The Atlantic Coast

October 7, 2009 at 11:02 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , , ,

The Atlantic coast suburbs stretch from Green Point on the city’s doorstep, through Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton, Camps Bay and onwards through Llandudno and Hout Bay to Kommetjie and Scarborough. This coastline includes some of the most expensive real estate in Africa through to remote seaside villages, much loved by the surfing set.

Green Point

Green Point, a once neglected area of high rise apartment blocks, restored townhouses and converted warehouses is now one of Cape Town’s most colourful communities. The suburb is on the edge of the city and has a vibrant nightlife. Green Point is a popular evening destination and is well served by a large selection of coffee shops, trendy restaurants, night clubs and shows popular among the gay community. It is within walking distance of the V&A Waterfront.

Sea Point

Like a city within a city, Sea Point, with its innumerable restaurants, bars and pubs bustles 24 hours a day. This is a truly cosmopolitan suburb that never sleeps. From the wide seafront promenade, busy main road, high rise apartment blocks and mountainside villa’s, Sea Point has it all.

Bantry Bay

Bantry Bay is located on the coastal road between Sea Point and Clifton,  centrally located for easy access to entertainment venues, world class shopping centres and restaurants. The homes in this suburb offer spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island. Bantry Bay is the start of the stretch of the Atlantic Coastline favoured by the mega wealthy.

Clifton

Clifton is probably one of the most desirable residential areas in Africa, with apartments and houses with multi million dollar price tags. The view, however, makes it all worthwhile and the wind free beaches which enjoy more protection from the prevailing south-easterly winds and longer sunshine than the False Bay Coast are popular with locals and visitors alike. The four adjoining beaches where you wind down stairways between the bungalows to white sands are breathtakingly beautiful.

Camps Bay

Camps Bay and Bakoven lies behind Table Mountain, nestled beneath Lions Head and the majestic Twelve Apostles, and boasts a magnificent palm fringed, sandy beach. The cosmopolitan beachfront is vibrant throughout the year and people throng the pavement cafes and restaurants enjoying the ambience. Not too many years ago this was a tiny seaside village, today Camps Bay is a playground of the wealthy with property prices to match.

Llandudno

This millionaires row continues along the rocky coast with a long stretch of undeveloped coastline to Llandudno. The village has a stunningly beautiful beach, much favoured by surfers, real estate in the village is likely to be beyond all but the most well heeled however. Some of Cape Town’s most exciting homes have been built in Llandudno with talented architects having incorporated huge granite boulders and glass walled swimming pools overlooking the bay into their designs.

Hout Bay

Not far from Llandudno, just over the rise called the Suikerbosie (sugar bush) Hill is Hout Bay, one of the fastest growing areas in Cape Town which has a thriving town centre and its own waterfront development, which predates the better-known V&A Waterfront in the city by several years. Hout Bay offers much for the visitor with boat cruises from the harbour, the World of Birds and a variety of restaurants to choose from.

World of Birds: www.worldofbirds.org.za

Chapman’s Peak Drive

From Hout Bay, what must surely be one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world winds along Chapman’s Peak drive to Noordhoek. There are wonderful picnic spots and look-out points along the way and the view across to the Sentinel, guarding the entrance to Hout Bay, is unforgettable. A miracle of civil engineering even by today’s standards, the road is cut into an almost vertical cliff face, it is an unforgettable experience to drive the winding road and watch the waves crashing on the rocks below. [Watch the Video]

NB!!! – Chapman’s Peak Drive is a toll road, the toll for passenger vehicles is R20 per trip.

Noordhoek | Kommetjie | Scarborough

Beyond the green Noordhoek valley, the villages of Kommetjie and Scarborough are among the more isolated areas close to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. At Kommetjie, Long Beach is renowned among surfers as one of the worlds prime surf spots. Outer Kom (200 metres off the lighthouse) with waves up to five metres and Sunset Reef (approximately a kilometre of Long Beach) where waves of eight metres have been ridden are not for the faint hearted.

Source: Cape Town Atlantic Coast

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Table Mountain

July 29, 2009 at 10:01 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , ,

Table Mountain, the massive sandstone plateau rising up above the Cape Flats has always been a welcome sight to seafarers. Rising over a kilometre out of the ocean, on a clear day it’s visible from 200 kilometres out to sea. The summit is approximately 3km wide and at Maclear’s Beacon, its highest point, rises to a height of 1085m.

