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Cape Town Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Boulders Bay Boulders Bay Dean Booth A range of jagged mountains thrusting into the splendid desolation of the southern Atlantic, the Cape Peninsula is one of the world's most beautiful places. Pristine beaches, sheltered bays and secluded coves encircle the majestic might of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site and home to some 8,500 species of flower. Between the mountain's looming crags and Table Bay's deep blue sweep lies South Africa's Mother City and the cosmopolitan hub of the Western Cape Province - Cape Town. The best way to revel in the Peninsula's unrivalled beauty is to travel to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve along one of two coastal drives, each dramatically different. To the west, the famous Chapman's Peak route traverses Sea Point's cosmopolitan seaboard and the natural beauty of Clifton's famed beaches, leading one from the quiet rusticity of Hout Bay over the awe-inspring, cliff-hugging Chapman's Peak Drive to the endless, white expanse of Noordhoek's Long Beach. The famous Argus Bicycle Race takes place on this spectacular road. The False Bay road heads north, hugging the mountains, snaking past Fish Hoek, a popular family beach, Kalk Bay, a fishing village imbued with character and colour, and Muizenberg, renowned for its safe swimming and excellent surfing. Life in the City Bowl centres around the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a pulsating waterfront Mecca, historical site and working harbour offering everything from upmarket shopping malls, arts and crafts markets, theatres and live music to entertainment showpieces including the Telkom Exploratorium and the awe-inspiring Two Oceans Aquarium. From the Waterfront, it's a short boat ride to Robben Island, one of the most significant historical sites in South Africa. First used by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a victualling station, it became an asylum and leper colony. Later it fell under the Army and Navy and in 1960, under the Department of Correctional Services, it gained notoriety as a prison housing former President Nelson Mandela for more than 2 decades. Museums and art galleries abound and South Africa's oldest building, the Castle of Good Hope, is in the city centre. The cobbled streets of Bo-Kaap with their delightful old buildings and the first mosque in South Africa stand in cultural contrast to the buildings of the oldest homestead and wine farm in the Cape, Groot Constantia. On the Constantia wine route, Groot Constantia is tied by history and the vine to estates in the Helderberg and Durbanville. A short drive from the theme parks, malls, cineplexes and entertainment centres of Century City. The energetic and those wanting to explore the abundance of the Cape Floral Kingdom's fauna and flora can take to the hills, choosing from myriad walks and climbs: up Table Mountain or Lion's Head, through Kirstenbosch, Silvermine, Newlands Forest or through the Nature Reserves of Tygerberg, Cape of Good Hope or Helderberg. The beaches to the city's north-west have the post-card picture view of Table Mountain. Because of its geographical location, Cape Town and the Western Cape Province have a pleasant mediterranean climate. Rain in summer and spring is rare, while winter has fairly frequent bright sunny days. The city is bordered by two ocean currents, the cold Benguela current on the Atlantic side, and the warm Agulhas current from the Indian Ocean side, further moderating the temperatures. Further attractions in the vicinity are the wine estates of Stellenbosch, Paarl and surrounding areas; the mountains of the Cederberg Wilderness Area; and the West Coast and Namaqualand with their spectaculour wild spring flower displays. Cape Town is an all year destination, although the warmest months of October till March are the most popular. The spring months of August and September offer wonderful opportunities to see the Cape Floral Kingdom at its best. _________Sights Edit This i Cape Town is a large and vibrant city where you'll be sure to have the time of your life. [Add Sight] Kistenbosch Botanical Gardens Edit This Kirstenbosch is a must-see for every plant-enthusiastic. It specializes on the indigenous flora of the Cape area. The Gardes consist of a large estate covered in the typical fynbos, a mixture of smaller shrubs and flowering plants, and a cultivated area, with theme gardens. These include: A water-wise garden, that demonstrates how to create a garden in need of far less water and maintenance than conventional gardens, no luxury during the dry African summer. A fragrance garden, with a selection of specially fragrant plants, and plants with special textures. A medicinal more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Rhodes Drive, Newlands openinghours: dayly from 08:00 - 19:00 (September -March) or from 08:00 - 18:00 (April - August) Table Mountain Edit This cap cap photo by: capt The first thing that springs to mind when thinking of Cape Town is perhaps Table Mountain. This remarkable lump of rock right in the middle of town is hard to miss. There are several myths connected with Table Mountain. For example, legend tells of an old pirate, Jan van Hunks, who after ritiring spent most of his time smoking his pipe outside his house on Devil's peak. One night a mysterious stranger came up to him and asked for some tobacco. After bragging a bit about their pipe smoking talents, they started a smoking contest thet lasted for four days. Van Hunks eventually more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Cape Town Bloubergstrand Edit This For the most beautiful view of Table Mountain you must go to the Cape Town suburb Bloubergstrand. Many of the typical picture postcard photo's of Table Mountain are probably taken from the beach at Bloubergstrand. Well worth the 20 minute drive north. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Edit This The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront offers a range of specialty shops, craftmarkets, an Imax theatre, numerous restaurants and bars, an arena where open air performances are presented and various other entertainment options such as sunset boat cruises. A number of businesses and hotels are also located within its boundaries. There is a Visitors Centre onsite which serves as the starting point for local sightseeing tours. Maps and further details of the facilities are available at the website. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +27(21)4087600 url: www.waterfront.co.za address: Portswood Ridge, 8002 Cape Town Boulder's Beach Edit This This is a wonderful place to visit penguins. Enjoy it!! type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] ___________History Edit This When the first Portugese explorers landed on what they called Cape of Good Hope, the area was inhabited by the San, a tribe of hunter-gatheres, and the Khoikhoi, semi-nomadic cattle keepers, collectively known as Khoisan. Bartholomeus Dias was the first to round the Cape in 1487, but preoccupied as he was with reaching the East he paid little attention to the Cape. In the following years the Portugese only used the Cape to take in fresh water. Attempts to trade with the Khoisan often ended in violence and the Cape was feared for its rough weather, so no permanent settlements were made. It was only when a Dutch ship headed for the East Indies was wrecked before the coast that the first settlement was created. Originally the survivors of the ship wreck just built a fort to inhabit the year it took them to get rescued. This helped the directors of the Dutch East India Company realise that it might not be a bad idea to establish a permanent settlement at the Cape. They didn't intend to colonise the Cape, they just wanted a safe place for their ships to stock up on water, and fresh food. In 1652 Jan van Riebeek was sent to lead the small expedition that was to found the first settlement. He traded with the Khoisan for meat, built the first mud-walled fort close to where the later stone fort still suvives, and planted the garden now know as the Company's Gardens. Because the Europeans (mostly Dutch, but some French Huegenots as well) kept themselves strictly separated from the Khoisan, there soon was a labour shortage. This was solved by importing slaves from Madagascar, India, Ceylon, Malaya and Indonesia. In the mid 18th century some of the settlers that weren't connected to the East India Company has started to drift away from the settlement to other parts of South Afrika. They were the first Boers to trek away. As with most European colonistions, this proved to be a disaster for the indiginous peoples of the Cape. They were driven away from their lands, killed in conflicts, or succumbed to new European diseases. The survivors were forced into little more than slavery. Because of the shortage of women the Khoisan women, like the eastern slaves, were also used for sex. In time these unions produced the basis of todays coloured population. By the end of the 18th century, the Dutch power was fading, and the British saw their chance to seize the Cape. From 1814, the Cape was a British colony. They installed free trade and abolished slavery. This dissatisfied the Boers, which led to the Great Treks of the 19th century. ___________Museums Edit This [Add Museum] JOSEPHINE MILL Edit This Josephine Mill Josephine Mill photo by: DC Cape Town's only surviving water mill built in 1818. The enormous cast iron wheel was built in 1840 by Jacob Letterstedt. Stone ground flour and back to source delicatessen and shop. Caveau at the Mill restaurant, functions and conference facilities. Museum open Mon-Fri 10h00 - 16h00 and sfter hours by arrangement - shop and restaurant till late. Guided tours daily at 10h30, 11h30 & 14h30. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Boundary Road, Newlands tel: ++27 (0)21 686 4939. url: www.josephinemill.co.za email: mill@josephinemill.co.za BERTRAM HOUSE Edit This The late Georgian red-brick house is a typical example of early 19th century Cape British domestic architecture and is the last remaining example of its kind in the city. The Anna Lidderdale Collection forms the nucleus of the collection with examples of fine furniture, ceramics, silver and other objects d'art. Tues - Sat 09h30 - 16h30. Herb garden in process and coffee shop. Admission charged. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Cnr Orange & Government Avenue, City tel: ++27 (0)21 24 9381. CULTURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Edit This Originally built as a slave lodge for the Dutch East India Company in 1679 and later used as the Cape Supreme Court. This museum houses early postal stones, the history of currency and postage in South Africa; examples of furniture, glass ceramics, weapons, musical instruments and toys from the many countries whose people are represented in South Africa. The archeological section has interesting objects of Egyptian, Greek and Roman origin. The reconstructed tombstone of Jan van Riebeeck can also be seen in the courtyard. Mon-Sat 09h30-16h30. Closed Sun, Christmas Day and Good more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 49 Adderley Street, City, tel: ++27 (0)21 461 8280. CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE Edit This photo Built between 1666 - 1679, the Castle is the oldest building in South Africa. Pentagonal fortification with bastions at each corner named after the titles of the Prince of Orange namely: Buuren, Nassau, Catzenellenbogen, Oranje and Leerdam. It contains historical objects and the William Fehr Collection of paintings, porcelain, carpets, furniture and other objects. The newly renovated dolphin pool is now on view to visitors. Today the Castle serves as Headquarters for the Western Province Army Command. Changing of the guards:Mon - Fri 12h00. Guided Tours: Mon - Sun, 10h00, more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Buitekant Street, City tel: ++27 (0)21 469 1111. CITY HALL Edit This Completed in 1905, the building overlooks the Grand Parade and houses the City Library and the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra. The Municipal Carillion in the tower which contains 39 bells and dates back to 1923is occasionally operated. The Carillon at Cape Town is the only one on the African continent. It was commissioned by the women of Cape Town as a monument to those who died in the Great War. The Carillon was manufactured by an English firm, Taylor and Son of Loughborough, and consists of 39 bells (CC-d). The total weight of the Carillon is around 15.5 tons. The Carillon was more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Darling Street, City, tel: ++27 (0)21 400 2230 . RUGBY MUSEUM Edit This The largest rugby museum in the world housing a valuable collection of momentos dating back to 1891. Open Mon - Fri 09h30-16h00. Admission charged. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Boundary Road, Newlands tel: ++27 (0)21 686 4532 FISH STOCKS Edit This This museum contains a collection of historical objects and documents; a small reference library; "Emmy", the do-it-yourself computerised marine encyclopaedia; alternating thermatic exhibitions; audio-visual presentations with colour-slides and video-tapes, models of fishing boats in action; fishing gear and various items of equipment. Open Tues - Sun 10h00 -16h00. Admission charged. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: West Quay Road, The Waterfront, Table Bay Harbour. tel: ++27 (0)21 418 2312. SA MARITIME MUSEUM Edit This The museum contains information about future development plans, trade, the fishing industry, shipwrecks, shipping lines, raw materials; Table Bay harbour; ship modelling; the Union Castle Company; a shipwright workshop and a discovery cove for children. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Dock Road, Table Bay Harbour . tel: ++27 (0)21 419 2506. (Museum Ships) Tel 25 3152. SA MUSEUM Edit This Permanent display of natural history and archaeology. Also contains a printing museum. The forecourt area has been restyled and contains an education garden. There is also a resource centre. Open daily 10h00 -17h00. Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day. Admission charged. Free entry Wednesday. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Queen Victoria Street, City Centre . tel: ++27 (0)21 24 3330. S. A. Slave Church Museum Edit This Missionary Church dating from 1802. Open Mon - Fri 09h00 -16h00. Closed Sat & Sun and Public Holidays. Open on Saturdays during the school holidays, 09h00 -12h00. Admission free. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 40 Long Street, City Centre . tel: ++27 (0)21 423 6755. email: museumhead@wol.co.za FALSE BAY FIRE MUSEUM Edit This A large display of fire equipment, old and new, local and overseas including photographs, technical data and uniforms. By appointment only. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 48 Clovelley Road, Fish Hoek, tel: ++27 (0)21 782 1387 HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT Edit This During the recess guided tours Mon to Fri 11h00 and 14h00. Large groups please to phone before arrival. No guided tours during the Easter recess. Entry for visitors is via Parliament Street gate. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Parliament Street, City. tel: ++27 (0)21 403 2911. During the parliamentary session, gallery tickets are available from Room 12. Overseas visitors are requested to present their passports. HOUT BAY MUSEUM Edit This type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 4 St Andrews Road, Hout Bay tel: ++27 (0)21 790 3270 IRMA STERN MUSEUM Edit This Houses a collection of works by this SA artist, antique furniture, art treasures from 600 BC and Congolese artefacts. Tues - Sat 10h00 - 17h00 Closed on Mon & Sun, Christmas Day, New Year, Good Friday, 26 Dec. Admission charged. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: (UCT) Cecil Road, Rosebank. tel: ++27 (0)21 685 5686. url: www.irmastern.co.za JEWISH MUSEUM Edit This The oldest synagogue in South Africa. Contains items of Jewish historical and ceremonial significance. Dec-Feb, Tues & Thurs 11h00 - 17h00 March-Nov 14h00 - 17h00. Wed 09h30 - 12h30; Sun 10H00 - 12H30 or by special appointment. Closed on Jewish holidays type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 84 Hatfield Street, Gardens, City Centre. tel: ++27 (0)21 45 1546. ARCHIVES Edit This Contains collections of documents and pictures dating back to the earliest days of the Cape. Mon Tues Wed & Fri 08h00 - 16h00. Thurs 08h00 - 19h00. Closed on Sat and public holidays. Admission free. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 72 Roeland Street City tel: ++27 (0)21 462 4050. GROOT CONSTANTIA Edit This This is the oldest homestead in the Cape. The Manor House on the farm which was originally allocated to Governor Simon van der Stel portrays life on a farm in the 1800's. The collection consists of Cape furniture from the mid-1700's and Chinese, Japanese, Rhenish and Delft porcelain. The Wine Museum has wine drinking and storage vessels in glass, silver, copper and stoneware from 500 BC to the 19th century. Daily 10h00 - 17h00. Closed Christmas and Good Friday. Admission charged. Wine sales: Mon - Sun 10h00 - 17h00. Cellar tours daily on the hour from 11h00 - 15h00. From more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Off Constantia Road, Wynberg. M41 tel: ++27 (0)21 794 5067. BO-KAAP Edit This The delightful old buildings and cobbled streets make a walk or drive through this area very interesting. Bo-Kaap is rich in history. Islam originated from this area and the first mosque in South Africa can be visited here. Also buried in "Tana-Baru", the oldest cemetry in the area, are the pioneers and Holy Saints who came to this country as political exiles and who were imprisoned on the notorious Robben Island in the early 16th Century. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] BO-KAAP MUSEUM Edit This This house, built in the 18th century, portrays the lifestyle of a typical Malay family in the 19th century. An exhibition of carts and coaches can be seen in the community centre in the courtyard of the museum. Closed Monday, Sunday, Christmas and Good Friday. Admission charged. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 71 Wale Street tel: ++27 (0)21 24 3846 CAPE EDUCATION MUSEUM Edit This Displays of artefacts, documents and photographs on the development of education in the Cape Province. Mon - Fri 09h00 - 15h00. