In spite of being on the African continent, with its third world cultures, Cape Town’s multicultural mix of African, European, Asian and mixed race peoples gives it a unique vibrancy and first world appeal. It is a melting pot of religious traditions, indigenous and exotic cuisine, ethnic music, art and shopping.
Historical City
Travellers strolling up tree-lined Government Avenue in the central city, for example, with views of Table Mountain peeking through the trees, can get an idea of why the Dutch settlers, who arrived here in 1652, could not resist making a permanent settlement of this beautiful place – originally meant only as a half-way station for ships traveling to the East. It was in this very location – the Company’s Garden – where water, vegetables and meat were produced for the ships. Today it is a place of relaxation for city workers, members of parliament and the judiciary, and visitors.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is the most notable and best known symbol of Cape Town, along with its famous cableway which takes passengers to the top of the mountain where they face Lions Head, the city and Table Bay. The more serious visitors on Table Mountain are the hikers and mountaineers who enjoy everything from a gentle hike to challenging rock-face climbing.
Cape Floral Kingdom
Diagonally opposite the lower cable station, on the eastern side of the mountain is an equally famous and magnificent location – Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, also a favourite with visitors and locals alike. Here nature lovers can stroll on the paths and lawns amid trees and pools, plants and flowers, and see many of the Cape Floral Kingdom’s 2 600 plant species – the richest in the world. Cape Town enjoys a generally mild Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and prevailingly southeasterly wind – known as the Cape Doctor because it cleans the atmosphere – and a rainy season in winter. The best months to visit are March and April, when the weather is calm and warm.
Cape Peninsula
The Peninsula has a variety of beaches all along its perimeter, from the frigid waters of fashionable Camps Bay to the warm waters of family-orientated Fish Hoek beach. Cape Point is a nature reserve at the southern tip of the Peninsula, where visitors can enjoy the indigenous flora and fauna, with spectacular views of the ocean to the south.
V&A Waterfront
The Victoria & Albert Waterfront at Cape Town harbor has become as famous as the Kruger National Park in the north-east of South Africa and virtually every visitor to Cape Town goes there. It is named after the historical harbor basins – now home to many small craft and small cruise vessels. The V&A Waterfront is a wonderland of harbor-side shopping, hotels, restaurants, bars and music, as well as boats and yachts offering cruises.
