Cape Town

By Joyce Ira

Edit this page

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Robben Island afar

Cape Town is the capital of Western Cape Province and the second largest city in Africa. Cape Town is a city that has a diverse variety of attractions and activities to offer. It caters to those who want luxurious trips and those on a budget. Cape is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There is a harmonious blend of architectural designs that reveals the past and today’s living in Africa. Edwardian and Victorian buildings are carefully protected together with many Cape Dutch architectures.

Places to see in Cape Town

Bo-Kaap – located on a hill south-west of downtown. It is a historical place inhibited mainly by Muslims from South-East Asia. It is commonly known as the ‘Malay Quarter’ and a famous location for film shoots. Bo-Kaap displays colourful buildings, mosques and old fashioned streets. From this place you will see the great view of Cape Town. There are also, sumptuous food being sold on the streets, and they are best to try if your are wandering around. Visit Bo-Kaap Museum to learn more about Muslim history in way back 19th century. Bo-Kaap Museum is located at 71 Wale St. and open from 9:30am to 4:30pm, Monday-Saturday. Entrance is R5.

The Castle of Good Hope – located on Buetenkant St. The Castle of Good Hope is well known to the local people as ‘The Castle’. It exhibits historical military paraphernalia, art collection, history of the castle and the famous William Fehr collection which includes the old Cape Dutch furniture. Inside the castle are restaurants and cafes where you can unwind after your visit. Entrance is only R20. For more details, you can call: +27 (0)21 464 1260.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden – located on Rhodes Drive, Newlands. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens has diverse attractive plants and flowers from Cape Flora which is one of the most dazzling gardens in the world. The plants displayed are from all regions of South Africa that includes rare succulents from the Richtersveld, the huge baobab tree and many medicinal plants. There are several restaurants, gift shops and native nurseries available in the garden. At times, there are concerts performed in the open air amphitheatre and art displays. Entrance fee is at R27. If you wish to know more, you can dial +27 (0)21 799 8899.

Robben Island – located off the coast from Cape Town. Robben Island is used in the apartheid days to hold political prisoners that included Nelson Mandela and the late Walter Sisulu. There are tours that run several times a day throughout the week from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Watrefront. Tickets could be purchased for the next day tour. It is advised to make advance booking as soon as you arrive Cape Town. Tickets are available at R180/pax. Call +27 (0)21 413 4200 for more information.

South African Parliament – Cape Town is the legislative seat of South Africa. A tour is being organized to educated visitors about the recent history of South Africa and its political system. Tour includes visit to the National Assembly, the National Council of Provinces and the old apartheid-era which is now used for meetings and policy makings. Entrance is free and tours are offered in different languages several times in a day.

Two Oceans Aquarium – located at V&A Waterfront. Modern aquarium that displays wide range of sea animals. Every Sunday, they feed the sharks so it is best to visit on this day with the kids. It is open daily from 9:30am to 6pm and ticket is available at R80.

Victoria an Alfred Waterfront – a vast entertainment and shopping centre located at the slopes of the famous Table Mountain. Many tourists come to enjoy the wide array of shops who offers top-of-the line products, restaurants and others. Trips are also available going to Robben Island together with helicopter flights going to Cape Peninsula. For more info, call +27 (0)21 408 7600.

South African Jewish Museum – located at 88 Hatfield St. This is interactive and technical where they use different media to present highlights of South African history and Jewish community. Open from Sunday-Thursday at 10am to 5pm. Students get a discount when visiting the museum for R15 while adults pay R35.

District Six Museum – located at 25A Buitenkant St. The museum is the remains of multiracial well in the 60’s where the government declared it to be the ‘white only’ area. The residents where eventually evicted and buildings are demolished. The museum provides information about the eviction and people who used to live there.

Groot Constatntia – one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa. It is rich is heritage and beauty, where it is said to be the birthplace of the most delicious wines. You can savour the wines and explore the place for R8 entrance fee.

Cable Car to Table Mountain – located at Lower Cable Station, Tafelberg Road. The cable car ride will give you a thrilling experience. The steep ride displays wonderful view of the Table Mountain. It is advised to take a jacket or any warm clothing with you when taking the cable car as the temperature gets colder as you go higher. You can enjoy this at R150.

Getting Around:

There is a limited or not good public transport in Cape Town. It is best if you could rent car to make your traveling faster and easier. There are plenty of rent-a-car companies you can choose from Herts, Avis, Thrifty and many more. You can also ride metered taxi for R8-R10 per kilometer or take scooter for those who are in tight budget but want to explore the beauty of Cape Town.


Going to Cape Town:

Arrive at the Cape Town International Airport where international flights arrive several days in a week. You can also take a train which is being managed by PRASA or simply take a bus.




Edit this page