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The imposing presence of Table Mountain is the most dramatic feature of cosmopolitan Cape Town. Climbers scale its challenging slopes to be at one with its grandeur whilst others prefer a gentle glide up to the top by way of the slowly-spiralling cable car.
Breathtaking views of the deep blue sea lined with glorious beaches and the city nestling in the shadow of the mountain are sure to inspire the traveller who may be amazed at the Mediterranean flavour of this African city perched at the tip of the continent. The city reflects the European flavour of the Dutch, French, English as well as Malay settlers producing an eclectic and vibrant Cape culture.
The sheer beauty of the scenery is punctuated by established elegance, a bastion of which is one of South Africa's premier hotels, the Mount Nelson. Named as one of the top 100 hotels in the world, the famous pink hotel is set in seven acres of park land on the slopes of Table Mountain.
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There are many scenic spots to visit along the Cape Peninsula and of
particular interest are the Botanical Gardens of Kirstenbosch and the Cape Point Nature Reserve where the two oceans meet. Here you can see the unique flora that inhabits the Western Cape, forming the smallest but richest Plant Kingdom in the world. |
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Inspired by yachts, ships and voyages, the Waterfront is a prime destination for dining out and sightseeing. From the port you can take a ferry to Robben Island where Mandela was imprisoned for over a quarter of a century. Here too is the glamorous Cape Grace Hotel beneath Table Mountain and the Table Bay Hotel which draws its inspiration from gracious ocean bound liners. The Villa Via has its own private marina and a sundowner terrace jutting into the Atlantic Ocean swell. The Cullinan Hotel at the entrance to the Waterfront is within easy walking distance to the major attractions of the city bowl.
Sailing trips on board a yacht under sail from the harbour or a more sedate sundowner cruise on a motor launch give visitors a chance to view this extraordinary city and mountainscape from the sea. Cape Town's night life is famous for the wide variety of individual restaurants and club activities. Certain areas like Sea Point, Camps Bay and Long Street pulsate with energy as musical artists showcase their talents.
THE WINELANDS
South Africans are very patriotic about their wines, which have scooped many international awards. The grapes are grown in the most scenic areas of the Cape. A cluster of small towns - Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek - the most famous of these, have wine as their cultural legacy and they are only too proud to offer visitors to the area a tasting of their wines for a minimal fee.
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The voluptuous fruit of the vine thrives on the slopes of craggy mountains at the base of which Cape Dutch and French Huguenot style architecture are preserved.
Picnicking on the wine estates is a delightful indulgence, and horse riding through the harvest areas is also a popular outing. Like the fine boutique establishments of Franschoek - including Le Quartier Francais, Le Petit Ferme, Boschendal and Haute Cabriere - the Lanzerac Hotel, situated outside the historic university town of Stellenbosch, offers guests the finest in Cape-French cuisine and dramatic views of the mountains. |
The Summerwood Guest House in Stellenbosch offers travellers classical style and early architecture. Whilst Spier Wine Estate, soon to be opening its village-style hotel and 18-hole golf course, is a favourite stopping point for lunches or elegant picnics. During the season it is host to an open air festival of performing arts.
The Grand Roche Manor House situated on the beautiful slopes of Paarl Rock is an historic farm estate. The buildings of the slave quarters, stables and wine cellars have been painstakingly restored and converted into plush accommodation units.
HERMANUS
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One of the most popular experiences along this wind-sheltered coastline is whale-watching where courting Southern Rights are considered a wonderful omen and has given rise to a colourful "Whale Festival", complete with town crier announcing sightings. White bursts of spray signal that the beasts are floating just below the surface. Boat tours for closer viewing of these creatures are a highlight, or you may even be able to watch this spectacle from your window at hotels such as The Marine. Squeezed between mountains, a lagoon and long open beaches, Hermanus is the perfect place to rest and enjoy a Cape holiday.
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The Grootbos Nature Reserve situated in Gansbaai offers guests a chance to enjoy the grandeur of the coastal milkwood forest surroundings. Built from stone and wood, these cosy chalets offer guests a chance to admire views of Walker Bay and the passing whale traffic. Walking and nature trails are most enjoyable ways to appreciate the cool forest environment.
THE GARDEN ROUTE
Lush vegetation, miles of ocean seascapes and fresh water lagoons are all part of the attraction of the area between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, known as the "Garden Route". Bird life is abundant and the craggy coast, is beautiful and untouched. Due to the lack of concentrated development, the route along the coast is dotted with quaint towns and villages which are worth exploring or at least stopping at for a meal.
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Plettenberg Bay offers some of the most beautiful dunes and beaches along this stretch where local surfers and sun worshippers
gather like pilgrims during December. The Plettenberg is a hotel reminiscent of a 19th century holiday mansion. Built on top of a dramatic rocky headland, it offers total exclusivity and elegance. |
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Further west, the forested area of Knysna has been the inspiration of folklore based on the historical tales of woodcutters who earned their living cutting down the precious indigenous trees for ship timber, (a practice which has since been abolished). Belvidere Manor faces the famous Knysna Lagoon with fantastic views of the forest, the "Heads" at the mouth of the lagoon and the dense Outeniqua mountains. An ideal country retreat from which to explore the woodlands with their long-abandoned mine shafts.
The Fancourt Golf Estate and Hotel situated in the Outeniqua Mountains offers excellent golfing facilities in exquisite surroundings. The course is complimented by a driving range and a number of practice greens ideal for a few days of eighteen-hole indulgence.
On the Bushman's River close to Port Elizabeth and the Addo Elephant Park, Shamwari Game Reserve (malaria free) offers guests a range of accommodation ranging from the by-gone charm of a restored Edwardian mansion to the earthy thatch of Shamwari Lodge. Guests can immerse themselves in watching the variety of wildlife that is firmly re-establishing its survival in the area.
WIN 03 - The Winelands of Cape Town
CPT 04 - Scheduled Tour Option
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