The Dutch East India Company formed Cape Town as a refueling stop for Dutch Ships traveling to the Far East, India and Africa. Cape Town is located on Table Bay at the south south-west tip of Southern Africa. Before the Dutch took an interest in the area, it had been home to the Khoisan’s who found solace in the spiritual power of the mountains and water. Cape Town is famous for landmarks such as Table Mountain that lies within a national park.
Cape Town is served by Cape Town International Airport, located about 20 minutes from the Cape Town City Centre with some flights making a stopover in Johannesburg. Since there is no public transportation between the airport and the city, it is recommended for travelers to book transportation from the airport to the city through one of several shuttle services. Private taxis are also available.
Cape Town has an abundance of affordable and accessible outdoor activities to offer its tourists. Cape Town has become the most popular tourist destination in Africa with its many sightseeing and relaxation venues. If your travel style is high energy, low energy or something in between, Cape Town has something for you. Let’s take a look at some of what is available.
Cape Town is home to a vast region of wine lands. For 300 years, wine has been a main stay for the Cape and the industry has flourished. The best way to experience wine country is by road trip. A leisurely drive through wine country will lead you past quaint wine estates, while admiring the Dutch influenced architecture. A stop at any of the many wineries will allow you the opportunity for a visit to the wine cellar and perhaps a leisurely lunch on the beautifully landscaped wine grounds. The towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek are home to some of the finest wineries in the world.
The railroad enthusiast will enjoy a two day train trip from Cape Town to Pretoria via the Blue Train, which is the railroads equivalent of a five star hotel. As the train rumbles through the country side, you will enjoy the five star services as much as the ever changing, picturesque landscape right outside your window. Stops along the way to visit historic sites such as the Lord Milner Hotel or the old car museum punctuate the 27 hour journey between Cape Town and Pretoria. You may opt for a stop in Zimbali to take in 18 holes of golf or enjoy some time being pampered at one of several spas.
Cape Town offers many helicopter tours for those who like to explore from the clouds. Get a bird’s eye view of the majestic beaches, lush wine country or follow the coastline during whale season and catch a glimpse of the yearly visitors as they calf their young. Most trips end with refreshments of some kind while others offer lunch or dinner during or after your trip. Tours vary in length from 30 minutes to a day or more. Cost of the tours varies depending on the number of passengers.
