Cape Town's name originated from the term 'Cape of Good Hope' when Bartholomew Diaz and other seafarers looked forward to the sight of Table Mountain, like an inn that promised hospitality and prosperity. The presence of Table Mountain in all its splendour still invokes this kind of emotion. Cape Town is steeped in a rich history and is a cultural melting pot with its diverse and vibrant character being derived from Khoisan and other African tribes from the North, and Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers. Bustling and beautiful, the cosmopolitan nature of Cape Town means that one never tires of the multitude of experiences it has to offer.
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Activities
Table Mountain is one of South Africa's greatest landmarks and towers 1,086m above the City of Cape Town.
One of the most significant and symbolically charged pieces of land in South Africa, Robben Island guards the entrance to Table Bay. The name hails from the Dutch word for seals, The island was home to Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned there along with other political prisoners. Now a living museum, the island and its ghosts are visited voluntarily. As a place of history, education and insight into South Africa’s past, this is an essential excursion. The return boat trip (half an hour each way) to this World Heritage Site and a guided tour around the museum by an ex-inmate is an experience never to miss.
The Kirstenbosch Estate covers 528 hectares, 36 hectares make up the central landscaped garden on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, it is home to more than 8 500 indigenous plant species, and is known as one of the Seven Magnificent Botanical Gardens of the world.
In 1982 two breeding pairs of African penguins (once known as Jackass penguins thanks to the braying sound they make) moved into prime beachfront estate at Boulders beach between Simonstown and Cape Point. Today there are over 3 000 of these birds living here and the area is now a National Park. Penguins can be viewed up close as they frolic in the water and waddle on land. Sometimes it's hard to tell who is watching who. You're likely to see penguin pairs strolling along the boardwalks and in the park. This is the one place in the world you will be able to swim and sunbathe with penguins.
Adventures
The best scenery in the world deserves a bit of elevation. Skydiving, Gliding, Bungee jumping & Abseiling, Kiting, or Flying will get you high.
Whether you're into Cycling, hiking, driving, or running, the Cape offers great terrain diversity and scenic locations of unsurpassed splendor.
Whether you enjoy Boating, Fishing, Paddling, Swimming & Diving or Wave Sports, the Cape is an adventure playground.
Shopping
Freshly cut flowers – including fynbos species such as king and pincushion proteas, depending on the season – are available from the friendly flower sellers in Adderley Street, where this trade has operated for the past 100 years. These flowers are generally a lot cheaper than anywhere else.
The Adderley Street flower sellers and their colourful blooms are located in the market place in Cape Town’s main thoroughfare, between Strand Street and Darling Street, and within easy walking distance of Greenmarket Square.
ART @ CONSTANTIA GALLERY is a permanent exhibition venture being curated by Lyn Atterbury and James Hodgson at the beautiful Groot Constantia Wine Estate. Together they bring years of experience in the Art Industry from working in various Galleries around the country to attending courses and lectures in curating and collecting art with a sharp eye for quality and collection or investment purposes.
The Cape Quarter is a lifestyle shopping centre on Somerset Road in Green Point. It is a one-stop destination for excellent food and restaurants, unique lifestyle stores and entertainment. If you enjoy shopping, window shopping, buying furniture or just relaxing and enjoying a meal, then the Cape Quarter is the place for you.
Fashion stores include Giovanna Shoes, Democratic Republic, Big Blue, Desray and Vogel & Aitken.
Currency
The currency used in South Africa is the Rand (ZAR).
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