Over the centuries it has become one of South Africa’s most famous landmarks. Although there are numerous hiking trails to the top of the mountain, for the less energetic, the revolving cable car is a less strenuous way of making the ascent. There are over 2 kilometres of paths and numerous view sites on the summit.

Facilities

A gift shop and restaurants are available at the upper cable station, for a breakfast with a difference, or a choice of hot or cold buffet, the Self Service Restaurant offers a varied choice. If you prefer to sit and watch the sun set over the city, the Cableway Cocktail Bar is ideal, the facility can also be booked for functions. The Summit Boardroom accommodates up to 80 guests and offers a different venue for staff training or entertaining VIP guests.

Accessibility

The Cableway is freely accessible to people with disabilities. There are dedicated parking bays near the lift entrance at the lower cable station. Guide dogs are welcome aboard and most seem to enjoy the ride.

Visiting The Mountain

The weather is unpredictable on the mountain and can turn cold very quickly, so take adequate warm clothing, no matter how warm the day. The cable car operating times vary according to the season with the first car up at 08h00 year round. Last car down is between 17h30 and 19h30, contact the cable station for details and prices: 021 424 0015.

Source: DiscoverTheCape

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Finding the Best of Cape Town Accommodation, Including Camps Bay Accommodation

June 8, 2009 at 1:35 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

Cape Town

, right at the bottom of Africa, but right at the top of the world in terms of beauty, attractions, entertainment, tours, adventures, sea and more. And Cape Town accommodation has stepped up to support visitors and travelers to make the most of their stay. One of the most amazing suburbs within Cape Town is Camps Bay . The beach is outstanding, the views exquisite and Camps Bay accommodation is certainly en par with its beautiful surroundings.

I visit Cape Town as often as I get the opportunity. It is a treat and a place our family aspires to find as a new home in the not too distant future. The place thrives as an economy, but offers all the luxuries of a glorious holiday destination

. I have been fortunate enough to know about Cape Town accommodation, including Camps Bay accommodation in detail and can certainly offer top rated opinions. I am in awe at the attention to detail you will find at Cape Town accommodation and Camps Bay accommodation establishments. You may find the most phenomenal views of Table Mountain , the sea and the beach.

Whether you are out finding adventure, relaxation, dining delicacies or simply taking in the beauty of your Cape Town accommodation and Camps Bay accommodation, you will find that the Cape air nourishes the soul and the body. The moisture in the air is enough to make you feel revived.

Needing a place to revive, holiday, tour, enjoy safari or even conduct business – visit Cape Town and find your resting place here.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com
Cape Town Accommodation

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Useful Information for Tourists

May 11, 2009 at 7:57 am · Filed under Uncategorized

Climate:

As the country lies in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in South Africa are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. December and January are the main summer holiday months, and people flock to the beaches in droves. In May and June, Autumn brings warm days and cool nights. Autumn and Spring are the best seasons for hiking. From the beginning of July to the end of September, you can expect cold and rain in the Western Cape. Snow sometimes falls on the Cape mountains in winter.

Communication Services:

A direct dialing service connects all centres and the international telephone service links south Africa with countries around the world. Cellular phones can be hired on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Internet access is available in all but the most remote areas and broadband (ADSL) is available in the major urban areas.

Credit Cards:

Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and their affiliates are accepted in South Africa

Currency:

The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R1. R1 = 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, American Express and Rennies Travel. Notes issued R200, R100, R50, R20, R10; coins R5, R2, R1, 50c 20c, 10c and 5c. Currency exchange rates are available at banks and published daily in the press.

Electricity:

220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Three pronged plugs are universal, so take an adapter. Most hotel rooms have 110-volt outlets for electric shavers and small appliances.

Health Hazards:

The western and eastern Cape are free of both Malaria and Bilharzia (present in streams, rivers, lakes and dams in some of the northern and eastern parts of the country) although for visitors planning to venture further north we recommend preventative medication which is obtainable at all South African pharmacies. It’s important to consult a pharmacist for advice on the best drug or drug combination you should take.

Sun Protection:

The South African sun is strong with a high ultraviolet rating, so screening products with sun protection factors of 15 and over are recommended.

Visas:

Passport holders from more than 80 countries, including the USA, Canada, Japan and the European Union countries can visit South Africa without visas. For further information contact your local office of the diplomatic or consular representative of the South African Government. If you intend traveling to South Africa’s neighbouring countries and back into South Africa you are advised to apply for multiple entry visas. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means to support themselves during their stay, and that they are in possession of return or onward air tickets.

