Cape Town, South Africa

Bantry Bay, Cape Town	Bloubergstrand	Camps Bay, Cape Town	Cape Town City Centre
Constantia, Cape Town	Gardens, Cape Town	Milnerton, Cape Town	Oranjezicht, Cape Town
Sea Point, Cape Town	West Beach, Cape Town
Other Featured Areas of South Africa
Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape	KRUGER NATIONAL PARK	Langebaan, Cape West Coast	Port Beaufort, Overberg, Western Cape
Simon's Town, Western Cape	Mpumalanga Region

Cape Town, South Africa - the "Mother City" - often referred to as the most beautiful city in the world.  A lovely and cosmopolitan destination with scenic views, glorious beaches.  Visit the famous V&A Waterfront, the Cape winelands, take a cable car up Table Mountain for astounding views... visit the notorious Robben Island, now a museum, previously the prison of Nelson Mandela.. so much to see!  Read more about Cape Town and Cape Town, South Africa, City of Beauty and History. The following is a selection of wonderful accommodation in Cape Town and its surrounding areas, including Camps Bay Self-Catering apartments and villas, luxury hotels, boutique guest houses and bed & breakfasts. Search for Self-Catering Accommodation Worldwide: Also including properties further afield in Simon's Town on the Cape Point Route and Port Beaufort in the Overberg, Western Cape.  Now introducing ... Knysna on the gorgeous Garden Route in the Western Cape and also Langebaan on the Cape West Coast of South Africa. New Featured Cape Town Resort: One&Only Cape Town, V&A WATERFRONT 'An urban chic waterfront resort with captivating views of Table Mountain and private spa island'.  Amidst the vibrant playground of one of the world's most fascinating cities, cradled between the scenic wonder of iconic sandstone cliffs marching toward the brilliant waters of two great oceans, One&Only Cape Town is an oasis of cosmopolitan style establishing an unprecedented level of luxury in South Africa.  The perfect gateway to the rare adventures of this enchanting land; an idyllic venue for life's most memorable moments. In the heart of Cape Town's picturesque Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, this contemporary urban resort embodies a chic island design and African flair.... Featured Kruger Park Game Lodge: Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sands Reserve Experience the adventure of a safari on a private game reserve in South Africa and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the unspoilt African bushveld.  Owned by Sir Richard Branson, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is set in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. This private game reserve borders on the sprawling Kruger National Park in South Africa's Mpumalanga province and is home to an abundance of wildlife.  Experienced trackers and game rangers will accompany you on game drives in open Land Rovers, tracking the Big Five and sharing with you their vast knowledge of the surrounding wildlife.  As Ulusaba is a private game reserve, emphasis is on exceptional personal service ...your safari in South Africa is guaranteed to be exclusive...

Bantry Bay Luxury Suites, Bantry Bay, Cape Town /  The Bantry Bay Luxury Suites is an exquisite blend of sea, the mountain and the city of Cape Town. 5 Star luxury in the heart of Cape Town's Platinum Mile, for the pleasure-seeking tourist and the business executive. Cosmopolitan Cape Town offers a variety of delectable cuisines from some of South Africa's finest restaurants, some of which are just a short stroll away. Enjoy an evening of elegant dining out or request in suite dining in the private comfort of your suite.  The Atlantic Café offers delicious South African breakfast and for those lazy sundowners, meet in the Café Bar.  Each Luxury hotel suite has an en-suite bathroom, spacious lounge, dining area, a business work station, a fully equipped kitchenette and a mini-bar. Admire the majestic views of Cape Town from your sun-filled balcony.

