Forget whatever you might have heard about Cape Town. The reality is much better! This city is the most multi-cultural in the whole of Africa - with all its good and all its bad aspects to it.

Modern, high rising office buildings are in contrast to the victorian style mansions of the upper class, historic buildings, modern appartment blocks and - at the outskirts of the city - the slums of the poor. Everybody seems to be surprised when told that about 3,4 million people call greater Cape Town their home. Even from above it doesn´t look like that big a city. Here one will find everything European, Asian and - of course - African to fulfil every cliché there is. The local African tribes such as Xhosa and San as well as the cultural variety of the so-called Coloureds and Cape-Malays give the “Mothercity” that distinct African-exotic flair that runs through all aspects of life, on the streets, in the shops, in the cooking pots and in history. On top of this truly African side, the Germans are more German than in their Vaterland, the many Chinese businesses seem to transfer one into the backstreets of old Hong Kong and, although there are not as many Indians as in Durban, their presence is felt on every street corner. This, and the two oceans (Atlantic and Indian Ocean) right at the doorstep, make Cape Town one of the world´s cultural capitals and one of the best places for dining out.

A “perfect day in Cape Town” would include the following attractions:

getting up early and having breakfast at one of the in-places at Seapoint, after that a shopping and sight seeing tour of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Just before noon we climb Signal Hill to be there when the traditional “Noon Gun” is fired. Then its off to one of the aquaint little restaurants around Kloof Street for a light lunch. Around 2:00 pm we should be at the cable car station to catch a lift to the top of Table Mountain. Don´t forget to bring the camera, as the revolving cable car, as well as the top of the mountain offer breathtaking views of Cape Town and the surrounding area. Back on the ground we will drive along the oceanroad in direction of Hout Bay to visit the stalls of African arts and crafts vendors. The prices here are much cheaper than in the down town tourist shops. By then the african sun its on its way to sleep.........and we find a nice secluded rock in Backoven near Clifton, to have a sundowner (bring your own!) and watch the beautiful Capetonian sunset. Then its back to the hotel to get changed for dinner at the fantastic Quay 4 Seafood Restaurant at the Waterfront (bookings are essential). Perhaps a last visit to Signal Hill, to view the lights of this beautiful city at night before deep and relaxing slumber takes over.

A “perfect day outside Cape Town” could include the following attractions:

again, getting up early, skip breakfast or have a quick one at the hotel and drive via Hout Bay and Simonstown to the Cape Point National Park. Visit the Cape of Good Hope and the Cape of Storms. Climb the steep hill to the lighthouse and enjoy the views that seem to take you all the way to Antarctica. Watch out for Baboons trying to pinch food and handbags, and enjoy the friendly grazing antilopes just a few metres from the shoreline. Leave this wonderful place before noon and prepare yourself for a (little longer) drive through the hilly area outside Cape Town to the wineyards of Paarl. Visit one of the famous estates and taste their delicious products. Perhaps have a snack or an early afternoon picknick on the estate. Stroll through some old galleries or the hills around Paarl before watching another breathtaking sunset from the top of the Taal Monument in Paarl. On the way back into town stop at Tygervalley´s “Grill and Butcher” restaurant for some real meaty treats for dinner.

Obviously there are many more things to do and see in the greater Cape Town area. Daytrips to Tulbagh or Langebaan are very nice and show a lot of the country, its fauna and flora, and there are many places to see and many a good restaurant on the way.

We will however give you a few tips for travelling down the coast in direction of Knysna and the Garden Route:

leave Cape Town early in the morning and make your way to Hermanus. Here you will find a nice little Victorian town with its main attraction - whales. Walk on the cliffs and watch the whales and dolfins, stroll through the little shops and galleries and have lunch at the best restaurant in town, the “Ocean Basket” (although a restaurant chain, the one in Hermanus is really the best!). Leave Hermanus in the early afternoon to reach Cape Agulhas before 3:00 pm. This is the most southerly point of the African continent. Breathtaking views and a sleepy little village welcome you. Continue your trip east until you hit Mossel Bay in the early evening. Check in to the Point Hotel (see links at the end of the page) and end the day with a hearty meal at the steak restaurant next door. The next few days should be easily filled with a lot of fun and excitement in and around Mossel Bay. From here you can explore the cities of George and Knysna with its famous oysters (perhaps take the “Choochoo Train”), the surrounding hills, the ostrich farms of the Klein Karoo and the world famous Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn. Swim at one of the hundred secluded beaches from Hartenbos to Wilderness and visit some of the small museums and galleries that seem to be at every street corner. Allow for at least half a day when visiting the Botelliers Kop Game Lodge - and don´t forget to bring a camera. This lodge is arguably the best along the Garden Route.

There are many many more exciting things to do and see - especially when it comes to the nearby Tsitsikama National Park. Please sent us an e-mail for more detailed information - we would be happy to assist you in planing your South African vacation.

Here are some links to a few of the best “eats and sleeps” in South Africa: (please bear in mind, that this page is for “normal” people who want to stay in affordable hotels and dine in style - and at reasonable prices. In case sheer luxury is what you seek - please sent us a mail and we will give you some taylormade tips)

Click here for the best seafood restaurant in Cape Town: QUAY 4

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