For thousands of years, Cape Town was inhabited by the Strandloper(an ancestor of Kalahari Bushmen). Cape Town's European history began in 1652, when Jan van Riebeeck established a trading post there on behalf of the VOC (Dutch East Indies Company). The first European settlers were mainly Dutch, with some French Huguenots that had to flee from religious persecution in their home country. The first settlers soon explored the adjacent hinterland and founded the cities of Stellenbosch and Paarl in today's Cape Winelands. The Voortrekkers (Pioneers of European descent) started from here to explore and settle the rest of South Africa.

Today Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa. It is a world-class cosmopolitan city with numerous sites of historical significance, and a lively night-life, as well as a big gay community.

The summer months are from December to March or April. Days are usually very hot, but the humidity is low, so it is not uncomfortable. You should stay inside or in the shade during the midday heat and use sufficient sun block. You will fight for space on the beach around New Year's with all the local tourists but it is still a great time to visit as there are a lot of events happening.

• The winter months of June and July tend to be rather wet, which does not mean rain every day. Often you will have one or two days of rain and a week of total sunshine, but it can rain for two weeks straight on occasion. It can also get very cold at night, with temperatures as low as 6 or 7°C (this is the temperature of the ocean so it will not get colder unless you go far inland) but 10-12°C normal. It will become warmer during the day, with temperatures between 14-20°C typical. Sunrises and sunsets are best in the winter, as is the seafood!

• Best times to visit are:
  • October and November: The weather is getting warmer. Spring is in the air, but it is not as hot as mid-summer yet. These months can be windy months. The South-Easter is known as the Cape Doctor as it blows away a great deal of pollution!
  • December to March: These are the prime summer months of long hot days. The sun sets late in the evening (it stays light up until about 8:30PM in December) and there is generally a lot going on. February is the most reliable month for weather, with week after week of hot days.
  • April and May: This can change from year to year, but generally speaking although it starts raining, it is still warm. There are far fewer visitors around, and you can get excellent deals on accommodation, food and most tourism services.

During the dry summer months (even more so when there is strong wind) fire poses a serious threat to the flora and fauna of the region, especially the National Parks. The fynbos in particular can become very dry and burn easily. Over the last couple of years a number of fires have almost devastated the slopes of Table Mountain. Please take care not to be the cause of any runaway fire and report any fires that you might see to Table Mountain National Park Fire Management on +27 (0)21 689-7438 or +27 (0)21 957-4700 outside office hours.

Cape Town International Airport is the second largest airport in South Africa (the largest being the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg). There are several flights daily to Johannesburg, Durban and all other major South African cities, as well as the Namibian cities of Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and other destinations, including Gaborone, Maun and Nairobi. The most used airlines for international flights from Europe, the US and Asia include South African Airways, Lufthansa , British Airways , Delta Airlines ,KLM, Singapore Airlines and Malaysian .

Further international flights arrive from Buenos Aires, Doha, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, London, New York City, Atlanta and Singapore. In the summer, (October-March) several charter airlines operate direct flights from all over Europe to Cape Town. Spare seats are sold with substantial discounts but during Christmas time and New Year prices rises significantly.

Major local airlines include South African Airways , British Airways (Comair) and low-cost airlines Kulula.com and 1Time .

See also Discount airlines in Africa and Air travel in South Africa for further information.

All scheduled South African passenger trains are run by PRASA (the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa), which has different divisions for long-distance (inter-city) trains and commuter (suburban) trains. Shosholoza Meyl operates inter-city trains and MetroRail operates commuter trains in major cities.

Shosholoza Meyl has three classes of inter-city trains : Economy Class, Tourist Class and Premier Classe . In economy class there are seats only (no bunk beds), tourist class provides bunk beds for overnight trips (bring a sleeping bed or buy bedding on the train) and premier classe is luxurious and comfortable, with all meals and bedding provided. Economy and tourist class trains have a buffet car for food. Prices on the three classes vary accordingly.

Cape Town's main train station is located in the city centre, on the corner of Adderley Street and Strand Street. All trains to or from Cape Town arrive and depart from here.

There are inter-city trains to
- Johannesburg via Kimberley every day of the week, with two trains per day on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday (Economy and Tourist Class);
- Durban via Kimberley, Bloemfontein and Pietermaritzburg on Monday and Wednesday (Economy and Tourist Class);
- Port Elizabeth via George and Oudtshoorn on Friday (Premier Classe only);
- East London on Sunday (Economy Class only);
- Queenstown on Thursday (Economy Class only).

MetroRail has two classes on commuter trains in and around Cape Town : MetroPlus (also called First Class) and Metro (called Third Class). MetroPlus is more comfortable and less crowded but also more expensive. Every trainset has both MetroPlus and Metro coaches ; the MetroPlus coaches are always on the end of the train nearest Cape Town. Prices are cheap so it is better to be more comfortable and use MetroPlus. Note that there are steep fines if you are caught in a MetroPlus coach with a Metro ticket (vice versa is allowed).

MetroRail commuter trains are a great way to get between Cape Town and neighbouring towns such as Stellenbosch, Strand, Paarl, Somerset West, Malmesbury, Worcester and through the Southern Suburbs (Claremont, Wynberg, Retreat) or to the beaches at Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, Glencairn and Simon's Town. Contrary to many reports that you might read, MetroRail trains are safe, but it is probably wise to avoid avoid traveling at night if possible. If you need to use trains at night, use the most crowded first class (MetroPlus) car and don't stay alone.

The train line from Cape Town to Simon's Town is fabulous ; from Muizenberg south to Simon's Town it runs right next to the sea. You can often see whales, and if it's windy you may have sea spray hitting the train windows. For the best views make sure you sit on the east side of the train (the left side as you face away from Cape Town and towards Simon's Town). This route previously boasted a moving restaurant coach (called Biggsy's) that did the return trip from Cape Town to Simon's Town between 2 and 4 times a day, every day except Monday. However, Biggsy's restaurant car was withdrawn from service on July 2007 for renovations and by June 2009 had not yet been re-introduced. You can buy a Tourist "hop on, hop off" ticket for the Cape Town-Simon's Town route that allows you to get off and on any train for the entire day.

Trains to Stellenbosch run every two hours (more or less), but this journey might take a while. Ask at the ticket counter if there is an earlier train you could use, as there are also trains to Stellenbosch starting in Bellville and Eerste River.

The vast majority of roads in and around Cape Town are in a very good condition, making travelling by car an easy issue. However, please be aware of hijackers at night or at traffic lights. The danger is not as high as often emphasized by the media, but a good portion of precaution should be taken. Please ask your hotel staff or anyone familiar with the area about where it is safe and where it is not safe.

Several major highways start in Cape Town:

• N1 runs north-east, passing Paarl, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg on its way from Cape Town to Harare in Zimbabwe. Also a good choice if you want to go to Kimberley and the northern Drakensberg.

• N2 runs along the East Coast towards the Garden Route, George and Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, through the Wild Coast up to Durban and Swaziland.

• N7 goes north along the West Coast to the Northern Cape city of Springbok and to Namibia. Also follow it to go to Upington and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Hiring a car in South Africa is not as expensive as in Europe or many other countries. Petrol is also cheap compared to Europe, but might be a bit more expensive than in the US.

All major bus companies have Intercity connections from Cape Town, taking you to other cities in South Africa and to Windhoek in Namibia. There might be up to 6 buses a day to certain cities.

The starting point is next to the train station at the corner of Adderley and Strand Street, near the Golden Acre building. Please ask at the nearby tourist information or in your hotel for connections and where your bus is going to leave, as finding your bus can become difficult.

Over and above, there are a few bus services available while travelling from eastern Africa, notably Tanzania and Kenya. The general route followed is Nairobi (Kenya), Dar-es-salaam (Tanzania), Lusaka (Zambia)and Harare(Zimbabwe)in order to reach Jo' Berg. The journey from Nairobi takes about two to three days.

• <listing name="Greyhound" phone="+27 (0)83 915-9000" url="http://www.greyhound.co.za/"></listing>
• <listing name="Intercape Mainliner" phone="+27 (0)21 380-4400" url="http://www.intercape.co.za/"></listing>
• <listing name="Translux" url="http://www.translux.co.za/"></listing>
• <listing name="SA Roadlink" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="+27 (0)11 333-2223" url="http://www.saroadlink.co.za/" hours="" price="" lat="" long=""></listing>

Bus tickets can also be obtained from Computicket .

Cape Town is also on the Baz Bus route.

Most of the larger cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises offer Cape Town as one of their destinations, but you can also try something different:

• <listing name="RMS St Helena" url="http://www.rms-st-helena.com/" phone"+44 0207 575 6480" >This passenger/cargo ship is the last working Royal Mail Ship and stops at Cape Town on its way to St Helena.</listing>

Public transport in Cape Town (and South Africa in general) is not very good. Unless you are staying within walking distance of the beach in Camps Bay (or some other area where everything you want is close by) then you will find it very frustrating not to have your own transport.

