It’s been said so many times it’s almost a cliché – but
like most clichés it’s perfectly true - Cape Town is ‘one of the most beautiful
cities in the world’.
Most first-time visitors to South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ have little real idea
what to expect beyond the post-card view of the iconic Table Mountain and some
vague notions about possibly buying a wooden giraffe carving for the entry hall
back home…
And for many the ‘obvious’ is all they will take back with them – the sites and
experiences offered in every second tour guide’s brochure.
They’ll have a good time, but there is so much more to this place curved
lovingly around the tip of Africa.
Cape Town is a city crammed full of life, interwoven with vibrant colours and
cultures. The city centre and suburbs which surround and spread out from the
lower slopes of Table Mountain are filled with the sounds of many languages as
her children live and laugh and fight and co-exist together in this place they
call home.
If you give her a chance, and are prepared to look beyond the numerous
wonderful yet over-done tourist attractions and in-your-face geographical
beauty, Cape Town will open her heart to you and show you her true self. There
are so many fascinating contrasts to Cape Town that you will be continually
surprised around every corner.
The playground of the rich and famous, Cape Town’s elite stretch of coastline
from Camp’s Bay through to Llandudno offers the ultimate in luxury - an
unexpected surprise for those visitors who enjoy their creature-comforts and
are nervously anticipating Darkest Africa with a limited hot water supply.
Palm-lined beaches, trendy lifestyle centres and premium luxury accommodation
are all delightfully sprinkled along this Utopian millionaire’s strip. Drive
into the City centre and be prepared for a complete change of scenery.
Starting in the colourful ‘Bo-Kaap’ area at the top of the city, this Malay
quarter is simply charming with its warm and friendly community and
multi-coloured terraced homes interspersed with turreted mosques. At the heart
of the city is the bustling Green Market Square, a popular spot for tourists
looking for some African mementos or funky clothing. Less well known, a block
away, is the impressive multi-story Pan African Market which is a treasure
trove of carvings, art, clothing and musical instruments from all over Africa –
at much more reasonable prices.
A stroll through the Company Gardens affords beautiful views of the mountain
rising up through the fringe of green foliage. Museums and Art Galleries
abound, and it is not uncommon to find artists working throughout this
squirrel’s playground. Of course a drive around the awe-inspiring Cape Point is
not to be missed – but don’t just stroll up to the top of the paved walkway –
get adventurous and explore the sheer cliffs below (taking care, of course) –
Getting wet from the spray of waves crashing far below while you cling to the
tip of the African continent is a rush many miss out on! You only live once –
and Cape Town offers many exciting adventures to make your visit one of the
most exhilarating times of your time on earth! Shark cage diving, abseiling,
kloofing, surfing – unlimited adrenalin pumping action is available throughout
Cape Town.
From the verdant Wine Farms surrounding Stellenbosch to the sprawling townships
of the Cape Flats and Khayelitsha; from the welcoming waves of the Indian Ocean
to the icy embrace of the Atlantic; the Penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach to
the Southern Right whales playing in the bays – Cape Town, the Mother City, is
a multi-faceted wonder-woman – so much more than just a pretty face.
Don’t wait till the 2010 FIFA World Cup to discover her charms – Cape Town is
waiting now with warm and wide-open arms.
Joy-Anne is a well know writer for two Cape Town websites.
Check out her website on Cape
Town Accommodation for the most affordable way to be treated like a king.
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