ATTRACTIONS

Situated a short distance from the city of Cape Town is the Winelands region, one of the most picturesque areas of the Western Cape. The major wine routes, offer an opportunity to appreciate the Cape's history and traditions while being surrounded by spectacular landscapes of vineyards rolling hills and valleys.

The winelands are divided into various different regions, each offering their own 'wine route'. The most popular and well-known are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington and Paarl.

Wine lovers abound visit the Cape Winelands as an absolute must as the region is one of breathtaking vistas and majestic mountain backdrops while being steeped in rich culture. Rolling vineyards and charming Cape Dutch homesteads await you, as well as award-wining wine farms offering some of the country's best wines.

Not to be forgotten are the highly acclaimed wine estates in the Constantia Valley. Also located in beautiful surroundings with stunning mountain backdrops, the Constantia Valley boasts some of the oldest estates and homesteads along with award winning wines.

Wine tasting is offered by estates, which allows visitors a popular means of sampling one of the Cape's greatest exports. Most wine estates, also provides you the opportunity to purchase bottles or cases of the estate's wines.

When the lights go dim in Cape Town the fun begins. Visitors can take their pick from amongst various nightclubs, wine-bars, pubs and cocktail lounges. The V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, Camps Bay, Observatory and lower Cape Town buzz until sunrise 365 days a year.

Most clubs open for business at 11pm and remain so all night, while many remain open seven nights a week, promising non-stop partying. We recommend that you start your night out in Kloof Street or at a bar in Green Point before entering the city. Long Street is the place for the young and in vogue, here you can spend the entire night drifting in and out of pubs and clubs.

One of the most popular clubs is Opium in the vibey Greenpoint area. With a cigar bar, whiskey lounge and regular events and DJ's it is an extremely popular venue.

Somerset Road towards Greenpoint offers the Budda Bar and the Buena Vista Social Club for a sultry Cuban feel. The top end of Somerset Road and the De Waterkant area offers the traditionally gay scene at Bronx, Angel and Detour - although nowdays the area offers a real mix of clubs and entertainment including the popular Chilli 'n Lime.

The city centre is the main hub and offers a range of venues from ultra-trendy to ultra-laid back. The Fez, Rhodes House, Jet Lounge and The Ivory Room are a few which fit the ultra-trendy profile. In the District Six area The Jam and 206 attract a more relaxed crowd offering a variety of music and live bands.

The Cableway was first built almost 78 years ago. On 4 October 1929 the Cableway opened its doors to its visitors. Cape Town is well known for it's dazzling,Table Mountain. The safest way up Table Mountain is by means of the cable car.

The peak of the mountain is 1086m and even on a sunny day it can be quite nippy on the peak, visitors are advised to dress for this eventuality.

In the past, three upgrades have taken place, with the most recent in October 1997. To date the Cableway has transported more than 18 million passengers to the summit.

The 65 passenger cable car runs from Tafelberg Road to the top of Table Mountain. The floor rotates giving everyone a 360 degree view on the way up.

The cable car was imported from Switzerland and there are only 2 other such cable cars in the world, one in the Swiss Alps in Switzerland, and in Palm Springs America.

The cable cars take about 5-10 minutes to reach the top of the mountain and travel at a speed of up to 10 meters per second.

The cable car has excellent aerodynamics to tame Cape Town’s famous strong South Easter winds.

A visit to one of the world's most famous democracies wouldn't be complete without a ferry trip to Robben Island, the site of Nelson Mandela's incarceration for most of his 27 years behind bars. This flat island with a notorious history, was declared a world heritage site in 1999 largely because of its association with the liberation struggle.

Robben Island was used at various times between the 17th and 20th centuries as a hospital for socially unacceptable groups and as a military base.

The main centre of Robben Island is located in a small village from where bread, building materials and other provisions had to be ferried over from Cape Town Harbour. Robben Island generate it's own electrical power and obtains its water from boreholes on the island.

Much has been done to restore the Robben Island's ecological environment to what it used to be. In 1991 Robben Island become part of SA natural heritage program and the northern parts of the island were declared a bird sanctuary. Buck, ostrich, and rabbits can now be found on the island.

Many apartheid activists and former inmates regard the island as a surrogate political "university". Today a touching memorial to a long liberation struggle, it is one of South Africa's most significant historical sites. At the island, former political prisoners act as guides giving visitors a glimpse of the hardships an apartheid era.

Cape Town offers a number of walking and hiking trails in and around the City and its surrounding mountains and forests, keeping you busy for days on end. The Cape provides different hiking backdrops from waterfalls and ravines to fynbos and lush forest - beautiful scenery and an abundance of flora and birdlife.

The majority of the most popular routes are well-sign posted it is important note that the Cape's weather is known for changing without warning. It is recommended to always be prepared with plenty of water and warm clothing regardless of the weather. Plan your route before hand and consult the necessary maps or acquire the service of a local guide who is well acquainted with the area.
Mountain Safety Tips

1. Never climb alone. Four or more is the ideal party.

2. The choice of route should take into account the ability, fitness level and experience of the hiking party.

3. Use a guidebook and map, or the assistance of an experienced guide.

4. In the event of a emergency ensure that at least one member of the group has a charged cell phone.

5. Pack warm clothing in event of bad weather.

6. Inform an acquaintance of your intended route and do not deviate from it.

7. Always take into account the pace of the slowest member of the party.

8. All members of the party should follow the same path.

9. Keep to the intended route, retrace your steps if unsure.

10. If you are lost and unsure of what to do, find shelter, remain calm

Nestled between two of South Africa’s most distinguishable landmarks in the hub of Cape Town's working harbour, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has developed into South Africa's most frequented destination.

