Free Travel Articles - Travel Articles Directory » Cape Town holidays

3 Top Ideas For Cape Town Holidays

TAD — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:50:07 +0000

Many people on their Cape Town holidays will spend most time in the centre, enjoying the cosmopolitan and dynamic energy of South Africa’s largest city, or the peace and quiet of natural features such as the glorious Table Mountain. There are plenty of reasons to choose Cape Town as your South African destination of choice, and many people plan their travel itineraries well in advance. However, it can be puzzling trying to decide on all the details of the best itinerary, with all the aspects of Cape Town that are simply unmissable. Here are three ideas that just may help you with your holiday plans.

Table Mountain

With a magnificent flat-topped mountain right in the heart of Cape Town, it’s no wonder hiking and rock-climbing are popular activities for visitors looking to challenge themselves. Amidst the beautiful scenery and stunning views of the ocean, hikers can enjoy numerous tracks and trails winding around the mountain on their Cape Town Holidays, including the famous Skeleton Gorge route beginning in the Kirstenbosch National Gardens. Climbers can test themselves with traditional methods, as bolting is not allowed in most areas. Some groups offer abseiling from the upper cable car station – definitely a thrilling experience! Although the opportunities for caving are more limited, Table Mountain’s unique Wynberg Caves are worth exploring. Unlike many of the world’s other famous caves, which are limestone, these ones are entirely sandstone.

The Beaches

If you simply want to relax in the sun, Cape Town’s beaches are the place to be. Due to the city’s unique geography and layout, it’s possible to visit several different beaches in the same day – a wonderful fact to take advantage of on your Cape Town holidays in the sun. One point to bear in mind is the water temperature, if you have a strong preference. Beaches located on the Atlantic coast tend to have colder water, while the water on the other side, at beaches such as the famous False Bay, is usually warmer by up to 10 degrees Celsius!

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

Right in the vibrant, historic heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront has the acclaim of being South Africa’s most-visited destination – with the highest rate of foreign tourists of any attraction in the country. There’s good reason for the popularity amongst people on Cape Town holidays – the V and A Waterfront is home to some of the most stylish shopping and entertainment in Cape Town. Visitors looking for an exciting and cosmopolitan experience don’t have to look any further.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town holidays – Meet the Sharks!

TAD — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:40:14 +0000

There are plenty of reasons to visit Cape Town – the vibrant culture, the nightlife, the natural landscape surrounding the city – but for animal lovers and thrill-seekers, one aspect of Cape Town holidays that is very attractive is the presence of sharks! Shark tours in Cape Town attract marine wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world and nearby False Bay is known as one of the greatest spots on the planet to observe great white sharks in the wild. Whether you go on a boat trip, or even delve into the depths and try cage-diving to get up close and personal with the sharks, knowing a little more about these apex predators can really help enhance your experience.

Stealth

One feature of sharks that many divers come to appreciate is their colouring. For people interested in cage diving on their Cape Town holidays, it’s important to be able to spot the sharks coming – but their colouring often inhibits any attempt! It works to their advantage when they’re hunting for food – with a pale white underside and a grey dorsal area, from any angle they’re camouflaged. It breaks up the shark’s outline from the side in dim light, making it hard to recognise. From above, the darker shade blends in with the sea, and from below it exposes a minimal shape against any sunlight closer to the surface.

Senses

While all sharks share the same five senses of most animals, they enjoy an extra sense, afforded to them by tiny electroreceptors called the ‘ampullae of Lorenzini’, which lets them detect the electromagnetic pulses given off by the movement of other animals. It’s a fascinating ability to ponder if you’re diving with sharks on your Cape Town holidays. With every movement, a living creature generates an electrical field, and sharks are so sensitive they can detect half a billionth of a volt. It helps them to locate prey, even creatures that burrow into the sand as a defence mechanism. Some shark repellents make use of the shark’s senses, producing electromagnetic fields that make the sharks retreat from the device.

Seal Island

The first destination for all shark fans on their Cape Town holidays should be the nearby Seal Island, in False Bay. It’s a famous location for shark watching, and early morning visitors will quickly see where the reputation of great white sharks as eating machines comes from! They often attack cape fur seals in the morning, and ambush them from below at high speeds – sometimes travelling so fast that they completely leave the water.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Vegetarian Dining on Your Cape Town Holidays – Yes you Can!

TAD — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:14:35 +0000

With meat playing such a large part of traditional South African cuisine, is it really possible for vegetarians to eat well on Cape Town holidays? Definitely! There is no dearth of vegetarian restaurants and cafes in South Africa’s glorious Mother City. Here’s a quick list of places to go for great vegetarian dishes:

Vegan/Vegetarian
Vegans on Cape Town holidays are often pleasantly surprised to find that there are more than just a few places that serve predominantly vegan and vegetarian fare. These places offer tasty vegetable dishes that more than just the usual salads.

•   Krishna’s Pure Vegetarian Cuisine, Riverside Centre, Main Road, Cape Town – their legendary lentil biryanis are a lunch staple for vegans on Cape Town holidays.
•   Bella Vegan, St. Georges Street., Simonstown – try their vegan pita pockets Tuesdays to Sundays. Unfortunately, they’re closed on Mondays.
•   Govinda’s Natural Food Café, 17 St. Andrews St. – Look for the Hare Krishna Centre (a sure sign that there are vegetarian and vegan places nearby) and you’ll find this cosy café serving mainly Indian fare. Even meat-eaters on Cape Town holidays often come here for a break!
•   SOPHEA Gallery and Tibetan Teahouse, 2 Harrington Road, Seaforth, Simonstown – a great place, absolutely bright with positive energy, they offer vegan, vegetarian and lacto-vegetarian options in the Tibetan style. Their masala chai are a must-try for vegan Cape Town holiday makers.
•   Zucchini’s, 1 Loop Street, Cape Town CBD – it’s a tad small so you’ll have to keep an eye out for this little vegetarian favourite, but it’s worth the search!
•   Café Jo Brown, Buiten Street – try their samosas, pasta bakes and tofu stir fry. A good range of great dishes to sure to please.
•   Lola’s, 228 Long Street– a highly recommended favourite among hip and fashionable Capetonians, be sure to schedule visits to this popular spot on you Cape Town holidays.
•   Quensh, 42 Lower Main Road, Observatory – this cool and contemporary vegetarian and organic haven offers more than just vegetarian fare; they stock fresh produce and other organic basics (including baby food) as well.

Vegetarian Friendly
While not totally vegetarian in the strictest sense of the word, these great places offer hearty, tasty menus to please vegetarians on Cape Town holidays:

•   Addis in Cape, 41 Long Street – Ethiopian dishes with vegetarian options.
•   Kwalapa, 31 Newlands Avenue – the regular Wednesday raw vegetarian lunch feast is definitely not to be missed.
•   Gold Restaurant (Gold of Africa Museum courtyard),96 Strand Street, City Centre – drop by at night for their interactive drumming experience followed by great entertainment you’ll remember long after your Cape Town holidays are over!
•   Rooti, Shop 1, Piazza Level, Clock Tower Centre, V&A Waterfront – try the veggie curry for a taste of vegetarian with a Cape Malay touch.
•   Mama Afrika, 178 Long Street – great vegan African stew!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town Holidays – More Than Your Usual R & R

TAD — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:49:21 +0000

Whether it’s communing with nature, a trip down the halls of history, a leisurely tour of great food and wine or simply a great adventure that you need to feed your soul, Cape Town holidays offer different ways to refresh your spirit, renew your mind and body, and restore your equilibrium. They’re definitely a far cry from the usual holiday rest and recreation!

Reconnect With Nature

Table Mountain greets you the minute you arrive in Cape Town. Holidays here aren’t complete without a trip to the top of the mountain for an exhilarating panoramic view. Take a ten-minute cable car ride or embark on a leisurely walk through paths that let you enjoy the wonders of South African flora and fauna a little bit closer. Try a visit to Kirstenbosch and Cape Flats Nature for flora; while Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, Tygerberg, and Rondevlei, are great places to see South Africa’s wildlife.

Cape Town holidays also abound with beach options as well. Head on to Clifton (known as Cape Town’s St. Tropez), Blouberg Beach or Camps Bay where you can relax in the sun; Boulders Beach where you can swim with African penguins (yes, there are penguins in South Africa!); or watch whales and other marine mammals in one of the many land-based whale watching sites along the Cape Point coastline.

Revisit History
Robben Island and the District 6 Museum may seem to be standard stops on Cape Town holidays, but for very good reason: these sites are testaments to the painful and oftentimes volatile past when apartheid and political turmoil divided men, and the price people pay for freedom and enlightenment. Rare is the visitor that comes away untouched.

For a more rounded view of South Africa’s colourful past, however, Cape Town holidays should always include visits to the Heritage Museum, the Castle of Good Hope and Cape Town Cultural History Museum – which is a former slave lodge that now houses displays of furniture, weapons, artwork and from the different peoples who have settled in South Africa. The South African museum, which is the country’s oldest, houses Stone Age tools and relics.

Recharge With An Adrenaline Rush
If what you need to feel renewed are thrilling adventures, you’ll find plenty that are sure to send a surge of new energy through your veins on your Cape Town holidays!
You can try rock climbing up and then abseiling down the rocky cliffs of Table Mountain; paragliding, hang-gliding or micro-lighting from nearby Signal Hill and Lion’s Head; bungee jumping from the high bridges around Cape Town; or even shark-cage diving in False Bay!

Revel In the Good Life
If what you need to recover from your workaday life is some time off in the lap of luxury, Cape Town holidays provide plenty of ways to do so. Get some serious pampering from any of the wellness spas that abound in Cape Point – whether a mountain retreat with hot springs or one with an ocean view. Take a scenic drive through the vineyards of Cape Point, Constantia Valley and Tygerberg, tasting the best wines (and food!) South Africa has to offer, or simply stay put at the lovely Victoria & Albert Waterfront and relax after a day of shopping and sightseeing.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Meet the Crocodiles on your South Africa Holidays

TAD — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:29:15 +0000

Many visitors decide to take South Africa holidays hoping to see the ‘Big Five’ in action. These five animals – the lion, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, the leopard, and the rhinoceros – should not be missed while you’re there. The moniker came from their desirability (as the most difficult animals to hunt on foot) for big game hunters before the species’ became protected. However, there are many more fascinating animals in South Africa. Chief among these, in terms of worldwide fame, is the crocodile. With just the right mix of danger and elusiveness, the crocodile never quite made it onto the ‘Big Five’ – but it remains an intriguing sight for South Africa’s animal lovers all the same.

Swimming

Believed to be over 200 million years old, the crocodile species is theorised to have remained largely unchanged since the days of the dinosaur – an apt comparison for the creatures. As large aquatic reptiles, crocodiles have streamlined bodies that help them move through water, and in addition to this they tuck their feet in to their sides while swimming, further decreasing the water resistance. Although their webbed feet aren’t used to propel the croc through the water, they allow it to make fast turns and sudden moves; although it’s a rare sight to see a crocodile in action, if you do see it, it’s one memory you won’t forget from your South Africa holidays.

Hunting

Crocodiles belong to the category of animals known as ‘ambush hunters’, meaning that they wait for fish or other land animals to approach them, before rushing out in a surprise attack. However, it would be rare to see such an attack while on South Africa holidays. The crocodile’s metabolism is very slow, allowing them to go days without food; this increases the amount of time crocodiles can lay in wait for their prey. One notable exception to the animals in fear of the croc is the Egyptian plover bird. It feeds on parasites that dwell within a crocodile’s mouth, and so a crocodile will open its jaws to allow the bird to pick its teeth clean without harm, in a symbiotic natural relationship.

Behaviour

It can be an exciting experience to see a crocodile on your South Africa holidays – but you may not be prepared for the sight of one panting like a dog does! Crocodiles don’t possess sweat glands, and so release their body heat through their mouths – crocodiles will also sleep with their mouths open, which can be an unnerving sight.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town Holidays with Children

TAD — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:20:34 +0000

It can be difficult to plan a holiday for the whole family, especially when travelling with young children. They can be demanding at the best of times – but as we all know, no holiday would be complete without the entire family there to enjoy it. So what is on offer for children during your Cape Town holidays? There are plenty of child-friendly attractions and activities to visit and take part in while you visit Cape Town – and who knows? Perhaps some of the adults in your group may just find themselves having a little bit of fun as well. Here are a few top choices for children on holiday in Cape Town.

Fathers and Children

Cape Town holidays are a great chance for fathers and kids to really bond and have fun together with some of the exciting activities on offer. Cool Runnings Toboggan Park provides plenty of thrills as you thunder around the half-pipe in a toboggan, reaching speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour. For a more relaxed experience, The Giraffe House is a wildlife centre which offers talks and exhibits, and even interactive reptile and snake shows! There are play areas, picnic areas, and even a bike track for children under 10.

Summer Holiday Fun

For those interested in the sciences, a perfect activity for making the most of the exotic location is the Summer Science Splash, if your Cape Town holidays fall in the summer. It is edu-tainment at its best, with topics ranging from sharks to penguins, and even the reason why starfish have five arms! If a more energetic experience is needed, heading up to Table Mountain at sunset is a great way to let of some steam and be able to explore the mountain at any pace.

Out of the Ordinary

If you and your family are overheating in the sun during your Cape Town holidays, it might make a nice change to cool off by going ice-skating at the V&A Waterfront; with real ice-skating at the water’s edge housed inside a giant inflatable cube. If ice-skating isn’t enough of an experience in South Africa, the V&A waterfront is also home to the Jolly Roger Pirate Boat, offering pirate shows, treasure hunts, face-painting, and all sorts of other pirate-themed activities – along with an hour’s cruise in the harbour of Cape Town. The waterfront is full of places to buy an ice-cream or two as an after-dinner treat, and a beautiful place to sit down and simply watch as life in Cape Town goes by.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town Holidays in Four Days

TAD — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:09:41 +0000

Is it possible to see all the highlights of Cape Town in just four days? For those on Cape Town holidays, such a packed itinerary can seem like a bit of a challenge. If you don’t have much time to spend on holiday, though, or you want to get as much bang for your buck as possible, here’s our guide to seeing the sights of Cape Town in just four days.

Day One

A walking tour of the city itself can be a great way to engage with Cape Town’s history and to get to grips with the layout of the city. With so little time to see everything, navigating the city will become important on your Cape Town holidays. You might visit the eclectic, cobbled streets of the Malay Quarter, Bo-Kaap, or city hall, where political and spiritual luminary Nelson Mandela addressed millions upon his release from Robben Island in 1990.

