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 WEATHER

The 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

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References and further reading

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 202

Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Year Published: 2019 - Page: 94

Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Year Published: 2019 - Page: 95

Chris and Tilde Stuart's Guide to Southern African Game and Nature Reserves - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1989 - Page: 224

Conolly's Guide to Southern Africa - Author: Denis Conolly - Year Published: 1982 - Page: 9

Family Fun - Author: Lisa McNamara - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 7

go! - Issue 088 - Author: - Year Published: 2013 - Page: 46

go! - Issue 125 - Author: - Year Published: 2016 - Page: 106

Hit the Road - 2nd Edition - Author: MapStudio - Year Published: 2018 - Page: 16

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Year Published: 1995 - Page: 10

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1995 - Page: 263

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 16

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 98

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 100

The Dive Sites of South Africa - Author: Anton Koornhof - Year Published: 1992 - Page: 20

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 22

Things ewe never kn'ewe about South African place names - Author: Ann Gadd - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 37