Visit Cape Town

With the glorious and majestic Table Mountain standing proudly at its heart, Cape Town is a bustling city of contrasts. From the breathtaking beaches and sprawling Winelands, to the lush natural vegetation and swanky apartments dotted along the coastline, this city appeals to all senses. The bustling city centre is a hub of activity, both business and pleasure, and the location of many of the city's most luxurious and world renowned hotels. Affectionately nicknamed 'The Mother City', Cape Town is indeed a place of fun and adventure during the day, and as the sun sets over the city, a trendy world of afterdark activities await. Flights to Cape Town.

Cape Town is a feast for the senses, from the colourful buildings and facades of the eclectic Bo-Kaap, to the tangtalising tastes of some of the best cuisine in South Africa. From the sound of hungry seagulls loitering around the harbour, to the fragrant smells of beautiful Cape Town flowers in full bloom, a stay in Cape Town is an experience to behold.

Location:

Cape Town, South Africa, is a world class, cosmopolitan city, beautifully nestled in the south-west corner of the sprawling continent of Africa. Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa, and is the capital of the Western Cape Province. The city itself is within easy access of the stunning Cape Winelands, and the world famous Garden Route.

Summer months are the most active, with thousands of tourists descending onto the city every year for some family friendly fun in the sun. This is probably the best time to enjoy an authentic Cape Town experience, as everyone is in full holiday mode and there are plenty of events and activities happening. However, hotels and other accommodation options will be scarce due to the influx of tourists, and local businesses may take advantage of the silly season by increasing their prices. During this time you will fight for space on the beach and other popular attractions.

The winter months are wet and cold, but it does not rain everyday. Night times can get bitterly cold, with temperatures dropping as low as 6-7 degrees C, but normally average around 10-12 degrees C.

Spring time (September-November) is the best time to visit. The weather is warm and pleasant, many attractions are opening up after the winter period, and the city is still devoid of tourists. Spring is in the air, but it is not as hot as in summer. These months could be windy, with the infamous south-easter wind, The Cape Doctor, making regular, and sometimes unwelcome, guest appearances.

Accommodation:

Cape Town is built for tourism, which is why the city boasts a wide range of accommodation options to suit all needs. Accommodation ranges from backpacker hostels and camping experiences for young, budget travellers, to five star luxury hotels, guest houses, beach houses, and swanky high-rise apartments. Actually, because there is such a wide variety of hotels, B&Bs, apartments and guest houses, choosing accommodation in Cape Town may prove quite difficult.

Many hotels are situated in the CBD, or in popular tourist areas like the V&A Waterfront or close to the beach. These hotels are quite expensive, in keeping with most of their five star statuses. These hotels are usually big and busy, with excellent facilities and services. For a more quite and tranquil experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a guest house in the suburbs or the Winelands could prove delightful. Many backpackers’ hostels are situated in the trendy Long Street, with its multi-ethnic clientele, and are ideal for the younger set looking to enjoy partying in the Mother City.

Attractions and Activities:

Anything and everything can be experienced in Cape Town, from adrenaline fuelled activities for dare devils, to more tranquil historical journeys, or casual days spent at one of the famous beaches.

Attractions:

• Table Mountain and Cable Car - Table Mountain is the most famous tourist attraction in Cape Town, and should definitely not be overlooked during your vacation. Conquer your fear of heights and enjoy a cable car journey, followed by lunch with a fabulous view.
• Robben Island - Located just off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island is the infamous location where many political prisoners spent a great deal of their lives, including ex-president Nelson Mandela. A poignant tour on Robben Island provides insight into the lives of so many prisoners fighting for their rights during Apartheid South Africa.
• Victoria and Alfred Waterfront - A massive, multi-entertainment complex catering to tourists and situated right next to the harbour. This popular attraction houses a huge variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants and amusements possibilities, including the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Marine Museum. Harbour trips can also be enjoyed, as well as helicopter flights over the Peninsula.
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens - Cape Town is home to an abundance of indigenous, diverse and beautiful plants and flowers, and is home to the spectacular Cape Floral Kingdom. Plants from all regions of South Africa are on full display in all their glory, including rare succulents from the Richtersveld, a giant baobab tree, and medicinal plants.
• The Castle of Good Hope - Here you can view an extensive display of historical and military paraphernalia.
• Bo-Kaap - This enchanting neighbourhood offers insight into the many cultural influences throughout Cape Town. Mainly inhabited by the Cape Malay Muslims, this is also a common location for film shoots thanks to the colourful buildings, quaint streets, mosques and wonderful views over Cape Town. Visitors will also enjoy a sensory explosion with the delicious smells of Cape Malay cooking wafting all around you.

Activities:

• Beaches - No trip to Cape Town is complete without visiting at least one beach. There is a beach for all tastes, whether you want to mingle with beautiful people on Clifton and Camps Bay, participate in various water sports, enjoy a family day at Muizenberg, or go completely naked at Cape Town's only nudist beach, take your pick.
• Cape Peninsula - The Cape Peninsula is breathtaking and action packed. Visit the Cape of Good Hope via Simon's Town, and the African penguin colony at Boulders. The Table Mountain National Park is also ideal for those wanting to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area. And then travel along Chapman's Peak for panoramic views Hout Bay, followed by an evening sunset at Llandudno or Camps Bay.
• Ratanga Junction - The only theme park in Cape Town, and apparently the 'wildest place in Africa', Ratanga Junction is a place for young and old. This exciting theme park is usually open during summer and over the Easter period, but closed during the winter months.
• Surfing - Cape Town is a surfer's paradise. Muizenberg is good for beginners, with the wilder surfs of Kalk Bay, Outer Kom or Misty Cliffs better suited for the more experienced.
• Tour the Winelands - Another must-do, the Winelands offers a memorable experience which includes wine tasting, great food, and cellar visits. Visit the popular Winelands towns of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek and marvel at the historical architecture while savouring some of Africa's best cuisine and wine.
• Nightlife - Cape Town afterdark is an amazing experience, with a host of spectacular clubs, restaurants, bars and pubs open well after the sun has set. The clubs in Long Street are well known, as are the numerous beach bars of the Atlantic and False Bay areas.