Cape Town
With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A harmonious blend of architectural styles reflects the tastes of dictates of the past as well as today's more functional requirements. Between the high-rise office blocks, Edwardian and Victorian buildings have been meticulously preserved, and many outstanding examples of Cape Dutch architecture are found. Narrow, cobble stone streets and the strongly Islamic ambiance of the Bo-Kaap enhance the cosmopolitan ambiance of the city.
Cape Town shopping options invite you to endlessly browse. Elegant malls such as the Victoria Wharf at the V&A Waterfront, antique shops, craft markets, flea markets and art galleries abound. Specialist boutiques offer an enticing array of unusual items not readily obtainable elsewhere. Gourmets and lovers of fine wines have a treat in store, with the Constantia Winelands producing some of the finest wines worldwide.
Every season has its own enchantment: the flowers of spring, the ripening orchards of summer, the red and golden shades of autumn and the snowcapped mountain peaks of winter. Apart from all the scenic beauty and endless rhythm of the waves, the coast provides ideal conditions for anglers. A range of jagged mountains thrusting into the splendid desolation of the southern Atlantic. Pristine beaches, sheltered bays and secluded coves encircle the majestic might of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site and home to some 8500 species of flowers.
Good Hope Nature Reserve - Escape the metropolis and lose yourself in a 7750ha reserve of indigenous flora and fauna, including baboon, bontebok, zebra, springbok, grey rhebok, eland and over 150 species of bird. In the reserve, at the end of the Table Mountain chain,is Cape Point, the dramatic and visually awe-inspiring promontory.
Table Mountain - The summit of Cape Towns world famous landmark is 1086m above sea level. Weather permitting, visitors can reach the summit by cableway. There is a restaurant and souvenir shop on the summit. The mountain is covered by thousands of species of wild flower and is the home of the famous silvertree.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront - This is one of South Africa's biggest tourist attractions. There are museums, boat trips, helicopter flips, walking tours, restaurants catering to every taste, pubs, a brewery or two, shopping centers, hotels, theatres, cinemas, an outdoor amphitheatre. The unusual is well represented in the Telecommunications Exploratorium, a gemstone Scratch Patch, indoor golf and Two Oceans Aquarium.
Hout Bay Harbour - Explore the world famous Mariner's Wharf, South Africa's first harbourfront emporium of live lobster and fish markets, seafood bistros and restaurants, shell, souvenir, art and nautical shops, etc. Take a round-the-bay trip to the nearby Duiker Island, a seal and sea bird sanctuary. During the summer months several thousand Cape Fur Seals may be seen here along with the rare Bank Cormorant and the common Black-backed Gull. Visit the island by boat from Hout Bay. The Sentinel is the 800m mountain towering over the harbour.