• <listing name="CABS Car Hire" phone="+27 (0)21 386 5500" address="Cape Town International Airport" url="http://www.cabs.co.za" email="[email protected]" hours="Always open"></listing>
• <listing name="Pace Car Rental" address="City and Airport Branches" phone="+27 (0)84 840 2847" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.pacecarrental.co.za" www.pacecarrental.co.za></listing>
• <listing name="Car Rental Services - CARS" address="City and Airport Branches" phone="+27 (0)21 553 8000" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.carhire.co.za" www.carhire.co.za></listing>
• <listing name="Avis" alt="" address="Cape Town International Airport" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 934-0330" url="http://www.avis.co.za" hours="Always open" price="" lat="" long=""></listing>
• <listing name="Tempest Car Hire" alt="" address="Cape Town International Airport" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 934-3853" url="http://www.tempestcarhire.co.za" hours="Always open" price="" lat="" long="" tollfree="0861 836 7378"></listing>
• <listing name="First Car Rental" alt="First Car Rental Western Cape" address="Cape Town International Airport" directions="400m from terminal building" phone="+27 (0) 21 934 7499" url="http://www.firstcarrental.co.za/-Western-Cape.aspx" hours="Always open" price="From R165 per day" lat="S33°58'25" long="E18°35'42" tollfree="0861 011 323">Pick up a vehicle from a First Car Rental Stellenbosch car hire and enjoy scenic drives through the Cape Winelands </listing>
• <listing name="Cruise Table Bay Car Hire" url="http://www.cruisetablebay.com/" phone="+27 (0)21 386-7699" address="25 Aviation Crescent, Airport City" email="[email protected]"></listing>
• <listing name="Hertz" phone="+27 (0)21 935-3000" address="Cape Town International Airport" url="http://www.hertz.co.za" hours="Always open"></listing>
• <listing name="Thrifty" phone="+27 (0)21 936 2116" address="Cape Town International Airport" url="http://www.thrifty.co.za" hours="Always open"></listing>
• <listing name="Drive Africa" alt="" address="370 Main Road, Observatory" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 447 11 44" url="http://www.driveafrica.co.za" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Car and 4x4 hire for Cape Town and South Africa. Sell cars with buyback guarantee for long term stay.</listing>
• <listing name="Penny K`s economical car hire" phone="+27 (0)72 736 69 57" address="24 Van Ryneveld Rd, Devilspeak" url="http://www.pennyks.co.za"></listing>

Please note that you can't pay for petrol or diesel with a credit card, only with cash or a South African bank issued 'Garage' card.

Cape Town also has a number of luxury chauffeur companies available that perform various services such as airport transfers, transport to corporate events as well as VIP bodyguards.

• <listing name="Getting Home Executive Services" address="Mill Street, Cape Town" phone="+27 84 800 8093" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.gettinghome.co.za/" www.gettinghome.co.za></listing>
• <listing name="Q Drive" phone="+27 860 374 836" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.qdrive.co.za/" www.qdrive.co.za></listing>

Metered taxis are controlled by the city council and can be considered safe and reliable. The price per kilometre is around R8-R10 and can often be read at the taxis side door. You can also set a fixed price with the driver, especially when going to a far away destination such as the airport which is about 21 km from city center and the fare can be bargained down to R180.

Please note that there is only one official taxi company at the airport. But you should ask your hotel to pick you up, as pick up service are provided by nearly all hotels, guest houses and so on.

• <listing name="Sainte Marie Taxis (English/French Speaking)" address="Cape Town Central" phone="+27 84 745 0312" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.saintemarietours.co.za" http://www.saintemarietours.co.za></listing>

Minibus taxis are used widely by locals but tourists are usually discouraged from using them. They cover most of the Cape Town Metropolitan Area and are very cheap, however they can get very crowded and are definitely less safe than metered taxis due to their dangerous driver behavior.

Some minibus taxi operators have seen the value in the tourist market and are starting to provide safe and legal alternatives to the traditional minibus taxis. They are more expensive than the traditional minibus taxis, but still far cheaper than metered taxis. No guarantee you'll get to your destination directly, but it is safe, fun, and all the drivers are characters. You may even meet supermodels going to their photo shoots or artists going to their studios. During busy times of day (or year) you may have to wait a while and unfortunately, they do not take reservations.

• <listing name="Rikkis Taxis" url="http://www.rikkis.co.za" email="[email protected]" phone="+27 (0)21 418-6713" address="43 New Church Street">The safe and legal taxi service.</listing>

• <listing name="Sisonke Tourism Services" url="http://www.sisonketours.co.za" email="[email protected]" phone="+27 (0)21 696 4002">Safe and reliable hotel shuttle & day tour operator.</listing>

• <listing name="Tour 'n Travel" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 706 3739" url="http://www.tourandtravel.za.net" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">Guided tours in the Western Cape and airport and hotel shuttle services.</listing>

There is a network of public buses (Golden Arrow buses ) that offer cheap connections for example from the city centre to the Waterfront. They run mostly during the day. It is better to ask the driver where the bus is going, to make sure you won’t end up somewhere else.

You can also hire a scooter or a small motorbike. A number of places in the city offer this service and it is a great way to be mobile and save over hiring a car.

• <listing name="LDV Biking" phone="+27 (0)83 528-0897" email="[email protected]" address="13D Kloof Nek Road" url="http://www.ldvbiking.co.za" price="From about R100 to R170 per day depending on how many days you are renting for and the time of year">The recommended place to rent a scooter or motorbike.</listing>

Unless you love the pain of cycling up and down mountains while dodging city traffic on narrow streets, cycling for transportation is not recommended. However, cycling in the area is very popular.

• <listing name="Cape Sidecar Adventures" url="http://www.sidecars.co.za/" email="[email protected]" phone="+27 (0)21 434-9855" fax="+27 (0)21 434-9860" address="2 Glengariff Road, Three Anchor Bay" hours="Open 9AM to 5PM weekdays and 9AM to 1PM on Sat" price="">Explore Cape Town in a vintage World War II side-car.</listing>
• <listing name="Harley Davidson Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 424-3990" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.harley-davidson-capetown.com" price="From R650 per day">Explore the Cape on the back of a Harley.</listing>

There is a system of public train transport, although it is mainly used by locals. Operator Metrorail has done a lot to increase safety and comfort on board the trains, but they still do not live up to European standards. So make sure to buy a first-class ticket. Cape Town station is situated in the city centre on the corner of Adderley Street and Strand Street and there is a reasonable suburban network of lines with more than 80 stations. A nice scenic ride can be done south to Simon's Town, all along the east coast of the Cape Peninsula. Stick to the Simon's Town line and make sure you are not on the train after 6:30PM or when it is dark.

Make sure you do not carry anything expensive on the train as this is an invitation to thieves. If you must carry a camera, make sure it is well out of sight (preferably a small wallet sized camera). Ear rings, necklaces and any form of visible jewellery are not recommended as these can be ripped (rather painfully) from one's person by an enterprising thief. Keep your wits about you and it will make for a pleasant and safe journey.

• <see name="Bo-Kaap Museum" url="http://www.iziko.org.za/bokaap/" address="71 Wale Street, Bo-Kaap" hours="Open 9:30AM to 4:30PM Monday to Saturday" price="R5 entrance fee" phone="+27 (0)21 481-3939" email="[email protected]">Located in a home dating from the 1760s, the museum offers an insight into the cultural life of the Muslim community of the Bo-Kaap area in Cape Town.</see>
• <see name="District Six Museum" address="25A Buitenkant St" phone="+27 (0)21 461-8745" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.d6.co.za/" hour="Open 9AM to 4PM Monday to Saturday" price="">District Six is an area near downtown Cape Town which remained multiracial well into the 1960s against all attempts by the government to declare it a "white only" area. Eventually the residents were all evicted and the buildings were bulldozed. The area remains uninhabited. The museum provides information about the area, the eviction, the Group Areas Act, and the people who used to live there. The director of the museum is a former resident. There is a small bookstore with an excellent selection of books on South Africa's history, District Six and apartheid.</see>
• <see name="Groot Constantia" url="http://www.iziko.org.za/grootcon" email="[email protected]" phone="+27 (0)21 795-5140" address="Groot Constantia Estate, Constantia" hours="Open daily 10AM to 5PM" price="R8 entrance fee">One of the oldest wine estates in South Africa</see>
• <see name="Slave Lodge" url="http://www.iziko.org.za/slavelodge" email="[email protected]" phone="+27 (0)21 460-8240" address="cnr Adderley and Wale Streets" hours="open 8:30AM to 4:30PM Monday to Friday and 9AM to 1PM on Sunday" price="R7 entrance fee">One of the oldest buildings in Cape Town.</see>
• <see name="South African Jewish Museum" url="http://www.sajewishmuseum.co.za/" email="[email protected]" phone="+27 (0)21 464-1267" address="88 Hatfield Street" hours="Open Sunday-Thursday 10AM to 5PM and Friday 10AM to 2PM. Closed Saturday" price="R35 adults, R15 students">The Museum is interactive and hi-tech, using different media to present highlights of South African history, and examining the Jewish community's story of individual and organizational roles and contributions.</see>
• <see name="South African Maritime Museum" url="http://www.iziko.org.za/maritime/" email="[email protected]" phone="+27 21 465 1546" address="Union Castle Building, V&A Waterfront"></see>
• <see name="South African National Gallery" url="http://www.iziko.org.za/sang" email="[email protected]" phone="+27 (0)21 467-4660" address="Government Avenue, Gardens" hours="10AM to 5PM Tuesday to Sunday" price="R10 entrance fee">Located in the Gardens area of Cape Town off Government Ave (about a 20 minute walk from downtown). Contains extensive displays of South African art, as well as information on the history of censorship of art during apartheid</see>
• <see name="Galleria Gibello" alt="" address="67 Rose Street, Bo Kaap" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 422-1144" url="http://www.carolinegibello.com/" hours="Open 10AM to 5PM Monday to Friday" price="Admission is free" lat="" long="" email="caro@carolinegibello">Situated in the increasingly trendy Bo Kaap, Galleria Gibello offers visitors a brief escape from reality. Galleria Gibello is a photo gallery that is filled with visually captivating moments of life on the African continent.</see>

