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For families considering a fun and rewarding experience, canopy tours in Tsitsikamma Forest offer a thrilling day out in the beautiful Garden Route area, for a day of adventure that will be remembered for years to come. Situated in the Cape, Tsitsikamma Forest is a spectacular protected forest that is home to an abundance of bird-, animal- and plant life. Tours in this forest and beyond are the perfect way to learn more about the environments within the forest and surrounds, as well as enjoy a host of fun activities and attractions within the area.

The top 10 reasons to try a Tsitsikamma Forest tour include the following:

1. Fun for the whole family – kids of all ages, from school going children to teenagers will all enjoy a canopy tour, as will parents. This outing is truly an experience that even the hardest to please will thoroughly enjoy!

2. Spot a host of bird species – a wide range of endemic and migratory species can be found in the forest and surrounds, including the elusive Knysna Loerie.

3. Plenty of animals and insects to see – look out for large numbers of curious vervet monkeys, porcupines, hundreds of butterflies and many other creatures.

4. Zip through the forest by cable – this is one of the most exciting experiences possible, allowing you to harness up and zip across the forest from high up in the tree tops.

5. Monkey Land and Birds of Eden – these unique and stunning reserves are home to a host of primates and birds, with natural enclosures that give you an idea of their habitats in the wild.

6. Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve – over 80km of forest and marine reserve, with suspension bridge, river, indigenous forest and a range of plant, animal and bird life.

7. Nature’s Valley – this truly magnificent region is home to one of the largest and oldest Yellow wood trees in the country, which is 800 years old.

8. Hiking and walking – explore some of the breathtaking natural habitats as you walk through the forest and surrounds.

9. Plenty of photographic opportunities – from gigantic trees to natural landscapes, birds, plants and curious monkeys, plenty of photo opportunities abound.

10. Learn together as a family – canopy tours in Tsitsikamma Forest offer a great way to learn together as a family, with a focus on education and fun. Consider the Tsitsikamma Forest for the ultimate Cape Town tour.

The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour is the first of its kind in Africa and takes around 3 hours to complete. The state of the art equipment use to monkey around in the tree tops has been rated as the most sophisticated of its kind and the construction of this unique project led to the creation of a significant amount of jobs. A host of canopy tours around the world are now available.

The adventure starts with a kitting-up session where you will be issued a full-body harness, pulleys and climbing equipment. Then, prepare to have the time of your life while enjoying this unique eco-wilderness adventure.

African Eagle Day Tours offer a wide selection of Tours in Cape Town including, wine route tours, garden route tours, Cape Peninsula tours and Tsitsikamma Forest tours.

Cape Town is the Legislative Capital of South Africa and is also the second-most populated city in the country. It has a cosmopolitan culture with a strong influence of the Dutch, French and the British who ruled here and some impact of Malaysia can also be felt. This happened due to the arrival of the Malaysian labor which was exported to work on the farmlands here.

The history of the city goes back to nearly 400 years when the first European set foot on this land. Apart from the culture, the architecture of the city is also impacted by these different styles. The city has a unique style of architecture which is called the Cape Dutch style. It is a method of building a house which was adopted by the Dutch farmers when they settled in the area in the 1700s.

This style of architecture involves a unique style of gabling paired with traditional thatch roofing which is distinctly a quintessential South African design and is found here only.

These and many more such historical gems dot the city and add to the charm and vibrancy of the place. They are rich specimens of history and the culture which is reflected in their architecture and the style. Most of the city’s historical buildings are located in and around the city center and are easily accessible. Many of these buildings have been awarded the heritage status.

Some of the most significant historical buildings in Cape Town are:

Castle of Good Hope is one of the historical buildings in the city which was constructed in 17th century and is a blend of the medieval and contemporary architectural style. It has been awarded the status of a National Monument and it is shaped as a pentagon. The building has 5 bastions bearing the names of the various rulers and these bastions were used as prisons and storerooms.

This fortress was built by the Dutch East India Company and is the oldest building in South Africa. At present it is the Western Cape Headquarters of the South African Military.

