Table Mountain Table Mountain is the highlight of Cape Town as it towers 1,086 meters above the city and on clear days is visible from as far as 200 km out  to sea. The wind often pulls cloud over the flattened top, draping the mountain in a thick, white, “tablecloth”. A five minute cable car ride carries visitors up and down its imposing cliffs, and for the more adventurous there are numerous walking and hiking paths that lead up and across the mountain. Though the climb looks deceptively easy, keep in mind that the paths riddling the mountain’s sides can become quite confusing, and some are rather steep so that the climb is similar to hiking up one long staircase. Check with the Cape Town tourism or Table Mountain website to make sure the mountain is open as inclement weather or strong winds can make the walks and summit too dangerous to traverse. Upon reaching the summit either by hiking or the cable car, spectacular views of the city, the Cape peninsula, the coastline, and the ocean, make the trip a must-see. There is a small restaurant and shop where you can recover from both the climb and breath-taking cable car ride. If you’re not too tired, try some of the less demanding walks along the flatter, rocky expanse of the summit, in order to explore the diverse flora that makes Table Mountain more than just a place of dramatic scenic beauty. With over 1,470 plant species to be found, Table Mountain boasts a greater botanical variety than the entire British Isles. The only way to truly understand the Cape beauty is by reaching the top of this majestic mountain. Web: http://www.tablemountain.net Kirstenbosch  One of the gateways to Table Mountain’s summit, Kirstenbosch Estate covers 528 hectares with 36 of those hectares creating the central landscaped gardens that are home to over 8,500 indigenous plant species, making the garden one of the Seven most Magnificent Botanical Gardens of the world. It was established in 1913 and is best known for its selection of native proteas and summer sunset concerts and picnics. Do not be surprised to see local University of Cape Town students spread across its expansive grounds, enjoying the serenity of the area while studying their texts. You’ll find the landscaped area gradually merges into the native fynbos (fine bush) vegetation that cloaks the environment around Cape Town. Trails traverse these more wild areas, or try a guided tour, such as the twilight nature walk.
- Within the hidden depths of Kirstenbosch you’ll find a fragrance garden, a kopje (hill) planted with pelargoniums, a sculpture garden, and a section on plants used for muti (medicine). Multitudes of native birds will delight birdwatchers and children alike. Make sure to pack a picnic basket or visit the classy restaurant located near the entrance to the gardens – and don’t forget the expansive gift store offering a huge range of mementoes to bring home to jealous friends and relatives.
Web: http://www.sanbi.org/frames/kirstfram.htm Boulders Beach  In 1982 two breeding pairs of African penguins (also known as Jackass penguins due to their rather obnoxious braying sounds) settled onto  prime beachfront at Boulders Beach between Simonstown and Cape Point. There are now over 3,000 of the birds living in the area, which has transformed into a National Park. Wooden walkways traversing the beach area allow for up close and personal encounters with the penguins who will regard you with great curiosity - sometimes from straight below your feet as they hide under the walkways! There are likely to be penguin pairs strolling along the boardwalks and littering the rocks that perch on the beach. Boulders Beach is definitely a prime place to stop on your way to Cape Point, which is a major landmark at the end of the Cape Peninsula. Cape Point Often mistaken for the southern-most point of Africa (actually Cape Agulhas - which is further east of Cape Town - is the real geographic southern tip of the African continent), Cape Point offers astounding views of the peninsula and is an excellent day trip for everyone. The rugged, rocky outcrops and shear cliffs that overlook crystal blue water and golden white beach will provide a beautiful example of the Cape’s harsh beauty. Be prepared for strong winds that will try and sweep you into the landscape as you march along single-file paths that follow the cliff head.  Cape Point’s fynbos plains house over 1,200 species of indigenous plants, various small mammals including the hyrax (locally called a dassie, which is actually related to the elephant though it looks similar to a groundhog), as well as many antelope, ostriches, zebras, and of course, the ever entertaining baboons. Make sure to take care when around the baboons - never try and offer them food as they can become very aggressive. If you keep your distance and remain respectful of the wildlife and the native vegetation, Cape Point will offer a million views to remember for a lifetime!
