The Western Cape is a particularly scenic region and is famous for its wines. The climate is
Mediterranean with cloudless, warm, dry and often windy summers. The winters are green with
periodic rainfalls. The Cape Floral Kingdom attracts many nature-lovers to the Peninsula as it
includes 8,600 floral species of which 193 are unique to the area. The king protea, South
Africa's national flower, can be found here.
The Cape Peninsula stretches from the Cape of Good Hope
and Cape Point to Table Mountain and Cape Town. The
region comprises mostly of a striking mountain plateau that is dominated by Table Mountain, a 1,000m (3,281ft), flat-topped mountain that overlooks
the whole of the city of Cape Town. It also features the world-famous Clifton beaches and, of
course, the winelands. Travellers from all over the world are drawn to the western and eastern
shorelines, a haven for holiday-makers, sport-enthusiasts and nature-lovers.
Cape Town, with its geographical location and 350 years of history, is one of the world's most
stately cities. Many of the historical buildings have been restored. Cape Town is a mixture of
Europe and Africa; First and Third Worlds. There is a complete contrast between the cosmopolitan
lifestyle in the restaurants, cafés, theatres and bars at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and
the townships on the outskirts of the city. The undeniable beauty of this open-minded city and
its undemanding, unhurried lifestyle has drawn millions of people.
The city's attractions are numerous and the most obvious place to start is the Good Hope Castle,
South Africa's oldest building. The city is rich with history and one can spend days visiting
the various historical sites and other attractions which include: Koopmans de Wet House, the
Lutheran Church, Groote Kerk which is the splendid Dutch Reformed Church, the Cultural History
Museum, St George's Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, De Tuynhuys, Stal Plein, the South
African National Gallery, Bertram House, the South African Museum, the Planetarium, Rust-en-
Vreugd, the old buildings of the Bo-Kaap and the Bo-Kaap Museum, Rhodes Memorial, Mostert's Mill,
the University of Cape Town, Kirstenbosch one of the world's leading botanical gardens, Groot Constantia which is the oldest homestead in
the Cape and of course the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
The city centre contains Greenmarket Square, one of the quaintest and most charming plazas in
Africa, filled with stalls selling often intriguing goods.
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is Cape Town’s prize attraction. Here people dance to a
different beat and see things through new eyes - here time stands still. Whether you want to
have a drink with friends, feel the breeze and sunshine of the harbour or fall asleep to the
rhythm of African drums, the Waterfront is the place where everything happens.
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a specialty
attraction and is visited by thousands of domestic visitors and international travellers
throughout the year. This popular attraction was opened to the public in 1989 and since then has
developed into a venue where young and old alike can savour real Capetonian hospitality. Built
around the Victoria and Alfred water basins, and covering an area of 83 hectares, it complements
Cape Town’s active harbour scene and adds to its cosmopolitan appeal.
Visitors to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront can experience a diverse range of activities.
With a 15m high screen and 15,000 watts of digital sound, the Imax Cinema takes Waterfront
visitors on a thrilling visual and audio tour. It boasts shows such as the Rolling Stones, Ring
of Fire and Africa: The Serengeti.
The Two Oceans Aquarium houses a dazzling array of educational displays featuring the marine
life found off the shores of South Africa. The 2-million-litre Predator Tank is the first of its
kind, and houses fast-swimming aquatic predators such as Ragged Tooth Sharks, Leervis and
Yellowtail.
The adventurous can take a sea cruise around the harbour, or a ferry trip to the infamous
Robben Island. An island tour is highlighted by a visit to the prison where Nelson Mandela was
held captive for many years. Evening cruises of Table Bay have also proven to be popular; the
romantics among us can sail off into the sunset with magnificent Table Mountain as backdrop.
The Market Plaza is the heart of the Waterfront, and offers a vibrant stop-off after your
walkabouts. Special events and promotions contribute towards the festive atmosphere. Productions,
demonstrations and concerts are regularly held at the open air amphitheatre, and buskers and
street entertainers mingle with the crowds.
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront offers five internationally acclaimed hotels, pubs and
restaurants, two museums, a shopping mall, two craft markets, and a variety of shops, including
a wine shop which specialises in South African wines. Window-shop to your heart’s content,
purchase a few souvenirs, or partake in some serious shopping. There are also a number of
educational tours available.
Restaurants and pubs along the waterfront afford magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, the
City Bowl and Table Mountain, and are the passport to Cape Town’s busy nightlife.
The mountainous countryside around the Breede River
is divided by valleys which are intensely cultivated with vineyards, wheat and orchards. Ceres is the largest fruit and fruit juice producer in South Africa.
This fertile valley is surrounded by the rugged Skurweberg range. The nearby areas of Worcester,
McGregor and Robertson are ideal for viticulture. De Doorns, Bon Courage, Zandvliet and De
Wetshof are just a few of the vineyards in the area.
The Montagu Mountain Nature Reserve offers two long day-hikes into the Langeberg. Montagu
itself is a quaint little town featuring a number of Cape Dutch houses with stunning rose
gardens.
More wineries can be found in the Olifants River Valley. The Cedarberg mountain range bounds
the eastern side of the valley. The Cedarberg Mountain Wilderness Area covers 71,000ha (175,445
acres) and is famous for its fynbos, strange rock formations and San paintings. Clanwilliam and
Citrusdal are the main towns in the area. Hot springs can be found at 'The Baths', 15km (9miles)
south of Citrusdal. The temperature of the water is about 42°C (108°F) and there is a large
outdoor pool and a number of jacuzzis.
Oudtshoorn, the leading town in the Klein Karoo, is a major player in the ostrich industry. The
ostrich farms and
Cango Caves, with their amazing limestone formations, draw many visitors to the town.
