Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

No other city in the world can compare to Cape Town. It is in Africa and of Africa, yet so different. Flanked between the ocean and mountain and a National Park in its heart, Cape Town is cosmopolitan, wild and wonderful. It is the oldest city in South Africa and has a cultural and fascinating heritage than spans over more than 300 years.

Nowhere else in the country will you experience such cultural diversity. Here you will experience Cape Dutch homesteads, elegant Georgian townhouses, traditional dancers with painted faces lighting up the streets, the fragrant aromas of spicy Cape Malay cuisine, the taste of well matured wine and the sound of the snoek horn advertising the wares of vendors at the harbour.

When the noon gun erupts over the city every day, visitors might jump in surprise, whereas Capetonians will simply glance at their watches and go about their day. This gun is a relic from the days when sea captains has to check their chronometers and will only be experienced in Cape Town.

Cape Town is every tourist's dream. It satisfies the needs of even the most discerning guest and you will never get bored. The imposing and majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town's most famous celebrity, watches over the city and offers some of the best climbing in the world.

The surfing in also amazing and the diving is cold but good. Adventure lovers can also enjoy mountain biking, sand boarding or sea kayaking for a truly memorable experience. You may even encounter Seals, Dolphins or Penguins.

A wonderful activity includes walking up to Lions head before dark and watching the spectacular sun set on one side of the mountain while the moon rises on the other. Make your way down as the silvery light of the moon guides you to safety.

Shopaholics do not despair. Cape Town is home to some of the most upmarket and world class shopping destinations in South Africa. Enjoy a spending spree at Cavendish, Canal Walk or the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, or all three. Enjoy the vibrant energy of the malls while browsing the shops, sitting down for a cuppa and eating at one of the lovely restaurants and fast food outlets.

For those in search of some culture and entertainment, you are spoilt for choice. Cape Town is bubbling with energy, with live music, art exhibitions; a host of cinema's, theatres, ballets and even opera's to cater for all tastes. The Baxter Theatre and the Artscape are two places where you can catch a host of plays, concerts and comedy showcases.

For a history lesson, Cape Town houses numerous museums, national monuments and is the legislative capital of South Africa. Discover more about the struggle of Apartheid on a boat trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years. This is an enlightening and informative experience and a must for those interested in this sad but prominent part of South African history.

Wine connoisseurs will rejoice during an unforgettable tour through the magnificent Cape Winelands, where some of the finest wines in the world are produced. These tours include wine tasting and tours of the working wine cellars. Follow this tour up with a wonderful lunch at one of the fine restaurants in the area, and of course, compliment your meal with a delicious wine. Must see Winelands towns include Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl.

Cape Town has something for everyone, from adventure lovers, shopaholics, culture seekers, or visitors just looking for a place to relax and enjoy the sun, sea, surf and sand of a coastal city. Accommodation is abundant, from casual backpackers and B&B's to world class, five star rated hotels with breathtaking views.

Cape Town is also conveniently close to the Whale watching town of Hermanus, the many towns on the West Coast, and not to mention the spectacular and world famous Garden Route, including George, Wilderness, Mossel Bay and Knysna.