| things to do
Robben Island Head for the Cape's version of Alcatraz, now a museum where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. A moving experience is guaranteed. Boats leave hourly from the V&A Waterfront, but booking ahead is essential. Contact: +27 21 409 5100 bookings@robben-island.org.za www.robben-island.org.za |
| Table Mountain Cape Town’s most recognizable landmark- the cable cars take you to the summit in under 10 minutes. Go early to avoid queues! Contact: +27 21 424 0015 / www.tablemountain.net
Boulders Beach (Penguin Colony) Boulders Beach is a sheltered beach made up of inlets between boulders, from which the name originated. Its Penguin Colony is home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the penguins in their natural habitat and there is also a new information centre. It is located in province of Western Cape. Boulders Beach forms part of the Table Mountain National Park. It is also a popular swimming beach, although humans are restricted to beaches adjacent to the penguin colony. |
http://www.kayakcapetown.co.za/ TIP: Combine a trip to see the penguins with a few hours on Boulders Beach, or a few hours in the quaint and historical town of Simon's Town. The penguins can also be visited before or after a visit to Cape Point. KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN, CAPE TOWN The beautiful Kirstenbosch gardens cover an area of 528 hectares with 36 hectares of cultivated garden. The gardens are a celebration of South African flora - showcasing only indigenous South African plants. Fynbos, proteas, cycads and rolling lawns are intermingled with streams and ponds and well-laid out pathways for easy walking. A great variety of birds inhabit the gardens and the sweeping views from the upper slopes are spectacular. Whether for a casual stroll, a more stenuous walk or a lazy picnic, the gardens are a must-see when visiting Cape Town. TIME NEEDED: Anything from an hour or two, to a full day. www.kirstenbosch.co.za Winelands Follow the wine trails and have lunch at one of the excellent restaurants en route. Go trout fishing or wine tasting on horseback. WWW.CHEESEANDWINE.CO.ZA Franschhoek Tourism: +27 21 876 3603 / info@franschhoek.org,za / www.franschhoek.org.za Stellenbosch Tourism: +27 21 883 3584 / eikestadt@iafrica.com / www.stellenbosch.org.za Paarl Tourism: +27 21 872 3829 / paarl@cis.co.za / www.paarlonline.com Popular and beautiful wine farms to visit: Steenberg +27 21 713 2222 Buitenverwachting +27 21 794 3522 Boschendal +27 21 870 4273/4/5 Vergelegen +27 21 847 1334 Zevenwacht +27 21 903 5123
Lanzerac +27 21 886 5641 (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) Rust en Vrede +27 21 881 3881 Neethlingshof +27 21 883 8988 Vrede en Lust + 27 21 874 1611 False Bay Seaboard The warmer waters on the south-eastern side of the city, running from the faded resorts of Muizenberg to Simon's Town, allow for a spot of swimming. The best vantage point is Boulders Beach at the southern end of Simon's Town. Cape of Good Hope The Cape of Good Hope is often taken to be the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans. This actually occurs 300 kilometres further east at Cape Agulhas. This wild and windy area encompasses the Cape Point nature reserve. Climb to the famous viewpoint and old lighthouse and keep your eyes peeled for Zebra, buck and baboons. Contact +27 21 701 8692 / www.cpnp.co.za
Shark Diving If you are brave enough, go White Shark cage diving…or just stay on the boat. Contact +27 28 384 2787 / www.sharkdivingunlimited.com OR www.whitesharkdiscovery.com
Felix Unite River Adventures Wonderful rafting trips. Contact +27 21 683 6433 / www.felixunite.com Wineland Ballooning Hot-air Balloon flights. Contact: +27 21 863 3192 For general information on Cape Town and surrounds: www.capetown.com
BEST RESTAURANTS - CENTRAL The Cape Colony - The Mount Nelson Hotel A five star culinary experience. Contact: +27 21 483 1000 Summerville - The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay Californian / Mediterranean fusion cuisine with spectacular views of Camps Bay. Contact: +27 21 438 3174 The Codfather - 41 The Drive, Camps Bay Sensational Sushi and tailor made fish dishes. Contact: +27 21 438 0782 Beluga - The Foundry, Prestwich Street, Greenpoint Contemporary cuisine in an über-trendy old ironworks. Contact: +27 21 418 2918 Savoy Cabbage - Heritage Square, 101 Hout Street Classy but homely modern cooking in an interesting building. Contact: +27 21 424 2626
| Haiku (the sister restaurant of Bukhara) has amazing Thai-inspired dishes and contemporary cutting edge décor.
Wakame cnr Beach Road & Surrey Place, Mouille Point Great sushi with fantastic sea views! Contact: +27 21 433 2377 FortyAte – 48 Hout Street, City Bowl A new trendsetting restaurant, lounge, cigar bar with outstanding food. Contact: +27 21 4222270 / www.fortyate.com BEST RESTAURANTS - WINELANDS Le Quartier Français This award wining restaurant will seduce you with exciting flavours, local ingredients and interesting wines. Contact: +27 21 876 2151 / www.lqf.co.za La Petit Ferme Situated high above Franschhoek, La Petit Ferme offers an all encompassing experience. Contact: +27 21 876 3016 / www.lapetitferme.co.za
Moneaux Restaurant at Franschhoek Country House Voted one of the top 10 restaurants in the country. Contact: +27 21 876 3386 / www.fch.co.za |
Tokara - Hellshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch Superb setting and excellent food. Contact: +27 21 808 5959 / www.tokara.co.za
| BEST SHOPPING CENTRES 'Shop till you drop' is not an uncommon phenomenon in Cape Town, where your hunt for that special something can lead you on a trail right around the mountain and back... Retail therapy is one of Cape Town's favourite pastimes, enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike. One of the best things about shopping, however, is the enjoyment to be had from browsing itself - the city's intricate streets, enticing markets and cool, glamorous malls offer a splendid way to wile away entire days!
V & A Waterfront A fine selection of trendy boutiques and shops. Cavendish Square, Claremont Elegant shopping centre with the top SA brands- but don't expect international labels. Long Street and Church Road Afro-chic furnishing stores, second hand bookshops and great curios.
De Waterkant at The Cape Quarter, Green Point Cape Town’s coolest complex housing clothing outlets, interior stores, trendy restaurants and coffee shops BEST GOLF COURSES Steenberg Golf Estate Contact: +27 21 713 2244 / www.steenberg.co.za Rondebosch Golf Club Contact: +27 21 689 4176 / www.rondebosch-golf-club.co.za Mowbray Golf Club Contact: +27 21 685 3018 / www.mowbraygolfclub.co.za
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