Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa, and is the most southern city on the continent of Africa. Called the ‘Mother City’, Cape Town is located near the Cape of Good Hope, and in recent years has been increasing in popularity as a tourist destination.
The best times to visit this famous South African city include October and November; this is when springtime, with its warmer weather, arrives. The summer lasts from December through February, with the sun setting as late as 8:30 pm; February days in particular can be very hot. March through to May offers cool but comfortable autumn weather.
Travellers from the UK will most likely arrive at Cape Town International Airport. Cape Town is big enough to warrant a visitor having their own transport to fully appreciate its beauty, unless the traveller is using the services of a tour company. Most Cape Town roads and highways are in excellent condition, and car hire can be arranged throughout the city and at the airport.
One of the most popular attractions in Cape Town is The Castle of Good Hope, which is the oldest building in South Africa, having being built between 1666 and 1679. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens showcase beautiful flora, and are open to the public year round. Robben Island is also open to visitors and is the prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, while the Rhodes Memorial is set on the slopes of Devil’s Peak and provides one of the most amazing views of the city. The Victoria and Alfred (V & A) Waterfront is located at Cape Town Harbour beneath the slopes of beautiful Table Mountain; it is a huge entertainment and shopping complex that is popular with tourists due to the many fashionable restaurants and shops found there. There are also countless galleries and museums to visit in the city.
Fun activities include taking the cable car up Table Mountain and soaking in the views from the top; more adventurous visitors can also climb Table Mountain. A drive through Simonstown and a visit to the colony of African penguins at Boulders is an excellent outing for the entire family. Wine tours can be arranged which visit a variety of wineries in Constantia Valley and Cape Winelands.
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