Cape Town’s excitement lies in the multitude of choices it offers, nature and city are intertwined in every sense. At the very centre of the city is the supreme flat-topped Table Mountain, which was named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The mountain is on display no matter where you are or what you’re doing from barefoot seaside walks to sightseeing in the city.
Nothing compares to the sheer majesty of the cloud cover pouring over the face of the mountain or its luminescence when it is lit up at night. Not only is it the heart and soul of the city, Table Mountain provides numerous activities. Take the rotating cable car, one of the numerous walking trails or overnight hikes to the top for beautiful panoramic views in every direction.
Voted the most stunning marine drive in the world, the road over world-famous Chapman’s Peak takes you around sheltered turquoise bays, tumbling boulders, peaks and passes all the way to Cape Point Nature Reserve. Here, you can ride the funicular to the lighthouse and viewing point, and dine at the Two Oceans Restaurant, perched above the spot where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Explore remote beaches, a history of storms and shipwrecks, and see wild baboons, antelope, zebra and ostriches. Around the corner from Cape Point is the well-known Boulders Beach, where you can have a close encounter with the local colony of African Penguins.
Nearby Kirstenbosch is the famed botanical gardens offering a patchwork of stunningly manicured lawns and flowerbeds hemmed by walkways, nooks and treed alcoves embellished with African soapstone sculptures. There are numerous opportunities for young and old to walk, hike, picnic or take high tea in the restaurant amongst a display of rare proteas, ericas and exquisite indigenous blooms.
Whichever side of the mountain you choose to explore, ocean wonders await. The Marine Big 5 Safari; whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins can be seen in their natural habitat. You can horse-ride along a long white crescent of beach hemmed by aquamarine waves in Noordehoek. If you’re into extreme Oceanic sports, Cape Town offers shark cage diving, surfing, sailing, crayfishing and some of the best kite surfing on earth.
For kids there is ample entertainment at the Two Oceans Aquarium where they can see seal feeding and engage in learning play in the touch pools. At the World of Birds in Hout Bay they get to walk through cages of endemic birds and monkeys surrounded by the colour and noise. There are also parks, beaches, gardens, markets and so much more to occupy and amaze little minds.
Throughout Cape Town, the options are never-ending; you can sail on a private yacht from the harbour to Clifton Beach; sip chilled champagne and watch the sunbathers on the beach from your idyllic private paradise; and then see the sun dip beneath the waves as it paints the beach every shade of crimson and gold. Whether you choose to see marine birds and animals or walk to the very tip of the Cape Peninsula; Cape Town offers a natural encounter for everyone.
