Cape Town, South Africa - Heaven on Earth

The travel bug bit me when I was 4 years old. My family lived in a small rural farming town with dirt roads, called Roedtan in South Africa, about 200 miles from Johannesburg. The train station was very close to my parent's store and we could hear the whistle of the train. This noise excited me then and anything travel related has been my passion since.

My first vacation to Cape Town, at the age of 4, was to a nearby beach town, Muizenberg. It was the first time I saw the beach. What an unforgettable experience!

This is a picture of me many years later enjoying the magnificence of this beautiful city - Cape Town. What wonderful memories we have of our numerous visits to this interesting part of the world.

I have traveled to many countries and I believe Cape Town is the most beautiful city and is indeed "Heaven on Earth".

History of this Magnificent City

Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town's metropolitan municipality. The city is famous for its harbour, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain and Cape Point. Cape Town is also South Africa's most popular tourist destination. It is located on the shore of Table Bay.

Cape Town was founded by the Dutch East India Company and was developed as a supply station for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, India and the Far East. Jan van Riebeeck arrived there on the 6 April, 1652 and established the first permanent European settlement in South Africa. Cape Town quickly became the economic and cultural hub of the Cape Colony.

Until the Witwatersrand Gold Rush and the development of Johannesburg, Cape Town was the largest city in South Africa.

Today it is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. It is a major destination for immigrants and expatriates to South Africa. As of 2007 the city had an estimated population of 3.5 million.

This picture is of Paul and me in 1983, enjoying and exploring magnificent Cape Town.

The Cape is a fascinating destination for visitors. You will find that the Cape Peninsula is the perfect choice for lovers of history and nature, as well as for beach goers. At the Castle of Good Hope you can see the oldest buildings, or look down at the cliffs of Cape Point. The beaches, the nightlife, the wonderful restaurants, or the historic towns on the Wine Route will make your visit to Cape Town a memorable one.

"The fairest Cape we saw in the whole circumference of the Earth"

~ Sir Francis Drake

Here are my recommendations to assist you in making a decision to visit Cape Town.

1. Table Mountain: This famous landmark with it's flat-topped mountain offers breath-taking views of rocky shorelines, mountains and blue oceans. There are approximately 350 different climbs to the summit. The view from every corner is superb and you will see why the claim that this is the Fairest Cape, is correct.
2. The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront: Named after Queen Victoria and her second son Alfred. Visit the waterfront where the charm of the Victorian era has been preserved. The magnificent old buildings within this harbour has created a village of museums, shops and hotels. Boats are available for charter.
3. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: Situated on the south-eastern slopes of Table Mountain. These National Botanical Gardens have over 4000 species of indigenous plants from all over South Africa. There are maps and self-guided walks to help visitors fully appreciate these lovely gardens.
4. Cape Town Beaches: Clifton, Sea Point, Camps Bay & Llandudno: This scenic drive curves through quaint seaside suburbs from Mouille Point, Green Point and Three Anchor Bay to the Sea Point promenade. Here, you will find wonderful restaurants, great boutiques for shoppers, and night-spots with good music. The people are friendly and make you feel very welcome.
5. Clifton's beaches are made up of four sandy coves, separated by large rocks, known as 'The Twelve Apostles'. You will find beautiful beaches and palm trees in Camps Bay. My favorite is Llandudno beach with it's large rocks.
6. Hout Bay, Fish Hoek & Kalk Bay: A very enjoyable drive to Hout Bay which is a lovely picturesque fishing village, then on to Fish Hoek for catamaran races. If you are interested in deep sea fishing, you can take a charter boat in Kalk Bay.
7. Cape Winelands for Wine-tasting: My favorite wine route, which we enjoyed, included Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Constantia. You will find some of the finest wines in the world at these vineyards.
8. Ratanga Junction Theme Park: For a full day of entertainment visit this theme park . There are fun rides for the whole family to enjoy and you will also find lots to eat.
9. Cape Point: Where the cold Atlantic Ocean on the west coast and the warm Indian Ocean meet. One of the highest sea cliffs in the world. You will find an abundance of birds, animals and plants here.
10. Robben Island: The island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years is today a national monument. There are regular excursions to the island.

Beaches - Cape Town and Beyond

Cape Town is known for its icy waters but that's made up for by its beautiful beaches. With the magnificent Table Mountain, in the background, no other beach can compete.

Bantry Bay has a beach known as Saunder's Rocks. This beautiful beach contains wonderful tidal pools for safe swimming.

Then you will find Camps bay, as well as Glen beach right next door.

For those who are feeling too hot to even wear a bathing suit, go swimming at Sandy Bay.

Llandudno beach has wonderful sand, blue water and palm trees. Llandudno is a glorious beach and is mostly protected from Cape Town's winds. One of my favorite beaches.

The beaches of Clifton are a favorite hangout for models and film stars alike.

Noordhoek has long stretches of sandy beaches ideal for water sports.

Throughout Cape Town and the Western Cape you will find an abundance of unspoilt and pristine beaches ideal for water sports, sunbathing, swimming or just relaxing.