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Articles:
Cape Town
A Look at Africa's Most Beautiful City
by Andrew Muigai
As
winter approaches in the northern hemisphere, summer beckons
in the south. This is the time to take a few days off and follow
the sun! The best place to catch the sun in the end of year
holiday season is without doubt Cape Town. Cape Town's claim
to being the most beautiful city in South Africa is undisputed.
And seasoned travel writers readily accept the merit of Cape
Town's claim that is indeed one of the most beautiful cities
in the world.
The
city is blessed with unrivalled gifts of nature. The mighty
kilometer high flat top Table Mountain dwarfs even the most
ambitious skyscrapers in the business district. The city is
surrounded by glorious landscapes, stunning beaches and a bounty
of unique vegetation. Where else do you have a choice of the
cool Atlantic Ocean and the warmer Indian Ocean?
But
Cape Town offers much more. It is reputed to be the most open-minded
and relaxed city in South Africa and is one of the safest cities
in Africa for visitors. Action hero Jean-Claude Van Damme visited
the city in 2003 to shoot an action thriller and declared: "I
love waking up in this city with the sea around me and the fresh
air. The people are young with fresh and warm personalities
and are friendly and it's a country full of hope."
The
movie was shot in the city and around the harbour and some local
funs got to see Van Damme at the waterfront. This is the same
country that has produced some of the most inspiring people
of our times. Desmond Tutu - the Nobel Peace Prize winner and
past leader of the Anglican flock in Cape Town, for example.
And of course Nelson Mandela.
Take
a boat trip to Robben Island, one of the hottest destinations
for overseas visitors. This is where Nelson Mandela nearly lost
his sight quarrying lime during his long imprisonment. Make
sure to get to the summit of Table Mountain by cable where you
will enjoy some unforgettable views.
Northwards
of the city center is the Victoria and Albert waterfront- a
trendy shopping and entertainment complex. It is packed with
art galleries, art and craft shops, restaurants, taverns, cinemas,
theatres and an aquarium. It is easy to see why many beautiful
people converge here. It is when in Cape Town that you will
understand why Desmond Tutu named the country as the "Rainbow
Nation". The peoples here have roots in the four corners
of the planet and together give the city its vivid colours.
Cape
Town is well connected to one of the most popular travel destinations
in South Africa: the Garden Route. The Garden Route is the southern
coastal area starting west of Cape Town at Swellendam and ending
at Humansdorp just before Port Elizabeth. The Garden Route is
probably the most scenic journey you will ever make. You encounter
soaring cliffs, wide beaches, semi desert, rocky coves, rain
forests, tranquil lakes and rugged mountains.
The
area is good for watersports and the weather allows this year
round. A visit to the wine producing regions can also be staged
from Cape Town. If you are short of time, head for picturesque
Stellenbosch just a 45-minute drive away.
The
Garden Route tour usually starts from Cape Town with a stop
at Mossel Bay. This otherwise uninspiring town is famous for
its Post Office Tree, where sailors would leave letters hanging
in a boot to be picked up by those headed towards the country
where the letters were addressed. Then to Oudtshoorn and George,
a transport hub for the area.
Afterwards,
Wilderness National Park a good place for birding and canoeing
on your way to the artist colony of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Plettenberg Bay, the "millionaires' playground" is
South Africa's trendiest resort. Then to Tsitsikamma National
Park known for its nature trails, giant trees and caves. A little
ahead of Humansdorp is Jeffrey's Bay, reputed to have one of
the world's best surfing beaches.
Water
sports are big in South Africa. Whale watching and shark-cage
diving (with great white sharks) is possible in the Cape area.
The best time to spot these sea giants is from June to September.
In the last week of September the annual Whale Festival is held
at Walker Bay. Diving facilities are good in the area and wreck
diving in particular is widespread around the Cape. For fishing
enthusiasts, the Cape of Good Hope has one the world's richest
fishing grounds.
At
the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean currents is
to be found large shoals of tuna and swordfish. For those brave
souls seeking hair-raising adventure, there is an excellent
opportunity for bungee jumping at the bridge over Blaukrans
River. This has one of the world's highest drops.
There
are also many beautiful golf courses in the Cape Town and Garden
Route area. The best time to play is the cooler months of May
to September. The President's Cup of 2003 was held at the Fancourt
Hotel and Country Club at George right on the Garden Route.
This event is a match play competition with the world's best
international players.
The
best period to visit the Cape region is over the summer months
November-February. The rest of the year is usually cool, rainy
and windy. Most people then find it quite challenging to engage
in swimming and water sports. There is a wide range of hotels
in Cape Town and the Garden Route area. Top range 5 star hotels
and other rated hotels are found throughout the region. Top
range 5 star hotels and other rated hotels are found throughout
the region.
Other
accommodation options include motels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts,
farm holidays, beach cottages, holiday flats and bungalows.
The Cape region is now a much sought after destination and advance
booking is necessary during the summer season (October-April).
With prior planning it is possible to get good value and affordable
holiday stay.
Copyright
© Africa Point
About
the Author
Andrew Muigai is the editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter.
It is part of AfricaPoint.com
the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers
discover Africa. You can view more info on South Africa safari
and tours at the website.
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