If you are lucky enough to make it to South Africa, be sure to venture down to its most southern city. Cape Town is known to be one of the most picturesque cities on the earth. A beautiful town with filled with modern, colourful buildings draped by the magnificent table mountain. Standing proudly overhead, this giant rock reaches 1000 meters into the sky. It is hard for any city to compete with this seaside urban centre with pristine beaches on its shoreline.
One of the most popular areas is the V&A waterfront. Filled with restaurants and boutiques it is a pleasant place to walk around and window shop. A beautiful setting with yachts in the harbour, an historic lighthouse and cobblestone streets, you can spend the day enjoying fine wine and delicious food. It is also the place where you can book your tour and catch a ferry to Robben Island. The former maximum security prison located off of the coast where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.
The half hour boat ride will make you think of what little hope prisoners must have had as they were taken to isolation. Surrounded by frigid shark infested waters, freedom was within their sights, but escape was impossible. The guides are former inmates who make the experience that much more gripping as they tell personal stories of their time there. These men are true heroes. It is amazing to hear what they managed to accomplish from behind bars. They planned and schemed and somehow managed to get messages to their followers which eventually brought an end to Apartheid.
A bus takes you around the island showing you different sights such as where the prison guards lived. An entire community was built on the island. Children were born and men died. See the quarry where men were put to work in brutal conditions, yet found the strength to plan and form a government that would eventually take over the country. And finally witness the cell of Nelson Mandela. So tiny, it is impossible to think how someone could survive so many years in that place.
If you are feeling confident to drive on the other side of the road, rent a car and drive Chapman's Peak. One of the premier highways in the world it is featured in many a commercial and movie. Enjoy breathtaking views as you drive along this coastal highway carved into the side of massive cliffs. It twists and turns along the mountains, but it is well maintained and you will feel quite secure.
Most people head to Simon's Town where you can view penguins in their natural habitat. This seaside village has made an entire industry out of these guys, but they have protected them from exploitation and harm. Walk along the lovely boardwalk to the viewing platform where you can watch the penguins play in the surf and bask in the sun.
One of the most famous Capes on earth is just a little farther south. A place of myth and legend, The Cape of Good Hope is not to be missed. There is a train that will transport you to the top which is a blessing since you are going up to the top of one of the highest sea cliffs on the planet. There are boardwalks and paths to explore giving you different views of the sea and even the old lighthouse keepers quarters are in tact.
If there is one destination that you must visit in Africa, it has to be Cape Town. As well as the few ideas listed above, there are many other great activities that you can do. Go on Safari and witness the big five game animals, go shark diving or take it easy and enjoy tasting world class wines in Stellenbosch. There is something for everyone in Africa's southern region.
One of the most popular areas is the V&A waterfront. Filled with restaurants and boutiques it is a pleasant place to walk around and window shop. A beautiful setting with yachts in the harbour, an historic lighthouse and cobblestone streets, you can spend the day enjoying fine wine and delicious food. It is also the place where you can book your tour and catch a ferry to Robben Island. The former maximum security prison located off of the coast where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.
The half hour boat ride will make you think of what little hope prisoners must have had as they were taken to isolation. Surrounded by frigid shark infested waters, freedom was within their sights, but escape was impossible. The guides are former inmates who make the experience that much more gripping as they tell personal stories of their time there. These men are true heroes. It is amazing to hear what they managed to accomplish from behind bars. They planned and schemed and somehow managed to get messages to their followers which eventually brought an end to Apartheid.
A bus takes you around the island showing you different sights such as where the prison guards lived. An entire community was built on the island. Children were born and men died. See the quarry where men were put to work in brutal conditions, yet found the strength to plan and form a government that would eventually take over the country. And finally witness the cell of Nelson Mandela. So tiny, it is impossible to think how someone could survive so many years in that place.
If you are feeling confident to drive on the other side of the road, rent a car and drive Chapman's Peak. One of the premier highways in the world it is featured in many a commercial and movie. Enjoy breathtaking views as you drive along this coastal highway carved into the side of massive cliffs. It twists and turns along the mountains, but it is well maintained and you will feel quite secure.
Most people head to Simon's Town where you can view penguins in their natural habitat. This seaside village has made an entire industry out of these guys, but they have protected them from exploitation and harm. Walk along the lovely boardwalk to the viewing platform where you can watch the penguins play in the surf and bask in the sun.
One of the most famous Capes on earth is just a little farther south. A place of myth and legend, The Cape of Good Hope is not to be missed. There is a train that will transport you to the top which is a blessing since you are going up to the top of one of the highest sea cliffs on the planet. There are boardwalks and paths to explore giving you different views of the sea and even the old lighthouse keepers quarters are in tact.
If there is one destination that you must visit in Africa, it has to be Cape Town. As well as the few ideas listed above, there are many other great activities that you can do. Go on Safari and witness the big five game animals, go shark diving or take it easy and enjoy tasting world class wines in Stellenbosch. There is something for everyone in Africa's southern region.
About the Author:
Deb Corbeil and Dave Bouskill are an adventure couple from Canada. Together they have traveled the world click oning over 30 countries on 5 continents. To learn aboutmore information and travel advice on exciting destinations click on their website ThePlanetD To view their photo stories from their past and present travels click on PictureThePlanet
No comments:
Post a Comment