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 9 Aliwal Road, Wynberg tel: ++27 (0)21 762 1622. CAPE MEDICAL MUSEUM Edit This Suitable items from the museum collection have been selected for display so as to recapture various aspects of medical practice in earlier times. A book and document collection is available for research workers. Mon - Fri 09h00 - 16h00. Closed weekends and public holidays. Admission free. Guided tours by written appointment. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: City Hospital Complex, Portswood Road, Green Point tel: ++27 (0)21 418 5663. KOOPMANS DE WET HOUSE Edit This Built in 1701 and an excellent example of a typical Cape townhouse. The exhibits portray the lifestyle of a successful businessman of the late 18th century. The collection consists of Cape and European furniture, Cape silver, European glass and blue and white porcelain with the VOC monogram. Tues - Sat 09h30 - 16h30. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Admission charged. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 35 Strand Street, City Centre. tel: ++27 (0)21 24 2473. NATALE LABIA MUSEUM Edit This This is a satellite museum of the SA National Gallery. The museum formerly known as The Fort was presented in 1982 to the National Gallery by Count Natale Labia in memory of his parents. Tues-Sun 10h00 - 17h00. Closed on Mondays. Admission free. Watch the press for more shows during school holidays. Tea room open Tues - Sun 09h00 - 16h30. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 192 Main Road, Muizenberg tel: ++27 (0)21 788 4106. RHODES COTTAGE Edit This This was the seaside cottage of Cecil John Rhodes, Prime Minister of the Cape from 1890 - 1896, and where he died in 1902. It contains personal relics of this pioneer. Open Tues - Sun 10h00 - 13h00 & 14h00 - 17h00 except Christmas Day. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Main Road, Muizenberg tel: ++27 (0)21 788 1816 RUST-EN-VREUGD Edit This This 18th century house contains the William Fehr Collection of water-colours and valuable Africana. Admission charged. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 78 Buitekant Street. tel: ++27 (0)21 45 3628 . SA AIR FORCE MUSEUM Edit This Various rooms with permanent exhibitions on the 1914-18 1939-45 wars and an interesting and varied collection covering the full period of the SAAF's existence and its operational activities which dates back to 1920. In addition there is a small display of Royal Flying Corps memorabilia. Open Mon - Fri 07h30 -16h30, Sat & Sun 08h30-12h00 & 14h00 -16h00. Closed on religious holidays. Donations welcome. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Ysterplaat Airforce Base, Piet Grobler Street, Brooklyn tel: ++27 (0)21 508 6377). ____________Beaches Edit This Noordhoek "Longbeach" at sunset Noordhoek "Longbeach" at sunset Unknown The best beaches in Cape Town include Camps Bay, Clifton, Boulders Beach (for the penguins!) and Blouberg beach for the views of Table Mountain. The warmer seas are within False Bay. The western coast (the Atlantic Ocean) receives the cold currents from the south. [Add Beach] Noordhoek beach Edit This Noordhoek "Longbeach" at sunset Noordhoek "Longbeach" at sunset photo by: Unknown Don't leave Cape Town if you haven't taken a coastal north toward houtbay, stop in a little place called Noordhoek beach. A huge stretch of white sand, pounding surf and the best sunsets you'll ever get to see in your life. But go in a large group for safety. Also try your hand at flying a kite... awesome place. World66 rating: [rate it] __________Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This Cape Town does not shut down for the night. After dark a whole new Cape Town comes to life as bars and disco's open. The Waterfront, Sea Point and lower Cape Town are good places to look out for an interesting bar or club. Display all or display just: Clubs and dancing Concerts Pool and billiards general Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Entertainment place] Bronx Bar Edit This Gay bar on Somerset Road. Open nightly and the buzz in town. type: Pool and billiards World66 rating: [rate it] email: info@bronx.co.za address: Somerset Road Green Point ClosingTime: 4 AM closingtime: 4 AM url: www.bronx.co.za zipcode: http://www.bronx.co.za Cruz Edit This Gay and lesbian friendly club,best days to go is on friday,saturday nights,other nights be honest is not packed,unless if its december/january/february which then those months due to summer heat and high tourist population all clubs get full every night type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 4 am url: www.cruz.com accessibility: by taxi, address: someset road ,capetown Purple Turtle Edit This The place to see good alternative bands perform in a pub atmosphere. When there's no band playing, there's usually a dj playin 90's music. Internet Cafe and Tattoo/Body Piercing Parlour upstairs. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Greenmarken Square The Lounge Edit This Friendly, relaxed place. You'll come in for a few quick ones, and find yourself still there four hours later. Acid Jazz, Fusion, Drum 'n Bass, Trip-Hop and Funk. hankman´s chill area @ its best griasdi lenz type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Upper Long Street The Magnet Edit This An intellectual coffee drinkers paradise. Open all the time till very late. Caters for an upmarket, albeit groovy crowd. This place seems to feed off an atmosphere created by old skool, retro flicks. Always is full on the weekend, due to the Funktion just around the corner. Perfect for post-clubbing chill-out sessions. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 101 Bree Street All Bar None Edit This The place to be for the haves and the wanna-haves. Expensive drinks, snooty people, and a long waiting at the bar if you're not one of the Beautiful People. Ideal for a few drinks before clubbing. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 5 Bree Street Piano Lounge Edit This Smooth place, classic retro with velvet curtains and a grand piano. They've often got a dj spinning 70's stuff, filling up the dance floor. The upstairs lounge is ideal to relax and sip on a really fancy cocktail. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 100 Castle Street Riffs Jazz and Internet Cafe Edit This A vibrant Jazz club, with styles ranging from straight ahead jazz, latin jazz, Cape jazz, African jazz, fusion and everything in between. There is a full bar, a restaurant serving local cuisine,an internet studio and lounge area. Open 7 days a week. Secure Parking. Live Music from Thursdays to Sundays, featuring top local and international artistes. Cover Charge R10. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: 21 Church Street, Wynberg Cat Edit This Waddy Jones, of Max Normal, Super evil fame, album Launch at the Michaelis School of Fine art. Also featuring exhibition, film screening and DJ's Nodern, and Jakobson. Date:Friday, 3rd of June Time: 6:30 Tickets: R30 pre sold, R40 at door. check out: www.michaelis.uct.ac.za/~alamprec/ type: Concerts World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: Late tel: 021 4425900 url: www.michaelis.uct.ac.za address: Michaelis School of fine art email: carmenzhing@hotmail.com Dance Cape Town Edit This Guided Day Trips The day (or night) trips with us will give you the chance to meet and experience Cape Town with Capetonians as if you were a local : Come dancing with us. We'll take you to our favourite dance clubs, dancehalls and other dance venues to dance and listen to live music. Most styles of dancing is available in Cape Town, ballroom, Cape Jazz (similar to salsa), Salsa, Tango, etc. Do you enjoy enjoy good wine and good food? Our trip to the Stellenbosch winelands is all about great scenery, great food, visiting wine estates and wine tasting. Let's take a drive more.. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +27 835118114 url: www.capetown4real.com address: Cotton Road Simonstown, Cape Town email: zeldamary@hotmail.com ____________Things to do Edit This Cape Town is located in the beautiful West Cape area. There are many opportunities for day trips and hikes. And if you have seen enough, you can relax on one of the many beaches. [Add Activity] Cape Peninsula National Park Edit This The CPNP is a small but beautiful nature reserve right on the tip of the Cape Peninsula. This small area has one of the worlds highest densities in plant species. It is home to 2,285 plant species (by comparison, the British Isles have 1,492 species). There are large areas covered in fynbos (fine bush, characterised by proteas, grasses and erica), patches of grassland, strandveld (hardy beach vegetation) and evergreen forest. Apart from the many plants and flowers, there is also a fair amount of wildlife to bee seen. Baboons, ostriches, different types of bok and otters still more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] CAPE TOWN GALLERIES - Galleria Gibello Edit This A good place to visit when you find yourself in Cape Town is Galleria Gibello. To enter Galleria Gibello, is to take a step into a world of adventure, mystery, passion and travel. Situated in the increasingly trendy Bo Kaap, Galleria Gibello offers visitors a brief escape from reality. A new photo gallery, the space is filled with visually captivating moments of life on the African continent. Caroline Gibello, owner of the gallery and a photographer herself, has selected images that will captivate and inspire you. Little boys delightfully immersed in play more.. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +27 21 422 1144 url: www.carolinegibello.com address: 67 Rose Street, Bo Kaap email: caro@carolinegibello.com Chapman's Peak drive Edit This For the most stunning coastal views you have ever seen. This 10 kn. drive takes you along the sheer cliffs between colorful sedimentary rocks facing Chapman's bay. This coastal drive from Hout Bay to Noordhoek will take your breath away. type: Spa and Sauna World66 rating: [rate it] Surfing Edit This Cape Town has many exellent surf spots. About 48 spot lie within an hours drive from the city. Most of these can be found on the west side of the Cape Peninsula, facing the Atlantic Ocean, but the east side, facing the Indian Ocean, also has its places. A small selection: Glen Beach: one of the most established surf spots in Cape Town. Many South African top surfers are locals here. It's a shortish ride, but can deliver superlative form when the banks and conditions are right. Works best at 2-5' and is sheltered from the Southeasterly gales that howl down from the Twelve more.. type: Spa and Sauna World66 rating: [rate it] Top 10 Things To Do in Cape Town Edit This These are my ten Absolute Best Things To Do In Cape Town! Air 1. Paragliding Cape Town – Signal Hill and Lions Head Two of the most popular launch sites for paragliding are located right near the Cape Town CBD. Signal Hill and Lion’s Head are both favourite local paragliding launch spots, which offer stunning views of the local mountain ranges right across to Hout Bay. more.. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 021 422 5092 url: www.bookcapetown.com address: Cape town, South Africa, Gardens email: stephan.marais@yahoo.com Top 10 Things To Do in Cape Town Edit This Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE more.. type: Spa and Sauna World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.bookcapetown.com email: stephan.marais@yahoo.com :::::::::Paarl Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see x Paarl Language Monument 50 km north-east of Cape Town, Paarl is one of the three oldest European settlements in South Africa. Here in 1687, on the banks of the Berg River, farmlands were given to Dutch settlers, just 30 years after Jan van Riebeeck's landing at the Cape. The fertile ground and the Mediterranean climate provided perfect conditions for farming. The settlers planted orchards, vegetable gardens and above all, vineyards. A unique attraction near Paarl is the futuristic "Afrikaanse Taalmonument" ("taal" meaning "language"). It symbolizes the development of Afrikaans into a language of its own. The Dutch teacher Arnoldus Pannevis played an important part in this process. He observed that most of the South Africans who came from Holland could not speak their original mother tongue anymore. In the course of its, then 200 year old history, the language of the immigrants from the Netherlands had thoroughly changed through the influence of other European immigrants as well as Hottentots and especially Malays. In 1875, Afrikaans was declared an autonomous language. 150 years later Paarl began flourishing. The town takes its name from a massive granite rock intrusion that appears to shine like a pearl when the sun strikes it at a certain angle. The Paarl Museum (formerly Oude Pastorie) that lies on the Main Street is the place to get information on the history of Paarl and the area. Paarl, with its 75.000 inhabitants, is today the biggest town in the Cape Winelands. It is, like most of the towns in the region, a prosperous community with many well maintained mansions, pretty Cape Dutch houses, beautiful gardens and old oak trees. There are many wine estates situated in the valleys, which are among the best in the country, foremost the famous Nederburg estate. The Afrikaans Taalmonument was constructed according to the drawings of the architect Jan van Wyk. He described its symbolic meaning as follows: "Afrikaans is die taal, wat vir Wes-Europa en Afrika verbind. Dit vorm 'n brug tussen die groot helder Weste en die magiese Afrika." (Afrikaans is the language that connects western Europe and Africa. It forms a bridge between the great light West and magic Africa.) Activities Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, especially noted for the enormous 500 million year-old granite rock (Paarl, Bretagne & Gordon) that gives Paarl its name. The Afrikaans Language Monument, on the slopes of Paarl Mountain and the Afrikaans Language Museum situated in the town. Treasure house of South African architecture along a 2 km stretch of the Main Street. The Paarl Museum is a must for its Cape Antiques and contemporary exhibitions of Paarl. The Ikhwezi Centre is the home to Bhabhathane weavers and artists from Mbekweni. In the Arboretum there are 700 indigenous and exotic species of trees. A footbridge across the Berg River gives access to paved walkways on the river bank. The Bird Sanctuary along the banks of the Berg River features 136 species of birds. Species include the beautiful Malachite Kingfisher, Maccoa Duck, African Marsh Harrier & African Fish eagle. Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm Butterfly World Lion Park :::::::Robben Island Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The Red & White House On Robben Island The Red & White House On Robben Island Luandre Volschenk Robben Island lies 12 kilometers off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa in Table Bay. For hundreds of years, the island has been used to house prisoners, though it has also served as a naval base and as a hospital for lepers and the mentally ill. The island is most famous for being the site of the prison that housed Nelson Mandela for 27 years of his inprisonment during the apartheid regime of South Africa. Today, tours of the island depart from Cape Town's V&A Waterfront Clocktower. Visitors will see the main prison, the isolation house of Robert Sobukwe, Mandela's cell, the quarry where political prisoners were made to work, and several other sites on the island. Furthermore, there are former prisoners working on the island, telling the visitors about the conditions they had to endure during their imprisonment. A trip to South Africa is not complete without touring this emotionally stirring site. :::::::::Stellenbosch Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see university university anon A lovely historical town in the heart of the wine growing region surrounded by pretty mountains. Less than an hour from Cape Town. ::::::::::Table Mountain Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Pathways on Table Mountain Pathways on Table Mountain Luandre Volschenk Table mountain is the defining characteristic for Cape Town. It is with you everywhere you go and believe me, you will never get lost. On those days when it's cloudy, the Capetonians call the clouds covering the mountain the "Tablecloth". If you are a first time visitor to Cape Town, then a visit is a must, and you should aim to go on a day which is very clear and not cloudy. Either enjoy a pretty easy hike along the many trails which lead up and over the mountain or take the cable car for a few rand. The cable car rotates and has open panels which allows you to take as many rolls of film as you possibly can, becuase the view is stupendous. The cable car will bring you to the very top of the mountain, where there is an information centre and a cafe. There are a few trails on the mountain and there are spots where (on a clear day) you can actually see the Cape of Good Hope laid out before you. The mountain-top is populated by Dassies, small furry rodent-type creatures who, believe it or not, are the closest relative to an elephant! These little guys don't bother you if you don't bother them, and are always quite willing to pose for the camera. In addition there are vantage points from which you will get a birds eye view of the whole of Cape Town on one side and Camps Bay on the other laid out below. This is an excellent photo-op! A trip up Table Mountain isn't costly and is well worth the views.