Chapman’s Peak Drive If you can manage to fit in a drive around the Cape area, you will have no better view of Hout Bay and Sentinel Hill than following Chapman’s Peak drive. It was designed and built by Thomas Bain (an engineer responsible for the construction of a number of mountain passes in the Western Cape (including Bainskloof Pass), the drive twists along the coast, cutting into the mountain walls as it  winds along near vertical cliffs. There are plenty of viewpoints where you can pull out the camera, so be prepared to stop and enjoy the vistas. The drive was recently renovated to secure and stabilize the rocks along the cliffs, and reopened in 2003 with additional lookout points. It is definitely worth renting a vehicle to capture this truly spectacular and ever changing route. Web: http://www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za/ Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (V&A)  One of South Africa’s most visited destinations, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is set against the backdrop of sea and mountain views, and today is home to many designer label stores, national retailers, boutiques and services, and an amazing array of restaurants, coffee shops, and fast-food outlets. However, don’t forget that the area is also notable for its outstanding heritage buildings. It retains much of the old charm of Victorian industrial architecture and the scale of a harbor built for sail and the early days of steam travel.
A major icon of the old docks, the gothic-style Clock Tower is situated near the site of the original Bertie's Landing Restaurant. It has become an important focal point in the Waterfront's recent urban design, though originally (upon the clock’s  completion in 1882) it was the Port Captain's Office. On the second floor you’ll find a decorative mirror room, which enabled the Port Captain to have a view of all activities in the harbor. The harbor is one of the most interesting areas to explore within the city of Cape Town, and with its picturesque buildings and scenery, it’s a wonderful place to spend the day walking around and enjoying the marvelous assortment of cuisines. Make sure to try some of the seafood with a local Stellenbosch wine – you’ll be amazed! Web: http://www.waterfront.co.za/ Robben Island 
One of the most significant and symbolic places in South Africa, Robben Island is not to be missed. It was proclaimed a UN World Heritage Site in 1999, and guards the entrance to Table Bay. The name hails from the Dutch word for seals, “robbe”, which are abundant around the island and the V&A waterfront. The island was used as a prison during the Apartheid era, right up until the first years of majority rule. It housed numerous political ‘criminals’, including most famously Nelson Mandela, and for this reason alone the island is one of the Cape Town’s most popular pilgrimage spots. The island is now a living museum, and tours of the prison are conducted by former inmates who are happy to answer any questions you may have, though some are still understandably bitter. Booking the tour is essential, as it is extremely popular since the island resonates so much of the struggle South Africa endured in the past century. Groups are guided through the old prison and taken on a 45-minute bus ride around the island with commentary on various places of note. These include the prison house of Pan-African Congress (PAC) leader Robert Sobuke, the lime quarry where Mandela and many others slaved, and the church used during the island’s stint as a leper colony. The trip over to the island includes a blustery half hour boat trip from the harbor – an enjoyable experience in itself! Robben Island is a great way to become acquainted with the history of the country and gain some first-hand insight on the struggles and courage of some of South Africa’s greatest heroes. Web: http://www.robben-island.org.za District Six Museum This is the one essential museum visit in Cape Town. As much for the people of the now-vanished District Six as it is about them, it is a memorable and moving exhibit. Note that almost all township tours stop here first, as a way to provide an introduction into Cape Town's history and the past laws that helped shape its communities as they exist today. Make sure to book with a tour operator to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience if you want to explore the vibrant culture of township life. In the District Six museum you’ll find the floor of the main hall is covered with a large-scale map of the District Six on which former residents have marked where their demolished homes and features of their neighborhood existed. The staff are practically all displaced residents, each with their own heartbreaking story to tell. District Six was established in Cape Town in 1867 as the sixth municipal district. Freed slaves, merchants, and immigrants moved in to form a bustling community until 1966 when apartheid law declared District Six a whites-only area. By 1982 all residents had been forcibly removed and their houses demolished. The museum seeks to keep alive the symbolic value of District Six's name as a representative of multiple other instances of displacement and forced removal throughout South Africa. The museum space is a living one, dedicated to working with memory in remembering the events of forced removals, in considering the varied impacts of apartheid legislation on the lives of people, and in choosing to focus on historical experience and subjectivity as ways of creating community and shaping society. It is definitely worth a visit and a moment to pause and reflect on South Africa’s past, which has continuing significance for South Africa’s people today. Web: http://www.districtsix.co.za Two Oceans Aquarium This