I am travelling from

The beauty of Cape Good Hope

Sweeping vistas, steep cliffs and a silence that is only interrupted by the angry waves that crash against the rocks. It is quite obvious why Cape Good Hope was originally named ‘Storm Cape’ by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Diaz, the first European to sail by here in 1488. In the 15th century ships often ran into trouble in this region.

Nature

Cape Point

Sweeping ocean views

The drive from Cape Town to Cape Good Hope is beautiful. The cape is part of Table Mountain National Park, a nature reserve with a great diversity of flora and fauna and many beautiful hiking routes. Bird watching fans will be in heaven: the region is home to more than 250 bird species. The entrance to the park is still 12 kilometres from Cape Point, the best known spot of Cape Good Hope. This impressive cliff boasts a large platform with a spectacular ocean view. Here you will also find the landmark lighthouse dating back to 1859. The construction of this lighthouse was much needed as visibility around the Cape (especially during fog) was and still can be quite poor. No less than 23 ships have sunk here, including the legendary ghost ship The Flying Dutchman that perished in 1641. Legend says that this phantom ship still haunts the Cape during stormy weather.

Shipwreck at Cape Agulhas

Cable car to the lighthouse

Fortunately there is also a less ghostly Flying Dutchman: the cable car that carries visitors from the parking lot to the lighthouse, 249 metres above sea level. Between June and November whales are often spotted from Cape Point. There are also several shipwrecks nearby. The remains of various ships can be seen from Olifantsbos Point and Buffels Bay.

All

Golf

Nature

Culinary

Arts & Culture

Golf

The sunny weather and stunning nature make Cape Town a popular golfing destination. No wonder the country has so many golf champions! If you fancy teeing off towards Table Mountain, there are plenty of options and a variety of spectacular greens in the immediate surroundings.

Golf

South Africa is a beautiful country with mountains, rocky coasts and a huge diversity of flowers and plants. It is great to strike a ball on one of its many golf courses, but even more amazing is playing among the famous Big Five.

Nature

The people of Cape Town often come to the Silvermine nature reserve to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the ocean views. This peaceful oasis is located just south of the busy city in a wide area between Table Mountain, Noordhoek and Sun Valley. The landscape in Silvermine is mainly covered by fynbos. This unique vegetation, typical for the Cape region, has a rich endemic flora including rooibos, aloe and gladioli. In fact, the King Protea, South Africa’s national flower, only grows here in the wild.

Culinary

Bobotie, melktert, potjiekos and samosa: the kitchen of ‘rainbow nation’ South Africa is as diverse as its people. Through the centuries, people from numerous places have set foot on the Cape, bringing their culinary habits with them. Combined with the traditional cuisine of the indigenous people, it has resulted in a melting pot that is as eclectic as it is delicious.

Culinary

Vibrant Cape Town is known as the culinary capital of South Africa. It offers a wide variety of restaurants which serve delicious Cape cuisine in an elegant setting. Here, the chefs use local ingredients to bring the most sumptuous dishes to the table. Surrounded by majestic mountains and sparkling seas, Cape Town is the perfect setting for a great dining experience.

Golf

The charming university town of Stellenbosch is perfectly situated for a day trip from Cape Town. Featuring centuries-old homes with authentic Cape-Dutch façades, Stellenbosch is the second oldest European settlement in the province. Spending a day on the local golf courses in exceptional surroundings amidst the vineyards is like a dream come true.

Culinary

Rolling vineyards amidst majestic mountains: a visit to the Cape wine country ensures a breathtaking experience. This is where the Cape wines originate. The Mediterranean climate is ideal for various types of grape such as chenin blanc, chardonnay and of course, pinotage, the national grape. You can sample these delicious Cape wines in characteristic Dutch estates near Cape Town.

Arts & Culture

The prison on Robben Island is one of the best known remnants of the African apartheid regime. The island became world famous after Nelson Mandela was imprisoned here for 18 years.

Nature

South Africa is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Every year, these marine mammals migrate from the cold arctic waters to the warmer climates of South Africa. There are dozens of locations along the coast in and around Cape Town to observe the whales, either from land or on the water.

Nature

The Two Oceans Aquarium offers a glimpse of life in 2 different oceans. Cape Town straddles the division between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean and offers a unique underwater world filled with a diversity of aquatic life.

Nature

The majestic Table Mountain rises high above the Cape Town skyline; in 2011, the mountain was proclaimed one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. For centuries the mountain has exerted a magical appeal on those with a desire to reach the top. Before the inauguration of the fast cable car, the climb to the top was quite strenuous.