Escape to Cape Town

South Africa is an eclectic and vibrant nation, progressive but simultaneously authentic it is marked as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Of all the beauty, warmth and majesty that South Africa has to offer, more people than anywhere else in the country are drawn to the bright lights and glamour of its legislative capital, Cape Town. Whether its luxury holidays, honeymoons or family breaks tourists from all corners journey to this bustling hub to explore, smell, taste and live Africa.

Cape Town is located in the South West Peninsula of South Africa, in the Western Cape district of the country. Originally established in the 17th century as a supply port for trade ships journeying on towards Eastern Africa, no one could have imagined what future laid ahead for this small coastal colony.

Today Cape Town is a vibrant and multicultural city home to international industries and multinational companies. Countless high class boutiques, restaurants, shops, bars and malls have been established to cater to a burgeoning community of discerning residents and tourists; particularly look out for Museum Mile, the Company Gardens, Greenmarket Square and St George's Mall.

One of the most fashionable places to be seen in Cape Town is the renowned Victoria and Alfred Waterfront; nestling between the sentinel Table Mountain and the infamous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. This superbly developed area seamlessly marries traditional Victorian architecture with contemporary chic to produce a unique and energised atmosphere. Whether it’s a Michelin star bite for two, a helicopter trip across the Bay or a walk past the still fully operational docklands there is something here for everyone.


With a national park situated within the city limits and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Cape Town is nothing if not eclectic. Table Mountain is of course the landmark unequivocally identifiable with Cape Town and today millions of tourists endeavour to trek, bike, drive or take a cable car to the summit of this grand volcanic cone and marvel at the stunning panoramas across the area. If you tire of strolling through the streets and shopping till you drop why not take in a show at one of the numerous theatres or head to the exclusive Clifton sea front where the young and the beautiful can be seen bathing in the sun and splashing about in the warm waters of the Atlantic.

For nature lovers the Kirstenbosch Gardens are a must see. At this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show the team of enthusiastic and devoted horticulturalists in charge at Kirstenbosch successfully collected their 31st gold medal. The gardens offer a stunning collection of endemic species, desert flowers, lush foliage and of course the flower of South Africa the great protea.

A number of luxurious and high class hotels, resorts and boutiques can be found throughout the city and its suburbs both traditional properties and modern constructions. From colonial style mansions such as the Cape Cadogan Hotel or the Mount Nelson to architecturally innovative Ezard House or the Twelve Apostles there is something to compliment every budget and taste.

The beauty of a visit to Cape Town is also that it allows tourists to explore the nearby Western Cape area and all of the sights and attractions inherent to the region including Hermanus, famous for its whale spotting; the beautiful garden route and of course the Winelands where you can sample delicious food and a glass or two of South Africa’s famous vintages.