While wine tours in South Africa are easy to find, it can be surprisingly simple to have a negative experience. You might spend a day rushing from one tasting room to another, ticking off estates and trying to remember which Sauvignon Blanc variety you preferred. However, you can slow down and allow a local expert to show you what lies beyond the wine list.
This is where tours led by local guides come in handy. The Cape Winelands are not just a backdrop for a glass of wine. They are a living landscape shaped by centuries of agriculture, winemaking, migration, cuisine, architecture, and evolving perceptions of what South African wine can be. Having a local guide allows the journey between estates to become part of the experience itself, whether it's learning about the history of Stellenbosch, meeting a winemaker, driving on secondary vineyard roads, or pairing wine with local cuisine.
The history of winemaking in South Africa dates back to February 2, 1659, when Jan van Riebeeck recorded the first wine produced from Cape grapes. Later, Stellenbosch became one of the main wine production centers in the country, while Constantia, Paarl, Franschhoek, Swartland, and Overberg helped shape the reputation of the Cape wine region.
Stellenbosch also played a vital role in the development of wine tourism. In 1971, three local winemakers—Frans Malan from Simonsig, Niall Zubert from Spier, and Spatz Sperling from Delheim—founded the Stellenbosch routes, inspired by French wine trails. This was the first organized wine route in South Africa and helped transform visiting wineries into an independent experience.
More than half a century later, there are many ways to explore the Winelands through people who know them best.
If your idea of a good wine tour involves asking questions rather than just receiving a tasting card, you should consider the private 'Meet the Winemaker' tour from Wine Flies. This experience is built around access: guests visit wineries and interact with the people behind the bottles. They taste wines and learn firsthand about their creation process. The company claims that due to its connections with winemakers, guests can see estates from the inside, rather than just passing by in a tasting room.
A local guide also accompanies guests through Stellenbosch, providing context about the town and its significance to South African winemaking before heading out into the surrounding Winelands. Depending on availability, the route may include historic buildings, modern estates, and more personal interactions with those who create the wines.
It is this personal aspect that sets this experience apart. Wine can seem intimidating when the language becomes too technical, but conversing with the person who actually produces it helps make the entire process much more human.
Wine Flies also offers more traditional tours of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, as well as food-focused and family-friendly options, allowing you to choose an experience that matches your interests rather than following the same route as everyone else.
For a deeper understanding of the winemaking process and the people behind the bottle.
Set aside time to explore Stellenbosch itself. The city is the second oldest in South Africa, and its historic center, framed by oaks, is filled with galleries, cafes, museums, and restaurants. The surrounding area also offers opportunities for hiking and mountain biking in places like Jonkershoek.
Vine Hopper offers a flexible approach: instead of being tied to one itinerary, you can hop on and off, deciding which estates deserve more of your time. This service has been operating in Stellenbosch since 2003 and is managed by the Adventureshop Stellenbosch team. Three routes cover different groups of wine estates, with five to six stops on each. Guests choose where to get off, how long to stay, and which tastings or activities to pay for.
The North route includes estates such as Beyerskloof, Simonsig, Delheim, Lievland, Warwick, and Remhoogte. The South route heads towards Helderberg and includes Kleine Zalze, Blaauwklippen, Annandale, Alto, Peter Falke, and Cavalli. The East route moves towards the Helshoogte pass, with stops like Lanzerac, Neil Ellis, Le Pommier, Boschendal, and Zorgvliet. The beauty of this approach is that you don't need to know what kind of tourist you are beforehand. One estate might focus on wine, another on lunch, and a third on the view.
And importantly, someone else is driving.
It is one of the easiest ways to explore several very different parts of the Stellenbosch Wine Route without worrying about drinking and driving.
Choose one route instead of trying to conquer the entire Winelands. The official Stellenbosch wine route is divided into five sub-routes, including Greater Simonsberg, Stellenbosch Berg, Stellenbosch Valley, Helderberg, and Bottelary Hills, so there is plenty to explore.
For travelers seeking a more classic guided tour while retaining the freedom of a private experience, the private tour by Vine Hopper combines a local specialist guide with a flexible route through Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The tour includes transportation, a certified guide, and four tastings at prestigious estates. Since the tour is private, the guide can tailor the route to your group, and the operator notes that the day can even be used as part of a transfer between Cape Town and accommodation in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.
