Cape Town Travel Guide
Africa's Mother City
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Situated in the far southwest corner of Africa, the commendations for Cape Town are many - "Africa's leading destination"; "Best travel destination in Africa and the Middle East"; "One of the world's top 10 cities" and even "One of the world's top five bluest sky destinations"!
With numerous things to see and do in and near the city there is no doubt that Cape Town is one of the most magnificent places on earth to visit. This is a city whose true wealth lies in the diversity it embraces.
The first Europeans to discover Cape Town were the Portuguese seafarer Antonio de Saldanha and his crew who sailed into Table Bay by accident in 1503. Encountering the hunter-gatherers and herdsmen of the Khoikhoi people, little did the sailors know that a diverse culture had already been practiced in and around the Bay for nearly a 1,000 years.
With such a spectacular setting, wonderful climate and unique topography the ancient diversity of old has evolved over time into a very modern cosmopolitan city that is hard to resist.
Attractions in Cape Town
Being such a popular destination, Cape Town has an excellent selection of high quality visitor attractions ranging from the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Robben Island Prison Museum to the Central Business District, the V&A Waterfont and the Castle of Good Hope.
Book a walking tour of the city centre with a registered walking guide and take in some of the excellent museums, traditional buildings and distinctive architecture. Alternatively take a trip down the Atlantic Seaboard and discover Hout Bay.
Activities in Cape Town
Cape Town and its surrounds is synonymous with activity and adventure, rivalling any other adventure capital in the world. Nestled between the Table Mountain Range, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the region offers a huge range of adventurous experiences with something for everyone.
Ocean-based pursuits range from sailing and surfing to kiteboarding and shark cage diving. The mountains offer spectacular hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and abseiling for beginners. Inland the west coast offers sandboarding and quad biking in spectacular dune fields.
Beaches can be enjoyed on horse-back. For those with a passion for heights the skies above Cape Town are filled with the rush of adrenaline with skydiving, paragliding and helicopter rides all popular pursuits.
Don't worry if all this sounds just too wild, a huge choice of softer activites are available that allow everyone the chance to experience the Cape's fabulous natural environments, ranging from an easy guided walk or a cycle ride through the Cape Peninsula to a relaxed day trip in the nearby winelands.
Relaxing
In Cape Town you could be spoilt for choice for pure relaxation. Unwind at the Waterfront in one of the many restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Take a trip out to Camps Bay for a delicious seafood platter or relax with a fine view and a picnic on the summit of Table Mountain.
Getting Around
Other than hiring a car and self-driving, or using the guided tour services of a local operator, the safest and most efficient way of getting about is by private taxi. For the more adventurous and budget-conscious, buses and trains operate in and around the City (though these are best tackled in groups).
Cape Town Reviews
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Posted on:
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Saturday, 27th October 2007
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We loved this City. Table Mountain and the Ocean just give this city such an amazingly different feel than other Cities. During the day there is plenty to see, great architecture and history. In the evening the bars are buzzing, super restaurants and great wine.......plus a little dancing. People always talk about the wind being bad, but it does help to keep the temperature to a really nice level. We will definitely go back some time.
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Posted by:
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jennyd
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Posted at:
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19:37