Day Two

Once you’ve gotten to grips with the city on the first day of your Cape Town holidays, it is time to set your sights higher – on exploring Table Mountain, the natural feature that dominates the rest of Cape Town spread below it. Whether you ascend by walking up its slopes, or taking a cable car to the top, it’s well worth the effort for the view from the wide plateau.

Day Three

Check out some of the natural features on your third day by heading to the Kirstenbosch Gardens, and enjoy some of the exquisite South African flora on offer. Once you’re done enjoying the peaceful ambience of the gardens, the Constantia Vineyards are less than an hour away, and can make the perfect way to round off an afternoon. If you’re a little tipsy after an afternoon wine-tasting, take a break at Llandudno, Cape Town’s most exclusive slice of real estate. A stroll along the beach in the evening breeze can be just the thing to clear your head.

Day Four

The last day of your jam-packed Cape Town Holidays, and it begins with a drive to Cape Point, the rugged tip of the continent. You’ll have to make an early start to beat the crowds, but the rewards are well worth it, with spectacular views and the chance to spot animals such as antelope and zebra. The more adventurous can go for a walk around the Cape of Good Hope, with its magnificent view of the sea.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Books to Read on Cape Town Holidays

TAD — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:12:43 +0000

Cape Town is, like any city, a complicated, multi-layered place. Numerous writers have tapped into this city like a vast pot of ink, drawing on its history, its present and its many possible futures. Visitors on Cape Town holidays will not learn everything about the city by reading its books, but they might offer an unconsidered slant, a new view into the city they’re briefly passing through. Here is a list of books to consider adding to the suitcase or picking up while in the city.

Richard Rive, Buckingham Palace, District Six

Everyone knows about apartheid, but far fewer people on Cape Town holidays know the real stories of the countless black Africans who suffered from its racist policies. Beginning in 1968, over 60,000 people were forced to leave their homes in Cape Town’s District Six because it was declared a “whites-only” area. Since the end of apartheid, some people have been able to move back, although the logistics of this are rife with disagreements. Richard Rive’s novel, Buckingham Palace, District Six, chronicles the lives of the District Six residents before and during the removals – a worthy introduction to the subject for visitors on Cape Town holidays.

Lauren Beukes, Moxyland

Looking to the future is Lauren Beukes’ novel, Moxyland, a near-future story of technology, corporate control and standing up for individual rights. The what-ifs it posits offer a far from ideal future, but one that might be more real that most people would like to think; the feisty, determined young protagonists show that hope should never be abandoned. Moxyland is a fun and thought-provoking read, about Cape Town and the modern world in general.

Andrew Brown, Coldsleep Lullaby

Fifty kilometres east of Cape Town is Stellenbosch, a popular day-trip destination for people on Cape Town holidays – and the setting of Andrew Brown’s novel, Coldsleep Lullaby. Its intertwined narrative tells of a murder mystery in the present day and a cruel viticulturist lusting after a slave girl in the 17th century. The story is dark and serious, whether dealing with the horrors of early colonialism or the contemporary police detective’s personal demons – but it is also a fast paced thriller, with twists guaranteed to keep the reader turning the page.

These three books are only a tiny sampling of Cape Town’s rich literary tradition. Take the time on Cape Town holidays to discover these and others, such as Sindiwe Magona’s Mother to Mother, Zakes Mda’s The Whale Caller and the countless others on Cape Town’s bookshelves.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – The History Walk

TAD — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:25:28 +0000

Situated in the narrow confines of a peninsula, Cape Town, the historic Mother City of South Africa, is custom made for visitors who like to do their touring on foot. For most of the year the weather is ideal for roaming around outdoors. If you’re a history lover, Cape Town has the distinction of being one of the most historically strategic places in the world. The best way for you to see the important historic sights is with a tour group. A good tour leader can tell you the stories of Cape Town’s turbulent past. The walk covers about three kilometres and takes a minimum of two hours.

Starting Point: The Castle of Good Hope

The star-shaped Castle of Good Hope is South Africa’s oldest European fortification. It was built by the Dutch to protect their trade route to the Far East, and to discourage attacks on their colony by native warriors. Just to the west of the fort is Grand Parade. This was the site of the original defensive work built by Jan van Riebeek, the founder of Cape Town. It was used as a military parade ground and a place for public executions. It is now used as a market place twice a week. Look up at the balcony of the Old Town Hall, and you will see the place where, in 1990, Nelson Mandela gave his first public speech in 27 years, following his lengthy incarceration.

District Six: Victim of Apartheid

A must see for anyone doing a Cape Town history walk is the District Six Museum. Here you learn the story of this inner-city community that was ruthlessly demolished by the apartheid regime in an attempt to uphold the whites-only law. The area is gradually being rebuilt. On a traffic island beside Church St. Square, you can see the site of the Old Slave Tree. It was here that slaves were auctioned off before 1834, when slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire. Not far away is the Old Slave Lodge, which is now a museum. Across from the Slave Lodge is the Groote Kirk (Great Church), which dates back to 1704. This is the mother church for the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa.

Started Out as a Vegetable Patch

The Company’s Garden’s is a great place to take a break. This shady green area in the heart of Cape Town started out as a vegetable garden for the Dutch East India Company. Under Jan van Riebeeck and subsequent governors the garden was expanded and planted with exotic botanical specimens. Here you can see a statue of the South African statesman Cecil Rhodes. He brought in the North American squirrels whose descendants now scamper through the Gardens. After you leave the Gardens, pay a visit to St. George’s Cathedral. This church dates back to 1834, and was for many years a bastion against apartheid.

Colourful Bo – Kaap

The Bo-Kaap district is a largely Muslim neighbourhood, and home to many of Cape Town’s non-white residents; that is, people of mixed race or Asian background. Many are descendants of slaves brought in by the Dutch colonists centuries ago. This is a neighbourhood of brightly coloured homes, narrow streets, and interesting shops. It is advisable to visit here only with a group, and not after dark. You can learn much of the local story at the Bo-Kaap Museum. The Owal Mosque in Bo-Kaap is the oldest mosque in Cape Town.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – The Hoerikwaggo Trails

TAD — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:05:00 +0000

The most dominant geographic feature of Cape Town is majestic Table Mountain, which looms above it like a craggy sentinel. On top of this great outcropping of ancient rock is Table Mountain National Park. For Capetonians and visitors alike, this is a vast natural reserve that is just a cable car ride away from the downtown area. Of course, Table Mountain National Park is one of Cape Town’s most important tourist attractions. Thousands of foreign visitors come every year to climb it, and to hike the miles of scenic trails.

To Sleep on the Mountain

At one time, visitors to Cape Town could take only day trips into Table Mountain National Park, then, in 2005, park authorities opened the first of the three planned Hoerikwaggo Trails. These were designed to permit visitors, for the very first time, to actually sleep overnight on the mountain, and hike the 80 kilometres (50 miles) of trails from the City Bowl to the extremity of Cape Point. The experience of a night on Table Mountain, with the stars of the African sky above, and the lights of the city below, would appeal to anyone with a taste for romantic adventure.

Table Mountain Trail

The original Table Mountain Trail hike is a three-day expedition, and is fully guided. You begin at the Cape Town Waterfront with a boat ride out onto Table Bay. Then you go through the City Bowl and spend a night at the historic Platteklip Wash Houses in Vredehoek on the mountain’s lower slopes. The accommodations here are quite stylish. In the morning you continue up the cableway, and then go to the summit. You’ll spend the night at the Overseer’s Cottage beside the De Villiers Reservoir on the mountain’s Back Table. The “cottage” is actually two buildings, tastefully decorated, and comfortably heated by an open fire in the lounge. On the third day you explore the Back Table, visit the Waterworks Museum, and descend the eastern slope to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Tip to Top Trail

For visitors to Cape Town who like a more rugged hike, there is the six-day, five-night Tip-to-Top Trail. This guided expedition requires you to carry your own food, gear and sleeping bag. You will sleep in camp grounds that are in or close to the park. Your hike will take you along the coast of False Bay, which is an extension of the Indian Ocean, and across the peninsula to the Atlantic coast. The views are spectacular, and stopovers at places such as Simon’s Town give you a taste of South African history. Visitors who would like a more luxurious expedition can try the Top-to-Tip route, which goes in the opposite direction. The scenery is just as beautiful, but you sleep in comfortable huts.

For Love of the Environment

Millions of people visit Cape Town every year, so park authorities try to keep the impact on the environment to a minimum. The Hoerikwaggo Trails use only previously existing paths, access points and structures. Outdoor furniture is made from fallen trees that have been cleared from pathways, the use of water is minimised, and solar power is used whenever possible.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – A Unique Destination

TAD — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:28:08 +0000

Not too many holiday destinations can compete with the charms and attractions of Cape Town. Yes, of course, if you’re a seasoned and discerning traveller then you’ve probably heard that before about many destinations; but perhaps not all have subsequently lived up to your expectations. Yet in the case of Cape Town, you certainly won’t be disappointed!

Sea, people, land and history
Indigenous peoples have hunted, gathered and farmed in the Cape Town area for many thousands of years. The peninsular on which it is located is famed for its climate and rich natural resources from both land and sea. Its first significant appearance in modern history comes with the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century. Over the next 400-500 years the area was first Dutch then eventually, due to its trade route importance, British. During what’s sometimes called the colonial period, other nationalities arrived here from other parts of Africa and indeed, the wider world as trade and commerce grew in the 19th century.

Cape Town and the cape region eventually became part of the modern Republic of South Africa. Today the city has a multi-cultural background making it, arguably, Africa’s most cosmopolitan city.

A holiday centre
The history, cultural diversity and geographical location aren’t just of academic interest. They have combined to make the cape a wonderland for visitors that are looking for that slightly more discerning holiday. Cape Town is one of those rare holiday destinations that can offer a huge range of highly diversified activities and interests, within a comparatively small area.

In the city and immediate environs you’ll find an extensive list of things to see and do which includes:

• The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – a justifiably famous display of rare and exotic plants that grow here by virtue of the climate – and loving care;
• Bo-Kaap – once called the Malay quarter, this area comprises picturesque houses originally built for Indonesian slaves brought to the area by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries;
• The Houses of Parliament and National Gallery;
• The Victoria and Albert Waterfront – a fantastic waterside area of restored old buildings containing shops, restaurants and galleries;
• The Castle of Good Hope – a building dating back to the 1650s and the oldest in South Africa;
• Robben Island (a boat trip) – now a museum and once a leper colony, it is perhaps best know for its previous lengthy use as a prison for political prisoners including Nelson Mandela.

The one thing you can be sure of when visiting Cape Town is that you won’t be short of things to do and see!

The wider area
If you do want to get out of town a little further, then just a short distance from the city you’ll find vineyards that produce some of South Africa’s famous wines. You’re also within short distance of several game reserves where you’ll be able to experience African wildlife in its natural environment. Finally, one can’t discuss this great city without a mention of Table Mountain. Today, along with the surrounding areas, it is part of a protected park environment which you can explore at your leisure and enjoy stunning views.

Your visit
Like many cities, you may find that you’ll see and learn more of Cape Town if you’re on foot.
That doesn’t mean necessarily hiking from one side of the town to the other, but using your own two feet in combination with sensible transport may be far more enjoyable than other methods. It’s perfectly possible to arrange a guided tour that is designed specifically to meet your exact interests and objectives – you won’t have to fit in with a huge group’s views or have to participate in ‘majority decision making’ about where to go next!

The Rainbow Nation
It’s perhaps worth remembering that attractive as Cape Town is, it is part of a much wider region that has many other areas and sites of interest. If you’d like to see more of South Africa, tours and bespoke holidays can be arranged to other areas, as you require.

Cape Town and South Africa are waiting for you. Why not come along and see what they have to offer?

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – Greenmarket Square and Vicinity

TAD — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:59:15 +0000

Greenmarket Square is the location of the best flea market in Cape Town and is easily accessible via Long Street and Shortmarket Street. It was once an outdoor vegetable market, and for many years the site was occupied by a parking lot. Now Greenmarket Square is an attractive area of cobbled streets lined with coffee shops and impressive buildings. In the terrific flea market, visitors will find vendors selling all sorts of crafts and jewellery at bargain prices. Collectors of Africana will also find that Greenmarket Square is one of the few places in Cape Town where Congolese and Zimbabwean traders sell such exotic items as genuine ceremonial masks and malachite carvings. This is an excellent place to spend a few hours browsing, and perhaps pick up some special souvenirs and gifts.

Historic Old Town House

Not far from Greenmarket Square is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the city. With its limewashed walls and shuttered windows, the Old Town House is a classic example of Cape Dutch architecture and the splendid interior adds to the appeal. This house was built in the mid-18th century and over the years it has served as a guardhouse, a police station, and as Cape Town’s city hall. Today it is the home of the Michaelis Collection of 17th century Dutch and Flemish landscape paintings. In addition to the landscape art, visitors can see some of the works created by 17th century artists of the Dutch “Golden Age”. Among the great works on display in the Old Town House are Portrait of a Woman by Frans Hala, and Couple with Two Children in a Park by Dirck Dirckz Santvoort. Other paintings depict still lifes, mythological scenes, church interiors, landscapes and seascapes, and dramatic scenes of ships in rough seas. A small print room on the ground floor displays a minor collection of works by Daumier, Gillray and Cruikshank. One of the gallery’s prize possessions is Goya’s El Sueno de la Razon Produce Monstruos (The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters). The Old Town House also hosts visiting exhibitions, and holds regular evening classical concerts. You can check the quarterly newsletter for upcoming events.

St. George’s Mall and Church Street

Head southeast from Greenmarket Square and you come to St. George’s Mall. Many visitors to Cape Town prefer this pedestrianised street to the more publicised Adderley Street. St. George’s Mall runs northeast from Wale Street to Thibault Square, near the train station and is full of coffee shops, snack bars, street merchants and buskers. While you browse and shop, you can listen to singers and drummers, watch dancers, and observe painters at work. At the southern end of the mall on Church St. is the Victorian era gothic St. George’s Cathedral, which was the scene of an important historic event. On September 7, 1986, Desmond Tutu banged on its doors demanding to be accepted as South Africa’s first black archbishop. Three years later he led a procession of 30,000 people from the cathedral to the city hall, where he coined his famous slogan, “We are the rainbow people!” Pay a visit to this part of Cape Town, and stand in the places where history was made.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – The Bo-Kaap

TAD — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:27:02 +0000

The Bo-Kaap district is one of the oldest and most fascinating residential areas in Cape Town. Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill, not far from the Parliament, Bo-Kaap has its own distinct and very strong identity. The residents even speak their own dialect of Afrikaans, although it is gradually losing ground to English.