This tour makes sense if you are traveling in a small group, celebrating an event, or simply want someone else to handle all the logistics. The guide can also help you understand the Winelands by explaining the landscape and the differences between estates, rather than leaving you to figure everything out from the tasting menu.
For a more personal and flexible introduction to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Franschhoek is compact enough to explore on foot after the tour. Stroll through the village, check out the galleries and shops, and then settle in for lunch before returning to Stellenbosch or Cape Town.
The Cape Winelands are not limited to Stellenbosch. African Story Wine Tours builds its full-day experience around three of the Cape's most famous wine regions: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. The planned tour includes four wineries, a cellar tour, wine tastings, cheese and wine pairings, and chocolate and wine pairings, along with lunch. The company describes its approach as informal and educational, with guides focused on helping visitors understand the wine, rather than turning the day into a lecture.
This broader route is useful because the three regions possess their own distinct character. Stellenbosch is closely linked to the winemaking heritage of South Africa, as well as the Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, and Pinotage varieties. Franschhoek blends its wine culture with a strong French gastronomic culture, while Paarl offers another side of the Winelands and often goes unnoticed in favor of its more famous neighbors.
The result is not the search for one 'best' estate, but an understanding of how diverse the Cape wine region truly is.
If you want to cover more territory and experience several Winelands regions in one day.
If you have the time, don't rush home. Stay overnight in one of the Winelands towns and explore at a slower pace. Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek have enough restaurants, historical sites, galleries, and outdoor activities to justify extending the trip.
For something significantly different from a standard wine tour, Wine Valley Adventures combines the Winelands with horseback riding, quad biking, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Owner Michelle draws on over 30 years of experience in the area and shares local knowledge about the Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch wine regions. Experiences can be customized to include food and wine tastings, allowing visitors to get acquainted with the landscape before settling down with a glass of wine.
This is particularly appealing if not all members of your group are interested in spending the whole day in tasting rooms. The operator caters to both riders and non-riders, and activities can be combined with wine, food, hiking, and visits to nearby attractions. The point is not to replace wine tasting with an adventure, but to make the journey through the Winelands part of the experience.
For a slower, more active way to get to know the wine region.
Set aside time to explore the Boland landscapes. This region is particularly good for combining wine with hiking, mountain views, gardens, and long lunches.
For something with more dust on the tires, Stellenbosch Wine Safaris offers half-day tours through different parts of the wine region. Current routes include northern and eastern directions with tastings at two wineries. The northern option includes Stark-Condé, Rustenberg, and Lanzerac, while the eastern route features Tokara, Zorgvliet, and Rainbows End. Tours run in the morning and afternoon, and pickups can be arranged from Stellenbosch or Cape Town, with transfers available as an optional extra.
The safari format is especially suitable for visitors for whom the landscape is a key part of the day. Instead of viewing vineyards through the car window between stops, the open format puts the landscape center stage.
For a shorter wine experience that still gives an overview of the area and the character of Stellenbosch.
Combine the safari with a walk through Stellenbosch afterward. The historic city center is compact and easy to navigate, featuring Cape Dutch, Georgian, and Victorian architecture, museums, galleries, and restaurants near the center.
There is a temptation, especially in such a famous place as the Cape Winelands, to treat wine tasting like a checklist: four estates, six tastings, one lunch—and that's it. But the best wine experiences usually resist this formula. A local guide can explain why a certain valley produces a specific style of wine, point out a historic farm you might otherwise drive past, or introduce you to the person bottling the wine. They can also help you understand that the Winelands are not one single place.
Stellenbosch alone is divided into separate sub-routes shaped by geography, climate, and landscape. The region represents much more than just wine. Stellenbosch combines vineyards with hiking, mountain biking, art, heritage, and food, while the wider Cape Winelands include cities like Franschhoek, Paarl, Worcester, and Robertson. This is the true appeal of having a knowledgeable person accompany you. They aren't just driving you to a tasting; they are giving you the key to the place.
