|
Table
Mountain is a sandstone plateau rising up above the
Cape Flats.
The top is approximately 3km wide, and at its highest
point, Maclears Beacon, rises to 1085m.
Over
the centuries it has become one of South Africa's most
famous landmarks. The steep cliffs and rocky outcrops
of the mountain play home to a number of plants and
animals. The mountain is home to approximately 1470
species of plants; more than the entire British Isles!
Complimenting this vast array of flora is a stunning
range of fauna, some, like the Table Mountain Ghost
Frog, being found in no other place in the world.
Facilities
at the top of the mountain:
- Self service restaurant
- Bistro
- ‘shop at the top’
- gifts and curios
- venues available for hire
 TABLE
MOUNTAIN CABLEWAY
The
best views of Cape Town are from the top of Table Mountain.
The cableway takes you to the summit in under ten minutes
whilst rotating gondola’s ensure that visitors enjoy
a 360 view of Cape Town and Table Bay. Once on top
visitors can stroll along 2 km of pathways and enjoy
magnificent views from over 12 viewing sites and decks.
Enjoy
panoramic views from Cape Town’s cablecar. The rotating
floor ensures that all visitors have a 360 degree view
of the city.
Clothing
Always bring a warm jacket with you, as the temperature
is often cooler on the summit than at the lower station.
If you plan to walk to the highest point on the mountain,
Maclears Beacon, be sure wear a good pair of walking
shoes.
 Weather
The weather on the summit is very changeable. It
is best to check the weather section of the website
or phone (021) 424 8181 to check if the cable car is
open or closed.
Remember; the Cableway may close at any time
due to strong winds. Do not rely on the Cableway being
open when you get to the top. Always leave enough time
and light to walk down again.
Timing
We suggest that you set aside at least an hour for
the visit. This gives you time to enjoy all 11 viewpoints.
If you want to go for a walk or have a meal on the top,
plan for a longer stay on the mountain. Always leave
enough time and daylight to walk down again.
Parking
Free
parking is avaliable along the road leading to the lower
cable station. Ample space has been allocated for visitors
who wish to be picked up and dropped off outside the
front entrance. We have allocated dedicated parking
bays for your tour buses and taxi's to use.
Disability
Friendly
The Cableway is freely accessible to people with
disabilities. There are dedicated parking bays near
the lift entrance at the lower cable station. Guide
dogs are more than welcome aboard and most seem to enjoy
the ride. Once on top, there are over 2km's of pathways
that can be explored by a person in wheelchair, and
our restaurant is easily accessible. All but two of
our viewpoints can be accessed by a person in a wheelchair
and there are wheelchair toilet facilities available
 DIRECTIONS
TO THE CABLE CAR
Directions
to the Cableway are clearly signposted, look for the
brown information boards, but just in case, we've drawn
up some easy to follow directions and maps for you.
Move your mouse over a map to see which areas it caters
for. If you think that you may have difficulty remembering
the directions, select the appropriate map and click
print at the top of your browser window
The
Ten Commandments of Mountain Safety
- Never climb alone. Four is the ideal party.
- Choose your route according to the ability, fitness
and experience of the party.
- Go with somebody who genuinely knows the way, or
use a map, guidebook, or description of the route
by a person who has climbed it before. Allow plenty
of time to get up and down in daylight.
- Until you know your way around, stick to recognised
routes on well-used paths. Heed signs warning of danger
and do not take short cuts or negotiate unknown ravines.
- Tell someone exactly where you are going (up and
down routes and expected time of return) and stick
to this plan.
- Every party should have a leader. Keep together
and travel at the pace of the slowest. Never split
up and go in different directions.
- Always go prepared for bad weather and take proper
weatherproof and windproof clothing. Carry everything
in a rucksack to keep arms and hands free.
- Always watch the weather and time and turn back
as soon as bad weather threatens, or if the route
is no longer easy to follow.
- Stay put in case of trouble. Don't try to force
your way down in darkness or mist. Find shelter, especially
from the wind.
- If you get lost or find yourself in an area that
looks unsafe, retrace your steps. Do not push on into
the unknown. If you can't find the path you left,
look for a safe route - preferably down broad, open
slopes - making sure at all times that you can retrace
your steps.
CONTACT
DETAILS
Table
Mountain Aerial Cableway Company P.O.Box 730 Cape Town
8000 Tel: (021) 424-0015 Fax: (021) 424-3792
|
|
 ROBBEN
ISLAND
Nelson
Mandela officially opened the Nelson Mandela Gateway
to Robben Island on December 1, 2001, at the V&A
Waterfront.
Declared
a World Heritage Site on December 1, 1997, Robben Island
has become a symbol of the truimph of the human spirit.
A tour of the Robben Island Museum is a multi-media
exhibitions, a restaurant, an auditorium, and a museum
shop are housed. A Robben Island Museum tour includes
a half-hour ferry trip, a guided tour of the Maximum
Security Prison, interaction with an ex-political prisoner,
and a bus tour of the historic buildings and the unique
flora and fauna of the 575-hectare Island.
HISTORY
For
nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometres from
Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation
and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those
they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts
and the unwanted of society.
During
the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally
known for its institutional brutality. The duty of those
who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents
of apartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom
fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison
for their beliefs.
Those
imprisoned on the Island succeeded on a psychological
and political level in turning a prison 'hell-hole'
into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation. Robben
Island came to symbolise, not only for South Africa
and the African continent, but also for the entire world,
the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship
and adversity.
TOUR
The
Robben Island Museum tour starts from the Nelson Mandela
Gateway building at the new Clock Tower precinct development
on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, where
the museum ticket office, shop and information centre
is located. Ferries depart seven days a week at regular
intervals throughout the day, weather permitting.
The
standard tour is presently 3 and a half hours long,
including the two half-hour ferry trips there and back.
Children below the age of 4 needn't pay, but their seats
must be booked.
