The Mother City

With an eclectic mix of architecture, good planning, Table Mountain as a backdrop, superb beaches and a beautiful hinterland: Cape Town is well qualified to be South Africa's world city.  The streets are clean and safe, as is the efficient public transport network.  The city, unlike the other mega conurbations in S.A., is run by the opposition, Democratic Alliance. Politics are beyond the scope of this blog, but the way that Cape Town operates is in stark contrast to Joburg or Durban. The city is well supplied with museums, art galleries and concert venues.  It also has several thriving music scenes, jazz cafes and cinemas.

Cape Town City Hall with Table Mountain in the background

It was an absolute pleasure to stroll through the city centre, hike through the suburbs to the foot of Table Mountain and even venture out at night without need for a taxi. There is something for everyone in this fabulous place. 

Most visitors make a beeline for Table Mountain. It is possible to walk up to its 1085 meter summit, but the majority opt for the cable-way. During the ride, the floors of the cars turn through 360 degrees, giving excellent photo opportunities.  All very well on a clear day, but Cape weather can change in minutes. The mountain has an interesting but annoying habit of putting on its tablecloth, a cap of cloud which masks the wonderful views.  

The cable-way operators are scrupulously fair in alerting potential mountaineers to weather changes. Down at the base station, a beacon light revolves to warn of unfavourable conditions higher up. Sadly, I spent more time admiring this system than the view. Just as I was about to buy my ticket, the weather closed in.  Fortunately, the best part of the city bowl; Cape Town lies within an extinct volcano crater, along with the harbour, is visible from the base station.

Groot Constantia Monor House

I used the open top sightseeing buses to get around. 18 Euros buys a two day pass, enabling hop on/off city tours, a canal boat trip, plus an extended ride out into the countryside and back along the beaches of Camps Bay and Seapoint.  The on-board commentary is interesting, matching info with relevant scenery by GPS, although the background music can become tedious. The service also stop off near Groot Constantia, the Cape's oldest winery. Tours to the vineyards are available, via a complimentary shuttle bus system.  

For those with a love of the seaside, the Simonstown rail line runs around False Bay, past coastal resorts and sandy beaches. All very evocative for anyone who remembers the English seaside of 40 years ago.  At Simonstown itself, a short hike leads to Boulder Beach, home to a thriving colony of African Penguins.

The railway  runs right on the shoreline

Cape Town is a must see for anyone visiting South Africa. It is slightly more expensive than the rest of the country, but in my opinion, well worth the extra.  The city has an international airport and is well served by internal flights from the major destinations. Accommodation prices start from around €9 in a comfortable backpackers. 

More info here http://www.capetown.travel/