City Hall is a new classic building styled in the Renaissance style and is situated near the city center. There are 39 bells in the building which produce tuneful music during the festivals and celebrations. The building extends to a height of 61 meters. The Cape Town municipal Library is also housed in this very building.

Rhodes Memorial is a national monument and is dedicated to the memory of Cecil John Rhodes, the former Prime Minister if South Africa. It is located on the eastern part of the Devil’s Peak and is built in a neo-classical style, giving a beautiful view of the mountains.

Bo-Kaap is one of the most vibrant areas in the city. It is situated on the slopes of the Signal Hill above the Riebeck Square. It is an ensemble of quaint and interesting buildings, dating back to the end of 18th century. These houses were built by recently-arrived immigrant artisans from Holland.

After these artisans moved towards the newer southern suburbs in the middle of the 19th century, these houses were taken over by the Malay slaves who gave it their unique identity. They changed the character of Bo-Kaap but kept the architect intact in its original state. Some of these houses have been restored and renovated to preserve it as a tourist attraction.

Apart from these there are still more buildings which are historical in nature and which include the Bertram House, Mandela House, Slave Lodge as well as District 6 Museum.

For more information on Hotel Deals Africa and Cape Town please visit our website.

Today’s holidaymaker has never had more choice. So, if you’re considering Cape Town here are a few frequently asked questions and their answers which just may help your decision.

What does Cape Town have to offer?

Of course, it’s difficult to be objective yet even so Cape Town offers a huge amount of opportunity for a truly different holiday.

Africa’s most vibrant city, it contains historical sights and architecture; great opportunities for shopping; excellent dining out choosing from the multitude of ethnic traditions that have helped form the present day character of the city; culture in the form of galleries, museums and exhibitions; a choice of great beaches on either the Indian or Atlantic Oceans; and a world-renowned centre of exotic flowers at the Kirstenbosch National Garden. And that’s just a very small sample of the delights of this great city.

How can I get there?

There is an excellent international airport with connecting services all over the world. It is Africa’s third largest and frequently a favoured port of entry for VIPs. There is also an extensive rail network connecting Cape Town to other South African cities.

What about trips out of town?

Although it’s highly unlikely that you’ll run out of things to do in the city itself, there are numerous things to see and do in the general cape area. A selection includes:

- Table Mountain and surrounding areas – stunning natural beauty and well worth a visit if you enjoy walking (ranging from gentle trails to more demanding routes);

- The vineyards – a marvellous opportunity to see the famous South African wines on their ‘home soil’;

- Game reserves – there are several within easy travelling of the city;

- Coastal walks – guided tours along quiet coastal paths to explore the wildlife, and fauna (there is also a famous penguin colony nearby).

Can I visit other areas of South Africa as well?

Of course! Cape Town has excellent connections to other towns and areas well worth exploring such as Durban, Johannesburg and the capital, Pretoria. Tours to take in other sights in other parts of the country can easily be arranged.

Are tour leaders available?

Certainly, if that’s what you want. Sometimes exploring a strange city can be time consuming and complicated. You won’t want to waste time getting lost or missing attractions simply because you didn’t realise they were there. Guided tours of Cape Town are available but that doesn’t mean that you have to radically compromise your interests simply to fit in with a mass schedule. They can be individually tailored for you or your group and they can be as varied as you need.

We only have limited time – what’s best to see?

That’s a very difficult question to answer because it depends so much upon exactly how much time you have and what your interests are. However, customised individual itineraries and schedules can be constructed around even tight timetables so that you get the chance to sample at least some of Cape Town’s attractions.

What languages are spoken?

As you’d expect, because of the cape’s incorporation into the British Empire at the start of the 19th century, English is widely understood and spoken. Afrikaans is the most widely spoken language in the cape area and you will also hear a large number of African languages spoken too. In total, South Africa has 11 official languages and English, as a native tongue ‘spoken in the home’, is only about 5th in the list in terms of population percentages. But don’t worry – if you speak English while you’re there you’ll get by fine!

