Robben Island and Table Mountain © SATOUR
Robben Island
South Africa’s most widely known tourist attraction
is probably Robben Island, seven miles (11km) from
Cape Town in the centre of Table Bay. For nearly 400 years
this tiny rocky island outcrop was utilised as a place of
banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment for numerous
categories of people ostracised by society, ranging from
political protestors to lepers. During the years of Apartheid,
Robben Island became synonymous with institutional
brutality as numerous freedom fighters, including the
island's most famous resident Nelson Mandela, were
imprisoned here for more than a quarter of a century. The
island is now a museum, symbolising liberation and the triumph of
the human spirit. Regular island tours are conducted, lasting three
and a half hours. The tours, which are guided by former prisoners,
include a visit to the maximum-security prison on the island where
an estimated 3,000 freedom fighters were incarcerated between 1962
and 1991.
Telephone: 021 409 5100 or 021 413 4200;
E-mail: info@tourcapetown.com;
Website: www.robben-island.org.za;
Transport: Boat from the Nelson Mandela Robben Island Gateway in the clock tower precinct at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. Book in advance;
Opening time: Boats leave at 9am, 10am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm (weather dependent);
Admission: Tours are R150 (adults), R75 (children 4-17), which includes the return boat trip across Table Bay
Capman's Peak Drive lookout
Chapman's Peak
Chapman's Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular coastal
roads in South Africa, linking the seaside community of Hout Bay to
the Noordhoek Valley along the Atlantic Coast, with breathtaking
views from along the narrow, winding road blasted into the cliffs.
Constructed in 1915, the six-mile (9km) route took about seven
years to complete and was built as a shorter, alternative route
between Cape Town central and the South Peninsula. Many visitors
use this scenic route to reach Cape Point Nature Reserve situated
at the tip of the Peninsula.
Telephone: 021 791 8222;
E-mail: info@chapmanspeakdrive.co.za;
Website: www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za;
Opening time: Open 24 hours; the road closes occasionally due to heavy rainfall, or rockfalls;
Admission: Chapman’s Peak Drive is operated as a toll-road. Light motor vehicles cost R23
Penguins on Boulders Beach © www.southafricantraveldesk.com
Simonstown and Boulders Beach
A recommended day excursion from the city includes a trip
through the southern suburbs and along the scenically beautiful
False Bay coastline via Muizenberg to Simonstown, South
Africa’s principal naval base. Simonstown lies about 25 miles
(40km) from the city and is a quaint town built around a naval
dockyard, with well-preserved Victorian buildings, museums,
sidewalk cafes and local legends to learn about. One such
legend is about a dog called ‘Just
Nuisance’ who 'joined' the British navy, becoming
their mascot, when Simonstown was a British base. A short
distance from the town is Boulder’s beach, famous for its
protected colony of African Penguins (formerly Jackass
Penguin) that can be viewed from the boardwalks.
Transport: Metrorail suburban train from Cape Town's central station;
Admission: Boulders Beach Penguin Colony: R15 (adults), R5 (scholars)
Cape Point © SATOUR
Cape Point
Most visitors to Cape Town are keen to make a day trip 40 miles
(65km) from the city to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, not
only to take in its floral diversity in what at first sight appears
to be a bleak landscape, but to stand at the top of the towering
promontory at the most southerly point of the Cape Peninsula (not
of Africa, visitors must go further afield to Cape Agulhus for
this). From the viewpoint and lighthouse at Cape Point, reached via
a funicular, it is awesome to watch the thundering waves crashing
at the base of the cliffs 686ft (209m) below. The reserve itself is
worth exploring, particularly on foot, for those interested in
birds and botany. The restaurant at Cape Point has a terrace
offering spectacular views. Resident baboons here enjoy the spoils
from tourists' snacks - particularly their ice-cream; they can be
quite aggressive. Because feeding of the baboons carries a stiff
penalty, it is worth ensuring there are no free lunches for these
hirsute scavengers!
Telephone: 021 780 9010/11;
E-mail: capepoint@concor.co.za;
Website: www.capepoint.co.za;
Opening time: Daily 6am to 6pm (September to April), 7am to 5pm (May to August). Funicular: 9am to 6pm (summer), 9am to 5.30pm (winter);
Admission: R55 (adults), R10 (children 2-16). Funicular: R25 one way (adults) or R34 return, concessions available
Cape Town township
Township Tours
The N2 highway that connects Cape Town International Airport to
the city is lined with townships, consisting of a mixture of shacks
and solid buildings. During the days of apartheid, people of colour
were not allowed to live in the white suburbs and were banished to
areas away from the city. Township tours allow visitors to
experience how the majority of Capetonians live in the townships
that surround the city. Guides, often residents, take visitors
around to meet the people, see community projects, have a drink in
a 'shebeen' (township pub) and shop for local crafts. Each township
has its own colourful character, and despite their difficult living
conditions, residents are generally hospitable and delighted to
receive visitors. Townships were once no-go areas for many people,
but today a visit is becoming a popular experience for tourists to
Cape Town. Visit Langa, the oldest of South Africa's black
townships, established in 1923, or the newest and second largest in
the country, Khayelitsha, which dates from the 1980s. Guguletu and
Nyanga were set up in the 1950s. Visitors are advised not to visit
the townships alone; there are many tour companies that offer
tours, including transport to and from the township areas. Contact
the Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre or its satellite,
the Sivuyile Tourism Centre in Guguletu for information about
tours, accommodation and entertainment in the townships.
Telephone: Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre: 021 487 6800, or Sivuyile Tourism Centre: 021 637 8449
Bathing houses at Muizenberg
Muizenberg
A historical beach-side suburb on the False Bay coast,
Muizenberg is popular with families for its long, gentle-sloping
beach, warm water, beautiful views, and activities such as
mini-golf and supertubing. The beach is famous for its row of
colourful changing houses and is a photo favourite from the
mountain road far above. Muizenberg beach has also long been the
preference of beginner surfers and several popular surf schools
have been established at Surfers Corner, the closest side to the
mountain. False Bay is known for its Great White Shark population,
but a shark watch service is in operation to give warning to
bathers and surfers. A scenic walkway below the railway line links
Muizenberg to the next seaside village of St James with its tidal
pool. The delightful fishing village of Kalk Bay is a few minutes
drive away with its protected harbour, and its main street lined
with fascinating antique and art shops, as well as cafes and
restaurants.
Website: www.muizenberg.info;
Transport: The train line between Cape Town's centre and Simonstown runs through Muizenberg
