About Cape Town
You really can’t overstate the case for visiting Cape Town. First, there’s the in-your-face beauty of a craggy mountain range that drops precipitously into a glittering sea, its flanks carpeted in greens and delicate florals – the Cape Floral Kingdom, smallest yet richest in the world.
Then there’s the pristine white beaches lapped by – it must be said – a chilly Atlantic, their curves defined by giant granite boulders to bake on, and burbling mountain streams in dappled forests. The proximity of nature is a constant source of amazement here, whether it is spotting zebra and wildebeest grazing on the slopes of Table Mountain from the highway, watching whales breach from a restaurant deck overlooking False Bay, supplicating before the Twelve Apostles mountain during a yoga class on Camps Bay beach or being halted by cavorting baboons near Cape Point.
It is a balmy summers evening on Table Mountain, the sun is just about to set and the lights of Cape Town begin to twinkle down below. A glass of bubbly in your hand, toast the setting sun and celebrate yet another beautiful day in the Cape. After sunset, take the trip down the rotating Table Mountain Cableway. Below, Cape Town’s many restaurants and bars await.
Cape Town has been named as one of the most beautiful cities on Earth.
Table Mountain, with its near vertical cliffs, flanked by Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head on either side, tower over the city bowl. To the south, cliffs rise above the Atlantic Ocean, ending in the spectacular Cape Point. The Cape of Good Hope, the southernmost tip of the peninsula is best described by Sir Francis Drake as ‘the fairest cape and the most stately thing we saw in the whole circumference of the globe’.
The Mediterranean climate, extensive coastline and rugged mountains make this region a heaven for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
During the summer month, southeasterly winds, affectionately known as the Cape Doctor, make this a haven for windsurfers, kitesurfers and other wind chasers. Surfing, surf skiing and kayaking are other popular water sports.
A great way to enjoy False Bay or Table Bay is on a sailing adventure. A rich sea life makes for great deep sea angling and unique diving experiences with seals and cow sharks. If you are feeling adventurous, try shark cage diving for an encounter with a great white shark.
During winter and spring, majestic southern right whales and humpback whales make their appearances. It is breeding season, so a mother with her calf is a frequent sighting on whale watching trips.
Hiking on Table Mountain National Park is suited for both the adventurous and the less intrepid hiker. The Cape floral region offers a kaleidoscope of colours all year around. During winter, hikers are rewarded by the sight of flowering king proteas, South Africa’s spectacular national flower. If you need a new perspective of the mountain, try abseiling, skydiving or a microlight trip.
Cape Town is blessed with beautiful beaches, calm bays, stormy coves, and both gentle and white water rivers. For some fast paced paddling try Dragon Boat racing to the beat of ancient drum. Sea kayaking and stand up paddle surfing will also give your arms a good workout and afford you views of Cape Town not seen inland,
If you prefer to enjoy the ocean from the land, go horse back riding along pristine Noordhoek beach or enjoy the scenic coastal route from a a Harley Davidson or in a vintage sidecar.
Whatever your preference, Cape Town is sure to deliver a memorable experience.