Destinations – Cape Town
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CAPE TOWN VOTED THE BEST CITY IN THE WORLD FOR THE SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR Cape Town is a colourful and vibrant city surrounded by dramatic moun- tains and sandy beaches. It is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the world – presided over by one of the 7 Natural Wonders of The World – Table Mountain. The magic of Cape Town lies in the collision of natural wonder, diverse cultures, art, design and a thriving food and wine scene. Cape Malay, Dutch and British architecture sit side by side with cutting edge 21st century loft apartments and slick skyscrapers. Sit a while in Cape Town and take in the buzz and bustle of flower sellers, buskers, food mar- kets and Capetonians going about their daily lives. The Houses of Parliament stand proudly in the Company Gardens, while the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the most happening part of the city, with boutique shops, the Two Oceans Aquarium and innumerable restau- rants from which to watch the comings and goings of the world’s ships, cruise liners and luxury yachts. A short ride away is the infamous Robben Island where you’ll find the erstwhile prison cell of the late Father of the Nation, Nelson Mandela. Part of the beauty of Cape Town as a holiday destination is the close prox- imity to a variety of destinations like the Cape Winelands and the Garden Route. Combine your time relaxing on a beach in Cape Town with whale watching in Hermanus, or cage dive with great white sharks off Gansbaai. From ambling through the botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch to wine tast- ing at any of our legendary wine estates, Cape Town makes for a perfect holiday and travel experience. THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN 1. Hiking Trails – Cape Town has many beautiful hiking trails that range Publik Wine Bar, Clarke’s Burger Bar, Mother’s Ruin Gin Bar, Charango from beginner and child-friendly to more challenging routes. Table and Arcade. Kloof Street: another wonderful neighbourhood destina- Mountain: take the Cable Car to the top and savour the dramatic views tion with bars and cafés in abundance. Our picks of the bunch are Black or, for the more energetic, hike up Table Mountain on one of the many Sheep, Kloof Street House, Power&Glory, Yours Truly, Café Paradiso designated routes. Lion’s Head: a wonderful way to orientate yourself in and Carne. the city is to hike to the top of Lion’s Head (it’s a moderate to strenuous 45 minute hike to the top and the views are certainly worth the effort). 6. The Colourful Bo-Kaap District – The best place to experience Cape Malay cuisine is on a walking tour through the Bo-Kaap (Above The 2. Robben Island – Visit the cell where Noble Prize Winner, Nelson Man- Cape) District in Cape Town, an area with steep cobblestone streets and dela spent 27 years in prison gaining remarkable insight into South Afri- brightly-coloured houses where former Cape Malay slaves settled in the ca’s troubled past. early 19th century. Stop to enjoy a local Bobotie, Sosatie, Koeksister or Cape Malay Curry for lunch whilst learning about the rich heritage of 3. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – Kirstenbosch displays a wide va- the Cape Malay people who live there. riety of the unique plant life of the Cape known as fynbos. There are over 7,000 species in cultivation at Kirstenbosch, including many rare 7. Chapman’s Peak Drive – Hire a vintage car and meander along one and threatened species. Enjoy a picnic on the lawns and explore the Tree of the most beautiful and scenic roads in the world. Canopy Walkway in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. In 2004 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 8. The V&A Waterfront – Africa’s premier shopping and entertainment destination engulfed by the natural beauty of Cape Town. 4. Beaches – Clifton Beaches: there are four Clifton beaches, each as beau- tiful as the others – pack your sunscreen, a cap, some water and your 9. The Cape Winelands – Spend a day in Constantia, Franschhoek or Frisbee. Camps Bay: the palm fronds of Camps Bay make for the most Stellenbosch and sample some of the country’s finest wines in breathtak- dramatic sunset pictures – a great spot for cocktails or a bite to eat. Mui- ing surroundings. zenberg: head down to the Sunrise Beach in Muizenberg and take a surf- ing lesson