Welcome to Cape Town's Travel Directory.
Click on any of the icons - whether you'd like to find out where to go,
how to get there, what to eat or where you can sleep, while getting the
most from your time in one of the most vibrant and beautiful of cities.
Or enjoy a preview visit of some of Cape Town's major tourist attractions
right here!
Beaches
Cape Town's many clean, natural beaches are considered among the most
beautiful in the world, spectacularly situated between sea and mountain,
from False Bay to the Atlantic Coast. Sun-worshippers, nature lovers and
watersports enthusiasts alike are spoilt for choice!
Just 10 minutes from the city centre, Clifton and Camps Bay are sheltered
from the southeaster wind, and are perfect for sunbathing, frisbee throwing,
swimming and sundowners. Surfing spots abound, as well as excellent spots
for scubadiving, boardsailing and fishing. For those afraid to brave the
invigorating sea temperatures of the Atlantic coast, a scenic drive to
False Bay offers warmer waters at popular Muizenberg, Kalk Bay or Simonstown.
For 'naturalists' wanting to get a little closer to the elements, Sandy
Bay, a nature reserve, is also an unofficial nudist beach!
With the exception of Boulders Beach in False Bay, entrance to all Cape
Town's lovely beaches is free. All our city asks is that visitors respect
the unspoilt natural environment by taking their litter home with them
and refraining from making fires.
Table Mountain
This World Heritage Site is Cape Town's most unique identifying landmark.
Its summit soars 1 086m above sea level and can be reached by means of
a revolving cable car. Visitors can marvel at the awe-inspiring 360 view
of Cape Town while enjoying a meal or refreshing drink at the restaurant,
or wandering the rocky trails lined with beautiful fynbos. The mountain
is, in fact, covered with a wide variety of wild flowers and is the natural
home of the famous silver tree.
It's a hiker's paradise, with walks of varying degrees of difficulty
to suit nature lovers and serious rock climbers alike. Remember to watch
the weather when planning a hike, and to make sure you've taken care of
all the basic safety precautions! Lower Station, Phone (021) 424 8181
Robben Island
A national monument, Robben Island is one of the most significant historical
sites in South Africa. First used by the Dutch East India Company (VOC)
as a refreshment station, it later became an asylum and leper colony.The
Island was then controlled by the Army and Navy, after which it fell into
the hands of the Department of Correctional Services in 1960. It gained
notoreity as a gaol for those considered dangerous to the previous government,
including its most famous prisoner, Nelson Mandela, for whom the island
was 'home' for over two decades.A limited number of tourists can now visit
Robben Island every day, with guided tours of the prison and a museum
as well as walking and cycling tours for a closer look at the wildlife.
Visitors arrive by means of catamarans or historic vessels which depart
from the V&A Waterfront. Phone (021) 419 1300.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
A garden world-famous for its indigenous plants (over 5000 species) and
for its magnificent setting on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Visitors
can stroll the vast grounds or<
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