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Cape Town Travel Guide Cape Town Travel Guide and Cape Town Travel Information - TravelPuppy.com 'The mother city of Africa and the Western Cape' With its beautiful location, tucked into the arms of a broad bay, surrounded by natural, white sand beaches and set against the canvas of Table Mountain, Cape Town is 1 of the most stunning cities in the world. Lovingly nicknamed the Mother City, the city is the epicentre of South Africa’s Western Cape region and the seat of South Africa’s parliament. Formerly home to the nomadic Khoi people for at least 30,000 years, the Cape Peninsula was 1st settled, on 6 April 1652, by Dutch sailors led by Jan van Riebeek of the Dutch East India Company. Portuguese explorer Bartholemew Diaz had already discovered the Cape in 1488 and named it Cabo Tormentoso or ‘Cape of Storms’, however Portugal’s King John II later renamed it ‘Cape of Good Hope’. It then became a British colony in 1795, when the British Empire extended its borders. The city has been the 1st port of call for several European settlers, entrepreneur and religious refugee, as well as for Indian, Madagascan and South East Asian slaves. All these people combined with the local Xhosa and Khoi population and the city became a melting pot of religions, cultures, styles and flavours. Nowadays, traders from other African countries (such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ethiopia and Nigeria) also favour Cape Town, mainly because there are so many tourists there. The city has a reputation for being the most tolerant and hospitable city in South Africa, with a strong diversity and open minded generosity. Capetonians are proud of their easy going and laid back nature, jokingly known as the ‘Cape coma’, so different from their more hectic counterparts in the north. On the streets, a great variety of languages are spoken, while stalls selling all manner of crafts, textiles and food are squashed among art galleries, American style malls, European fashion boutiques, luxury hotels, backpacker lodges and the ubiquitous chains. In summer, it is complicated to escape the glitz of the international media, whether fashion shoots, film crews, music videos or commercials, lured by exotic locations, great foreign exchange rates, a world class infrastructure and seemingly continuous supply of drop dead gorgeous models and extras. Although Cape Town is unquestionably on the up and up, it is still delimited by the ever visible legacy of apartheid. The 1st glimpse of the city coming from the airport is of shanty towns or townships, a hangover from the days of the well known Group Areas Act, which reserved the prime city land for whites only. At the foot of Table Mountain, the area acknowledged as District Six (once populated by the local mixed race community known as ‘Cape coloured’), now renamed Zonnebloem, is still somewhat of a ghost town, although housing development is in progress. The inhabitants were moved to the desolate and windswept Cape Flats, which has become well known as the gangland of disaffected Cape Town youth. Even today, comparatively few non whites live in the more upmarket suburbs, although some of the former townships are gradually turning into middle class estates as the economic circumstances improve. Nevertheless, natural splendour spreads out from Cape Town. To the south, the flawless beaches of the Cape Peninsula are fringed with attractive towns and mansions ending in the beautiful Cape Point nature reserve. To the east lies the mystifying magnificence of the Overberg, the deserted beaches, rolling plains and lofty mountains of the Southern Cape. To the north and north west, the misty and severe beauty of the West Coast, the basic wilderness of the Cedarberg and the verdant valley of Ceres await the traveller. Numerous visitors think that Cape Town is best during the peak summer months (December to February) however it is attractive all year round. Summer brings extensive, hot beach days and balmy outdoor evenings, but they could also be portrayed as scorching and overcrowded and there is the chance of the legendary strong southeaster wind. Spring (September to November) brings blooms of flowers, whilst autumn (March to May) guarantees a golden haze of warm days. Winter (June to August), although wet and often cold, is combined with weeks that are both clear and warm. The city is free of tourists and wonderfully green, dolphins and whales stop in the several small bays along the coastline, and waterfalls, the most impressive sight of this secret season, streak silver paths down the mountains. ___________Cape Town Business Profile Cape Town Business Overview - TravelPuppy.com Cape Town is somewhat removed from the frantic business hype of the country’s major financial and industrial centre, Johannesburg. However, the Western Cape accounts for 14 % (R81,800 million) of South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the 3rd highest in the country, and the city is home to some of the country’s major financial institutions. These include insurance giants Old Mutual and Sanlam, financial houses like the Board of Executives, Merrill Lynch, Investec and Fedsure, and petroleum multinationals BP, Caltex (Chevron) and Shell. The economic mainstays of the region are agriculture, tourism, information communication technology (ICT), manufacturing and construction and financial services and property. Since 2001, a general economic slowdown has occurred, largely due to the strengthening Rand and particularly affecting transport, agriculture, communication and financial services. The ICT sector is currently the most significant for growth and employment, although the monopoly of telecommunications giant, Telkom, is limiting several companies and the industry has struggled since the 2001 downturn, as has the financial services sector. The single most significant industrial source of employment in the region is the textile and clothing industry, which supplies jobs for a huge 170,000 people. Ever since the tourism boom in 1995, the city has been gathering rich rewards and tourism is now the largest overall employer in the region, supplying employment for a huge section of the workforce, both directly in the service industry and indirectly for street traders and other informal operatives. Information Technology (IT) has also emerged as 1 of the major industries in the city, principally during the recent IT downtown, during which time it proved resilient. The industry is 1 of the largest employers, with Cape Town boasting about 1,200 IT companies employing roughly 27,000 people. Within the IT industry, the focus is largely on software development and consultancy, with 17% of the exported products and services going to the United States of America, 32% to Europe, and the rest to Africa. The agriculture industry also employs numerous amounts of people, with the emphasis being on wine production and fruit farming. With 200 kilometres of commercial fishing zone and an expanding port, fishing and shipping are also significant industries in the city. Fishing alone provides jobs for 27,000 people. Another huge industry in Cape Town is the media. The city is favoured as the ideal location for international film crews, attracted by brilliant foreign exchange rates, a 1st rate infrastructure, a good film service industry, excellent weather, beautiful locations and well stocked modelling agencies. However, rising prices and a strengthening Rand are currently intimidating this industry. Another important industry is printing and publishing, Cape Town has the lion’s share of this segment of South Africa’s economy. The awarding of the 2010 FIFA World Cup will have significant benefits for the economy and is expected to contribute R21,3 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Products, as well as create 159,000 jobs. Some, however, fear that the resulting construction and infrastructure of roads, hotels and stadiums will not be sustainable. Much of the action will be focused on Cape Town and the knock on effect for tourism and investment is predicted to be massive. With the Western Cape boasting the highest adult education level in South Africa (with 93% of the people over the age of 20 having undergone schooling), 80% adult literacy (also the highest in South Africa) and 5 residential universities and technikons, Cape Town boasts a vastly skilled workforce. However, only 45% to 52% of school leavers matriculate and discrimination persists. Government spending on education currently falls short of the other provinces, although it is progressively increasing. This is undoubtedly a city on the grow, each year attracting around R1.1 billion foreign direct investment. Poverty is still rife in Cape Town, with 29% of the population in the region living in poverty, which is nonetheless the lowest in the country. The official unemployment rate for South Africa is guessed to be almost 28% as of March 2004, while the expanded national unemployment rate is 42%. Unofficial unemployment rate approximations for 2004, according to the Cape Times newspaper, are 20% for Cape Town (set to rise to 21% in 2005) and 18% for the Western Cape. Another crisis facing the city is the increasing HIV infection rate, the Western Cape has an infection rate of 7.1%, which is already 1 3rd of the current average South African infection rate. The Western Cape government is presently working on the iKapa elihlumayo project, which aims to increase economic growth, economic participation and employment, as well as reduce geographical and socioeconomic inequality, and provide a maintainable social safety net. Initiatives include the introduction of a Rapid Bus Transport system, the assembly of a film studio, and a further education and training programme. Cape Town’s central business district is located in the city centre and Foreshore, although business and industrial parks can also be found in the southern suburbs (Rondebosch, Claremont and Wynberg) and on the outskirts, with Parow, Epping, Retreat and Montague Gardens the core industrial areas outside the city. New developments are appearing in Vredenburg and Saldanha, as a result of the massive Saldanha Steel Project. The new Cape Town International Convention Centre is located on the Foreshore, linking the V&A Waterfront and the city centre. Cape Town International Convention Centre Address: Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street Telephone: (021) 410 5000 Facsimile: (021) 410 5001 Email address: info@ctconvention.co.za Website address: www.capetownconvention.com The centre opened in June 2003 and has proved a great success, contributing 2 and a half times more to the national economy (R2.4 billion) than was initially anticipated. It will also create around 3,900 direct jobs in the city during 2005, over and above the 3,668 created during its 1st year. Over the next 5 years, the centre is expected to earn another R9.5 billion for the country’s Gross Domestic Products. The centre has also had a massive knock on effect for Cape Town’s tourism industry. The V&A Waterfront, in the heart of the city, is an tremendously popular and ever expanding business district. The University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business is situated here, producing some of the big minds in business, both for South Africa and abroad. The University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business Tel: (021) 406 1338/9 or 1175 Facsimile: (021) 421 5693 Email address: info@gsb.uct.ac.za Website address: www.gsb.uct.ac.za The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry was founded in 1804 and is a 1 stop shop for business information and advice. Address: Cape Chamber House, 19 Louis Gradner Street Telephone: (021) 402 4300 Facsimile: (021) 402 4302 Email address: info@capechamber.co.za Website address: www.capechamber.co.za Business Etiquette Business practices in Cape Town and South Africa are very alike to those in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Despite the fact that Cape Town is more informal than Johannesburg, most industries do suppose a suit and tie. The more modern or artistic industries, such as information technology and the media, tend to display a more informal attitude to dress, mainly in the summer months. However, it is recommended for foreign business visitors to maintain formality and only resort to the casual uniform of t-shirts, shorts, and sandals when the after hours entertainment begins. Business hours are from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, although several companies finish earlier on a Friday. The exchanging of business cards is a significant ritual in Cape Town and a firm handshake between both men and women is common. In some instances, the African triple handshake will be used, this is a usual handshake, then a tilt to the hand is performed to clasp the fingers at a 90 degree angle (but without letting go) and then a return to a normal handshake. Socialising is a big part of the business scene in Cape Town and a lot of business is conducted over lunch. Wine will more than likely be incorporated and visitors should note that South African wines often have a slightly stronger alcohol content than the majority of European wines (generally nearer 13%). Admiration of the local wine will be appreciated, although over indulgence is certainly not advised. Capetonians pride themselves on being hospitable to foreign visitors and an invitation to a business contact’s home is not abnormal. These will, more than likely, take the form of a braai (barbecue), which tend to last throughout the complete afternoon and often into the night. Alcohol flows freely here and a gift of a bottle of wine is always appreciated, unless the host is Muslim, in which occasion alcohol is strictly prohibited. In this case, a gift of flowers, chocolates or a speciality gift from the guest’s home country is more appropriate. _____________ Cape Town Culture Guide Cape Town Culture Guide - TravelPuppy.com There are several cultural influences at work in Cape Town, which makes the city a predominantly interesting one for the arts. Like several other South African cities, Cape Town has tolerated a turbulent cultural ride over the past decade, as the cultural voice of the city has gradually made itself heard over the clamour of inequality and long standing prejudices. The large cultural organisations so reminiscent of the past have successfully expanded and everywhere small projects and artistic developments pop up to thrill and entertain all manner of culture vultures, poetry readings, hilarious comedy acts, art exhibitions, large scale operas, and intimate theatre performance can all be found in numerous venues. Cape Town is growing daily as a culturally rich and varied city. Cape Town’s 2 biggest contributions to South African culture have almost certainly been in the fine arts and in the unique Cape jazz style, epitomised by musicians like Basil ‘Manenberg’ Coetzee, Abdullah Ibrahim and Robbie Jansen. The city’s 2 major cultural centres are: The Baxter Theatre Centre Address: Main Road, Rondebosch Telephone: (021) 685 7880 Facsimile: (021) 689 1880 Website address: www.baxter.co.za The Artscape Theatre Centre Address: 1–10 DF Malan Street, Foreshore Telephone: (021) 410 9800 or 421 7839 Facsimile: (021) 421 5448 Email address: artscape@artscape.co.za Website address: www.artscape.co.za All major cultural events can be booked through Computicket (telephone: (083) 915 8000, email address: info@computicket.com). Tickets for Artscape events are available through Artscape Dial-A-Seat (telephone: (021) 421 7695). Listings information can be found in the Friday editions of the daily press, The Cape Times and Cape Argus. These are both subsidiaries of The Independent and listings also can be found online. The bi-monthly Cape Etc and monthly SA Citylife publications are brilliant sources of information and listings for Cape Town’s nightlife. The Mail & Guardian also has cultural listings for Cape Town. Other websites with listings include www.capetowntoday.co.za, www.artthrob.co.za, and www.ananzi.co.za. A good online events guide is www.capetownevents.co.za. _____________Cape Town Festival - Events Cape Town Festivals and Events Guide - TravelPuppy.com For exact dates and details, please visit the individual websites provided with the information below. January 2: Kaapse Klopse (Cape Minstrels’ Carnival), New Year ‘karnaval’ with a parade through the city centre, from the city centre to Green Point Stadium. January 2: Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year), informal public holiday, throughout Cape Town. January: Cape to Rio Yacht Race, international yacht race, at the Royal Cape Yacht Club. Mid January: Standard Bank Cape Town Jazzathon, jazz festival, at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre. January / February: J&B Met, Western Cape’s premier horse race, at Kenilworth Racecourse. January to February: Maynardville Shakespeare Season, open air theatre, Maynardville Open Air Theatre, Wynberg. February: International Design Indaba, workshops, lectures and the yearly Construction New Media Awards, Cape Town International Convention Centre. February: Old Mutual Marathon, at the Old Mutual Sports Fields, Jan Smuts Drive, Pinelands. February: Aqua Opera, floating operatic spectacular, Feb, North Wharf and V&A Marina, V&A Waterfront. Late February to early March: Community Chest Carnival, international food festival, fun fair and fête, at Maynardville Park, Wynberg. Mid March: Cape Argus / Pick ’n’ Pay Cycle Tour, 108 kilometres (67 miles) race around the peninsula, attracting 35,000 cyclists, around Cape Peninsula. March / April: Out in Africa South African Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, the most successful film festival in South Africa, at Cinema Nouveau, V&A Waterfront. March: Cape Town Festival, arts, culture and heritage festival to promote unity within the city, at various venues. March: Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, 56 kilometres (35 miles) race, around the peninsula from the Celtic Harriers Athletic Club, Main Road, Newlands. March 21: Human Rights Day, commemoration of the martyrs of apartheid, throughout Cape Town. Late March: North Sea Jazz Cape Town Festival, Africa’s biggest jazz festival, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. April 27: Freedom Day, commemoration of South Africa’s 1st democratic elections, throughout Cape Town. May: Cape Gourmet Festival, food and wine festival, various venues. May: Cape Times and V&A Waterfront Wine Festival, over 90 of the Cape’s top wine estates, producers and wineries gather for exhibitions and tasting's, at the V&A Waterfront. June: Red Bull BWA (Big Wave Africa), surfing spectacular, Dungeons, The Sentinel, Hout Bay. June: Man In Focus, workshops, touch rugby tournaments, music concerts and other events of interest to men, V&A Waterfront. June / July: Children’s Festival, workshops, events and entertainment for children, at Market Square, V&A Waterfront. July: International Documentary Film Festival, at various cinemas. August: Hout Bay Snoek Derby, festival in celebration of Cape Town’s favourite fish, at Hout Bay harbour. August: Woman In Focus, workshops and events of interest to women, V&A Waterfront. August: Winter Food Fair, V&A Waterfront. August: National Women’s Day, celebration of the role of women in the anti - apartheid struggle, throughout Cape Town. September: Spring Flower Show, V&A Waterfront. September / October: Smirnoff International Comedy Festival, at the Baxter Theatre Centre, Rondebosch. October: Whiskey Festival, at Jetty 2, V&A Waterfront. Mid October: Cape Times / FNB Big Walk, a walk for charity, a city tradition since 1903, in Cape Town and surrounding areas, finishing at the Hartleyvale Stadium. Early November: Three Peaks Challenge, hike up Devil’s Peak, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, start at 5.00 am at Scott House, 108 Long Street. November: International Dragon Boat Festival, V&A Waterfront. Mid November: Sithengi, film and television market, at the Artscape Theatre Centre. Mid November: Cape Town World Cinema Festival, Sithengi, international film festival at various venues. November: Wiggle Waggle Walkathon, a 4 kilometre (2.5 miles) walk for dogs at Constantia. November to March: Kirstenbosch Appletiser Summer Sunset Concerts, open - air concerts, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Mid December: Mother City Queer Project Festival, gay and lesbian events and themed costume party, at various venues. December 16: Day of Reconciliation, day of national unity across political divides, all over Cape Town. December 31: New Year’s Eve Bash, open-air concert and party, at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre December to February: Obz Festival, street festival, at Lower Main Road, Observatory. December to March: Spier Arts Summer Season, jazz, opera, comedy, dance and classical concerts at Spier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch. ______________ Cape Town Getting Around Getting Around Cape Town - TravelPuppy.com Public Transport Cape Town is a frustrating city to navigate, purely because there is hardly any efficient public transport to speak of. That and the fact that there is a huge mountain right in the middle of the city can make getting around quite a overwhelming task for the tourist. Cape Town is, nevertheless, equipped with some trains and buses. Metro Transport Info (telephone: (0800) 656 463) provides centralised information on all buses, trains and taxis. Cape Metrorail (telephone: (021) 449 4210 or (083) 123 7245) runs the suburban network of trains, consisting of 5 routes, which serve 4 defined areas, Area South (including the Cape Flats and the Simon’s Town line via Wynberg, Newlands, Claremont and Rondebosch), Area Ikapa (Cape Town and city destinations), Area Central (including Langa and Khayelitsha) and Area North (including Bellville, Wellington, Stellenbosch and Strand). The Cape Town Simon’s Town route, which traverses the coastline, just metres from the ocean, is predominantly spectacular. Tourists are recommended to keep a watchful eye on their belongings, as pick pocketing is rife, and they should also never travel after dark. Trains generally run from Cape Town station daily 4.30 am to 7.30 pm (depending on the route travelled), with regular departures, although there is a more limited service at weekends, some Area North routes do not offer a weekend service. There are 2 fare types, Metro (standard) and Metro Plus (1st class), tourists are recommended to travel on the Metro Plus service. Tickets also vary in price depending to distance travelled, a single city centre ticket costs R 4.20 (Metro) or R 5.50 (Metro Plus). Weekly and monthly passes are also accessible at R20 (Metro) or R39 (Metro Plus) and R70 (Metro) or R128 (Metro Plus) respectively. Tickets can be purchased at Cape Town Station, Adderley Street. Although very chaotic, public buses still run regular and safe services to most destinations, including Camps Bay, Kloof Nek, Hout Bay, Claremont, Kirstenbosch, Sea Point and the Waterfront. However, tourists should probably avoid taking buses to the remote areas. Golden Arrow (telephone: (021) 937 8800, facsimile: (021) 934 4885, email address: information@gabs.co.za) has the monopoly on Cape Town’s bus services, which run out of the main bus terminal on Strand Street, just opposite Cape Town Station. Buses run daily roughly from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm (depending on the route), with a restricted service at the weekend, some routes do not have a weekend service. Bus fares are based on the kilometres travelled and prices differ accordingly. For example, a ticket from the city centre toward the southern suburbs (Mowbray) costs R 3.30. Tickets can be purchased upon boarding or from the main terminal (Monday to Friday from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm, Saturday from 6.00 am to 12.30 am). Clip cards or passes are also accessible at the Strand Street terminal. Based on travel between the city centre toward the southern suburbs (Mowbray), these cost R 31 for a weekly clip card. The Waterfront Boat Co. (telephone: (021) 418 5806) operate a daily water taxi service from 8.00 am to sunset, departing from the Arabella Sheraton, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, to the Cape Grace hotel. Taxis Metered taxis can be ordered at any time of night or day and can also be hired for day trips. Although the meters are usually accurate, visitors should ask the driver for an estimated price before setting out, as several of the taxi drivers choose to ignore the meter. Taxi rates are approximately R 8 to R 10 per kilometre travelled, with a R 50 to R 60 per hour waiting fee. There are taxi ranks at the chief railway station and at the top of Adderley Street, just below Company Gardens. Visitors should note that the practice of hailing a taxi on the street is practically unheard of in Cape Town. Besides finding 1 at the ranks, visitors can call Marine Taxis (telephone: (021) 434 0434) or Unicab (telephone: (021) 448 8823). Rikki’s Taxis (telephone: (021) 423 4888 or 786 2136) provides a more tourist orientated taxi service in an open rickshaw type vehicle, they only run in the city centre and Simon’s Town. Tipping is not ordinary practice in Cape Town, although an extra R 10 to R 20 is always appreciated. Minibus taxis A familiar sight in any South African city, including Cape Town, the 10 to 12 seater minibus taxis are the favoured transport option of many a car less local. These can be called for anywhere on the streets and are by far the cheapest transport option at about R 2.50 a ride from the city centre to the southern suburbs or Atlantic seaboard. However, the minibus taxis are not really advised to tourists. Although they are getting more organised, especially on the inner city routes, they still have a awful reputation and safety record. Tourists who do choose to use this service should apply caution and use common sense at all times. Passengers, predominantly women but men as well, should not board an empty bus, nor should they travel alone, at night or beyond the city centre and the direct suburbs. You should completely avoid the minibus taxis that are in dreadful shape, with flat or smooth tyres, alarming dents or just a common state of disrepair. Additionally, tourists should absolutely avoid minibuses where co pilots lean out of the door or window to shout the destinations, tourists should only board the minibuses that have the destinations and related route numbers printed on the back of the bus. A ride in a minibus taxi is also a white knuckle encounter, not for the faint hearted, as the drivers do not pay much attention to the regulations of the road. Limousines Limousines are a novelty in Cape Town and would definitely be stared at in the street. But for an generous day of sightseeing (particularly wine tasting) a chauffeured limousine is ideal. Cape Cars (telephone: (021) 433 0467, facsimile: (021) 433 0118) hires out 8 seater limousines for R 1,000 per hour (R 350 per hour thereafter) or R 3,000 for 8 hours. The price includes a chauffeur, mini bar and 250 kilometre free mileage (R 5 per kilometre thereafter). Driving in the City Due to the lack of efficient and safe public transport, several visitors choose to drive. Driving in the city is generally unstressful, as there are good feeder highways, brilliant signage and efficient traffic lights. The scenic routes and winding country roads are particularly beautiful. However, the characteristic Cape Town relaxation seems to dissapear once the locals are behind the wheel and driving can be hair raising at times. Drivers are almost always approached at stop streets and traffic lights, by beggars or entrepreneurs flogging everything from roses and newspapers to bin liners. (Although it can be a treat for hot and bothered motorists to buy a box of sweet Hanepoot grapes, when in season, late summer). Rush hour is generally from 7.00 am to 8.30 am and 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm, when some routes heading out of the city, particularly De Waal Drive, become quite congested. Getting into the city from the southern suburbs can be quite a venture for the amateur. On what is known as ‘University Bend’, where De Waal Drive rounds the mountain towards feeder roads to the N2 and the Eastern Boulevard, there are several tricky lane changes to tackle, primarily because the exits are to the right of the road despite the fact that driving in South Africa is on the left. A favoured route into the city centre is via Main Road, which feeds into the city centre all the way from Wynberg, through Observatory, Woodstock and Salt River into Cape Town. Although moderately straightforward, here drivers have to keep an eye out for minibus taxis, whose Mad antics can be quite disturbing at times. It is not recommended for drivers to attempt to challenge the minibus taxi drivers, as this can be very hazardous. Parking is abundant around the city, with almost every mall equipped with indoor parking. Central car parks are situated on Strand Street, the Grand Parade and Plein Street. Indoor parking costs approximately R 8 per hour. Other parking lots suggest a pay and display service. In several free open parking lots, uniformed parking security guards will look after cars for a tip. Tipping is not vital, however, as this is, in most cases, the sole means of support for these security guards, a tiny tip of around R 1 is not much for the average visitor to spare. The street parking meters are operated by a prepaid swipe card system, operated by ADO CashCard (telephone: (021) 712 0307, facsimile: (021) 712 0022, email address: adyo@ado.co.za). Cards cost R 35 plus R 10 of parking credit, which can be topped up, they are available at newsagents, cafés and several other outlets. Street parking usually costs R 3 per hour. Parking marshals on the streets of the city centre are on hand to offer assistance with operating the meters and to visitors without parking cards. Tipping is not vital but is appreciated. The system is in operation Monday to Saturday during office hours, and parking is free of charge after 6.00 pm. There are also some pay and display parking lots in the suburbs. Car Hire Hiring a car is often the visitor’s preferred mode of transport in Cape Town, especially for ventures to outlying areas. Hotels can organise car hire for their guests, while all major car hire companies have booths at the airport. Cape Town Tourism (telephone: (021) 426 4260, facsimile: (021) 426 4266) will also arrange car hire for tourists at no extra charge. Some of the several major car hire companies include: Budget Telephone: (086) 101 6622 Email address: reservations@budget.co.za Website address: www.budget.co.za Hertz Telephone: (021) 400 9650 Facsimile: (021) 425 8270 Email address: res@hertz.co.za Website address: www.hertz.co.za Tempest/Sixt Telephone: (086) 003 1666 or (021) 424 5000 Facsimile: (021) 424 4190 Website address: www.tempestcarhire.co.za Local providers include: Global Telephone: (021) 423 5211 Facsimile: (021) 423 5280 Email address: info@globalcarrental.co.za Website address: www.globalcarrental.co.za Cape Car Hire Telephone: (021) 385 0445 Facsimile: (021) 385 0446 Email address: info@capecarhire.co.za Website address: www.capecarhire.co.za Rates start at around R 150 per day for a budget vehicle (excluding mileage, which is priced at around R 0.95 to R 4 per kilometre). Insurance is sometimes included in the rates but is generally offered as an optional extra (some companies make this obligatory, unless proof of individual insurance is provided) and is highly recommended, predominantly against theft. Drivers must be at least 23 years old and have a credit card and an International Driving Permit (except for those carrying a national driving licence which is printed in English and holds a photograph of the holder). Bicycle Hire and Scooter Hire Cycling in the city centre requires nerves of steel and remarkable good luck. It is therefore not advised. However, country and suburban excursions can be very rewarding, especially through the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and the Winelands. Downhill Adventures hires out bicycles for R 100 per day, which includes a pump, helmet, spare tube and lock, as well as free delivery in the City Bowl area. Address: Shop 10 Overbeek Building, corner of Kloof, Long and Orange Streets Telephone: (021) 422 0388 Facsimile: (021) 423 0127 Website address: www.downhilladventures.com To avoid difficult beach parking, especially in the crowded summer months, adventurous tourists often choose to hire out Kymco scooters from African Buzz, for R 175 to R 195 per day (24 hours), depending on the season. A deposit of R 2,500 and a full motorcycle licence is necessary. Address: 202 Long Street Telephone: (021) 423 0052 Facsimile: (021) 423 0056 Email address: skootaz@intekom.co.za ______________Cape Town International Airport Cape Town International Airport - TravelPuppy.com Address Airports Company South Africa Private Bag X9002 Cape Town International Airport 7525 South Africa Location The airport is located 22 kilometres (15.5 miles) east of Cape Town Country code 27 Time Zone Greenich Mean Time + 2. Telephone (0) 21 937 1200 Fax (0) 21 934 2861 or 0932 Email Email via the website. Website www.airports.co.za Airport News Redevelopment of the Domestic Terminals is currently in progress, the construction process will span a period of 2 years. Number of terminals 5 Driving directions Take the N2 highway, and follow signs for the Cape Town airport. Transfer between terminals The terminals are within walking distance of each other. Car parking Cars are easily parked in the shade along the full length of the terminal buildings and shuttles are available to transport travellers to the relevant terminal. For more information on parking, please contact Katanga X (telephone: (0)21 934 7698). Valet parking and lock-up garages are offered by Katanga Executive Parking (telephone: (0)21 934 2240), these facilities must be booked in advance. Car rental Avis, Europcar, Budget, Hertz, Khava / Kulula, Imperial, National Alamo and Tempest are represented. Desks are situated inside the International and Domestic Arrivals Terminals. The car hire zones are situated outside, either opposite the International Terminal or next to the Domestic Arrivals Terminal. Public Transport Road Taxis are available from the airport to the city centre (the journey time is 20 minutes), Touch Down Taxis is the officially authorised airport taxi company and travellers are recommended to use these instead of unauthorised taxis. Door to door shuttle bus services are available on demand or by pre booking in Arrivals (Domestic and International). Schedules can vary according to flight arrival times, passengers can also pre book their return trip to the airport. Information and help desks Information desks are situated in Arrivals in both the International and Domestic Terminals. Airport facilities Money and communications Banks, bureaux de change, ATM's and a post office are accessible. Mobile telephone hire is possible too. Internet is available in the British American Tobacco Smokers Lounge. Eating and drinking Food and drink outlets can be found all through the airport, and include a restaurant, sports café, bar, coffee shop, juice bar, bar and grill, and sandwich shop. Shopping Duty free shopping, including a wine shop, is located in International Departures (airside). Shops also include a bookshop, pharmacy, clothing accessories shop, sweet shop and gift shop. A VAT refund service is offered in International Departures. Luggage Baggage storage facilities are accessible in the Domestic Arrivals and International Departures Terminals. A porter service is possible, porters are self employed and rely on tips for their income. Other facilities There is a surgery (telephone: (0)21 934 2246). Baby changing facilities are found in all ladies’ toilets. Conference and business facilities The Zenith Airport Conference Venue (telephone: (0)21 934 0012) is situated near the Domestic Arrivals Terminal and offers venues for meetings and conferences, as well as catering. Fully equipped offices with a secretarial service, for short and long term hire, is also possible. Executive lounges are situated in Domestic and International Departures and an Airports Company VIP Lounge facility can be found next to the north side of the Domestic Departures Terminal (telephone: (0)21 937 1233). Disabled facilities The airport is fully accessible for disabled travellers, with ramps, lifts and disabled toilets. Wheelchairs can be supplied if necessary, passengers are advised to inform their airline of any special needs in advance. Airport hotels The Road Lodge (telephone: (0) 21 934 7303) is located on site. The City Lodge Pinelands (telephone: (0) 21 685 7944) and Courtyard Suite Hotel (telephone: (0) 21 448 3929) are within 11 kilometres (7 miles) of the airport. Hotel reservations can be made at the airport by using automatic telephones, situated in Arrivals. _____________Cape Town Nightlife Cape Town Nightlife - TravelPuppy.com Cape Town is a party town, especially in summer, when 10's of 1000's of tourists (local and foreign) descend upon the city. Even during winter, the action by no means stops. The city has also become an international Mecca for DJ's, running huge rave, trance and plenty of parties, often held in beautiful locations on beaches or in forests. The city is also firmly fixed on the international rock music touring circuit. A great deal of the nightlife activity is concentrated on a handful of popular suburbs and city streets. Kloof Street and Long Street in the city centre are alive with bars, restaurants, live music clubs, coffee shops and the occasional strip club. On the outskirts of the city centre, the