Cape Town at the very foot of Africa is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. Directly south are the southern seas and the Antarctic. It became a European colonial settlement many centuries ago, a starting point from which Europeans set out to explore the interior of Southern Africa.
The reasons for visiting the City of Cape Town are numerous. Its history and culture are fascinating but better still look at Cape Town images, just a small range of them, and you will be booking your flight! Its natural beauty is a match for any city in the world, truly inspiring. Cape Town holidays offer so much whether for just a long weekend or a week or more.
Table Mountain
The image of Table Mountain Cape Town has appeared in promotional and travel publications for decades. The cable car journey up to the summit is a thrill and there is a surprise in store on arrival. Many tourists expect bar rock on the summit. In contrast, there is a profusion of colourful vegetation and you can enjoy an hour just walking one of its trails and the colour it offers.
Lion’s Head
While you can hike up to the top of Table Mountain, more people take the route up to the neighbouring summit, Lion’s Head. You should not do this alone, and certainly you should do it in daylight hours with sufficient time to get back down.
The views that you get from both Table Mountain and Lion’s Head are wonderful and make a great photo, especially on a real clear day.
The Atlantic Seaboard
Remember there is nothing between the Antarctic. The sea on Cape Town’s west coast looks so inviting on a sunny day, and plenty of people gather on the beaches. However, the water is remarkably cold, no warmer than sea in a Northern Hemisphere winter even in the height of summer.
Clifton Beach
Even though the sea is cold, the small sandy bays on the west coast, and the neighbourhoods behind them are impressive. Clifton is a very exclusive part of Cape Town with lovely restaurants and cafes looking out to sea. The seafood washed down with one of the Cape’s finest white wines is a great way to enjoy lunchtime or the evening.
Cape Town Beaches on the Indian Ocean
The good news is that east of the Cape of Good Hope, the Indian Ocean’s water is much warmer and there are plenty of beaches to enjoy, and more people in the sea. Cape Town’s climate is obviously affected by the influence of the sea as a moderating influence. However, in mid-winter, temperatures are still good enough to enjoy the beach by day.
Penguins
If you associate penguins with regions close to the Poles, then think again. There is a colony of Jackass Penguins on Boulders Beach near Simonstown south of Cape Town on the way to the Cape of Good Hope. The Great White Sharks that frequent False Bay have plenty to feed on, and that includes the penguins. They first appeared her in the 1980s and a recent census put the colony at 3,000 birds. The penguins are used to humans, so it is easy to get a good picture.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The range of bars and restaurants on the waterfront Cape Town make it an obvious place to head in the evening. The cuisine in the City is wonderful and you can experience the influence of nationalities who were brought here in colonial times, Indians, Chinese and Malays among them. The Western Province of South Africa is very fertile, and a major wine producer so prepare to be spoilt. One of the cruises from Cape Town starting at the Waterfront heads to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held captive.
The City, its Shopping, and Landmarks
You can book one of several Cape Town tours if you are new to the City, then spend more time at the places you have enjoyed most. The architecture is a mix of British colonial, Dutch, neo-Renaissance and modern. Shopping is excellent, arguably the best in Africa and there is plenty of nightlife from cinema and theatre to clubs.
There is a host of interesting museums and which you select, if any, depends upon your personal interests.
South African Sport
South Africa is a sports-mad nation. The Cape Town Stadium hosted games in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Newlands has the Province’s Cricket Ground where Test matches are held each year. Next door is the Rugby Union stadium used by the current World Champions and the host Province. If you add the good choice of golf courses, Cape Town has plenty for sports enthusiasts even before looking at water sports.
Visitors can head out to sea in search of the Great White Shark, go sea fishing or scuba diving. The breezes are also conducive to wind surfing.
Bo-Kaap
Cape Town suburbs are interesting but if you want to visit a distinct neighbourhood go to colourful Bo-Kaap with its bright houses. It is located centrally below Signal Hill. It is evidence of the mix of nationalities that were brought here during colonial times for work. Back in the 17th Century, its brightly coloured houses were home to slaves brought from the East Indies and their ancestors still live there today. The Bo-Kaap Museum is worth a little of your time to understand those days and Muslim life a little better.
Malay food in a local restaurant is something worth trying for lunch.
Conclusion
There are no Cape Town travel restrictions, but you should avoid some neighbourhoods and certainly do not walk alone in some places at night. It is common sense really and that applies to all travel.
Your Cape Town pictures are certain to impress friends and family on your return. Whatever your interests, you will never feel bored in Cape Town which is seductive. Many visit a second or third time once they have experienced its delights.