• <see name="Armchair Theatre" url="http://www.armchairtheatre.co.za/" address="135 Lower Main Road, Observatory" phone="+27 (0)21 447 1514"></see>
• <see name="Artscape Theatre" url="http://www.artscape.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 421 7695" address="D F Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town" email="[email protected]"></see>
• <see name="Baxter Theatre" url="http://www.baxter.co.za" address="Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch" phone="+27 (0)21 685 7880" email="[email protected]">Theatre performances, comedy, jazz and others.</see>
• <see name="Labia Screen" url="http://www.labia.co.za" address="68 Orange Street, Gardens" phone="+27 (0)21 424 5927" email="[email protected]">Has an African Screen showing African-made and African-oriented films all year round.</see>
• <see name="Masque Theatre" url="http://www.muizenberg.info/masque.asp" address="37 Main Road, Muizenberg (adjacent to False Bay train station)" phone="+27 (0)21 788 1898" email="[email protected]">Amateur plays and performances. The whole theatre is run by unpaid volunteers.</see>
• <see name="On Broadway" url="http://www.onbroadway.co.za" address="88 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 424 1194" email="[email protected]"></see>

• <do name="Ama Feesh Charters" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 788-9689" url="http://www.amafeesh.co.za/" hours="" price="Per charter, R4500 for inshore fishing, R6500 for offshore fishing, 1 to 6 people" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">At the time of writing, the telephone number and web site were not available. </do>
• <do name="Cape Charters" url="http://www.capecharters.co.za/" price="" address="31 Antigua, The Water Club, Granger Bay" phone="+27 (0)21 418-0782" email="[email protected]"></do>
• <do name="Hooked on Africa" url="http://www.hookedonafrica.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 790-5332" address="" price="" email="[email protected]"></do>

Cape Town is located near two oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. Because of the Benguela Current the Atlantic Ocean is relatively cold (about 8°C to 14°C). The Indian Ocean is warmer (12°C to 17°C), and here you can see the more colourful fish. The official border between the two oceans is at Cape Agulhas, but currents and eddies take the warmer water futher west and these waters can reach the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula in False Bay, so from a diving point of view, the Cape Peninsula may be considered the interface between the two marine biological regions, and there is a notable difference in character between the waters of the two coasts of the peninsula. This manifests itself in the different range of marine life found on the two coasts. These regions are the South Western Cape inshore bioregion and the Agulhas inshore bioregion.

Permits:

The waters around the Cape Peninsula have been declared a Marine Protected Area (MPA). Permits are required to Scuba dive in any Marine Protected Area. This is a politically controversial issue due to disputes on whether due process was followed and whether the government deparment exceeded its authority, but the consequence is that a tax is imposed on all Scuba divers who dive in an MPA. The permit (valid for 1 year) may be purchased for R75 (2009) at a some branches of the Post Office, or a temporary permit valid for 1 month may be purchased at most dive shops. Failure to present this permit when requested by an official of MCM may lead to harrassment and possible arrest.

Guide to Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay

Dive Sites:

Dive sites of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay

If the open ocean does not appeal to you, the Two Oceans Aquarium also offer diving opportunities in their 2.2 million liter tank.

• <do name="Diving at Two Oceans Aquarium" url="http://www.aquarium.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 418-3823" email="[email protected]" price="R400 (R325 if you bring your own diving gear), this includes the R70 aquarium entrance fee" hours="9AM, 11AM and 1PM daily"> You need to be in possession of a valid diving license (PADI, CMAS, NAUI, BSAC etc.). Swim along with the Ragged tooth sharks, Yellow tail, Kob, Musselcracker, Bull rays and a lonely turtle. The dive master Iain, a barrel shaped bearded little man with a distinct Scottish accent, is both nice and knowledgeable and accompanies you into the aquarium ready to fend off the sharks with his broomstick should they become cuddly. Dive time is around 30 minutes.</do>

There are many organized events in Cape Town throughout the year. An official calendar of events is available from Cape Town Tourism . WhatsoninCapeTown.com also has a comprehensive listing.

You can get tickets online at Computicket for most major events that occur in South Africa.

• <do name="Cape Town Flower and Garden Show">This annual show (now in its 14th year) will be hosted at the Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West between the 25^th and 28^th October 2007.</do>
• <do name="Cape Argus Cycle Tour" url="http://www.cycletour.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 685-6551" email="[email protected]" price="Entrance fee is R250 for entrants on the African continent or the equivalent of 50 Euro's everyone else" hours="March every year">Total distance is 109 km. Start in downtown, cycle down the eastern side of the peninsula, past Simon's Town and back up the western side of the peninsula. </do> If you are not involved in or interested in cycling, avoid Cape Town on this weekend, as it is almost impossible to go anywhere as so many roads are closed.
• <do name="Two Oceans Marathon" url="http://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za" phone="+27 (0)21 671-9407" email="[email protected]" price="There is a pricing scale for each of the runs. The Ultra Marathon, R190 for South African residents, R300 for the rest of Africa and R555 for the rest of the world. The Half Marathon, R125 of South African residents, R215 for the rest of Africa and R335 for the rest of the world. The Fun Runs are priced from R10 to R20" hours="On Easter Saturday each year">An Ultra marathon (56 km), a half marathon (21 km) and a number of fun runs ranging from a 56m Nappy Dash to a 8 km walk or run. Maximum 10 000 entrance accepted per year per race distance (fun runs excluded). </do> If you are not involved in or interested in the runs, avoid Cape Town on this weekend, as it is almost impossible to go anywhere as so many roads are closed.
• <do name="Cape Town Jazz Festival" "http://www.capetownjazzfest.com/" phone="+27 (0)21 422-5651" address="Cape Town International Convention Centre" hours="Normally held during late March"></do>
• <do name="Cape Town Minstrel Carnival" hours="Usually New Years day and a couple of days later during January" address="Marches throughout the city ending at Green Point Stadium">Also known as the Kaapse Klopse, these brightly dressed singers and dancers spend months preparing for this annual event.</do>
• <do name="Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts" alt="" address="Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens" directions="" phone=" +27 (0)21 799-8783" email="" fax="" url="http://www.sanbi.org/" hours="5:30PM to 6:30PM every Sun, late Nov to early April" price="R50"></do>
• <do name="Mother City Queer Project" url="http://www.mcqp.co.za/" email="[email protected]" hours="Sometime during December each year" price="R100 to R350. The sooner you buy a ticket the cheaper it is">Biggest gay and lesbian party of the year.</do>
• <do name="Spiers Summer Arts Festival" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 809-1111" url="http://www.spierarts.org.za/" hours="From October to March" price="" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">At the time of writing, the web site was not available.</do>
• <do name="City Harvest Festival" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 422-1418" url="" hours="April 20th 12PM to 10PM and 21st 9AM to 6PM" price="" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">The City Harvest Festival exhibits the Cape’s finest wines, food, with live entertainment including bands. Talks by Cape winemakers on the winemaking process. Chocolate feature planned. Host venues include Signal Hill Winery, Café Mao, Riboville, WineSense and Sundance Café.</do>

There are many hiking trails in and around the city, from short walks to multi day hikes.

