Cape Town for beginners
Cape Town, at the southern tip of Africa, is a city like no other on earth, winning the hearts of travellers with her beauty and great spirit every day. Around every corner a new sight greets you, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, she salutes you with another jewel.
In short, the scenery is spectacular and delightful to the senses.
Travellers are spoiled for choice and there is something to do for everyone. You can move from Mediterranean-like beaches to lush forests to spectacular wine farms to wonderful mountain views - all in one day. It’s easy to be busy for three weeks, and then realise that you have only scratched the surface. Again and again, the Mother City doesn’t disappoint and will help you relax in her arms of comfort and beauty. This is one of the most happening places on the African continent, and the world’s new playground. You will love her.
Cape Town's People
Cape Town is home to a friendly and great society. The population is diverse and ever changing, with mostly European, Coloured and African inhabitants. Since the end of Apartheid many Xhosa, German and British families also settled in the Mother City, making the town a true Rainbow City.
Cape Town - City of contrast
Cape Town is a really special holiday destination. With its warm Mediterranean-like climate, and coastal temperatures that range between about 15 to 27°C, depending on the time of year, you can happily visit at any time.
Through November to February is the time for sun seekers and beach lovers, with sunshine for up to 14 hours a day. You’ll find an abundance of beaches to choose from. Covering a long peninsula and with strung out suburbs, Cape Town’s long shoreline, stretches to Cape Point, the southernmost tip of Africa.
The sheltered waters of the great sweep of False Bay are warmer than those on the Atlantic side of the peninsula where the surfers love to congregate. At the far end of False Bay is the upmarket area of Gordons Bay, with its own popular beaches.
At the other end, near Simonstown, is Boulders Beach, where upwards of 3000 black and white penguins make their home. This is a sure winner with children, who will be able to boast of walking, swimming and sunbathing with them. They are so used to humans that they are always happy to intermingle and share their space. You could find yourself slowing right down to match their ungainly pace as they waddle along in front of you on the boardwalk.
Cross the peninsula to the Atlantic side, and on the white sands of Noordhoek Beach on the Atlantic, you could encounter walkers and horse riders. Other beaches on this side include the ones at Kommetjie and Schuster's Bay. From the harbor at Hout Bay you might take a boat trip to Duiker Island to view its seal colony. Closer to the city, Camps Bay is an idyllic stretch of white sand fringed by palm trees, but close to cafes, bars and shops.
If you have a day when there is no “tablecloth” (cloud) over Table Mountain, head for the top as fast as you can. This means taking the cable car: if you want to take a walking route, save that for another day as you might otherwise miss the tremendous views from its 11 different viewpoints.
Other wonderful panoramas can be seen on the winding Chapmans Peak Drive. Lookout parking areas have been developed along the mountain passes above the sea, so you can make the most of the vistas that unfold. Keep your eye seawards as well, just in case basking whales are passing.
Cape Town also has its own bird sanctuary at Intaka Island, where you can take a guided tour or guide yourselves around meandering trails through the wetlands to view the flora, fauna and bird life.
The Kirstenbosch Estate includes the colourful botanical garden below the eastern heights of Table Mountain. This is another good location for birdwatching, and for viewing many of the plants that are indigenous to this part of the world. It’s also a superb location for your picnic, for hiking the trails of the mountain slopes, or just for browsing the gift shop before a pleasant meal in the restaurant.
When you’ve had enough of beaches, wildlife and mountain views, you might need some retail therapy. Head for the V & A Waterfront, where you’ll find the Victoria Wharf mall full of designer labels and delightful craft ideas. Or take the Shuttle Bus to the Canal Walk Shopping Centre just a few minutes drive away. You’re sure to find what you want among its 400 or so shops. You’ll also find roadside markets with many bargains in hand-made goods and crafts – carved wooden items are particularly fine.
The Cape is also famous for its fine wine. If that’s what you’re after, try to find time for at least one of the wine routes that will take you through the vineyard estates. You can tour cellars, enjoy wine tasting, and relax over a delicious lunch in one of the estate restaurants. No time for all that? Sad, but you can still find good wines in specialist shops at the V&A Waterfront, where the staff will be happy to advise you.
If your party includes little kids or big kids, Ratanga Junction Theme Park is a must. Some of the rides need nerves of steel, and the young at heart should be really tough to brave the Cobra Roller Coaster and return unscathed, but other attractions are gentler and more enticing for those of more placid dispositions. And the tinies are not forgotten, either, with plenty to do for everyone.
To catch some of the area’s history, first visit Robben Island, scene of the incarceration of Nelson Mandela and many other political prisoners. After a half hour ferry trip, you will be taken on a tour of the prison. Your guide will be an ex-inmate who at last will reap some benefit from the horrendous time spent locked up. A number of them are now able to earn a living recounting their experiences to the tourists who come to reflect on the history of apartheid, and be thankful that it is in the past.
But you can’t be downhearted for long in Cape Town. Your days will be happily filled with all the attractions on offer. But what of the evenings? The waterside is dotted with excellent restaurants where you can enjoy the Cape cuisine with its range of African and Eastern influences brought into the port from the trading ships of old. You could follow your meal with a visit to one of the several theatres and concert venues. Or you could choose from a plethora of bars and, if you still have energy, one of the many clubs that are open far into the night.
It’s not possible to be bored in Cape Town. There are so many contrasting things to do.
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