THE
ISLAND
The
Island is actually the summit of an ancient, now submerged
mountain, linked by an undersea saddle to the Blouberg.
Its lower strata consists of Malmesbury shale forming
a rocky and somewhat inhospitable coastline. Above this
lies a thick limestone and calcrete deposit covered
by windblown sands and shell fragments.
The Island is low-lying with the highest point at Minto's
Hill (named after a nineteenth-century Surgeon-Superintendent
of the General Infirmary) 24 metres above sea-level.
The climate is Mediterranean, as in nearby Cape Town,
but the Island experiences stronger winds and colder
winters.
Robben
Island hosts about 74 bird species. These include seabirds,
waterbirds and terrestrial birds. A few species have
been introduced to the Island by humans such as the
chukar and guinea fowl.
The environment provides a sheltered and safe haven
for this large variety of bird species. Many of the
seabirds use the Island for breeding and resting. Some
birds from the mainland such as cattle egrets and black
crowned night herons breed on the Island in large colonies.
The African penguin is a species that was abundant in
the 17th century but was eliminated by human activities.
By 1983 however, the penguins had re-established themselves
as a breeding population.
The natural vegetation is classified as Strandveld of
the West Coast similar to that found between Cape Point
and the Olifants River. The types of flora and fauna
on Robben Island has been affected by the built environment,
and extensive plantations of shrubs and exotic trees,
some of which was planted to provide shade for patients
during the period the Island functioned as a leper colony.
The spectacular veld flowers typical of the West Coast
also occur on the Island during spring.
The
boat trip between Cape Town and Robben Island provides
opportunity to see a wide spectrum of seabirds and marine
mammals including Cape Fur seals, Southern Right whales
and Dusky and Heaviside Dolphins.
Once on the Island, you will be able to see some of
the 23 species of mammals, including small herds of
bontebok, springbok, steenbok, European fallow deer
and eland. Ostriches, lizards, geckoes, snakes and tortoises
can also be found.
|
|
-
STELLENBOSCH - PAARL
- WELLINGTON
- FRANSCHHOEK -
WHAT
TO DO AND SEE IN THE WINELANDS
 Spier's
Cheetah Outreach Programme- Butterfly
World
Die Vonds Snake Centre
- Drakenstein
Lion Park
- Le
Bonheur Crocodile Farm
- Paarl
Bird Sanctuary
- Amafelli
Cobra Hire
- Classic
Twin Tours
- Stellenbosch
Flying Club
- Stellenbosh
on Foot
- Hiking
Trails
STELLENBOSCH
The
Stellenbosch Wine Route was the first in South Africa
and all the estates along the route are within a 12km
radius of the town. All are open Monday to Saturday
with only a few opening on Sundays. They offer wine
tastings and sell directly to the public and a number
of the estates offer light meals but it would be advisable
to make enquiries before you arrive.
Tourist
Information
Stellenbosch,
the oldest town in the country after Cape Town, is undoubtedly
the most scenic and historically - preserved town in
southern Africa. Its one of the most beautiful and heritage-conscious
towns via historic Dorp Street is like stepping into
the page of a history book.
Oak-lined
streets next to water furrows compliment the many fine
examples of elegant Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian
architecture -all part of this unique Town of Oaks.
The town, ideally situated in a magnificent mountain
valley, boasts a mild Mediterranean climate and is the
ideal destination from which to explore the Winelands
and the many tourists attractions that the area has
to offer.
Where
top academics, international businessmen, wine and brandy
experts, restaurateurs par excellence, conservationists,
and people with a sense of history rub shoulders, excellence
is bound to be the watchword. That is probably the term
that best describes Stellenbosch, wit the unswerving
pursuit of excellence evident in every sphere of endeavour.
Tourism
Bureau
36
Market Street
Stellenbosch
7600
Tel: +27(0)21 883-9633
PAARL
Tourist
Information
Only 56 km from Cape Town, Paarl offers historical
charm, culture, architectural heritage and wine.
HaIf
an hour's drive (56km) from Cape Town, you find Paarl
(pearl) with its Cape Dutch buildings fruit farms, breathtaking
scenery and many cycling and nature trails and historic
wine estates. Paarl lies in the Berg River Valley at
the foot of the scenic Du Toitskloof Mountains.
Attractions include the Afrikaans Language Museum, the
monument that soars above Paarl, ballooning from December
to March, and lots of animal attractions. There's the
Heen en Weer ostrich farm, a snake park, a crocodile
farm and the largest butterfly park in South Africa
where the butterflies fly freely in a covered garden.
Or you could roar off to the only Lion Park in the Western
Cape - just 20 minutes outside Paarl. Here you can view
the lions from a catwalk, which runs over their 2,5
hectare enclosures. For birdwatchers there are over
140 species in the Paarl area including Black Eagles
and Peregrine Falcons. And at the lkwezi Centre, you
can buy ethnic rugs and tapestries of the Bhabhathane
Weavers.
The Paarl wine region is home to Paarl Vintners. Established
in 1996 it has already founded a wine route with lots
of well sign-posted participants. Visit Fairview Estate
where you can taste not only their wines but also their
wide variety of cheeses.
WELLINGTON
Tourist
Information
Drive
up Bain's kloof for a panoramic view across the Valley
of Wellington. Visit the South African Dried Fruit shop,
picturesque wine estates where wine as well as olive
tastes is offered, enjoy hiking and horse trails from
where breathtaking views unfold along paths with the
most exquisite species of wild flower and see for yourself
what excellent products are available at our well-known
leather factories.
Wellington
Tourism Bureau / Wine Route
PO
Box 695 / 104 Main Road
Wellington, 7654 / 7655
 FRANSCHHOEK
Tourist
Information
Franschhoek
was originally known as Olifants Hoek, after elephants
took to calving in the sheltered valley of plentiful
food and water. In 1694, nine farms were apportioned
to Hugenots fleeing persecution in France. Finding the
climate similar to that of France, the settlers planted
vines. Today (21) members of the Vignerons produce wines
consumed throughout the world. Franschhoek is well known
for its excellent restaurants, top accommodation establishments,
splendid mountains and openhearted hospitality. Spend
time browsing its many arts-and-craft shops, galleries
and antique stores.
