Skip to main content
What if your next trip to Cape Town wasn’t about ticking off sights, but about settling in? About finding rhythm, not rush? At RETURN Africa’s Cape Collection, slow travel isn’t just a philosophy, it’s a lived experience. Whether you’re waking to birdsong in a heritage guest house or watching the sun melt into the Atlantic from a designer villa, the invitation is the same: pause, connect, and let the city unfold.
Two Ways to Stay, One Way to Feel
In the heart of Cape Town, Welgelegen House offers a quiet elegance tucked just behind the bustle of Kloof Street. It’s a place where fresh flowers greet you each morning, and a slice of cake in the lounge feels like a ritual. “Guests sometimes overlook the little details,” says Memory Masuku, Guest Relationship Manager. “But they’re what make you feel truly at home.”
TripAdvisor reviewer Annick A agrees:
“A magnificent stay, with that feeling of being at home. The welcome is incredible, the house very warm.”
Another guest, Christian K, shares:
“Beautiful location, great house, warm hosts with great tips. We felt completely comfortable. Memory in particular helped us time and again with things to do and restaurant reservations.”
And larryn827 captures the spirit of the place in one line:
“Welgelegen House has hospitality in their DNA.” He continues:
“Their staff made us feel like we were in a 5-star facility, which was so much better than any hotel. This great stay is a special part of our story on the South Africa visit to four cities.”
Across the city in Camps Bay, An African Story is a modern villa with panoramic views and a soul steeped in African design. “The house is a mini art gallery,” says Villa Manager Simon Omurye. “Guests arrive with packed itineraries, but once they see the sunset from the deck, they cancel everything. They just want to stay in, breathe, and be.”
Reviewer Sightseer27115407651 describes it as:
“A magical place for relaxation and family gatherings. The villa’s elevated location offers panoramic views of Camps Bay. The staff were incredibly patient and professional, especially Mr Simon, who was always present and attentive.”
And NidodiGufi23 calls it:
“Our home away from home. The standards are always high, the house beautifully maintained, and the views are amazing. Swimming in the pool was exhilarating.”
Curating Contrast: The Cape Collection Philosophy
Ayanda Prince, GM of RETURN Africa’s Cape Collection, calls it Curatorial Contrast, a strategy that pairs location and vibe to offer a full Cape Town experience. “Welgelegen is a tranquil retreat with vibrant city access,” he explains. “An African Story is privacy and horizon. Together, they reflect Cape Town’s layered identity.”
For example: Welgelegen’s heritage charm invites reflection, while An African Story’s horizon views invite stillness. One is a city sanctuary, the other a coastal escape, and together, they offer a complete rhythm of rest and discovery.
Guests respond most deeply to the warmth of the staff, Ayanda adds. “It’s a hallmark of RETURN Africa. We build genuine relationships. People arrive as guests and leave as family.”
Simon agrees: “We build a relationship with our guests that makes all of them regard RETURN Africa as their home away from home. Our staff are deeply grounded in the values of building genuine and meaningful relationships, and that makes all the difference.”
The City Through Local Eyes
Memory’s favourite walk? “Kloof and Long Street, with a stop at Truth Coffee.” Simon’s? “The quiet terrain of Camps Bay, where even Usain Bolt jogs unnoticed.” These aren’t just routes, they’re rhythms. And they’re part of what makes slow travel in Cape Town so immersive.
At Welgelegen, guests are encouraged to linger over breakfast or read by the pool. “There’s no rush,” Memory says. “We blend the warmth of African hospitality with the charm of Cape Town’s history, so each guest feels part of something authentic.”
At An African Story, the design invites stillness. “The open spaces allow you to see the coastline, the ocean, and Table Mountain from every angle,” Simon explains. “Even in your bedroom, you don’t lose the view.”
His favourite time of day? “Evenings, when the African sunset comes out to showcase its glamour. You see every second, from the bright yellow greeting to the deep red goodbye.”
Beyond the City: Buja’s Story
Slow travel isn’t just about pace, it’s about purpose. And few embody that more than Buja, a township tourism advocate working to connect visitors with Cape Town’s grassroots economy.
Buja’s tours offer an immersive and respectful journey through the townships, providing a deep dive into their rich history and culture. Guests begin with a guided walk through Langa, engaging with local street vendors and visiting community projects. It’s a chance to experience daily life through the eyes of those who live it.
The tour culminates in a home-cooked meal with Mama Rachel, a beloved Langa resident who has lived in the township for nearly 80 years. Guests gather around her table to share stories, taste traditional dishes, and connect across cultures. A special guest speaker, a former exile who returned to South Africa after years in the USA, often joins the meal, offering a personal perspective on the country’s journey to democracy.
“Buja is deeply invested in meaningful tourism,” Ayanda says. “He’s helping visitors engage directly with the community.”
Living the City, Not Just Visiting
Cape Town isn’t a checklist. It’s a conversation, between heritage and horizon, between city and sea, between traveller and host. At RETURN Africa, we don’t just offer places to stay. We offer ways to belong.
Whether you choose the quiet charm of Welgelegen House or the cinematic sweep of An African Story, the invitation is the same: slow down, settle in, and let Cape Town become part of your story.