Infinity Apartment, Holiday Rental Self-Catering Apartment, BLOUBERGSTRAND A luxurious one-bedroom self-catering apartment, Infinity provides unprecedented and breathtaking views across Table Bay, with Table Mountain on your left and Robben Island on your right.  Infinity is perfectly positioned, merely 20 metres from Blouberg beach, with easy access to the centre of Cape Town, as well as Cape Town International Airport, the Cape Wine route, Cape Point and many other well known tourist attractions in and around Cape Town.  This stylish apartment features a fully equipped open-plan kitchen, lounge with leather couch and chairs, HD/LCD TV, DVD player and balcony. Magnificent ocean views are available on a whim. Merely open the sliding door and be overwhelmed by a fresh ocean breeze, sure to soothe even the most stressed of visitors.  Your bedroom is equipped with ample cupboard space and a plush double bed, accompanied by a modern ensuite bathroom with shower and bath.

Balfour Place, Luxury 3 Storey Self-Catering Villa, Camps Bay, Cape Town What makes this holiday home so unique is the location. Situated in a quiet leafy lane, only 200 meters from Camps Bay beach, it is one of a few self-catering villas of its size that is located so close to the beach. Camps Bay Village with beachfront shops, trendy cafés, cocktail bars and famous restaurants is a short stroll away.  This dynamic home has five very spacious, elegantly decorated bedrooms, all en suite, boasting a balcony each.  The three terraces offer the perfect vantage point from which to sip sundowners and indulge the senses with many spectacular sunsets, enjoy a game of pool, soak up the sun beside the swimming pool, take a leisurely swim and just unwind.  This beachside villa overlooks the famous palm fringed Camps Bay beaches and Atlantic ocean with breathtaking views of the Lions Head mountain peak.

Camps Bay Apartments,  Luxury Self-catering Apartments and Penthouses, Camps Bay, Cape Town Camps Bay Apartments offer the ultimate in world class luxury accommodation - located a short stroll from the beach in the premier suburb of Camps Bay - perhaps the most sought after address in Cape Town.  Camps Bay Apartments consists of a stunning three bedroom penthouse apartment in the picturesque Bali Bay in Victoria Road and four well appointed two bedroom boutique apartments in Rutland Place, Camps Bay Drive.  For the discerning traveler seeking the ultimate in accommodation, Camps Bay Apartments are unbeatable.  Designed by a top Cape Town architect and interior designer with no costs spared - combining thoughtful detail and luxurious understating quality.  These ultra stylish properties mix traditional African themes with modern décor to great effect.

Lion's View House, Luxury Designer Home/Self-Catering Villa, Camps Bay, Cape Town Situated in a tranquil leafy street in Cape Town's exclusive and trendy neighbourhood of Camps Bay, Lion's View faces the Atlantic Ocean and is backed by the peaks of the Twelve Apostles. Designed by a leading South African architect, its innovative, modern architecture and furnishings have featured in many a glossy design magazine, fashion shoot and TV commercial.  The house is spacious and luxurious and can be separated into two independent sections if required: the main house has 5 double bedrooms and the penthouse has 2 double beds.  The Main House is stylishly furnished with items by Philippe Starck and other contemporary designers, and has five en-suite double bedrooms, spacious lounge, dining room, open-plan kitchen, expansive patios - all surrounding an award-winning heated rimflow pool.

Lion's View Penthouse, Designer Penthouse Self-Catering Apartment, Camps Bay, Cape Town Situated in a tranquil leafy street in Cape Town's exclusive and trendy neighbourhood of Camps Bay, Lion's View faces the Atlantic Ocean and is backed by the peaks of the Twelve Apostles. Designed by a leading South African architect, its innovative, modern architecture and furnishings have featured in many a glossy design magazine, fashion shoot and TV commercial.  The house is spacious and luxurious and can be separated into two independent sections if required: the main house has 5 double bedrooms and the penthouse has 2 double beds.  The Penthouse Apartment features its own separate entrance, two luxurious bedrooms, 2 spacious en suite bathrooms, a lounge and fully equipped, open-plan kitchen, balcony with plunge pool to indulge the senses - the sun, the sea and a chilled bottle of chardonnay.

