Not too many holiday destinations can compete with the charms and attractions of Cape Town. Yes, of course, if you’re a seasoned and discerning traveller then you’ve probably heard that before about many destinations; but perhaps not all have subsequently lived up to your expectations. Yet in the case of Cape Town, you certainly won’t be disappointed!

Sea, people, land and history
Indigenous peoples have hunted, gathered and farmed in the Cape Town area for many thousands of years. The peninsular on which it is located is famed for its climate and rich natural resources from both land and sea. Its first significant appearance in modern history comes with the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century. Over the next 400-500 years the area was first Dutch then eventually, due to its trade route importance, British. During what’s sometimes called the colonial period, other nationalities arrived here from other parts of Africa and indeed, the wider world as trade and commerce grew in the 19th century.

Cape Town and the cape region eventually became part of the modern Republic of South Africa. Today the city has a multi-cultural background making it, arguably, Africa’s most cosmopolitan city.

A holiday centre
The history, cultural diversity and geographical location aren’t just of academic interest. They have combined to make the cape a wonderland for visitors that are looking for that slightly more discerning holiday. Cape Town is one of those rare holiday destinations that can offer a huge range of highly diversified activities and interests, within a comparatively small area.

In the city and immediate environs you’ll find an extensive list of things to see and do which includes:

– The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – a justifiably famous display of rare and exotic plants that grow here by virtue of the climate – and loving care;

– Bo-Kaap – once called the Malay quarter, this area comprises picturesque houses originally built for Indonesian slaves brought to the area by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries;

– The Houses of Parliament and National Gallery;

– The Victoria and Albert Waterfront – a fantastic waterside area of restored old buildings containing shops, restaurants and galleries;

– The Castle of Good Hope – a building dating back to the 1650s and the oldest in South Africa;

– Robben Island (a boat trip) – now a museum and once a leper colony, it is perhaps best know for its previous lengthy use as a prison for political prisoners including Nelson Mandela.

The one thing you can be sure of when visiting Cape Town is that you won’t be short of things to do and see!

The wider area
If you do want to get out of town a little further, then just a short distance from the city you’ll find vineyards that produce some of South Africa’s famous wines. You’re also within short distance of several game reserves where you’ll be able to experience African wildlife in its natural environment. Finally, one can’t discuss this great city without a mention of Table Mountain. Today, along with the surrounding areas, it is part of a protected park environment which you can explore at your leisure and enjoy stunning views.

Your visit
Like many cities, you may find that you’ll see and learn more of Cape Town if you’re on foot.
That doesn’t mean necessarily hiking from one side of the town to the other, but using your own two feet in combination with sensible transport may be far more enjoyable than other methods. It’s perfectly possible to arrange a guided tour that is designed specifically to meet your exact interests and objectives – you won’t have to fit in with a huge group’s views or have to participate in ‘majority decision making’ about where to go next!

The Rainbow Nation
It’s perhaps worth remembering that attractive as Cape Town is, it is part of a much wider region that has many other areas and sites of interest. If you’d like to see more of South Africa, tours and bespoke holidays can be arranged to other areas, as you require.

Cape Town and South Africa are waiting for you. Why not come along and see what they have to offer?

Author Bio: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Cape Town