Cape Town & The Garden Route Travel Guide

The Mother City, home to soaring Table Mountain, golden beaches and bountiful vineyards, is an old pro at capturing peoples hearts.

Table Mountain National Park defines the city. The flat-topped mountain is the headline act, but there are many other equally gorgeous natural landscapes within the parks extensive boundaries. Cultivated areas, such as the historic Companys Gardens, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Green Point Park, also make exploring the city a pleasure. Follow the lead of locals by taking full advantage of the abundant outdoor space. Learn to surf; go hiking or mountain biking; tandem paraglide off Lions Head; abseil off the top of Table Mountain these are just a few of the many activities on offer.

The World Design Capital 2014 is in the process of using innovative design to transform the city. Its already one good-looking metropolis, from the brightly painted facades of the Bo-Kaap and the bathing chalets of Muizenberg to the Afro-chic decor of its restaurants and bars, and the striking street art and innovation incubators of The Fringe and Woodstock. The shack communities of the Cape Flats are a sobering counterpoint, but even in these deprived suburbs there are enterprising projects that put food from organic market gardens on tables, or stock gift shops with attractive souvenirs.

Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and traditional African beliefs coexist in this proudly multicultural city. Given South Africas troubled history, such harmony has been hard won and remains fragile: practically everyone has a fascinating, sometimes heartbreaking story to tell. Its a city of determined pioneers from the Afrikaner descendants of the original Dutch colonists and the majority coloured community to the descendants of European Jewish immigrants and more recent Xhosa (isiXhosa) migrants from the Eastern Cape. They all bring unique flavours to Cape Towns rich Creole melting pot.

Wrenching yourself away from the magnetic mountain and all the delights of the Cape Peninsula is a challenge, but within an hour you can exchange urban landscapes for the charming towns, villages and bucolic estates of Winelands destinations such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Hermanus is a prime whale-watching location and also a base from which to organise shark-cave diving. Further afield, the delights of the Garden Route unfold with more inspiring scenery to be viewed on thrilling drives down the coast and over mountain passes.

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Why I Love Cape Town

By Simon Richmond, Author

Mother Nature surpassed herself when crafting the Mother City. Whether jogging along Sea Point Promenade, climbing up Lions Head in the dawn light, clambering over giant boulders at Sandy Bay or driving the amazing coastal roads down to Cape Point, I never fail to feel my spirits soar as I take in the breathtakingly beautiful vistas. You dont need to break a sweat; sipping wine on a historic farm in Constantia or enjoying a picnic at an outdoor concert in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are equally memorable ways to commune with Cape Towns great outdoors.

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Cape Towns Top 10

Table Mountain ()

Whether you take the easy way up and down on the revolving cableway or put in the leg work and climb, attaining the summit of Table Mountain is a Capetonian rite of passage. Weather permitting, your rewards are a panoramic view across the peninsula and a chance to experience something of the parks incredible biodiversity. Schedule time for a hike the parks 24,500 hectares include routes to suit all levels of fitness and ambition, from gentle ambles to spot fynbos (literally fine bush, primarily proteas, heaths and ericas) to the five-day, four-night Hoerikwaggo Trail.

Table Mountain National Park

GUIZO FRANCK/HEMIS/CORBIS

Robben Island ()

A World Heritage site, the former prison on Robben Island is a key location in South Africas long walk to freedom. Nelson Mandela and other Freedom struggle heroes were incarcerated here, following in the tragic footsteps of earlier fighters against the several colonial governments that ruled over the Cape. Taking the boat journey here and the tour with former inmates provides an insight into the countrys troubled history and a glimpse of how far it has progressed on the path to reconciliation and forgiveness.

Green Point & Waterfront

CHURCH ON ROBBEN ISLAND
DENNIS STONE/LATITUDESTOCK/GETTY

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens ()

Theres been European horticulture on the picturesque eastern slopes of Table Mountain since Jan van Riebeecks time in the 17th century, but it was British imperialist Cecil Rhodes, owner of Kirstenbosch Farm and surrounding properties, who really put the gardens on the map when he bequeathed the land to all Capetonians. Today it is a spectacular showcase for the thousands of plant species in the Cape floral kingdom (also a World Heritage site) and a brilliant venue for outdoor summer concerts.