• <do name="The Cape of Good Hope Trail" address="Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 780-9204" email="[email protected]"url="http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/overnight_hikes.php#goodhopetrail" price="R88">Cape of Good Hope in the Table Mountain National Park, 34 km, 2 Days.</do>
• <do name="Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail" address="Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 465-8515" url="http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/ht/" email="[email protected]" price="R635 per day">3 Day, non-strenuous, luxury trail through the city, botanical gardens and Table Mountain National Park.</do>
• <do name="The Orangekloof Hiking Trail" address="Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 465-8515" url="http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/ht/" email="[email protected]" price="R420">6 Days, Cape Point to Table Mountain.</do>
• <do name="Table Mountain" directions="Starting point is 1.5 km past the Lower Cable Station on Tafelberg Road" price="No fees are charged" hours="Always open, but you might want to start early enough to catch the last cable car down">3 km (all uphill), 1 to 3 hours, Platteklip Gorge to the Upper Cable Station.</do>
• <do name="Chapman's Peak" >2-3 hours, non-strenuous with breathtaking views of Hout Bay and Noordhoek and rich flora, especially proteas. The trail begins on the Hout Bay side of the peak about 750 m from the main view-point on scenic Chapman's Peak Drive. Park by the trail head and follow the path out of the picnic area. It soon forks but both routes take you to the same place. Turn right at the next junction, from where the path is clear. Return same route. No permit required.</do>
• <do name="The Amphitheatre in the Kalk Bay mountains" >3 hours. Start at the sign on scenic Boyes Drive and climb up towards the rocks above which are peppered with scores of caves, many of which are not recommended for novice cavers so be careful. Take a torch. Follow the right forks in the trail and you'll be rewarded with increasingly spectacular views of False Bay. Head straight up through Echo Valley and through an ancient milkwood grove. Come back the same way if you don't have detailed directions. No permit required.</do>
• Cape Town has a very good network of trails to suit every level of fitness. Many of these trace the contours of the mountain and wander through the protea bushes and fynbos, often with breathtaking views. Many require no permit, although most of Cape Town's reserves have entrance fees. Hiking in a group is strongly recommended. The outdoor store Cape Union Mart has a hiking club with organized group hikes most weekends. Pick up a programme at one of their stores. You must phone the hike-leader first and pay R10.
• Paradise Touring, 021-7131020, . For guided walks up the mountain with a botanical guide.
• Cape Eco-Tours, 082-4604847, . A good one for twitchers to use and is a member of Bird Life South Africa.

• <do name="Cape Town Helicopter Tours, including Cape Town Huey Helicopter Tours from the Waterfront" url="http://www.cape-town-helicopter-tours.com/" phone="+27 (0) 72 327 2840" address="" email="[email protected]"> Helicopter Wine Tours Western Cape, visit, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and or Paarl from Cape Town.</do>
• <do name="See the cape from above with a scenic helicopter flight" url="http://www.nacmakana.com" phone="+ 27 (0)21 425-3868" email="[email protected]" address="East Pier Road, V&A Waterfront" price="From R400 per person per 15 minutes"></do>
• <do name="Sport Helicopters" url="http://sporthelicopters.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 434-4444" address="" email="[email protected]">For scenic flights or the quick way to get to Robben Island.</do>
• <do name="ThunderCity" address="Cape Town international Airport" phone="+27 (0)21 934-8007" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.thundercity.com" price="You need very deep pockets">Go supersonic in a fighter jet.</do>
• <do name="Skydive Cape Town" url="http://www.skydivecapetown.za.net/" address="Cape Town" email=" [email protected]" phone="+27 (0)82 800-6290"></do>
• <do name="Tandem Paraglide with Para Taxi" url="http://www.para-taxi.com/" phone="+27 (0)82 966-2047" price="R850 for a tandem flight" email="[email protected]" address="16 Pebbles Crescent, Coral Grove, Royal Ascott, Milnerton"></do>

• <listing name="Cape Whitewater Club" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="21 683-3698" url="http://www.cwwc.co.za/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Arranges kayaking outings on the rivers in and around Cape Town.</listing>
• <listing name="Gravity Adventure Group" url="http://www.gravity.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 683-3698" email="[email protected]">Provides training (African Paddling Association approved) as well sea kayaking in the West Coast National Park.</listing>

• <do name="Waterfront Boat Company" url="http://www.waterfrontboats.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 418-5806" address="Quay 4, V&A Waterfront" email=" [email protected]" price="R90 to R190">Take a relaxing sunset cruise on the Condor to Greenpoint and back or do the champagne cruise. One to one and a half hours.</do>
• <do name="Tigger 2 Charters" url="http://www.tiggertoo.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 790-5256" email="[email protected]" price="From R180 to R720 per person depending on cruise"></do>

The townships are the places where people were forced to live (based on race) under the apartheid regime. To some extent townships continue to retain their apartheid-era racial make-up, for a variety of reasons. Townships have also grown to cover far larger areas of land than in the apartheid days. This is a result of urbanization, especially over the past 10-15 years. Touring a township may seem strange, even inappropriate, but it is a good way to learn about South Africa's history, and the poverty that many people continue to live in. People in the townships are friendly and the children love visitors. Some townships however can be dangerous (see the warning on the South Africa page) so don't go alone unless you know what you're doing. The townships tours are safe. If you want to bring sweets or gifts for the children, it is best not to give it directly to them, but to give it to the tour guide who will distribute them later.

Tours can be booked directly or through one of Cape Town's many booking agencies. Tours run once or twice per day. Be aware that if you're given the chance to try some township food, that a 'walkie-talkie' is often made from the feet and beaks of poultry. The very best way to see a township is by foot and to stay overnight at one of the many township B&Bs.

There are several tour companies which offer tours.

• <do name="African Experience" alt="" address="70 Loyolo Street, Kayamandi" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 889-5562" url="http://www.africanexperience.com/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]"></do>

• <do name="Andulela Tours" url="http://www.andulela.com/" phone="+27 (0)21-790-2592" email="[email protected]">Offers a variety of different tours, including jazz, soccer, poetry, and culinary tours. Their emphasis is on meeting people, not looking at them.</do>

• <do name="Cape Fusion Tours" phone="+27 (0)21 461-2437" address="Oranjezicht Cape Town" email="[email protected]">Offers hands-on African cooking experiences in Langa at a local cooking school. This gives you an insight into the culture, the people and their cuisine.</do>

• <do name="Langa Heritage Walk" phone="+27 (0)21 695-0093" address="Lenotholi Avenue, Langa" email="[email protected]"></do>

• <do name="Sam's Cultural Tours" phone="+27 (0)21 694-6370" address="45 Mshumpela Way, Langa" email="[email protected]"></do>

• <do name="Sipunzi's Black Cultural Township Tours" phone="+27 (0)82 769-7072" address="1818 Makhaza Khayelitsha" email="[email protected]"></do>

• <do name="Ultimate Holiday Planner" alt="" address="Cnr Buitengracht&Riebeeck streets" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 421=8787" url="http://www.ultimateholidayplanner.com" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">A new online company, with the Largest Point of interest Database in South Africa, offering totally customized tours</do>

• <do name="Cape Town 4You" alt="" directions="" phone="+27 82 338 4410" url="http://www.capetown4u.co.za" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">An online website with special packages, tours and things to do sections covering the Cape Town area</do>

There are a number of small nature reserves in and around Cape Town.

• <do name="Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and Nature Reserve" phone="+27 (0)21 550-4667" "http://www.melkbos.com/directory/Koeberg_nuclear_power_station/Koeberg_nuclear_power_station.html">The 3000 hectare buffer zone around the power station has been converted to a nature reserve with Bontebok, Genet, Steenbok and many other antelope.</do>
• <do name="Table Mountain National Park" url="http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/" phone="+27 (0)21 701-8692" email="[email protected]">Table Mountain National Park forms part of the Cape Floristic Region UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park covers a large area of the Cape and incorporates a number of park areas. Most of it is free access; the only places you need to pay are at the Cape of Good Hope, Silvermine and Boulders.</do>

Mostly you will see Southern right whales, but on occasion you might also spot humpback and killer whales. Bottlenose and dusky dolphins also frequent False Bay.

From viewpoints next to the coastal road between Simon's Town and Cape Point one can often spot whales less than 100m from shore.

A number of operators also offer Whale Watching Cruises.

• <do name="Waterfront Boat Company" url="http://www.waterfrontboats.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 418-5806" address="Shop 5 Quay, V&A Waterfront" email=" [email protected]" price="R350">3 to 4 hour cruise in the bay and you are almost guaranteed to spot whales.</do>
• <do name="Dyer Island Cruises" url="http://www.dyer-island-cruises.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)28 384-0406" address="Gansbaai" price="R450 to R720" email="[email protected]"></do>

• <listing name="University of Cape Town" url="http://www.uct.ac.za" phone="+27 (0)21 650-2128" fax="+27 (0)21 650-5189" email="[email protected]" address="Rhodes Drive, Rondebosch"></listing>
• <listing name="University of the Western Cape" url="http://www.uwc.ac.za" phone="+27 (0)21 959-3900" address="Modderdam Road, Bellville"></listing>
• <listing name="Cape Peninsula University of Technology" url="http://www.cput.ac.za" phone="+ 27 (0)21 959-6121" email="[email protected]" address="Keizergracht Road, Cape Town"></listing>

Other nearby universities.

• <listing name="Stellenbosch University (Maties)" url="http://www.sun.ac.za" phone="+27 (0)21 808-4514" fax="+27 (0)21 808-3822" email="[email protected]" address="Stellenbosch"></listing>

Cape Town is an excellent place to learn to sail, with courses completed here recognized internationally and costs far lower than what you can expect to pay in more developed countries.

