Although the Cape was first explored by Bartolomeu Dias in the late 1400's it was on in 1652 that Cape Town was founded by the Dutch explorer, Jan Van Riebeek. And during this period the natural bay on the west coast of South Africa, just north of the Cape Peninsula, was named Table Bay. The bay was named after one of the country's most well know landmarks, Table Mountain.
Table Bay was one of the few places along the west coast that could harbour ships, but during the 17th and 18th many of the ships that were anchored in the bay were driven ashore by storms. The bay offers, little if any protection from the gale force winds which batter the coastline from both the South East and the North West. The Dutch however continued to use the bay as the other options were not viable at the time. Saldanha Bay which was much further up the West Coast was a good option but had no fresh water, and closer to Table Bay the other two options, Simon's Bay and Houtbaai were harder to access at the time and only slightly more protected than Table Bay itself. In 1858 a serious storm blew 30 ships ashore, completely wrecking them and killing many sailors. It reached a point where the British company, Lloyd's of London, refused to insure any ships in Table Bay during the winter months. It was this move that almost forced the British Colonial Government to start construction of the first breakwater in 1860. This over the years became the Victoria and Alfred Basin, Table Bay's first safe harbour. Today the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront preserves parts of the harbours history.
Table Bay also has a very important feature, especially to South African History. Robben Island can be found in the waters of Table Bay, the island where former president Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for decades. The Island is visible from shore or can be visited using the Robben Island Museum Tour.
Beach Villa apartment provides self catering accommodation in Mouille Point, Cape Town City Bowl. Beach Villa, is a spacious two bedroomed self catering apartment with stunning sea and mountain views and within walking distance to the Mouille Point beach
This spacious two-bedroom apartment accommodates four persons and is situated on the first floor of a nine-floor apartment block with easy access by elevator or stairs. It offers un-obstructed and superb views of Table Bay, Table Mountain and ...
Introducing Aandvari Zeezicht - an elegant, two bedroomed apartment, right on the beachfront in the heart of Cape Town's beautiful Blouberg.
Beautiful Horizons is a stunning, secure 2 bedroom (sleeps 4) self catering apartment overlooking the beautiful Blouberg beach promenade on the West Coast of Cape Town. The self catering apartment is situated on the 5th floor and consists of an open plan
Located on Blouberg's beautiful beachfront is Aandvari Ocean View, a modern and luxurious sea-facing studio apartment, perfectly suited to honeymoon accommodation, special getaways, up market business accommodation or for a fun seaside holiday...
Nestling merely a stroll away from the beachfront in Cape Town's beautiful Blouberg is Aandvari, a hidden gem. This elegantly furnished and tastefully decorated penthouse apartment enjoys magnificent views of Table Mountain and the sea.
Established in 1996, Blue Mountain Guest House has a proud 25-year reputation of offering very comfortable accommodation, at excellent rates, to thousands of satisfied business and leisure guests.
Sea Breeze apartment provides self catering accommodation in Bloubergrant, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town. From the lounge, main bedroom and balcony you have the most spectacular views of the Bloubergrant beach, ocean, Table Mountain, Cape Town and Robben Isla
We are equipped to cater for up to 4 persons. The two bedroom units are fully furnished. The main bedroom has a double bed and an en-suite while the second bedroom has 2 single eds with a guest bathroom next to it. The kitchen is furnished with a ...
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and situated in Bloubergstrand on the West Coast of Cape Town, you will find the Mt Bijoux Guest House for the ultimate in hospitality, adventure & immaculate opulence...