From Table Mountain, tourists can enjoy the best views of Cape Town. A unique backdrop, exciting wildlife and a mix of different cultures characterize the city.
Vibrant city and lots of nature
After landing, on the way from the airport to the city, Table Mountain appears for the first time. It is a highlight, a trademark of Cape Town. The city is at his feet and he dominates the cityscape. On some days clearly recognizable, on some days wrapped in a blanket of clouds, which push over the plateau from the sea side due to the humid air masses. Definitely worth a visit every day.
The sun is shining over Cape Town
While Europe is saying goodbye to summer and preparing for the cold days, summer is only just beginning in South Africa . The southwestern tip of Africa shines in the spring sun and October is the best time to travel to Cape Town. There is a lot to discover in the African-European city with an Asian touch. It is the diversity of the city that attracts tourists from all countries to Cape Town every year: untouched nature, the vibrant city, breathtaking beaches and coastlines, modern, trendy restaurants and the famous Table Mountain. Those who like hiking can climb the mountain on foot, everyone else can easily reach it by cable car. A particular highlight are the many dassies, the rock hyraxes, that can be found on the mountain. Somehow, the animals are reminiscent of marmots, but are related to elephants.
The climate in Cape Town
Cape Town has stable temperatures. In the summer months of November to March, daytime temperatures range from 24 to 27 degrees Celsius. At night, temperatures will drop to around 14 degrees Celsius. Even in winter, temperatures reach a pleasant 16 to 18 degrees Celsius during the day, and only during the night hours can the temperature drop to a cool five to seven degrees Celsius. The winter months also see the majority of the annual rainfall.
South Africa’s eventful history
The diversity of Cape Town is not only reflected in the landscape, but also in the population. The city is characterized by a mix of different cultures, from Africa as well as from Asia and Europe. If you walk through the city with a tourist guide, you can see what unites the people. The consequences of apartheid can still be felt in some places today, but at the same time people are amazed at achievements, such as the new cultural centre. One thing is clearly noticeable everywhere: great importance is attached to respect in living together within the population and in living together with visitors.
Excursions in the surrounding area are worthwhile
Cape Town has a number of sights to offer. These include the botanical garden, the V&A Waterfront with the shopping temples, Kirstenbosch and the wineries in the Constantia district. Nevertheless, a trip out of Cape Town is worthwhile. No one should miss the Cape of Good Hope and there is a lot to discover in the animal world along the way. Baboons can be seen in many places, seals can be admired on a boat trip in Hout Bay and penguins can be met in Simon’s Town. If you drive an hour and a half from Cape Town to Hermanus, you will experience whales up close. By the way, Hermanus is the only city in the world where an official whale crier lives. His job is to keep an eye out for whales all day long and blow the horn vigorously when sighted.
Culinary diversity
The diversity of the city is also noticeable in the cuisine. Food is available in all flavors and price ranges. If you want to experience African folklore, visit the Gold Restaurant and for those who want to dine particularly classy, Camissa Brasserie in the Hotel Table Bay on the Waterfront is the perfect address. How about cooking for yourself? In the Bo-Kaap district, the Malaysian quarter, a fun-loving cook offers cooking classes for tourists at her home. South Africans love barbecuing. Not only privately, but also in the hotels or on the campsite, the grilling of pork or beef as well as pieces of mutton or lamb is downright celebrated. Other culinary highlights are fish dishes of all kinds and exotic fruit and vegetable dishes.