excellent aquarium features denizens of the deep from both the cold and the warm oceans that border the Cape, including great white sharks, penguins, stingrays, and turtles, along with an astounding kelp forest and pools in which kids can touch sea creatures. Qualified divers can swim with the ragged-tooth sharks (sand tigers), shoals of large predators, rays, and a turtle - for a fee. Web: http://www.aquarium.co.za Winelands A short distance from the city, the winelands region is without a doubt one of the most alluring features of the Western Cape. It offers a lush landscape of brilliant green vineyards atop rolling mountains that are filled with ample wineries to explore. The rich cultural European heritage of the surrounding towns, such as Stellenbosch, Paarl, Willington, and Franschoek, let you wander through a totally different aspect of Africa that lives on within the old Cape Dutch, Georgian, and Victorian style houses seen in every town. Retrace the footsteps of the Cape’s ancestors with a walk down the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch, the second-oldest town in South Africa. The Huguenot Memorial in Franschhoek and the Afrikaans Language Museum in Paarl, not to mention the diversity of fine museums offer a fascinating glimpse into the colorful past of this area. While it takes a mere 30 to 45 minutes' drive to the wine lands, there are also renowned estates closer to the city, such as the celebrated, historical Groot Constantia. See the Winelands Guide for more information. Or read this article from NWA's WorldTraveler magazine on "Vintage Cape Town", which also has a nice overview of the main wine areas to explore and which wineries should be at the top of your list to visit. Beaches The area in and around Cape Town offers multitudes of beaches to explore - each with its own unique character. If you want a long invigorating walk, try Noordhoek or Muizenberg. If you want children in a safe environment where you can watch over them easily, try St James or Boulders, Hout Bay, or Camps Bay. If you're looking for the young, hip, and classy beach, try your luck at Clifton, particularly First or Second beach. And if you're looking to take off all your gear and get a great walk in the process, then Sandy Bay (a walk from Llandudno) is the traditional spot. See the Beach Guide for more information on Cape Town's beaches. Hermanus  Approximately an hour and a half away from Cape Town is the seaside town of Hermanus. A popular holiday destination for tourists and locals alike, Hermanus is hailed as offering the best land-based whale watching in the world. From May onwards, Southern Right Whales pay homage to these warm, shallow waters in order to calf their young and to mate. They are so-called Southern Right because they were the 'right' whales to hunt. The best time for whale watching is between August and November and at this time the bay is dotted with whales. These perennial visitors can be easily spotted from the shore as well as boat-based whale-watching. Of the estimated 7000 Southern Right Whales in the southern hemisphere, approximately 2000 make the journey to the South African coast each year.
Visitors need only walk along the cliff path that stretches for 12km from one end of the town to the other in order to catch a glimpse of the whales. You will find the world’s only whale crier blowing his kelp horn when whales are in sight to help signal to visitors where the whales may be spotted. Driving to Hermanus is an experience in itself. Make sure you take the R44 coastal road starting at Gordon’s Bay. With its sea-meets-mountain scenery the road is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the Western Cape, and has several lookout points and picnic spots along the way. Interesting stops include Rooiels, Pringle Bay (a sleepy seaside town), Hangklip and Betty’s Bay. At Betty’s Bay you can get close to the endangered African penguin at the Stony Point Penguin Colony. Also do not miss a walk through the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens, situated in the spectacular Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, about 5 km before Kleinmond (Afrikaans word for “small mouth”). The walks take you through beautiful fynbos and waterfalls in this UNESCO recognized site.  The main beaches are Voëlklip (Afrikaans for “Birdrock”) and Grotto - make a point to visit both. If you were disappointed in Cape Town’s freezing cold water you’ve come to the right place - the ocean is much warmer here. It’s not surprising that thousands gather here on a hot summers day to enjoy the sandy beaches and sea waves. There are also stunning coastal cliff paths – one running from the Old Harbour eastwards towards Roman Rock, and the other starting at Kraal Rock (located on Main Road halfway along the golf course between the Old Harbour and the traffic circle) all the way to Grotto beach.
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve holds over a 1000 different species of fynbos. What makes this reserve so unique is the fact that nowhere else on earth can one find so many plant species in such a small area. You can often spot baboons, dassies and smaller antelopes while exploring the 60 km network of hiking trails. The reserve is a true escape for those looking to experience nature at its best. Other Hermanus activities include scuba diving, deep sea fishing, sailing, Great White shark viewing and wine tasting in Africa’s southernmost wine region. Further away the town of Gansbaai is a great spot for whale watching and shark diving. Staford’s Crove, a peaceful and pretty bay is also worth a visit. Drive back to Cape Town on the N2 via Sir Lowry Mountain Pass for more impressive views. Climate and Temperature Currency and Money Matters Safety and Security | 