Ocean View House, Luxury Guest House, Bakoven, Camps Bay, Cape Town Immerse yourself in the gentle sounds of nature and the fragrance of exotic plants, the wind that creeks its way between Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles and the awesome breakers of the wild Atlantic. This is what awaits you when you arrive at this unique and luxurious retreat in Camps Bay. Whether you choose the impressive Presidential Suite or any of our other Luxury rooms, you will have an outstanding "bed and breakfast" experience. All our rooms enjoy magnificent views of the incomparable Atlantic Ocean from either a private terrace or balcony.  After a day experiencing the sights that Cape Town has to offer, you can relax in the comfort of your individually designed bedroom with its en-suite bathroom and all the comforts you would expect in a hotel of this calibre. Should sleep evade you, you can lie and experience the fascinating starry sky of the Southern Hemisphere, which is unforgettable.

The Oceana & Camps Bay Luxury Suites and Spa, Self-Catering Apartments, Camps Bay, Cape Town Situated in the heart of Camps Bay suburbia, The Oceana & Camps Bay Luxury Suites & Spa is an ideal destination. Perfectly located, a mere 15-minute walk from the spectacular Camps Bay Boulevard and Beaches where some of the best restaurants in Cape Town are found.  The Oceana boasts panoramic views of the Cape Atlantic coastline and is ideally situated below the magnificent 12 Apostle Mountain Range which forms part of Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula.  At the The Oceana, we offer 30 up-market tastefully decorated, sea and mountain facing Luxury Self-Catering Apartments. Twenty-eight of our 30 apartments have 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. The remaining two apartments have 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. All apartments have open-planned kitchen, dining room, and lounge, and are fully fitted and contained. The lounge has access to a private patio with spectacular views out onto the ocean.

Adderley Hotel, Cape Town The ADDERLEY HOTEL in the heart of Cape Town's city centre blends gracious urban historic facades with chic 21st century luxury interiors and can be best described as "cool". Situated in the historical end of Cape Town's main thoroughfare, Adderley Street and is well placed for corporate travelers with business interests in the city as well as for tourists who wish to experience Cape Town's finest leisure attractions.  Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and accessible to the public, the on-site restaurant encompasses a mixture of dishes spanning the globe that are associated with a Bowl.  The average suite measures a substantial 59 square meters and the design is modern, and spacious. The finishes are warm with natural textures, resulting in interiors that are subtle and sophisticated with the occasional splash of colour.  Each suite has an en-suite bathroom complete with separate bath and shower, seating and dining area, business work station, fully equipped kitchenette and mini-bar.

Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites, CAPE TOWN Set against a backdrop of mesmerising ocean and mountain views, in the shadow of the Cape Town International Convention Centre and ideally positioned on the fringe of the V&A Waterfront, this six floor state-of-the-art hotel offers no less than a 360 degree view of the best the 'Mother City' has to offer. With a fresh water canal running through the hotel, complete with "Venetian" water-taxis, Harbour Bridge Hotel and Suites links the city to the sea. The paved pedestrian walkway of the Precinct follows a cool and exciting cosmopolitan look and feel, seamlessly connecting the hub of the Convention Centre to the Waterfront. Perfect for both business and leisure travelers.

Head South Lodge, Bed & Breakfast, GREENPOINT Head South Lodge has a "sophisticated contemporary" look and feel about it. Elements of art deco and retro still exist after the 2004 redecoration. The 4-star grading by the South African Grading Council is justified by the decor alone. All 15 luxury double rooms have TV (satellite), bar fridges and tea/coffee facilities. Air-conditioned, smoking or non-smoking rooms are available. Head South also offers a free internet connection through ADSL. You need merely to plug in your laptop/notebook (no adjustments to be made).  Personal service is the strong feature of Head South Lodge. Day trips, car rental, restaurant referral and bookings are all done from Head South Lodge.

Romney Park Boutique Hotel and Wellness Centre, GREENPOINT If you are looking for the spaciousness and privacy of an apartment, coupled with all the convenience of a five star hotel, you are invited to be our guest.  We have gone out of our way to provide this new experience that you will cherish, and wish to repeat.  We've created an environment that's graciously African Colonial - but also modern, sophisticated and decidedly elegant. You'll find all the space, facilities and charm to proudly invite your friends or business associates over.  And a kitchen that's comprehensively equipped to bring out the best in any host. All suites are sea-facing, each with their own generous terrace, commanding spectacular views across Table Bay.

