As winter approaches in the northern hemisphere, summer beckons in
the south. This is the time to take a few days off and follow the sun!
The best place to catch the sun in the end of year holiday season is
without doubt Cape Town. Cape Town's claim to being the most beautiful
city in South Africa is undisputed. And seasoned travel writers readily
accept the merit of Cape Town's claim that is indeed one of the most
beautiful cities in the world. The city is blessed with unrivalled
gifts of nature. The mighty kilometer high flat top Table Mountain
dwarfs even the most ambitious skyscrapers in the business district. The
city is surrounded by glorious landscapes, stunning beaches and a
bounty of unique vegetation. Where else do you have a choice of the cool
Atlantic Ocean and the warmer Indian Ocean?
But Cape Town offers
much more. It is reputed to be the most open-minded and relaxed city in
South Africa and is one of the safest cities in Africa for visitors.
Action hero Jean-Claude Van Damme visited the city in 2003 to shoot an
action thriller and declared: "I love waking up in this city with the
sea around me and the fresh air. The people are young with fresh and
warm personalities and are friendly and it's a country full of hope." The
movie was shot in the city and around the harbour and some local funs
got to see Van Damme at the waterfront. This is the same country that
has produced some of the most inspiring people of our times. Desmond
Tutu - the Nobel Peace Prize winner and past leader of the Anglican
flock in Cape Town, for example. And of course Nelson Mandela.
Take
a boat trip to Robben Island, one of the hottest destinations for
overseas visitors. This is where Nelson Mandela nearly lost his sight
quarrying lime during his long imprisonment. Make sure to get to the
summit of Table Mountain by cable where you will enjoy some
unforgettable views.
Northwards of the city center is the Victoria
and Albert waterfront- a trendy shopping and entertainment complex. It
is packed with art galleries, art and craft shops, restaurants, taverns,
cinemas, theatres and an aquarium. It is easy to see why many beautiful
people converge here. It is when in Cape Town that you will understand
why Desmond Tutu named the country as the "Rainbow Nation". The peoples
here have roots in the four corners of the planet and together give the
city its vivid colours. Cape Town is well connected to one of the
most popular travel destinations in South Africa: the Garden Route. The
Garden Route is the southern coastal area starting west of Cape Town at
Swellendam and ending at Humansdorp just before Port Elizabeth. The
Garden Route is probably the most scenic journey you will ever make. You
encounter soaring cliffs, wide beaches, semi desert, rocky coves, rain
forests, tranquil lakes and rugged mountains.
The area is good for
watersports and the weather allows this year round. A visit to the wine
producing regions can also be staged from Cape Town. If you are short
of time, head for picturesque Stellenbosch just a 45-minute drive away. The Garden Route tour
usually starts from Cape Town with a stop at Mossel Bay. This otherwise
uninspiring town is famous for its Post Office Tree, where sailors
would leave letters hanging in a boot to be picked up by those headed
towards the country where the letters were addressed. Then to Oudtshoorn
and George, a transport hub for the area.
Afterwards, Wilderness
National Park a good place for birding and canoeing on your way to the
artist colony of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Plettenberg Bay, the
"millionaires' playground" is South Africa's trendiest resort. Then to
Tsitsikamma National Park known for its nature trails, giant trees and
caves. A little ahead of Humansdorp is Jeffrey's Bay, reputed to have
one of the world's best surfing beaches.
Water sports are big in
South Africa. Whale watching and shark-cage diving (with great white
sharks) is possible in the Cape area. The best time to spot these sea
giants is from June to September. In the last week of September the
annual Whale Festival is held at Walker Bay. Diving facilities are good
in the area and wreck diving in particular is widespread around the
Cape. For fishing enthusiasts, the Cape of Good Hope has one the world's
richest fishing grounds.
At the confluence of the Atlantic and
Indian Ocean currents is to be found large shoals of tuna and swordfish.
For those brave souls seeking hair-raising adventure, there is an
excellent opportunity for bungee jumping at the bridge over Blaukrans
River. This has one of the world's highest drops.
There are also
many beautiful golf courses in the Cape Town and Garden Route area. The
best time to play is the cooler months of May to September. The
President's Cup of 2003 was held at the Fancourt Hotel and Country Club
at George right on the Garden Route. This event is a match play
competition with the world's best international players.
The best
period to visit the Cape region is over the summer months
November-February. The rest of the year is usually cool, rainy and
windy. Most people then find it quite challenging to engage in swimming
and water sports. There is a wide range of hotels in Cape Town and the Garden Route area. Top range 5 star hotels and other rated hotels are found throughout the region.
Other
accommodation options include motels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts,
farm holidays, beach cottages, holiday flats and bungalows. The Cape
region is now a much sought after destination and advance booking is
necessary during the summer season (October-April). With prior planning
it is possible to get good value and affordable holiday stay.