Cape Malay Origins

Many of today’s Bo-Kaap residents are descended from slaves who were brought to Cape Town in the 16th and 17th centuries. Rather than enslaving members of the local population, Dutch settlers instead imported slaves from other parts of Africa, as well as Madagascar, India, and Sri Lanka, with a very small percentage from Malaysia. Nonetheless, the slaves of the Cape colony were dubbed Cape Malay, and the name stuck. Because of the blend of Asian, white, and black people, the Bo-Kaap of today has a very racially mixed population.

Deceptively Quaint

As you walk along Bo-Kaap streets, you’ll see many brightly coloured 19th century Dutch and Georgian terraces which provide a rather deceptively quaint atmosphere. With the exception of Wale Street, a main thoroughfare, this is not an area that tourists should explore alone. Even though Cape Town authorities are making great efforts to reduce the crime rate, tourists are advised to join one of the tours that take visitors through the neighbourhood. The guides are often Bo-Kaap residents who know the streets well and are full of interesting information.

The Bo-Kaap Museum A good place to start a tour of the Bo-Kaap is the Bo-Kaap Museum. Located at 71 Wale St., near the Buitengragt end, it was once the home of Abu Bakr Effendi. He was a 19th century Muslim religious leader from Turkey who the British brought to Cape Town in 1862 to act as a peacemaker between feuding Muslim factions. Abu soon became a leading member of the community. He founded an Arabic school, and wrote a book in the local Afrikaans vernacular – thought to be possibly the first book ever published in Afrikaans. The museum displays many of his possessions. There are also exhibits pertinent to local Islamic traditions. Cape Town’s First Official Mosque

On Dorp St., one block south of the Bo-Kaap Museum, is the Auwal. Dating back to 1797, this was the first official mosque not only in Cape Town , but also all of South Africa. Its founder was Imam Abdullah ibn Qadi Abd-al-Salam, known to his followers as Tuan Guru (Master Teacher). He was a Moluccan prince who was exiled to Robben Island in 1780 for opposing Dutch imperialism in the East Indies. While he was on the island he wrote a series of important Islamic commentaries which greatly influenced Muslims in the Cape colony. After his release in 1792, he founded the Auwal. Today however, not all of the residents of the Bo-Kaap are Muslim. Because of the neighbourhood’s architectural charm and central location, it has become attractive to non-Muslim Capetonians as well. Houses fetch high prices, and many have been sold to people from outside the community.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – Exploring Long Street

TAD — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:08:20 +0000

Fascinating Long Street is one of Cape Town’s most popular and diverse attractions. With its views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill, it invites a leisurely exploration. It was first settled by Muslims about 300 years ago, and made up Cape Town’s old boundary. By the 1960s, Long Street had become a disreputable part of town, lined with brothels and seedy bars. Some of that underworld atmosphere still remains, but the street has been somewhat upgraded by the presence of antique shops, craft shops, delicatessens, cafes, and some very good second hand book stores.

The Long Street Baths

The Long Street Baths are a Cape Town institution. Established in 1906, the Baths are at the top of the road, near where it intersects with Buitensingel. The steam rooms provide great relaxation on a cool winter day but, if you’re going with a friend, be aware that there are separate hours for men and women. A session lasts four hours, and the price of admission gets you a private cubicle and a towel, access to the wet or dry steam rooms, and a massage. Give it a try for a unique and invigorating Cape Town experience.

The Palm Tree Mosque and the Pan African Market

Just north of the Long Street Baths, the Palm Tree Mosque is an unmistakable city landmark. It is not open to the public, but is nonetheless worth a look from the outside. This is the only surviving 18th century building on the street and was constructed in 1780 as a private home. In 1807 it was bought by Frans Van Bengal, a Muslim, and Jan Van Boughies, a freed Muslim slave, who turned it into a mosque. Just nearby, you will find the Pan African Market, one of Cape Town’s most intriguing secrets. It is one of the best places in the city to buy African crafts, but it is very easy to miss if you don’t know where it is with a quite inconspicuous frontage. Within, however, are three floors of rooms and connecting passageways crammed with art and artifacts from all over Africa. A range of traders display brass animal figures, masks from West Africa, contemporary South African textiles, leather goods, and tailored clothes. You can also buy bargain priced CDs and musical instruments, have your hair braided, and even take lessons on playing drums.

The South African Missionary Meeting House Museum

Located near the end of Long Street at the harbour is the South African Meeting House Museum. Completed in 1804, this was the first missionary church in South Africa. It is an extraordinary building, with one of the most beautiful frontages in Cape Town. The façade is dominated by large windows which are separated into bays by delicate Corinthian pilasters. The interior features an impressive neoclassical pulpit carved from wood which is perched on a pair of columns high above the congregation. The columns frame the inlaid image of an angel in flight. This museum is a good place to either start or finish your stroll along Long Street.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – What’s the Weather Like?

TAD — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:50:41 +0000

As with any vacation destination, the weather in Cape Town is an important factor to consider when you are planning your holiday. Certain seasons are better for some specific activities than they are for others. For example, while summer is the best time for beach lovers, the city’s winter months are better for visitors who want to head out of the city on wildlife safaris, as various weather-related conditions can make the animals more visible.

Mediterranean Climate

Because South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of those in North America and Europe. It is located halfway between the Equator and Antarctica, so overall it has a temperate climate. Cape Town’s southernmost location on a peninsula between two oceans gives it a Mediterranean-like climate. The summers are warm and dry, and the winters are wet and cool. But be forewarned, the weather can be fickle in Cape Town at any time of year. In the summer, cool winds can bring a sudden chill to the city, ruining plans for a day at the beach. Likewise, in winter a sudden warm spell can bring gorgeous, sunny days. A rule of thumb for tourists going to Cape Town is to pack a sweater or jacket if you’re visiting in the summer, and some light clothing if you’re going in the winter to cover all bases.

Southeaster and the Cape Doctor

The nippy summer wind that can suddenly sweep across Cape Town is called the southeaster. It blows in from across False Bay and can reach gusts of up to 60 km per hour. On those days you’ll want to find something to do indoors! In its gentler form, this wind is called the Cape Doctor and is a breeze is just cool enough to provide relief from the humidity. The Cape Doctor is what causes the mantle of cloud around Table Mountain which locals call the Tablecloth. The Tablecloth is beautiful to look at, but it can shut down the cable car service on the mountain due to poor visibility.

Party Time

For fun in the sun, sand and surf, the best times to visit Cape Town are from October to mid-December, and from mid-January to Easter. These periods will produce an average of ten hours of sunshine a day. From mid-December to mid-January, Cape Town is one of the favourite places for South Africans looking for a seaside holiday and this is also party time when the city hosts numerous festivals. So it is advisable to book accommodation and transport well in advance if you’re planning your holiday around this time.

Joys of Spring and Autumn

In spite of the shorter hours of daylight, the autumn period, from April to mid-May, is a pleasant time to visit Cape Town. The southeaster drops off, the temperature is comfortably warm, and the light is sharp and bright. Likewise, the spring month of September can be very attractive. These are good times to tour the Garden Route or enjoy spectacular views from Table Mountain.

Winter Wonderland With No Snow

June and July are considered the depth of winter in South Africa. However, aside from periods of heavy rain, the weather is usually quite mild and temperatures rarely dip below six degrees Celsius. Flowers are always in bloom and there are no bare trees, making it a picturesque time. In addition to being the best time to go on wildlife viewing excursions, winter also marks the beginning of whale watching season. Migrating whales begin to appear off the Whale Coast in July, and remain until November.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – the Music Scene

TAD — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:33:01 +0000

Cape Town’s musical pace is pretty laid back and leisurely compared to the wild and woolly music scene of Johannesburg. Nonetheless, a remarkable amount of high quality music is produced there, especially by jazz artists. Cape Jazz is, in fact, the city’s greatest musical legacy, and a South African treasure. Cape Jazz has in its own way made the city the New Orleans of South Africa. It had its roots in the 1920s and grew in spite of a conservative political environment. It borrowed from American and European innovations, but developed into a sound that is distinctly Cape Town’s.

Dollar Brand and Friends

One of Cape Town’s greatest jazz legends is Abdullah Ibrahim, who went by the professional name Dollar Brand before his conversion to Islam. He was born and raised in Cape Town’s District Six, and emerged on the music scene as an extraordinarily gifted pianist and composer. His work is a spellbinding mixture of African, American, and Cape Muslim idioms. Other Cape Jazz greats include three saxophonists: Winston “Ngozi” Mankunku, Robbie Janson, and the late Basil Coetzee; bassist Spencer Mbadu, guitarist Errol Dyers, and pianist Hotep Galata. Young stars who are carrying on the tradition include pianist Paul Hanmer, whose subtle, mellow artistry defies verbal description; and guitarist Jimmy Dludlu, whose sense of cool when he is on stage is infectious. Music lovers visiting the city should take the opportunity to see them live to really experience their musical genius.

The Beat Goes on in Studios

Of course, not everybody will have the opportunity to hear these artists live. For those who do, recordings are the only way to relive the experience at home. Several adventurous independent recording studios have sprung up around the city. They have been producing not only cutting edge jazz, but also hip-hop and the gritty South African urban underground sound, kwaito. Melt2000 is the most innovative and intelligent of the established labels. Their titles, and those of the other studios, can be purchased in Cape Town music stores or ordered through them. These albums make fantastic souvenirs and gifts.

Cape Town Music – “Must Have” Recordings

For any serious music lovers, jazz fans in particular, who want a comprehensive collection of the best of the Cape Town music scene, the following albums are essential: Monwabisi by Basil Coetzee, Operation Lahlela by Dantai, Essence of Rhythm by Jimmy Dludlu, African Princess of Pop and Memeza by Brenda Fassie, Trains to Taung by Paul Hamner, African Market Place by Abdullah Ibrahim, Nomad Jez by Robbie Jansen, Crossroads by Winston Mankunku, Ghetto Code by Prophets of Da City, Sondelani by Ringo, and Afterlife Satisfaction by Springbok Nude Girls.

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Visitors to Cape Town can hear Cape Jazz played by both famous artists and emerging musicians at many venues throughout the city at any time of year. But the very best place to hear both local artists and international stars is the city International Jazz Festival. This great celebration of jazz music dates back only about ten years, when it was established as a counterpoint to the renowned North Sea Jazz Festival. Since then it has become world famous in its own right. Besides showcasing local talent, the Cape Town festival has attracted such stars as Herbie Hancock and Courtney Pine. The festival is held every year on the last weekend in March.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Fact File on Cape Town

TAD — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:45:48 +0000

The South African city of Cape Town was founded 350 years ago, making it the oldest city in the country. It was once just a place where Portuguese ships put in for food and fresh water on their way to and from the Far East. When the Dutch took over the lucrative spice trade, they established a base on the Cape Peninsula but had no intention of starting a colony. Then someone noticed that the land around the Cape was prime agricultural real estate and Dutch farmers came to stake out new lives. They were soon followed by French Huguenots and others and the Cape Colony was firmly established.

Legislative Capital

The city is the legislative capital of South Africa but for many years it was the administrative, social and economic centre of the Cape Colony as well. Today, the distinction and responsibilities of the South African federal capital are shared by three cities: Pretoria is the administrative capital, the headquarters for the judiciary are in Bloemfontein and Cape Town is the seat of the national parliament. The Parliament Buildings, which date back to 1885, are on Government Street and guided tours are available. Cape Town is also the capital of the Western Cape Province.

This Old City is Young

Cape Town has a population of just over three million people. Half of Cape Town’s population is of mixed race; “coloured”, according to South African ethnic classifications. Native black Africans make up 26 percent of the city’s population and white Capetonians of Dutch and English descent account for 23 percent. The rest of the population is of Asian background. Of the total number, one third of the population is under the age of fourteen making Cape Town demographically a very ‘young’ city.

So Many Mother Tongues

The post-apartheid South African government recognises eleven official languages and three of them are commonly heard in the city. Xhosa is the mother tongue of most of Cape Town’s black residents. Afrikaans is a distinct Dutch dialect that is indigenous to South Africa and is the first language not only of the Afrikaners, the descendants of pioneering Dutch farmers, but also of a large portion of the coloured population. English, besides being the first language of Capetonians of British background, is also the language of business and education. Knowledge of English in Cape Town’s tourist industry a given, and most of the people holiday-makers encounter in the city speak English.

Buy Genuine Souvenirs

Poverty is a fact of life for many of the residents of the city and unemployment is high, especially in the black neighbourhoods. The inhabitants of about 40 percent of Cape Town’s households live on, or below, the poverty line. As a result, the city also has a high crime rate and visitors should take all common sense precautions. They can help by purchasing souvenirs that are hand-made by local craftsmen, sometimes from refuse found in the streets. These souvenirs are a genuine product of the community, and the purchase of them helps struggling families.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Goema Music in Cape Town

TAD — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:45:22 +0000

With everything to do in Cape Town, you could be forgiven for wanting to take a little while to sit back, sip on a Mojito cocktail, and relax to some of the unique sounds of Cape Town’s music. As well as being home to a wide variety of South African cultures, the city is also home to its own particular brand of music – goema, or goema jazz. Based on a wooden, barrel-shaped Malaysian drum set known as a ghomma, the style evolved into a unique brand of music that became identified as Cape Town’s ‘goema’.

Cape Jazz

Previously identified as ‘Cape Jazz’, the music of Cape Town sounds similar to the popular jazz style of marabi, a fast-paced keyboard style known for its energy and the ability to get people dancing in local bars or shebeens! Cape Jazz became more improvisational than marabi, however, in large part due to the celebratory culture of the city. A large part of the improvisational structure evolved from the situations the music would be played in – often street parades, where being able to improvise or extend a piece of music or song would be of tremendous help to an aspiring musician! The style also developed around the instruments used, as the players became accustomed to instruments that could be carried by hand, such as brass instruments, banjos, guitars and, of course, ghomma drums.

The Goema Captains

One of the most famous bands of Cape Town, the Goema Captains featured famous jazz musician Mac McKenzie, Alex van Heerden, and Hilton Schilder, who took a different direction by rearranging traditional songs with the important improvisational elements of goema. Another example is The Cape Jazz Band, an ensemble drawing all of its members from different groups playing in Cape Town.