• <listing name="Good Hope Sailing Academy" "http://www.goodhopesailingacademy.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 424-4665" email="[email protected]" price="From R2650 for a 5 day Competent crew course, R3350 for a 5 day skipper course Based at Royal Cape Yacht Club and Saldanha Bay>SAS and RYA accredited courses.</listing>
• <listing name="Yachtmaster Sailing School" url="http://www.yachtmaster.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 788-1009" email="[email protected]" address="Based at Royal Cape Yacht Club, Langebaan and Saldanha Bay">RYA accredited.</listing>

If you like South African wine, buy it here (or anywhere in South Africa) before you leave, because it is much cheaper and there is more availability than overseas. Top guide to wines is the John Platter's Guide, with a few others around too, and with thousands of wines available from the region, you will need a guide (see below for shops that have knowledgeable staff). Read Wine magazine (or the iconoclastic Grape) for the latest information.

• <buy name="Vaughan Johnson's Wine Shop" url="http://www.vaughanjohnson.com/" address="Dock Road, V&A Waterfront" phone="+27 (0)21 419-2121" email="[email protected]">Quality selection but not exhaustive. Knowledgeable staff. Generally substantial (10-20%) markup over winery prices but of course more convenient.</buy>
• <buy name="Caroline's Fine Wines" address="V&A Waterfront and 15 Long Street in the City Centre" phone="+27 (0)21 419-8984">Better selection and more knowledgeable staff. City Centre location recommended, but both are excellent. Foam inserts and boxes for international shipping or for checking with your luggage (safe!). Not cheap though, compared to supermarkets and wineries.</buy>
• <buy name="Wine Concepts" url="http://www.wineconcepts.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 671-9030" address="Cardiff Castle Building, cnr Main Street & Kildare Road, Newlands (Southern Suburbs)" email="[email protected]">Another great wine shop, certainly the best outside the City Bowl. A franchised location is on Kloof Street in the Lifestyle Centre.</buy>
• <buy name="Ultra" url="http://www.ultraliquors.co.za/">A large South African liquor chain. Several locations around the city, the one in Green Point is the most accessible to tourists. A warehouse bottle store but with a remarkable wine selection across all price ranges. Case discount (even on mixed cases). Good if you want to stock up for a road trip. Stash a bottle of Amarula Cream in your backpack while you're at it. Great prices -- in fact, often cheaper than at the wine farms themselves.</buy>
• Cape Fusion Tours, Tel +27-21-4612437, . Offers tailor made private wine tours of the Cape wine regions.

Distinctively Capetonian in character -- are everywhere, from chickens made of plastic bags to bead and wire work to pottery, glass and embroidery. If you don't buy a chicken from a Rastafarian at a street corner (the authentic experience -- about 30 rand depending on the size), then try Heartworks (Kloof Street or in Gardens Centre mall) or the Red Shed at the V & A Waterfront. There is also a high-end craft boutique in the Cape Quarter in De Waterkant.

Contemporary South African art has been riding a big wave in the international art world. It is on par with the best in the world and undervalued (unless you buy a William Kentridge). If you like real art as opposed to curios, crafts or posters, and you have the budget for it, there are several serious galleries in town. Try Michael Stevenson Gallery first, then Joao Ferreira Gallery, AVA Gallery or Bell-Roberts Gallery, and there are several others worth seeing. Art South Africa is the art magazine to read if you want to know about the artists, and the adverts list the shows and the galleries.

As in any large city you will find a number of major shopping malls with the requisite department sized stores and chain labels:

• <buy name="Bayside Centre" url="http://www.baysidecentre.com" address="cnr Blaauwberg Road and Otto Du Plessis Drive, Tableview" phone="+27 (0)21 557-4350" email="[email protected]" hours="Shops are open 9AM to 7PM Monday to Friday, 10AM to 5PM on Saturday and 10AM to 2PM on Sunday"></buy>

• <buy name="Blue Route Mall" url="http://www.blueRoute.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 713-2360" email="[email protected]" address="cnr Tokai and Keyser River Roads, Tokai"></buy>

• <buy name="Canal Walk" url="http://www.canalwalk.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 555-3600" address="Century Boulevard, Century City" email="[email protected]" hours="Open 10AM to 9PM Monday to Friday, 9AM to 9PM on Saturday and 10AM to 9PM on Sunday></buy>

• <buy name="Cavendish Square" url="http://www.cavendish.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 657-5620" address="Vineyard Road, Claremont" email="[email protected]" hours="Open 9AM to 7PM Monday to Saturday and 10AM to 5PM on Sunday"></buy>

• <buy name="Constantia Village" url="http://www.constantiavillage.com" phone="+27 (0)21 794-5065" email="[email protected]" address="cnr Constantia Main and Spaanschemacht River Roads, Constantia"></buy>

• <buy name="Kenilworth Centre" phone="+27 (0)21 671-5054" address="cnr Doncaster and Chichester Roads, Kenilworth"></buy>

• <buy name="Longbeach Mall" phone="+27 (0)21 785-5955" email="[email protected]" address="cnr Buller Louw Drive and Sunnydale Road, Noordhoek"></buy>

• <buy name="Maynard Mall" phone="+27 (0)21 797-1714" address="cnr Main and Wetton Roads, Wynberg"></buy>

• <buy name="Mainstream Centre" address="cnr Main Road and Pricess Beach, Hout Bay" hours="Shops are open 9AM to 5PM Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM on Saturday and 10AM to 2PM on Sunday"></buy>

• <buy name="N1 City" url="http://www.N1Citymall.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 595-1170" address="Louwtjie Rothman Drive (off Monte Vista Boulevard), Goodwood"></buy>

• <buy name="Tyger Valley" url="http://www.tygervalley.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 914-1822" address="cnr Bill Bezuidenhout and Willie van Schoor Avenues, Bellville" hours="Open 9AM to 7PM Monday to Saturday and 9AM to 5PM on Sunday"></buy>

• <buy name="Victoria & Alfred Waterfront" url="http://www.waterfront.co.za" address="Breakwater Road, Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 408-7600" hours="Open 10AM to 9PM every day"></buy>

• <eat name="Bakoven" address="Southern Life Building, 10 Riebeeck Street" phone="+27 21 419 1937">Coffee shop and light meals.</eat>
• <eat name="Cafe Eco" address="90 Long Street" phone="+27 21 422 2299" url="http://www.cafeEco.co.za">Cheap, relaxed, environmentally-friendly coffee shop. A favourite with backpackers.</eat>
• <eat name="Table Mountain Restaurant" address="On top of Table Mountain, close to the Upper Cable Station" price="From R20 for a simple breakfast" hours="Open 08:30 to 18:30, with extended hours during December and January">A 120 seat, self service restaurant. No booking required.</eat>
• Unnamed Restaurant, Company's Garden. Small; offers good refreshment in a quiet atmosphere after a tour through the city. Basic local kitchen.
• <eat name="The Charles" address="137 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant" price="From R35 Small English Breakfast

(served with toasted white or whole wheat bread) 1 Egg, rasher bacon, sausage, fried tomato and saute mushrooms" hours="Open 07:00 to 17:00">The Charles can accommodate 25–30 people seated.</eat>

