Considered to be one of the global hot spots, Cape Town offers the foreign traveller good value for money and, according to Frommers, “is regularly heralded as one of the most beautiful (cities) on earth” due to its unique scenery. Whether you are into sophistication or slumming it, searching for adventure or tranquility, Cape Town is sure to be a pleasant surprise. Pairing the natural beauty with a vibey and friendly culture, there are a variety of delights ranging from award winning French-style wines to Malay cuisine, fine art and architecture, a wealth of historical sights and much more on offer.
Travel
Airlines from all five continents service South Africa and land at the Cape Town International Airport, which has been voted the “Leading Airport in Africa” at the World Travel Awards. ATMs, bars, restaurants and currency exchange facilities are available throughout the airport, as are a number of shops. Many of the flights also touch down at Johannesburg en-route, making it quite viable to experience the South African landscape by including a trip on the Blue Train or luxurious Rovos Rail between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
A number of cruise lines dock at Cape Town, including one of the few remaining old mail ships, the RMS St Helena, which sets sail from Southampton. Further options include overland journeys (such as Cape to Cairo) provided by a number of tour operators. Air travel to Durban and a three-day coastal cruise to Cape Town is also possible, as is travel on any of a number of coaches which interlink the major cities and provides economical access to some of the more remote destinations.
A flight from London lasts approximately 12 hours (usually overnight) and one can travel from the USA in about 15 hours. There are shuttle bus services and taxis from the airport which will whisk you into the CBD in less than half an hour and a number of car rental agencies are also represented. Sedan taxis are plentiful and charge between ZAR 8 – ZAR 11 per km. For the brave there are also numerous somewhat crowded and not-always-safe minibus taxis.
The city-sightseeing bus is possibly one of the most convenient ways to explore the Mother City and includes stops at the Table Mountain cableway and various museums and attractions in the City in its Red Route.
The Blue Route includes a trip to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, as well as a township tour in Kronendal near Hout Bay, where you will also be able to visit the Mariner’s Wharf and spend time on the beach. Included in the tour is a trip through Camps Bay and Sea Point, as well as a visit to the enchanting World of Birds. En route you will also pass the first lighthouse in South Africa, which is still fully functional. There are almost 50 popular surfing spots within an hours drive from Cape Town and you may very well opt for a stunningly scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak to simply enjoy windsurfing at Noordhoek or relaxing on the beach. Approximately 10 km from Cape Town, towards the Northern suburbs, you will encounter Century City, which encompasses a residential area, business park and the Canal Walk shopping centre, as well as the Island Club hotel and Ratanga Junction theme park. Unusual architecture reminiscent of the heyday of Cape Town, complete with a replica of the original fort, can be seen at the nearby GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World. Cape Town sport options range from abseiling the highest commercial “long-drop” (112m) in the world, to shark diving (at approximately ZAR 1000 per person), rock angling, tennis, golf, horse-riding and a number of hiking trails such as the Contour Path between Rhodes Memorial and Kirstenbosch, Platteklip Gorge nearby the cableway and the relatively easy Pipetrack from Camps Bay.
A visit to the most southwesterly point of the African Continent at Cape Point affords marvellous views and an opportunity to enjoy the natural flora at this World Heritage Site. Visitors can also gain an understanding of local culture by participating in one of the available Township Tours.
Late November to early April sees a range of summer sunset concerts at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, with many visitors enjoying the sunset, music and picnics on the extended lawns. Another popular musical event is the Symphony of Fire fireworks at the Waterfront, as is the International Jazz Festival which occurs in March. Also of interest is the Cape Town World Cinema Festival which is held at various venues each November.
General information about Cape Town can be found at the gopassport website and also at the informative Love Cape Town website, which provides details of current events and much more. Selected reviews of the most popular attractions are also available and there is a collection of images which have descriptive commentaries regarding the sights in and around the Cape. You can also browse a selection of vacation photographs.
The infrastructure, numerous outdoor activities and its rich cultural heritage has led to Cape Town being described as a “must-see before I die” city. Major developments are already underway in preparation for the 2010 World Cup and a new ultra-luxurious hotel is being built at the V&A Waterfront with canals which would connect to Century City, effectively creating a mini-Venice. Whether you’re an eco-tourist, culture-vulture or simply looking for adventure and a great vacation, Cape Town is sure to exceed your expectations.
Source: Guide to Cape Town
