14 August 2014
Some years ago, actually several years ago, I started a blog called The Lion's Den. It was my humble attempt at writing something inspiring about my experiences as a traveller in Africa. Go here to have a look: http://thelionsden-lion.blogspot.com/.
My love for Africa still remains and with this blog I will still continue to inspire you with tales of Africa, so much so that I hope you would get up from wherever you are and head on back to the 'motherland'!
Now I have to warn you that I am a native of South Africa, hence I will be very biased and totally subjective in my description of the beauty of this place, so please with sugar on top, do not judge me! Alright?
So, what qualifies me to write some euphoric enunciation of the beauty of my daily surroundings here in the City of Good Hope?
Let's see, the fact that I have been a small time tour operator in the lovely and indeed charming city of Cape Town and its breathtaking surrounds should do it. Let me attempt here to give you a breakdown of what the City and surrounds offer which might pursuade you to give it a second thought when planning your next vacation.
Here goes:
- The city centre, Cape Town - rich in history as it was first discovered by Europeans, the Dutch, in the year 1652. The Castle of Good Hope being the oldest building built in the shape of a five point star.
- A mere few minutes walk away is the eclectic and vibrant Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront with its many niche boutiques, eateries and entertainment. Situated in plain view of the Cape Town Stadium which played host to a 2010 Soccer World Cup semifinal.
- Now hop on the City Sightseeing red bus and go take a refreshing dip in the icy cold Altlantic at either Campsbay, Clifton or Llandudno. All of which are world renowned beaches.
- When moving a little further south, past Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles, you reach Hout Bay, once a sovereign republic requiring you to produce your passport to enter! Nowadays home to the lively Hout Bay fishing harbour and hosts of many tourism activities including boat trips, diving & fishing.
- Even further south, drive along the world famous Chapman's Peak Drive with its spectacular views and head towards Cape Point, the tip of the Cape Peninsula about 60 km south-west of Cape Town, situated within the Table Mountain National Park. Be sure to take a walk to the lighthouse and do make use of the Flying Dutchman Funicular.
- A mere 40 km east from Cape Town, explore the Cape Winelands with beautiful and charming towns such as Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl. A district which have been producing world quality wines for generations. Many a farm offer informative and relaxed wine tasting experiences all year round.
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But if wine and all that jazz is not your thing and you prefer ogling the giants of the seas, whales, then head to the south coast and a town called Hermanus to take in whale watching and its accompanying festivals.
- As much as the south coast is a charm, the Cape West Coast is an all together different kind of charming with its series of quaint historic towns and fishing villages. The start of the West Coast is about 120 km north of Cape Town, it is perfect for the weekend getaway or a proper vacation. It boasts a rugged unspoilt coastline and quite charming and eccentric locals.
Thus, in a nutshell, these are the fantastic places you will encounter on your visits to Cape Town. But there are so many other interesting things to see and do such as visiting Robben Island, the place where our beloved Nelson Mandela spent most of his years in prison in his fight against oppression.
Also the picturesque and new addition to the Seven Wonders of the World, Table Mountain. With its unique flaura, found exclusively in the Cape, it offers many scenic hikes and other fun activities such as the cable car ride to the table top.
Cape Town is a unique and diverse city, offering different cultures and experiences and truely represents the much talked about 'Rainbow Nation' of South Africa.
So come on over and 'let us put a smile on that face'!
Cheers!
