Cape Town - Mother Of A City

It’s been said so many times it’s almost a cliché – but like most clichés it’s perfectly true - Cape Town is ‘one of the most beautiful cities in the world’.

Most first-time visitors to South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ have little real idea what to expect beyond the post-card view of the iconic Table Mountain and some vague notions about possibly buying a wooden giraffe carving for the entry hall back home…

And for many the ‘obvious’ is all they will take back with them – the sites and experiences offered in every second tour guide’s brochure.

They’ll have a good time, but there is so much more to this place curved lovingly around the tip of Africa.

Cape Town is a city crammed full of life, interwoven with vibrant colours and cultures. The city centre and suburbs which surround and spread out from the lower slopes of Table Mountain are filled with the sounds of many languages as her children live and laugh and fight and co-exist together in this place they call home.

If you give her a chance, and are prepared to look beyond the numerous wonderful yet over-done tourist attractions and in-your-face geographical beauty, Cape Town will open her heart to you and show you her true self. There are so many fascinating contrasts to Cape Town that you will be continually surprised around every corner.

The playground of the rich and famous, Cape Town’s elite stretch of coastline from Camp’s Bay through to Llandudno offers the ultimate in luxury - an unexpected surprise for those visitors who enjoy their creature-comforts and are nervously anticipating Darkest Africa with a limited hot water supply.

Palm-lined beaches, trendy lifestyle centres and premium luxury accommodation are all delightfully sprinkled along this Utopian millionaire’s strip. Drive into the City centre and be prepared for a complete change of scenery.

Starting in the colourful ‘Bo-Kaap’ area at the top of the city, this Malay quarter is simply charming with its warm and friendly community and multi-coloured terraced homes interspersed with turreted mosques. At the heart of the city is the bustling Green Market Square, a popular spot for tourists looking for some African mementos or funky clothing. Less well known, a block away, is the impressive multi-story Pan African Market which is a treasure trove of carvings, art, clothing and musical instruments from all over Africa – at much more reasonable prices.

A stroll through the Company Gardens affords beautiful views of the mountain rising up through the fringe of green foliage. Museums and Art Galleries abound, and it is not uncommon to find artists working throughout this squirrel’s playground. Of course a drive around the awe-inspiring Cape Point is not to be missed – but don’t just stroll up to the top of the paved walkway – get adventurous and explore the sheer cliffs below (taking care, of course) – Getting wet from the spray of waves crashing far below while you cling to the tip of the African continent is a rush many miss out on! You only live once – and Cape Town offers many exciting adventures to make your visit one of the most exhilarating times of your time on earth! Shark cage diving, abseiling, kloofing, surfing – unlimited adrenalin pumping action is available throughout Cape Town.

From the verdant Wine Farms surrounding Stellenbosch to the sprawling townships of the Cape Flats and Khayelitsha; from the welcoming waves of the Indian Ocean to the icy embrace of the Atlantic; the Penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach to the Southern Right whales playing in the bays – Cape Town, the Mother City, is a multi-faceted wonder-woman – so much more than just a pretty face.

Don’t wait till the 2010 FIFA World Cup to discover her charms – Cape Town is waiting now with warm and wide-open arms.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

Quick Guide To Cape Town

Cape Town has emerged as a city for romantics, adventurers, explorers and families alike. The city now boasts a number of exquisite boutique hotels from where you can enjoy everything Cape Town has to offer.

Where is it?

Cape Town sits on the south west corner of South Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. It has its own airport and visitors are never short of entertainment or excitement.

Where can I stay?

Cape Town’s growth into one of the most energetic cities in the world has been matched by the quality of the hotels. In particular, there has been a boom in boutique hotels – designed to catch the attention of the discerning traveller. These hotels provide well-designed and thought-out rooms and public areas and levels of service that anticipate guests’ every need. This new style of hotel includes Atlantic House, which occupies an enviable position in the trendy resort of Camps Bay, the Kensington Palace, a minimalist delight with just eight rooms, set right in the heart of the city, and The Bishops Court, which supplies spacious rooms, a pool and floodlit tennis court and fabulous views of the surrounding landscape.

What can I see?

Cape Town has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for designer shopping, water adventure, mountain treks, wine tasting tours or even safari trips, you can find it in Cape Town. With an enviable climate and the domineering presence of Table Mountain, Cape Town manages to combine stunning landscapes with urban chic, catering to a wide range of visitors. For those who lack the energy but want the view, take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, where you get fantastic views of the city below and the ocean beyond. Robben Island is notorious for being the home of Nelson Mandela during his years of imprisonment and is now just half an hour away by boat and has been transformed into a living museum. If you want to damage your credit card, visit the V&A Waterfront, home to designer shops, cinemas, restaurants and craft markets surrounding a working harbour.

How do I get around?

Cape Town is fairly easy to drive around – cars drive on the left here – and car hire is reasonable. If you want to explore the Western Cape then it’s a good idea to hire a car so that you are in control of your day. Trains and buses link all the major cities in South Africa and there are long-haul bus services as well if you’re planning a few days somewhere different. You can also rent a bike to travel round the city or use local taxis.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com