Is there anything else to think about?

If you are on a specialist individually tailored holiday to the cape then everything else will be taken care of for you and you’ll be given advice that relates to your specific and unique holiday. All you have to then do is to relax and enjoy Cape Town!

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Few holiday destinations can offer the variety and attractions of Cape Town. Nestling in the shadow of Table Mountain, it is one of the world’s truly breathtaking, natural locations. No amount of colourful and descriptive language can possibly do justice to the sight presented by the city and mountain from the sea. It just has to be seen and experienced. However, natural splendour is only one part of the story of why you may wish to visit Cape Town.

The past

If you like history, then there’s plenty to see in Cape Town. The archaeological records for the surrounding area goes back many thousands of years and you can see sites where the earliest people known to the cape settled and farmed. The modern historical record of the period begins with the first European ‘discoverers’ of the cape, the Portuguese, in the 15th century. The Dutch soon followed and established Cape Town and its environs. They rapidly began to create a colonial culture that would eventually become known as ‘Boer’ – and which would become widespread throughout the later South Africa.

Inevitably, the town’s strategic importance on the global trade routes brought it to the attention of the British who added it to their empire in the early 19th century where it stayed until its eventual incorporation into South Africa and eventual independence. The Dutch and British both brought people from all over the globe to live and work in the area. This mixing of people and cultures from all around the world, coupled with the indigenous African cultures, has led to the multi-cultural city we see today.

The legacy

Cape Town is, of course, far more than its history. Yet what the history has helped create is a city where you’ll enjoy:

- Fabulous and diverse cuisines from all over the world including African, Indonesian, Chinese, Indian and many European variations;

- Marvellous architectural legacies of different peoples, ages and traditions;

- A variety of different cultural heritages that mean some areas of the city contain shops and bars that wouldn’t be out of place in any major modern city; while in other locations you’ll feel like you’re in old Holland or in parts of India or Indonesia etc;

- a fantastic variety of people from different ethic backgrounds, all of whom form a part of what’s now called ‘The Rainbow Nation’.

Diversions

The city, of course, is famed for far more than its historical and cultural legacies. For a start, it offers wonderful opportunities to explore the bush and wildlife. Yes, this can be the marvellous big game reserves that are world famous, but also the less muscular side such as fantastic penguin colonies on the coast and areas of natural beauty in terms of flora and fauna. It’s also possible to go hiking on trails in and around Table Mountain. These can be of various levels of difficulty ranging from ‘demanding’ where previous experience and perhaps special equipment is required, to ‘gentle’ – which can be accomplished in ordinary clothing and without the physique of Superman!

Then there are the beaches. Cape Town sits happily astride both the Indian and Atlantic oceans. If you fancy a dip and sun bathe after a hard day’s exploring, the beaches on the Atlantic side are considered trendy and chic – but you’ll find the water’s a little cooler than on the Indian ocean side where the beaches are a little more popular.

The way to see it

It’s perfectly possible to explore the city on your own or on a conventional tour holiday. Yet the former option may be a little intimidating if, like many, you don’t like finding your way around strange cities.

A conventional tour may be fine but you may find that you’re being shuttled off as one member of a large and rather impersonal group. The result of that, as we’ve perhaps all experienced, is being taken and shown things that are of little interest to you while spending insufficient time looking at those that are. The alternative that is increasingly possible with discerning travellers is the custom-designed tour holiday.

These can take any shape or form you wish. It is essentially a bespoke holiday to Cape Town that is crafted to your needs, interests and requirements, rather than to the ‘average’ of a much larger group.

This sort of holiday, perhaps partly guided if you so wish, can help you not just see this great city but also to live it.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Cape Town, in South Africa, is one of the world’s great marvels and a destination that’s guaranteed to give you a unique holiday. Sometimes however holidays can be as much of a challenge as they are a pleasure. The discerning traveller typically has limited time and high expectations and this leads to certain requirements.

- You may not enjoy spending endless hours trying to sort out your itinerary – and you simply may not have the time.

