August 30th, 2009
Things to See and Do in Cape Town
Way down in the southern most tip of Africa, lies one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. When the sun is shining, it is stunning. A picturesque city framed by the famous Table Mountain, white sandy beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Over 1000 meters high, Table Mountain towers over beautiful colonial buildings. The waterfront is decorated with brightly painted facades and the gorgeous coastline is framed by high cliffs making it one of the most magnificent in the world.
One of the most popular areas is the V&A waterfront. Filled with restaurants and boutiques it is a pleasant place to walk around and window shop. A beautiful setting with yachts in the harbour, an historic lighthouse and cobblestone streets, you can spend the day enjoying fine wine and delicious food. It is also the place where you can book your tour and catch a ferry to Robben Island. The former maximum security prison located off of the coast where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.
The half hour boat ride will make you think of what little hope prisoners must have had as they were taken to isolation. Surrounded by frigid shark infested waters, freedom was within their sights, but escape was impossible. The guides are former inmates who make the experience that much more gripping as they tell personal stories of their time there. These men are true heroes. It is amazing to hear what they managed to accomplish from behind bars. They planned and schemed and somehow managed to get messages to their followers which eventually brought an end to Apartheid.
A bus takes you around the island showing you different sights such as where the prison guards lived. An entire community was built on the island. Children were born and men died. See the quarry where men were put to work in brutal conditions, yet found the strength to plan and form a government that would eventually take over the country. And finally witness the cell of Nelson Mandela. So tiny, it is impossible to think how someone could survive so many years in that place.
If you are feeling confident to drive on the other side of the road, rent a car and drive Chapman’s Peak. One of the premier highways in the world it is featured in many a commercial and movie. Enjoy breathtaking views as you drive along this coastal highway carved into the side of massive cliffs. It twists and turns along the mountains, but it is well maintained and you will feel quite secure.
The drive will take you towards Simon’s Town where you will see an actual penguin colony that lives on its beaches. It is world famous and you are guaranteed to see hundreds of the little fellows playing and waddling on the rocks and in the waves.
If you continue south to the one of the southernmost tips of Africa, you will visit the famous Cape of Good Hope. Studied in school and famous for being the place where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet you will be treated to a spectacular view from the world highest sea cliffs. There is a trolley that you can ride to the top and explore the old lighthouse and keepers house. After you have explored the views from above, go to the rocky beach below to get a sense of just how enormous this cliff at the end of the continent actually is.
Cape Town is a must see for anyone that visits South Africa. It has everything you could possible want from the continent. Big Game drives, world class diving and award winning winery’s. If you are looking for and adventure destination or simply a relaxing vacation, it can give you whatever you are looking for in your travel needs.