Constantia Vista - Luxury Self-Catering Suites, CONSTANTIA Nestling high on the hill in a beautiful setting, four fully self-contained, free-standing, self-catering suites look out across the magnificent Constantia Valley to False Bay. Feel luxuriously at home with all the amenities you could possibly desire.  Overlooking forests, vineyards, mountains and sea, Constantia Vista is the ideal retreat for those who wish to get away from it all.  An up-market suburb of Cape Town, Constantia is set in beautiful surroundings with plentiful sporting, shopping and restaurant amenities - and is within easy access of all the wonderful tourism venues of Cape Town and the Cape Winelands.  An ideal venue for golfers, located 10 minutes to two championship golf courses and 20 minutes to a further five major golf courses.  Didn't bring your golf clubs?  Constantia Vista has two sets of golf clubs available for complimentary use by guests

Inn with a View, Bed & Breakfast, Gardens, Cape Town On the slopes of Table Mountain, beneath the shade of Lion's Head, is an inn so spectacularly perched that you feel as though you could embrace the whole of Table Mountain.  Astounding views on all four levels of the property.... Whilst quietly enjoying sundowners in the lounge and watching the squirrels playing in the oak trees below, you can hardly believe that you are only minutes from the city centre. All rooms have been individually designed in African Colonial style to capture an ambience of subtle elegance and luxury.  Each en-suite room is equipped with TV, telephone, tea and coffee tray and has its own balcony with uninterrupted views of the mountain.

Leisure Bay Luxury Suites, Hotel Suites/Self-Catering Suites, Lagoon Beach Waterfront, Milnerton Walk directly onto an endless stretch of white sandy beach from the hotel's terrace! This stylish 4 star luxury suite hotel is set right on the dunes with panoramic views of Cape Town's Table Mountain and Robben Island. Each suite faces the sea and the spectacular sight of the African sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean is a view not to be missed.  If you are not dining at The Beach Bistro or at one of Cape Town's finest restaurants, you may want to enjoy an evening of quiet dining in the privacy and comfort of your own suite, which is ideally suited to self-catering. Each luxury suite is sea-facing, has an en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower, spacious lounge, dining area and fully equipped kitchenette. The suites are very suitable for families. All have large sun filled terraces with superb views of Table Mountain and Robben Island with easy access to an endless white sandy beach.

Rutland Lodge, Boutique Guest House, Oranjezicht, Cape Town Tucked away on a quiet tree-lined street, in the stylish Cape Town suburb of Oranjezicht, is the luxurious 5 star Rutland Lodge. This magnificent house designed by Sir Herbert Baker with its Cape Dutch architecture is framed against Table Mountain.  Located in Cape Town's City Bowl, Rutland Lodge is central to the major and most popular destinations such as Table Mountain (3 min.), the world renowned V&A Waterfront (7 min.), Clifton and Camps Bay beaches (7 min.), the Cape Town International Convention Centre, as well as the free-way leading to Cape Town International Airport or the Cape Winelands and its magnificent estates.  In summer, cool down in the swimming pool or take tea in the garden. Fresh flowers, old traditions, and warm smiles complete an extraordinary guest experience. We welcome children aged 12 and over.

Oceantide Luxury Self-Catering Apartments, Sea Point, Cape Town Situated in London Road, Sea Point, a tree-lined avenue between Sea Point's vibrant Main Road and the Beach Road 'promenade', overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Close to the famous V&A waterfront, shops, restaurants, beaches and on the bus route.  Free use of the Internet allows you to keep in touch with loved ones and colleagues. Local network mobile phones are available on request.  All apartments are studio apartments with a choice of a king-size bed or two twin beds. Relax and enjoy sundowners on the sunny balcony or laze next to the heated pool soaking up the Cape sun.