Where to Go

If you’re looking to investigate Cape Town’s live music scene, you can’t do better than a few of the venues nestled right in the heart of the city. ‘Mercury’ has long been the favourite haunt of most of the top South African Bands playing in Cape Town. It is divided into a downstairs lounge and an upstairs section, ‘Mercury Live’, boasting one of the best sound systems in the city, as well as a spacious stage and standing area. For those looking for a little more variety than simply music, the ‘Zula Sound Bar’ offers a diverse range of music including hip-hop, rock, traditional African, reggae, and goema, as well as live comedy on occasion. Situated in Long Street, it sits in the heart of Cape Town’s nightlife and provides a full menu, along with tables on a balcony affording great views of the bustling city.

Whether it’s a short visit to Cape Town, or a longer exploration of all the city has to offer, music is an unavoidable part of the urban landscape. With the reintroduction of several traditional songs to the popular repertoire of goema music, it’s also becoming a new way of discovering the city’s cultural history. Give goema a go, and you never know – you may find yourself unexpectedly tapping a foot along to the beat.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

The Cable Cars of Cape Town

TAD — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:33:36 +0000

No trip to Cape Town would be truly complete without setting some time aside to experience a trip to Table Mountain. Once the habitat of lions and leopards, the mountain has come to be seen as a symbol of the city it towers over. But as spectacular as the views from the mountaintop are, there’s enough to be enjoyed during the trip up and down in Cape Town’s cable cars.

The first cars

It took over 40 years of discussion and planning – interrupted by two wars – before construction began in 1926, and the first cableway opened for business three years later in 1929. In the beginning, the construction of the cars featured a tin roof and sides made out of wood. Of course the design evolved over time, and cable cars leaving from Cape Town today are built to maximise the view during the journey, with a rotating floor ensuring a 360 degree view during the journey. The base of the cable car is filled with water, serving as ballast in the windy conditions – and it can get windy above Cape Town. Ascending to Table Mountain takes visitors 1067 metres above sea level, and the winds at that height can be extremely strong. Luckily, the cableway only operates when weather permits, which is often, and boasts an impeccable safety record.

A unique system

The system itself is fairly unique – Cape Town is the home of one of only three Rotair cable cars in the world (the others having homes in Switzerland and the USA). The system relies on two cable cars to counterbalance each other – as one goes up, the other comes down. The cars can’t operate independently, but it also halves the wait whether you’re ascending or descending. The cars travel at a maximum speed of ten metres per second – long enough to enjoy the view, and quickly enough to reach the summit in about 4 or 5 minutes. Good news for the traveller in a hurry. Each car can carry 65 passengers, and the cableway as a whole has transported over 20 million people from Cape Town to Table Mountain and back. They can’t be booked in advance, though, and tend to become very busy on clear days.

Starting or finishing

If you’re looking to take advantage of the adventurous activities around Table Mountain the cable cars are a convenient way of beginning or ending your chosen day. If you’re interested in hiking up Table Mountain, but worried the descent back to Cape Town might be a step too far, then descending in a cable car will allow a quick and restful descent. Likewise, if abseiling down from the summit is your method of choice, a cable car up to Table Mountain could give you some perspective on your route, as well as letting you save your energy beforehand! Whether walking up from, or climbing back down to Cape Town, or even just enjoying a peaceful ride and appreciating the vista, the cable cars of Cape Town are something to experience in their own right.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made
Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town: Read All About It

TAD — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:10:16 +0000

So you’re tanned, you’ve toured – in fact, all the items in your guidebook have been checked off, one by one. So what better way to refresh yourself than by seeing Cape Town through the eyes of a fellow traveller? Discovering the quirks of a holiday destination through stories and novels has been a time-honoured tradition for generations of travellers, and Cape Town provides a superb canvas when it comes to stories. In fact, whatever your tastes, there’s something that might just give you a new way of looking at the city.

Travel and Teaching

Some novels are packed with cultural insights, such as Zoe Wicomb’s collection of stories titled ‘You Can’t Get Lost in Cape Town’, which (instead of the travelogue you might expect!) features different vignettes of a young woman returning to South Africa in order to confront the culture that shaped her as a child. Another critically-praised read is Finuala Dowling’s ‘Flyleaf’, a novel depicting the life of a teacher with some very unorthodox teaching methods, and the challenges she faces in moving from the country to build a life in Cape Town.

Action and Adventure

For the more adventurous, there isn’t a better setting for a thriller than the vibrant, bustling city of Cape Town. ‘Thirteen Hours’ by Deon Meyer, South Africa’s bestselling crime fiction author, is a detective tale of a missing backpacker and a conspiracy that threatens the country. Or there’s Lauren Beukes’ ‘Moxyland’, a debut science fiction novel looking to Cape Town’s future, displaying the blend of cultures in the city along with a vision of where technology might take them. You’ll never look at your phone the same way again, wherever you are.

Choices and Cooking

Or if you prefer a lighter touch, Patricia Schonstein’s ‘A Time of Angels’ is a light-hearted comedy, focusing on the colourful characters inhabiting an expatriate neighbourhood in Cape Town. It is a wonderful fable about good, evil, and most importantly – the love of food! If you’re venturing on holiday with family members, there’s no better way to get the teenagers excited about being in Cape Town than by giving them Sally Partridge’s ‘Fuse’, with its story of teenage friendship put under pressure by bullying, and a plan to fight back that transforms the novel into a gripping tale of adventure.

Off the Page

Not only can you find a new way of looking at Cape Town in novels as well as the guidebook, but the city is proud of its literary culture. Cape Town’s book fair gives around 18,000 literature lovers a new way of enjoying South Africa, after the wines have been drunk, the food enjoyed, and the music danced to. Notables such as Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, and novelists Jodi Picoult and Wole Soyinka visited 2010’s fair, marking it as the place to be seen for authors from around the world.

With pages and pages written about Cape Town outside of the guidebook, there’s a story for everyone – and reading a few others can help you decide how you’re going to live your own. Whether you’re there already, or just planning a visit, picking up a novel or two just might give you a few new ideas about Cape Town.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town’s Best Cosmopolitan Cafes

TAD — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:50:57 +0000

If you’re spending some time in Cape Town during your holiday in South Africa, you will most likely need somewhere to stop for lunch at some point. Why not call into one of the best cosmopolitan cafes in Cape Town?

Afro Cafe
Tucked away down a pedestrian street that is littered with antique stalls, the Afro Cafe is one of the most popular cafes in Cape Town. Known for its vibrancy, this coffee shop is both funky and fresh and offers a real taste of Africa. With an incredibly bright interior, and dazzling, retro packaging accompanying any food or drink being taken out, the Afro Cafe is the epitome of African style and sassiness and can be spotted a mile away. The best part of the cafe is its unrivalled range of exotically flavoured teas, though by all accounts the coffee is pretty good too, and don’t even get us started on the moreish menu! For an authentic taste of South African culture, the Afro Cafe is a real hot spot you’d be mad to miss out on.

The Daily Delhi
If your daily routine back home involves a morning cup of coffee with a read of the local paper before you can even think about facing the day, then there is a really easy way to superimpose that routine onto your holiday in Cape Town – simply pay a visit to the Daily Delhi. Perfectly situated in the quaint back streets of the Central Business District, the Daily Delhi is more of a local hangout than a tourist trap. This only serves to make it more of an enjoyable experience for the odd visitor or two to South Africa who happen to stumble upon it. If freshly baked breakfast croissants, a morning newspaper, a fantastic cup of coffee, and a real local hustle and bustle atmosphere all sound like the key ingredients to your day, then this is definitely the cafe for you. The Daily Delhi may be small but it is certainly worth a visit if you like to start your day with a good cup of coffee.

C’est La Vie
Venture a bit further south of Cape Town and you will soon come across suburb, Kalk Bay. A Parisian style cafe, C’est La Vie, means only one thing in this case – this is the life! Voted a top ten Cape Town coffee house by top women’s magazine Elle, this really is a classic place to get that kick of caffeine. Making many of their own breads themselves, their breakfast treats are a real delicacy, and when you add the great cups of coffee you really do have the recipe for a fantastic start to your day. You’ll find C’est La Vie down a cobbled street which simply adds to the classic, yet slightly eccentric, atmosphere exuded by the cafe. A plain, but incredibly pleasant menu gives you plenty to choose from, and it really is impossible to choose the wrong thing..

So, if you’re feeling a little bit peckish while you’re in Cape Town, make sure you drop into any one of the best cosmopolitan cafes – you’ll be glad you did!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

The a to C of Active Pursuits in Cape Town

TAD — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:29:53 +0000

Cape Town is a great place to get outdoors and try your hand at some active pursuits. From skydiving to sand-boarding there are so many activities that we decided to just cover the first three letters of the alphabet – so here is the A to C of active pursuits in and around Cape Town:

Abseiling

What’s the best way to get down Table Mountain? How about abseiling? For just £25 you can bypass the long walk down from the top of the mountain and abseil down 100 feet to the bottom. The views might not be for the faint-hearted, but you’ll be attached to a rope so there’s no need to be too alarmed. Abseiling down Cape Town’s Table Mountain might be more appealing as it is one of the country’s most known landmarks. However, Kamikaze Kanyon is the best place for abseil aficionados as you can take part in a day’s kloofing – which is basically the name given to scrambling down a river gorge. At Kamikaze Kanyon you can abseil down a 65 metre high waterfall and then scramble around in the river gorge.

Ballooning

The Paarl Winelands are the perfect place to fly over in a hot air balloon early in the morning. The one-hour flight takes in the rows of neatly manicured vineyards and guests can enjoy a champagne breakfast afterwards at the Grand Roche Estate.

Birdwatching

Not far from Cape Town is the Cape Peninsula, an area that includes over 400 different species of birds. The best place to spot these birds is the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the nearby Rondevlei Nature Reserve. However, for around £25 you can book yourself onto a private tour where an expert will attempt to point out some of the area’s rarer birds to you.

Boardsailing

There’s only one place in Cape Town to try the sport of boardsailing and that’s Big Bay at Blouberg. The area is known for its fantastic views of Table Mountain, which regularly appear on postcards of the area. Although, it isn’t the fantastic views, but actually the consistent wind and the good waves that mean boardsailers just keep returning. Milnerton Lagoon and Platboom are also popular, although Big Bay remains Cape Town’s favourite.

Boating

One of the most exhilarating experiences that you can have in Cape Town is boating around Table Bay. You’ll need to hide on tight as boats can reach speeds of up to 81 mph, and you’ll be whizzing past the bay in a inflatable dinghy taking in the famous Clifton and Camps Bay before powering back past Robben Island and to the V&A Waterfront.

Canoeing

If you like your boating experiences to be slightly more laid back, one option is to rent a canoe and paddle past the Breede River. This canoe trip can be paired with the wine route adventure, so that you can taste numerous wines from Cape Town’s wineland region before canoeing back to base. If you don’t trust yourself not to capsize after too many South African reds then you should probably opt to go sea kayaking instead. Many people choose to paddle the rugged coastline of Cape Point – but there are canoeing options for both the Eastern and Western Cape.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cocktails in Cape Town

TAD — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:51:14 +0000

Sometimes there’s nothing more relaxing on holiday then sitting back and sipping on a nice cool cocktail, as you watch the bustling city life pass you by. This past-time is even more enjoyable in the laid-back South African capital of Cape Town and whether you want to flash the cash or enjoy a secret sun-downer there’s a bar suitable for you.

Cocktails and Cash

If you’ve got cash to flash then Cape Town’s most expensive cocktail can be found in M Bar. The funky bar is attached to the Metropole Hotel and coloured in a deep poppy red, with red ostrich leather chairs and a Versace fabric-covered sofa. If enjoying cocktails on a Versace sofa isn’t flashy enough for you then you’ll probably want to order the Bling cocktail, which at R3500 is roughly equal to £315.00. The drink is a mixture of vodka, triple sec and lychee juice, served with a diamond necklace balanced precariously on the edge of the martini glass. The M Bar has only sold three to date and these have all been by patrons eager to impress their dates.

Cocktails and Cold

It isn’t just cold climates like Sweden and Iceland that have need for ice bars, warmer countries like Cape Town and Abu Dhabi have much more of a need for these bars, where patrons can cool off after a day’s sightseeing. Cape Town’s ice bar is located in the fashionable V&A waterfront area and the only hint you’ll have of being in Africa is the giant carving of Nelson Mandela on the wall.

Cocktails and Cuba

You’ll forget that you’re in Cape Town and be convinced that you’re lying on a beach in Havana when you visit Cape to Cuba in nearby Kalk Bay. This cocktail joint is known for its Caiprinhas and Mojitos and even the barmen are dressed in funky Cuban slacks and Che Guevara berets. You can suck on a traditional Cuban cigar in the outside Che Bar while souvenir sellers try to sell you traditional Cuban merchandise.

Cocktails in Camps Bay

If there’s one place to see and be seen in Cape Town, then it has to be the fashionable Camp’s Bay area. The area’s best bar is Baraza located on the promenade, where the house specialities include Jelly Bean and Sex on the Beach. The vibe is typically African with funky beats and traditional Swahili decor. It’s also one of the best places for enjoying a quiet sundowner while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

Cocktails and Kink

The House of Kink is a sensual cocktail bar located inside a stylish building in Park Road. If you’re after burlesque with your bubbles, or simply like the mixture of cocktails and cabaret, then the House of Kink is what you’re looking for. Upstairs consists of separate areas known as the boudoir bedrooms, while downstairs is the Kink Kitchen which serves cheekily named dishes such as dunk the skank (fondue) and Asian Persuasion (sushi). One of the best things about House of Kink is you never really know what’s going to happen, the club hosts everything from tango parties to masked balls, so if you’re looking for sexy surprises with your cocktails then head on down to Kink.

With Anchor Text: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

With Anchor Text:
Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made
Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

5 Things to do on Table Mountain in Cape Town

TAD — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:47:14 +0000

Table Mountain – the symbol of Cape Town. Wonderful to look at it may be, but do you want to get more out of it during your trip to this amazing city? There are loads of ways that you can experience the mountain, some of which are certainly not for the faint hearted. Here are some of the things that you can do when you visit Table Mountain in Cape Town.

Cable Car to the Top
The best way to experience the mountain for all ages, the cable car is not for anyone with a fear of heights, but for anyone else it will be an exhilarating ride. Buy a ticket online to avoid the queues (but children under 4 go free), and then enjoy the five-minute journey from ground level up to the very top of Table Mountain. From the top you will get an unbeatable view of Cape Town and the stunning ocean over 1,000 metres below, as well as the new Cape Town Stadium built specially for the World Cup. From there just enjoy strolling around and admiring the plants, animals and the views until you’re ready to go back down.

