Cape Town


View of the four popular Clifton beaches with the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay in the background, Cape Town South Africa (Image: www.capetown.travel)Originally founded by Jan Van Riebeeck in 1652, Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with sun kissed paradise beaches, tropical landscape and active water sports activities. Cape Town is also South Africa's legislative capital as well as being the provincial capital city the Western Cape and ranks third in the list of country's populous cities. Ideally located between the oceans and the unmistakable Table Mountain and with a national park as its heart, Cape Town is truly unique. As the "Mother City" it is also the oldest city in South Africa and boasts a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years.

Situated near the Cape of Good Hope, a major highlight of a tour of Cape Town is the majestic Table Mountain. The Mother City is also the tourism and trading hub of South Africa.  

Top station of Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Cape Town South Africa (Image: www.capetown.travel)Rich in indigenous tropical vegetation, Cape Town is a joy to explore while on holiday in South Africa. Add to this a kaleidoscopic of winelands to tour, Cape Fold mountain ranges, pristine beaches, luxury hotels and restaurants and the distinctly unique Cape architectures.

The unique topography of the Cape Town makes it easy to orientate yourself providing you bear in mind that if Table Mountain is behind you and Robben Island before you, you are facing north, looking across Table Bay and up the west coast of Africa.

Kirstenbosch is part of the Cape Floral Kindom which was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2004, Cape Town South Africa (Image: www.capetown.travel)The perfect place to start exploring Cape Town's past is with the city's oldest building - the Castle of Good Hope, originally erected as a fortress by the first white settlers, the Dutch. Then head off and explore the Company Gardens and cobbled Government Avenue. This historic avenue is lined with important institutions such as De Tuynhuis, the Cape residence of the State President, and the South African Museum with its exhibits on the first known inhabitants of the Cape, the San and Khoikhoi.

Cape Town's tale of South East Asian slaves is detailed at the Bo-Kaap Museum, in the boldly painted and terraced Bo-Kaap quarter on the slopes of Signal Hill.

With its brightly coloured houses at the foot of Signal Hill, Bo-Kaap is the spiritual home of the Cape’s Muslim community. Cape Town South Africa (Image: www.capetown.travel)The Afrikaans-speaking descendants of these slaves have been absorbed into the Coloured community, yet remain staunch Muslims and their neighbourhoods are dotted with the minarets of mosques. Another fascinating location is the District Six Museum on Buitenkant Street, which traces the forced removal of a vibrant mixed race community.

Climate

Cape Town boasts a Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild but wet winters. Coastal summer temperatures range from a comfortable 15°C (59°F) to highs of 27°C (80.6°F), with inland temperatures climbing 3 to 5 degrees higher.

Long Street has a wonderful energy and it’s Cape Town’s best spot for a big night out on the town, Cape Town South Africa (Image: www.capetown.travel)Summer is from late October to February, with long sunny days, ideal for visiting the Cape's world-class beaches or exploring the great outdoors. Coastal winters are cooler and often wet, with temperatures dropping to a mild 7°C at night (44.6°F), and 18°C (64.4°F) in the day.

Inland the nights are colder, but days slightly warmer, with occasional snow on some of the higher mountain peaks. Look out for the Cape's secret season, which offers a range of activities and attractions for the winter visitor.

 


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