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10 Attractions You Can’t Miss When Visiting Cape Town – South Africa
by: Francois L. Botha
1. Table Mountain
Table Mountain is arguably the most iconic image of Cape Town. Standing
at the top should top everyone’s list of ‘things to do before you die’.
Take the leisurely route in the slowly revolving cable car, or
alternately hike to the top. Either way you won’t regret it when you
get to enjoy the sight of Cape Town and surrounds from the Table top!
2. V & A Waterfront
Situated at the Cape Town Harbour basin, the Victoria and Alfred
Waterfront is the most popular venue in Cape Town. With a wide variety
of shops, numerous restaurants and cafes, wine bars, sites of
historical and cultural interest and local craft workshops, you’ll
never have a dull moment here, day or night.
3. Wine Farms
From the farms of Constantia in the southern suburbs to the
expansive estates of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franshoek, the Cape boasts
some of the most beautiful wine farms in the world. And it’s a well
known fact that they produce some of the finest wines in the world too!
A visit to Cape Town is incomplete without at least one day spent on
the wine route, sampling fine wines, learning about the history and
methodology of winemaking from the experts, enjoying a sumptuous lunch
along the way and coming back laden with some great purchases for the
cellar back home.
4. Robben Island
Site of former president Nelson Mandela’s prison cell where he was
confined for many years prior to his historical release, Robben Island
has a very special atmosphere. Take a ferry from the Waterfront and
learn from the guided tours about the other men who shared the Island
with Madiba, and about the incredible man himself.
5. Cape Point
Who wouldn’t want to say they have stood at the tip of the great
African continent? Once inside the reserve you can make your way to the
main parking area and stroll up the wide paths to the top lookout
point. From here the view is breathtaking - sheer cliffs drop to the
crashing waves far below while azure waters spread out as far as the
eye can see to a hazy horizon. On a clear day, you really can see
forever! Enjoy lunch at the excellent restaurant or drive to one of the
sheltered beaches for a picnic.
6. Boulder’s Beach Penguin Colony
Home of a colony of so-called ‘Jackass’ Penguins (so named for the
donkey-like braying sound they make) Boulder’s Beach is situated just
past Simon’s Town. Apart from great penguin viewing, the beach is
picturesque and great for families with its sheltered bay.
7. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
These beautiful gardens at the foot of Table Mountain were
established in 1913. The gardens only grow indigenous South African
plants, and cover an area of 528 hectares. Picnic on the green lawns
next to bubbling streams, or take advantage of a guided tour.
8. Top Stones Gemstone Factory and Scratch Patch
Visit one of the Top Stone Gemstone Factories at Glen Cairn or the
Waterfront, for a sparkling and enchanting experience. At the Glen
Cairn factory you can view the stones being washed polished and crafted
into curios or jewelry. Trawl through the walk-in Scratch Patch ‘caves’
and select your own treasures to take home.
9. Two Oceans Aquarium
Located at the V&A Waterfront, this is South Africa’s largest
aquarium. It has great exhibitions and a strong educational component.
The shark feeding times are always popular with visitors who love to
get a close up view of these awesome creatures without getting wet!
10. District Six Museum
Back in the 1960’s the apartheid government demolished the District
Six neighborhoods, displacing the residents. Of all the museums to see
in Cape Town, this memorial to the glory days and tragic history of
District Six is one of the most interesting and colourful.
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