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Cape Town

Cape Town

Cape TownWarm. Wise. Beautiful. Moody. The Mother City. The Gateway to Africa. The Crossroads of the Sea. Cape Town has been described in many ways. It is many different things to many different people, but remains as firm and welcoming as the sandstone of Table Mountain.

Established in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company as a replenishment station, Cape Town is developing as a melting pot of nationalities and varied persuasions.

How you enjoy Cape Town and how you will remember this beautiful city will be the result of what you experience. A visit to the top of Table Mountain by cable-car or on foot, Robben Island, the V & A Waterfont, Long Street, the South African Museum, the Castle, the pristine beaches, the scenic drives, the restaurants, the nightclubs, the pubs, the music, the laughter, the bustle, the colour and the exotic smells – Cape Town is guaranteed to get under your skin.

My advice? Set out to EXPERIENCE Cape Town. Do as much as you can. Stay up late. Start early. Go, go, go – you can always chill out later.

Cape Peninsula

The Peninsula is divided into two areas; the western Atlantic side including Table Bay and Cape Town, and the eastern False Bay. Many believe that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet at Cape Point – a must-see in the Cape Peninsula. The Atlantic has icy waters, between 8º and 13Cº, and beautiful beaches. False Bay is warmer, between 13º and 20º and has safer waters.

What to see and do

  • Cape Point
    The most south-westerly point of Africa. Views are spectacular from the highest sea cliffs in the world. Cape Point has something to entertain everyone; history, whale & dolphin watching, baboons and buck, hiking, swimming or just a lazy funicular ride to the top to take in the view.
  • Penguins on Boulder's Beach
    Don’t be surprised to hear donkey-braying when you visit. It’s only the land call of the Jackass Penguin, of which Boulders has over a thousand. You may be tempted to hug the cute birds, but they tend to be shy on land. So, if you encounter one, just smile and wave.
  • Surfing
    The warmer waters and long wave breaks of Muizenberg attract many surfers. Surfers dot the turquoise water and the beach stretches forever.
City Bowl
City Bowl

The oldest part of Cape Town, City Bowl has the most spectacular city centre location in the world – at the foot of Table Mountain.

City Bowl backpacker accommodation
 
Long Street
Long Street

In the middle of the city and close to the action. Trendy shops sell exotic trinkets by day. By night, bars and clubs entice revellers.

Long Street backpacker accommodation
 
Green Point and Sea Point
Green Point

In a good location between the city and the Atlantic Seaboard beaches. Green Point is more gay-chic. Sea Point has a bustling main road with many restaurants.

Green Point & Sea Point backpacker accommodation
 
Woodstock Observatory
Woodstock - Old Biscuit Mill

Woodstock & Observatory are vibrant areas thanks to Cape Town'suniversity student population. You’ll find more locals than tourists in the bars, clubs and restaurants.

Woodstock & Observatory backpacker accommodation
 
Table View
Table View

Table View is close to the white beaches of Blouberg from which thousands of pics of Table Mountain have been shot. Great watersports destination in Cape Town.

Table View backpacker accommodation
 
Muizenberg
Muizenberg

Muizenberg's warm Indian Ocean waters and long wave breaks attracts many surfers. Drive along Boyes Drive above the town and enjoy the panoramic view. Surfers and swimmers dot turqoise waters and the beach stretches forever. Muizenbergwas a holiday town for Cape Town's affluent. Projects are under-way to restore it to its former splendour. Zandvlei Estuary is a good place for a picnic and a game of cricket.

Muizenberg backpacker accommodation
 
Simonstown
Simonstown

Appreciate Victorian architecture, sailors' pubs, crisp white uniforms and a bustling Waterfront. Simonstown is home to the South African navy and the ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman. A schooner with full sails on windless days has been sighted since the 1800's and has inspired many books and movies.

Simons Town backpacker accommodation
 
Kommetjie
Kommetjie

The routes into Kommetjie, via Chapman’s Peak, Ou Kaapse Weg and Misty Cliffs have astounding views. Kommetjie Beach is popular among local surfers. Take a long walk to either the wreck of the Kakapo or Slangkop Lighthouse.

Kommetjie backpacker accommodation