Destination Guide For Cape Town

Cape Town

The success of FIFA’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa has made the country the in vogue destination for holidaymakers for 2011. Having seen the amazing natural beauty of the country & with confidence over security & safety in the country boosted after the World Cup many people see now as the perfect time to enjoy a holiday in South Africa. Cape Town is South Africa’s most popular tourist destination, in fact it is the most popular tourist destination in the whole of Africa & it is not difficult to see why. 

Cape Town’s geographical location on the Cape peninsula; set on the shores of Table Bay & with Table Mountain offering a unique backdrop to the city’s skyline makes Cape Town one of the World’s most beautiful & instantly recognisable cities. 

Table Mountain is part of the Table Mountain national park - there are 3 separate sections to the national park, the other two are the Cape Point section & the Silvermine-Tokai section. The Park boasts a varied terrain incorporating mountains, cliffs, grasslands & beaches. The Park is visited by millions of visitors each year. Botanists are amazed by the bio diversity of the flora in the park, it boasts more plant species than the whole of the British Isles. It is not only the flora which amazes visitors but the wildlife too with a variety of animals varying from penguins to frogs, baboons to antelopes. The Table Mountain national park is definitely worth a visit while in Cape Town, take a guided walk around some of the park to appreciate the true natural beauty of South Africa.

Apart from the amazing natural surroundings of Cape Town which offer many hours of hikes & climbs in the national park or hours relaxing on one of Cape Town’s many beaches, there is another reason Cape Town’s natural surroundings attract interest. The vineyards or winelands are just a few minutes drive from the city however offer an amazing experience. Book a wine tasting tour & enjoy testing the finest south African wines in their natural habitat -  the warm climate & beautiful natural surroundings.

For those interested in the culture & history of Cape Town a tour of the Langa township reflects the history & enormity of the apartheid era. Similarly a visit to Robben Island museum where Nelson Mandela spent years as a political prisoner is just 12 kilometres from Cape Town but definitely worth a visit. The Castle Of Good Hope is also a point of interest for those interested in history. Built between 1666 & 1679 it is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. The Castle is currently the seat of the military in Cape Town and also is the home to the Iziko Museum and the Castle Military museum.

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is situated right at the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour. Boasting over 80 restaurants offering a variety of international cuisine, along side a range of indoor entertainment venues as well as offering a number of outdoor activities. All this is available with the backdrop of magnificent views of the ocean and mountain and set in a cosmopolitan atmosphere. No wonder The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is so popular with visitors to Cape Town. 

Cape Town is a city with a cosmopolitan vibe against a backdrop of outstanding natural beauty just waiting to be explored. Whether visitors are interested in fine dining and wines, history, culture, art, music, wildlife, outdoor activities and adventures – whatever their interest Cape Town really is the city that has something for everyone.

Flights to Cape Town are available from just £538pp From Gatwick with Emirates Airlines.