Hike the Mountain
Hiking in Cape Town is accessible to anyone with a love of the outdoors, and is certainly available to novice walkers as well as hard-core hiking enthusiasts. There are lots of routes to choose from, and many guided walks are also available. The scenery is spectacular, and the views as well. You could choose to hike up, hike down, or take the cable car up and down and hike around at the top. If you do go hiking, remember never to go alone and to go with a guided group if possible. It’s also very important to take plenty of drinking water, especially during the summer months.

Enjoy a Meal
There is plenty of good eating on offer in Cape Town, and Table Mountain is no exception. If you are not one for strenuous activities, you can simply enjoy the views at the top whilst having a bite to eat in the Table Mountain Café. You will find breakfast, pizza and South African cuisine on offer, as well as tea, coffee and a selection of good wines.

Abseil Down
Any thrill seekers heading to Cape Town won’t be disappointed with the abseiling on offer on Table Mountain, which boasts the largest commercial abseil in the world with a vertical 112-metre descent. This has to be organised through an official guide and you should definitely not attempt it alone. On top of abseiling, there are also cliff jumps on offer for the adrenaline junkies, with drops of up to 18 metres into the ocean.

Rock Climbing
Another one for thrill seekers in Cape Town, Table Mountain boasts some fantastic rock climbing opportunities. Climbing is on offer for all ages on sandstone walls of varying levels of difficulty, and again this should only be carried out with experienced guides through an official company.

Enjoy all that Table Mountain has to Offer
Table Mountain is a fantastic place for those who either simply want to see some spectacular views or want to enjoy something a bit more exciting. Whatever you feel like doing, look into it next time you are in Cape Town.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

A Healthy Cape Town Vacation

TAD — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:30:31 +0000

Some people will not consider African vacations because they are worried about exotic tropical diseases, bad water, various creatures that have poisonous bites or stings, and substandard medical facilities run by under qualified staff. Such fears are certainly justified for some parts of Africa. However, this is not the case with Cape Town. Here the drinking water is safe, and the standards of hygiene in the tourist areas are generally quite high. Moreover, Cape Town is not in a malaria zone.

If You Get Sick or Are Injured

First and foremost, always be sure you are insured before you even leave home. If you should become ill or get hurt while you are visiting Cape Town, you will find that public hospitals are generally well equipped, but are often overwhelmed. You will quite likely face long waits and indifferent service. You will most likely get better treatment in a private hospital or clinic. These are up to the highest North American and British standards and the treatment is more personal than in a public hospital. The cost is less than in an American hospital, and should not be an issue anyhow, if you are insured. Look in the phone directory under Medical. If you have a dental problem, dentists in Cape Town are up to British and North American standards, and are not overly expensive. Look in the directory under Dentists.

Do I Need Inoculations?

There are no specific inoculations required if you arrive in Cape Town from the West. A yellow fever vaccination card is mandatory if you are coming from a country or where the disease is endemic, such as Kenya or the tropical regions of South America. The Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London advises that persons travelling to South Africa have their tetanus and polio vaccinations up to date. It also recommends shots for hepatitis A and typhoid. These diseases can be caught from contaminated food and water. You are highly unlikely to encounter either one in Cape Town, but some people feel better if they have taken precautions. If you are going to get shots, start them six weeks before your trip.

Not Too Much Sun

The biggest health hazard you’re likely to encounter in Cape Town is too much sun. This is especially true if you are fair skinned. The short term effects of overexposure to the sun include burns, headaches, and nausea. Long term effects can include skin cancer. Do not risk your health for the sake of a sun tan. Use high protection sunscreen, wear a wide brimmed hat, and use good sunglasses. Make sure that children are properly protected from the sun, even on cloudy days. You can purchase UV-protective clothing in Cape Town.

Bites and Stings

Snake bites in Cape Town are rare. Most of the poisonous snakes avoid humans. The two that don’t, the puff and berg adders, are sluggish and don’t move at the approach of a human; just back away if you see one on the ground in front of you. If you should get bitten, do not panic and do not try anything with razor blades or tourniquets. Note what the snake looks like, and get to a hospital as quickly as possible. Spider bites and scorpion stings are rare. When they do occur, they are painful but very seldom fatal. You won’t usually see any spiders or scorpions unless you turn over logs and stones.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – the Jewish Story

TAD — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:36:40 +0000

The Jewish population of Cape Town is about sixteen thousand. Most of them are descendants of Eastern European refugees who fled discrimination and pogroms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Jews of South Africa faced few legal obstructions because British law protected freedom of religion. However, in the 20th century there would be instances of anti-Semitism.

Nazi Influences

In the years before WWII, the Nationalist Party, then the official opposition, came under heavy influence of Nazi Germany. Nazi ideology was being pumped into Cape Town and other South African urban centres by German propaganda offices. A “British-Jewish conspiracy” was blamed for all white Afrikaner problems. The Nationalist Party adopted strong anti-Semitic policies to protect “the original white population.” It is one of the ironies of history that in 1947, on the eve of taking power, the party that would introduce apartheid denounced anti-Semitism, and a year later recognised the newly created state of Israel.

The South African Jewish Museum

The story of South African Jewry, going back to the beginning 160 years ago, is told in the South African Jewish Museum. This is one of the most fascinating permanent exhibits in Cape Town. It is partially housed in South Africa’s first synagogue, which was built in 1863. After seeing the Old Synagogue, visitors cross a gangplank to the upper level of a new two-storey building. This is a symbolic re-enactment of the arrival in Cape Town of the first Jewish immigrants in the 1840s. The museum employs multi-media interactive displays, Judaic artifacts, and models. Visitors follow three thematic threads: “Memories” looks at the roots and experiences of the Jewish pioneers; “Realities” describes their integration into life in Cape Town and South Africa; “Dreams” examines the many views about the role of Jews in South Africa, and their place in the international community. Some displays examine anti-Semitism, apartheid, and Nelson Mandela’s relationship with the South African Jewish community.

The Holocaust Exhibition

The Holocaust Exhibition, which opened in 1999, is one of the most remarkable museums in Cape Town. It is house in the Holocaust Centre, in the same complex as the Jewish Museum. The message of this museum is a dramatic one, in a country that has only recently emerged from an era of racial discrimination. Film clips, sound tracks, video, and an intriguing range of displays lead visitors from the ghettos to the death camps. Here you can trace the history of anti-Semitism in Europe right up to Hitler’s Final Solution. The story includes South Africa’s Greyshirts, who were driven by fascist idealism and Nazi propaganda, and who later merged with the National Party. It also tells of the Jewish survivors of the Holocaust who settled in Cape Town. Next door to the Holocaust Exhibition is the Great Synagogue. This is one of Cape Town’s most outstanding religious buildings. It was completed in 1905, and features an impressive dome and two high Baroque towers. You must get permission to see the interior.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

The Architecture of Cape Town

TAD — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:23:53 +0000

Cape Town presents an odd mix of historical buildings. They are the result of the city’s historical role as the halfway point on the maritime trade route between Western Europe and the Far East, and of colonisation by the Dutch and then the British. Cape Town’s hottest tourist attraction, the glitzy V&A Waterfront Complex, is a newcomer; a late 20th century mall built on the remnants of the Victorian era wharfs and an 18th century military installation, the Chavonnes Battery. The city has contemporary bungalows and high-rise office buildings, but visitors can also see Georgian mosques, Cape Dutch houses, Victorian terraces, and Moravian churches.

Cape Dutch Style

It is clear from its architecture that Cape Town is Africa’s least African city. From the time construction began on the Castle of Good Hope in the 17th century, the main influences on the city’s architecture have been European. The signature style that developed here is called Cape Dutch. In the Winelands outside Cape Town this style can be seen in the thatched and gabled manor houses. Within the city, some of the best examples of Cape Dutch architecture can be seen in the excellent Koopmans-De Wet House, and Rust-en-Vreugd in the city centre. Also look for it in the more modest terraces of the Bo-Kaap district.

Long Street Collage

Nowhere else in South Africa will you find the historic range and architectural variety that is found on the Cape Peninsula. Long Street, one of the most famous thoroughfares in Cape Town, is a case in point. Take a walk down this street and you will see a collage of architectural styles that show both Dutch and English influence. The 18th century Palm Tree Mosque stands next to three-storey Victorian buildings that now serve as low cost lodgings for backpackers. Near the harbour end of Long Street, visitors can see a splendid example of an early 19th century Dutch Mission Church, right next to an Art Noveau office building. Close by, the mid 18th century Baroque style Old Town House overlooks the same square as a group of Art Deco buildings from the 1920s and 1930s. Overlooking all of this are Cape Town’s modern skyscrapers. These are modest by North American standards, but they are nonetheless in contrast to what is generally associated with Africa.

Unique Suburban Flavours

The Cape Town suburbs that are nearest to the city centre, Woodstock, Observatory, Sea Point, and Green Point, were built in the 1880s and 1890s. Here visitors will find some unique suburban flavours. Although the architectural style is basically Victorian, there are local adaptations such as balconies and verandahs trimmed with intricate ironwork meant to protect the facades from the elements.

Two Different Faces

Cape Town has two seaboards, one on the Atlantic and the other on False Bay, an extension of the Indian Ocean. Architecturally, they present two very different faces. Along False Bay, you will find a mixture of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, such as Muizenberg’s Edwardian train station. Here you will also see quite a few 20th century houses clinging to the steep mountainside. Go on to Simon’s Town, and you will find a community with its colonial main street well preserved. On the Atlantic side of Cape Town you find communities that look more like they belong in California. Twentieth century houses that are little more than boxes-with-a-view share the shore with large, ostentatious status symbols. There is money here, to be sure, but the character is on the other shore.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town to Simon’s Town by Train

TAD — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:22:33 +0000

A holiday to Cape Town will provide you with a mind-spinning array of activities and sometimes it can be hard fitting everything in. But if you do happen to find yourself with a spare day and want to experience something a little out of the ordinary, why not try a little train-travel to see some of the more out-of-the-way sights of this spectacular region.

The journey from Cape Town to Simon’s Town can be taken using a hop-on hop-off ticket readily purchased from the city centre station. The Southern Line Train route snakes spectacularly along the sea down to Simon’s Town, hugging the coast on what must be one of the most picturesque train trips in the world.

All Aboard
Your rail adventure begins in the historic Cape Town station and you set off from the city centre towards your first stop – Observatory Station. It is the perfect opportunity to visit one of Cape Town’s best-loved tourist attractions, the South African Astronomical Observatory. Spend an hour or two exploring the exhibits or taking in a star show. You may also be interested to pay a visit to the Groote Schuur Hospital where the first heart transplant was carried out by Christiaan Barnard.

In the Shadow of the Mountain
Next stop is Newlands station where you alight under the shadow of Cape Town’s most iconic ambassador, Table Mountain. If you’re feeling energetic, you could cancel your ticket and climb the mountain instead, but it may be better to leave that for another day and settle for some amazing photo opportunities instead. Sports nuts could also be interested in paying a visit to the famous Newlands Cricket and Rugby Stadium, just a short distance away.

The Spectacular Seaside
The scenery begins to change by your next station and soon you are arriving at the oceanside Muizenberg Station, situated almost right on the beach. Cape Town is world-renowned for its stunning beaches and laidback coastal lifestyle and Muizenberg is a perfect example. It is one of Cape Town’s most popular surf beaches, so hit the waves or, if you’re not a water-babe, you can try a game of putt-putt. Round off your afternoon with an al-fresco lunch at one of the many beachside cafes and then hop back on the train for the next leg of your journey.

Boutiques, Bookshops and Beaches
Your next stopping off point is Kalk Bay, where you can spend a pleasant hour or so wandering the eclectic mix of boutiques, bookshops and antique and second-hand shops. Then back on the train to Fishhoek Station where you can alight for a wander along the beach.

Simon’s Town
Your final destination, Simon’s Town, offers a range of activities for your enjoyment but the absolute must-do is a visit to Boulder’s Beach to spend some time with the delightful locals. The beach is home to a breeding colony of penguins and you’d be hard-pressed to find a cuter community. There are also water-sports, golfing and boating to enjoy, and an early supper of fresh seafood and some delicious South African wine will round off your day nicely before heading back to Cape Town on the evening train.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

5 Festivals Highlighting Cape Town’s Cultures

TAD — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:31:07 +0000

Cape Town is a vibrant city of many cultures, from the Muslim population of Cape Malay to the Rastafarians and Trendies in the Bohemian capital of Observatory. The best way to immerse yourself in these Cape Town cultures is by attending one of the many festivals that celebrate the unique identity of the residents:Cape Town Diwali Festival

Century City is the home to Cape Town’s Hindu population and during October the residents head to the area of Ratanga Junction to celebrate the Cape Town Diwali Festival, or the festival of lights. Fireworks and firecrackers go off throughout the night and the Hindu culture is celebrated through traditional dance and dramatic performances.

A market is set up on the street and visitors can sample traditional food and sticky Indian sweets made with rich condensed milk. You can also take part in therapy workshops and explore Eastern holistic therapies and healing workshops. Although Cape Town’s Diwali Festival isn’t as large as the Diwali festivities of Durban, they still make for an excellent day out culminating in fun bhangra dancing at night.

Cape Town Minstrel Festival – A Cape Malay Custom

The minstrels of Cape Town are long gone, but 100 years ago they arrived on American ocean liners to entertain the locals. Now they only appear in Cape Town once a year during January covered in facepaint and strumming their banjos. The minstrel festival is perhaps the most raucous in Cape Town and every year the New Year is celebrated in the Athlone area with dance, dramatics and extravagant parades.

The festival is very much a Cape Malay custom and features the Cape Malay comic song or moppie. The ghoema drum also features in the festivities and is associated with traditional Cape Malay music.

Cape Town Pride

The De Waterkant area is home to Cape Town’s gay community but when Cape Town Pride takes place it takes over the whole city. Cape Town Pride takes place during February and March and comprises of a series of fashion shows, sporting events and gay films. However, it’s the parties that take place during the carnival season. Cape Town Pride has taken place every year since 1994 when the clause allowing freedom of sexual orientation was born.

Cape Town Marimba Festival

The Marimba festival is the best place to explore Cape Town’s African heritage and celebrate African beats from Kenya to the coast. The Marimba is a vibrant African custom and you can hear some of Cape Town’s best bands whilst participating in some authentic local dancing. Every year the event is organised by Ross Johnson, who plays in the band AmaAmbush, and Ann Barr. The highlight comes at the end of the evening when 120 of the best bands take to the stage and play along together.

Cape Town Carnival

Although Cape Town’s communities may all have their own separate festivals and events, the Cape Town Carnival is when they all come together. The annual arts festival is a mix of international music, performing arts, comedy and visual installations. All the local attractions provide special events during March, when the festival is held, with late-openings at all the local museums and a series of theatrical and literary events around town.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote

This free article is one of many on the Free Travel Articles Directory. Copy as many of our free articles as you please; we only ask you include the hyperlinks. We regularly update with fresh travel articles. Please check back for more.