- You probably won’t welcome finding on arrival that you’re being shoehorned into agendas and sightseeing trips that are simply not to your taste.

- You probably are looking for holiday experiences that are a little more individual than the traditional packaged holiday.

- You may very well be a little jaded with many of the ‘conventional’ holiday destinations.

If this sounds like you, a tailor-made holiday to Cape Town may suit you better and here’s why.

Why Cape Town?

Few destinations can offer the variety of holiday experience that you’ll encounter in the Cape area. Although it’s something of a painful cliche, in reality there really is something for everyone including:

- Magnificent beaches on the peninsular – you can even choose whether to swim in the Indian or Atlantic Ocean.

- A city with centuries of history.

- A vast and diverse cultural legacy that incorporates elements of African, Dutch, British, Indian, Indonesian, Chinese and many other origins.

- An incomparable natural backdrop of Table Mountain, which offers walking and countryside exploration.

- A world famous centre for exotic plants (Kirstenbosch National Gardens).

- Access to great game and wildlife encounters in various reserves.

- Coastal path explorations with rare wildlife and penguin colonies.

- Access to the great South African vineyards and wine industry (and samples!).

- Superb shopping at any one of several major centres.

Cape Town is sometimes called Africa’s most cosmopolitan and interesting city. Whether you agree with that or not, just a glance at the above list indicates why it is a serious contender.

Your holiday

Interesting as the above list of attractions may be, not all of them may be to your personal taste. That’s why a holiday that shapes your time in South Africa to meet your requirements rather than somebody else’s may be of interest. It will allow you to indulge your tastes and in a fashion to suit you. So, for example, if you wish to visit the art galleries or museums then you can do so – and without being limited to a 15-minute breakneck tour.

Perhaps you’d then like a day on the beach followed up by a tour of the vineyards. After that you’d possibly like a guided walking tour around some of the historic streets but really aren’t too bothered about trips into the countryside to see wildlife. If so – that’s not a problem. Whatever your needs, an itinerary can be constructed to ensure that you see what you want to see and most importantly, enjoy your time in this great city.

Experience the Rainbow

People have lived in the cape region for millennia. Europeans have been coming here since the 15th century and people from all corners of the earth have made it their home. The city fully and proudly plays its part in the development of the modern South Africa’s ‘rainbow nation’ culture. So, come and explore it and see why Cape Town is so highly regarded as a holiday destination. It’s waiting to welcome you!

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Not too many holiday destinations can compete with the charms and attractions of Cape Town. Yes, of course, if you’re a seasoned and discerning traveller then you’ve probably heard that before about many destinations; but perhaps not all have subsequently lived up to your expectations. Yet in the case of Cape Town, you certainly won’t be disappointed!

Sea, people, land and history

Indigenous peoples have hunted, gathered and farmed in the Cape Town area for many thousands of years. The peninsular on which it is located is famed for its climate and rich natural resources from both land and sea. Its first significant appearance in modern history comes with the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century. Over the next 400-500 years the area was first Dutch then eventually, due to its trade route importance, British. During what’s sometimes called the colonial period, other nationalities arrived here from other parts of Africa and indeed, the wider world as trade and commerce grew in the 19th century.

Cape Town and the cape region eventually became part of the modern Republic of South Africa. Today the city has a multi-cultural background making it, arguably, Africa’s most cosmopolitan city.

A holiday centre

The history, cultural diversity and geographical location aren’t just of academic interest. They have combined to make the cape a wonderland for visitors that are looking for that slightly more discerning holiday. Cape Town is one of those rare holiday destinations that can offer a huge range of highly diversified activities and interests, within a comparatively small area.