De Waterkant / Green Point area has a series of gay and gay friendly clubs and restaurants, while the V&A Waterfront is simply filled with nightlife hotspots popular with both tourists and locals. The Camps Bay beachfront brings LA style outfits, trendy restaurants and some spectacular sunsets to Cape Town. Heading towards the southern suburbs, Lower Main Road in the suburb of Observatory is another gay friendly area and the territory of Cape Town’s students, offering up a more relaxed and Bohemian style of amusement. This is the place for local alternative music, slightly seedy pool halls, poetry, philosophy, stand up comedy and vegetarian food. On the N1 highway, north of the city centre, the Century City development combines a state of the art amusement park with many sound stages, restaurants, and the Dockside multi level club and live music venue. The seaside suburbs of Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town, although traditionally family orientated and ‘dry’, are becoming gradually more trendy for nightlife beyond the city limits, although this is largely centred upon restaurants. There are no strict licensing hours in Cape Town and several clubs stay open until the small hours and maybe to sunrise. The dress code is almost always as casual as you wish, although trainers and shorts are not excepted in some venues and a ‘no effort no entry’ rule is sometimes enforced. Admission prices to clubs and raves range from R 20 to R 200, several are free before 11.00 pm. The legal drinking age is 18 years, although some pubs demand a 21 or even 25 year age limit for entry. Alcohol is very cheap for foreigners, at approximately R 10 for a beer purchased in a bar. The bi monthly Cape Etc and monthly SA Citylife publications are brilliant sources of information and listings for Cape Town’s nightlife. The Friday editions of The Cape Argus and the Cape Times newspapers, as well as the weekly Mail & Guardian, all have arts and entertainment segments. Information on Cape Town’s club scene is available online. Bars In the city centre, the Long Street Café, 259 Long Street, is 1 of the trendiest places in town, while Café Bardeli, Longkloof Studios, Kloof Street, is where Cape Town’s media and modelling community strut their stuff and sip great summer cocktails and a DJ plays on Friday nights. The equally trendy Café Camissa, 80 Kloof Street, features stand up comedy, live music and poetry readings. A great pre club treat for Captonians is a trip to Jo burg, 218 Long Street, a contemporary bar brimming with urban chic. The V&A Waterfront has numerous bars and cafés, many with stunning sea and mountain views. Mitchell’s Scottish Ale House & Brewery, East Pier Road, is a relaxing pub serving home brewed beer and British style grub, while Paulaner Braühaus and Restaurant, Shop 18/19, Clock Tower Square, brings a staggering collection of German beers to this trendy brewery restaurant with beer garden. Located on the water’s edge of the international yacht marina, the Bascule Whisky Bar and Wine Cellar, in the Cape Grace hotel, West Quay (overlooking the Alfred Basin), is an impressive, nautically themed hideaway, with over 400 whiskies on offer (the biggest collection south of the equator). Lower Main Road, in the arty district of Observatory, has Rolling Stones, a relaxed but crowded pool hall with a balcony, and Obz Café, where the terminally hip serve up cocktails to stunning bohemians. Despite facing east rather than the setting sun, the informal bar at the Brass Bell, Main Road, St James, has long been a desire with tippling locals and refugees from the ‘dry’ Fish Hoek. The Kalk Bay area is exploding into nightlife and earning itself a arty and bohemian reputation with quirky venues. 1 of the best venues in which to watch the sun go down is La Med, which is at the Glen Country Club, Victoria Road in Clifton. Bikinis are voluntary. Another trendy sundowner spot preferential to those who have had a trying day sunbathing on the fabulous beach below is the Clifton Beach House, 72 The Ridge, Fourth Beach, Clifton, Baraza and Eclipse Cape Town, both situated in The Promenade, Camps Bay. Sunset Beach Bar, 41 Victoria Road, Camps Bay is also a bar to go to after the beach. However, for the best view in town, enjoy the sunset from Table Mountain Bistro. Casinos The best casino in the Cape is undoubtedly the GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World, 1 Vanguard Drive, Goodwood. This huge complex is a reconstruction of various historic Cape Town buildings and includes 2 hotels, an Olympic sized ice rink, many restaurants, cinema, shops, children’s entertainment and, of course, the casino itself, complete with 1,750 slot machines paying out jackpots of up to 2 million Rand, 60 gaming tables, and a salon privé, as well as lounges, bars, restaurants, a nightclub and revue bar. The gambling areas are open for those over 18 years (a passport ID is necessary), and dress is smart / casual in the gaming halls. Clubs There are literally 100's of clubs in Cape Town, varying from your average disco playing standard dance fare to extremely alternative clubs where bouncers assess dress, body piercings and language before determining whether or not customers make the grade. Persian plush, brilliant cocktails and the coolest clientele are all trademarks of the unique Fez, 38 Hout Street. Rythem Divine, is another club, situated at 156 Long Street, which goes crazy until the wee hours with house and garage beats. Rhodes House, 60 Queen Victoria Street, is packed with stunning people, and The Purple Turtle, corner of Long Street and Short Market, offers a varied bag of alternative music, live music and theme nights. Additionally, 169 on Long, 169 Long Street, has smooth R&B, and the Buena Vista Social Club, 81 Main Road, Green Point, is full of funky Latino sounds, sights and tastes. African fusion is accomplished at the trendy Dharma Club, 68 Kloof Street. The Jet Lounge, 74 Long Street, is a classic, comfy club with top DJ's and a welcoming crowd. More hardcore is The Shack, 41 De Villiers Street, District Six (Zonnebloem), with a grunge / goth atmosphere and customers. Situated in Cape Town’s ‘gay village’ of De Waterkant / Green Point, Bronx Action Bar, 35 Somerset Road, Rosies, 125a Waterkant Street, and Club 55, 22 Somerset Road, are Cape Town’s most well known gay clubs. Purgatory, 8b Dixon Street, Green Point is a former theatre, and a new Art Deco style clubbing venue. Chilli 'n Lime, 23 Somerset Road, combines R&B, garage, drum and base, progressive house and live bands with a photographic studio and designer fashion shop. The Dockside complex, Century City Boulevard, Century City, is the largest club in the southern hemisphere and hosts frequent dance parties. Comedy Laughter is the best medicine and has helped South Africa over the apartheid years, both emotionally and politically. The Cape Comedy Collective Circuit supplies the laughs at a variety of venues, including the Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch, which also hosts customary shows of South Africa’s finest comic talent, such as Pieter Dirk Uys. The ever popular Theatre sports, Cape Town’s longest running show, takes place every Tuesday and Thursday at the Artscape Theatre Centre, 1-10 DF Malan Street, tickets are available through Artscape Dial-A-Seat (telephone: (021) 421 7695). A noisy crowd and often quite silly comedy can be enjoyed at The Grouse, Main Road, Rondebosch, each Wednesday. On Broadway, 21 Somerset Road, Green Point, is a very popular dinner and cabaret venue. Cultural Events There are several cultural, sporting and trade events taking place throughout the city all year round. Among the scores of food and wine festivals, flower shows and dog shows, there is the yearly summer Maynardville Shakespeare Season, which takes place at the Maynardville Open Air Theatre, Maynardville Park, corner of Church and Wolfe Streets, Wynberg (telephone: (021) 410 9800), in January and February. 1 of the most popular annual cultural events of the season is Kirstenbosch Appeltiser Summer Sunset Concerts (tel: (021) 799 8783 or 8620), held at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens every Sunday from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm, from late November to early April. Crowds of over 5,000 picnickers start gathering from early afternoon, to enjoy a diverse evening of classical, ethnic, jazz and popular music. The March Cape Town Festival (telephone: (021) 465 9042, facsimile: (021) 465 9043, email address: info@capetownfestival.co.za) celebrates the diversity of the city’s people through dance, music, drama, film and other cultural and religious events featuring local artists and personalities. The oldest and arguably the most essential Capetonian cultural event is the Kaapse Klopse (also, somewhat controversially, known as the ‘Coon Carnival’). This carnival derived from the days of slavery in Cape Town, when the Malay slaves paraded through the streets on the Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year). The event is largely the mainstay of Cape Town’s ‘Cape coloured’ community, who dress up in highly crafted costumes and paint their faces to march in a noisy, jazzy, jubilant and colourful parade through the streets of Cape Town, past the Grand Parade to Green Point Stadium, where prizes are awarded for the best costumes. This is a particularly relevant event, seeing as it stood the test not only of time but also of apartheid oppression. Dance Cape Town’s premier contemporary dance company, Jazzart (telephone: (021) 410 9848 or 9828, facsimile: (021) 419 1907, email address: dance@jazzart.co.za), stages customary performances at Artscape Theatre Centre and other venues. Visiting national and international dance and ballet troupes often appear at the Baxter and Artscape venues. The Cape Town City Ballet (telephone: (021) 650 2400 or 4672, facsimile: (021) 650 3527, email address: info@capetowncityballet.org.za) is based at the UCT School of Dance, Lovers Walk, Rosebank and performs at the Artscape Theatre Centre opera house and the delightful Maynardville Open Air Theatre, Maynardville Park, corner of Church and Wolfe Streets, Wynberg. Tickets for both venues are available through Artscape-Dial-a-Seat (telephone: (021) 421 7695). Film Although Cape Town has a huge television and film industry, locally made feature films primarily come out of Johannesburg. The South African film industry, although filled with new talent, is yet to receive the essential funding and attention it deserves to truly take off. 1 of Cape Town’s favourite pastimes is cinema. Every major shopping centre has a cinema complex showing mainstream movies, either run by Ster Kinekor (telephone: (082) 16789 (ticket line) or Nu-Metro (telephone: (086) 110 0200), with advance booking through Computicket (telephone: (083) 915 8000, email address: info@computicket.com). Ster-Kinekor outlets are situated in various shopping centres, including Tokai Road, Blue Route and Cavendish Square Commercial, Cavendish Square, Dreyer Street, Claremont. A 17-screen Nu-Metro Multiplex is situated at Canal Walk, Century City and also provides the big-screen thrills at N1 City, Louwtjie Rothman Street, Goodwood and Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront. Arthouse and independent films are equally well catered for, with Ster Kinekor’s Cinema Nouveau outlets situated at Cavendish Square, Cavendish Nouveau, Dreyer Street, Claremont and V&A Nouveau, Kings Warehouse, V&A Waterfront. The Labia Theatre, 68 Orange Street (telephone: (021) 424 5927, email address: labiatheatre@labia.co.za), is Cape Town’s oldest and most Bohemian arthouse movie theatre. The movie house has recently expanded and now has a 2nd 2 screen outlet on Kloof Street. Another well liked arthouse spot is the Independent Armchair Theatre, 135 Lower Main Road, Observatory (telephone: (021) 447 1514). Although foreign film crews flock to Cape Town, it rarely appears as a definite setting for a movie. The scenery and city are often used, although concealed as another location. For instance, those familiar with the white sand beauty of Long Beach will easily recognise the beachscape (especially the famous wreck) when watching some scenes of David Lean’s classic Ryan’s Daughter (1970), which is set in Ireland, although partly filmed in Cape Town. Most recently, the remake of the Poseidon Adventure (1972) is presently being filmed in the city. Possibly Cape Town’s most well known and internationally famous son, the Shakespearean actor Sir Anthony Sher, was born in Sea Point. Other actors connected with the city include cult actor Richard E Grant, who also attended university in the city, and Sir Nigel Hawthorne, who was raised in Cape Town and studied at the University of Cape Town. Literary Notes ‘Ever since Sir Francis Drake describe the Cape Peninsula as ‘the most stately thing and the fairest cape in all the whole circumference of the earth’, Cape Town has featured powerfully in international literature. Cape Town has often been used as a metaphor for the system of apartheid and as a symbol of white domination in black Africa. However, since the release of Nelson Mandela and the end of apartheid, Cape Town has become a symbol of freedom and equality, with several of the major political works on South Africa (by figures such as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Govan Mbeki) written in the city. The writer who has, possibly more than any other, described South African literature is J M Coetzee, twice winner of the Booker Prize for literature. His novels include Foe (1986), Disgrace (1999), The Life and Times of Michael K (1983), Waiting for the Barbarians (1980), and Dusklands (1974), go to the very heart of the country's psyche and delve deep into the political and social landscape of South Africa. Coetzee was born in Cape Town and was professor of English at the University of Cape Town, before following the white South African inclination of immigrating to Australia. Another literary figure at the university is André P Brink, 3 time winner of South Africa’s premier literary prize, the CNA Award, twice short listed for the Booker Prize and winner of the 1980 Martin Luther King Memorial Prize. Brink’s novels include Rumours of Rain (1978), Looking on Darkness (1974), A Dry White Season (1979), An Act of Terror (1991) and Rights of Desire (2000). Jakes Mda is an internationally commended and award winning Capetonian poet, playwright and novelist, whose works include Ways of Dying (1995), Heart of Redness (2000) and She Plays With the Darkness (1995). South Africa’s premier playwright, Athol Fugard, based his powerful 2 man play, The Island (1973), on the political imprisonments on Robben Island. David Kramer is not internationally famous, however he is known as the unofficial king of Cape Town musicals, he penned a brilliant memoir of Cape Town’s darkest moment when he captured not only the grief, confusion and hatred of the relocations but also the spirit and wonder of this tragic area in his musical collaboration with Taliep Petersen, District Six (1987). Kramer has also accomplished acclaim for his musical Karoo Kitaar Blues (2002) and has taken his work to London stages. Another lesser known Capetonian writer who has caught a extraordinary and perceptive glimpse of the city is Menán du Plessis, her novels, A State of Fear (1983) and Longlive! (1989) both focus on assorted lives, observations and personal struggles in a politically turbulent Cape Town during the 1980's. On a more factual level, in A Mouthful of Glass (1998), Dutch writer Henk van Woerden documents with simplicity and outstanding sensitivity the events that took place in Cape Town, when Demitrios Tsafendas stabbed the then Prime Minister, Hendrik Verwoerd, in the chamber of the South African Parliament in 1966. Music The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (telephone: (021) 410 9809, facsimile: (021) 425 1009, email address: capephil@artscape.co.za) performs regularly at the City Hall, Grand Parade (telephone: (021) 465 2029), and the Artscape Theatre Centre, as well as several other venues, details are published in the local press. The Artscape Theatre Centre opera house features regular opera from the groundbreaking Cape Town Opera (telephone: (021) 410 9800, facsimile: (021) 425 3623), famous for successfully ‘Africanising’ the classics. Both the Artscape and Baxter venues host classical music, popular music and jazz. Regular performances also take place at the South African College of Music, off Woolsack Drive, Rosebankl (telephone: (021) 650 2626, facsimile: (021) 650 2627 email address: hodmusic@protem.uct.ac.za). Further afield, the Spier complex, Lynedoch Road, Stellenbosch (telephone: (021) 809 1100, email address: info@spier.co.za), 1 of the oldest wine cellars in the country, is now well established as 1 of the Cape’s major performing arts and music centres, largely thanks to the annual summer festival taking place from November to March. Live music fans would do well to check the local press and listings magazines for details of live music events, as several take place in unknown venues and on an irregular basis. A popular spot for goth noise, hectic rock, local stars and alternative sounds is Mercury, 43 De Villiers Street, District Six (Zonnebloem). Marco’s African Place, 15 Rose Lane, Bo-Kaap, is 1 of the 1st of a growing number of authentic urban African venues and is a well known spot for Cape Town’s rich and famous, who come to enjoy the original cuisine, stylish bar and nightly live music from the best of the local jazz bands. Mama Afrika, 178 Long Street, also offers brilliant local food and live music in a rowdy atmosphere. The Drum Café, 32 Glynn Street, Gardens, provides African sounds with interactive Djembe drumming. Cape Town excels at jazz and for customary live performances, The Green Dolphin, Shop 2a, Alfred Mall, at the V&A Waterfront, is Cape Town’s premier jazz venue. Other swinging venues include Dizzy Jazz Café, The Drive, Camps Bay, Hanover Street Nightclub, GrandWest Casino, Goodwood and Kennedy’s Cigar Bar, 251 Long Street. For a great live band line up and studenty atmosphere, The Independent Armchair Theatre, 135 Lower Main Road, Observatory, is another great option for live local talent. Big name concerts featuring international artists are generally held at the Greenpoint Stadium, Fritz Sonnenberg Road, off the Western Boulevard (M6), Green Point (telephone: (021) 434 4510) or the Bellville Velodrome, Carl Cronjé Drive, Bellville (telephone: (021) 949 7450). Local stars often shine at the Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch, and Dockside complex, Century City. Theatre Besides the Baxter and Artscape venues, which both host regular and diverse theatrical productions and stand up comedy acts, the Theatre on the Bay, 1 Link Street, Camps Bay (telephone: (021) 438 3301, facsimile: (021) 438 1998, email address: info@theatreonthebay.co.za), is the city’s other major theatre, staging popular and contemporary theatre, as well as cabaret and music. _______________ Cape Town Shopping Cape Town Shopping Guide - TravelPuppy.com Mainly thanks to the brilliant exchange rate, shopping is a popular pastime for visitors to Cape Town. The city has embraced American mall culture, and the majority of shopping precincts in Cape Town have been decentralised to suburban shopping malls, with 100's of shops under 1 roof. The most remarkable malls are the Victoria Wharf at the V&A Waterfront, Tyger Valley in the Northern Suburbs, Cavendish Square in Claremont, and Canal Walk at Century City. However, there are still smaller shops to be found, all offering numerous bargains. There are also many markets, mostly informal, that continue to flourish in the city centre and along main roads in the suburban areas. While shopping malls are generally open 9.00 am to 9.00 pm Monday to Saturday and even Sunday 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, central city hours are 8.30 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday and 8.30 am to 1.00 pm on Saturday. Muslim owned businesses close 12.00 pm to 1.00 pm on Friday. Since the end of apartheid, Cape Town has grown to be a Mecca for traders from all over Africa and it is achievable to buy African art from all corners of the continent within a few city blocks. A sightseeing location in its own right, Greenmarket Square, Shortmarket Street, in the city centre, has a market that is open Monday to Saturday, stocking an assorted range of goods, including local jewellery, African art, handmade clothing, music, books and antiques. The majority of the streets that fan out from Greenmarket Square are also filled with street traders offering African goods, while The Pan African Market, 76 Long Street, is an experience within itself. Wall to wall African art and curios is packed into the double storey labyrinth of shops, open Monday to Saturday. Tiny tin can sculptures sit alongside wooden behemoths of tribal masks, while hair braiders, leathersmiths, djembe drum tutors and West African tailors practice their crafts and an informal café offers refreshments. For further arts, curios, clothing and crafts, the daily Waterfront Craft Market, situated in the Blue Shed at the V&A Waterfront, next to the Two Oceans Aquarium, is the perfect place for visitors to pick up a few trademark Capetonian gifts. The Green Point Fleamarket, which is outside Green Point Stadium, Somerset Road, is held every Sunday and public holidays and is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, boasting numerous stalls selling anything from African art and antiques to fake international labels. However, pickpockets like this area even more than bargain hunters do, therefore it is recommended to be cautious. A fantastic lightweight gift that is truly indicative of Cape Town is wire sculpture, from as little as R 10 for a wire daisy to R 600 for a replica African hut. Streetwires, 77/79 Shortmarket Street, is a scheme to empower unemployed South Africans and supplies several creative contemporary wire and bead products, which can be made to order. For a tasty South African specialty, biltong (dried raw meat) is available in nearly every shopping market throughout the city. Visitors should observe, however, that importing biltong might be illegal in some countries. A far safer exportable gift is wine, which is accessible en route on a Winelands tour for as little as R 20 a bottle. Other South African specialties include hand stitched ostrich leather, Rooibos tea and African rubber sandals. The Montebello Design Centre, 31 Newlands Avenue, has brilliant ethnic crafts for sale as well as a charming tearoom, while African Image, Shop 6228 Table Bay Mall, V&A Waterfront, specialises in authentic African tribal art and artefacts, a dream for collectors. Antique lovers should explore Church Street and the section of Long Street just off Church Street. Also in Long Street, the fashion fanatic will be spellbound by the incredible offerings on show at Yin, 224a Long Street, a diverse boutique that specialises in clothes designed and handmade by women from various African communities and countries. A varied collection of African music can be listened to and purchased at The African Music Store, 90 Long Street. VAT stands at 14 % on all goods sold in Cape Town, however this is largely ignored in the markets. Visitors can reclaim VAT upon departure for purchases over R 250, given that all receipts have been kept, the appropriate tax invoices have been acquired and filled in where necessary, and the goods are exported within 90 days of purchase. These, along with the goods, must be shown to the VAT Refund Administrator at the airport international departures terminal. A refund is then paid after passing through Passport Control. The VAT Refund Office is situated at the Cape Town Tourism Centre provides further information and helps with the necessary paperwork beforehand: Cape Town Tourism Centre Address: First Level, Clock Tower Centre, V&A Waterfront Telephone: (021) 405 4545 Facsimile: (021) 405 4587 Email address: info@taxrefunds.co.za Website address: www.taxrefunds.co.za _______________Cape Town Sightseeing Cape Town Sightseeing Guide - TravelPuppy.com There is so much to do and see in Cape Town that the 1st time visitor will find it challenging to fit everything in. However, the city centre itself is small and compact, and easy and pleasant to navigate on foot. TableMountain watches over the proceedings, providing not only a stunning backdrop but also a handy point of orientation, which makes getting lost quite difficult. There is an amazing range of architectural styles, including Cape Dutch, Edwardian and Victorian buildings wedged in between modern skyscrapers. The Foreshore’s V&A Waterfront is a beautiful example of urban regeneration, where old style harbour warehouses and buildings have been transformed into stunning shopping centres, luxury hotels and a multitude of restaurants. Travelling west, toward Signal Hill is the Bo-Kaap (Top Cape) area, also known as the Malay Quarter (Malay is a misnomer for Cape Muslims of Asian descent). This area was home to the freed slaves, their descendants opposed all attempts at removal by the apartheid authorities and were much more victorious than the District Six (now Zonnebloem) inhabitants, whose homes were bulldozed, following then Prime Minister Verwoerd’s enforcement of racial segregation laws. Robben Island and it's infamous prision lies offshore, north of Table Bay, where Nelson Mandela and several of the other current top political leaders of South Africa were gaoled by the apartheid regime. The outlying areas of Cape Town are also of great interest to visitors and an organised township tour, which explores the mainly black areas of Langa, Kayalitsha and Gugulethu, is an increasingly popular item on the tourist agenda. A classic tour would include a visit to a noteworthy site of The Struggle, lunch in a shebeen, a visit to a craft market and a stop at a self help development project. It is unwise for visitors to venture into the townships without a guide, as crime levels are very high and tourists are often soft targets. To the west of the city centre and extending south toward Cape Point, the Atlantic Seaboard incorporates the upmarket Sea Point, Hout Bay, Clifton, Llandudno, Camps Bay, Noordhoek and Kommetjie seaside suburbs. Meanwhile, bending around the eastern side of the Table Mountain range is the Southern Suburbs, with the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Constantia and Tokai Winelands. These link to the cosy coastal towns of False Bay’s Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town. The 2 sides of the peninsula meet at the windswept and overwhelming beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve at Cape Point. Beaches of Cape Town Cape Town boasts some of the most fantastic beaches in the world. With a long summer and pleasant winter days in between the rain, these are an appealing attraction all year round. There is a beach to suit just about every taste, from the family orientated, easy swim sites, via the trendy spots, where tanned bikini bodies are the order of the day, to wild and rugged sundowner spots. Beaches are managed by the Table Mountain National Park. Set along the beautiful panorama of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, beaches on the Atlantic seaboard are many degrees colder than those on the False Bay side, which are warmed by the L’Agulhas current, which diffuses into the eastern end of Cape Point. The beaches on the Atlantic seaboard are largely popular and real estate here is hot property, the stretch of mansions that lines the coast is known as Millionaire’s Row. The suburb of Clifton has 4 beaches, 1 of which, Fourth Beach, is Cape Town’s premier beach spot and the favored place for the beautiful people to pose. All 4 beaches, however, are often overcrowded in the peak summer months and parking on Victoria Road above the beach can practically impossible. An alternative, with a Californian feel and bars and restaurants close at hand, is the neighboring Camps Bay. Further out is the preferred sundowner spot, Llandudno, and the homely Hout Bay. The nearby Mariner’s Wharf fishing harbour (telephone: (021) 790 1100, email address: mariners@capecoast.co.za) offers great markets, seafood restaurants, gift shops, boat trips and a fish market selling live lobsters by the kilo, as well as the Cape speciality, smoked snoek. Noordhoek and Kommetjie, both part of Long Beach, are reachable via the Chapman’s Peak Drive toll road. This well-liked scenic route collapsed into the sea in January 2000 and reopened as a toll road in December 2003, after a R 157 million renovation involving high tech safety features. These far flung beaches are still rather deserted and Noordhoek can be hazardous for lone walkers, particularly after dark. False Bay offers its own set of coastal delights, quite diverse from the chilly counterparts on the Atlantic side. St James and Fish Hoek offers charming swimming, warmer waters, smaller waves and a family feel, as well as the petite coves and inlets of Kalk Bay and the long stretch of Muizenberg beach. Formerly a whaling station and a prisoner of war camp, Boulders has a string of brilliant coves that are always sheltered from the frequent and blustering ‘southeaster’ wind. However, visitors to Boulders will have to share their beach with quite a multitude of African Penguins. The colony of penguins is protected and although these tolerant birds are happy to pose for photographs, there is a hefty fine for wilfully disturbing them. They can also bite, so bird watchers are therefore encouraged to admire them from a courteous distance. Boulders is just as trendy with humans as it is with penguins, therefore sun seekers should be sure to arrive early in order to stake their claim to a piece of beach, boardwalk or boulder. When not taking on the might of Cape Point’s wind ravaged coastline or enjoying the consistently good waves of Long Beach, surfers mainly head north for Table Bay and the beaches of Dolphin Beach, Blouberg Strand and Milnerton, where the incessant wind promises big waves and the location offers incredible views of Table Mountain. Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno Address: Access from Victoria Road (M6) Hout Bay Beach and Mariner’s Wharf, Address: North Shore Road or Beach Road, Hout Bay Noordhoek Address: Silvermine Road via Ou Kaapse Weg, Noordhoek Kommetjie Address: Kommetjie Road (M65), Kommetjie Muizenberg Address: Baden-Powell Drive, Muizenberg Kalk Bay, St James and Fish Hoek Address: Off Main Road (M4) Boulders Beach Address: Miller’s Point Road, from Main Road (M4), Simonstown/Miller’s Point Cape Point beaches Address: Several roads off Cape Point Road, Blouberg Strand and Dolphin Beach, Otto Du Plessis Road, Blouberg Milnerton Address: Marine Drive and Otto Du Plessis, Milnerton Beaches in Cape Town Telephone: (021) 701 8692 (Table Mountain National Park) or 786 2329 (Boulders) or 780 9010/11 (Cape Point). Facsimile: (021) 701 8773 (Table Mountain National Park) or 786 2329 (Boulders). Email address: tablemountain@sanparks.org Website address: www.tmnp.co.za or www.capepoint.co.za (Cape Point) Transport: Train to Simon’s Town (False Bay beaches), bus to Sea Point, Camps Bay or Hout Bay (Atlantic Seaboard), self drive for others (please see addresses / routes above). Opening hours Boulders: Daily 8.00 am to 5.30 pm Opening hours Cape Point: Daily 6.00 am to 6.00 pm (September to April), Daily 7.00 am to 5.00 pm (May to August). Admission: Free, R 15 (Boulders), R 35 (Cape Point), concessions available. Bo-Kaap Museum Built in the mid 1760's, the Bo-Kaap Museum was initially the home of Turkish scholar, Abu Bakr Effendi, and is the oldest existing residence in the Muslim community, as well as a rare example of urban Cape Dutch architecture. The furnishings are typical of an 18 th century Cape Town Muslim residence, right down to the main bedroom, a genuine bridal suite. Effendi was a revered Arabic teacher and wrote 1 of the 1st texts that documented the emergence of South Africa’s 2nd language Afrikaans (a language developed from 17th century Dutch). This is also a social history museum, concentrating on the local community, with 2 new displays comprising a photographic impression of life in the Bo-Kaap and an exhibition that touches on the pressure of apartheid on the area. The Bo-Kaap area is the customary home of the Cape-Malay community, brought in as slaves from Indonesia. It has some of the city’s most interesting history and architecture, as well as stunning views. Address: 71 Wale Street Telephone: (021) 481 3939. Facsimile: (021) 481 3938. Website address: www.museums.org.za/bokaap Transport: A 10 minute walk from Cape Town Station. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Admission: R5, concessions available. Canal Walk Shopping Centre Telephone: (021) 555 4444. Facsimile: (021) 555 0746. Website address: www.canalwalk.co.za Opening hours: Monday to Friday and Sunday 10.00 am to 9.00 pm, Saturday 9.00 am to 9.00 pm. Admission: Free, however parking charges apply. Castle of Good Hope Construction began on this 5 pointed, star shaped castle (initially a Dutch fortress) in 1666, which makes it the oldest colonial building in South Africa. Possibly the most visible symbol of the colonial occupation of Cape Town and South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope became the apartheid government’s military headquarters in 1948. However, since the liberation of South Africa in 1994, South Africa’s oldest building has done much to polish up its imperfect image and has become very much a museum of the people. The castle hosts unconventional art exhibitions and cultural events. Also within the castle, the William Fehr Collection is a brilliant record of colonial Cape art and culture. Address: Corner of Darling Street and Castle Street Telephone: (021) 787 1249. Facsimile: (021) 787 1089. Website address: www.castleofgoodhope.co.za Transport: A short walk from the Grand Parade/Strand Street. Opening hours: Daily 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, guided tours daily 11.00 am, 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm. Admission: R 18 (including guided tour), R 9 on Sundays, concessions available. Century City Just 10 minutes from the city centre, Africa’s largest mall, Canal Walk, is situated in the massive and architecturally astounding Century City development, which is also home to Africa’s 1st full scale theme park, Ratanga Junction, with over 30 rides, as well as an entertainment complex, complete with pubs, clubs and restaurants. The MTN Sciencentre provides a myriad of scientific attractions for children of all ages, with a 200 seat multimedia arena and over 250 interactive displays. The 16 hectare (39.5 acre) man made Intaka Island is a haven for bird life, while boat rides on the 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) of canals are also available. Address: Century City, Century Boulevard, Milnerton Telephone: (021) 550 7000. Facsimile: (021) 550 7001. Email address: info@centurycity.co.za Website address: www.centurycity.co.za Transport: By car, exit 10 off the N1, bus from Strand Street to the new on site Ratanga Terminus. Company Gardens Jan van Riebeek (the 1st commander of the Dutch colony at the Cape) ordered the planting of Company Gardens in 1652, to serve as a fruit and vegetable supply for the visiting ships, to protect the sailors against scurvy. Nowadays, the gardens are a green lung for the city centre. The park is not just a botanical delight but is also home to St George’s Cathedral, the South African National Gallery, the Houses of Parliament, the South African Museum and the Planetarium. The Anglican St George’s Cathedral has been in existence for over 100 years but is also a powerful symbol of anti apartheid resistance. It has been the site of many a political rally in the past and, until 1996, Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu was archbishop here. The Houses of Parliament, which flank the eastern edge of the gardens, are a blend of Victorian and Georgian styles of architecture. Designed by the British architect Harry Greaves, they were completed in 1885, when the parliament became the seat of British development into Africa. The building is also a significant stop on the political tourist’s itinerary. This is where the architect of apartheid, prime minister Hendrik Verwoerd, was assassinated in 1966. It is also where Nelson Mandela gave his opening speech as president of the ‘new South Africa’ in 1994. The South African National Gallery contains 1 of the finest collections of South African and international art in the country and has regular exhibitions of work from around the world. The South African Museum is a brilliant place for visitors to spend a couple of hours learning about the natural and political history of South Africa. It also boasts the oldest African artworks, the Lydenburg Heads, which date back to 500 BC, as well as a fantastic whale exhibit and a shop, situated on Orange Street. In the Planetarium, the real time night sky displays are an entrancing introduction to the stellar delights of Southern Africa. Address: Government Avenue (between Wale Street and Orange Street), Gardens Transport: A short walk from Adderley Street. Opening hours: Daily 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Admission: Free. Gold of Africa Museum Although gold is more often associated with South Africa’s ‘City of Gold’, Johannesburg, Cape Town’s Gold of Africa Museum is concentrated entirely on all that glitters and is indeed gold. Situated in the historic, 18th century Martin Melck House, this museum is the 1st of its kind in the world and is all about the history and artistry of African gold, with numerous dazzling temporary and permanent exhibitions. Highlights include the West African gold artefacts from the Barbier Mueller Museum in Geneva, the goldsmith workshop and design studio, the wine cellar and a pretty, shady tea garden. Tours are accessible on request and the museum shop is there to satisfy the jackdaw in all of us. Address: 96 Strand Street Telephone: (021) 405 1540. Facsimile: (021) 405 1541. Email address: info@goldofafrica.com Website address: www.goldofafrica.com Transport: A short walk from Cape Town railway and bus stations, secure free parking on the corner of Buitengracht and Strand streets. