Captivated by Cape Town
SOUTH AFRICA
27th August 2015
Cape Town is an urban city with the backdrops of the beautifully mammoth Table Mountain and Lions Head. The city also has a sprawling and high spirited district, called the V&A Waterfront. You can also take day trips from Cape Town to the amazing sights close by, such as Robben Island, Boulders Beach, and Cape Point or see the wild animals at a Safari Wildlife Game Reserve.
No matter where you go in Cape Town, you won’t be going long without catching a glimpse of Table Mountain and Lions head. These two mountains set the scenery for this city. Both standing tall in all its glory.
Table Mountain, is the bigger of the two mountains and has a uniquely flat top. Hence the name for this natural beauty. For a mountain so large, the thought of climbing it can be quite frightening, but those looking for a challenge do make the climb. But for others, who aren’t willing to brave the mountainous steep climb, the services of a cable car comes in handy.
Lions Head on the other hand doesn’t have the services of a cable car. So getting to the top requires your own physical dedication. However, people of all ages climb this mountain on a daily basis and it’s not as bad as it looks. Take your time and enjoy the views across Cape Town while you’re up there. Even if you don’t make it all the way to the tip of Lions Head, the outlook is still incredible.
If physical activity is not your thing, the V&A Waterfront offers more relaxing activities. Such as great waterfront restaurants to wine & dine, unique shops to browse or sit back and watch the performances that's happening at the outdoor amphitheatre. This is an area that sprawls with life and can provide hours of entertainment.
From the V&A Waterfront you can take a ferry to Robben Island. The island has a huge part in South Africa’s history. It was where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for almost two decades, for his non-violent battles against apartheid in South Africa. The guided tours are given by ex-political prisoners of Robben Island, so you really get a deep insight into it's history. Even from Robben Island, the unmistakeable Table Mountain can still be seen in all its greatness. It was a symbol of freedom for prisoners of the time.
About an hour’s drive from Cape Town is Simon’s Town, where you’ll find Boulders Beach. This beach is home to some of the cutest little black and white creatures – the African Penguins. Over thousands of penguins have taken up residence here, just waddling about and doing their thing. This place is of course a marine protected area. So for a small fee, you can walk along the boardwalks without disturbing the little penguins in their natural habitat and still admire them up close.
The most South Western point of South Africa is Cape Point. About a 1.5 hour journey out from Cape Town. This area is greenly serene, surrounded by the big blue ocean. To reach the top, you can do it the physical way and walk the steps, or take it easy by riding the convenient cable car. Spending some time here, you may come across a cheeky baboon or two lurking about.
Being in South Africa, a Safari Wildlife Game Reserve is something to experience. If you’re based in Cape Town there’s probably not going to be a good one close by. However, there are many in South Africa to choose from if you’re willing to take the drive. You can either do the self-tour in your own hired car, otherwise there are tour groups where you can stay overnight. It all comes down to the experience you’re after. Keep your eyes peeled for animals that like to stay inconspicuous.
An urban city where you feel so close to nature, is what you call Cape Town. The iconic Table Mountain seen from miles away and even from the sky, gives this city a touch of glory that is tied up to the greatness of its history.
