I can just imagine the thoughts of
Portuguese explorer Bartholemew Diaz, when he first discovered the
Cape in 1488. Coming in from the sea to this glorious and
mountainous landscape must have been truly wondrous! Cape Town has
come a very long way from its initial stages as home to the nomadic
Khoi people and later to the Dutch settlers of Jan van Riebeek of the
Dutch East India Company.
Now a truly international city of
sprawling proportions, all the cliches that have been applied to Cape
Town are completely true - the Mother City, The Most Beautiful City
in the World.... all with that stunning and beautiful backdrop -
the amazing Table Mountain.
You will arrive in Cape Town at the
Cape Town International Airport, and drive through a series of
dilapidated, but still interesting, townships to the city itself. So
many international class hotels to choose from, both in the city and
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and also in the surrounding
suburbs. Choose also from a range of quality bed & breakfasts,
guest houses and self-catering villas and apartments, for the perfect
holiday accommodation to suit you.
Take the famed cable car up to the top
of Table Mountain - what a glorious view of the city, Signal Hill and
the surrounding areas! Meet the famous 'Dassies' or rock rabbits,
that live on the summit - almost tame and very cute.
Visit the Victoria and Alfred
Waterfront and take a ferry to Robben Island where you can visit the
jail cell occupied by Nelson Mandela for so many years, imbibe the
history, and enjoy the view of Table Mountain from the island.
While in the Waterfront, take a sailing
cruise, harbour cruise, booze cruise or just relax in the many
quality restaurants, cafes and bars. Got a bit of money so spend?
Have a shopping spree in the luxurious Victoria Wharf shopping mall!
A true shopper's delight..
In the city itself, there are many
shops, restaurants, museums and cafes to explore, plus the Castle,
and also the fascinating Bo-Kaap or Malay Quarter, with its
wonderfully colourful houses. Hear the noon gun boom out as it has
since 1806! The gun is situated on Signal Hill, just adjacent to the
city.
High Tea – now here's a treat -
experience high tea at one of the luxury hotels. From experience, I
highly recommend the Table Bay Hotel in the Waterfront and also the
historic Mount Nelson Hotel near the Company Gardens for a treat
DELUXE - with sandwiches, snacks and pastries, and delicious cakes
and chocolate treats plus a range of tasty teas and coffee... you can
always diet when you get home again!
Having explored the city to its
fullest, go further afoot and visit gorgeous Camps Bay, popular and
upmarket seaside town with some amazing restaurants and bars on the
golden sandy beach front. The Atlantic Seaboard and the Cape Point
Route have many lovely suburbs and towns, all with endless beaches
and so much to explore.
Go to the famous Cape Winelands and
visit the vineyards for wine tasting, delicious lunches, and
beautiful views. I first drove through the wine lands soon after
dawn, on a winter morning and the views were so lovely I could have
cried! Frost on the hillsides, the dark reds and greens of the vines
... an awe-inspiring landscape.
Take a trip down the famed Garden Route
all the way along the coast to Plettenberg Bay and the nearby
Tsitsikamma Forest. Along the route you will visit beautiful seaside
towns, see the ostriches and Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn and experience
real tranquility and beauty.
Visit the Overberg Region and the Whale
Route - Hermanus is a historic little town with so many attractions
including whale watching - the whales are so close, you could almost
touch them!
All over the Cape Peninsula, golfers
will find world-class golf courses to indulge their hobby, all with
mountain or sea views. With the exchange rate, you will find that
playing golf in South Africa is very reasonably priced, but of
international quality.
All in all, Cape Town and the Cape
Peninsula of South Africa are well worth the visit and you will never
forget the time that you spent in this marvelous country.
About the Author:Anne Sewell runs several
tourism related websites including All Cape
Accommodation, a guide to accommodation, tours, car hire
and safaris throughout South Africa.
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