This time last year I was in the beautiful country of South Africa, sitting by my aunties pool sipping Guava Juice, and letting the glowing rays turn my skin into a warm brown.
My mum and I went out to South Africa to visit relatives, my Nan (Mum?s mum) my Auntie and her husband and three children (Whom I have never met before) and my Granddad?s brother (My Mum?s uncle) and his family. This was always going to be a holiday full of memories; I have not seen my Nan since I was eight and the rest of my family since I was two.
We were to stay in South Africa for 3 weeks, we stayed in Durban for the first week and for the second we headed of to Cape Town, my Auntie although having lived in South Africa for 23 years had never been to this amazing place. So we took our selves on a mini bonding trip to Cape Town, My mum my aunt and I got ourselves an internal flight and off we went.
Whilst in Cape Town there is so much to see and do, here are some of the wonderful things we did while we were in Cape Town:
Two Oceans Aquarium: This is an excellent day our all the family, this aquarium I fascinating and very educational. In one section you can actually touch the fish! It is also home to seal. Penguins and sharks! For those of you who are very brave you can book to dive with the Sharks!!
Boulders Rock: Boulders Rock is situated near Simons Town, Simons Town is an historical fishing village in Cape Town, it is absolutely stunning and well worth a walk around with interesting shops and historical statues and sights. Boulders Rock is famous for its penguins, broad walks have been erected along the beach and they provide excellent viewing for penguins and whales. I was not fortunate enough to see any Whales this time, but the sight of hundreds of Penguins covering the beach was truly incredible. Next to Boulders Rock is False Bay with its clear waters excellent for bathing!
Cape of Good Hope: The Cape of Good Hope is said to be the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. We alas did not have time to see this, but I have been told that on a good day you can see a line in the ocean and on either side the different coloured seas!
Table Mountain: This is a must do excursion!! Table Mountain is one of the most striking natural wonders of the world and South Africa?s most recognized icon. The level summit of Table Mountain is three hundred kilometres long East to West, and its highest point is 1086 meters is at Maclear?s point.
To get to the top of this enormous mountain you can either travel up on the rotating cable way. (As I did) Or you can take one of the 350 separate routes that have been designed for climbers ranging from easy to difficult. Once at the top of the Mountain you can simply sit and take in the magnificent view of Cape Town, or for the more adventurous take part in the numerous activities available:
? Abseiling
? Angling & Diving
? Hand Gliding & Parasailing
? Hiking
? Mountain & Rock Climbing
? Mountain Biking.
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Be warned this is not a place you want to go on a windy day, and if the weather is too windy they will stop people going up the mountain. I suggest the first clear day you have head straight for the mountain as this is a sight you simply will not want to miss.
Cable Way Prices:
Adults: R 95 = £6.50 Approx
Child (Under 18) R 50 = £ 3.30 Approx
OAP?s: R50 = £3.30 Approx
Children under 4 are FREE.
For more information about the Cable Way enquires can be made at https://tablemountain.net and ffor information about any of the above trips contact Cape Peninsula National Park at there website http:/ https://cpnp.co.za
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens: This is well worth a visit, these beautiful gardens are situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and they cover 528 hectare?s with indigenous flora.
Guided tours are available on request so for those with green fingers it can be very enlightening.
Robben Island: Which means ?Seal Island? is the place that Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. You can take a boat from Nelson Mandela?s Gateway at the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, and join a guided tour of the Island and prison. This trip is highly moving and thought provoking and another must do trip in eyes.
Victoria and Albert Waterfront: The water front is stunning and may I suggest a visit in the day and again the evening to see it all lit up! In the day you have the Canal Walks shopping centre and in the evening you have no end of choice of places to eat! We found ourselves a little place called ?Quay Four? an excellent restaurant on the sea front with superb food and cocktails, also live entertainment most evenings!
Camps Bay: In South Africa the weather is extremely hot and if you decide you want a day at the beach the place to go is Camps Bay. Camps Bay is at the base of the Twelve Apostles on the Atlantic Coast and with its clear waters and perfect white sands it is a true postcard dream beach!
Cape Town is full of hotels and hostels, we stayed at The La Splendida Luxury Suites, and I would highly recommend it. La Splendida is located between sea point and the Victoria and Albert Waterfront. For information Telephone: 021 439 5119 Fax: 021 439 5112.
Cape Town is a magnificent place to go and visit, although South Africa is more of a day country, in the evening we would go for an early evening meal and then home, it is not place you should walk around at night. As with any country always be aware of your belongings and a bum bag might a worth while investment! Sad as they are they are safer than a designer hand bag!!
Also with the exchange rate eating out, trips, hotels are not a great expense so splash out while you can and enjoy!