Franschhoek the charming village and beautiful
wine valley. Stay here to discover the Cape.
Tourism
Bureau
Huguenot
Rd
Franschhoek 7690.
WHAT
TO DO AND SEE IN THE WINELANDS
Spier's
Cheetah Outreach Programme
 R310, outside Stellenbosch
Tel: (021) 809 1188 (Anne or Dawn)
Spier's
Cheetah Outreach Programme - a boost for conservation.
The world's fastest land animal, the Cheetah, is running
its most desperate race - the race for survival. Spier
has pledged its support for the fight against Cheetah
extinction with its Cheetah Outreach Programme. Apart
from helping to conserve a species, the Spier Cheetah
Outreach Programme - with its educational aspect - also
provides an opportunity for people who may never be
able to visit a game park or nature reserve to be made
aware of the need to support conservation.
Guests
are welcome to visit the Cheetahs at the Spier Cheetah
Park at Spier (behind the Spier Farm Stall).
Butterfly
World
R44, Klapmuts
Tel: (021) 875 5628
Fax: (021) 875 5230
Butterfly
world, an enclosed tropical garden where exotic, colourful
butterflies are free-flying, is an experience of nature
at its best. Restaurant and craft shop and informative
display room.
Open
7 days a week from 09h00 to 17h00
Die
Vonds Snake Centre
R45, between Paarl and Wellington
Tel: (021) 863 8309
Fax: (021) 862 3741
This
is a centre for the breeding and conservation of snakes
and other reptiles. We have 40 different types of snakes,
as well as tortoises, lizards, leguans and more.
Mon-Sat:
19h30 - 17h30
Drakenstein
Lion Park
 Old Paarl Road, R101
Tel: (021) 863 3290
Fax: (021) 863 3290
The park offers sanctuary to captive born lions that
cannot be returned to the wild. Our animals are housed
in large sprawling camps in as natural conditions as
is practically possible. View these magnificent animals
from our catwalk that extends over the camps or relax
on our viewing deck. The park is also home to the endangered
cheetah.
Open 7 days a week from 09h30 to 17h00.
Le
Bonheur Crocodile Farm
 R45, Simondium
Tel: (021) 863 1142
Fax: (021) 863 1142
Le
Bonheur Crocodile Farm is set in the picturesque Paarl
Valley. We invite you to join guided tours, or visit
our curio shop where you will find a wide variety of
top quality products fashioned from the classical and
durable crocodile leather. Crocodile meat is also sold.
This white meat is high in protein and low in fat, and
in the East it is believed to have aphrodisiac qualities.
Because it has a natural flavour, it is acceptable to
many people.
Open
7 days a week.
Paarl
Bird Sanctuary
Drommedaris Street
Tel: (021) 807 4500
Fax: (021) 872 8054
Enjoy a lovely quiet moment while spotting the colourful
Pied King Fisher in our 45 hectare paradise with its
150 different species of birds visiting the sanctuary
throughout the year. Entrance is free.
07h 00 - 19h 00 all year round.
Amafelli
Cobra Hire
2 Dennesig Road, Stellenbosch
Tel: (021) 887 1756/083 462 9696
Fax: (021) 887 1796
Amafelli
Cobra Hire operates from Stellenbosch and has a small
stable of the replica of cobra sports cars which are
hired out to the public. A profound concept to give
people an opportunity to tour the fair Cape, in the
most exhilarating way possible, to live a dream of pure
pleasure and feel a sense of power. "Make a statement,
Hire a Cobra!"
7
days a week from 08h00 to 10h00
Classic
Twin Tours
R304, Koelenhof
Tel: (021) 882 2558
Fax: (021) 887 9678
Harley-Davidson
or MG Convertible rentals, motorcycle or roadster -
your choice. Made for dreamers, poets, and adventurers.
Take our Harleys or MG's on your own voyage through
this land where man first dreamt. The road is waiting
- it's yours for the taking.
Operating
24 hours, 7 days a week
Stellenbosch
Flying Club
R44, outside Stellenbosch
Tel: (021) 880 0294
Fax: (021) 880 1264
The
Stellenbosch Flying Club offers prospective and qualified
pilots the opportunity of flying over the most beautiful
scenery in South Africa - framed by mountains, winelands
and the sea.
7
days a week from 08h00 to 17h00
Stellenbosch
on Foot
Tales
of yester year and colourful inhabitants of the past
will make 300 years of history come alive in the ‘The
Village of the Oaks'. Admire the charm and harmony of
the Cape Dutch Architecture as you stroll along shady
avenues bordered by the water furrows of the Mill Stream.
Historic Walks:1O:OO &15:OO daily , Twilight Walk
Ghost Walk Weekends by appointment. Start at Information
Bureau Market Street
Hiking
Trails
Jonkershoek
There are several hiking trails within the beautiful
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. The Swartboskloof-Sosyskloof
route offers a 5,3 km and a 6,9 km circular route -
easy scenic walks with a waterfall in winter and relic
forest patches. A trip to the Second Waterfall is 6,4
km out and back, an easy scenic walk with the Eerste
River in sight for most of the way, then a fairly steep
section to the gorge (the steep and dangerous ascent
to the actual waterfall is closed to hikers).
Panorama,
a 17,1 km trail with a fairly steep 4 km-ascent that
goes on to a contour path, offers splendid views. The
Swartboskloof trail is the longest at 18 km, with panoramic
views, a steep ascent, a level top section and a steep
decent to the waterfall route.