• <eat name="Africa Café" address="108 Shortmarket Street" phone="+27 (0)21 422-0221" url="http://www.africacafe.co.za/" email="[email protected]">Affordable and very good. Maybe the best restaurant in Cape Town for African cuisine. Lower to medium price range. Serves fixed menu, all you can eat of 12 - 15 different dishes.</eat>
• <eat name="Bayfront Blu" address="Two Oceans Aquarium" phone="+27 (0)21 419-9086">Offers breakfast and coffee all day and also serves good seafood, like Swahili prawn curry. Tables offer view on water and Table Mountain.</eat>
• <eat name="Biesmiellah" address="Corner Upper Wale/Pentz Street" phone="+27 (0)21 423-0850">One of the oldest restaurants around, known for its Malay kitchen. No alcoholic drinks are available.</eat>
• <eat name="Five Flies" address="14-16 Keerom Street" url="http://www.fiveflies.co.za">Enjoy a wonderful, multi-course meal in a stylish restaurant housed in one of Cape Town's oldest still-standing buildings. Favourite of local diplomats. Menu changes regularly; book reservations online.</eat>
• <eat name="Hildebrands" address="V&A Waterfront">Offering standard Italian fare of pizzas and pastas, but the quality is not up to par.</eat>
• <eat name="Jewel Tavern" address="Vanguard Road" directions="Near Duncan Docks" phone="+27 (0)21 448-1997">Increasingly popular Thai restaurant. Preferred destinations for Cape Town's bon viveurs. Guest can watch how their meals are prepared. Note this is a local spot for fisherman/boat workers coming in and spending a few days into the harbour. It is a very authentic spot with no frills. Most of the staff do not speak English, but the food is delicious.</eat>
• <eat name="95 Keerom" alt="" address="95 Keerom Street" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">A top class Italian restaurant with modern décor and a trendy atmosphere. </eat>
• <eat name="Lolas" directions="Across from Long Street Café">Vegetarian food with local colour and great karma. Good conversation and even better meals. Mingle with dreadlocks, artsy types and brooding poets.</eat>
• <eat name="Long Street Café" address="259 Long Street">Very popular, European kitchen, which serves up tasty drinks.</eat>
• <eat name="Mama Africa" address="178 Long Street" phone="+27 (0)21 426-1017" hours="Open Monday to Saturday. Restaurant is open 7PM till late, the bar is open 4:30PM till late"> African style tourist restaurant offering local and African meals, like Bobotie and Potjiekos, but also springbok, kudu and crocodile steak. Good range of wines at affordable prices. Live marimba music some nights.</eat>
• <eat name="Renaissance Cafe" address="Mainstream Centre, Main Road, Hout Bay (next door to the Post Office)" phone="+27 (0)21 790-7202">Best coffee in Hout Bay, set in a stunning courtyard. Open 8:30AM to 6PM every day. Well worth a visit!</eat>
• <eat name="Rhodes Memorial Restaurant" phone="+27 (0)21 689-9151" email="[email protected]" address="Rhodes Memorial">Situated in the Table Mountain National Park directly behind the famous Rhodes Memorial. The restaurant has stunning views over the northern and eastern Cape Town suburbs and the Hottentots Holland mountain range. The menu is diverse and caters to all tastes, but its the desserts that really rate a mention, be sure to tuck into some scones!</eat>
• <eat name="The Ritz Hotel" address="cnr. Camberwell and Main Roads, Sea Point" phone="+27 (0)21 439-6010">Has a revolving restaurant on the top floor of the hotel. Good food, good views, soft background live piano. A bar and smoking room is available one floor below the restaurant. You do not have to be a resident at the hotel to get a booking at the restaurant. NB(The floor has a small non revolving ledge next to the wall. Do not put your valuables on it as your table will be half way around the building before you realize that you have been separated from your belongings.)</eat>
• <eat name="Sunflower Health Café" address="111 Long Street">Vegetarian restaurant, with a limited range of satisfying warm meals.</eat>
• <eat name="Tasca de Belem" address="Victoria Wharf, shop 154, Piazza Level, V&A Waterfront" phone="+27 (0)21 419-3009>A very good Portuguese restaurant that offers some exquisite meals.</eat>
• <eat name="Tong Lok" address="10 Link Rd Parklands, Parklands Centre" phone="+27 (0)21 556 8722> The best Chinese restaurant and take-away that serves anything from vegetables, to seafood, sushi and other Japanese foods.</eat>
• <eat name="Willoughby's" address="Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront">Has some of the best seafood including excellent sushi at very good prices.</eat>

• <eat name="Tide" alt="" address="69 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town" directions="" phone="+27 021 437 9701" email="[email protected]" fax="+27 (0) 21 438 4433" url="www.thebayhotel.co.za" hours="Mo-Fr , Sa-Su " price="R90 Fresh Catch Of The Day">Serving with Steamed Seasonal Vegetables , New Potatoes and Lemon Butter. </eat>

• <eat name="Ashton's Restaurant at Greenways" alt="" address="1 Torquay Avenue Upper Claremont" directions="" phone="021-761-1792" email="" fax="" url="" hours="Mo-Su 7AM-10PM" price="">World class fine dining restaurant that offers international cuisine with a South African twist.</eat>

• <eat name="Blue Danube" alt="" address="102 New Church Street Tamboerskloof 8001" directions="" phone="021-423-3624" email="" fax="" url="" hours="Mo-Fr 12PM-11PM, Sa-Su 6PM-11PM" price="">Serving French/Austrian cuisine modernised with dishes inspired by more exotic flavors.</eat>

• <sleep name="33 South Backpackers" address="48 Trill Road, Observatory, Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 447 2423" fax="+27 (0)21 447 2423" url="http://www.33southbackpackers.com" email="[email protected]" price="From R120 per person including a fresh Muffin breakfast.">A Boutique style hostel, Join them every Tuesday for the already legendary "creative evening."</sleep>

• <sleep name="A Sunflower Stop Backpackers" address="179 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 434-6535" fax="+27 (0)21 434-6501" url="http://www.sunflowerstop.co.za" email="[email protected]" price="From R100 per person">Sleep in tastefully decorated and extremely clean dorms, doubles, and twins. En-suite rooms available too.</sleep>

• <sleep name="African Train Lodge" address="3 Old Marine Drive, Monument Station, Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 418-4890" fax="+27 (0)21 418-5848" url="http://www.trainlodge.co.za" email="[email protected]" price="From R100 per person">Sleep in tastefully restored train carriages right in the centre of town, adjacent to the main train station.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Alive PTL" address="Beyers Road, Woodstock" price="From R70 per person">Woodstock can be unsafe even in the day. Beyers Road has a bad reputation. Avoid nearby Gympie Street at all costs.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Ashanti Lodge" address="11 Hof Street, Gardens" phone="+27 (0)21 423-8721" fax="+27 (0)21 423-8790" url="http://www.ashanti.co.za" email="[email protected]" price="From R110 per person, or R60 per person for camping">A perennial favourite amongst travellers ; camping also permitted. Has a large travel centre as well.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Cape Town Backpackers" url="http://www.capetownbackpackers.com" phone="+ 27 (0)21 426 0200" address="81 new church street, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town" email="[email protected]" price="From R110 per person"> Listed by the British newspaper The Independent in January 2009 as one of only 3 places to stay in Cape Town (the other 2 being 5 star hotels!) the review described the place as "...spotless and stylish.." They are also the winners of travel agency Hostelworlds best hostel in Africa award for 2006 and 2007 and were Top Rated for 2008! Its fun, friendly (and clean), they have regular theme nights in the funky bar and have various options for sleeping from dorms if you want to save money for more beer, to ensuites with table mountain views if you want to spoil yourself.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Carnival Court Backpackers" url="http://www.carnivalcourt.co.za" address="255 Long Street, Cape Town" price="From R70 in the dorm to R250 for a double room" email="[email protected]">Dorms and private rooms at reasonable rates. Linen provided, hostel is very clean and staff friendly and there is a bar and balcony to hang out.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Castle Inn Backpackers" address="76b Darling Street (corner of Harrington Road), Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 465-1662" fax="+27 (0)21 465-1662" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.grandsouth.co.za" price="From R75 per person">Directly opposite the Castle of Good Hope and 5 minutes walk from the train station. Cheapest Internet cafe in the area.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Cat and Moose Backpackers" url="http://www.catandmoose.co.za" phone="+27 (21) 423 7638" address="305 Long Street, Cape Town" email="[email protected]" price="From R75 in the dorm to R230 for a double"></sleep>

• <sleep name="Formula 1 Hotel" address="17 Jan Smuts Street (corner of Martin Hammerschlag Way), Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 418-4664" fax="+27 (0)21 418-4661" url="http://www.hotelformula1.co.za/l_ct_foreshore.html" price="R369 per room">Part of the international chain of budget hotels - each room can sleep up to three people. A few minutes walk from the train station.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Green Elephant Backpackers" url="http://users.iafrica.com/g/gr/greenele/index.htm" email="[email protected]" address="57 Milton Road, Observatory" phone="+27 (0)21 448-6359" price="From R50 for camping to R350 for a double ensuite"></sleep>

• <sleep name="Long Street Backpackers" address="209 Long Street, Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 423-0615" fax="+27 (0)21 423-1842" url="http://www.longstreetbackpackers.co.za" email="[email protected]" price="R90 in a dorm to R140 for a private room">Offers dorms as well as private accommodation and a good range of travel-services.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Don Beach Road Hotel" alt="" address="249 Beach Road, Sea Point" directions="Cape Town, South Africa" phone="+27 (21) 434 1083" url="http://www.don.co.za/Don_Beach_Road_hotel" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">The Don Beach Road is located in Sea Point spectacularly overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.</sleep>

• <sleep name="A Whale of a time" address="11 Echo Road, Fish Hoek, Cape Town" url="http://www.awhaleofatime.co.za/" phone="+27 021 782 5040" email="[email protected]" price="From R695 per unit">Self catering apartments with panoramic sea views over False Bay. A 5min stroll down to the beach, shopping, restaurants and more. Rated 4 stars by TGCSA.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Abbey Manor Luxury Guesthouse" address="3 Montrose Avenue, Oranjezicht, Cape Town" directions="" phone="+27 021 462 2935" url="http://www.abbey.co.za/" checkin="" checkout="" price="From R800" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">Luxury guesthouse set high on Table Mountain overlooking Cape Town city. Dramatic views from individually decorated rooms. Built in 1905 in the Arts-and-Crafts style, and has been recently remodelled. An easy hop from the city centre and the V&A Waterfront. Rated 5 stars by TGCSA. Provides free wi-fi to guests. </sleep>

