The city of Cape Town seems to constantly re-invent itself and there are many new experiences on offer.
Hop On Hop Off
Just one of these new treats is the new hop-on-hop-off busses that depart from the V&A Waterfront. These little gems are very well priced (about R120 per person) and offer two lines – the red and blue lines – each with a different route.
The red route takes one through the city, up to Table Mountain and back through Camps Bay and Sea Point. Your ticket is valid all day and you can get on and off the bus at 17 stops to explore the route at your leisure.
Cape Point
Visit the edge of the peninsula by taking a day trip to the Cape Point and Table Mountain National Park. The beautiful, yet treacherous cliffs mark the spot where the cold Benguela current meets the warm Agulhas current – the two oceans meet.
Inside the reserve you will find a variety of animals including buck, baboons and Cape Mountain Zebra as well as over 250 species of birds and indigenous flora that is found nowhere else in the world. Take a scenic drive, stop at one of the many picnic spots and tidal pools and travel to the old lighthouse lookout by funicular or on foot for spectacular views.
On Top of our World
The top of Table Mountain offers spectacular 360 degree views of the peninsula. While the journey to the top, on the revolving cable car ensures that your trip up and down gives you excellent views in all directions.
Once on top you can follow paths to various look-outs, make use of the telescopes and enjoy a light meal or simply a sundowner drink in the restaurant. In summer, early evening is a great time to plan your trip as the sunsets are beautiful. Regardless of the weather, take a windbreaker as it can often be cool on the mountain top.
Poignant Robben Island
The famous Robben Island, whose prison was once home to former president Nelson Mandela as well as many other black political freedom fighters, is now a World Heritage Site and provides incredible views across the bay. A trip to the island is an unforgettable experience and offers a glimpse into the life and times of the apartheid era.
Here are some other highlights of Cape Town that simply should not be missed:
Visit the Castle Fortress – the oldest surviving building in South Africa
Take a drive along the famous Chapman’s Peak
Visit Groot Constantia, the oldest wine farm in South Africa
Stock up on your favourite wines and cheeses when you take a trip out to Paarl, Stellenbosch or Franschhoek
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with its many top notch stores and restaurants
The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
The Boulders Penguin Colony
The Two Oceans Aquarium
The Beaches of Camps Bay where the rich and famous hang out
Boat trip from Hout Bay to Seal Island
Priced from R3090 per person sharing travellers can enjoy a fly-in holiday to Cape Town from either Johannesburg or Durban that includes two nights’ accommodation at the fantastic Protea Hotel Fire & Ice and two days car hire(please note a credit card is required for car hire). Self-drive packages start from R990 per person.
This package is valid for travel between now and 30 April 2012. Contact Flight Centre on 0860 400 747 or visit www.flightcentre.co.za for more information.