Thanks for reading this article, provided by LeadGenerators. LeadGenerators is an Online Marketing agency, which holds regular Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfast sessions.

Eating Out in Cape Town

TAD — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:44:10 +0000

For a long time, South Africa had a reputation, as far as dining was concerned, in which the cooking placed third to the restaurants’ imaginative décor and lively atmosphere. However, thanks to a steadily growing number of foreign visitors, the days of overcooked meats and pasty sauces are becoming a thing of the past. Dining out in Cape Town is now a pleasure, and there are establishments to suit everyone’s tastes and budgets, including a great selection of cafes and delis. The city’s proximity to the sea and to a rich agricultural region assures restaurant patrons of fresh, high quality food.

Dining With Wine

Most good restaurants in Cape Town are licensed. Some, however, allow patrons to bring their own wine but here might be a small corkage fee. It’s a good idea to call ahead and check the restaurant’s policy on this. Cape Town is the heart of South Africa’s world famous wine industry, and there are more than two hundred wineries within a day’s drive of the city. Restaurant staff will always help diners choose the best red or white to accompany their meal.

Good Value for Good Meals

Compared to the cost of dining out in North American and Western European cities, a good restaurant meal in Cape Town is relatively inexpensive. Of course, there are high-end establishments, but most visitors can enjoy good food in a pleasant atmosphere for a price that suits their budget. Watch out for the letters ‘Sq’ on the menu where the price would normally be. This sign usually applies to pricy seafood items such as prawns and crayfish. It means that the item is priced according to that day’s market price. Be sure to enquire if the price quoted is for the dish, or per kilogram, to avoid any surprises on your bill.

Where People in the Know Go

It’s your first visit to Cape Town, and you want to have a great dining out experience. Where should you go? There are five areas that are popular with residents and regular visitors. Kloof St., which runs up Table Mountain, is lined with excellent dining places. The Observatory on Lower Main Road is where the bohos and student set congregate; it has the best range of low cost, colourful ethnic eating places. The Main Road in Kalk Bay is the best place to find culinary delights on the False Bay coast. You’ll find some of Cape Town’s best casual dining places on Church St. in the City Bowl. Finally, there is the Portside complex on Main Road, Green Point.

A Basket and a Blanket

Picnicking is just a do-it-yourself form of dining out, although if you want the food to be really sumptuous, you can pick up everything you need at a good deli. Cape Town is blessed with beaches and parks that are excellent settings for an outdoor repast. For a romantic sunset dinner on the beach, go to Clifton, and be sure to take candles. Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, known to locals as Cape Point, has several beautiful beaches where you can enjoy a private picnic – but watch out for thieving baboons. A picnic at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a Cape Town Sunday afternoon institution. From December to March you can even listen to a concert while you eat. If you visit Constantia at Buitenverwachting, you can buy a pre-packed picnic meal, or bring your own.

Whether you want fine dining or lunch in a basket, Cape Town has something to whet your appetite.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – Getting Around the City

TAD — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:37:43 +0000

Cape Town is situated mainly on a mountainous peninsula that stretches from the Cape Flats in the north to the Cape of Good Hope in the south. To see all of the city’s most interesting sights, you’ll have to travel the length and breadth of it. That won’t be a problem, because there are organised bus tours and walking tours that can be arranged by contacting Cape Town Tourism. Some of the more independent minded visitors like to strike out on their own and wander through the diverse neighbourhoods. This certainly leaves you free to make up your own schedule, and provides an up-close look at how Cape Tonians live. But it can lead to safety issues in a city that has a crime problem in some districts, and could also result in the novice visitor missing some of the best sights.

The Cape Town Pass: The City in Your Pocket

If sightseeing is your main reason for visiting, then you can’t miss by investing in the Cape Town Pass. This pass is valid for one, two, three, or six consecutive days. It provides you with admission to more than seventy Cape Peninsula and Winelands attractions. The only notable exceptions are the cable car to Table Mountain, and Robben Island. If you get the one day or two day pass, you will really have to hustle around town to get the full value. But the three day and six day passes are bargains if you take proper advantage of them. The Cape Town Pass not only allows you to pack a lot of sightseeing into your daily agenda, but also gets you some discounts at certain locations. In addition, it entitles you to a free cell phone rental and a local SIM card. The Cape Town Pass is available through Cape Town Tourism. You can purchase it online, or have it delivered to your place of accommodation.

Wheels or Walking Shoes

The best way to get from one point of interest to another depends upon which part of town you’re exploring. The City Bowl is the historic and commercial heart of Cape Town. This is the site of the original Dutch settlement. It is the location of the nation’s parliament as well as modern skyscrapers. This is a compact area, so you can easily cover it on foot. You can also hop into a small bus called a Rikki, which is an open van. The Rikki and shared taxis that follow informal routes throughout the city are inexpensive, and give you an opportunity to ride with the local folks. It might not be as comfortable as an air conditioned bus, but you will have a genuine Cape Tonian experience. For getting around town at night, the safest way is by regular taxi.

Road and Rail

Golden Arrow buses and City Sightseeing Cape Town Tour buses will take you to most of the city’s districts. For sights along False Bay, the train is best. It follows the coast, and offers some spectacular views. For this option’s top value, ride the train first class during the peak tourist season.

Drive With Caution

Some parts of the city, particularly in the southern part of the peninsula and the townships, are most easily accessible by car. Visits here can be illuminating, but use caution. Don’t put temptation in front of poor people. You should be safe enough, especially if you have a specific destination, such as a local B&B. Enjoy the great sights of Cape Town, as well as its eclectic underside.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – a Holiday to Remember

TAD — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:48:16 +0000

Visiting Cape Town is an ambition for many. One of the world’s truly great locations of natural beauty, it offers visitors a wealth of culture and sights.

A little history

From the 15th century onwards, South Africa and Cape Town as a location was very much ‘on the radar’ of Europeans and the area was initially colonised by the Dutch under the Dutch East India Company. There was also French influence from the arrival of the Huguenots – French Protestant refugees from the religious wars who also helped develop the now world famous Cape wine industry.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Napoleonic wars and shifting alliances led to the area being taken by Britain from the Dutch and it remained a major part of the British Empire for around a century before eventually being incorporated into the Union of South Africa. During this period the English language and British culture were added to the existing exotic mixture and Cape Town became the increasingly culturally diverse area that it remains to this day.

The natural beauty of stone

Few people that have seen photographs of Cape Town are anything less than awe-inspired by the stunning beauty of the mountains and countryside – most notably of course Table Mountain (sometimes also called table-top mountain). This name originates from the Portuguese explorer António de Saldanha who climbed it in 1503. Today it is the centre piece of the Table Mountain National Park, created in 1998. Reached by cable car or by hiking, the park is a major ‘must-see’ for visitors and the views are truly spectacular.

Hiking from the city side is regarded as difficult as the cliffs are very steep, so inland paths may be best. If you’re fit enough, climbing is available but there are restrictions on the nature of the techniques and tools used, and professional advice is highly advisable. There are also caves and local wildlife centres to be explored.

Sea and sand

Cape Town has some stunning beaches – and they’re quite different depending upon which ’side’ you choose to go to. One side of the peninsula faces towards the Atlantic and the other towards the Indian Ocean. Although it is sometimes the subject of fierce debate, most people will agree that the beaches facing the Atlantic are slightly trendier and perhaps a little more sheltered from the wind that those on the Indian Ocean side. Against that, those on the Atlantic may have water that is a little colder!

History and culture

Because of its long and culturally diverse history, Cape Town offers excellent opportunities for sightseeing and exploring. The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest building in South Africa, dating back to the 17th century, and is now a museum. There is also a wealth of buildings in the old colonial style that make a stroll around a major pleasure.

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a wonderland of flora and fauna of the area and you’ll have the chance to see plants and blooms that are rarely seen in Europe. You can also take a ferry over to Robben island – well known as the place of imprisonment of Nelson Mandela, but today famous for its stunning views back to the mainland.

If you’re determined to find some chic and get the chance to do some serious shopping, the V&A Waterfront development contains a wide variety of shops, boutiques and café/bars, all contained within wonderful historic dockyard and harbour surroundings. Or, if vino is more your thing, then of course not far outside town you’ll be into South African wine country – well worth seeing and tasting.

Seeing the city and environs

By its very nature, Cape Town is one of those destinations that is particularly suitable for the holidaymaker who prefers a custom-designed holiday that’s an exact fit to their requirements.

It’s not uncommon on some packaged holidays to find that you’re forced into a ‘one size fits all’ mould. There’s nothing more frustrating than finding you’re on holiday and being taken to see things that are not of interest, while things you really want to see just get passed by. Fortunately, for Cape Town holidays there are specialist companies that can help you construct your holiday uniquely around your interests rather than those of others. Their expertise can be placed at your disposal to ensure you really experience this wonderful city and area.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest SEO agency in London

Exploring Cape Town’s Art and Culture

TAD — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:42:24 +0000

Picturesque Cape Town is South Africa’s definitive centre of arts and culture. A city of poets, writers, artists and performers, it is at the same time refined and eclectic – an intoxicating blend for those lovers of the arts. While you may wish to explore this vibrant city on your own, tailor made holidays to Cape Town will ensure you don’t miss any of its hidden cultural gems.

Galleries

Having emerged from a tumultuous and sometimes difficult history, Cape Town’s arts scene is a diverse blend of contemporary and traditional. The galleries of the city showcase work from both local and globally established artists, in mediums as diverse as photography and performance art. Perhaps the best known gallery in the country, the South African National Gallery’s collection houses a permanent exhibition of paintings, textiles, photography, jewellery and sculptures. The exhibits tell the story of South Africa’s artistic evolution, as well as many valuable acclaimed international pieces from around the world.

If history fascinates you, make sure a visit to the Rust-en-Vreugd museum is on the itinerary of your tailor made holidays. The city has a rich colonial heritage and this museum is one of the finest examples of eighteenth century architecture in the country. As well as housing some important watercolours and etchings depicting South Africa’s colourful past, the house and gardens themselves are a superb and elegant reminder of days gone by.

For a venue with a very different feel, a visit to the District Six Museum is more an experience than simply a display. The museum is an homage to the events surrounding the history of District Six; Cape Town’s original settlement for artisans, merchants, freed slaves and immigrants. Between the 1950’s and 1982, many of its original settlers were forcibly removed and resettled in outlying areas. The museum graphically describes the story of the residents’ struggle against the marginalisation of the time.

Enjoying Cape Town’s Performing Arts

As well as having a fantastic array of galleries and museums, inclusions to some cultural events and attractions can be built into tailor made holidays. Cape Town has a vibrant contemporary dance and music scene and a fantastic selection of live theatre venues. Artscape, on the city’s foreshore, is home to Cape Town’s acclaimed Philharmonic Orchestra, and concerts and recitals are well attended by locals and visitors. Because of the temperate climate, open air shows are also a popular occurrence in and around the city centre. Anything from full scale productions of classics such as Anthony and Cleopatra, to intimate performances of contemporary ballet shows are presented at various locations around Cape Town. The Maynardville Open Air Theatre, probably Cape Town’s premier open-air venue, has been entertaining the city since its first production in 1956.

If a night at the opera is high on the agenda for your tailor made holidays, Cape Town will not disappoint. There is nothing more magical after a day spent exploring the sights of this richly historic city than attending an emotive, word-class performance of the opera world’s greatest composers. Puccini, Beethoven, Verdi et al, all take their turn under the guise of South Africa’s unique musical craftsmen and women.

Rachel Hill is a specialist consultant with Southern Africa Travel, a company offering tailor made holidays Cape Town, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

12 Hours at the Victoria and Albert Waterfront

TAD — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:28:15 +0000

Breakfast

Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So, in order to get your day off to a great start, take breakfast at the Shoreline Cafe. This small cafe is known for its egg and bacon breakfasts, and for children there is also the option of a special small fry breakfast. At this time of the morning, you may be feeling tired and in need of a large cappuccino. However, chances are that your children will already be raring to go, this is great news as the Shoreline Cafe has a dedicated play centre, complete with trained staff, so you can enjoy a breakfast on your Cape Town holidays knowing that your children are being fully supervised.

Morning

The Shoreline Cafe is located inside the Two Oceans Aquarium and eating breakfast here will enable you to beat the otherwise lengthy queues. The aquarium is very much geared towards children and one of the most exciting areas is the play area, located next to the seal tank. This enables children and seals to play alongside each other, which is great fun for all involved! The aquarium is named after the Indian and Atlantic Oceans that meet at Cape Town and boasts over 3,000 animals from sharks to turtles and penguins.

After you’ve explored the aquarium you can view seals in the wild at the nearby Seal Landing. This is located opposite the original Bertie’s Landing Restaurant, where a colony of Cape fur seals makes their home.

Lunch

For lunch on your Cape Town holidays, you can’t go wrong with a classic pub meal at the Ferryman’s Tavern. This child-friendly bar is open from 11am and perfect for enjoying a lazy meal outside on the sun terrace. The pub boasts 11 draught beers and is popular with the local crowd, due to the fact it doesn’t hold the tourist prices often associated with the area.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, you should visit the Robben Island Embarkation Building, located at the end of Quay 5 on Jetty 1. This building was the place that all prisoners embarked from when sent to the notorious Robben Island. The best known of these prisoners was Nelson Mandela, and you can discover more about his ordeal by visiting the Robben Island Exhibition and Information building, next to the Clock Tower building. Of course, your Cape Town holidays just wouldn’t be complete without a stint on the island itself and tours to the island depart daily from this point.

Evening

A meal at Emily’s will provide the perfect ending to your day at the Victoria and Albert Waterfront. This South African restaurant offers the best in local cuisine and dishes are a blend of both traditional and contemporary cookery. Emily’s is considered to be one of the top ten restaurants in the whole of South Africa and the beluga under seal and ostrich are amongst some of the dishes that should definitely be sampled on your Cape Town holidays.

Rachel Hill is a specialist consultant with Southern Africa Travel, a company offering Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Cape Town’s Hidden Hotspots

TAD — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:58:03 +0000

Most tourists on Cape Town holidays will visit the city’s major sights, which are indeed well worth seeing. But beyond Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and Cape Point, lie a host of fantastic and interesting places that only the locals tend to know about. Here are some of the city’s best kept secrets…

The Old Biscuit Mill: Organic Market

Each Saturday morning, Capetonians flock to an industrial warehouse in the small suburb of Salt River just outside the city centre. Salt River is not an area that tourists are likely to visit, lying just below the world renowned District Six area. But they’re missing out on one of the most fashionable affairs of the week. If you find yourself near the city centre one Saturday morning while on a Cape Town holiday, you should pay a visit to the Old Biscuit Mill. Go hungry, for an array of delicious organic food awaits you.

