Cape Point Nature Reserve

The Cape Point or Cape of Good Hope, situated at the south-western tip of Africa, is a place well known for treacherous seas, troubling many a ship as they passed from Atlantic Ocean to Indian Ocean or visa-versa. Table Mountain National Park overseas this beautifully scenic area which is home to an entire floral kingdom and many populations of animals.
Around the park there are numerous walking trails for you to explore. There is a funicular that will take you right to the tip where you are able to look back at awe at the beauty of Cape Point, Cape Town and it surrounds.

There is an indescribable feeling that you get standing at this point and if you are in Cape Town this is a must see local attraction.

Location: Cape Point
Tel: (+27 21) 780 9010/11
Fax: (+27 21) 780 9203
Website: www.capepoint.co.za

The Castle of Good Hope

The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest building in South Africa. Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, better known as the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie), this pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort built in 1652 by Commander Jan van Riebeeck, founder of the maritime replenishment station at the Cape of Good Hope.

Guided tours are conducted by Castle guides from Monday to Saturday at 11:00, 12:00 and 14:00. Self-guided tours by means of a map in seven (7) different languages are also on offer.

Traditional ceremonies take place during weekdays. This ceremony takes place at 10:00 and 12:00 and the Castle Guard performs both these ceremonies.  

Location: Cnr. Buitekant & Darling street, Cape Town
Tel: (+27 21) 787 1249
Fax: (+27 21) 787 1089
Website: www.castleofgoodhope.co.za

Green Market Square

In Cape Town city centre there is one of Cape Town’s oldest and most popular markets known as Green Market Square. The cobbled stone square has a wide variety of African curios, clothing, candles and speciality stands.

There are restaurants and cafes that surround the square if you wish to rest your feet and take a break from your shopping. The history of the market dates back to when ships passing the Cape would use the area for trading their goods and stocking up on produce before they continued along on their voyages. You will find that the market is always alive with people and has a great atmosphere and sense of character about it.

Location: 54 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
Tel: (+27 21) 426-1052
Fax: (+27 21) 4261054
Website: www.greenmarketsquare.com

Kirstenbosch

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a world famous garden which is home to indigenous flora to the Cape. The immaculately kept gardens and modern visitor centre are an incredible asset to the City of Cape Town.

Allow yourself plenty time to walk around the gardens and relax in this natural, tranquil setting. The garden is great for picnics and people of all ages enjoy what the garden has to offer.

Summer and Spring are full of life and this holds true for the Botanical gardens. From December to March, musical sunset concerts are held on the lawns. Craft markets are also held at the Stone Cottages on the last Sunday of every month (except June, July & August).

Location: Rhodes Drive, Newlands
Tel: (+27 21) 799-8783/8620 (weekdays)
Tel: (+27 21) 761-4916 (weekends)
Website: www.sanbi.org

Penguins - Boulders Beach 

Boulders Beach is situated just after the naval port and picturesque village of Simons’s Town. The beach has a very healthy population of African Penguins who have chosen the beach as their home and breeding ground due to the fact that there are fewer predators on this part of the coast.

Since 1985 the population has grown at a significant rate as the birds are feeding on the abundant supply of small shoaling fish in False Bay. The protected area is a popular local attraction and is looked after by the Table Mountain National Park.

There are walkways that enable you to view the penguins without disturbing them in their natural habitat.  

Location: Driving along the main road you pass through Simon’s Town. Shortly after the town you turn left into Seaforth Road where you will find a parking area and the Boulders. 
Tel: (+27 21) 786-2329
Fax: (+27 21) 786-2329
Website: www.aboutcapetown.com/penguins.htm

Robben Island

For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometres from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society. The Robben Island Museum Tours Department includes some ex-political prisoners who act as tour guides on Cape Town's World Heritage Site. The three and a half hour tour includes a return trip across Table Bay, a visit to the Maximum Security Prison, interaction with an ex-political prisoner and a 45 minute bus tour with a guide providing commentary.

"Never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land shall ever experience oppression of one by another." Nelson R Mandela 1994

Location: Tours depart from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Tel: (+27 21) 413-4200
Fax: (+27 21) 419-1057
Website: www.robben-island.org.za

Table Mountain Cableway 

There is something very special about Table Mountain; it leaves a majestic and powerful impression on all that have visited the amazing City of Cape Town.

From the top of the mountain you are treated to panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Bay. The mountain adds so much character to the City of Cape Town and its no wonder that it is such a famous landmark. Weather permitting, the modern cable car which revolves as it climbs offers you the chance to reach the summit within 6 minutes.

Once there you are treated to a view that you will never forget. Facilities on top of the mountain include: a souvenir shop restaurant, cocktail bar and summit room.

Bookings:  As the Cableway is weather dependent it does not take bookings. Purchase of tickets can be made, on the day of your visit, at our lower station ticket office.

Location: Lower Cable Station, Tafelberg Road - From Cape Town drive up Kloof Nek Road. At the top you will reach a circle. Turn right into Tafelberg Road and follow the road to the lower cable station.
Tel: (+27 21) 424-8181
Fax: (+27 21) 424-3792
Website: www.tablemountain.net

The Two Oceans Aquarium 

Over 3000 animals, including fishes, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and birds can be seen in the spectacular underwater world of the Two Oceans Aquarium.

From ragged tooth sharks and shoals of yellowtail to Knysna seahorses and African penguins, the Aquarium is a dynamic place where the oceans come alive.

The Aquarium offers opportunities such as diving with the sharks and oceans of fun activities for children. Become a Solemate and visit as often as you like during the year of your membership. You’ll also receive a host of exclusive benefits and events. Dive in and discover the depths of this enchanting world!

The following are the feeding times: I&J Predator - Daily at 15:30, Penguins - Daily at 12:00 & 15:00, Seals - Daily at 11:00 & 14:30.  

Location: Dock Road, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002
Tel: (+27 21) 418-3823
Fax: (+27 21) 418-2064
Website: www.aquarium.co.za

The V&A Waterfront 

Situated in the working harbour of Cape Town the vibrant V&A Waterfront is South Africa’s most visited attraction. The waterfront has so many activities and attractions which make it a very interesting and exciting place.

People visit for numerous reasons; to shop, dine, sip on cocktails, to listen to music, go on boat trips and visit the Two Oceans Aquarium… the list goes on.The underlying appeal of the V&A Waterfront is its magnificent setting. With Table Mountain looking down on you and the fresh ocean breeze from Table Bay take some time to take in the scenery.

The harbour is just as beautiful in the night as it is in the day and it is always alive with visitors.  

Location: V&A Waterfront Head Office Portswood Close, Portswood Ridge Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Tel: (+27 21) 408-7600
Fax: (+27 21) 408-7600
Website: www.waterfront.co.za

 
The Iziko Planetarium 

Be transported through the night skies at the Iziko Planetarium in Cape Town. The Planetarium can be found at the top of the Cape Town gardens in the buildings of the South African Museum. Sit back and relax as you gaze up at the dome roof where the night sky is projected. The shows are fascinating and have great appeal to people of all ages. Each show is an audio and visual experience and throughout the year there are different themes to shows.

From the comfort of your chair this is a fantastic way to gain a greater understanding and insight into what lies beyond planet earth. While you are in the area allow yourself the time to explore the South African Museum and the Cape Town Gardens. Make a day of it.  

Location: 25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town
Tel: (+27 21) 481-3900
Fax: (+27 21) 481-3990
Website: www.iziko.org.za/planetarium/index.html