In the city and immediate environs you’ll find an extensive list of things to see and do which includes:

- The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – a justifiably famous display of rare and exotic plants that grow here by virtue of the climate – and loving care;

- Bo-Kaap – once called the Malay quarter, this area comprises picturesque houses originally built for Indonesian slaves brought to the area by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries;

- The Houses of Parliament and National Gallery;

- The Victoria and Albert Waterfront – a fantastic waterside area of restored old buildings containing shops, restaurants and galleries;

- The Castle of Good Hope – a building dating back to the 1650s and the oldest in South Africa;

- Robben Island (a boat trip) – now a museum and once a leper colony, it is perhaps best know for its previous lengthy use as a prison for political prisoners including Nelson Mandela.

The one thing you can be sure of when visiting Cape Town is that you won’t be short of things to do and see!

The wider area

If you do want to get out of town a little further, then just a short distance from the city you’ll find vineyards that produce some of South Africa’s famous wines. You’re also within short distance of several game reserves where you’ll be able to experience African wildlife in its natural environment. Finally, one can’t discuss this great city without a mention of Table Mountain. Today, along with the surrounding areas, it is part of a protected park environment which you can explore at your leisure and enjoy stunning views.

Your visit

Like many cities, you may find that you’ll see and learn more of Cape Town if you’re on foot.

That doesn’t mean necessarily hiking from one side of the town to the other, but using your own two feet in combination with sensible transport may be far more enjoyable than other methods. It’s perfectly possible to arrange a guided tour that is designed specifically to meet your exact interests and objectives – you won’t have to fit in with a huge group’s views or have to participate in ‘majority decision making’ about where to go next!

The Rainbow Nation

It’s perhaps worth remembering that attractive as Cape Town is, it is part of a much wider region that has many other areas and sites of interest. If you’d like to see more of South Africa, tours and bespoke holidays can be arranged to other areas, as you require.

Cape Town and South Africa are waiting for you. Why not come along and see what they have to offer?

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a magnificent complex usually known simply as the Waterfront. It is named after Queen Victoria and her son Prince Alfred, and occupies the site of the city’s old Victorian harbour. History buffs will be interested to know that Prince Alfred himself presided over the start of construction of the first breakwater here in 1860. The protected inner harbour this created is still called the Alfred Basin. This part of the waterfront sat neglected for many years, then in the 1990s it was redeveloped to become the most popular attraction on the Cape Peninsula for South Africans as well as foreign visitors.

Shop Till You Drop

The Victoria Wharf on the Waterfront is Cape Town’s central shopping facility. It is a huge, flashy mall that occupies two levels. Nearby is the smaller Alfred Mall Shopping Centre. If you’re the sort of tourist who loves to shop-till-you-drop, then this is your shopper’s heaven. It is packed with designer boutiques, specialty gift stores, health and beauty shops, and informal “barrow” stalls that give the mall a festive, market day atmosphere. You can buy everything from jewellery made with genuine South African gold and diamonds, to trendy hand-painted clothing. When you want to take a break from buying and browsing, there are over 40 ethnically diverse eating places to choose from. Nearly all of the food places have harbour views. If the weather is fine, there is outdoor dining on wharfs and waterside platforms and many of the bars and bistros offer live music, with Cape Jazz being a specialty.

The Two Oceans Aquarium

Cape Town has a dramatic maritime location. It occupies a peninsula with the warm Indian Ocean on one side, and the cold Atlantic Ocean on the other and the mingling of the waters creates a unique marine environment. This is reflected in one of the Waterfront’s greatest attractions, the Two Oceans Aquarium. The aquarium has nine galleries of shatterproof glass tanks filled with an astonishing variety of sea creatures, some of them that would definitely be classified as strange. Here you can see psychedelic fish, giant spider crabs, octopuses, sea horses, turtles, and the beautiful devil fire fish whose spines are lethal. In the Agfa Auditorium, you can see videos on South Africa’s marine life and related topics. Below that is the Alpha Activity Centre, which is especially for kids. There are puppet shows, face painting, and computers that allow children to explore marine ecology. Kids and adults alike enjoy the Diving Animals display, where they can watch Cape fur seals playing in the water. On the top floor of the aquarium, visitors can see the Story of Water exhibit, a reconstruction of a river from its source to its mouth. You can also admire the beauty of the Kelp Forest, but by far the most popular exhibit is the one called Predators. Here, you can look directly into the ocean and see large sharks glide by and, at feeding time, divers go down to hand-feed these dangerous animals.

