Way down in the southern most tip of Africa, lies one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. When the sun is shining, it is stunning. A picturesque city framed by the famous Table Mountain, white sandy beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Over 1000 meters high, Table Mountain towers over beautiful colonial buildings. The waterfront is decorated with brightly painted facades and the gorgeous coastline is framed by high cliffs making it one of the most magnificent in the world.
Stroll along the V&A waterfront and you can catch street performers singing traditional African music while you sip coffee at one of the many cafs. This upscale area is filled with boutiques, cafes, restaurants, theatres and wine bars. Walking around the shops is a pleasant afternoon and while there, catch the ferry to Robben Island. Home of the infamous prison where Nelson Mandela was detained for the majority of his 29 years behind bars.
The ferry ride is beautiful and tragic at the same time. You will see the stunning view of Cape Town with Table Mountain the massive table mountain in back, but you will also get a sense of what it must have been like for the prisoners as they were transported to their prison. It is an inescapable place and it would be terrifying to know that you could be living out the rest of your days on the island with home within your sights.
The tour will take you through the complex by bus where you will see the different areas. There were less stringent quarters for the less important prisoners and you will eventually make it to the maximum security wing where you will witness Nelson Mandela's tiny cell. The bus will also stop at the quarry where prisoners were put to work, but where secret meetings and planning also took place.
After spending some time in Cape Town, it is a good idea to rent a car and drive along the coast. Winding along one of the most scenic drives on the planet, Chapman's Peak is a treat. Featured in many a film and commercial, its enormous cliffs tower overhead as the road carves its way through blasted rock. Be prepared however, in South Africa, they drive on the left side of the road.
Head to Simon's Town to see the penguin colony that reside on its beaches. Simon's Town is a beautiful coastal village where a seafood lunch is a must. The famous penguins bask in the sun and splash in the water posing perfectly on smooth large rocks as dozens of tourist snap their camera's.
If you continue south to the one of the southernmost tips of Africa, you will visit the famous Cape of Good Hope. Studied in school and famous for being the place where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet you will be treated to a spectacular view from the world highest sea cliffs. There is a trolley that you can ride to the top and explore the old lighthouse and keepers house. After you have explored the views from above, go to the rocky beach below to get a sense of just how enormous this cliff at the end of the continent actually is.
Cape Town is a must see for anyone that visits South Africa. It has everything you could possible want from the continent. Big Game drives, world class diving and award winning winery's. If you are looking for and adventure destination or simply a relaxing vacation, it can give you whatever you are looking for in your travel needs.
Stroll along the V&A waterfront and you can catch street performers singing traditional African music while you sip coffee at one of the many cafs. This upscale area is filled with boutiques, cafes, restaurants, theatres and wine bars. Walking around the shops is a pleasant afternoon and while there, catch the ferry to Robben Island. Home of the infamous prison where Nelson Mandela was detained for the majority of his 29 years behind bars.
The ferry ride is beautiful and tragic at the same time. You will see the stunning view of Cape Town with Table Mountain the massive table mountain in back, but you will also get a sense of what it must have been like for the prisoners as they were transported to their prison. It is an inescapable place and it would be terrifying to know that you could be living out the rest of your days on the island with home within your sights.
The tour will take you through the complex by bus where you will see the different areas. There were less stringent quarters for the less important prisoners and you will eventually make it to the maximum security wing where you will witness Nelson Mandela's tiny cell. The bus will also stop at the quarry where prisoners were put to work, but where secret meetings and planning also took place.
After spending some time in Cape Town, it is a good idea to rent a car and drive along the coast. Winding along one of the most scenic drives on the planet, Chapman's Peak is a treat. Featured in many a film and commercial, its enormous cliffs tower overhead as the road carves its way through blasted rock. Be prepared however, in South Africa, they drive on the left side of the road.
Head to Simon's Town to see the penguin colony that reside on its beaches. Simon's Town is a beautiful coastal village where a seafood lunch is a must. The famous penguins bask in the sun and splash in the water posing perfectly on smooth large rocks as dozens of tourist snap their camera's.
If you continue south to the one of the southernmost tips of Africa, you will visit the famous Cape of Good Hope. Studied in school and famous for being the place where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet you will be treated to a spectacular view from the world highest sea cliffs. There is a trolley that you can ride to the top and explore the old lighthouse and keepers house. After you have explored the views from above, go to the rocky beach below to get a sense of just how enormous this cliff at the end of the continent actually is.
Cape Town is a must see for anyone that visits South Africa. It has everything you could possible want from the continent. Big Game drives, world class diving and award winning winery's. If you are looking for and adventure destination or simply a relaxing vacation, it can give you whatever you are looking for in your travel needs.
About the Author:
Deb Corbeil and Dave Bouskill are an adventure couple from Canada. Together they have traveled the planet click oning over 30 countries on 5 continents. To learn aboutmore information and travel advice on exciting destinations click on their website ThePlanetD To see their photo stories from their past and present adventures click on PictureThePlanet
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