Situated in an old warehouse, seating is a problem and goes fast, so it’s best to get there as early as possible. You can order an organic pizza made in front of your eyes, with rocket, mozzarella and fresh tomatoes forming the base. And bold as the statement may be, it will probably be the best pizza you have ever had! Homemade cocktails and interesting live music complete the scene, where you can sit on a bale of hay, munching away happily in the bright sunshine. And bring an empty bag, because you’re unlikely to be able to resist buying a treat or two for the road.

Kalk Bay: A Fisherman’s Corner

One of the most pleasant ways to spend a day on a tailor made holiday in Cape Town, is to take a drive along the False Bay coast and visit Kalk Bay. A sleepy fishing town about 45 minutes outside the city centre, you can spend a good few hours wandering around this little village. You can enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant, where fresh seafood straight from the ocean can be munched under the hot sun.

After a scrumptious lunch, you can peruse the many quaint antique shops lining the main road. And once you’ve satisfied your curiosity, you can make your way to the ice cream parlour where home made ice cream of all flavours will top off a fantastic summer afternoon.

Mzoli’s Street Café
Some of the most culturally rich and vibrant areas of Cape Town are in the townships. Of course, you need to know where you are going and seek advice before setting off into one of these areas, but provided you are cautious, a great day out can be had. Mzoli’s lies on the outskirts of Gugulethu, offering a street side barbecue, bar and dance club all rolled into one. Most vibrant on a Sunday afternoon, it is well worth a lunch time visit. The set up is quite simple. You pick a roadside table, go to the butcher, buy whatever meat you want, and take it to the man who will barbecue if for you. The next step is to pop over to the shebeen across the road, where you can buy a six-pack of beer for next-to-nothing, and you’ll be set for the afternoon. With a DJ to set the mood of the day, you can enjoy your barbecued meat and bottles of beer at tables on the pavement, while locals dance in the street around you.

Rachel Hill is a specialist consultant with Southern Africa Travel, a company offering Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

The Devil’s Dual on Table Mountain

TAD — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:06:56 +0000

Cape Town holidays just aren’t complete without a visit to Table Mountain. The flat-topped sandstone mountain is synonymous throughout the world as a symbol of South Africa’s ‘Mother City’. To date, it is believed that over 18 million people have made the trip up the aerial cableway to the top of the mountain:

The largest point of the Table Mountain, Maclear’s Beacon, is located 1086 metres above the bay. Depending on the route you choose, climbing Table Mountain will take you anything from a three hour walk to a full day’s trek. Most people, however, choose to use the quicker aerial cableway, which allows them to reach the top in just under ten minutes. The cable cars have been built to cope with Cape Town’s strong south-easterly winds and the rotating floors ensure that all visitors are offered panoramic 360 degree views of the Mother City on the journey up. Once you reach the top, the views become even more spectacular and stretch from Table Bay to False Bay and around the mountain to the Hout Bay Valley and Kommetjie. On a clear day it is even possible to see across the ocean to the Cape Flats and the Hottentot’s Holland Mountains.

However, if you are taking your Cape Town holidays during the summer, you will usually see a thick white cloud engulfing the top of the mountain. The locals refer to this as the ‘tablecloth’, and tell the story of an eighteenth century Dutch pirate known as Van Hunks. After his life of crime had left him successfully rich, he took to climbing Devil’s Peak on a daily basis to relax and enjoy the view. His pleasure was further increased by smoking a pipe, and the pirate was particularly proud of the amount of smoke he could inhale without getting ill. One day a cloaked stranger challenged him to a smoking duel, and although Van Hunks won, the cloaked stranger turned out to be the devil and both of them soon vanished into a thick puff of smoke. Every year the two are forced to resume their smoking duel and the smoke becomes the tablecloth that lines Table Mountain.

Table Mountain has a unique eco-system and, on your Cape Town holidays, you will spot much unique flora and fauna. The mountain has over 1470 different species of plants, with 250 different types of daisies alone. Some plants such as the Silver Tree and the Disa Unaflora orchid are endemic to the area, and the ghost frog is an example of a reptile that is also found nowhere else on earth. An animal that you will see a lot of on your trek up Table Mountain is the rock dassie, which resembles a large earless rabbit, but whose closest living relative is actually the elephant.

At the top of Table Mountain is a shop where you can buy many different souvenirs of your Cape Town holidays, from cuddly dassies to scenic calendars and diaries. The shop also contains a post office, which you can use to send postcards bearing the famous Table Mountain postmark. As there are certain areas of the National Park that are designated for a ‘braai’ (the South African term for BBQ), you can even end your Cape Town holiday with a sunset barbecue overlooking the Atlantic. However, you might not want to create too much smoke, as you never know who may appear and challenge you to a smoke duel.

About the Author

Picnicking in Cape Town

TAD — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:58:34 +0000

Cape Town holidays will likely see you spending large amounts of time outdoors. With beautiful sunny summer weather, you won’t want to spend a second longer indoors than you need to. And with so much natural beauty to be found in the city, you won’t be short of scenic spots to while away your sunny days. When it comes to dining in Cape Town, while there are dozens of fabulous restaurants, when the weather is at its best there is nothing more lovely than having an outdoor picnic. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are several superb spots for picnicking in the Mother City.

Breakfast in False Bay

In Cape Town, the sun rises on the False Bay side of the city. A lovely way to begin your day is with a picnic on Fish Hoek beach. This long beach is ideal for watching the sun rise up over the ocean, and is the perfect location to start a glorious day whilst on a tailor-made holiday in Cape Town. And after your picnic, you can make use of the long stretch of white sand, and walk all the way to Clovely Beach (on the far side) as the water flows over your toes. Or you can walk along the cat walk, a path running along the ocean with a number of rock pools along the way.

In the same area are other pretty beaches – perfect for breakfast picnics. Boulders Beach (about 15 minutes from Fish Hoek) is a quiet and sheltered beach ideal for picnics and swimming. One of the main attractions to this beach is the colony of penguins that live there. You can watch these little creatures waddling around the shore and swimming in the calm beach waters. Even if you’re not having a breakfast picnic, this beach is still a must to visit whilst on a Cape Town holiday.

Lunch in the Gardens or Forest

During the heat of the day, it would be nice to enjoy your picnic lunch in the shade. A couple of the best spots are Rhodes Memorial and Newlands Forest. If you choose to go up the hill to Rhodes Memorial, you can enjoy your lunch while you look out over the whole city. From the harbour, to the suburbs, to the city centre, you can gaze out over the whole of Cape Town.

A less popular tourist destination, but extremely beautiful area to visit whilst on a Cape Town holiday, is Newlands Forest. Here, you can enjoy a picnic lunch by the stream, or in a little grassy clearing. This is a particularly beautiful forest, and you can enjoy the shade of the tall pine trees while you eat your lunch. And when you’re done, you can take a gentle walk along one of the contour paths, spotting wild mushrooms and pretty birds along your way.

A Sunset Picnic at Clifton

One of the best ways to end off a day whilst on a tailor-made holiday in Cape Town is to have a picnic on one of Clifton’s 4 beaches as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean. The most popular beaches for sunset are Third and Fourth beach, where a range of Capetonians and tourists alike congregate to watch the magnificent pink sunset. The beaches are usually sheltered, so you won’t be up against sand flying into your food, and you won’t be too cold either. After sunset, people light candles in their groups, and the beach is light up with twinkling lights.

About the Author

Cape Town Festivals and Events

TAD — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:55:21 +0000

Interested in a Cape Town holiday? Don’t miss out on these fascinating festivals and exciting events – whether you are after sporting challenges, high fashion, or the finest food and wine in South Africa, you’re sure to find an event that’s perfect for you.

Cape Town Festivals and Events

Cape Town is a spectacular destination to visit at any time of the year, combining natural splendour and vibrant local culture, a buzzing nightlife with a fascinating recent history. But it is also notable for the sheer number of festivals and events that take place all throughout the year. Here are a few of the highlights to watch out for on your Cape Town holiday…

For Sports Enthusiasts…

There’s one event that a sports nut on holiday in Cape Town won’t want to miss out on. The Cape Argus Cycle Tour is the world’s biggest cycle race, with over 40,000 amateur and professional cyclists taking part each year. Starting in the centre of town, the 109 kilometre route passes through the highlights of the local scenery, including False Bay, Chapman’s Peak, and Suikerbossie Hill, before finally ending up in the Green Point district of Cape Town. It is one of the most beautiful cycle rides in the world, held on the second Sunday in March every year – book your place early if you want to take part!

If you are a runner rather than a cyclist, the Two Oceans Marathon could be your event of choice. Taking place on Easter Sunday and following the stunning scenery of the Cape Peninsula, this is known as “the world’s most beautiful marathon.” The main event is a 56 kilometre ultramarathon that runs from Greenlands to the Cape Town university, but there is also a half marathon and a number of fun runs for those who want to run a shorter distance.

For the Party Crowd…

One New Years’ Celebration not enough to you? In Cape Town, they celebrate the New Year two days in a row! Taking place on the 2^nd of January, Tweede Nuwe Jaar (also known as Kaapse Klopse) is a celebration unique to Cape Town. Originally a celebration held by freed slaves, the event has evolved into a colourful carnival, featuring live music, dance, food and drink stalls, as rival troupes from different parts of town compete to put on the very best show.

For the Fashionistas…

If you you are planning on having a Cape Town holiday and know your Gucci from your Gautier, try and time your visit with Cape Town Fashion Week. Held in late August, it showcases the best local design talent in a proudly African week of fashion, eschewing the big name international designers and focusing instead on homegrown talent and practical fashion.

For Gourmets…

If good food and fine wines are your thing, make sure you start you South African holiday in Cape Town. The Cape Times V&A Waterfront Wine Affair, held over three days in early May, is a showcase of over 70 vineyards, held in a picturesque waterfront location, giving visitors to sample the very best South African wines.

Another essential event is the Cape Gourmet Festival, a fortnight of culinary events focusing on wine, spirits, and traditional South African food that concludes with The Good Food and Wine Show on the last weekend of the festival.

Whether you are a sports nut, a discerning gourmet, a fashion fan, or are just looking for a good party, you are sure to find a festival to suit your taste, so make sure you time your Cape Town holiday to coincide with one of these great events.

About the Author

Cape Town’s Hidden Hotspots

TAD — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:49:41 +0000

Most tourists on Cape Town holidays will visit the city’s major sights, which are indeed well worth seeing. But beyond Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and Cape Point, lie a host of fantastic and interesting places that only the locals tend to know about. Here are some of the city’s best kept secrets…

The Old Biscuit Mill: Organic Market

Kalk Bay: A Fisherman’s Corner

Mzoli’s Street Café

Some of the most culturally rich and vibrant areas of Cape Town are in the townships. Of course, you need to know where you are going and seek advice before setting off into one of these areas, but provided you are cautious, a great day out can be had. Mzoli’s lies on the outskirts of Gugulethu, offering a street side barbecue, bar and dance club all rolled into one. Most vibrant on a Sunday afternoon, it is well worth a lunch time visit. The set up is quite simple. You pick a roadside table, go to the butcher, buy whatever meat you want, and take it to the man who will barbecue if for you. The next step is to pop over to the shebeen across the road, where you can buy a six-pack of beer for next-to-nothing, and you’ll be set for the afternoon. With a DJ to set the mood of the day, you can enjoy your barbecued meat and bottles of beer at tables on the pavement, while locals dance in the street around you.

About the Author

Camp’s Bay: Cape Town’s Trendiest Suburb

TAD — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:46:10 +0000

Camps Bay is an area not to be missed on a Cape Town holiday – one of the trendiest, most beautiful suburbs found in the Mother City. With a stretch of beach no less breathtaking than a postcard, and some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, it is no small wonder people flock to this seaside hubbub come rain or shine.

The Beach and Promenade

Camps Bay beach hosts Cape Town’s most beautiful people throughout the summer, with tanned bodies spread across the entire beach whenever the sun is out. This is the place to see and be seen, so be sure to wear your favourite pair of Gucci sun glasses if you want to fit in with this fashionable crowd.

If you want to catch a tan on your Cape Town holiday, this beach is just the place. You can spend hours lounging on the soft white sand, and when the sun gets too hot, you can take a quick dip in the sparking Atlantic Ocean water. Be warned, however, for this part of the ocean is freezing, and only the brave few can last in the water for more than a few minutes.

If you want to stretch your legs instead of lying on the sand all day, a picturesque promenade borders the beach. Roller-skaters glide on by, couples eating ice creams admire the view, and those who want to strut their stuff parade down the sidewalk. If you fancy sampling some of the world’s best ice cream, Sinful Ice Cream parlour is known by all the locals. Delicious flavours from cookies and cream to pistachio and praline await you, and you can enjoy this creamy wonder as you stroll along the beachfront.

The Restaurants and Bars

Camps Bay is known for its vibrant restaurants and bars. There are few better things to do when on a Cape Town holiday than enjoy a fresh seafood meal whilst gazing out over the Camps Bay waters, smelling the salt in the air and watching the crowds strut by. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, and you can take your pick of tables in the sun as you enjoy seafood and cocktails.

At night the area becomes even more vibrant, with numerous trendy bars hosting the city’s elite along the beachfront. If you’re there on a Sunday afternoon, La Med is the place to be. With a relaxed atmosphere and a sunny outdoor area, this is one of the most popular choices along the beach.

Camps Bay Sunset: One of a Kind

Camps Bay has a reputation for having the most beautiful and picturesque sunset in Cape Town. And a tailor-made holiday in Cape Town will not be complete until you have spent at least one evening watching the sun go down over the sea. Each evening, picnickers flock down to the beach, and enjoy sundowners and snacks while sitting on the sand. Camps Bay is one of the best beaches on the Atlantic Seaboard for sunsets, where the sun literally appears to be sinking into the sea, against a pink and purple sky.

About the Author

Experiencing Cape Town from All Angles

TAD — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:19:29 +0000

Cape Town is a beautiful city and a top tourist destination. With its white sandy beaches, scenic vineyards, thick forests and buzzing town centre, there is something for everyone in the ‘Mother City’. A tailor made holiday in Cape Town will do just the trick, as you can pick and choose which aspects of the area you want to explore.