Free Shows

The V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre is a beautiful concert venue that often features free performances of jazz, rock and traditional African music. Sometimes the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra puts on classical concerts. The V&A complex also includes the Table Bay Hotel and the Cape Grace Hotel and the BMW Pavilion, where the company displays its latest models.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

If your holiday to Cape Town includes a family of four kids, the spouse and a hard-of-hearing Grandma thrown in for good measure, you’ll probably be planning quite a different itinerary than if you are organising a romantic getaway with your significant other half. While taking the family on an adventure to South Africa would no doubt be an experience of a lifetime, sometimes it’s nice to escape your busy everyday lives of social occasions and school runs and spend some quality time together – just the two of you. So here, for your pleasure, are some of Cape Town’s most romantic attractions. Snuggle up and enjoy.

Cosy up in a Carriage

Now let’s start off with one of the most romantic things a boy could ever say to a girl: “Will you share my carriage?” Many a woman’s heart has melted in the velvet enclosures of a horse-drawn carriage; and when you add champagne into the equation, you’re onto a true winner. Cape Town comes through in style with a carriage ride around the beautiful city gardens and streets. Nibble on hand-made chocolates as you are taken on a magical sunset journey and round the evening out with a candle-lit dinner on the waterfront – be still my beating heart!

Wine and Dine and Please be Mine

Speaking of candle-lit dinners on the waterfront, if you’re planning on popping the question while on your romantic break to Cape Town, you will have an incredible selection of restaurants along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront to choose from. Baia (just one of the choices) is one of the city’s best seafood restaurants and if you book ahead for a table on the deck you will be rewarded with fabulous views of the harbour right at your fingertips. With a combination of delicious, out-of-this-world seafood dishes, wonderful local wines and an ambience that would make Don Juan swoon, no-one could resist a proposal and by midnight Cape Town waterfront will be the stuff of future grandchildren’s legends! Finish off your evening with a stroll along the bustling waterfront which comes alive after dark and is the heart of Cape Town’s exciting night-life.

You Make My Heart Do Flips

Now, we’re assuming you don’t need any help making your loved one’s heart do back flips, however here’s an idea to make their entire body feel the effect of your adoration! The Cape Town ‘helicopter flip’ is an experience you will remember for ever. As you soar over the spectacular harbour, within touching distance of a cloud, you will get what could easily be in the running for the title of the world’s most scenic view. You can choose a variety of tours each taking in a different direction and, if budget permits, you can even hire the helicopter for a longer jaunt – perhaps to visit a vineyard for lunch? But before you think we’re sending you on a death-defying stunt trip, don’t worry; a flip is merely Cape Town’s term for a joyride so you will definitely remain right side up on your romantic sky tour.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

From big cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, to the smallest communities, the people of South Africa are crazy about sports. That became evident to the whole world, as people from every nation on Earth tuned in to the 2010 World Cup Soccer Championships. As well, people outside South Africa who knew little about the country became aware, because of the movie Invictus, of how the importance of sports is so much a part of the South African psyche, that President Nelson Mandela could appeal to it in his plea for national unity. For sports-loving visitors to Cape Town, the South African infatuation with competition and challenging physical activities provides a wide range of exciting choices.

Challenging Table Mountain

Table Mountain both draws you and defies you and is the single most remarkable geographic feature of Cape Town. It looms over the city and links with Table Mountain National Park, a paradise of mountains, forests and coastline. You can take the cable car up Table Mountain, or you can climb it. Table Mountain is believed to be the most frequently climbed massif in the world; but that doesn’t mean the ascent is easy! Even experienced climbers are advised to go with a knowledgeable guide, and to stick to marked routes. Once you have reached the summit, you can take in the fantastic views of Cape Town and the sea, and then turn to hiking one of the mountain’s many trails. If you don’t want to take the cable car down, you can try abseiling.