Read Further: Cape Town Tourist Information

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Cape Town Shopping

October 17, 2008 at 7:28 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Discover The Cape | Cape Town Holiday Accommodation

Cape Town offers visitors a world class shopping experience and a wide choice of high street shops, malls and craft villages. The list below is by no means a complete one but provides a cross section of what the visitor could expect to find.

Cavendish Square

Claremont
Cavendish Square which is located in the southern suburb of Claremont has been ranked as one of South Africa’s premier shopping and entertainment centres. The centre has a distinct up-market atmosphere and a recent R90 million revamp has added retail space with a strong international flavour. 30 international tenants are included among its many stores including global brands like Levi Strauss, Bang & Olufsen, Timberland, Bally, Diesel, Swatch, McDonald’s, Waterford Wedgwood and The Body Shop.

More Info
Telephone: 021 657 5600
Website: www.cavendish.co.za

Tyger Valley

Bellville
Located in the fast growing northern suburbs of Cape Town, Tyger Valley draws over 1.2 million visitors every month to its approximately 275 shops, 10 cinemas or 33 restaurants. This is truly a city within a city with something for everyone. Abundant parking is available with over 5000 parking bays, at least half of them undercover.

More Info
Telephone: 021 914 1822
Website: www.tygervalley.co.za

Canal Walk

Century City
Located only 10 minutes from the centre of Cape Town, Canal Walk is the shopping destination of choice for locals and visitors alike. More than 400 shops, 45 restaurants and coffee shops,   the largest cinema complex in southern Africa with seating for over 4500 people and 20 screens are spread out on over 120 000 square metres alongside the grandly named “Grand Canal”. The centre is located adjacent to the Ratanga Junction theme park (the only one of its kind in the western cape) and and is easily reached with direct access from the N1 highway.

More Info
Telephone: 021 555 3250
Website: www.canalwalk.co.za

Noordhoek Farm Village

Noordhoek
A different shopping experience surrounded by ancient oaks in the lush Noordhoek valley. The farm village includes a variety of local arts and craft shops including hand blown glass, tack for the horse riding set and unique artworks produced by local artists. There is a selection of pubs, coffee shops and restaurants and a kids playground.

More Info
Telephone: 021 789 1317
Website: www.noordhoekvillage.co.za

Two Oceans Craft and Culture Centre

Fish Hoek
Situated along the popular scenic route to Cape Point and Scarborough, the Two Oceans Craft and Culture Centre is a community project engaging the skills and talents of the people of Masiphumelele, Ocean View and Red Hill. The craft market includes beadwork, leatherwork, ceramics, woodwork, grass weave work, clothing & candles. A new addition is the Sonwabile Resturant, fashioned from stone with a thatched roof, the restaurant seats 50 and is a great place to meet friends for a cup of good coffee, or to relax for a meal.

Try the Kraal Theatre, seating 300, the theatre is a platform for local talent, or you could take a township tour which may include a visit to a sangoma (witch doctor), places of worship, schools, shops, housing projects and local artists. The tours are led by trained guides.

More Info
Telephone: 021 785 3495
Website: www.twooceanscentre.co.za

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Castle of Good Hope

September 18, 2008 at 8:45 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , ,

Discover the Cape – Cape Town Accomodation Guide

Built between 1666 – 1679, the Castle is the oldest structure in South Africa, which today serves as headquarters for the Western Province Army Command. The castle houses the William Fehr Collection of Africana, which provides a glimpse of life at the Cape during the 17th and 18th centuries and the Castle History Museum.

The “castle” is actually a defensive fort, construction of which began barely 2 days after the arrival of the first Dutch settlers in April 1652. Although today the Castle is far away from the sea, it was originally built on the beach, Strand Street, which passes the structure is translated as “Beach Street”. The area where the cape Town station now stands was originally under the ocean and has been built on land reclaimed over the years so that today the ocean is a couple of kilometres distant.

Visiting The Castle

The castle is open daily from  09h00 to 16h00, Monday to Saturday (open Sundays during December) except Christmas day and New Years day. Daily tours are conducted at 11h00, 12h00 and 14h00. The changing of the guard is held Monday to Friday at 12h00.

Admission is charged,  there is a snack shop and restaurant on the premises. For more information contact the Castle on 021 787 1249.

Website: www.castleofgoodhope.co.za

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