Hiking
advice and safety
When hiking in the mountains, you should take certain
precautions. Here are some guidelines that should be
adhered to:
- Obtain
a good map
- Consult
weather reports
- Always
inform someone of your route and expected lime of
return
- Hiking
groups should he no fewer than three persons
- Carry
first-aid and snake-bite kits
- Wear
strong shoes with non-slip soles
- Take
warm clothing and a waterproof jacket
- Carry
emergency rations, torch, pocket-knife, hat and sun
cream
- Remain
in mapped areas and on paths
- It
is illegal to make fires except at designated picnic
areas Remember, take nothing but photographs, kill
nothing but time, and leave nothing but footprints!
|
|
 The
Two Oceans Aquarium is an all year round destination
which provides visitors with an in-depth view of the
rich diversity of life found in the oceans surrounding
our coastlines.
There
is no extra charge for any of the dailyactivities in
the aquarium.
• See fish eat in the I&J Predator Exhibit
at 15h30 daily.
• Watch feeds in the Kelp Forest Exhibit on Wednesday
at 11h30 and Sundays at 12h30.
• Visit the penguins in the Sappi 'Story of Water'
exhibit - their feeding times are at 12h00 and 15h00
daily.
• Complete your visit at the Aquarium by visiting
the Aquarium Shop with various curios and clothing on
sale.
• There are opportunities to dive with the sharks
in a copper hat diving suit.
You
can also break your visit at the Aquarium by sitting
down at the Bayfront Blu Restaurant for tea and cakes
or lunch.
|
|
|
 Attracts
2 million visitors a year.
Situated
between Robben
Island and
Table Mountain
in the heart of Cape Town's
working harbour, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
has become South Africa's
most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of
magnificent sea and mountain views, exciting shopping
and entertainment venues are intermingled with imaginative
office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments
in the residential marina. We invite you to discover
the experience... live, work, shop and play at the V&A
Waterfront.
Whatever
your mood, style or budget, our diverserestaurant selection
is able to cater to your specific tastes. To make any
occasion special all you have to do is sit back and
relax.
 SHOPPING
With
over 400 stores the V&A Waterfront caters to all
your shopping needs in a huge range that will suit any
budget or taste.
It's
sumptuous blend of Victorian architecture, maritime
tradition, and African culture ensures a shopping environment
that is lively and cosmopolitan. You can browse among
international and local designer boutiques, jewellery
showrooms, art galleries, craft and lifestyle stores.
Choose your home essentials from a range of established
South African stores, or seek out the perfect curio
or gift. while keeping your strength up with a visit
to any one of a superb range of coffee shops, take-aways,
and restaurants.
All
stores at the V&A Waterfront are open till 9pm
seven days a week for your convenience and shopping
pleasure, and there's over 6000 open-air and under-ground
parking bays, patrolled and monitored 24 hours a day
for greater peace of mind.
ENTERTAINMENT
The
festive street entertainers in the form of clowns, jugglers,
mime artists, balloon sculptors, stilt walkers and street
musicians of every description, and the Waterfront is
a veritable theatre of activity. The V&A Waterfront
hosts an exciting variety of festivals, food and wine
fairs, concerts, expos, sporting events and entertainment,
each with its own unique style and atmosphere. The action
never stops with an impressive annual programme of live
performances by theatre groups, street entertainers,
musicians and singers. From classical and choir music,
to jazz and pop, there is something for everyone, ensuring
that the V&A Waterfront's promise of creating "Your
World at the Water's Edge".
ACTIVITIES
Thanks
to a huge variety of activities and venues the V&A
Waterfront provides many distractions from the pace
of city life. Visitors can choose from dining, movies,
pubs, historic buildings, museums, an aquarium, walks,
tours, boat trips, helicopter flips, working breweries
anyone.
|
|
|
GrandWest Casino heralds an exciting new chapter in
the Western Cape's
entertainment scene. This amazing casino and entertainment
world is a first for the Mother
City and
is also the only casino situated in the Western
Cape.
GrandWest
offers round-the-clock entertainment for the whole family
with all the thrill and excitement of Las Vegas-scale
gambling, set within the astonishing beauty of the fairest
Cape. While the adults play -
so do their children. Children delight in an alphabet
of activities ranging from ice-skating and supervised
parties, movies, rides, races and arcade games. GrandWest
is a never-ending world of fantasy and food and fabulous
family entertainment.
When
night falls, GrandWest comes alive with a dazzling array
of entertainment. Surrounding the Casino are, bars,
lounges, a nightclub, a revue bar showcasing top theatrical
and musical productions and eight top restaurants.
http://www.grandwest.co.za
|
|
KIRSTENBOSCH
BOTANICAL GARDENS
|
|
 Kirstenbosch
National Botanical Garden is world-renowned for the beauty and
diversity of the Cape flora it displaysand for the magnificence
of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.
It is one of the “Seven Magnificent Botanical Gardens of the
World”, and is one of South Africa’s 8 National Botanical Gardens.
Kirstenbosch grows only indigenous South African plants. The
estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora
and natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays
collections of South African plants, particularly those from
the winter rainfall region of the country.
The
Visitors' Centre includes an information desk; the Kirstenbosch
Shop with a wide range of gifts at the Botanical Society Bookshop
and The Coffee Shop.
The
Kirstenbosch Restaurant is an outsourced facility catering for
breakfast, lunch and dinner.
On
Sundays during the summer months from December to March, musical
sunset concerts are held on the lawns. Craft markets are also
held at the Stone Cottages (opposite Kirstenbosch) on the last
Sunday of every month (except June, July & August).
If
you would like to know more about our flora try one of our
Theme Walks . Volunteer guides conduct tours of the Garden
on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11:00.
Group bookings and special interest tours can be arranged
with the Information Office (Tel: (021) 761 4916). A club
car also runs daily mini-tours on the hour from the Visitors'
Centre. The cost is R20 per person and R15 per child. Pre-booking
is advisable, (Tel: (021) 762 9120).
A
number of trails lead through natural forest and fynbos surrounding
the developed garden. A map is obtainable from the Information
Office for R1.
