In Cape Town's city centre you'll find sleek sky scrapers rubbing shoulders with centuries old Dutch, Cape Malay and British architecture, while flower sellers and buskers vie for attention in the pedestrian malls, below the world famous Table Mountain which majestically envelopes the city. Saunter up Adderly Street and you'll find yourself at the Houses of Parliament: up in the visitors' gallery you'll observe the goings-on of the Rainbow Nation's MP's, many of whom did not even have the right to vote just a few years ago.
A short walk away is the enchanting Greenmarket Square, an open-air cobblestoned market, selling everything from carved African masks to high fashion clothing. Find a bench and relax in the six-hectare Company Gardens. Originally Van Riebeeck's vegetable garden, back in the 17th Century, it has been landscaped as a reminder of a time when the city was a stopping place for traders and voyagers en route to the far East.
In the Malay Quarter, where rows of charming pastel buildings sprawl along the slopes of another landmark, Signal Hill, the Bo-Kaap Museum tells the story of the Malays, who were brought as slaves from Sri Lanka, the Indonesian islands and India. The apartheid government may have infamously moved 60 000 Cape Coloureds from their District Six homes before sending in the bulldozers four decades ago, but this is a community not easily squashed - to this day The Cape Minstrels strut through the streets of Cape Town strumming banjoes in a joyous New Year festival which is uniquely Cape Town.
History boffins will get their fill at the Castle of Good Hope, a pentagonal fortification complete with moat and bastions, built to defend the Dutch settlement, while thrill seeking escapists can visit an impressive replica at the recently opened world-class Grand West Casino and Entertainment Complex. Pop along to the Ratanga Junction Theme Park for fun, fantasy and adventure entertainment, themed restaurants and variety shows. Shopaholics are extremely well catered for in this city, most notably at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, South Africa's number one tourist attraction. There are an abundance of shops, from designer boutiques to food market stalls; two large craft markets, the amazing Two Oceans Aquarium, the Imax Cinema with its gigantic screen and dozens of restaurants. If it's wildlife of a different sort that you're after, take a hike up Table Mountain - or catch the cable-car and meet the mountain's famous dassies (rock rabbits).
Take a ferry out to Robben Island and get acquainted with not only the tiny cell which Nelson Mandela called home for almost two decades. Or head out to the famous Winelands and sample the finest cheese and wines in beautiful scenic surround. For an all round view of Cape Town and its surrounding regions, take the scheduled Peninsula tour along Chapman's Peak road and see beautiful beaches, Hout Bay, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Boulders Penguin colony and the quaint towns of Fish Hoek and Simonstown.
For those who have a few more days in Cape Town, think about heading out to Hermanus and the Whale Route for a spot of unrivalled whale watching. Adrenaline junkies can also come face to face with a Great White shark or two, in a never-to-be-forgotten cage diving experience just outside of Hermanus.Or keep heading up the famous Garden Route for a few days. Of course, most people will be content to lap up the Cape's natural beuty like its beaches. Take your pick from Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno, Bloubergstrand and Noordhoek; all boasting pristine white sand and gorgeous vistas.
Whatever your fancy, Cape Town and its surrounds has it. Enjoy! Please feel free to ask a consultant about our day tours to all of the destinations and activities mentioned.
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The Ambassador Hotel is centrally located in Bantry Bay on the Atlantic coastline, surrounded by areas such as the Waterfront, Clifton and Camps Bay. Most of the elegant air-conditioned bedrooms, executive suites an the luxurious two-bed roomed penthouse have views of the sea, with a bonus from some balconies of mystical Lion’s Head as a back drop.
Four Rosmead is an exclusive guesthouse that enjoys 360º views of the mountain, Lions Head, Signal Hill, Table Bay and the city. It has the characteristics of a boutique hotel; location, style, authenticity and personal service contribute to re-defining you Cape Town travel experience
Protea Hotel Sea Point, where long white beaches beckon with majestic Table Mountain and Lions Head in the background, the Mediterranean-style hotel is on the doorstep of the Atlantic Ocean and offers 124 sumptuous en-suite rooms and suites, each furnished in distinctive style, a brand new coffee bar, conference facilities and family restaurant.
This boutique hotel nestled on the foot of table mountain, is well known for its comfortable, luxurious. It is themed on the Irish literary figure Oscar Wilde who was renowned for his bohemian lifestyle throughout Europe and New York during the latter part of the 19th century.
Situated on Cape Town's Platinum mile and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Winchester Mansions is an exclusive, privately-owned 4 star hotel in Cape Town. It sets itself apart among other hotels in and around Cape Town with its spectacular beachfront location, stylish elegance and personalized service.
The Protea Hotels President has everything one would expect from a full-service, world-class hotel. Most of the exclusively spacious rooms and suites overlook the Atlantic Ocean or Lion's Head, offering facilities one would expect of a world-class hotel.
The St James is a five star stately seaside retreat overlooking the trendy and vibrant fishing village of Kalk Bay with majestic views across False Bay and the Indian Ocean.
The Bishops' Court is situated in what is arguably Cape Town's most beautiful and prestigious suburb, so close to Table Mountain, you'll want to reach out and touch it. This leafy suburb of Bishopscourt with quiet oak lined streets is home to the most gracious of properties. It boasts a number of foreign embassies, local and international celebrities and a collection of fine family residences known for their large grounds and manicured gardens.
The Long Beach is a truly special place to stay in Cape Town. Situated on the pristine beach of the picturesque lobster-fishing village of Kommetjie, this hotel offers a rare and rewarding alternative to your conventional holiday experience.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
Spectacularly situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the Radisson SAS Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town overlooks a private marina and the famous Robben Island. Ideally located for the ultimate business or leisure trip
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
The personal handwritten note of welcome is telling. A sign of the style that is the hallmark of a very special hotel and that sets the Victoria & Alfred Hotel on the Pierhead in Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront apart.
Ezard House is ideally located for easy access to restaurants, theatres, shopping, golf courses, the V&A Waterfront and the Winelands. Ten well appointed, modern suites all have balconies facing the sea or the private tranquility of the landscaped gardens with koi ponds, leading the eye along the sculptured lines of the architecture and internal gardens.
The Mount Nelson Hotel is an iconic luxury hotel in Cape Town situated within a sprawling lush garden estate in the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural centre and close to the bustling V&A Waterfront and some of Cape Town’s best beaches.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
Between Robben Island and Table Mountain you’ll discover the famed Table Bay hotel. During the day the cool Atlantic Ocean breeze eases the heat of the Africa’s mother city: Cape Town. Cosmopolitan, gracious and relaxed, The Table Bay is the sum of all that is good about its home town.
The luxurious Twelve Apostles hotel lies where earth, sea and sky meet, poised above Atlantic rollers and flanked by the majestic Table Mountain and her Twelve Apostles mountain range. This intimate five star hotel fully lives up to its stunning location, with exceptional standards of service and relaxed Cape hospitality providing the perfect counterpoint to its dramatic backdrop.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
With a classically inspired exterior and graceful elegance within, Cape Grace offers the ultimate experience for discerning travelers. Set on its own private quay on Cape Town’s vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the hotel is a destination in itself
