Western Cape
Cape Town and Surrounds
The most dramatic view of Table Mountain is that presented to travellers
approaching Cape Town by sea, but also an unobstructed
view can be obtained from the sandy shores of Bloubergstrand.To understand
its true beauty, visit Table Mountain and
experience the panoramic views and indigenous flora and fauna. Today
many well known routes lead to its table top summit
and for those not inclined to walk or climb, a cable-car offers an easy
ascent.
Flanked by the Sentinel and Chapman's Peak is Hout Bay harbour where
tranquil waters host a colourful fleet of fishing boats.
Drive over Kloofnek and along the Atlantic coastile to Hout Bay and take
a boat cruise to the bird sanctuarty
of Duikers Island. While in Houtbay, you can also visit the World of
Birds, the largest bird park in Africa.
Taking the Constantia Neck road will lead you through the Hout Bay valley
and over the mounatin to
Groot Constantia which is the oldest wine estate in South Africa. Here
you can indulge in wine tasting and also
purchase bottles of wine to take with you.
Take a walk through the famous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.
Once the property of the Kirsten family, the estate was
unanimously approved as the site of the National Gardens in 1913, and
today occupies some 485 hectares on the slopes of Table Mountain.
This incomparably beautiful setting provides sanctuary for a great variety
of the Cape's flora and contributes to the conservation of
indigenous species.
The mother city of Cape Town offers a variety of exciting options. Visit
Greenmarket Square with its colorful
stalls packed with hand-made arts and crafts from all over Africa. When
the weather is good and the sun is
shining, you are sure to catch troops of traditional dancers swaying
to the sounds of an Africa drumbeat.
Stroll up leafy Government Avenue, past the stately House of Parliament
and the beautiful surrounding gardens.
This area is also home to a number of museums, memorials and other historical
sights. Be sure to visit
the Castle of Good Hope and the District Six Museum, both located in
the heart of the city.
The Bo-Kaap sits on the slopes of signal hill and is rich in traditon
with its cobbled roads and many historic
mosques and museums. While in this area, be sure to take a drive up signal
hill for an unobstructed view of the sun setting
over the Atlantic.
The 144km long marine drive skirting the Cap Peninsula leads to scores
of unspolit beaches as it winds through residential suburbs.
The Cape is famous for its sandy white beaches that align the Atlantic
Coast. The beaches of Clifton, Camps Bay
and Bakhoven are the best places to catch up on some reading while relaxing
on the soft white sand and soaking up the
mild summers. Beyond Camps Bay stretch the Twelve Apostles, this chain
of mountain peaks extends southward towards Cape Point.
A joureny along Ou Kaapse Weg will take you to the quaint coastal towns
of Noordhoek, Kommetjie and Scarborough. Cape Point
Nature Reserve is also along this route and offers a array of indigenous
flora and fawna as well as a good selection of
wildlife and birdlife, including Wild buck, Ostrich and Baboons.
Continue along the coast to the naval town of Simon's Town with its unique
architecture, where you can visit the penguin colony at Boulders
beach. From here you can travel along the False Bay coast through the
towns of Fish Hoek and Muizenburg on your way back to Cape Town.
If you have shopping in mind, why not spend the morning at the V&A
Waterfront where you can shop till you drop.
The V&A also has some interesting options such as the Imax theater,the
Two Oceans Aquarium and many pubs and restaurants that cater
to all tastes. Tours to the historic Robben Island depart daily from
here daily.
Take a tour to Stellenbosch, a picturesque region thats boasts a multitude
of wine estates where wine tasting, cellar tours and
fine restaurants can be enjoyed. Over the scenic Helshoogte Pass is the
small town of Franschhoek with its superb restaurants and famous
vineyards. Here you can also visit the wine estates for a bit of wine
tasting while you enjoy the unsurpassed views of the mountains and
shady forests. |