The South African coast possesses such a diversity of life beneath the surface that it is easy to forget. The country's marine protected areas safeguard vital coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, kelp forests, whale breeding grounds, and penguin habitats.
These protected zones extend far beyond beaches and well-known viewpoints, protecting reefs, kelp forests, rocky shores, islands, estuaries, and breeding sites for animals such as turtles, penguins, whales, and dolphins. Currently, there are 41 marine protected areas in the country, preserving key marine and coastal ecosystems.
Some of these locations are well-known, while others remain unnoticed. However, if you want to understand the value of conserving South Africa's coastline, it is worth starting to explore these locations.
Arriving at the mouth of the Storms River makes a distinct impression: forest descends directly to the cliffs, the Indian Ocean crashes against the rocks, and an entirely different landscape unfolds beneath the surface.
The Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area is the oldest in Africa. Established in 1964, it covers about 60 kilometers of coastline and extends 5.6 km into the open sea. It is part of the Garden Route National Park and protects an exceptionally rich area of tidal life, reefs, and deep-sea fish.
The history of this area also demonstrates the evolution of conservation approaches. Initially, Tsitsikamma was managed as a no-take zone. Today, management has been changed to achieve a balance between marine environment conservation, access, and the needs of neighboring communities.
For visitors, the main attraction is the opportunity not just to observe the reserve, but to experience it. Near the mouth of the Storms River, scuba diving and snorkeling tours are available to explore reefs and search for fish and sharks underwater. Kayaking and paddle adventures offer an alternative way to get on the water, while the surrounding park provides some of the best opportunities for coastal hikes in the country.
The famous Otter Trail runs along the coast for 42 kilometers over five days, while shorter walks around the Storms River make the area accessible even to those not planning a multi-day trek. Keep an eye out for dolphins, southern right whales, Cape gulls, and the elusive coastal otter.
For a rare combination of ancient forest, dramatic coastline, and truly wild underwater beauty, De Hoop is worth visiting. If your trip involves whale watching, this reserve deserves a high spot on your list.
The marine reserve is part of the larger De Hoop Nature Reserve, where the coast serves as an important breeding and feeding ground for southern right whales. Approximately 120 whales return annually for mating and calving, and from June to November they can often be seen very close to the shore.
To enjoy this spectacle, you don't necessarily need a boat. One of the advantages of De Hoop is the ability to find a vantage point along the coast and watch the ocean. Koppie Allen is particularly good for this, offering panoramic views of the vast beaches and turquoise waters of the reserve.
But De Hoop offers more than just whale watching. This reserve is characterized by its seamless integration of marine and terrestrial landscapes. In the morning, you can walk along the coast, exploring rock pools and limestone formations, and in the afternoon, watch bontebok, eland, Cape mountain zebra, or other wildlife species in the reserve.
For more ambitious travelers, there is the 55-kilometer Whale Trail, which takes hikers from Plettenberg Bay to Koppie Allen through fynbos, beaches, and dramatic coastal terrain.
Northern KwaZulu-Natal is a region where the South African coast takes on an almost tropical appearance. The water here is warmer, coral reefs thrive, and the list of marine life encountered in the open sea is truly extraordinary.
The iSimangaliso National Park Marine Protected Area is the largest in South Africa and is part of the country's first World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1999. Its marine protection was significantly expanded in 2019 after more than ten years of planning, creating a protected marine landscape linked to the protected waters of Mozambique.
The biodiversity of this place is the main reason to visit. The protected waters of iSimangaliso include coral reefs, turtle nesting beaches, and habitat for whales, dolphins, sharks, and the ancient coelacanth. The Sodwana Bay section is internationally recognized as a major diving spot; the park reports approximately 1200 fish species and 100 types of warm-water corals.
Sodwana Bay is an obvious base if you want to dive underwater. Snorkeling and diving allow you to see coral gardens and impressive marine diversity, and boat trips can lead to encounters with dolphins and seasonal whales. From November to April, turtle watching tours offer a chance to see seals and leatherback turtles laying eggs along the coast.
However, diving is not a prerequisite. The beaches, coastal forests, lakes, and wetlands of iSimangaliso make it a destination in themselves. Marine cruises, birdwatching, and wildlife tours allow you to plan a trip around the park without even putting on a wetsuit.