Hours
and fees
The Garden is open 365 days a year from 08:00
- 19:00 (September -March) and from 08:00
- 18:00 (April - August). From 1
Jan 2003 the entrance fee is R18 for adults and
R10 for students with student cards. Fees for school children
(6-18 years old) are R5. Children under 6 years old have
free entry. SA senior citizens have free entry on Tuesdays,
if it is not a public holiday.
How
to Get There
By
car - Kirstenbosch lies 13 km from Cape Town
city centre. From the city, take De Waal Drive (M3) in the
direction of Muizenberg, at the first traffic light intersection
turn right (southwards) into Rhodes Drive (M63) and follow
the signs to Kirstenbosch.
Special
Features
 The
Botanical Society Conservatory - enables Kirstenbosch
to display South African plants which cannot be grown in the
outdoor gardens. Here, under one roof, you will find plants
from high mountain peaks, shady forests and hot, dry deserts.
The main house, dominated by a large baobab tree, features
succulents from the arid regions of southern Africa. Special
collections of bulbs, ferns and alpines are displayed in smaller
corner houses.
Peninsula
garden - displays some of the 2 500 plant species found
on the Cape Peninsula.
Water-wise
garden>- demonstrates how to create a garden which needs far
less water and maintenance than a conventional garden.
Fragrance
garden - features plants with interesting textures and
scents.
Medicinal
garden - Find out about the many medicinal uses of South
African plants.
The
Dell- the oldest part of the Garden, featuring Colonel Bird's
Bath, tree ferns and a variety of shade-loving
plants.
Protea
garden - features members of the protea family (Proteaceae).
This part of the Garden is most magnificent in winter and
spring, when the proteas, conebushes and serrurias are in
flower. Pincushions provide a colourful display in early summer.
Restio
garden - focuses on the incredible variety of texture
and form found in the reed family (Restionaceae).
Useful
Plants garden - the redevelopment and extension of the
Medicinal Plants garden.
Van
Riebeeck's hedge - planted in 1660 to protect cattle of
the Cape colonists.
|
|
 Fynbos
is one of the Western Cape's best-kept
secrets. It although it has something to offer all year round,
winterand spring are the times when it bursts forth with its
amazing wealth of beautiful flowers, from the huge, striking
king protea (South Africa's national flower) to the tiniest,
delicate orchid.
South
Africa is the only country in the world
to have within its borders an entire floral kingdom (only
six such kingdoms exist). The Cape Floral Kingdom is the smallest
of the six floristic kingdoms of the world, yet it has the
highest number of species, an astounding 8 600, of which 5
800 are found nowhere else in the world. It is recognised
as the world’s most prominent "hot-spot" of plant
diversity.
The
most characteristic form of vegetation in this kingdom is
fynbos.
 Fynbos,
meaning 'fine leafed' is the popular name for the shrublands
of the winter rainfall area of the Western Cape Province of
South Africa. It is a hardy type of vegetation which has adapted
to the dry summer season and strong coastal winds in special
ways: by producing hard leathery leaves (as in the well-known
protea family); or fine, tiny leaves (the erica or heath family);
by having long, thin stems with no leaves (the reed or restio
family); or by means of underground storage organs (lilies
and orchids).
In
order to be classified as fynbos, the vegetation should include
either proteas, ericas and/or reeds. Generally, mountain fynbos
is found in sandstone habitats, on the mountains; and coastal
fynbos in the more sandy areas, on the flats. Renosterveld
occurs on the clayey mountain slopes, and remnants of indigenous
forests in the mountain valleys. Milkwood thickets occur,
mainly on the western side of the Peninsula. Collectively,
these different types of vegetation are known as the Cape
Floral Kingdom.
Fynbos
is highly threatened by development, and encroachment by woody
alien invasive plants such as rooikrans and port jackson.
Exciting conservation moves are under way to ensure that this
priceless asset will survive and much of the Peninsula Mountain
chain has been declared a National Park.
|
SELF
DRIVE DAY TOURS AROUND CAPE TOWN
|
|
|
If
you're in Cape Town for any longer than a few days, you'll
want to move out into the surrounding countryside and explore.
Select maps and other valuable info from the tourism info
offices situated in many of the suburbs of Cape Town.
Scenic
Routes and Passes
•
The Western Cape has great mountain barriers that separate
the coastal region from the interior. The early engineers
opened up the hinterland with the construction of spectacular
mountain passes.
•
Chapman’s Peak, between Hout Bay and Noordhoek is one of the
world’s most beautiful, with its sea view on one side and
orange brown sandstone walls on the other (temporary closed).
•
Over Sir Lowry’s Pass and into the rolling wheatfields of
the Overberg.
•
The famous Swartberg, Meiringspoort and Robinson Passes connecting
the Garden Route with the Klein Karoo Kannaland and Central
Karoo are all masterpieces by Thomas Bain.
•
Entering the province from the east through Bloukrans and
Groot River Passes or from the north via the Hex River Valley
or Piekenierskloof are all breathtaking and over-whelming
experiences.
•
The passes have panoramic views and vista’s. Circular routes
take the traveller through more than two or three during a
day journey.
SUGGESTED
DAY TRIPS
Here
are a few suggestions to help you. They are restricted
to a comfortable amount of driving in a day -- none of them
should exceed 400 km, though in many cases you can combine
trips and would have a more leisurely trip if you stopped
over somewhere.
The
Hermanus circuit
Either
go from Cape Town on the N2 over Sir Lowry's Pass to Hermanus
and return via Betty's Bay and Gordon's Bay, or the other
way round. You can stop for lunch in Hermanus or en route,
or picnic. You can easily stretch this trip to two days, particularly
if you're in whale season when the Southern Right whales return
to the bay to mate and calve. You can go beyond Hermanus to
De Kelders or other of land-based whale-watching spots by
all accounts the world's best.
