Cape Town -
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By: Andrew Muigai
| As winter approaches in the northern hemisphere, the earth’s
rotation round the sun means that summer beckons in the south. I
admonish you- take a few days off and follow the sun! The best place
to catch the Town’s claim to being the most beautiful city in South
Africa is undisputed. And seasoned travel writers readily accept the
merit of Cape Town’s claim that is indeed one of the most beautiful
cities in the world. The city is blessed with unrivalled gifts of nature. The mighty kilometer high flat top Table Mountain dwarfs even the most ambitious skyscrapers in the business district. The city is surrounded by glorious landscapes, stunning beaches and a bounty of unique vegetation. Where else do you have a choice of the cool Atlantic Ocean and the warmer Indian Ocean? |
| As winter approaches in the northern hemisphere, the earth’s
rotation round the sun means that summer beckons in the south. I
admonish you- take a few days off and follow the sun! The best place
to catch the Town’s claim to being the most beautiful city in South
Africa is undisputed. And seasoned travel writers readily accept the
merit of Cape Town’s claim that is indeed one of the most beautiful
cities in the world. The city is blessed with unrivalled gifts of nature. The mighty kilometer high flat top Table Mountain dwarfs even the most ambitious skyscrapers in the business district. The city is surrounded by glorious landscapes, stunning beaches and a bounty of unique vegetation. Where else do you have a choice of the cool Atlantic Ocean and the warmer Indian Ocean? But Cape Town offers much more. It is reputed to be the most open-minded and relaxed city in South Africa and is one of the safest cities in Africa for visitors. Action hero Jean-Claude Van Damme in the city to shoot an action thriller recently declared: "I love waking up in this city with the sea around me and the fresh air. The people are young with fresh and warm personalities and are friendly and it's a country full of hope." The movie is being shot in the city and around the harbour and if you are in town before the end of the year you just might get to see Van Damme at the waterfront. This is the same country that has produced some of the most inspiring people of our times. Desmond Tutu the Nobel Peace Prize winner past leader of the Anglican flock in Cape Town, for example and of course Nelson Mandela. Take a boat trip to Robben Island, one of the hottest destinations for overseas visitors. This is where Nelson Mandela nearly lost his sight quarrying lime during his long imprisonment. Make sure to get to the summit of Table Mountain by cable where you will enjoy some unforgettable views. Northwards of the city center is the Victoria and Albert waterfront- a trendy shopping and entertainment complex. It is packed with art galleries, art and craft shops, restaurants, taverns, cinemas, theatres and an aquarium.It is easy to see why many beautiful people converge here. It is when in Cape Town that you will understand why Desmond Tutu named the country as the “Rainbow Nation”. The peoples here have roots in the four corners of the planet and together give the city its vivid colours. Cape Town is well connected to one of
the most popular travel destinations in South Africa: the Garden
Route. |
| Afterwards, Wilderness National Park a good place for birding
and canoeing on your way to the artist colony of Knysna and
Plettenberg Bay. Plettenberg Bay, the “millionaires' playground" is
South Africa’s trendiest resort. Then to Tsitsikamma National Park
known for its nature trails, giant trees and caves. A little ahead
of Humansdorp is Jeffrey's Bay, reputed to have one of the world's
best surfing beaches. Watersports are big in South Africa. Whale watching and shark-cage diving (with great white sharks) is possible in the Cape area. The best time to spot these sea giants is from June to September. In the last week of September the annual Whale Festival is held at Walker Bay. Diving facilities are good in the area and wreck diving in particular is widespread around the Cape. For fishing enthusiasts, the Cape of Good Hope has one the world’s richest fishing grounds. At the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean currents is to be found large shoals of tuna and swordfish. For those brave souls seeking hair-raising adventure, there is an excellent opportunity for bungee jumping at the bridge over Blaukrans River. This has one of the world’s highest drops. There are also many beautiful golf courses in the Cape Town and Garden Route area. The best time to play is the cooler months of May to September. The President's Cup is being held this year (18 –23 November) at the Fancourt Hotel and Country Club at George right on the Garden Route. This event is a match play competition with the world's best international players. The best period to visit the Cape region is over the summer months November-February. The rest of the year is usually cool, rainy and windy. Most people then find it quite challenging to engage in swimming and water sports. There is a wide rage of accommodation in Cape Town and the Garden Route area. Top range 5 star hotels and other rated hotels are found throughout the region. Other accommodation options include motels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, farm holidays, beach cottages, holiday flats and bungalows. The Cape region is now a much sought after destination and advance booking is necessary during the summer season (October-April). With prior planning it is possible to get good value and affordable holiday stay. |
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About the author: Andrew Muigai is editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of Africapoint.com - the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa. You can view more info on South Africa Safaris at the website. www.africapoint.com/tours1/southatour.htm
