About Cape Insights

Origin & Inspiration

Founder and owner, Marion Ellis, was born on a farm in Africa, and after studying languages and history of art at the University of Cape Town, travelled extensively, sailing the oceans and crossing continents, before settling back in Cape Town, on the slopes of Table Mountain.

The inspiration behind her first business venture was to provide the sort of food she couldn’t find on her return home.
To counter this gap, she created Rozenhof restaurant that resonated in the hearts of Capetonians and earned her a singular reputation  – rising to “Number One in the Cape”, and appearing repeatedly in the “Top 10 American Express / Style awards in South Africa”.

Her second foray found her searching for high-flying executives with hard-to-find-skills, in association with a leading recruitment consultancy, which garnered her endorsements such as: “Marion Ellis’ considerable network of Southern Africa’s most valuable people, her superb work ethic, and unique skills in the service industry, make her an individual we would without hesitation recommend” - Singita Game Reserves.

For a refreshingly different take on the Cape and the county, Marion now weaves diverse strands into the Cape Insights web, honing her networks and harnessing associations, such as the Vernacular Architecture Society; International Wine and Food Society;Slow Food Convivium and via her husband, the Botanical and Geological Societies of South Africa.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COMMITMENT
Cape Insights is committed to responsible travel principles and upholds the philosophy of ‘Giving Back’. This is why we make a voluntary donation to Food and Trees for Africa calculated on your carbon footprint accumulated on your journey. More

AFFILIATIONS & COMPLIANCE
We operate our tours in association with GiltEdge Travel, the 2010 winner of The World Travel awards ”Leading luxury tour operator in South Africa” More

Our Roots

DOOR OPENING JOURNEYS ARE ABOUT  TRAVELLING WITH …
A CURIOUS MIND
… AN OPEN HEART
… AND LIGHT STEPS ...

  • We’re an eclectic bunch who share this ethos …
  • We’re architects, artists, foodies, wine fanatics, environmentalists, historians, archaeologists, creative craftsmen, botanists & ‘floralistas’
  • We’re also cultural interpreters, raconteurs, as well as guest lecturers
  • Even our tour leaders lose nothing in translation despite South Africa having eleven official languages
  • All passionate locals who don’t mind killing the cat, metaphorically! Meet the team


    Marion Ellis talks about Cape Insights … & What it offers you …

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