Sea Point Apartment, Self-catering 2 bedroom Apartment sleeping 4, UPPER SEA POINT Sea Point Apartment - a bright, modern, self-catering 2 bedroom apartment situated along the Atlantic Seaboard in upper Sea Point.  Situated in a quiet area, between High Level Road and Ocean View Drive, Sea Point Apartment is light and sunny, offering the perfect environment for relaxing into a holiday mood.  The Apartment accommodates 4 people, featuring the main bedroom with double bed and the smaller 2nd bedroom with double bed and a bathroom with shower.  It is fully furnished and equipped and includes a microwave oven, CD player, DVD player, DSTV, bed linen and bathroom towels.

West Beach Accommodation, Self-Catering Studio Apartment, WEST COAST West Beach is approximately 5 minutes to the beach, 20 minutes from the Airport and 15 minutes to the City Centre, V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain.  It is one of the fastest growing areas in the Western Cape, there are over 100 Restaurants, shops and live entertainment within a 5 minute drive.  The Self Catering apartment has its own Lock-up parking, own entrance, private garden and BBQ. The pool is in the main Garden which is also heated.  An excellent breakfast is available on request.  Sleeps 1-4.

Knysna Log-Inn Hotel, KNYSNA Built in 1998, the Knysna Log-Inn Hotel embodies an "indigenous" concept that combines the character and the spirit of the surrounding indigenous forests with Knysna's romantic history. On entering the lobby of one of the largest log structures in the Southern Hemisphere, exquisitely carved solid Yellow wood trunks tower upwards to the magnificent Scandinavian hammer trusses. Rays of sunshine flooding through the spectacular stained glass windows, illuminate the splendid solid Yellowwood staircase. The autumn hues of the slate flooring and the extensive use of natural river stone combine with the wood to create an atmosphere of tranquil balance. Truly "in tune with nature".

The Farmhouse Hotel, Langebaan Our gracious hotel sits on the hill above the Langebaan Lagoon on the Cape West Coast of South Africa. Originally built in 1860 as the Panorama Farm Homestead, it was beautifully restored in 1992, recreating the original Cape Dutch farmstead atmosphere. It retains the charm of reed ceilings, huge fireplaces and outstanding views of the lagoon.  The Management and Staff look forward to offering you the warmest of West Coast welcomes and pampering you with our homely, personalised service.  Our restaurant, the Panorama, named after the original homestead, offers traditional Cape cuisine and an excellent wine selection, specialising in wines of the West Coast and Swartland regions.  In winter a crackling fire spreads a warm glow over the Oregon furniture and high ceilings. Enjoy the finest, fresh West Coast seafood - mussels or fresh line fish, farm style chicken pie, oxtail and a variety of farm fresh vegetables and salads

Breede River Lodge, Hotel/Self-Catering Accommodation, Port Beaufort The Breede River Lodge is situated on the Garden Route midway between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay. The area is a mariners dream both on the river and the sea. Angling features as the number one attraction with many record breaking catches over the years - as will be seen on the Breede River Lodge Wall of Fame.  Enjoy a multitude of sports at the Breede River Lodge!  From relaxing water taxi's, deep sea fishing charters, skippered boat hire, spear fishing, horse rides, hiking, bird watching, walks and kayaking, to the more energetic quad biking on a nearby farm.  The Breede River Lodge is situated on the Garden Route midway between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay.  On the unspoilt bank of the mighty Breede River that flows into the warm Indian Ocean.

