Cape Town – South African destinations
Cape Town is the provincial capital of the Western Cape, as well as the legislative capital of South Africa, where the National Parliament and many government offices are located. Cape Town is famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point.
Cape Town – The Mother City Must Sees
By Tamara Aspeling
The first thing you’ll see when you arrive in Cape Town, no matter how you travel, is the mountain. It’s something that is very near to the hearts of many Capetonians, whether born here or not. I know that personally, whenever I’ve travelled anywhere, as soon as I see the mountain, I feel like I’m home. It stands as a silent witness to the bustling city below, but almost seems like an old friend at the same time. Plus, it makes navigating in the city really easy, since it’s one heck of a landmark!
Photo: hotpinkdeals.co.za
To see the mountain up close, you can take a trip on the newly revamped cable car, or, if you’re a bit more energetic, take an organised hike up it’s slopes. Take care to travel in a group, with an experienced guide though, since people have been known to get lost on the mountain! Safety first.
Another way to see the mountain, and a major attraction in it’s own right, is by taking a trail from Kirstenbosch, Cape Town’s indigenous botanical gardens. Also in the gardens you’ll find walks, curio and other shops, restaurants and various natural attractions, so make sure you pencil it in!
Cape Town is also famous for it’s beaches, from Camps Bay and Clifton, where the beautiful people can be found lazing on the white sands, to Blouberg, with it’s kiteboarders and surfers, Hout Bay, a sleepy seaside town with calm waters and a harbour area packed with boat tours to seal island, curio shops, restaurants, and fisherman selling their catch, there’s something for everyone.
Also near the water, but less relaxed than a trip to the beach, the famous V&A Waterfront offers world class shopping, the Two Oceans Aquarium with it’s unique displays (don’t miss the divers feeding the sharks), cultural shows, boat and helicopter charters and more, it will take you several days to see everything!
Another thing the Cape is famous for is wine, and there are several wine routes located under an hour’s drive from the CBD. Durbanville is the closest, but Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschoek and others offer excellent wine tasting, tours of historic estates, restuarants and more, including options like the picnic area at Boschendal, a well known and beautiful estate, dating back to the 1700′s.
If arts and culture are more your thing, Cape Town’s got you covered too. Museums, art galleries and curio shops abound, and for those wanting to sample township life, several tour operators offer guided tours to traditional shebeens, restaurants and other township attractions.
I could go on for days about things to see and do in my home town, but I still wouldn’t cover everything! The best thing I can suggest is that you plan a trip here, and see for yourself. But be warned – you might just lose your heart to the city and it’s people, so prepare yourself for several return journeys!
Tamara Aspeling is a professional freelance writer and small business owner. She owns a media company called Caliente Media, reachable at caliente.sa@gmail.com. and writes under the name AllWriteSA, contactable via the web at http://www.allwritesa.synthasite.com, or at allwritesa@gmail.com
