Cape Town's setting is the key to this city's charm and success. Originally developed for its safe harbour out of reach of the South Atlantic's storms, Cape Town is dominated by the sea, the coastline and mighty Table Mountain. Squeezed in to a small area between the three, the City's history is as fascinating as its location, and has a vibrant feel that's easy to appreciate.
As soon as you arrive in Cape Town it's obvious that this isn't any regular city - if you're flying in, look out for the impressive views of Table Mountain as you land, or if you're driving in, arrive via Camps Bay and the Lion's Head Pass to get a spectacular view of the city and Table Bay as you pass Table Mountain.
It's not unusual to visit Cape Town for a few days and not actually see its famous mountain, as it can quite often stay hidden by clouds for days on end. If it does make an appearance, head straight up to the cable car to take the short ride to the top. Various walks criss-cross the top of Table Mountain - which isn't as flat as you may think - and the views from here over the city and along the coast towards the Cape of Good Hope are simply stunning.
Spend a day or so exploring beyond the city itself, and this is when Cape Town really comes in to its own. Start at Camps Bay, where the trendy crowd play on the beach or laze in the cafes that line it. Follow the coast road along the Cape Peninsular, passing lovely coves and exclusive suburbs, to the Cape of Good Hope National Park, a spectacular setting for what can really feel like the end of the earth - it almost is! The coastline is really stunning - take a picnic and sit on the beach, although swimming is only for the brave as the waters are normally icy cold! Head back towards the city via Boulders Beach, where a colony of penguins have made their home. |
|
 |
