I have been lucky enough to visit Cape Town on a few occasions and the last time was for a long weekend – yes, a long way to go however with convenient overnight flights the Thursday to Monday trip meant only Friday on leave and a full 3 days to enjoy the city. What’s more the contrasting December weather between London and Cape Town made it a brilliant pre-Xmas break.
What struck me most about this particular visit, apart from a reminder of just how gorgeous the city can look, was just how much there was do see and do around the City centre in the City Bowl area. Most visitors to Cape Town would previously base themselves down by the V&A Waterfront, one of the smart beach suburbs or even further out. I have been strongly urging visitors to stay, at least for part of their time, centrally to really get a feel for the city centre itself and all it has the offer.
For a start you can explore easily on foot and should aim to include; The Company Gardens and the accompanying museums, the colourful Bo-Kaap Malay area, the sobering District Six Museum, Castle of Good Hope, plus the thriving boutiques and eclectic shops of Long and Kloof Streets. Not only is this a fascinating insight into the city itself but it is also awash with excellent cafes and restaurants with the food being a real highlight. All this can be done on foot and of course there are more classic things to do not far away – Table Mountain, Robben Island, Camp’s Bay and the beaches, Cape Point, Hout’s Bay, V&A Waterfront and the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Looking to get a bit more beneath the skin of the city I would really recommend a Township tour or stay and perhaps a visit to some of the thriving galleries and markets in up and coming area like Woodstock. Personally I would ideally recommend going out to stay in the Winelands rather than visiting on a day trip from Cape Town.
There is a huge choice of city centre accommodation of all shapes, sizes and budgets. There are boutique guest-houses aplenty and lovely small hotels like the Cape Cadogan, Four Rosemead, Kensington Place or something funky such as the uniquely designed Airstream Trailers on the roof of the Grand Daddy hotel! At the top of the list must be the grand-dame of Cape Town, the Mount Nelson. Its lush gardens are an oasis in the city with gorgeous views of Table Mountain from poolside, and contrasting Afternoon Tea on the terrace with one of the cities trendiest cocktail bars. Orient Express, who own the hotel, have also done a fine job in persuading guests to venture out from this sanctuary with the introduction of guided historical walks and foraging tours exploring the flora of the city before taking it back for cookery classes and a Chef’s Table in the famous Planet restaurant.
As if you needed any more reasons to visit Cape Town or include it in your next South African trip then be aware of the incredible good value it is – the food and wine is outstanding and your £sterling is worth almost 20% more against the Rand than this time last year. Speak to Putney Travel for expert advice about things to see and do in South Africa.
by TMS