Hermanus
is renowned as one of the world's top whale-viewing destinations
Each year some 250 000 visitors descend upon Hermanus during
the 10-day Whale Festival. It is held every spring, during
the September Cape school holidays. The Festival also presents
performing artists, stand-up comics, theatre productions and
musicians.
In Hermanus you can also visit the Fernkloof Nature Reserve,
walk on the cliffs overlooking the sea, or visit Whalehaven
Winery or the estates of Hamilton-Russell and Bouchard-Finlayson.
The Walker Bay area produces some of South Africa's premier
wines.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from but the most
unusual must surely be Bientang's Cave. If wine-speak has
got you feeling contrary, try the newly opened Birkenhead
Brewery in Stanford, just outside Hermanus.
 Gordens
Bay to Rooiels
Either
going or coming back, enjoy the Gordon's Bay to Rooi Els section
of the coast. This is a little known stretch as beautiful
as the drive around the Peninsula with much of the area still
in its natural state.
In
Betty's Bay you can visit the Harold Porter Nature Reserve
and even hope to spot a leopard. Some of the best fishing
in South Africa, both spear and line, is on this coast, but
as the crosses commemorating anglers swept out to sea that
dot the coast show, this can be a dangerous coast. If you're
into early Cape history, remember that this area was often
a haven for escaped slaves.
Drive
to Somerset West and the surrounding area
There's more to Somerset West than a retirement village or
dormitory suburb of CapeTown. If you're a history buff you'll
enjoy scouting around the town's many historical buildings
and national monuments. And there are plenty considering that
Somerset West started life as a cattle post in the late 1600s.
For
the eco-tourist there's the Helderberg Nature Reserve
where you'll find a variety of protea species and mountain
fynbos ('fynbos' is the collective name for the most widely
varied group of vegetation found in one area anywhere in the
world - the so-called Capensis vegetation of the Cape floral
kingdom), several species of buck and nearly 170 species of
birds including three species of red-chested flufftail, found
only in this area.
There
are a number of walking and hiking trails in the Helderberg
which range from a gentle amble to more challenging trails
for serious climbers.
Back
in the car and it's off to the Helderberg Wine Route
where you'll find, amongst other things, the largest private
port producer in the world. Most of the estates offer wine
tastings and all of them sell directly to the public.
Vergelegen, one of the Cape's historic landmarks, is
a must for visitors to the area.
Historians
and archaeologists have excavated its slave quarters for insights
into 18th century Cape life. With the spectacular Hottentots
Holland Mountains as a backdrop, take a stroll through the
Octagonal and Rose Gardens, take a look at the ancient Camphor
Trees which were declared national monuments in 1942, then
stop off at the Lady Phillips Tea Garden on the banks of the
Lourens River where teas and lunches are served. Al fresco
lunches are also served at the Rose Terrace from November
to April. Reservations are recommended. Guided tours of the
Wine Cellar as well as wine tastings are offered Monday to
Saturday. Bookings for the tour are essential.
A drive to Tulbagh and the surrounding area.
About an hour and a half's drive from the centre of the city
lies the historic little town ot Tulbagh which boasts some
of the most beautiful examples of early Cape architecture.
Church Street is the only street in South Africa where every
single building has been declared a National Monument. At
the Oude Kerk Volksmuseum you can take a look at a photographic
account of the damage done to these priceless buildings during
an earthquake in September 1969.
Turn this into a real day out in the country and enjoy the
hiking routes, mountain bike routes, horse riding and fishing.
Visit the Owl Rehabilitation Sanctuary or go fruit picking
(it's free, you only pay for your picked fruit). Take time
out to pop into Paddagang Restaurant and Wine House, originally
built as a wine cellar in 1809. It is open seven days a week
for breakfast, tea, lunch, wine tasting and wine sales.
Alternatively,
you could take the Trans-Karoo Express travelling through
the winelands to Tulbagh. Enjoy a 1st class train journey;
stop off en route at Boontjiesrivier Pottery farm and the
Bianco wine and olive estate. Lunch at a restaurant in historic
Church Street and return by bus via scenic Bainskloof Pass
to be dropped off back in the city. The train runs 7 days
a week.
The
Stellenbosch Wine Route Drive(See more info under Winelands)
You can do this route to include Stellenbosch itself, and
one or more adjoining area such as Franschhoek, Paarl or Somerset
West.
Paarl
and the Paarl Wine Route Drive (See more info under Winelands)
HaIf
an hour's drive (56km) from Cape Town, you find Paarl (pearl)
with its Cape Dutch buildings and historic wine estates. Paarl
lies in the Berg River Valley at the foot of the scenic Du
Toitskloof Mountains.
The
Paarl wine region is home to Paarl Vintners. Established in
1996 it has already founded a wine route with lots of well
sign-posted participants. Visit Fairview Estate where you
can taste not only their wines but also their wide variety
of cheeses.
Attractions include the Afrikaans Language Museum, the monument
that soars above Paarl, ballooning from December to March,
and lots of animal attractions.
For
birdwatchers there are over 140 species in the Paarl area
including Black Eagles and Peregrine Falcons. And at the lkwezi
Centre, you can buy ethnic rugs and tapestries of the Bhabhathane
Weavers.
 Beyond Stellenbosch,
lies Quaint Franschhoek offers a delightful day's outing In
July each year, Franschhoek becomes more French than the French
when they celebrate Bastille Day in style. Devoting an entire
weekend to the celebrations, it's a food and wine event par
excellence. There are many excellent restaurants and wonderful
places to stay so it's probably sensible to combine a trip
here with a trip to Stellenbosch or Paarl, and stay overnight.
The
West Coast (See more info under Westcoast)
Head
up to Langebaan and enjoy the lagoon or the nature reserve.
In wildflower season, you may want to stay overnight. If famous
satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys's alter ego, Evita Bezuidenhout,
is performing at Evita se Perron in Darling, you can stop
for dinner and a performance there on the way home. Pieter-Dirk
Uys has converted the local railway station into an extremely
popular theatre and restaurant venue.
