Derek Hinrichsen
Professional tour guide in South Africa
Hi, my name is Derek and I am a born and bred Capetonian. My love of this city and the Western Cape province has led me to a career change. Previously I worked as a Project Manager and these skills have stood me in good stead in the tourism industry. I have always loved showing off the Cape's many natural, heritage and ...(read more)cultural attributes to friends and family and now relish the opportunity to do the same for you. Cape Town and surrounds have a justified reputation as a world class, must see destination. It's diverse mix of natural scenic beauty, many attractions and activities, culinary delights and rich cultural history, cater for travellers with a wide range of interests. I hope you allow my passion for the Cape to create lasting memories of your stay.
Rating:
Educated Tour Guide
Popularity Index
#4 of 137 guides in South Africa
Local Knowledge
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- Member since:11 months
- Guiding since:1 years
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1/2 Day, Constantia Valley Winelands
This tour can be taken during the morning only (8.30am to 1.00pm). You will be collected from your accommodation and taken for two wine tastings and a cellar tour at two of the beautiful and historic Constantia Valley's wine estates. Constantia is a suburb of Cape Town close to the city centre. It is one of South Africa's original wine producing regions with wine estates dating back 100's of years, the oldest established in 1685. The valley is a beautifully wooded, wind protected area with a genteel atmosphere. Wines created there are world renowned for their quality. Our route to the Constantia Valley hugs the mountainside and winds through Cape Town’s leafy suburbs. On the way we pass the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens - an oasis of diverse floral and natural beauty. Our route takes us over the Constantia Nek mountain pass and into the valley. Our first stop will be at the historic Groot Constantia Estate. Groot Constantia is one of South Africa's oldest wineries and boasts a well preserved Cape Dutch style farmstead with beautiful views down onto False Bay. Here we will take a cellar tour ending in a wine tasting. The tour then visits one of the valleys other historic estates for a second tasting. Our return route is via Hout Bay and along the scenic 'Atlantic Riviera' coastal road back to Cape Town.
FROM US$
31,42
1 Day, Country Winelands Experience
On this tour you will spend a full day out in the scenic Cape countryside with wine tastings at four estates. Our stops will be in and around the historic towns of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Our focus is on the region’s fantastic selection of wines produced on beautiful estates each with their own unique character. Not only will you taste a varied selection of fine wines but you will also learn about wine making and the area’s rich history and culture going back to the earliest European settlement of the Cape. We visit a mix of contemporary as well as ‘hidden gem’ establishments that allows a varied experience. After collection at 8.30am we will head east from the city and soon we are driving in the rural Cape countryside. Our route first takes us to an estate renowned for their cheese and wine tastings. Then it’s on to the town of Paarl (Pearl) for a unique cellar tour and wine tasting before we head to the Franschhoek Valley. On the way you will learn a bit about the area’s history and geography and we will pass the prison that last held Nelson Mandela. In Franschhoek town we stop at the French Huguenot Monument - a memorial to their contribution to the development of the Cape and its wine industry. After a stroll through this picturesque, French flavoured village we have lunch (cost not included) at a local restaurant or wine estate. From Franschhoek we wind our way through the mountains to Stellenbosch, South Africa's second oldest town, and main hub of the wine industry. We stop at another two great wine estates in the afternoon.
FROM US$
56,85
1/2 Day, City Centre History & Culture Walk
This is a tour that can be taken in the morning (8.30am to 12.30pm) or afternoon (1.00pm to 5pm), excluding Sundays. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and history of South Africa's Mother City. You will be given insights and anecdotes of this diverse and dynamic city as we take it all in at ground level. On the menu is a visit to the Castle of Good Hope (South Africa's oldest building) and District Six or Slave Lodge Museums. Along the way we will pass buildings of historic merit and through the beautiful Company Gardens with its many civic buildings – all set against the backdrop of beautiful Table Mountain. From our starting point we wind our way around the city in a clockwise direction. Firstly we head towards the Castle of Good Hope along the way we pass Wagenaar's Reservoir, the flower market, fantastic examples of art deco and colonial architecture. Just before the castle we stop at the Grand Parade and the Old Town Hall. At the castle you can explore at your leisure or with your guide. The route then takes us to the District Six Museum (apartheid era museum) and the Slave Lodge Museum - one of which we will visit. We pass the houses of Parliament and explore the Company Gardens which also houses: St Georges Cathedral, the Holocaust and Jewish Museums, National Art Gallery, SA Natural History Museum and Planetarium. On our final stretch we take in the vibrant and colourful Bo-Kaap Precinct and end up at Green Market Square (traditional African arts and crafts), in the heart of the commercial city centre.
FROM US$
25,14
Half and Full Day Tours: Payment in cash on the tour day or deposit, prior to tour, into my Moneybookers (Skrill) account or bank account.
Multi-Day Tours: Apart from the LocalGuides 10% fee - deposit of 45% into my Moneybookers (Skrill) account or bank account a minimum of two weeks prior to the tour start. This is to cover advanced accommodation/activity costs. The balance 45% to be paid (either in cash but preferably by electronic transfer) by the end of the tour.
Moneybookers or bank account details will be supplied on request.
Pre-booking in the Off-season
Aug 2012
Winter in Cape Town is considered our off-season or low-tourist season. This is because of our Mediterranean climate of hot/dry summers and cold/wet winters. But be warned: after a few days of rain, when the sun comes out many tourist in town flock to the main attractions such as Table Mountain and Robben Island. You may experience unexpected queues or fully booked tours for the day. My trave... (read more)
Travel Safely
Sep 2012
When visiting a new country or city it is always a good idea to have local Emergency Numbers on your phone. If you come to Cape Town the following ones are the ones to have - Police - 10111 Ambulance - 10177 Fire - 021 535 1100 Visitor safety and support programme - 021 487 6552 Mobile emergency number - 112 Wilderness search and rescue - 021 948 9900 Cape Town visitor centre - 021 487... (read more)
Babylonstoren Estate
Oct 2012
When touring the Cape Country Wine Lands make a point of visiting Babylonstoren Estate which boasts a lot more that the average Cape wine estate. The homestead has been restored to it's historic spendor but in places features contemporay twists. Features: a large, formal fruit and veg garden, original homestead buildings (with bakery, cheesery, deli and wine tasting areas), Babel Restaurant (in... (read more)
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