Framed against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues are intermingled with office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina.

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a all-in-one shopping and recreation mecca frequented by both locals and visitors alike, makes the V&A Waterfront a larger-than-life Cape Town attraction.

As a leisure destination, the wide variety of attractions and entertainment, live performances by street entertainers, musicians, singers and theatre groups are on offer while families will enjoy the world-class Two Oceans Aquarium and Maritime Museum. Various activities such as aerial trips around Table Bay, boat trips around the harbour and a variety of pleasure cruises, yacht charters and boat trips provide visitors with an alternative view of the area.

Sailing enthusiasts are attracted from around the world to yacht races, such as the BT Global Challenge and Volvo Ocean Race, while annual events such as the V&A Waterfront Wine Festival and annual Jazzathon act as a draw cards for a variety of other interest groups.

The N2 highway, linking Cape Town International airport with the city, is bordered with townships constructed of densely packed shacks and buildings. During the turbulent days of the apartheid government, these were off limit areas, but today a township experience affords visitors an insight and appreciation of the resilients of a previously oppressed people.

Township tours are walking tours, they generally last half a day or so and include a visit to a shebeen (pub), school, orphanage, community center and a traditional healer. Recommended are township tours of Langa, the oldest township in South Africa or Khayelitsha, the second largest township in South Africa. These tours will usually be co-led by a resident in the area, showcase local industry and community projects and include a not to be missed pit stop at a infamous township bar or 'shebeen'.

The best music in Cape Town originates from its townships and a music tour is a great way to experience the creativity and vibrancy that exists in the townships despite the poverty.

Visitors who embark on these tours always cite it as one of the high points of their holiday, one of their most memorable experiences. Take note, do not visit the townships on your own. Reputable tour companies offer tours, including transport to and from the township

Tried and tested for thousands of years, drumming has been a part of almost every culture in the world. It is one of the most universal activities, breaking barriers of age, gender, race, language and disability. Making music together creates a sense of identity and belonging.

For a varied experience visitors can sample drumming at different venues such as Kayamandi and The Drum Café.

Accompanied by a local guide at the Kayamandi Community Centre visitors will stroll along the bustling streets of the township while he sheds light on the life in his town. Various stops will be made along the way, of which the Kindergarten, library, private residents and “Spaza Shops” (informal stores) are the most popular.

After experiencing the sight and sounds of the community visitors are invited to experience Kayamandi vibes by participating in a drumming session! With the help of a seasoned drummer who has experience in the performing arts, apprentice drummers will feel the rhythms of African drums at their fingertips!

For something of a more hands-on live music experience, Cape Town's famous Drum Café in Gardens in Cape Town, hosts regular drum circles where patrons can learn from local dudes. The Drum Café has fast established itself as the authority on traditional African music.

Synonymous with group drumming and interactive team- building, they are also one of Southern Africa's leading entertainment agencies. Drum Cafe include some of the top drummers in the world to add energy to your conference, team building event, celebration, product launch, awards dinner or training program.

Cape Town offers a beach for every season and every occasion, making it one of the best sun, sand and sea destinations in the world. South Africa was the first country outside of Europe to have blue flag beaches, which signifies a high level of water quality, facilities, cleanliness and safety. Cape Town boasts three blue flag beaches, these are Clifton Beach, Mnandi Beach and Bikini Beach at Gordon's Bay right out on the eastern side of False Bay. There are many other beaches to choose from.

Atlantic Seaboard Beaches
The beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno that dot the Atlantic Seaboard are white and sandy offering beautiful views and spectacular sunsets. The water is very nippy, but on a hot summer day it makes for an invigorating dip. The above beaches are generally the more chic beaches where many locals spend their weekends

False Bay Beaches
The False Bay coastline is usually quieter and more laid-back than the trendy Atlantic beaches, but in peak-season these beaches too are frequented by holidaymakers. The water in the bay is much more pleasant and the shallow waters allows for safe and enjoyable swimming. Lifeguards are on duty at all major beaches who will indicate designated areas for swimming.

Hout Bay
Initially a small fishing village, Hout Bay is now popular with visitors sporting a traditional harbour and many restaurants and curio shops. The beach is surrounded by the harbour and the cliffs of Chapmans Peak on the other. It's a favourite amongst windsurfers, paddleskiers and surfers and is ideal for walking.

Bloubergstrand Beaches
The popular beaches of Blouberg offer one of the most beautiful and most photographed views of Table Mountain across the sweeping bay. These beaches are popular with families and sports enthusiasts - surfing and kite-surfing in particular are very popular. Also ideal for long beach walks and evening sundowners and picnics. In season - the Blouberg beaches are also a great whale-watching viewpoint.

South African beadwork is a popular fashionable art form in Africa because of its vibrant color and design. When it comes to decoration, the beads work wonders in Africa, since the ancient times. South African beadwork also indicate group uniqueness and also represent the social ranking, age, spiritual state and marital status of the person who is wearing the beads. The beads have significant meanings routed in a symbolic system, which conveys an unspoken language.

Beads are made from a range of materials, like stone, glass and plastic, materials like horn, bone, metal, shell, ivory, gemstones, coral, pearl, metal clay, polymer clay, wood, resin, fiber, seeds, ceramic, paper and synthetic minerals.

Jewellery, toys, Christmas decoration and more: Take home a personalized souvenir inspired by South African beading craft! Create beautiful patterns yourself, learning first hand from locals on your unique township tour in friendly Kayamandi close to Stellenbosch.

Start off with a guided walk, which will give you an intimate introduction to everyday life in the township. Later, in the workshop of the community centre equipped with a beading kit, local crafters share the art of African beading with you.