Simon's Town Quayside Hotel, Simon's Town, Cape Point Route Set on the water's edge of the Simon's Town yacht basin, Simon's Town Quayside Hotel is a superior four star hotel and conference centre.  With breathtaking views over False Bay and the majestic Simon's Kloof mountains, the Quayside waterfront offers a unique accommodation, conferencing, shopping and dining experience for business and leisure travellers alike.  On a warm summer's morning, enjoy a breakfast fit for royalty. Listen to the sounds of the harbour coming to life, waves lapping at your feet and the gulls calling as you decide what sights to take in.  Each luxury bedroom has magnificent views of either False Bay and the Simon's Town yacht basin or the majestic Simon's Kloof mountains.  Comfortably furnished for ultimate relaxation, all rooms have en-suite bathrooms with separate bath and shower. Enjoy a spectacular sunrise from the private balcony of your room and absorb the breathtaking views across the bay

Casa do Sol Hotel & Resort, Hazyview, Mpumalanga Welcome to Casa do Sol, house in the Rising Sun which has just undergone a  renaissance of major refurbishment and renovations during 2007. This luxury estate hotel situated in the beautiful Mpumalanga Region is a little Eden of tranquil pools, deeply shaded glades and quiet flower gardens.  Just beyond the boundaries of the hotel lie some of the jewels of creation - God's Window, the Blyde River Canyon and many other scenic glories of Mpumalanga. And the world famous Kruger National Park is just a hop away!   Casa do Sol is renowned for the excellence of its food and exceptional wines. Due to the expert skills of the chefs and the freshest home and farmgrown vegetables, fruit and dairy products the restaurants are famous for their delicious dishes. The hotel is made up of Casa's, Villa's, Twin and Double Suites and one "Casa Grande".

An Introduction to Cape Town, South Africa  by Ian Gouws

An Introduction to the must visit tourist spots in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, at the southern tip of Africa, is a city like no other on earth. Around every corner a new sight greets you, and just when you think you've seen it all, you are saluted by another.

In short, the scenery is spectacular and delightful to the senses. You will be spoiled for choice: You can move from Mediterranean-like beaches to lush forests, and from spectacular wine farms to wonderful mountain views - all in one day!

When to visit:

Cape Town's summer starts around October and it can be hot well into April. In mid summer the days can be extremely hot and dry, with January and February probably the warmest months. If "sun and beach" is what you're looking for, this is the best time to visit. Average summer days reach 81 º F (27 º C) with 11 or more hours sunshine a day. If you are looking for slightly cooler weather but still sunny days - September, October, March and April are good months to visit too.

Cape Town's attractions:

The list of Cape Town attractions is endless. First time visitors should concentrate on the following top attractions:

1. Table Mountain

South Africa's most famous mountain rises 1000 meters above the city - visible to approaching ships over 95 miles (150 km) away. With so many different moods it's hard not to fall in love with it. As the South Easter blows fog onto it, clouds fall mysteriously over its edges, creating an almost eerie waterfall over the big rock. A cable car and several hiking trails take visitors to the summit.

2. Signal Hill and Lions Head

These mountains provide fascinating views over the city, Table Mountain, Sea Point, Robben Island and the Atlantic. Signal Hill look-out point is a popular spot to enjoy sunsets from. An hour and a half walk will take you to the top of Lions Head from where you can enjoy amazing 360 degree views.

3. Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno

Three of Cape Town's most beautiful beaches are hidden just a few minutes from the City Centre. Clifton is divided into 4 smaller beaches - each one with its own unique character and atmosphere. If you are looking for a good meal or snack, head to Camps Bay. Llandudno beach is quieter - almost undiscovered - with wonderful mountain views and crystal clear water.

4. Hout Bay

Hout Bay is a popular seaside village famous for its good seafood, relaxed atmosphere and working harbor area. A boat trip to Seal Island with around 5000 seals offers a pleasant experience. Chapman's Peak drive provides fantastic views over the town and ocean.

5. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

South Africa's most visited attraction will certainly keep you busy. The shops are stocked with Africa's finest art, jewelers and curio collections, and the harbor area is packed with restaurants, coffee shops and wine bars.

6. Kirstenbosch Gardens

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens can be considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. It was established in 1913 as a celebration of South Africa's abundant plant life. Outdoor concerts are held during summer evenings.

