Info About Cape Town
by Nicole Martin
 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.
Cape Town is waiting now
with warm and wide-open arms.
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