Frances Goodman’s Blue Velvet; Right: The Zeitz MOCAA

Flexible itineraries

George, Michael, and Phumlani build each tour around their guests’ interests, using their local insight to reveal Cape Town’s iconic attractions and lesser-known gems. They also offer flexible chauffeur services for spontaneous outings, making Mother City’s diverse landscapes and vibrant spots easily accessible.

To make a booking at The Silo Hotel, contact reservations@trp.travel