• <sleep name="Bayflowers Guest House" address="5 Scholtz Road, Green Point" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 434-0968" url="http://www.bayflowers.co.za/" checkin="" checkout="" price="R390 for a single room, R320 pps for a double" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">Very central, walk to Waterfront, beach and city centre, helpful staff, rooms clean and tastefully equipped.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Cactusberry Lodge" address="30 Breda Street, Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 461-9787" url="http://www.cactusberry.net.ms" price="R500">3 star. 200 metres from the Gardens Shopping Centre, is comfortable, central and quiet, very good value for money, excellent breakfast, very helpful in all itinerary planning.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Camps Bay Beach Club" alt="" address="69 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 437 9701" url="http://www.campsbaybeachclub.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="R445 per person sharing" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">Luxurious bed and breakfast, excellent service, has a 'dipping pool' in the back. Camps Bay Beach Club boasts the unique concept of being 'an information desk with a view' and also offers Harley Davidson and vintage car hire on their doorstep. Another innovation at the sleek and stylish venue, is a cold kitchen serving crisp fresh dishes specialising in anti-pasti, salads and seafood. The Beach Club chef celebrates fresh ingredients and creates sublime nude food.</sleep>

• <sleep name="City Lodge V&A Waterfront" phone="+27 (0)21 419-9450" url="http://www.citylodge.co.za" email="[email protected]" address="Corner Dock and Alfred Roads, Cape Town" price="From R480 per person sharing">3 star.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Constantiaberg Villa" email="[email protected]">Self catering 2 bedroom apartment. Beautiful secure complex, with views of Table Mountain, pool and leisure facilities.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Daddy Long Legs Boutique Hotel & Self-Catering Apartments" address="134 & 263 Long Street, Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 422-3074 (Hotel) & +27 (0)21 424-1403 (Self-Catering)" url="http://www.daddylonglegs.co.za" email="[email protected]" price="From R450 a double/twin (Hotel) & R550 a one bedroomed apartment">Located in the heart of the city centre on one of Cape Town's most celebrated streets - a hotel with a difference, focusing on good value accommodation and a hotel experience you'll never forget.</sleep>

• <sleep name="De Waterkant Village" address="1 Loader street, De Waterkant, Cape Town" url="http://www.dewaterkantvillage.co.za" email="[email protected]" phone="+27 021 437 9706" price="R580 for single room, R850 for a double">De Waterkant is often described as being arty, charismatic and quaint and is a truly special place decorated with gorgeous al fresco restaurants, sidewalk café's, boutiques and bars and is often compared with Greenwich Village.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Grapevine Cottage Guesthouse" url="http://www.grapevine-cottage.co.za" price="R650 per unit, max 4 people" address="13 Vierlanden road, Durbanville" email=">3 star. Great view over the Durbanville winelands. Surrounded by wine estates, excellent restaurants nearby. Self catering accommodation and Bed and breakfast; garden and pool invite you to relax.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Nine Flowers Guest House" address="133-135 Hatfield Street, Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 462-1430" url="http://www.nineflowers.com" email="[email protected]" price="R480 for a single room to R850 for a triple">Very central, helpful staff, nice rooms.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Protea Hotel Sea Point" alt="" address="Arthur's Road, Sea Point" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 434-3344" url="http://www.proteahotels.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="R350 pppn" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">Protea has a whole bunch of hotels in Cape Town and surrounding areas. It is well worth checking their web site for last-minute bargains, which can reduce the price by 50%.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Shambala Guest Lodge" url="http://www.shambalaguestlodge.com" price="From R250pppn" phone="+27 (0)21 790-4328" email="[email protected]" address=" 7 Little Lions Head Road, Hout Bay">Set in a lush and tranquil garden on the sunny slopes of Little Lion’s Head mountain, overlooking the valley of Hout Bay. Offers a selection of one and two bedroom self-catering suites. Breathtaking views and beach access close by.</sleep>

• <sleep name="The Charles Guesthouse" address="137 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town" url="http://www.thecharles.co.za" email="[email protected]" phone="+27 0()21 437 9706" price="R920 for single room, R1400 for a double">Trendy and fashionable today, it is compared to New York's Greenwich Village and London's Soho with its tree lined streets, restored cottages, spectacular views and village atmosphere.</sleep>

• <sleep name="The One 8" address="18 Antrim Road, Three Anchor Bay, Cape Town, " url="http://www.theone8.com/" phone="+27 21 434 6100" email="[email protected]" price="From R550 per room">Modern and intimate Four star accommodation in Cape Town. The One 8 Hotel is located in Green Point and close to Clifton Beach, Camps Bay, V&A Waterfront, De Waterkant gay village, and Table Mountain. This gay and lesbian friendly Guest House offers bed and breakfast and contemporary rooms for your South African Holiday.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Sitara Country Lodge" address="10 Guinea Fowl Way, Noordhoek" url="http://www.sitara.co.za" email="[email protected]" phone="+27 (0)21 789-1622" price="From R325 for single room, from R450 for a double">In the south of the Cape Peninsula. Ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of the Cape Town area. Own transport required.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Tudor Hotel" address="153 Longmarket Street, Greenmarket Square, Cape Town" url="http://www.tudorhotel.co.za" email="[email protected]" phone="+27 (0)21 424-1335" price="R520 for single room, R740 for a double">In the city centre, near the Waterfront, Parliament, Gardens or the Malay Quarter Boo-Kap.</sleep>

• <sleep name="CityStay - Executive Furnished Accommodation" alt="Century City Apartments" address="KnightsBridge Spa & Residential, Esplanade, Century City, 7441" phone="+27 (0)21 528-0007" url="http://www.citystay.co.za" price="From R600.00 per room" lat="-33.889977" long="18.512156" email="[email protected]">Situated in the award winning Century City area and next to Canal Walk shopping mall, CityStay offers friendly service, modern amenities and stunning environment features. A gymnasium, 25m heated indoor swimming pool, Spa, Jacuzzi, Sauna, Steam Room, wireless internet access, secure undercover parking, 24 hour CCTV and on-site security, optional breakfast service, welcome pack grocery shopping, airport transfers, private tours, car hire, house keeping, baby sitting and laundry service</sleep>

• <sleep name="The Bay Hotel" alt="" address="69 Victoria Road Camps Bay" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 437-9701" url="http://www.thebayhotel.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="On Inquiry" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">5 star hotel featuring a Spa, conference rooms, and fine dining restaurants.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Cape Grace" url="http://www.capegrace.com/" phone="+27 (0)21 410-7100" address="West Quay Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront" price="From R16000 to R55000 for 5 nights, 2 people">Situated on its own private quay on Cape Town’s vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the Cape Grace has 121 rooms all with views of the V&A harbour or yacht marina with a Table Mountain backdrop.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Radisson Hotel" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.radissonsas.com" phone="+27 (0)21 441-3000" price="R2745 pppn">5 star hotel stunningly overlooking its own private marina and the famous Robben Island. Staff are warm and friendly and cater to every request.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Mandela Rhodes Place" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="+27 (0)31 310-3333" url="http://www.mandelarhodesplace.co.za" checkin="" checkout="" price="From R815pps" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">Old school charm and hospitality meets modern amenities and features. It also boasts a gymnasium, swimming pool, wireless internet, undercover parking, 24 hour concierge and business centre, optional breakfast service, pre-delivery grocery shopping, airport and city transfers, car hire, house keeping and laundry and day tours</sleep>

• <sleep name="The Cape Milner" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.capemilner.com" phone="+27 (0)31 310-3333" price="On Inquiry">Stylish, beautifully decorated, with large comfortable bathrooms. Filling breakfasts are provided each morning.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Lagoon Beach Hotel" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.lagoonbeachhotel.co.za" phone="+27 (0)31 310-3333" price="On Inquiry">Ideally located for business, tourist and leisure travellers. Excellent facilities at the on-site Camelot Spa so be sure to indulge yourself in some pampering.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Westin Grand Cape Town Arabella Quays" url="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?language=en_US&propertyID=1445" phone="+27 (0)21 412-9999" price="On Inquiry">Beautiful hotel, within walking distance to most tourist attractions. Located at the entrance to the Albert and Victoria waterfront.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Century City Apartments" url="http://www.centurycityapartments.co.za/" phone="+ 27 (0)21 528-0007" address="Cape Town and Century City" email="[email protected]" price="From R600 per apartment to R3,500 per apartment; ranges from 1 bedroom apartments to 3 bedroom multi-million rand penthouses"></sleep>
• <sleep name="The Glen Apartments" url="http://www.theglenapartments.co.za/" phone="+27 021 437 9704" address="The Glen, Camps Bay" email="[email protected]" price="From R1200 per studio to R4,300 per apartment; ranges from 1 bedroom studios to 3 bedroom Luxury Serviced Apartments"></sleep>
• <sleep name="Waterfront Village" url="http://www.waterfrontvillage.com/" phone="+27 021 437 9705 " address="Mind Pearl House, West Quay Road, V & A Waterfront" email="[email protected]" price="From R1,900 per apartment to R4,400 per superior three bedroom apartment; one bedroom to 3 bedroom apartments available"></sleep>
• <sleep name="Constantia Villas" url="http://www.constantiavillas.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)83 444 2456 " address="Camelot, Rhodes drive, Constantia, Cape Town" email="[email protected]" price="From R4,500 to R14,000 per villa"></sleep>
• <sleep name="Canterbury Penthouse" alt="" address="Canterbury Sq, corner of Glynn Rd & Canterbury Rd, Gardens, Cape Town" directions="" phone="+27 (0)72 509 7695" url="http://www.capetown-direct.com/gardens/living-the-dream" checkin="" checkout="" price="From R800 p.d" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]"></sleep>
• <sleep name="Villa Ibis " alt="" address="Ibis House, Soetvlei Rd, Constantia, CapeTown" directions="" phone="0217125432" url="www.ibishouse.co.za" hours="" price="from R3000" lat="" long="">Villa Ibis is an a grand and extravagant Villa set on a seven hectare plot on the heart of Constantia winelands. </sleep>
• <sleep name="Waterfront Apartments" url="http://www.waterfrontapartments.co.za/" address="West Quay Road, Waterfront, 8001" phone="021 438 7800" email="[email protected]" price="R1760 - R6500 Season Dependant. Current Special Pay 3, Stay 4"></sleep>
• <sleep name="Southern Light Villa" url="http://www.southern-light.com/" address="24 Hohenort Avenue, Constantia, Cape Town" phone="021 794 4500" email="[email protected]" price="R850 - R1300 Season Dependant."></sleep>