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9.30 am to 5.00 pm. Admission: R 20, concessions available. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Set over a magnificent 528 hectares (1,325 acres) and home to 5,000 indigenous plant species, Kirstenbosch is rated 1 of the top 7 botanical gardens in the world. With strikingly beautiful formal gardens dotted with African stone sculptures, Kirstenbosch is a delightful place for a picnic, a stroll or even an energetic hike through the natural fynbos (indigenous and unique to the Western Cape) and forest on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Attractions include a forest trail for the blind, a protea garden, a useful plants garden and a fragrance garden, a water wise garden, as well as a cycad amphitheatre, a glasshouse complete with Boabab tree, an authentic African mud hut, garden centre, a gift shop, bookshop, restaurants and café. Over the summer months (December to March), enormously popular Sunset Concerts are held on Sunday afternoons at 5.30 pm, with music that ranges from classical to jazz, African traditional and folk. Address: Rhodes Drive, Newlands Telephone: (021) 799 8899. Facsimile: (021) 797 6570. Website address: www.kirstenbosch.co.za or www.sanbi.org Transport: Bus from Adderley Street or Mowbray Station. Opening hours September to March: Daily 8.00 am to 7.00 pm Opening hours April to August: Daily 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Admission: R 22, concessions available. Koopmans De Wet House Built in 1701, Koopmans De Wet House reflects patrician life at the Cape in the 18th century. Designed in the characteristic ‘Cape Dutch’ architectural style (a style repeated in several of the grand manor houses on rural estates and recognisable by curly gables) the house is also furnished with fine examples of Cape craftsmanship. Many of these hand carved items of furniture were designed by slave fundis or experts from the East, as was the exclusive decorative plasterwork on the exterior of this and other buildings. The quiet, cool and darkened interior is also a tranquil retreat from the commotion and heat of the city centre. Address: 35 Strand Street Telephone: (021) 481 3935. Facsimile: (021) 424 6441. Website address: www.museums.org.za/koopmans Transport: A short walk from Cape Town Station and Grand Parade. Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Admission: R 5, concessions available. MTN Sciencentre Address: 407 Canal Walk Telephone: (021) 529 8100. Facsimile: (021) 529 8179. Email address: info@mtnsciencentre.org.za Website address: www.mtnsciencentre.org.za Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9.30 am to 6.00 pm, Friday to Saturday 9.30 am to 8.00 pm, Sunday 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Admission: R 24, concessions available. Passes The Cape Town Pass (telephone: (021) 409 7038 email address: info@thecapetownpass.co.za) was launched in May 2004. The pass gives free entrance to more than 50 tourist attractions and includes 20 special offers and a free tourist guide with maps. The pass is available for 1 (R 275), 2 (R 425), 3 (R 495) or 6 (R 750) days (there are concessions for children, who pay R 180, R 285, R 350 or R 550) and is available online or from the Waterfront Tourism Centre, The Clock Tower, V&A Waterfront at the Ashanti Lodge, 11 Hof Street, Gardens, at the Villiage & Life de Waterkant, 1 Loader Street, de Waterkant or the Villiage & Life Camp’s Bay, 59 Victoria Road, Camps Bay. Attractions included on the pass are numerous museums, the Cape Town Explorer bus, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Koopmans de Wet House, Groot Constantia and the GrandWest Casino. Planetarium Address: 25 Queen Victoria Street Telephone: (021) 481 3900. Facsimile: (021) 481 3990. Website address: www.museums.org.za/planetarium Opening hours: Shows Monday to Friday from 2.00 pm (excluding 1st Mon of the month), Tuesdays 8.00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 12.00 pm, 1.00 pm and 2.30 pm. Admission: R 20, concessions available. Ratanga Junction Telephone: (0861) 200 300. Facsimile: (021) 550 8556. Email address: info@ratanga.co.za Website address: www.ratanga.co.za Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday 10.00 a, to 5.00 pm, Saturday 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, Sunday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (End of November to May). Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, Saturday 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, Sunday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (December 15 to January 9). Admission: R 100, concessions available. Robben Island Visiting Robben Island, a World Heritage Site, is 1 of the most profoundly moving experiences to be had in South Africa. The infamous men only prison and former leper colony was home to a generation of the senior statesmen of Africa, imprisoned because of their political beliefs. The most well known inmate was, of course, Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 years of his 27 year sentence here. The daily Robben Island Tour leaves from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront Clock Tower Precinct. Once on the island, guided tours are all given by former political prisoners here, while the 1st class museum, situated on Robben Island, offers a wealth of information on this period of South Africa’s history. There is more to Robben Island than history and politics, however. The physical beauty of the island itself is fantastic, with penguin and seal colonies, as well as the brilliant view of Cape Town. V&A Waterfront and Robben Island Telephone: (021) 413 4200 (information) or 409 5100 (museum) or 413 4208/9 (reservations). Facsimile: (021) 425 0206 (information) or 411 1059 (museum) or 419 1057 reservations). Email address: info@robben-island.org.za or bookings@robben-island.org.za Website address: www.robben-island.org.za Transport: Ferries from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Clock Tower Precinct, the V&A Waterfront. Opening hours: Ferries depart daily at 9.00 am, 10.00 am, 12.00 pm, 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm and 3.00 pm (weather permitting). Admission: R 150 (ferry ticket and admission), concessions available. South African Museum Address: 25 Queen Victoria Street Telephone: (021) 481 3800. Facsimile: (021) 481 3993. Website address: www.museums.org.za/sam Opening hours: Daily 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Admission: R 8, concessions available, entry is free Sun. South African National Gallery Address: Government Avenue Telephone: (021) 467 4660 Facsimile: (021) 467 4680. Website address: www.museums.org.za/sang Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Admission: R 5, concessions available. Table Mountain Cape Town’s defining landmark is also 1 of the city’s greatest tourist attractions. A cable car trip to the 1,086 metres (3,563 feet) summit of Table Mountain takes just 6 minutes and the state of the art gondola (1 of just 3 of its kind in the world) rotates through 360 degrees on the way up (booking is recommended during summer). Once there, more than 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) of pathways lead walkers over the massif, with breathtaking views of the city and ocean below. A bistro, perched right on the summit, is by far the most amazing sundowner spot in Africa. A popular option is for day trippers to take a 1 way ticket up and then climb down Platteklip Gorge, although visitors should take care. The local Mountain Rescue teams (telephone: (021) 948 9900 or 10177 in an emergency) carry out over 100 rescues a year, many involving foreign tourists. The routes up and down the mountain are treacherous and sheer cliff faces with pounding winds are a very real danger. Peering over the edge of the mountain, no matter how tempting, is basically not a good idea. The signposts warning of limited areas must be observed at all costs. Additionally, the weather can change in a matter of minutes and mist and darkness descend very quickly. Hikers should carry food, water, sunblock, a silver ‘space blanket’ to prevent hypothermia and a mobile phone. For the wary wanderer, The Table Mountain Guiding Company offers guided hikes up the mountain. The Table Mountain Guiding Company Telephone: (021) 461 6658/9 Facsimile: (021) 462 5823 Email address: info@activeafrica.co.za Website address: www.active-africa.com Table Mountain Address: Tafelberg Road (lower cable station) Telephone: (021) 424 0015. Facsimile: (021) 424 3792. Website: www.tablemountain.net Transport: Bus from Adderley Street / Strand Street to Kloof Nek, then a long walk to Tafelberg Road, a minibus taxi from Plein Street (post office) to Kloof Nek. Opening hours December to January: Daily 8.00 am to 10.00 pm Opening hours February to March: Daily 8.00 am to 9.00 pm Opening hours April: Daily 8.30 am to 6.30 pm Opening hours May to mid September: Daily 8.30 am to 6.00 pm Opening hours mid September to October: Daily 8.30 am to 7.00 pm Opening hours November: 8.30 am to 8.00 pm Note: The cable car operates weather permitting. Admission: R 110 (return cable car ticket), R 57 (single cable car ticket), concessions available. Tourist Information Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre Address: Pinnacle Building, corner of Burg Street and Castle Street Telephone: (021) 426 4260/5639. Facsimile: (021) 426 4266/5640. Email address: info@capetourism.org Website address: www.capetourism.org or www.tourismcapetown.com Opening hours summer: Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 7.00 pm, Saturday 8.30 am to 2.00 pm, Sundays 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. Opening hours winter: Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Saturday 8.30 am to 2.00 pm, Sunday 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. There is also a Visitor Information Centre at the Clock Tower Precinct, at the V & A Waterfront. There are many other information centres located around the peninsula, including Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, The Pavilion in Muizenberg, Sivuyile College in Gugulethu, the Tyger Valley Shopping Centre and Cape Town International Airport. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront The creation of this waterfront, known as the V&A Waterfront, was possibly the city’s best commercial idea, transforming a rundown harbour area into a booming centre of culture, tourism, leisure and business. The area is now the most visited spot in Cape Town, attracting 85 % of international tourists. Renovated Victorian warehouses, buildings and offices created in the Victorian vernacular style, and many dozens of restaurants and cafés complete this waterside area and working harbour. A host of boat and yacht charter operations tout for business and it is worth taking 1 of the many cruises around the docks. The Waterfront is also residence to the world class Two Oceans Aquarium. Feeding in the huge predator tanks takes place daily at 3.30 pm and should not be missed. Aquarium dives can additionally be arranged. Also, with over 250 retail outlets, the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre is another premier attraction. The Waterfront Trading Company and the Red Shed Craft Workshop supply local arts and crafts, while, in summer, several music acts perform on the bandstand. The Clock Tower Precinct is the departure point for Robben Island cruises and is also packed with bars, shops and restaurants. During the initial construction of the area, the ruins of the Dutch East India Military installation, dating back to between 1715 and 1726, were revealed and are now on show to the public. The Waterfront Canal, which links the Waterfront and the Cape Town International Convention Centre and passing through a residential marina, opened in June 2003. Word on the quay is that a new luxury hotel is intended for the area around the vast New Basin, adjacent to the Two Oceans Aquarium. V & A Waterfront Address: Dock Road, off Coen Steytler Avenue, Beach or Portswood Road, or Ebenezer Road, off the Western Boulevard Telephone: (021) 408 7600. Facsimile: (021) 408 7605. Email address: info@waterfront.co.za Transport: Waterfront Shuttle from Adderley Street or Beach Road. Opening hours: Daily 24 hours, the shops are open daily 9.00 am to 9.00 pm. Admission: Free. Two Oceans Aquarium Address: Dock Road Telephone: (021) 418 3823. Facsimile: (021) 418 3952. Email address: aquarium@aquarium.co.za Website address: www.aquarium.co.za Opening hours: Daily 9.30 am to 6.00 pm. Admission: R 60 (concessions available). William Fehr Collection Telephone: (021) 464 1260. Facsimile: (021) 464 1280. Website address: www.museums.org.za/wfc Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9.30 am to 4.00 pm. Admission: R 18, concessions available. _____________Cape Town Sports Cape Town Sports Guide - TravelPuppy.com Sport has proved to be a brilliant way of bringing together the people of South Africa and various steps to break down the established racial stereotypes of certain sports have been taken and seem to be working well. Most recently, the awarding of the 2010 FIFA World Cup to South Africa has created ripples of celebration and excitement throughout the whole population, especially following the disappointment of losing the 2006 bid to Germany. Football has a primarily black following and is largely seen as a sport that resists integration. It is hoped that 2010 will conquer these observations. The majority of the top football teams are based in Johannesburg. The top local teams, Ajax Cape Town and Santos feature strongly in the national Castle Premiership league. Football’s governing body, based at Hartleyvale Stadium, Willow Road, Observatory (telephone: (021) 448 8652), is the Western Province Football Association (telephone: (021) 448 1649). Other well liked sports in Cape Town include cricket, rugby and horse racing. Cricket was given a great uplift after South Africa beneficially hosted the World Cup Cricket in 2003. With a strong English colonial history, Cape Town is 1 of the primary feeding grounds for the South African international cricket squad, the Proteas. The home of Western Province cricket is located at the Newlands Cricket Ground, 146 Campground Road, Newlands, where the governing body is situated. Western Province Cricket Association Address: 161 Campground Road Telephone: (021) 657 2003 Facsimile: (021) 657 2020 Email address: info@wpca.co.za Website address: www.wpca.cricket.org Matches are played most weekends during the summer, with international tests between South Africa and its main rivals frequently on the agenda. Night cricket is also 1 of the most popular pastimes in Cape Town and a good reason to down beer and cheer at every ball that gets hit. Cape Town is home to 1 of rugby’s most famous teams, the Stormers, who compete with New Zealand and Australian and rivals for the top of the Super 12 Log. Newlands Stadium, 11 Boundary Road, Newlands, is home to these local heroes in addition to the comprehensive SA Rugby Museum (telephone: (021) 659 6768, facsimile: (021) 686 2151), which is situated on the ground floor of the Sport Science Institute, guided tours of the stadium are also available. The home union is the Western Province Rugby Football Union (telephone: (021) 659 4600, facsimile: (021) 659 4601). Horse racing is as much a social event in Cape Town as it is a sporting 1. The hugely popular yearly J&B Met is held at the Kenilworth Race Track, Rosmead Avenue. Tickets to sporting events are accessible for purchase from Computicket (telephone: (083) 915 8000, email address: info@computicket.com). Adventure Sports The fantastic natural setting of the city means that adventurous sports enjoy a huge following. There are many operators who offer a range of adventure sports, from hiking to bungee jumping, rock climbing to sky diving, mountain biking to abseiling, surfing to shark diving and canyoning (known locally as ‘kloofing’, which entails hiking into remote mountain ranges and then swimming and jumping down the gorges). Daytrippers (telephone: (021) 511 4766, facsimile: (021) 511 4768, email address: info@daytrippers.co.za) offers hiking and kloofing tours, while Adventure Village Adventure Village (telephone: (021) 424 1580, facsimile: (021) 424 1590, email address: info@adventure-village.co.za) offers a full range of tours, expeditions, adventure and extreme sports options, including daily abseiling expeditions down the sheer faces of Table Mountain. Fitness Centres Virgin Active (telephone: (0860) 200 911) has the monopoly on the fitness centres around the Western Cape, each offering a selection of facilities, including swimming, gym, squash, tennis and other sports. The city centre club is situated on the Foreshore, 21 Lower Long Street (telephone: (021) 421 5857, facsimile: (021) 419 7319) and includes toning, a pool, squash, free weights, aerobics and cardio circuits, sauna and steam bath facilities. Other club locations include Claremont, corner of Main Road and Brooke Street (telephone: (021) 683 2402), Constantia, Main Road (telephone: (021) 794 5010), Durbanville Palmgrove Centre, corner of Main Road and Church Street (telephone: (021) 975 5210) and N1 City Value Centre, N1 Goodwood (telephone: (021) 595 3030). A 1 day guest fee is R 75. Golf There are numerous golf courses in and around Cape Town and several are open to the public. The Western Province Golf Union, Mowbray Golf Club, Raapenberg Road, Pinelands (telephone: (021) 686 1668, facsimile: (021) 686 1669, email address: wpga@global.co.za) can provide further information. 