As Cape Town gears up for peak tourism season, the water shortages that made headlines at this time last year have become a distant memory. The city's reservoirs are nearly full – water levels have increased 158% since January 2018, according to WESGRO, the tourism agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape – hotels are filling up, and visitors from around the world are arriving in record numbers.

The city continues to be a destination that captivates travelers. Home to iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch National Park, the Cape of Good Hope and blissful beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, world-class vineyards and a multitude of distinctive cultures, the “Mother City's” many awards and accolades are well-earned.

“We extend our invitation to all travel enthusiasts, explorers and holidaymakers to come and see for themselves that Cape Town is a must-visit destination with unparalleled experiences that holds sustainable tourism practices at our foundation,” said Enver Duminy, the CEO of Cape Town Tourism, in a recent statement.

At the height of the water crisis, local citizens, businesses and governments rallied to implement innovative water conservation techniques and practices which had minimal impact on visitors. Despite the water shortage having ended, these measures continue, and have led to Cape Town's recognition as a world leader in sustainability best practices by the United Nations.

Hotels like The Travel Corporation (TTC)'s own Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, have been at the forefront of efforts to conserve water not just for the short term, but for the long haul. Over 30 separate initiatives implemented at the Twelve Apostles have reduced water usage by 42% year-over-year. For example, water aerators have been placed on all showers and basins at the hotel, reducing flow from 9L/min to 1L/min; waterless urinals have been installed; all used bottled water from the spa, conference rooms, guest rooms and vehicles is saved for cleaning floors; storm water is collected in tanks and is used on lawns and herb gardens; and condensation is harvested from heat pumps and ice machines for re-use in gardens or cleaning.

“TTC is proud to be part of the successful water conservation efforts in Cape Town,” said Lucille Sive, CEO of TTC's Africa Division. “These efforts help ensure the viability of the city for the long term, which benefits both residents and visitors. We encourage travelers to continue to book itineraries that include Cape Town, a city that employs 320,000 people in the tourism industry.”

TTC brands such as African Travel, Inc. offer dozens of unforgettable journeys that visit this world-class city, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, and other destinations in South Africa and beyond. Here are some of our favorites:

'South African Tapestry': Touching upon both coasts, this 11-day itinerary from African Travel, Inc. takes guests through South Africa's rich tapestry of landscapes, from rugged seascapes, centuries-old vineyards, 10,000-year-old rock art sites, and pristine wildlife reserves. Guests spend two days in Cape Town discovering Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, and the winelands of the Franschhoek valley. They stay overnight in the luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Camps Bay and dine at its award-winning Azure Restaurant. Next is a two-day stay at the 18,500-acre Bushman Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, where guests enjoy game drives, discover ancient San rock art, and swim in crystal-clear pools. In Durban, guests enjoy the idyllic beach at the iconic Oyster Box Hotel and have time to explore Durban's many cultural and natural attractions. The final phase of the itinerary is spent at Savanna Private Game Reserve in Sabi Sand, home to the elusive leopard. Guests take several game drives, dine beneath the grand canopy of the African sky, and savor the romance of a by-gone era as they sleep luxurious safari tents. 11 days, from $10,995 per person.

'Ultimate South Africa and Victoria Falls': This unforgettable 11-day journey lets guests experience Cape Town's scenic splendor, the thrilling wildlife at Lion Sands Game Reserve, the awesome power of Victoria Falls and some of Africa's finest hotels. The trip starts in Cape Town, where guests are based at The Silo, an extraordinary new luxury hotel occupying six floors above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. There is plenty of time to explore the many attractions in and around this cosmopolitan city and experience its stunning scenery, culture, food and beaches. Wine enthusiasts can even opt for an excursion to the nearby vineyards of Franschhoek. The next stop is Lion Sands Game Reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park, where days are filled with game drives, and nights are spent in the private pool villas at the five-star Lion Sands Ivory Lodge. Guests then spend one night at the luxurious Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg en route to Victoria Falls, the last stop on the itinerary. Here guests enjoy either a sunrise or a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River every day, and take a guided walking tour of the falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Accommodation is in the spectacular treehouse suites at Victoria Falls Island Lodge. 11 days, from $13,995 pp.

For more information or to book an exciting 2019 safari trip, contact your favorite travel professional, call African Travel, Inc. at (800) 727-7207, or visit www.africantravelinc.com. CST 2071444-20

To make a reservation at The Twelve Apostles Hotel, call 011 27 21 437 9029 or visit www.12apostleshotel.com.