The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Cape Town
Afrikaans name: Kaapstad
Above - Table Mountain, Cape Town
Photo © Steven Herbert
Western Cape
Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa but it is number one when it comes to scenic beauty. It is the Legislative Capital of South Africa.
Cape Town weather
CAPE TOWN WEATHERThe recorded history of Cape Town goes back to 1652 when a supply station was established there by the Dutch East India Company. Signs of human habitation have been found dating back to nearly 15,000 years ago.
The dominating feature of Cape Town is the iconic Table Mountain. One of the "must do" things in Cape Town is to go up the cable car to the top of the mountain. Another of Cape Towns major attractions is the Cape Town Waterfront. The waterfront is the departure point to the world famous Robben Island which is accessed by ferry. For those interested in the history of the area the Castle of Good Hope is worth a visit.
There are some great beaches but, if you plan on swimming, be aware that the water is pretty cold! This doesn't appear to put off the locals from entering the water. Talking about entering the water, why not go for a shark cage dive to see the magnificent Great White Sharks. From Cape Town one can easily reach a number of scenic attractions and famous name wine farms. Cape Town has become one of South Africas top tourist destinations.
Above - Cape Town at night
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - Cape Town CBD
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - Cape Town from Leeukop lookout point
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - Cape Town from Leeukop lookout point
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - From Signal Hill, in Cape Town, one can look out on Robben Island
Photo © Steven Herbert
Above - Dutch Reformed Church (1704, 1781, 1789 & 1841). Oldest church in South Africa
Photo © Johan van Zyl
References and further reading
Things ewe never knewe about South African place names - Author: Ann Gadd - Published: 2015 - Page: 37Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 100
The Dive Sites of South Africa - Author: Anton Koornhof - Published: 1992 - Page: 20
The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 22
Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 98
Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 16
On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 10
Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 263
go! - Issue 088 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 46
go! - Issue 125 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 106
Hit the Road - 2nd Edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2018 - Page: 16
Family Fun - Author: Lisa McNamara - Published: 2015 - Page: 7
Getaway - Vol 30 No 10 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 52
Country Life - Issue 230 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 76
Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 9
Chris and Tilde Stuarts Guide to Southern African Game and Nature Reserves - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1989 - Page: 224
Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2019 - Page: 94
Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2019 - Page: 95
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 202
A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 202