Cape Town Journals

Cape Town

An August 2000 trip to Cape Town by allain

Quote: my personal travelogue about Cape Town in South Africa

13 Photos

Cape Town

Overview

Quote:

Cape Town, the mother city of South-Africa, nestles in one of the most dramatic scenic settings of any city on earth, cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain. Vasco de Gama was the first to reach Cape of Good; however, the city was born in 1652, when a Dutch sailor gazed in wonder at Table Mountain, dropped anchor in Table Bay and hoisted the Dutch flag. Soon he had built an earthen - walled fort and planted a vast garden of fruit and vegetables. The new city had begun to grow. Table Mountain, often visible 200 kilometers out to sea, now beckoned like the gigantic sign of a haven shelter from the stormy seas.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

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Kensington Place

Hotel

Quote:

This superb hotel has a perfect location. At the feet of Table Mountain with a nice view of the bay. Rooms are wide and very confortable according to Western standards. Bathroom, balcony, TV sattelite in every room. Each day you recieve a letter with a lovely African poem. There is also a private pool. Atmosphere is romantic with a typical African touch.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 4, 2000

Kensington Place
38 Kensingtown Crescent
Cape Town, South Africa
424 4744

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The green Dolphin

Restaurant

Quote:

The address is well known by jazz music's fans. Each evening, you can enjoy live music in a moody swinging atmosphere. Furthermore, the cooking is delicious and not so expensive. A large choice of roasted fish and salads. The restaurant is located in Waterfront in the Victoria & Alfred hotel. Starters for $5, and $7 for entrees.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on March 18, 2001

The green Dolphin
Alfred mall, Pierhead, Victoria Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa
421 7471

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Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve

Attraction | "Cape of Good Hope"

Quote:

There was a time when this cape was the end of the known world. Portuguese navigator Bartolome Diaz was the first to cruise there, but Vasco de Gamma was the first to line this point. Also named Cape of Storms this is not the frontier between Atlantic and Indian oceans, this point is 200 km farther. The area is included in a National Park, 60 km from Cape Town. The park is the kingdom of fymbos the famous local floral world. If you are lucky you could spot ostrich and antelope as well. At the end of the earth, on the top of a cliff stands a lighthouse. You could enjoy a huge wild panorama. Forget about the idea to have a bath, the floods came directly from Antarctica and the water's temperature is ab...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 5, 2000

Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
Off the M65
Cape Town, South Africa 7975
+27 21 780-9526

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Boulders Beach (Penguin Colony)

Attraction | "Simon's Town"

Quote:

Simon Town could be a coastal city like any other. However since 1983, some special inhabitants came to invade the beaches of the town. An overall total of 2350 adult penguins live there. The place is favoured as a penguin's breeding locality because there are fewer predators than elsewhere along the coast. The park bushes provide ample shade for nesting birds. The increasing number of penguins in and around Simon Town is becoming a problem. Neighbouring humans have complained about the noise, especially at night when penguins are most vocal, and of the smell of guano. Anyway these penguins are easy to approach, and the tourists are pleased. Simon Town is 45 km from Cape Town on the main road l...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 5, 2000

Boulders Beach (Penguin Colony)
4 Boulders Place Simon's Town
Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (21) 786 1758

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Robben Island

Attraction

Quote:

In the middle of the Bay there is a small island. Full of rocks, a very poor vegetation, the wind blows strongly at this point. During the Apartheid this place was a jail. The most famous prisoner was Nelson Mandela. He stayed there for many years. Some penguins and springboks replace now the wardens. It is not a place for fun but for pilgrimage. From Waterfront it takes one hour to reach the shores of the island.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 6, 2000

Robben Island
Table Bay
Cape Town, South Africa 8000
+27 (21) 419 1300

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Table Mountain

Attraction

Quote:

Table Mountain is one of the most exiting natural spot in the world. Could you imagine a huge mountain, whose summit is completely flat overhanging the sea from 1000 m. There are 2 ways to climb to the top. From the parking it takes 2 hours walk to reach the top. Or you could take the cable, be careful it is very impressive to see to cabin so close from the cliff ! On the summit you have an incredible view on Cape Town, the city bowl, Robben Island and last but not least : the two oceans. Some dassies inhabit the mountains. The best moment is the sunset, when the water the sky and the city merge in a red blooded shadow. Cape Town's weather is often windy, if cables do not work. In fact you should clim...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 6, 2000

Table Mountain
Cape Town 7848
Cape Town, Western Cape 7848
00 27 21 7156136

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Victoria and Alfred Waterfront - Alfred Mall

Attraction | "Waterfront"

Quote:

This new district is one of the top attractions of Cape Town. Built in the early 1990's in the place of the old docks, it is now a huge commercial mall including restaurants, pubs, a hotel and tourist shops. Its architecture resembles the Victorian style and makes a lovely landscape between the sea and the Table Mountain. In the evening it is a good place for entertainment, pubs and clubs are open even late at night. You can park your car in the large parking just in front of the Victoria Hall. Sometimes the Waterfront looks like Disney World, it is so new and clean! However the harbour is still active for small or medium ships like tugboats, or the destroyers and sailors that still inhabit the place...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on March 18, 2001

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront - Alfred Mall
Dock Road
Cape Town, South Africa 8001
+27 21 408 7500