Cape Town is fondly referred to the Mother City in the diverse and beautiful country of South Africa. This city has a ton of attributes that is sure to create great memories. The city is an explosion of cultures and is rich in history.
Cape Town is one of the most tolerant and welcoming cities and is rated among the top five Gay friendly destinations in the world. The city has a unique blend of many cuisines to offer and their nightlife is as vibrant as it is varied.
The city offers adventurous mountain climbs and hiking trails, informative tours, a vast array of restaurants and nightclubs as well as a pulse of people so uniquely different that they bring warmth to the heart and soul of everyone that visits.
The city is beautiful and has amazing views as well as historic and treasured landmarks. Cape Town is a bucket list destination that will not leave you disappointed whether you intend to visit for a long or short stay! Be sure to experience all the landmarks and as many tours as possible but by all means also do many local activities to feel the true pulse of the city.
Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is an icon that has become the landmark overlooking Cape Town. The top of the mountain is accessed either by hiking up or by cable car. The cable car is the leisurely way to get there as it merely takes five minutes. The hiking trail is a bit strenuous but can be hiked at a pace that is suitable for you. The times for the mountain is dependent on weather, as it is considered dangerous and is closed if visibility is poor, due to harsh weather conditions.
The mountain is home to many indigenous fauna and flora and is perfect for the avid nature lovers and many a couple have had marriage proposals in these beautiful surroundings. The views are off course awesome and the whole city in all it's splendor can be seen from the over 1000m elevation.
On top of the mountain is a restaurant which has decently priced ready to order meals with good views and impeccable service. There is off course also a souvenir shop at the top and bottom of the mountain for those wishing to take a memory home with them but understandably this is not cheap due to location.
To the side of Table Mountain is Lion's Head which provides all hiking enthusiasts plenty of excitement with elevation of about 350m. This can be done as a side hike but would need to be done on a day apart form Table Mountain due to the steep incline. A definite climb to view a gorgeous sunset is well worth the incline of Lion's Head.
Robben Island, South Africa
Robben Island
Robben island is a must see in Cape Town and is located in an area called Table Bay. The island is iconic in the South African history as housing the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for political transgressions during apartheid.
The Robben Island tour starts at the V & A waterfront, where the boat will take you to the island about thirty minutes away from the mainland. En route there is an opportunity to spot dolphins, whales, penguins and fur seals which is prevalent in the Table Bay area. It is not guaranteed to see them but you are more than likely to see one of them.
The island was also known for the whaling station, isolation center for leprosy and off course the prison, all of which is now not operational. The island has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. It also has a penguin colony which is quite an awesome sight to behold.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is situated on the slope of Table Mountain and has been rated as one of the greatest botanical gardens in the world. There are free guided tours to view the garden for all visitors on offer.
There are various designated picnic spots available for a leisurely meal if you wish to indulge in this. However if you prefer a plated meal there are numerous eateries and restaurants on site with outstanding selections of food and drink. There is also many hiking trails and awesome panoramic views to see for the adventurous.
District Six Museum
Cape Town has many areas that speaks to the history of the country and it's struggle with apartheid but District Six is an area that speaks to this struggle more vocally. District Six is an area drenched in history for the movement against apartheid in South Africa. The museum has relics and monuments that educate visitors on the struggle endured. It speaks volumes as to the endurance of the country.
If you are in search of an informative piece of history that speaks not just of past transgressions but also shows pieces of a happy ending at the end of the struggle then a visit to District Six Museum is recommended.
Wine – Food for the soul
Cape Town is internationally recognized by various wine connoisseurs around the world as the home to many fine wines. The area is rich in old and award acclaimed farms that produce top notch wines.
You can tour these wine farms and pick and buy your own fruit at these farms. There is also an experience to be part of the process of learning to make wine. The views are great and rows and rows of fruit and vegetation can be seen for miles. Some farms have a restaurant on site which off course offers their wines as well as succulent meals with locally bred cattle on the menu.
These farms tantalize your taste buds with an explosion of aromas and tastes. You are indulged with locally made cheese, fresh fruit, award winning wines and A grade meat that is reminiscent of country life but with all the modern perks of a city.