Once
a month, on Sundays, the Spier train will deliver you from
the city to Darling where you will be met on the platform
by Evita Bezuidenhout herself. Leave the city at 10h00, enjoy
a picnic on the train, a show at the Perron and return to
the city by 18h00. Booking is essential. Darling also hosts
an annual Wildflower Show in September.
If Evita se Perron is closed, or you're not in satirical mood,
come home in time to have dinner in Bloubergstrand and enjoy
the view of Cape Town lighting up.
Here
are a few more interesting suggestions for you to consider:
Get
away from it all, close by
If the tourist season and big city life are too much, remember
that the Cape offers lots of almost deserted roads with great
views and beautiful picnic spots. Go from Franschhoek to Somerset
West via the Franschhoek Pass. Go off the beaten track beyond
Swellendam, towards Barrydale. Go to Greyton or Macgregor.
Pack a picnic and explore.
Hot
Springs
The Baths natural hot springs is situated in a kloof 18
kms from Citrusdal and only two hours drive from Cape Town.
The Victorian-style buildings are a famous characteristic
of this resort. There are two mineral water swimming pools.
Goudini
Spa is in the Breede River Valley three kilometers from
Rawsonville. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and vineyards
and offers outdoor recreation facilities of every conceivable
kind. It has three mineral water swimming pools.
The
Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa
Just
an hour outside Cape Town, in the heart of the Western Cape's
picturesque Overberg region, you can relax, unwind and indulge
in a unique range of activities in the refreshing country
atmosphere of South Africa's oldest (since 1695) hot springs
resort -
The
Avalon Springs near Montagu in the Breede River Valley
has natural 43ºC hot mineral springs. The open-ended flow
system through the complex ensures that the water is constantly
replenished. A variety of facilities are offered.
Warmwaterberg
is situated near Barrydale on the R62. Overnight visitors
are accommodated in the Old Sanatorium, which has been converted
into flats and there are also log cabins. There is a hot mineral
water pool of which the water is 40ºC.
The
water of the Calitzdorp Spa is rich in minerals especially
iron. This high iron content gives the water its reddish-brown
colour. The resort was recently up-graded and is situated
between the port vines and ostrich farms of the Klein Karoo.
The
Brandy Route
There
are 10 cellars on the Brandy Route, namely Avontuur (Somerset
West), Backsberg (Simondium, Paarl), Cabriére (Franschhoek),
Claridge (Wellingtong), KWV Brandy Cellar (Worcester), Laborie
(Paarl), Louiesenhof (Stellenbosch), Olof Bergh Solera Brandy
Cellar (Rawsonville), Uitkyk (Stellenbosch), Van Ryn Brandy
Cellar (Vlottenberg, Stellenbosch).
The
first brandy in South Africa was distilled nearly 330 years
ago. This rich tradition in brandy distilling led to the launch
of Brandy Route a first for South Africa and maybe the world.
This
was a result of the fact that more and more brandy cellars
opened their doors to tourists. During a visit to these cellars
the process of brandy production is explained. Here the visitor
can witness how much love and attention is dedicated to the
production of each bottle of brandy.
The
above cellars have regular guided brandy tours. For more information
on these tours and visits to the cellars contact the Brandy
Foundation:
The
Urban Trail the Townships
The tour starts with a visit to the townships where you will
encounter inspiring examples of how impoverished men, women
and youth are building their own houses, growing their own
food and developing skills to turn waste materials into contemporary
arts and crafts. You'll be able to support emerging entrepreneurs
through buying locally made goods and enjoying the multi-cultural
cuisine of the area.
You
will also learn about how partnerships between business, government
and communities are helping to protect rich biodiversity in
Cape Town. We take you to threatened wetland - the only home
of rare indigenous plant - that has been transformed into
a vibrant community nature reserve, a green jewel within blighted
urban environment.
Finally,
you will see showcase environmental projects that demonstrate
how technology and grassroots approaches have combined to
provide people with a cleaner and healthier environment.
You
will observe how partnerships in the Cape Peninsula National
Park, an imminent World Heritage Site, have cleared alien
vegetation in order to reduce water consumption and promote
indigenous growth.
You
will also experience what upmarket tourist facilities are
doing to reduce their consumption of resources and what they
are doing to work with poor communities in their midst.
|
| BLOUBERGSTRAND
BEACH
(Home of 7 views) 
Bloubergstrand
provides a postcard view of Table Mountain - one of the most
famous beach vantage points anywhere. Big Bay &
Little Bay. Big Bay is a popular venue for surfing,
windsurfing and paddleskiing competitions. Swimming is safe
opposite the lifesaver's club. Little Bay is suited to sunbathers
and families.
False
Bay Coast and Southern Peninsula
 The
False Bay coastline ranges from Muizenberg through Kalk Bay
and to Simonstown, along the site of a major British naval
base. This coast was Cape Town's first fashionable bathing
area, particularly because the water here is 5-7 degrees warmer
than on the Atlantic Coast. There are several magnificent
beaches in the area, such as St James with its brightly coloured
bathing booths and tidal pool, Fish Hoek and Boulders Beach
just beyond Simonstown.
Fish Hoek is a beach frequented by old and young, windsurfers
and sailors. Regular regattas offer colour and displays by
lifeguards-in-training should convince even the most timid
swimmers to venture into the tranquil waters. The water is
ideal for diving, and boat trips are available from the Kalk
Bay Harbour.
SAINT
JAMES BEACH
Boulders
Beach is a pay-for entry, protected beach adjoining a sanctuary
for the jackass penguin. Bathers and penguins frolic together,
though certain areas are cordoned off for the penguins alone.
The high boulders and still waters make this a perfect spot
for children.
The
Atlantic Seaboard
 CLIFTON
BEACH
The most fashionable location is its Clifton, possibly
Cape Town's most glamorous beach, has four adjoining coves
where you wind down stairways among luxurious bungalows to
white sands. Tangas, bikinis and sun-bathing are more the
order of the day than swimming here, as the water is often
icily cold. This is definitely the place to be if you want
to meet attractive people, to be seen in their hoards on the
first and second beaches in particular.