18 hole golf courses that are open to the public include the Rondebosch Golf Club, 3 Klipfontein Road (telephone: (021) 689 4176/7, facsimile: (021) 685 1447, email address: rgc@mweb.co.za), the Royal Cape Golf Club, 174 Ottery Road, Wynberg (telephone: (021) 761 6551, facsimile: (021) 797 5246, email address: bookings@royalcapegolf.co.za), and the Clovelly Country Club, Clovelly Road, Clovelly (telephone: (021) 782 1118, facsimile: (021) 782 6853, email address: clubhouse@clovelly.co.za). Green fees vary from R 200 to R 500 for non members, depending on the club and season (high season is from 1 October to 30 April). Further afield, Spier Country Club, situated off the R44 toward Stellenbosch (telephone: (021) 809 1100, email address: info@spier.co.za), is an 18 hole course situated beneath the Helderberg Mountain range, with green fees of R 200 for non members. Swimming The Cape Town City Council’s call centre (telephone: (086) 010 3089) can provide information on Cape Town’s public swimming pools. Newlands Swimming Pool, Sans Souci Road, Newlands (telephone: (021) 674 4197), is the centre of competitive swimming, diving and water polo. The Long Street Baths, Long Street (telephone: (021) 400 3302), is an indoor, heated pool, adjacent to the Turkish Baths (telephone: (021) 423 9849). Entrance to the pools is R 10. Several Virgin Active clubs provide brilliant swimming facilities. The Camps Bay Tidal Pool, Camps Bay beach (telephone: (021) 434 3341), provides alfresco bathing possibilities. The best beach swimming is in the False Bay, at Fish Hoek or the St James tidal pool, although swimmers are advised not to venture out too far as this is shark territory. Bathers should be cautious at all times and not swim at deserted locations. Tennis Although there are scores of recreational tennis clubs dotted around Cape Town, it is very difficult to access the courts unless accompanied by a member. Many of the golf clubs also provide tennis and lawn bowl facilities. Likewise, many of the Virgin Active clubs also provide tennis courts, as do numerous major hotels. Tennis Western Province, Lovers Walk, Rondebosch (telephone: (021) 686 3055, facsimile: (021) 685 5293) can provide further information. Watersports Cape Town is an tremendously popular destination for watersports enthusiasts. Zandvlei, in Muizenberg, is still quite popular with small craft yachting and windsurfing although it is largely considered a learning ground for beginners. Hardcore wave freaks choose to brave the breakers off Milnerton, Bloubergstrand, Long Beach and Cape Point or the Dungeons off Hout Bay. Although conditions can be brilliant, False Bay is considered somewhat dangerous, as this is the favourite spot for other watersports enthusiasts, specifically Great White Sharks. Downhill Adventures, Shop 10 Overbeek Building, corner of Kloof, Long and Orange Streets (telephone: (021) 422 0388, facsimile: (021) 423 0127) offers day and multi day surfing courses with instruction and equipment provided, including lunch and transport. Table Bay Diving, Shop 7, Quay 5, V&A Waterfront (telephone: (021) 419 8822, email address: info@tablebaydiving.com) organises diving charters (including wreck, deep, reef, night and shark cage diving) as well as diving courses. Equipment is available to purchase or hire. Ocean yachting largely takes place in the Table Bay and False Bay, with regattas held every Wednesday in summer, with the start point at the Royal Cape Yacht Club, Duncan Road, Table Bay (telephone: (021) 421 1354, facsimile: (021) 421 6028, email address: info@rcyc.co.za). The Wind Report (telephone: (082) 234 6300) provides frequent updates on the wind situation, while the Surf Report (telephone: (021) 788 1350) keeps surfers up to date on wave conditions around the peninsula. Surfing information and tips are also available online. ______________Cape Town Tours - Excursions Cape Town Tours Guide - TravelPuppy.com Walking tours With its street music, cosmopolitan buzz, markets and busking acts, as well as a multitude of alfresco cafés and restaurants to take a rest in, Cape Town is a great city for exploring on foot. Wanderlust (telephone: (021) 426 4252, email address: wanderlust@iafrica.com), offers 3‘Cape Town on Foot’ walking tours of the city. The Full City Walking Tour takes 2 and a half hours to cover the main sights of the city centre, these depart from the Cape Town Tourism office from Monday to Friday at 11.00 am and cost R 100 per person. The 1 hour City Highlights tour also departs from Cape Town Tourism office at 9.30 am Monday, Wednesday and Friday, costing R 50. The 1 hour Bo-Kaap Experience tour departs from the Bo-Kaap Musuem, 71 Wale Street, at 9.30 am Tuesday and Thursday and costs R 75 (including museum entrance fee). Bus Tours Hylton Ross (telephone: (021) 511 1784, facsimile: (021) 511 2401, email address: info@hyltonross.co.za) runs a frequent open topped double decker bus tour called the Cape Town Topless Tour, which takes in all the major sights of Cape Town, with a running commentary. The 2 hour tour can be hailed anywhere along the route and takes in the V & A Waterfront, Sea Point, District Six (Zonnebloem) and Camps Bay. Buses run from the Cape Town Tourism office daily from 9.30 to 7.10 pm (summer) and 9.30 am to 5.10 (winter). The R 90 hop on hop off tickets are valid all day and can be bought on the bus, at the Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centres or in advance from Hylton Ross. The company also offers half day tours of Cape Town, including Table Mountain (cableway tickets not included) and a boat trip of the V & A Waterfront, departing daily 7.45 am to 12.30 pm and costing R 250, as well as full day township tours, Monday to Saturday 8.30 am to 1.00 pm, costing R 260 (concessions available). Grassroute Tours (telephone: (021) 706 1006, facsimile: (021) 705 0798, email address: grasrout@iafrica.com) offers a half day Rainbow Tour of District Six (Zonnebloem) and the townships, with an option of continuing the tour with a trip to Robben Island. Pick up and drop off is arranged and tours (excluding Robben Island) run from 8.30 am / 9.00 am to 1.00 pm / 1.30 pm. Boat Tours Waterfront Boat Company (telephone: (021) 418 5806, facsimile: (021) 418 5821) offers a variety of tours, from harbour tours to excursions and champagne cruises, departing from the V&A Waterfront Quay Five. Tours range from a half hour harbour cruise (R 30) to a full day fishing trip (R 1,600). Whale watching tours are available during the season (June to November), these take 3 to 4 hours and cost R 350. Thrill seekers might enjoy a high speed 1 hour motorboat trip to Clifton beach for R 300. A well liked pastime is a stunning sunset sailing experience across Table Bay, which costs R 170 and includes sparkling wine. The Waterfront Information Office (telephone: (021) 408 7600, facsimile: (021) 408 7605, email address: info@waterfront.co.za) provides information on other tours available from the V&A Waterfront. Boat tours to see the Cape Fur Seals on Duiker Island in False Bay are run by Drumbeat Charters (telephone: (021) 790 4859). All cruises, which depart from Hout Bay Harbour, cost R 45 and take about 40 minutes. Bicycle Tours Daytrippers (telephone: (021) 511 4766, facsimile: (021) 511 4768, email address: info@daytrippers.co.za) organises numerous bicycle tours, including the ‘Cape Point Tour’, which follows the Atlantic Coast past Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and on to Boulders Beach. The full day tour costs R 350, including entrance fees and picnic lunch. Other cycling tours include a Winelands tour, numerous mountain biking tours, and a whale watching tour (July to November). Adventure Village (telephone: (021) 424 1580, facsimile: (021) 424 1590, email address: info@adventure-village.co.za) operates a similar service. Other Tours Civair (telephone: (021) 419 5182, facsimile: (021) 419 5183, email address: info@civair.co.za) and NAC Makana Aviation (telephone: (021) 425 3868, facsimile: (021) 425 3858, email address: info@nacmakana.com) both offer 20 minute, 30 minute and 1 hour helicopter tours. Civair flights cost R 1,800, R 2,700 and R 5,400 respectively, while NAC Makana flights cost from R 1,600, R 2,400 and R 4,800 respectively. Civair also offers 50 minute Winelands tours from R 9,000. Excursions for half day Cape Point This windswept peninsula, where the cold Benguela current and the warm Mozambique current unite, is the mythical meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, the physical meeting place is actually 100 kilometres (62 miles) to the east, at Cape L’Agulhas. Cape Point (telephone: (021) 780 9010 / 11) is located in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve at the far tip of the massive 7,750 hectare (19,151 acre) Table Mountain National Park (telephone: (021) 701 8692, facsimile: (021) 701 8773, email address: tablemountain@sanparks.org). Situated 35 kilometres (22 miles) from the city centre, along the M4 via Simon’s Town, Cape Point is home to a brilliant array of wildlife, including zebra, bontebok, lynx, ostrich and baboons, as well as some of the rarest plants on Earth. Visitors are advised to be cautious of the baboons as they can be dangerous, especially where food is involved, there is a fine for feeding them. The Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre (telephone: (021) 780 9204, facsimile: (021) 780 9321), which has exhibitions, audio visual displays and information on the areas natural and cultural wealth, is open daily 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. An overnight facility at Bordjiesrif is in the preparation stages. An added bonus is the Two Oceans Restaurant (telephone: (021) 780 9200, facsimile: (021) 780 9060, email address: info@two-oceans.co.za), which is perched on the cliff above the Atlantic Ocean, as well as curio shops. Admission to the reserve costs R 35 per adult (concessions available) and it is open daily 6.00 am to 6.00 pm (September to April) and 7.00 am to 5.00 pm (May to August). Constantia Wine Route Located approximately 17 kilometres (11 miles) or a 25 minute drive south of the city centre, the Constantia Wine Route presents a handy alternative to a longer trip to the Boland. There are more than 400 wine producers in South Africa and the Constantia Valley area is home to 5 of the Cape’s top estates, Groot Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia, Constantia Uitsig and Steenberg Vineyards. Africa’s oldest wine estate, Groot Constantia, off the M41 Constantia Road (telephone: (021) 794 5128, facsimile: (021) 794 1999, email address: enquiries@grootconstantia.co.za), with its original manor house and wine museum (telephone: (021) 795 5140, facsimile: (021) 795 5150), gives a fascinating insight into early colonial life in the Cape (admission is R 10). There is also the elegant Jonkershuis Restaurant (telephone: (021) 794 6255; facsimile: (021) 794 4813, email address: a-m-s@mweb.co.za). Tasting takes place daily 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (May to November) and 9.00 am to 6.00 pm (December to April) at a cost of R 20 per person (this includes 5 wines and a souvenir tasting glass). The family owned Klein Constantia, Klein Constantia Road (telephone: (021) 794 5188, facsimile: (021) 794 2464, email address: info@kleinconstantia.com), offers some choice Cape wines for tasting in particularly friendly company. Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia Road (telephone: (021) 794 5190, facsimile: (021) 794 1351, email address: info@buitenverwachting.com), is renowned for its exclusive restaurant and pleasant picnic area. Contantia Uitsig, Spaanschmat River Road (telephone: (021) 794 1810, facsimile: (021) 794 1812, email address: thewineshop@uitsig.co.za), translates to ‘Constantia View’ and the farm offers visitors not only brilliant wine but the charming Spaanschemat River Café and 2 superb restaurants; La Colombe is the best. Finally, Steenberg Vineyards, Steenberg Road (telephone: (021) 713 2211, facsimile: (021) 713 2201, email address: info@steenberg.co.za), makes up for its doubtful location opposite Pollsmore Prison with a golf course, an exclusive hotel and a restaurant. Visitor Information Centres can offer further information on the Constantia Wine Route. Most of the estates are open for wine tasting at least from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (weekdays) and 9.00 am to 1.00 pm (Saturdays). Excursions for a whole day The Boland A tour of the Boland (‘uplands’ or ‘toplands’) reveals a world of dramatic mountain ranges, crystal clear rivers swarming with trout, stunning valleys and the Western Cape’s bucolic Winelands, dotted with historic wine estates. There are 14 officially selected ‘wine routes’ incorporating several wine estates that are open to the public. Mother City Tours (telephone: (021) 448 3817, facsimile: (021) 448 3844) offers a full day ‘Three Cape Winelands’ tour of the Boland estates, costing R 430. Bacchanalian tourists who choose to go it alone with 1 of the several route maps accessible from Cape Town Tourism (see Tourist Information) should always make sure there is a designated driver who abstains from drinking. Somerset West is half an hour from the city centre on the R 44 off the N2 highway. This busy town nestles in a basin created by the soaring peak of Helderberg (‘Clear Mountain’) and the Hottentots Holland mountain range. Here, the Vergelegen wine farm, Lourensford Road (telephone: (021) 847 1334, facsimile: (021) 847 1608), was built in 1700 and is 1 of the most gracious and flawlessly situated of all the old Cape Dutch homesteads, offering cellar tours, wine tasting, a superb restaurant and library containing rare volumes of early Africana. The Helderberg Nature Reserve (telephone: (021) 851 4060, email address: info@helderbergnaturereserve.co.za) is situated just before the turn off to Vergelegen and comprises many kilometres of hiking trails and paths with stunning views over the Helderberg Basin. South Africa’s 2nd oldest town, Stellenbosch, produces a 3rd of all the wine in the Cape and also possesses the longest wine route in the world. Named after the Dutch governor, Simon van der Stel, this university town is 1 of the best preserved of all South African settlements. The Stellenbosch Village Museum, 18 Ryneveld Street (telephone: (021) 887 2902, facsimile: (021) 883 2232, email address: stelmus@mweb.co.za), tells the story and consists of 4 carefully restored and furnished buildings built between 1709 and 1850, the museum is open Monday to Saturday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Stellenbosch is situated on the R310 off the N2 highway. South Africa’s ‘French quarter’, Franschhoek, was named after the French Huguenots who fled Catholic discrimination and began arriving at the Cape in 1688. Today, the valley is well known for its wine and great food. Situated off the N1, the area is key to much of South Africa’s distant and recent history. The Huguenot Memorial, Lambrecht Street (telephone: (021) 876 2532, facsimile: (021) 876 3649, email address: hugenoot@museum.co.za), traces the history of the Huguenots, open Monday to Saturday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and Sunday 2.00 am to 5.00 pm. Whilst to the west, on the R303, is the Victor Verster Prison, from where Nelson Mandela walked to freedom on 11 February 1990. Overberg Over Sir Lowry’s pass and beyond South Africa’s oldest inn, the Houwhoek Inn, the Western Cape landscape transforms into the harsh beauty of the Overberg, approximately 170 kilometres (106 miles) east from Cape Town at its central point. This region is the gateway to Africa’s southernmost tip, Cape L’Agulhas, located approximately a 3 hour drive southeast of Cape Town, accessible on the N2. Here, the 2 oceans meet in a spectacular show of natural beauty. The L’Agulhas Lighthouse (telephone: (028) 435 6078) and Zuidste Kaap (telephone: (028) 435 6034) restaurants both provide a exclusive location in which to dine out, the totally operational lighthouse, which is over 150 years old, also doubles as a museum and curio shop, open daily 9.00 am to 4.30 pm (entrance is R 10). The southernmost point is located 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) of the lighthouse. Visitors should take note, however, not to book any tours that involve 4 X 4 driving on the dunes and beaches as this is extremely harmful to the delicate seafront wildlife (some of which are endangered species) and also illegal. Nearby, the 14 kilometres (9 miles) of nonstop white sand beach (the longest in the Southern Hemisphere) of Struuisbaai offers beautiful bathing. Further afield, the practically untouched charm of Arniston delights visitors with a traditional fishing village, Kassiesbaai, which has been confirmed, in its entirety, as a national monument. Hermanus, another coastal town in the Overberg region, dubbed ‘the Riviera of the Overberg’ for its wealthy stature, is the major whale spotting location, 1 of the best in the world, with a yearlyl 10 day whale watching festival in September / October. The sleepy town of Greyton is famous for its arty locals and this is predominantly evident during the winter months, when the Greyton Winter Festival takes place in June. It consists a moonlight market among other rustic delights. Several other towns are worth visiting, such as the fruit farming paradise of Grabouw and the serious charm of Napier. Southern Touring Company (telephone: (021) 935 0733, facsimile: (021) 935 0737, email address: bookings@southerntours.co.za) offers whale watching tours. For those who wish to spend more than just 1 day exploring this wonderful region, Cape Quest (telephone: (021) 674 2555, facsimile: (021) 674 3614, email address: info@capequest.co.za) has numerous tour options with bed and breakfast accommodation in the Overberg. The Overberg Tourism Office (telephone: (028) 214 1466, facsimile: (028) 212 1380, email address: info@capeoverberg.org) provides further information on destinations within the Overberg.