Near the southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal lies Aliwal Shoal—an ideal spot for those whose idea of a marine experience includes full immersion underwater.
This reef was officially declared a marine protected area in 2004. Its regulations are designed to protect the marine environment and reef biodiversity, conserve associated fish stocks, and promote regulated ecotourism and research.
Today, Aliwal Shoal is most known among divers for its impressive underwater habitats and large marine animals. Hammerhead sharks are one of the iconic sightings, and the entire area is also known for encounters with other shark species, rays, turtles, and seasonal marine life.
The reef can be explored through organized diving tours; permits are required for recreational diving in the marine protected area. For experienced divers, this is a place where the anticipation begins long before the dive. Local dive operators can offer introductory courses and training for beginners.
The southern coast also offers many above-water activities. You can organize a diving tour around the beaches and small coastal towns or use it as a base for exploring the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Addo Elephant Park, known for its elephants, also meets the ocean. The Addo Elephant National Park Marine Protected Area was proclaimed in 2019 after many years of planning and negotiation. At the time of proclamation, it covered an area of about 1127 sq km and protects a remarkable combination of sandy beaches, rocky shores, reefs, estuary, and islands in Algoa Bay.
Its conservation history is particularly important due to the seabirds dependent on the waters around the islands. The marine protected area safeguards feeding grounds for endangered African penguins and Cape gannets, and its reefs and estuary are vital for marine species and the recovery of valuable fish stocks.
The appeal for visitors lies in the ability to combine two completely different types of safari in one trip. In the morning, you can observe elephants, lions, or rhinos in the land parts of Addo, and then head to Algoa Bay and the coast. Marine fauna can be seen from the water, and the wider Algoa Bay area offers opportunities for birdwatching and coastal exploration. Boat trips to the islands have historically provided opportunities to see penguins, gannets, seals, dolphins, and whales, although access to the protected islands is regulated, and visitors should check current conditions before planning their trip.
You probably know Table Mountain. You may have heard of Boulder's. But the marine protected area stretching around the Cape of Good Hope peninsula is a whole different story. It was declared in 2004 and protects an incredible stretch of coastline and ocean around the peninsula. Its waters support dolphins, several whale species, Cape fur seals, and numerous seabirds, and Boulder's serves as an important habitat for African penguins. It is also one of the easiest marine protected areas in the country to visit without needing to plan an expedition.
You can start at Boulder's, where visitors can see African penguins on the promenade without entering their breeding zone. Then, you can move towards the Cape of Good Hope to admire the cliffs, beaches, hiking trails, and spectacular views of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The park also offers opportunities for diving, snorkeling, fishing, whale watching, and other water activities, provided that appropriate rules and permits are followed.
The penguin colony itself has a fascinating conservation history. Boulder's became home to a colony in 1983, but since then, the population of African penguins has sharply declined. The species is now classified as endangered, making responsible viewing particularly important.
It might be the easiest marine protected area on the list to overlook precisely because it is so familiar. But that is also why it is worth returning. Next time you travel around the Cape of Good Hope peninsula, look beyond the mountain. There is an entire protected ecosystem beneath the waves.
A marine protected area is not just a patch of ocean where going is forbidden. Different marine protected areas have their own zones and rules: some areas are completely protected from resource extraction, while others allow carefully controlled activities. Their broader goal is the preservation of ecosystems, the protection of marine species, and assisting in the recovery of fish populations supported by appropriate recreation, tourism, and coastal livelihoods.
This distinction matters when visiting. The best experience is not necessarily the one where you see the most animals. It is the one where you understand that the animals exist here because this place has been allowed to function.
This might mean watching a whale and its calf from a cliff in De Hoop. It might mean seeing a penguin on the promenade in Boulder's or spotting a dolphin cutting through the waves in Tsitsikamma. Or sometimes it simply means standing on the beach and looking at the ocean, which functions just like it has for thousands of years.
South Africa's marine protected areas prove that some of the country's best natural experiences do not require a safari. These are places where the landscape changes dramatically within a few kilometers, where forests meet the sea, whales pass by the cliffs, turtles return to the beaches, and coral reefs lie beneath the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. They also show how much of our natural heritage exists beyond the coastline.