The
back of Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles form a backdrop
to Camps Bay beach, which is spacious and ideal for families.
The surf can be strong, and there is no resident lifeguard,
but a rescue helicopter patrols regularly. The grass verge
flanked by the tidal pool offers shady, wind-free braai (barbecue)
spots and shops, restaurants, a hotel, chemist, banks and
police station are all close-by.
Llandudno
is a small, romantic beach, hidden away in an enclave of rocks
and blessed with magnificent sunsets. Boulders offer shelter
from the southeasterly wind. Llandudno is also the entry point
for the walk to Sandy Bay, well-known as an unofficial nudist
beach. It is backed by steep dunes and bushy mountain slopes,
but poorly protected from the southeasterly wind, and lacking
access roads, shops and facilities.
Hout
Bay beach is guarded by the steep slopes of the Sentinel and
Chapman's Peak. The 1km beach is a popular venue for windsurfers,
hobie cats, paddleskiers and surfers and is ideal for walking.
Lucky visitors might catch fisherman hauling their heavy nets
to the shore. Boat charters and cruises to Seal Island are
available from the harbour.
For
long walks, horseback riding or kite flying, Noordhoek beach
is just the spot.
Noordhoek
Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the peninsula,
extremely popular for surfing, horseback riding and a long,
peaceful walk that ends at the site of a 19th century shipwreck
- the Kakapo.
One
of the favourite beaches among locals is Kommetjie, with its
charming picnic spots, and fantastic waves. Long Beach Includes
Bokramstrand and Klein Slangkoppunt,
both popular venues for surfing, wind- surfing, paddleskiing
and crayfishing.
|
|
Angling
and Deep Sea Fishing
The Western Cape is an anglers' paradise, each spot more beautiful
than the last. Rainbow trout leap in crystal clear mountain
streams; carp, bass and other freshwater species lurk in levees
and dams; leervis (garrick), white steenbras, cob and spotted
grunter swim in tidal rivers; fighting yellowtail, tasty galjoen,
mighty musselcracker, sharp-toothed elf (shad), white stumpnose
and bearded baardman are there for the taking from spectacular
rock and surf spots.
The
thrill of the chase, hooking and landing a prize fighting
fish, is the stuff of legends. Papa Hemingway knew. The Cape
waters team with snoek, yellowtail, cob, geelbek (Cape Salmon)
- probably the best eating fish - longfin tunny, yellowfin
tunny, big eye tunny, skipback, and the greatest prize of
all - marlin.
Game
Fishing
And where it has no parallel is in its off-shore fishing.
Because the Cape is the meeting place of the cold Atlantic
and the warm Indian Oceans it's the only spot in the world
where you can find the giant tropical sunfish sharing the
same piece of ocean with a southern right whale from the Antarctic.
Fishing waters are some 5 to 56 km SW of Cape Point. There
are snoek, yellowtail, kob, geelbek (Cape salmon) - probably
the best eating fish of all - longfin tunny, yellowfin tunny,
big eye tunny, skipback and even the great prize of the big
game angler, the Broadbill Swordfish.
There are efficient charters available to suit every pocket.
Watersports
•
Scuba-diving and Snorkelling
•
Waterskiing, wakeboarding, parasailing
•
Surfing
•
Boardsailing and Kite surfing
•
Sea Kayaking, paddleskiing, surfskiing, canoeing
•
Yachting
•
Power boating
Scuba diving and Snorkelling
Accredited dive schools offer courses from novice to instructor
level, and hire gear at various centres in the Western Cape.
Bubble
Blowers is a Cape Town-based dive school and dive charter
company. A registered PADI Dive Resort, Bubble Blowers has
both NAUI- and PADI-certified dive instructors and dive masters.
All staff are qualified in first aid.
Qualified
scuba divers can swim freely with rays, ragged tooth sharks
and turtles - for this utterly amazing experience at the Two
Oceans Aquarium.
Waterskiing,
Wakeboarding, Parasailing
Waterskiing is possible wherever there are facilities to launch
boats, both inland on dams and along the coast.
Favourite
spots are at Grainger Bay, Langebaan Lagoon, Gordon's Bay,
Hermanus, Theewaterskloof Dam, Misverstand Dam.
Surfing
Big Bay at Boubergstrand , Outer Kom, Misty Cliffs, surfing
spots known throughout the world by those who seek the ultimate
wave...
Equipment
rental outlets are within 5 minutes from the Views Apartment
for surfboards and wetsuits.
 Boardsailing
Wind speeds of 30 knots on inland waters like Sandvlei, Zeekoeivlei,
Rietvlei and Langebaan Lagoon often occur in the summer months,
making ideal conditions for speed sailing. Just don't wipe
out!
Best-known
spots for wave jumping , Big Bay at Bloubergstrand, Milnerton,
Langebaan Lagoon.
There
is a WINDSURFING ACADEMY 5 minutes from the Views Apartment
They offer board rentals as well as the following courses:
Beginners
course, 3hrs (all equipment provided) and private instruction.
Kitesurfing
Cape
Town offers superb safe kite beaches. There are many well
know spots where one can be challenged on ones skill level
and have an absolute ball!
Best
at Milnerton, and Big Bay Bloubergstrand are world famous.
Kitesurf
Courses at schools 5 minutes from the Views Apartment
Beginner
package includes the following:
Kiteboarding intro & safety skills
Water drag & relaunch techniques
Intro to board skills
Advanced skills
Sea
Kayaking, Paddleskiing, Surfskiing, Canoeing
There are few sights more spectacular than watching the sun
rise as you paddle leisurely from Three Anchor Bay. Seals
and dolphins cavort around you, and more often than not, at
the right time of the year, you will encounter whales gently
basking.
Yachting
During the summer months, the prevailing wind is from the
South East, which presents ideal | |
