The Table Mountain National Park was demarcated as a protected zone in 1998. The Table Mountain is populated by a rare form of shrubland known as Fynbos. The South African National Park is also a part of UNESCO’s Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site. Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope are the two famous landmarks of the area. The park is home to a vibrant variety of wildlife, especially larger animals like leopards, black rhinoceros and bontebok.
Set in beautiful surroundings on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, this magnificent 538-hectare (1329.43 acre) garden features a rich diversity of indigenous South African plants. The lower portion of Kirstenbosch consists of large flowerbeds and expansive lawns while higher up the slopes, the cultivated garden gives way to natural forest and fynbos. At the main entrance, an impressive conservatory houses a wide variety of plants from other climatic regions of South Africa. There is a restaurant, an information desk and a great shop. Come summertime, the gardens host the annual, magical Sunset Concerts. The gardens also have their own Stone Cottage which can be hired for various events like lectures, meeting and such other events. The cottage can accommodate about 60 people and has a self-catering service.
Between the 17th and 20th Centuries, Robben Island was synonymous with isolation, variously used as a prison, leper colony and asylum. Through the course of its history, this small island off the coast of Bloubergstrand, Cape Town, South Africa was also employed as a post office, military outpost and port for ships visiting Table Bay. However, the island is most renowned as the site of the maximum security prison for political prisoners opened in 1961 to detain the leaders of the anti-apartheid revolution. The most notable of the island's inmates is Nobel Laureate and former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 years of his 27-year sentence at Robben Island. Other former inmates include Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma, both of whom went on to be elected presidents of the country following the fall of apartheid in 1990. Robben Island is now a museum that preserves the legacy of the island; a symbol of the triumph of democracy over racism, inequality and discrimination. Besides the imposing edifice of the maximum security prison, the island also encompasses the crumbling ruins of the military fort, the lepers’ church, a small lighthouse and the tomb of Hadije Kramat - a place of pilgrimage. A World Heritage Site, Robben Island attracts thousands of visitors each year. Guided tours are led by former inmates who offer a rare glimpse into the lives of those incarcerated at Robben Island.
Heading out of downtown Stellenbosch on the R310 is Spier Winery. The history of this winery is rich, with a cellar dating back to 1692, making it the oldest in South Africa. Spier is well-known in South Africa as being one of the finest wineries in the country and is the home of frequent art exhibitions, dance performances, and varieties of music. Spier is also on the cutting edge of organic farming projects and sustainable environmental planning. Available only at Spier are signature wines, aged to perfection, which won the award for the best wine in South Africa at Belgium's wine awards. Do not miss this one of a kind winery just outside of Stellenbosch.
The home of Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, St.George's Anglican Cathedral is known for its magnificent stained glass windows, which depict the lives of various Apostles, Prophets, Martyrs and Saints of the Holy Church throughout the world.. The foundations for the modern cathedral, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, were laid in 1901, although it was not until 1908 that it was finally developed. None other than the future King of England, George V, laid the foundation stone.
Cape Town Stadium, formally known as Green Point Stadium, has a capacity to hold around 55,000 people. This beautiful stadium plays host to a multitude of sporting and cultural events and can accommodate fans in a number of seating arrangements. The stadium is well-equipped to host international soccer games, including the FIFA World Cup.
The crest of Devon Valley, situated on the western outskirts of Stellenbosch in the heart of the Cape Winelands, offers magnificent views of the Stellenbosch vineyards. This state-of-the-art winery, is specifically designed to blend in with the environment. All of its red wines have been matured in oak barrels. In the past three decades, the emphasis has been on the production of noble red wine varieties, namely, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinotage. Wine tasting is done at the chalet attached to the winery. A log fire and hearty food characterize winter, while innovative picnic baskets grace the lawns during summer.
Cape Discovery Tours offers specialized tours of the Cape Town area. They have scheduled planed trips though they can create a specialized tour for your interests.
The Table Mountain National Park was demarcated as a protected zone in 1998. The Table Mountain is populated by a rare form of shrubland known as Fynbos. The South African National Park is also a part of UNESCO’s Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site. Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope are the two famous landmarks of the area. The park is home to a vibrant variety of wildlife, especially larger animals like leopards, black rhinoceros and bontebok.
Set in beautiful surroundings on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, this magnificent 538-hectare (1329.43 acre) garden features a rich diversity of indigenous South African plants. The lower portion of Kirstenbosch consists of large flowerbeds and expansive lawns while higher up the slopes, the cultivated garden gives way to natural forest and fynbos. At the main entrance, an impressive conservatory houses a wide variety of plants from other climatic regions of South Africa. There is a restaurant, an information desk and a great shop. Come summertime, the gardens host the annual, magical Sunset Concerts. The gardens also have their own Stone Cottage which can be hired for various events like lectures, meeting and such other events. The cottage can accommodate about 60 people and has a self-catering service.
The peak to the right of Table Mountain (as seen from the city) is known as Lion's Head. The path up to the 669-meter summit spirals its way through a fantastic diversity of indigenous fynbos including the beautiful Silver Tree. There are plenty of opportunities to catch your breath while admiring the great views. Towards the top there is a bit of a climb with a series of chains secured into the rocks to help you up the steepest sections. The final scramble is well rewarded with breath-taking panoramic views of Table Mountain, the city, the Atlantic coastline, Robben Island and the Twelve Apostles (a series of twelve peaks) stretching down the peninsula. This is a particularly popular hike on the eve of a full moon when small groups gather on the summit to watch the sunset and the moon rise.
Tucked into the steep slopes of the Bottelary Hills outside Stellenbosch is a wine estate unlike any other in the area. Namibian stone houses and European castles inspired the fascinating stone architecture of Fort Simon's tasting room and cellar. Of the 78 hectares on Fort Simon, 61 are planted with the vines that create a variety of grape characters. Fort Anna, a romantic stone building complete with moat, suspension bridge and fireplace, is the venue for Fort Simon wine tasting, sales and light lunches.