When you think of Egypt, you think of pyramids. When you think of the Western Cape, you think of Table Mountain. There’s no doubt this flat-topped chunk of rock is one of the most iconic landmarks in South Africa. The Western Cape lies on the southern tip of Africa. If this province was a woman, she would turn heads for sure!
Attracting hordes of tourists annually, the Western Cape has become one of the most popular destinations to holiday in South Africa as it offers unmatched natural beauty, famous hospitality, cultural diversity, excellent wine and rich cuisine.
With a total area of 129 462 square kilometres, the Western Cape is roughly the size of Greece. It's the country's fourth-largest province. The capital city is Cape Town and is known more fondly as the “Mother City”. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches, as there are plenty of white, sandy, blue flag beaches here. If you head on down to Boulders Beach, you will catch a glimpse of the Boulders Penguin Colony, and if you feel like baring it all, you can make your way to Sandy Bay – Cape Town’s only nude beach. One of the most popular and trendy spots is the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a busy commercial harbour set in the midst of a huge entertainment venue with pubs, restaurants, specialty shops, craft markets, theatres and movies.
If you’re looking for some fresh air and a great view, Table Mountain is the way to go! But fear not, getting to the top has been made easy by the Aerial Cableway that was built to offer you the most spectacular ride of your life. It takes two minutes to reach the top and the cable car rotates as it climbs, giving you 360° views over the city and the Peninsula. Another great way to breathe in some of the fresh Cape air is by visiting the famous Kirstenbosch Gardens. The peace and tranquillity in the gardens is almost spiritual. Lush green lawns are flanked by more than 6000 species of trees and plants that, of course, attract hundreds of birds. Pack a picnic basket, blanket and a good book and relax in the shadow of the mountain. Throughout the summer, there are sundowner concerts which feature an array of South African bands. There’s hardly a better way to spend a Cape Town summer’s evening than chilling out on the lawns of the Kirstenbosch Gardens, glass of wine in hand, and listening to live music.
For those who enjoy adventure, you can seat your way through the 90 minute ‘adventure tour’ at the Cango Caves. The caves are hot and humid and the tunnels get narrower and smoother as you go. For those who prefer to stay above ground, the Two Oceans Aquarium is a great venue for a day trip with the family – plus, you get to see what life is like under the water without having to hold your breath.
For a bit of a cultural excursion, you should head on over to Robben Island. For nearly four centuries, Robben Island, 12 kilometres off Cape Town, was a place of banishment and exile where those regarded as political troublemakers and social outcasts were sent. During the apartheid years the island became known as the place where Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress elite were imprisoned, and came to symbolise the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity.