• <sleep name="Vicky's Bed and Breakfast" alt="" address="Kiyani Street, Site C, Khayelitsha" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 387-7104" url="http://www.vickysbedandbreakfast.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">Township B&B.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Ma Neo's B&B" phone="+27 (0)21 694-2504" address="Langa">Township B&B.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Majoros B&B" phone="+27 (0)21 361-3412" email="[email protected]" address="Graceland, Khayelitsha">Township B&B.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Kopanong, Liziwe's, Majoro's, Malebo's, Radebe's or Vicky's" phone="+27 (0)21 551 0162" email="[email protected]" address="Cape Town Township">Township B&Bs.</sleep>

If you have a cell phone get one of the cheap prepaid sim cards from either Vodacom, MTN, Cell C or Virgin Mobile and save money on local calls.

Overseas calls at local rates via the Celldial service. Call 087 940 6966 and follow the voice prompts. See www.celldial.co.za for supported countries.

• <listing name="m@in internet cafe" alt="" directions="" address="Kloof street" phone="" email="" fax="" url="ttp://www.maincomputers.co.za/" hours="" price="">They have private booths, and offer wifi access for laptops.</listing>

Other internet cafes can be found all over the city and suburbs, with many coffee shops offering internet access.

Many Guesthouses in Cape Town provide WiFi free for their guests.

Always-On , +27 (0)11 575-2505, provides prepaid wifi access in a number of locations in Cape Town. Simply connect to the access point and you will be given the opportunity to pay for access by credit card. Pricing starts at around R15 for 10 minutes or R60 for 100MB.

Coverage areas include:

• <listing name="Westin Grand Hotel at Arabella Quays" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long=""></listing>
• <listing name="The Cape Diamond Hotel"></listing>
• <listing name="Cape Town International Airport">Restaurants and Coffee shops, in Domestic and International Departures, boarding gates, airline lounges and at the Road Lodge.</listing>
• <listing name="City Lodge">GrandWest, Pinelands and V&A Waterfront.</listing>
• <listing name="Dulce Cafe" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Bayside Centre, Durbanville and Gabriel Rd, Plumstead</listing>
• <listing name="Mugg&Bean">Just about all of them.</listing>
• <listing name="Sundance Coffee Co">Adderley St, Buitengragt St and Mouille Point.</listing>

Cafe Neo, located opposite the lighthouse in Mouille Point, offers an open hotspot in addition to their excellent Greek food.

• File:Ar-flag.png <listing name="Argentina (Embassy)" phone="+ 27 (0)21 439 0403" fax="+27 (0)21 439 5918" address="8 Brittany Avenue, Bantry Bay">Only located in Cape Town when the South African parliament sits in Cape Town. When parliament moves to Pretoria, so does this embassy</listing>
• File:Au-flag.png <listing name="Austria (Consulate)" address="3'rd Floor, 1 Thibault Square" phone="+27 (0)21 421 1440" fax="+27 (0)21 425 3489" email=" [email protected]"></listing>
• File:Be-flag.png <listing name="Belgium (Consulate)" address="4'th Floor, Vogue House, Thibault Square" phone="+27 (0)21 419 4690"></listing>
• File:Ez-flag.png <listing name="Czech Republic (Consulate)" address="2 Fleetwood Avenue, Claremont" phone="+27 (0)21 797 9835"></listing>
• File:Fr-flag.png <listing name="France (Consulate)" address="78 Queen Victoria Street" phone="+27 (0)21 423 1575" fax="+27 (0)21 424 8470" email="[email protected]"></listing>
• File:Gm-flag.png <listing name="Germany (Consulate)" phone="+27 (0)21 405 3000" fax="+27 (0)21 421 0400" address="19'th Floor, Safmarine House, 22 Riebeek Street" email="[email protected]"></listing>
• File:Gr-flag.png <listing name="Greece (Embassy)" address="19'th Floor, Reserve Bank Building, 30 Hout Street" phone="+27 (0)21 424 8160" fax="+27 (0)21 424 9421" email="[email protected]">Only located in Cape Town when the South African parliament sits in Cape Town. When parliament moves to Pretoria, so does this embassy</listing>
• File:It-flag.png <listing name="Italy (Consulate)" address="2 Grey's Pass (top of Queen Victoria Street)" phone="+27 (0)21 487 3900" fax="+27 (0)21 424 0146"></listing>
• File:Nl-flag.png <listing name="Netherlands (Consulate)" address="100 Strand Street" phone="+27 (0)21 421 5660" fax="+27 (0)21 418 2690"></listing>
• File:Po-flag.png <listing name="Portugal (Consulate)" address="Standard Bank Centre, Hertzog Boulevard" phone="+27 (0)21 418 0080" fax="+27 (0)21 418 0084"></listing>
• File:Sp-flag.png <listing name="Spain (Consulate)" alt="" address="37 Shortmarket Street" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 422 2415" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" fax="+27 (0)21 422 2328">fax +27 (0) 214222328</listing>
• File:Uk-flag.png <listing name="United Kingdom (Consulate)" address="15th Floor, Southern Life Centre, 8 Riebeek Street" phone="+27 (0) 21 405 2433"></listing>
• File:In-flag.png <listing name="India (Embassy Office)" address="The Terraces, 9th Floor, 34 Bree Street, Cape Town 8001" phone="+27 (0) 21 419 8110, 419 8111" fax="+27 (0) 21 419 8112" email="[email protected]"></listing>

• Boulders beach is famous for its penguin colony and you can watch penguins in their natural habitat. September is the breeding season and you can see penguins hatching out of their eggs.
• Cape of Good Hope to experience the wildness of the natural habitat preserved here. Stunning views and for sure you will meet one of the local baboons or ostriches. Be sure to stop in Simon's Town on your way back to relax with a wonderful view on the False Bay.

• Hout Bay also known as the "Republic" of Hout Bay by its locals is a beautiful calm bay on the Atlantic Ocean. It has a quaint fishing harbour and boat trips to Seal Island. While you're there try the fish and chips at the Café on the Rocks at the end of the harbour road - a local secret.

• Chapmans Peak— Experience one of the most scenic drives in the world, as you drive up the Chapmans Peak Drive and look north over Hout Bay the view of the bay and the fishing boats is stunning.

• Major towns are Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. All of them are ideal for a stroll around to pick up the unique Cape Wineland atmosphere. Be sure to do some wine testing at the wine estates in the region.
• For private winelands tours with a culinary twist, contact Cape Fusion Tours .

• Only two hours from Cape Town are the Bontebok National Park and the De Hoop Nature Reserve, perfect for spotting bontebok and whales.
• The southern tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas is not far away.
• The Overberg region offers whale spotting and quiet towns to relax.

• The world-famous Garden Route ranges from about Mossel Bay, via George and Knysna to the Tsitsikamma National Park on the south coast. This road will take you further on to Port Elizabeth, Durban and eventually Swaziland. Do not forget to visit the Karoo semi-desert and do an ostrich ride in Oudtshoorn.

Go up north along the West Coast to Saldanha Bay and all the other hidden spots. Further on are Namaqualand and finally Namibia.

• <listing name="West Coast Fossil Park" url="http://www.iziko.org.za/wcfp" phone="+27 (0)22 766-1606" email="[email protected]" address="Langebaan" Directions="120 km north of Cape Town on the R27" price="R25 entrance fee" hours="10AM to 4PM on weekdays, 9AM to 12PM on weekends"></listing>

• Visit Melkbos to surf, windsurf, kitesurf and sunbathe on its wide sandy beach and also see the only working Nuclear Power Station in Africa.

World66:africa/southafrica/capetown

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