An Overview Of Cape Town

By Author: Bonny Kominek
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Cape Town in South Africa is home to the South African Parliament, and is the second largest city in the country. Cape Town is located near the Cape of Good Hope, and is the most southerly of all cities in Africa. This coastal city offers many attractions for visitors ? here are a few of them.

The Bo-Kaap neighbourhood offers the chance of a glimpse of times gone by. Formerly an area inhabited by the descendants of slaves from South East Asia, the colourfully painted buildings make the area stand out, and you can get a good view over the rest of Cape Town. The Bo-Kaap museum can complete the picture after you have finished a leisurely stroll.

The Castle of Good Hope is known simply as The Castle to most locals, and has a good display of historical military paraphernalia. The history of the castle is well presented, and after your educational tour you can also eat in the restaurant or the caf?, as well as buy some local wine.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is feted as one of the most stunning botanical gardens in the world, and has an excellent collection of flora not just from the area surrounding Cape ...
... Town, but also rare specimens from throughout Africa. There are often displays of local art to enjoy, and you can eat and drink as well as buy souvenirs at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

For a more serious look at the history of South Africa, a tour of Robben Island ? just off the coast of Cape Town ? will introduce you to the former prison of Nelson Mandela. Guided tours, some of which are taken by former political prisoner inmates, offer some fascinating insight into the Apartheid era.

Table Mountain towers over Cape Town, and offers great view of the area. The adventurous are free to climb one of several paths to the top, but thankfully for those who are not so fit there is a cable car that can take you straight to the top. Both the cable car and the paths at the top of the mountain are wheelchair accessible.

The surfing opportunities provided by the meeting of two oceans are great for the experienced surfer in the waters around Cape Town. Of particular note are the world class kite surfing spots such as Dolphin Beach and Langebaan Lagoon, blessed with near constant wind and the surf.

The marine protected area around the Cape Peninsula offers excellent scuba diving opportunities, although the protected status means that it is necessary to obtain a permit to dive. For the slightly less bold, the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town also offers the opportunity to dive with local sea fauna in a 2.2 million litre tank. Bonny Kominek is a retired policeman who visits Cape Town every year.Bonny Kominek recommends looking at the services provided by Octopus Travel when planning a visit to Cape Town.