Braam Botha

Braam Botha is Base Manager at Cape Town Helicopters.

Q: Tell us more about yourself - how it came about that you became involved in a touring business?

I started as a student working in restaurants for extra money. 10 years later I realised I need to get something a little more social and it was pure luck that I was offered the opportunity to run a Helicopter company in the V&A Waterfront.
And the rest is all history.


Q: Why should clients make use of Cape Town Helicopters?

We offer best prices and do not compromise on quality of flights and most importantly safety.

We also have a wide variety of added services and will soon offer in-flight commentary in 6 different languages.

Q: Which is your most popular trips?

The Two Oceans flight as it offers approx. 80% of the highlights of the Peninsula and is not too long either.

Second best is lunch at De Grendel Wine Estate that has great food, fabulous wine and the best view a Wine Estate has to offer in Cape Town.

Q: Describe a typical Sunday for Braam.

My wife prefers to sleep late, so I will be up as soon as the sun is out and soon after my Princess (Daughter – Emily) will join me.

We might go for a walk or make a big breakfast that always includes flapjacks and bacon and who knows what else.

Q: The one attraction in Cape Town that you never will get tired of visiting?

Table Mountain – seeing from a helicopter or from the top is absolutely awesome. This is when you realise we do live in the most beautiful city in the world.

Q: One spot in Cape Town where you relax – any place.

A stroll with Emily through the Company’s Gardens. Away from all the noise and cars and there is more than enough birds and squirrels she can chase. :-)

Q: If you had one day to show a friend from overseas something in Cape Town, where will you take him and why?

A Full Peninsula flight showing you more than just the Cape Peninsula, as you also see False Bay up to the Stellenbosch Mountains and up the West Coast.

Shopping in the V&A Waterfront with lunch and wine tasting in Durbanville Wine Region.

Dinner at Gold Restaurant with a Puppet show.

Q: What is your favourite restaurant and which dish do you enjoy?

Braai is my number one choice, but I can’t resist the Sushi at Willoughby’s in the V&A Waterfront or a good Lamb Korma Curry.

Q: If you must choose one wine for a special occasion, what would it be?

Most Bordeaux Blends form Stellenbosch are fantastic, although the Ernie Els one, is out of this world.

Q: If you must suggest a hotel / b&b / guest house to one of your friends, which one would it be?

The Ambassador Hotel in Bantry Bay – I think the location is perfect.

Q: What is your opinion of all the slow / organic markets jumping up all around the mother City? If you do visit them, which one is a favourite?

Yes, I do visit them. That is part of the Saturday routine meeting up with friends.
Tasting and buying these produce and supporting the local economy is a great way of supporting Entrepreneurs.

The one in Constantia / Tokai is very relaxed and there is a play area for Emily, which is very important to us.

Q: Which beach would you suggest for a romantic walk / evening?

Blouberg, if you do not want to walk on the beach, you can also walk on the sidewalk and the walk offers great views of Cape Town and Table Mountain.

Q: Do you have a Capetonian that inspires you?

There are many young entrepreneurs in fashion, food and the entertainment industry that finds their inspiration from Cape Town.

These people inspires me to look further and see the beauty and opportunity this great City has to offer.

Q: What would the one mother city festival be that must not be missed?

The Cape Town Jazz Festival – every year it gets bigger and better.

Q: Stellenbosch or Franschhoek and why (Or any other favourite town or surburb)?

Stellenbosch – I studied here and lived here for a few more years. It has something to offer for everyone and has so many Wine Estates!

Q: Which food represents Cape Town for you?

With a wide variety of cultures in Cape Town, it is difficult to choose something specific, but braai (BBQ) is my favourite, and with so many sunshine days, who wants to cook inside?

Q: Favourite local band / artist?

I support a few local artists – Bed on bricks, Parletones, Prime Circle, Kurt Darren (yes, I am Afrikaans) Chris Chameleon and the list goes on.

Q: My little black book:

Ashley’s in Good Wood (021 591 9977) – the best Pizza in town. This is not a very tourist-friendly location, but once you are inside the restaurant, they will make you feel welcome. The District 6 Pizza is the best!

Willoughby & Co. in the V&A Waterfront (021 418 6115). The Sushi is like you have never tasted before and the portions are very decent, so make sure to rather order a selection for the table, to sample something of everything.

De Grendel Wine Estate (021 558 6280) – close to home and the view, food and wine is excellent (and doesn’t cost a fortune).
Jonathan is the restaurateur and currently has the #1 restaurant in Wales – so watch this space and visit before it gets crowded!