Cape Town and the Western Cape are considered among the most beautiful areas in Africa. Characterized by a cultural melting pot of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers, the local Khoisan (Bushman & Hottentot) tribes and the Bantu tribes from the north, the pristine coastline with its white sandy beaches, the magnificent countryside with its bountiful rivers, wetlands and dams, and the unique flora kingdom, together with a “Mediterranean-like” climate and friendly community, make it a perfect destination for any visitor.
Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa, and the historic buildings of the Houses of Parliament are situated in the Cape Town city centre. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, the Cape Town Central Business District is a relatively small area, which allows for easy exploration on foot. Numerous excellent hotels, loft apartments, trendy restaurants and bars can be found in the heart of the city and along the coast.
Take a trip up Table Mountain and visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with over 270 shops, a wide selection of restaurants and art and craft markets. Last, but not least, take the trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was formerly incarcerated. The City Central area offers a wide range of attractions and activities where the visitor can experience the “Mother City” at her best.
MUST SEE
Table Mountain, this Natural Wonder of the World offers magnificent views of the city, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, birding and for the more adventurous, abseiling and paragliding from Lion’s Head. Look out for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, the world’s most beautiful Marathon, the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour, the world’s largest timed cycle race and the ABSA Cape Epic Mountain Bike Race, the world’s largest mountain bike stage race.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a unique working harbour with more than 22 million visits recorded per annum and offers entertainment options like shopping, street musicians, museums, an Aquarium, boat trips, cinemas and a great cosmopolitan vibe. Cape Town’s jazz maestros often perform at this Cape Town hot spot.
Cape Point is part of the Table Mountain National Park. Visitors can explore this spectacular reserve of indigenous flora and fauna, over 150 bird species and travel by funicular to the viewing platform 678 meters above the crashing oceans around Cape Point.
Robben Island, now a world heritage site, was the prison home of former President Nelson Mandela for 18 years. Revel in an eclectic mix of cultures and a treasure trove of tradition and heritage.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is internationally acclaimed as one of the great botanical gardens in the world. The estate covers 528 hectares and includes a cultivated garden and a nature reserve with diverse indigenous plants. It becomes a perfect setting for the Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts with the best of local entertainment.
Wine Routes Cape Town and the Western Cape produces some of the world’s finest wines. Visitors are encouraged to explore the winelands, enjoy wine tasting, cellar tours and spend a winters evening in front of a roaring fire, enjoying fine wine, good food and stimulating company. Soak up the taste of the winelands and its festive atmosphere by experiencing the gourmet delights at the Riebeeck Valley Olive Festival, SA Cheese Festival and many wine festivals throughout the winelands.
Southern Tip of Africa is where you will find L’Agulhas, the most southern point in Africa and the official meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Hire a Harley Davidson and drive one or more of the spectacular scenic routes through the rolling hills of the Overberg.
Whale Watching takes place from June to November. Cape Town and the Western Cape boasts one of the best land-based whale watching spots in the world. Experience a true celebration of these gentle giants at the annual Hermanus Whale Festival.
West Coast Flowers carpet much of the Cape West Coast during the flower season of July to October. Cape Town and the Western Cape is the world’s richest and most diverse floral kingdom. Admire the fantastic floral display and the boisterous array of colour at the Cape Town Flower and Garden Show.