with the local experts. Cape Point & Boulders Beach: explore 10. Art & Culture – Cape Town is dotted with private art galleries, niche the Cape Peninsula and see the fascinating penguins of Boulder’s Beach museums and intimate theatres. Some of our recommendations include on a wonderful day trip from Cape Town. the Fugard Theatre, National Gallery in the Company Gardens, Theatre on the Bay, the Jewish Museum, District 6 Museum, Artscape Theatre 5. City Center – Bree Street: the most happening street in Cape Town, and the Baxter Theatre. barely a day goes by without a trendy new bar or restaurant opening up. Some of our favourite spots include Jason’s Bakery, Chef’s Warehouse, EATING & DRINKING IN CAPE TOWN The Cape Town epicurean scene has been going from strength to strength over the last few years. Food markets, fine dining restau- rants, cafes, bistros, pubs, bars and casual eateries abound in the Mother City. The Test Kitchen at the Old Biscuit Mill is the realm of chef Luke Dale-Roberts and is rated among the Top 50 restaurants in the world. Take a look at our list of the: Top 20 Restaurants in Cape Town as well as our list of the Top 10 Restaurants in the Cape Winelands. WHY KIDS LOVE CAPE TOWN Cave Golf - An 18 hole indoor course bound to challenge and keep kids intrigued. Pirate Boat - The only authentic Pirate Ship in South Africa. Pen- insula expeditions depart from Quay 5, V&A Waterfront. Scratch Patch - A popular and convenient place for children to see and buy gemstones. Situated in the V&A Waterfront. The Aquarium – This is great fun for the whole family. This world-class aquarium has over 8 000 species on display, and signa- ture exhibits include the Predator Exhibit (sharks!), the rockhopper penguin colony and an underwater tunnel. Butterfly World - One of the more unique attractions in the Cape Winelands, this park houses thousands of exotic butterflies in its 1000m² green house. Cheetah Outreach - Found just one hour’s drive from The Silo Hotel in Somerset West, this programme aims to educate and raise awareness of the plight of the cheetah, the world’s fastest mammal. Drakenstein Lion Park - Situated in Paarl, the Drakenstein Lion Park provides lions in distress with sanctuary. Planetarium - A popular choice for both children and adults, the planetarium houses a modern Minolta star projector in a fully equipped audio-visual theatre RUSH Indoor Trampolines - Located in Claremont, this indoor trampoline park features over 1500m² of trampoline space, includ- ing dodge-ball courts and a foam pit. World Of Birds - Located in Hout Bay Valley, this is the largest bird park in Africa and houses over 400 different species. WHEN TO VISIT CAPE TOWN Cape Town enjoys a Mediterranean type climate. Summer runs from October until April when daytime temperatures are usually over 22 degrees Celsius. The hottest months are December, January and February when temperatures soar into the 30s. Clear-blue skies and warm summer evenings are to be ex- pected throughout the summer months. Summer events in Cape Town: • January: The Cape Town 10’S Rugby • February: Design Indaba; Investec Cape Town Art Fair • March: Cape Town Cycle Tour; Cape Town International Jazz Festival • April: Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts; South African Cheese Festival; Afrikaburn • October: The Bubbly Festival: Champagne and Bubbly; Rocking The Daisies • November: International Tequila Festival; Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts • December: Goldfish Submerged at Shimmy Beach Club June, July and August are the winter months which bring much milder temperatures and winter rainfall. Cape Town is fast becoming a year round destina- tion with many reasons to visit throughout the year including major sporting events, festivals, international conferences and conventions and, of course, the perennial geographic beauty of Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands. Winter events in Cape Town: • May: We Are Africa • June: South African Gin Festival • July: Franschhoek Bastille Festival • September: Namaqualand Flower Festival; Franschhoek Uncorked; Darling Wildflower Show DISCOVER THE SILO HOTEL CAPE TOWN THE SILO HOTEL ADDRESS Tel: +27 (0) 21 670 0500 The Silo Hotel Email: [email protected] Silo Square, V&A Waterfront 8001, Cape Town RESERVATIONS South Africa Tel: +27 (0) 21 671 5502 Head Office: +27 (0) 21 761 8292 Email: [email protected] | [email protected] www.theroyalportfolio.com.