Dominated by Table Mountain with its distinctive profile, Cape Town, located on the southernmost tip of Africa, is certainly the most fascinating city in South Africa. Founded in 1652 by the Dutch, this former colony is today a sprawling and dynamic metropolis luring thousands of visitors each year. From the large buildings in the commercial district to the colorful houses of the Malay district, Cape Town amazes because of its architectural diversity and cultural eclecticism. But the city also attracts for its surroundings, offering countless opportunities for excursions.
Cape Town’s warm hospitality and trendy clubs offer a very lively cultural scene, especially when it comes to music, which permeates every corner of the city. The overall atmosphere is generally relaxed and open. Cape Town is also famous for its dishes based on fish and seafood. And because the city is located in a wine producing country, you can also enjoy its local production. Many restaurants will be able to conquer your palate at affordable prices. Usually the tip is not included in the bill.
The center of the city, known as the City Bowl, is developed in a depression among numerous reliefs. A mix of buildings of different styles and eras abound, several boasting Dutch colonial influences along with modern skyscrapers and shopping malls. Also from the center, you can take a street car, which in a handful of minutes will conveniently take you on top of the Table Mountain from which in clear days it is possible to admire the Cape of Good Hope, where the two oceans meet, boasting splendid views of the emerald green creeks and surrounding fauna along the rugged coastline.
What to see
A must see is the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, a botanical garden housing more than 5000 species of plants.
Another great place to visit is “The Houses of Parliament” or Castle of Good Hope, located in Buitenkant Street, was built between 1666 and 1679 and is the oldest building on South African soil. It is also home to a military museum and the collection of works of art by William Fehr can be admired here.
If you go to Cape Town, you should not lose the opportunity to visit the South Africa Museum home to many fossils, along with an extensive collection of other intriguing archaeological findings. From an artistic point of view, The South African National Gallery, offers a permanent collection of works of art by many international artists. The gallery also hosts events and exhibitions from South African artists.
Several beaches in Cape Town offer residents and visitors the possibility to practice all sorts of aquatic sports, from surfing to snorkeling, sailing to rowing, but also rafting, and deep sea fishing which are hobbies typical of the coastal zone. Visitors can also embark on a boat tour navigating nearby the promontory or the nearby islands.
A must see is Robben Island, home of the prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for approximately 20 years. The island also boasts reserves inhabited by colonies of African penguins and covered by fynbos, the rich blooming vegetation of the area.
You can relax in the city in the Green Market Square, located at 54 Shortmarket Street and open every day, where vendors reunite offering locally handmade crafts such as leather goods, jewelry and colored fabrics. The Malaysian market will immerse you into a world of scent, spices and Asian incense. For international shopping, you have to go to St. George’s Mall, featuring well-known boutique brands and jewelry stores boasting diamonds produced in the region. The old port area, Victoria & Albert Waterfront, was recently restored and is now home to large shopping centers, cinemas, bars, discos and trendy restaurants offering fish and shellfish dishes that are also particularly cheap.
Leaving the city on the road that runs along the coast to the exclusive beach of Camps Bay, look up at the luxurious villas perched on the hillside: they will definitely make you dream. Push yourself, then, to Simon’s Town, where you can discover its amazing colony of penguins which you can observe up close. Another place that you can’t miss is the natural reserve of the Cape of Good Hope. Once there, take the funicular which will bring you to the lighthouse of Cape Point. From there, the view of the sea and the peninsula is amazing!
The Cape Town International Airport is the second biggest of South Africa, and is served by all major international routes, as well as commercial and domestic flights.
Climate
As in the whole region, the climate in Cape Town is mild, characterized by the presence of the “Cape Doctor”, a wind from the sea that blows strong for most of the year. The winter season, which runs from May to September, is the wettest time of the year with maximum temperatures between 70 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit and the minimum between 50 and 46. Summers in Cape Town last from November to March and are typically hot and dry, with highs around 82 degrees and minimums up to 60 degrees. This is without any shadow of doubt the best time to visit the area.
What to bring
During the South African summer (November to February) light clothing is a must. In the winter, on the other hand, you should wear a light jacket, especially during the night. If you plan to visit mountain areas and inland, you should wear heavy clothing. Within the national parks, especially during the wet season, it is preferable to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect yourself from the danger of mosquitoes. In the safari it is highly recommended that you wear clothes of neutral colors that do not conflict with the surrounding natural environment. Do not forget hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes for hiking and a good pair of binoculars for spotting wildlife.
Where to stay and eat
If you are looking for a comfortable place to spend the night, enjoy great food, and taste exquisite wine, then look no further. Constantia Uitsig Wine Farm is a great hotel with three of the best and finest restaurants of the city, all with an excellent reputation around the world: La Colombe, Constantia Uitsig Restaurant and River Café. The Constantia Uitsig Wine Farm has also a wine shop.
CONSTANTIA UITSIG
Spaanschemat River Road,
Constantia, Cape Town
PHONE NUMBER: + 27 (0) 21 794 6500
FAX: + 27 (0) 21 794 7605
WEB: www.constantia-uitsig.com
CONSTANTIA UITSIG HOTEL
PHONE NUMBER: + 27 (0) 21 794 6500
FAX: + 27 (0) 21 794 7605
E-MAIL: [email protected]
LA COLOMBE
PHONE NUMBER: + 27 (0) 21 794 2390
FAX: + 27 (0) 21 794 7914
E-MAIL: [email protected]
CONSTANTIA UITSIG RESTAURANT
PHONE NUMBER: + 27 (0) 21 794 4480
FAX: + 27 (0) 21 794 3105
E-MAIL: [email protected]
RIVER CAFE
PHONE NUMBER: + 27 (0) 21 794 3010
FAX: + 27 (0) 21 794 2920
E-MAIL: [email protected]
If you are looking for a more casual restaurant, The Africa Cafe is a good choice offering an African-themed restaurant and good portions.
THE AFRICA CAFE
108 Shortmarket Street,
Cape Town
PHONE NUMBER: +27 21 422 0221
FAX: +27 21 422 0482
E-MAIL: [email protected]
But South Africa offers much more than you can tell in a few lines. Every city and every village welcome tourists and bring them into a world of notes, night life, wildlife, history, delicious food, adventure, sun, hospitality and much more. This beautiful city, with its Imposing Table Mountain, the sunny beaches, the charming vineyards, the rugged and wild landscape and fascinating nature, inevitably permeate in the heart and souls of everyone who visits.