Hiking and Cycling

Cape Town is the starting point for some of the most beautiful hiking trails and cycling routes in the world, like the spectacular Garden Route or the gorgeous Winelands. If you want to participate in cycling competitions, look into the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour, the largest individually timed bicycle race in the world. There are also some excellent mountain bike tours, including one from Scarborough to Cape Point. Backpackers should be aware that the winter season is the best time for hiking, because you avoid the heat and humidity of summer and you will also have a better chance of spotting wildlife.

Thrills On and Under Water

South Africa has some of the best surfing in the world, and Cape Town is within easy reach of several popular surfing beaches: Big Bay, Llandudno, Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, and Long Beach. If you want to learn the sport, there are several surfing schools here and this is also a popular place with windsurfers and kitesurfers. If you’re into scuba diving, the waters off Cape Town offer great undersea adventures. There are reefs, shipwrecks, and magnificent kelp forests. You have your choice between False Bay, which is an extension of the Indian Ocean, and the Atlantic. But be warned, the Atlantic waters are quite cold.

Taking it Easy

For active people who prefer their activities to be a little more laid back, there is still plenty to do. There are several excellent golf courses, including Westlake, Rondebosch, and Milnerton. The Milnerton golf course is especially lovely, tucked between a lagoon and Table Bay with great views of Table Mountain. If bird watching is your preferred activity, the area around Cape Town is home to some 400 species. The best places to see birds are Lion’s Head, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and the Cape of Good Hope part of Table Mountain National Park. Have fun.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

East of Cape Town’s northern and southern suburbs, separated from them by the M5, are the Cape Flats. The region is the city’s largest residential area and takes in the black townships, the coloured districts, and the shantytown squatter camps. The Cape Flats are indeed flat and windswept, and they have a tumultuous history. They are also testimony to endurance and hope in the midst of despair.

The Flats started out as men-only hostels for black labourers who worked in white Cape Town. No blacks were allowed to live in Cape Town, and no black women were allowed to work there. The men who lived in the hostels on the flats were forbidden to bring their wives with them. The townships grew as men desperate for work poured intro the Flats. In the township of Langa, there were ten men for every woman.

No Facilities and No Hubs

The black townships were set up like dormitories and lacked facilities and central hubs. Because the apartheid system failed to prevent people from swarming into them, the Cape Flats became a blight on the doorstep of Cape Town. When people could not find legal accommodation, they set up squatter camps and lived in makeshift shelters constructed from iron, cardboard and plastic sheeting. There was no electricity, no plumbing, and no sanitation. The government made several attempts in the 1970s and 1980s to destroy these shanty towns. But each time, after the police and the bulldozers had left, the camps reappeared.

Trouble in Crossroads

One of the best known of the squatter camps outside Cape Town is called Crossroads. The inhabitants suffered continuous harassment by police and apartheid collaborators. There were repeated attempts to bulldoze it out of existence and it was only through sheer determination and desperation that the inhabitants were able to hang on. Eventually, they won the right to stay and today the new South African government is trying to improve conditions in Crossroads with running water and sanitation as more families move in.

Langa

Langa is the oldest and most central of the black townships and is an area where you can see elements of present day poverty but also the possibilities of a better future. Inside recycled cargo containers, enterprising local businessmen have established state-of-the-art telephone bureaus. Some families now live in tidy suburban houses, but nearby in the former men-only hostels, three families can share a single room.

Touring the Flats

For any visitor to Cape Town a tour of the Cape Flats is certainly an eye-opener. Tour organizers encourage visitors to see the Flats, but not on their own. Several township tours are available, all of which are operated by residents of the Flats, or with the cooperation of local communities. The tours give you an opportunity to see the other side of Cape Town and you will meet ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences. You can have a drink in a shebeen or a township restaurant and you’ll even get to meet traditional healers whose age old ways are still part of community life. Musicians, local artists and craftsmen provide more than entertainment and terrific souvenirs; they are a reminder that even out on the Cape Flats there is joy in life, and potential for the future.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.