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Cape Town Neighbourhoods
Dominated by the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town's neighbourhoods are strewn below the peaks and all offer something unique. Here, we have described the most popular of these. City Bowl Cape Town's city centre, commonly known as the `City Bowl' is squeezed between Table Mountain, Signal Hill and the Waterfront. It is a small and compact centre which is perfect for walking and is certainly an atmospheric area to explore. With lots of street life, including art stalls and buskers along the length of St Georges Mall and in Greenmarket Square, it's easy to spend half a day wandering around. Long Street, with its iron-laced Victorian buildings is packed with bars and restaurants which are popular with locals and visitors alike. All the while you are gazed upon by the majestic peaks of Table Mountain. The Park Inn (see page 36) is perfectly positioned on Greenmarket Square to take advantage of this delightful city centre. Tamboerskloof and Gardens Located within walking distance of the city centre, the suburbs of Tamboerskloof and Gardens rise out of the city up against the slopes of Table Mountain. These trendy suburbs have a relaxed feel, a great array of restaurants and some fantastic guest houses (see pages 37 & 39). They are perfectly positioned as the white beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton are only a five-minute drive away, as is the Table Mountain Cableway. Sea Point and Bantry Bay Vibrant Sea Point has gone through a remarkable renaissance in recent years. The incredibly long Main Road (High Street) is now full of bars, restaurants, shops and cafes and will surely keep you entertained. The seafront promenade is popular with locals and visitors for sunset walks, jogging or merely watching the magnificent Atlantic Ocean crash against the sea wall. On a hot summer's day, why not pop along to the newly refurbished salt water and sea-facing Sea Point pool for a refreshing dip? The
V&A Waterfront
Winchester Mansions (see page 38) is situated in Sea Point while the Protea President (see page 36) and the Villa Sunshine (see page 39) are in Bantry Bay. Camps Bay and Clifton The Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula has some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. As you approach Camps Bay from the city, the Atlantic Ocean opens up in front of you and you soon understand why this has become one of the most popular destinations in Cape Town. Camps Bay's white sand beach, backed by the `Twelve Apostles' mountain range, is the city's most visited beach and has numerous bars and restaurants to enjoy that all-important drink at sunset! This is the place to be on a summer's day, in the evening you can enjoy a dramatic sunset before setting off to enjoy Cape Town's nightlife. A short walk from Camps Bay takes you to Clifton, with its four sheltered coves and backed by `Lion's Head'. It may not have the bars and shops of Camps Bay but is scenically more beautiful. An important point to remember is that the sea may look inviting but it is cold! The Bay Hotel (see page 37) is right in the heart of Camps Bay while the Camps Bay Retreat enjoys a spectacular gardens setting just a short stroll from the beach (see page 39). Constantia Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Constantia comes as a pleasant surprise. Nestled snugly on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain this suburb hosts the oldest vineyards in South Africa. Due to the weather patterns the slopes here are ideal for wine-growing. It's strange to think, as you sit in the winery, that you are only a 15-minute drive from the city centre. The world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens borders Constantia and also hosts fantastic open-air summer evening concerts. The CellarsHohenort (see page 38) is situated in Constantia.
Table Mountain & City Tour
Departures Daily Duration 5 hours This half-day sightseeing tour provides a great introduction to Cape T own including such highlights as the Bo-Kaap or Malay Quarter, its colourful houses and cottages standing as a reminder of the multi-cultural nature of the city. You will also see the historic Dutch-built Castle of Good Hope, its unusual five-pointed shape built to reflect the five provinces of Holland. Leaving the city centre behind, the tour heads out to the suburb of Milnerton, around the curve of Table Bay, to take in the spectacular views of the city with its iconic backdrop of Table Mountain and Signal Hill. Back in the city, the flora and fauna of Table Mountain is also explained and, weather permitting, there's free time to ride the cable car to the summit. Please note that the cable car is not included in the price of the tour and costs approximately R120 per person. 01Jan0831Mar09, £23 per person.
Robben Island & Walk to Freedom Tour
Departures Daily, except Sundays Duration 9 hours Freedom has not come easy and this wonderful sightseeing tour offers a wealth of insight into South Africa's history and includes a visit to the District Six Museum. This fascinating museum commemorates the forced removal in the 1960s of the original mixed raced population from what was a vibrant, multi-cultural city centre neighbourhood. So controversial was this ruling, that many people boycotted the area, to the extent that much of it remains empty today, although efforts are now being made to re-house the original inhabitants. The tour also heads out to the extensive Cape Flats for a fascinating guided township walk including a visit to a traditional `shebeen' or tavern. The final highlight is a boat ride to Robben Island, and a tour of the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for much of the later 20th Century. Tours are conducted by former inmates, who can paint a vivid picture of what life was like on Robben Island. 01Jan08-31Mar09, £47 per person, excluding lunch.
Winelands Tour
Departures Daily, except Sundays Duration 8.5 hours No visit to Cape Town is really complete without seeing the beautiful Winelands area that lies just an hour's drive inland from the city, and of course having the chance to taste some renowned New World wines. On this fullday tour, you will enjoy a scenic drive through the mountainous wine country, with a visit to Stellenbosch, the town at the heart of the district. Stellenbosch is packed with shops, galleries and restaurants, with many fine examples of historic Cape Dutch architecture. The tour continues to the charmingly low-key village of Franschhoek, very different in style to Stellenbosch but equally popular with artists and food-lovers. As part of the tour, you can enjoy wine tasting at some of the region's picturesque estates, including at one of the smaller producers. 01Jan08-31Mar09, £41 per person, excluding lunch.
Cape Point Tour
Departures Daily Duration 8.5 hours Travel along the scenic Atlantic Ocean Coast en route to Hout Bay. On arrival, there's an opportunity for a cruise to Seal Island (payable locally). Travel onwards to the splendour of Cape Point. 01Jan0831Mar09, £41 per person, excluding lunch.
Cape Point Lighthouse
Cape Township Tour
Departures Daily Duration 4 hours Highlights of this tour include an insight into the pre- and post1994 progress, and visits to projects which are helping disadvantaged communities. This tour gives an insight into another side of Cape Town. 01Jan08-31Mar09, £31 per person, excluding lunch.
Robben Island & Table Mountain
Private Driver Guide Cape Town & Winelands
Departures Daily Enjoy the freedom of your very own guide who will advise and tailor your day's sightseeing to suit your needs perfectly.
For 4 passengers or more, please enquire.
Prices start from £160 per vehicle for a full day from 01Jan0831Mar09.
Brochure prices may change, see booking conditions
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