7. Blouberg Beach

Head to Blouberg Beach for the famous postcard view of Table Mountain. Nothing beats a fresh early morning walk enjoying the extraordinary views. Big Bay beach, just north of Blouberg, is more secluded and worth a visit.

8. Organized Township Tours

Discover South African township life first hand - a life so different yet so friendly and inviting. No-where else are the drumbeats of Africa louder than here - the true heartbeat of the city. Taste the food, hear the stories and get an insight into the day to day lives of millions of South Africans. Only to be visited on an organized tour.

9. Robben Island

Home to imprisoned ex-president Nelson Mandela for 18 years, the destruction of apartheid is probably the most tangible here. The empty cell is a symbol of South Africans been set free, and beautiful Table Mountain seen from the island an indication of what all South Africans want their future to look like. You will visit the maximum prison museum, get the chance to interact with an ex-political prisoner and be taken around the island by bus.

10. Cape Peninsula and Cape Point

The Cape Peninsula stretches from Cape Point at the most southern tip to the city in the north, with a distance of 43 miles (70 km) between them. It holds some of the most dramatic scenery in South Africa - mostly magnificent mountain ranges, forests, crystal clear beaches, and mountain passes.

11. Boulders Beach

Boulders is world famous for its colony of African Penguins, and no trip to the Peninsula is completed without visiting this intimate beach. You can easily spend a day on the picturesque spot observing these interesting creatures.

12. Cape Town City Centre

The Cape Town city centre has experienced tremendous growth over the last few years. It's a mix between European and African cultures, with some wonderful architecture and interesting sidewalk cafes. St Georges Mall and Greenmarket square are vibrant areas with loads of colorful African markets.

13. Long and Kloof Streets

Long Street, with its many wine bars and restaurants becomes alive with people and city lights as the sun sets. Antique shops, second hand bookstores and other specialist shops make the street an exciting place to visit during daytime too.

14. Sunset walk, Sea Point Promenade

Young and old gathers here to enjoy the late afternoon sea breeze every day. The famous promenade runs all the way from Mouille Point to Bantry Bay. The air is fresh, the atmosphere is buzzing and the sunsets beautiful!

15. Rhodes Memorial

The memorial was constructed in remembrance of Cecil John Rhodes, and is situated against Devil's Peak behind the University of Cape Town. He has played an important role in the formation of the sub continent at the end of the 19th century.

16. The Constantia Valley

The Constantia Valley is one of Cape Town's official Big 6 tourist destinations. A visit to the oldest Wine Estate in the country, Groot Constantia (established in 1685) is unforgettable. It is one of the world's great wine brands and situated within the city borders in the heart of the breathtaking Constantia Valley.

17. Strand and Gordon's Bay

The ocean is much warmer here than the western beaches, and thousands of holidaymakers gather together over summer. If you are looking for dramatic mountain-meets-ocean-scenery, take the impressive coastal road towards Betty's Bay.

18. Vergelegen Wine Estate

Vergelegen is one of the most beautiful Wine Estates in the country and is frequently visited by the International renown. It's been honored by the visits of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, as well as Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton with their First Ladies.

19. Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch, beautifully situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is the second oldest town in South Africa. A walk through Dorp Street and a visit to Oom Samie se Winkel (Ungle Samie's Shop) introduce you to the fascinating history of this famous University town. The Jonkershoek Valley with its many day hikes is a must visit for all nature lovers.

20. Franschhoek

South Africa's very own "French Quarter", one of South Africa's top 5 tourist destinations, is situated on the banks of the Berg River against the backdrop of the Drakenstein Mountains. The charming town is packed with specialist shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants, and is best explored on foot. The French Huguenot Monument rises into the sky in remembrance of the French that found the town in 1688.

21. Hermanus

Cape Town's most popular seaside town offers the best whale watching site in the world between August and beginning December each year.

22. The West Coast

Here you will find the charming towns of Yzerfontein, Langebaan, Paternoster and Lambert's Bay. The West Coast's vast openness and unique village atmosphere provide a great escape for the tired city soul. The area is famous for its Cray fish dishes. A feast at one of the outdoor seafood restaurants should be high on any seafood lover's priority list.