Top City Tourist Attractions

Staying in luxury accommodation in Cape Town’s centre is an ideal base for exploring all the nearby tourist attractions. The city centre itself is a hive of activity, where you can buy hand-crafted African curios from street vendors, designer handbags from international shops, and antique jewellery from trendy second-hand stores.

A trip to Green Market Square on a weekday morning while on a Cape Town holiday will allow you to experience the range of cultures that diverge in the city centre. This outdoor market is surrounded by Rastafarians playing slow drum beats on bongos, marimba bands playing traditional African songs and deli’s where you dine on the pavement.

On the other side of town, offering a more mainstream and conservative day out, is the V&A Waterfront, hosting a range of designer shops and waterside seafood restaurants. A tailor-made holiday in Cape Town will allow you to explore both aspects of the city, so you can make the most of your Cape Town holiday.

Looming above the city centre is Table Mountain, and a short trip by cable car will have you towering above the city in no time. Views from the top are spectacular, with the sea, the city and nearby forests making up the surrounding area. Be sure to look out for your Cape Town hotel from the top.

A Day in the Vineyards

Luxury accommodation in Cape Town is often located very near the city centre, allowing for easy access to the main tourist attractions. Even the wine route is only about an hour’s drive from the main Cape Town hotels, where you can taste the wine produced in the local vineyards as you take in the mountains, fields and rivers that surround you. Most of the vineyards have picnic spots, where you can enjoy a sunny afternoon outdoors as you feast on local food and your favourite bottle of the vineyard’s own wine.

Cape Malay Culture and Townships Tours

South Africa’s complex political history makes for different cultures congregating in different parts of the city. While the city centre sees a divergence of the local cultures, a trip to the more specific cultural epicentres is well worthwhile on a Cape Town holiday.

The Cape Malay community is vibrant, friendly and buzzing, and engaging in an activity such as a music tour will give you some insight into this dynamic community. For a bit of history on this cultural group, paying a visit to the old area of District Six, a suburb from which many Cape Malay residents were forcibly removed under the previous government, will shed some light into the lifestyles and heritage of these people. The choice is all yours on a tailor-made holiday in Cape Town.

An integral part of Cape Town’s history and culture are the townships that lie on the outskirts of the city. You could go on a township tour of the areas, or you could go for lunch at a local township restaurant. One of the most well-known township restaurants that is safe to visit, is Mzoli’s, a restaurant owned by a local in the township of Gugulethu, just outside Cape Town. A Sunday afternoon is the best time to go, when a local DJ gets people dancing at their tables on the pavement. The restaurant serves only local food, and your choice of meat is barbecued in the restaurant’s courtyard. A visit to this vibrant hangout will make for a different Sunday afternoon experience on a Cape Town holiday.

Beaches and Wildlife

A Cape Town holiday will ultimately always incorporate at least a few days spent basking in the sun on a beach, or taking a stroll through the forest. Just a short drive from the city centre, are the beautiful beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. With rollerbladers skating down the promenade and a range of cocktail bars overlooking the beach, this is one of Cape Town’s trendiest areas. Many of Cape Town’s hotels are situated on the mountain slopes above the sea, where you can walk down to the beaches in just a few minutes.

On the other side of the city are the beaches of False Bay, where a colony of penguins await you at Boulders Beach, and the warm Indian Ocean water demands to be explored. Though less trendy, these beaches are extremely beautiful and less commercial.

Kistenbosch Botanical Gardens makes for quiet afternoon strolls along the foot of Table Mountain, and Cape Point Nature Reserve sees the point where the two oceans (Indian and Atlantic) meet. If you’re driving to Cape Point, you can expect a baboon or two to hop onto your car whenever you stop, so keep your windows closed to avoid your bag being nicked!

About the Author

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

The Beaches of Cape Town

TAD — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:15:17 +0000

A holiday in Cape Town offers the best of both worlds from a vibrant city life with numerous visitor attractions to soft, white sand beaches providing the perfect place to relax with a sundowner whilst overlooking breathtaking mountain scenery. With the capital situated on both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean the beaches have two very distinct personalities. So whatever type of beach you’re looking for, you should be able to find it on a Cape Town holiday.

The Best Beach for Penguin Spotting

Boulders Beach located near Simon’s Town is the best place to go to spot a colony of rare African penguins. Due to the harvesting of penguin eggs and disruption of their natural habitat these animals face extinction and visiting them in their natural habitat on your Cape Town holiday is definitely a rare privilege. The wooden walkways surrounding the beach give you the opportunity to view them up close whilst an adjoining visitor centres provides you with detailed information on the plight of the penguin. Because of the penguins there is an admission charge to enter Boulders Beach, but the cost is well worth it, not just for the penguins but also for the sheltered swimming opportunities that this beach provides you on your Cape Town Holiday.

The Best Beach for Scenic Views of Table Mountain

The classic postcard friendly view of Table Mountain alongside a white sandy beach is taken from the long beach of Blouberg, located just 20km away from Cape Town. Take a tailor-made Cape Town holiday to this area and you can expect to see waves lapping up against rock pools and views of Milnerton and Table View Bay. The beach isn’t just popular with sightseers but also with adventure junkies, due to a south-westerly wind which makes the area perfect for kitesurfing and boardsailors. However when the wind is calm this beach provides the perfect place for a spot of sunbathing whilst on your Cape Town holiday.

The Best Beach for Being Seen

Ever wonder where the A-list go to be seen whilst on their Cape Town holidays? Well the answer is Clifton Beach. The area boasts a whole range of luxury Cape Town accommodation which accommodates the glitterati when there not resting aboard any one of the luxury yachts which are moored in the shallows of Clifton Beach. Beautiful bodies can often be seen sunbathing on the white sand beach, whilst when the sunsets La Med Bar at Maiden’s Cove is the place to head for exotic cocktails.

The Best Beach for Learning to Surf

Why not tailor-make your Cape Town holiday so that you can learn a new skill. Sunset Beach and Surfer’s Corner located in Muizenberg are the perfect beaches in which to learn how to surf and on your Cape Town holidays you will find a number of companies providing you with the opportunity to try your hand at this spot. The beaches are also perfect for younger children as they feature a beach pavilion and children’s play area which should keep them occupied whilst you take to the waves.

About the Author

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Cape Town’s Nightlife

TAD — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:10:26 +0000

Cape Town seems to come to life at night, and you could well have some of your best Cape Town holiday experiences when out at night. Whether it’s a relaxed seaside cocktail bar you’re after, a trendy city bar or a fashionable, pumping night club, there is something for everyone in this city.

The best thing about Cape Town’s nightlife is that most of it is happening right outside the Cape Town hotels. With a few major nightlife areas in the city, each with their own buzzing atmosphere, you can experience something new every night when on your Cape Town holiday. And there certainly is something to suit all tastes.

Begin Your Night with Sundowners by the Sea

One of the best ways to enjoy the sunset is to sip a sundowner by the sea when on a tailor made holiday in Cape Town. You have two options, each with their own unique attributes. Kalk Bay is a trendy seaside village in False Bay, where hippies wander barefoot through the streets and surfers walk alongside them in their board shorts. It’s very relaxed and has beautiful views of the sea, a perfect area to visit when on a Cape Town holiday.

One of the most popular bars is the Brass Bell. The sea literally licks the walls, and once in a while, if the water is rough, you might just get a salty shower while you’re enjoying your drink! But in summer it’s welcome and refreshing, and being so close to the sea is fantastic. You can spend the early evening sitting on the restaurant’s wall, as the sea laps the rocks below you. It’s the perfect way to wind down after an exciting day on a Cape Town holiday, and it doesn’t get chilly until the sun sets behind the mountain.

The other option for evening sundowners on a Cape Town holiday is the picture-perfect Atlantic Seaboard, where Cape Town’s next top models sip cocktails in trendy bars opposite Camps Bay beach and promenade. The sun sets over the ocean on this side of the city, creating one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see. It’s slightly more upmarket than Kalk Bay, and you’re unlikely to find a barefoot hippy sipping a cocktail beside you, but it’s got a definite seaside, relaxed atmosphere, with beautiful views of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean, situated nearby many of the best Cape Town hotels.

Dinner in the City

If you want to grab a bite to eat between sundowners and your night out on the town, you can pick from a number of restaurants in the city centre and nearby areas. From fine-dining to restaurants serving traditional African cuisine, you have a range of restaurants to choose from when on a tailor made holiday in Cape Town.

You could enjoy traditional African cuisine in Mama Africa, where you can join in with the African drumming when you’re not feasting on the delicious food. Or you could go to Madame Zingara’s, where you can enjoy a steak with chocolate sauce in trendy private lounges. And after dinner, with many of the Cape Town hotels so close by, you could go home to change before hitting the city’s bars and clubs.

Trendy Bars and Fashionable Nightclubs

Depending on the sort of evening you’re after on your Cape Town holiday, a range of bars and nightclubs await you. The trendy area of Observatory, just outside the city centre, has a number of quaint bars with a chilled out atmosphere. A Touch of Madness is a good place to start, situated in an old Victorian house with a number of different rooms with lounge furniture where you can relax and enjoy the candlelit atmosphere. A vibrant bar is situated in one of the rooms, where you can order from the barman, or you can enjoy table service as you relax in a big armchair.

If you’re looking for a more lively scene, Long Street in the city centre is sure to be a good night out, and it’s in the heart of the city, so returning to your Cape Town hotel should be easy. Enjoy the alternative atmosphere of the Waiting Room, live music at Zula Bar, or a night of dancing at FTV Fashion Bar. Whatever your choice, Long Street will provide a great night out on a Cape Town holiday.

About the Author

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor made holidays, Cape Town, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Cape Town’s Best Nature Spots

TAD — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:06:55 +0000

Cape Town has some exceptionally beautiful areas of wildlife, with botanical gardens, forests and nature reserves waiting to be explored on your Cape Town holidays.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

One of the most pleasant and relaxing ways to spend an afternoon on holiday in Cape Town is to pay a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. These gardens are extremely beautiful, and are possibly some of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. With pretty flowers lining the edges of each section of garden, and streams full of tadpoles for children to play in, this is an extremely tranquil place to spend an afternoon.

During summer, the gardens host their ‘Summer Sunset Concert Series,’ where a variety of performers will entertain you as you lounge on the grass in this beautiful garden. From classical music to traditional African marimba groups, the performances are always pleasant to listen to as you picnic at sunset.

There are a number of great walks to go on beginning in Kirstenbosch. The gardens are large, and you can spend hours wandering through them, admiring the flowers and the mountain views. You can enjoy sniffing around the herb garden, or get a bit of exercise hiking up Skeleton Gorge. Higher up in the gardens you will find Colonel Bird’s Bath, and if you throw in a penny, you can make a wish. After a day outdoors, you can return to your Cape Town hotel for a good night’s sleep before another exciting day in this beautiful city.

Cape Point Nature Reserve

About an hour’s drive from Cape Town you will find Cape Point Nature Reserve. It was once believed that this was the southernmost tip of the African continent, because if you climb to the top of the lighthouse, you literally feel as if you are on the tip of the world. It may not be the continent’s tip (in fact, Cape Agulhas is), but it is the point where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. And it is certainly one of the must-see wildlife areas when on a Cape Town holiday.

There are a number of areas in the reserve that are good for walking in, and beaches with a distinctly wild feel are dotted around the area. There are many tours that you could book to visit the reserve when on a tailor made holiday in Cape Town, and seeing the exceptional wildlife this reserve has to offer will be well worth the effort.

Newlands Forest

Although not a popular tourist spot for those on Cape Town holidays, this is a beautiful forest, with abundant flora and fauna. It is popular spot for locals to go on evening mountain walks, and the paths are well populated in the early evenings and on weekends. The contour paths a little higher up the mountain lead to beautiful streams where you can sit on a rock and let the mountain water trickle over your toes.

On one side of the forest, you can admire the views over the whole city, where you can see all the way from the harbour at the Waterfront to the sea of False Bay. The forest is centrally located too, so luxury accommodation in Cape Town will not be more than a few minutes’ drive away.

About the Author

The Ghosts of Simon’s Town

TAD — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:03:26 +0000

If you’re after something a little different on your Cape Town holiday then why not take a trip to the nearby location of Simon’s Town, which is as well famed for its ghosts as it is its ancient history.

The Simon’s Town Museum may house many artefacts of life in Simon’s Town throughout the ages, but the building has more than enough history of its own. In the past it has been used as a school, post office, jail and magistrates court amongst others. On your Cape Town holiday make sure that you take a photograph of the oil painting in the Old Residency which when photographed always fails to develop. If the very idea of this frightens you then you may not want to visit the basement of the museum during your tailor made holiday to Cape Town. The basement used to be the old punishment cell where slaves and prisoners were dealt with. Even today whiplash marks can still be spotted on the ceiling and it is said that if you walk the museum at night then you can hear the echoes of their cries.

If you want a break from the horrors and the hauntings of Simon’s Town then there are a number of different activities that you can enjoy in this region. Whale watching trips are especially popular with tourists on their Cape Town holidays and the nearby Boulder’s Beach is also the best place to spot penguins, with over 2500 birds.

As a seaside resort, Simon’s Town offers some of the best luxury accommodation in the Cape Town area. But one house that you probably won’t want to spend the night at is the Admiralty House which has been standing since 1740. The house was famously visited by Rudyard Kipling who noted that the then Admiral kept turtles tied up to the jetty, so that they could swim around in the sea until the soup ingredients were ready for them. The Royal family have since visited the house and various members of aristocracy reported the strange instances that had happened to them whilst visiting the house on their Cape Town holidays. Lady Campbell spotted men in naval uniform on the stairs, whilst the wife of a Vice-admiral reported an invisible man opening a door for her. The same woman in grey is regularly seen at Admiralty House, Ibeka and The Residency and these three buildings are said to be linked together by a network of tunnels.

With a prominent naval history Simon’s Town is home to a number of maritime heroes, but the best known of these was Able Seaman, Just Nuisance, RN, the only dog to serve in the Royal Navy. A commemorative statue of the Great Dane stands in Jubilee Square and has become the symbol of the town, with vendors selling Just Nuisance key-chains and fridge-magnets for you to purchase as souvenirs on your Cape Town holidays.

Simon’s Town is also an important pilgrimage site for Muslim visitors. During the 18^th Century a Muslim grave was uncovered under trees and whilst it is unknown exactly who was buried there, the site is said to have a strange physical aura surrounding it.

Simon’s Town is the perfect place to spend a few days whilst on your tailor-made holiday to Cape Town and, like many of the former residents, who still haunt the city, you’ll be so taken with the destination that you won’t want to leave.

About the Author

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in tailor-made holiday to Cape Town, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.