So choose the coast and spend a weekend there. Drive further to De Hoop. Stay for a few nights in Sodwana. Make a stop at Storms River on the Garden Route. Dive at Aliwal Shoal. Or simply spend a day exploring the Cape of Good Hope peninsula.
Women are increasingly playing a significant role in South Africa's hospitality sector. Women's Month in South Africa serves as an occasion to reflect on women's achievements since the historical march of 1956, when around 20,000 women took to the streets outside the Union building to protest apartheid pass laws.
Today, this legacy is visible in workplaces across the country, including the tourism and hotel industries. Women hold positions ranging from chefs and lodge managers to hospitality instructors and trainers, building careers, leading teams, and creating opportunities for the next generation.
Below are the stories of six women who demonstrate what this journey looks like.
After finishing school, Jessica Mkhlanga could not afford higher education. However, with the support of a mentor, she applied for a public selection at Singita Culinary School. Among thousands of applicants, she made it into a group of ten and became the youngest participant.
Jessica currently works as a sous chef at one of the private villas in Shiwiko Kruger. Her culinary specialties include traditional dishes such as potjie beef tails and mangvinya—a South African branch that she once prepared with her mother to help the family.
For Jessica, working at a private villa means more than just cooking delicious food. She notes: 'As a mother and chef, being in the villa setting is one of my favorite things in Shiwiko! The villa format allows you to understand your guests, build relationships, anticipate needs, and know them for who they are.'
At Tonga Beach Lodge, chef Nomazulu Ndlovu spent most of her career working in kitchens traditionally dominated by men. Her love for peanut sauces stemmed from family meals, and collecting mussels with her parents during low tide was another link between food, family, and place.
Nomazulu says she enjoys the hard work associated with professional kitchen life, from learning new recipes to ensuring her guests leave satisfied. She wishes: 'I just want everyone to be happy, enjoying food cooked with love, and spreading that happiness.'
A safari trip may seem effortless to guests, but a huge amount of work happens behind the scenes. Anna Mugabe knows this better than many. As a lodge manager at Tsowa Safari Island, she was sometimes the only woman on a team primarily composed of men.
She learned to combine toughness with care, taking on a leadership role, but noted that the dynamic changed after the addition of a spa and more women joining the team. Anna emphasized: 'The energy has changed. The presence of more women on the team has brought new ideas and a caring approach.'
Anna also points out the often invisible labor required for a safari lodge to function. She explains: 'Guests only see the final product. They don't see the 05:00 wake-ups, the coordination of five teams, and the problem-solving behind the scenes. It is 90% logistics so that the 10% they experience seems easy.'
At Cape Woolcher Lodge, HR Manager and Lodge Manager Lerato Maseko believes that leadership extends far beyond a job title. She was involved from the beginning in creating both the operational side of the lodge and the corporate culture among employees. For Lerato, one of the most significant parts of this role was observing how her decisions affected the people around her. She shares her thought: 'It became real when I realized that my decisions influenced not only the success of the lodge but also the confidence and growth of the people I work with. As women, we often underestimate our impact. True leadership is about lifting others up while you grow yourself.'
Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
For some women in hospitality, the greatest impact lies in helping others find their path in the industry. At Rhino Ridge Senetamba (Sne) Mankele in the Safari Lodge, she teaches computer literacy through the Isibindi Foundation, helping local residents develop skills that can open new prospects.
Lessons start with the basics—even how to use a computer mouse. Sne asserts: 'If you cannot use a computer in university, you fall behind. We give them basic skills so they don't struggle.'
One of Sne's proudest moments was watching a 52-year-old local woman progress from struggling with the basics to confidently using a desktop computer. For Sne, this served as a reminder of the importance of education in the community.
Monique Souls knows what it's like to have a hospitality career delayed by circumstances beyond her control. Her ambitions were put on hold until a scholarship in 2014 allowed her to study at the South African College of Tourism (SACT). From there, she progressed from intern to customer relations manager at Drostdi Hotel. In 2025, she returned to SACT as a customer relations facilitator, teaching students on the same floor of the hotel where she once mastered the profession.
