Africa Africa | Page 16

South Africa- Cape Town

A love-at-first-sight kind of city

Vibrant Cape Town draws visitors with its beautiful natural attributes, stunning biodiversity, dazzling culture, rich, albeit complex, history and award-winning food and wine, all under it’ s headline act, Table Mountain. Indeed, top of the must-do list is to take the cable car for a five minute gentle ascent to this majestic peak’ s summit, where on a clear day you can see for miles in every direction. Other notable attractions include infamous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela and many other freedom fighters were imprisoned; the historic Bo-Kaap enclave with its vividly painted houses along with much to see, taste and do; and, the bustling Victoria & Alfred( V & A) Waterfront, for shopping, dining, entertainment and a busy calendar of events. Cape Town’ s Central‘ City Bowl’ brims with diversity and heritage. Here, the architecture of City Hall and Grand Parade is definitely worth a look and you can seek refuge in Company’ s Garden or the highly-acclaimed Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on the eastern slope of Table Mountain. Get your fill of history or art at numerous city museums, including the impressive District Six Museum and Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and don’ t miss bohemian Long Street which, by day, is abuzz with unique coffee shops, restaurants, book shops and craft markets, while after sunset, it’ s a place of music, food and fun well into the early hours. Cape Town’ s Atlantic Seaboard is a beautiful stretch of coastline, with many unspoiled beaches. In affluent Sea Point take a leisurely stroll along its Prom, a paved pathway along the beachfront and, in trendy Camps Bay, spend time on its white sands, take a dip in the tidal pools, or simply people watch as you sip cocktails on the Strip. Consider also taking a day to explore the spectacular Cape Peninsula and its dramatic coastline. It’ s a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and is where you can spy wildlife, including cute penguins at Boulders Beach. We also recommend exploring the historic naval port of Simon’ s Town and scaling the cliff above the Cape of Good Hope for Atlantic vistas.

Llandudno •

Hout Bay •

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens •

Getting there: Non-stop flights from the UK to Cape Town take about 12 hours.

Best time to go: This region of South Africa typically enjoys long, warm and dry summers( October to April). Winter months( May to September) can be cooler but there are still many perfect sunny days.

Get more out of your stay. Prices are per person. Tours and attractions may not operate year-round.

Champagne Cruise( pre-sunset) from £ 25

Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the best locations to see the sunset from the sea. This“ Must Do” experience takes in fabulous Table Mountain and city views as the sun dips into the sea while you enjoy a glass of local sparkling wine.

Robben Island( ticket only) from £ 39

Travel by ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and many other political prisoners were incarcerated. Now a World Heritage Site tours of this world-famous prison are conducted by former inmates.

Stellenbosch Winelands from £ 59

Get acquainted with the beauty of this world-renowned region during a leisurely afternoon drive. A fascinating cellar tour follows and, of course, the wine needs to be tasted!

Peninsula Tour from £ 89

Begin this full day tour by cruising along Millionaire’ s Paradise from Clifton to Camps Bay and on to Llandudno for an optional Seal Island cruise( at extra expense). Continue to the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park before returning via Simon’ s Town and Boulders Beach.

Bo-Kaap Cooking Experience from £ 129

Join this interactive guided walk through the historical heart of Bo-Kaap. The focus lies on the Cape Muslim people with visits to a spice shop and halaal butcher. There’ s also a visit to a local home and a hands-on cooking session and demonstration as well as lunch( included). Excludes transfers.

Helicopter Tour( 12 minute flight) from £ 139

Lift off from the V & A Waterfront for a bird’ s eye view of the Cape Town Stadium, Lion’ s Head, Clifton and Camps Bay beaches and the spectacular Twelve Apostles.

Cape Town City Tour from £ 45

Gain a sense of history on this morning tour as you drive past the Parliament Buildings, City Hall, Slave Lodge and Castle of Good Hope before a walk through Company Gardens. See Bo-Kapp and the Malay Quarter before passing the V & A Waterfront, Clifton and Camps Bay. You can also ride the Table Mountain cable car( at extra expense).

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Vintage Sidecar Experience from £ 99

NEW

See Cape Town from a chauffeured driven vintage sidecar! During the two hour ride, drive through the inner city( Castle, City Hall, Company Gardens, Bo Kaap district) and then visit Signal Hill for magnificent views of the city, Table Bay and Robben Island. Continue down Camps Bay Drive towards the coast before driving through Clifton, Bantry Bay & Sea Point.

A Day Safari from £ 199

On this full day tour, take a scenic 2½ hour drive to Aquila Private Game Reserve. Transfer to a 4x4 safari vehicle to seek out lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, rhino and many other wild animals as well as birds and fauna. Includes lunch.

prices & offers change constantly- call for today’ s best available deals!