The Mother City will not disappoint and is the perfect destination to relax in comfort and beauty. It is one of the most happening places on the African continent, and the world's new playground.

Cape Town, South Africa, City of Beauty and History  by Anne Sewell

I can just imagine the thoughts of Portuguese explorer Bartholemew Diaz, when he first discovered the Cape in 1488.  Coming in from the sea to this glorious and mountainous landscape must have been truly wondrous!   Cape Town has come a very long way from its initial stages as home to the nomadic Khoi people and later to the Dutch settlers of Jan van Riebeek of the Dutch East India Company.

Now a truly international city of sprawling proportions, all the cliches that have been applied to Cape Town are completely true - the Mother City, The Most Beautiful City in the World....  all with that stunning and beautiful backdrop -  the amazing Table Mountain.

You will arrive in Cape Town at the Cape Town International Airport, and drive through a series of dilapidated, but still interesting, townships to the city itself.  So many international class hotels to choose from, both in the city and Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and also in the surrounding suburbs.  Choose also from a range of quality bed & breakfasts, guest houses and self-catering villas and apartments, for the perfect holiday accommodation to suit you.

Take the famed cable car up to the top of Table Mountain - what a glorious view of the city, Signal Hill and the surrounding areas!  Meet the famous 'Dassies' or rock rabbits, that live on the summit - almost tame and very cute.

Visit the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and take a ferry to Robben Island where you can visit the jail cell occupied by Nelson Mandela for so many years, imbibe the history, and enjoy the view of Table Mountain from the island.

While in the Waterfront, take a sailing cruise, harbour cruise, booze cruise or just relax in the many quality restaurants, cafes and bars.  Got a bit of money so spend?  Have a shopping spree in the luxurious Victoria Wharf shopping mall!  A true shopper's delight..

In the city itself, there are many shops, restaurants, museums and cafes to explore, plus the Castle, and also the fascinating Bo-Kaap or Malay Quarter, with its wonderfully colourful houses.  Hear the noon gun boom out as it has since 1806!  The gun is situated on Signal Hill, just adjacent to the city.

High Tea - now here's a treat - experience high tea at one of the luxury hotels. From experience, I highly recommend the Table Bay Hotel in the Waterfront and also the historic Mount Nelson Hotel near the Company Gardens for a treat DELUXE - with sandwiches, snacks and pastries, and delicious cakes and chocolate treats plus a range of tasty teas and coffee... you can always diet when you get home again!

Having explored the city to its fullest, go further afoot and visit gorgeous Camps Bay, popular and upmarket seaside town with some amazing restaurants and bars on the golden sandy beach front.  The Atlantic Seaboard and the Cape Point Route have many lovely suburbs and towns, all with endless beaches and so much to explore.

Go to the famous Cape Winelands and visit the vineyards for wine tasting, delicious lunches, and beautiful views.  I first drove through the wine lands soon after dawn, on a winter morning and the views were so lovely I could have cried!  Frost on the hillsides, the dark reds and greens of the vines ... an awe-inspiring landscape.

Take a trip down the famed Garden Route all the way along the coast to Plettenberg Bay and the nearby Tsitsikamma Forest.  Along the route you will visit beautiful seaside towns, see the ostriches and Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn and experience real tranquility and beauty.

Visit the Overberg Region and the Whale Route - Hermanus is a historic little town with so many attractions including whale watching - the whales are so close, you could almost touch them!

All over the Cape Peninsula, golfers will find world-class golf courses to indulge their hobby, all with mountain or sea views.  With the exchange rate, you will find that playing golf in South Africa is very reasonably priced, but of international quality.

All in all, Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula of South Africa are well worth the visit and you will never forget the time that you spent in this marvelous country.

About the Author - Anne Sewell runs several tourism related websites including All World Vacation Station - a global travel and accommodation guide.