Looking back, she says every stage of her career contributed to where she is today. Monique notes: 'Looking back on my journey, I am proud of how far I have come. Starting as a hospitality student, every role contributed to my growth.'
Now Monique sees something similar to her younger self in the students. She wants them to understand: 'When I look at my students, I see myself as a young person. I want them to understand that where you start does not determine where you end up.'
Walking tours in South Africa offer one of the most valuable ways to experience this country. Instead of rushing between sights, travelers can explore places at a slower pace, discovering hidden corners and learning the stories that shape each destination from people who know it best.
The number of local walking tours across South Africa is growing, offering travelers a more personal way to connect with the country's cities, vineyards, and landscapes. Whether it's a stroll through the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap with a local, a walk through the Franschhoek vineyards, or hearing stories from a Soweto resident, these experiences go far beyond simply visiting landmarks; they connect visitors to the culture, history, and people that define each place.
Traditionally, wine tasting involves traveling from estate to estate. The Constantia Wine Cellar Tour flips this idea. Organized by Natural Wanders, this day trip connects several of South Africa's oldest wineries using quiet wine trails, forest paths, and rural roads. Along the route, guests stop for curated tastings, while guides share stories about the winemaking heritage of the Constantia Valley, local biodiversity, and the region's historic farms.
Instead of rushing between cellars, this program encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate the landscapes that contributed to the establishment of South Africa's oldest wine region.
For those who wish to explore the Cape Winelands without driving, the Franschhoek Wine Walk offers a refreshing alternative. This organized route combines vineyard walks with tastings at carefully selected estates, allowing guests to explore the valley on foot while learning about its history of French Huguenots, winemaking traditions, and surrounding mountain scenery. The pace is relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy local cuisine, conversation, and panoramic views often missed from the road.
Not all walking tours focus on food or wine. The Mountain to Sea Story Trail by Natural Wanders runs from the slopes of Cape Town to the Atlantic coast, weaving together natural history, indigenous heritage, colonial influence, and modern Cape Town. Rather than presenting a list of historical facts, the walk explores how different cultures, landscapes, and communities have shaped the city over centuries, offering visitors a deeper understanding of one of South Africa's most multifaceted destinations.
Many tourists are familiar with Cape Town's postcard attractions, but some of the most rewarding experiences happen away from the busiest tourist routes. Platforms like Withlocals connect travelers with locals who offer private walking tours based on their own interests and knowledge. Tours range from exploring the cultural heritage of Bo-Kaap and discovering vibrant street art in Woodstock to gastronomic walks through local eateries and markets. Since these tours are led by locals rather than following a fixed script, no two tours are exactly alike. Visitors often leave with restaurant recommendations, neighborhood histories, and local perspectives they would never find in a guidebook.
Some of the most significant walking tours in South Africa take place in Soweto. Guided by residents or those closely connected to the township, these tours introduce visitors to the area's history, resilience, and daily life. Stops often include Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu once lived, as well as community projects, local businesses, and important historical sites. Travelers consistently describe these tours as some of the most meaningful moments of their South African journey, largely because they prioritize personal narrative over sightseeing.
The Maboneng area in Johannesburg has become one of the city's cultural hubs, and a walking tour is the best way to feel it. Local guides introduce visitors to colorful murals, independent galleries, design studios, and public art, sharing stories about the artists and the ongoing transformation of the neighborhood. This experience provides insight into Johannesburg's contemporary creative scene while supporting local businesses along the route.
Walking tours are gaining popularity because they offer something many traditional tours cannot: an authentic connection. Local guides bring places to life through personal stories, life experience, and community knowledge that goes beyond dates and landmarks. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of the destination while directly supporting local entrepreneurs and small tourism businesses. For travelers seeking to see South Africa beyond the usual highlights, slowing down and exploring on foot often reveals the country's most memorable moments.
South Africa is abundant with breathtaking landscapes, but its stories are equally captivating. Local-led walking tours invite travelers to experience both at a more relaxed pace, where conversations replace commentary, and neighborhoods become more than just points on a map. Whether you are strolling through vineyards, discovering street art, exploring historic communities, or following age-old stories across the landscape, these experiences prove that sometimes the best way to see a place is simply to walk through it.
