Visiting the Cape Peninsula

Cape Point is part of the Table Mountain National Park in South Africa. It is situated about an hours drive south of the city and it includes not only the land but the seas and the coastline of the Cape Peninsula.

Entrance fees are R55 for adults and R10 for children (in 2009). This area is unusual for the National Park because it is fenced. This is due to the large populations of rarer animals that the park needs to protect. On entering the park you will be given a map indicating all the road and pathways and the position of various facilities. There are specialist places to camp but this has to be arranged with the wardens as is not common practice.

The park supports various activities. Surfing is popular on the many beaches; due to the nature of the sea around the peninsula some are much more suited to surfing than others. Angling is another popular activity. Cycling is allowed in the park but it essential that you stay on the paths. You are not allowed to do any "off-road" cycling in this area. Walking is another popular activity but again visitors are asked to stick to the marked paths to protect the environment.

The park contains Cape Point which is the most South-westerly point of Africa. The cliffs at the point are very dramatic and there is an amazing viewing area at the top. This can be accessed by foot or by using the Flying Dutchman funicular railway to reach to top. From here there is a path that leads almost to the lighthouse at the very tip. The path is narrow and only for the sure-footed but the views is spectacular. The sea on the more sheltered Eastern side are noticeably calmer than those on the colder Western side, the weather on each side of the cliffs can also differ by several degrees. There is a visitor’s centre and a restaurant at Cape Point.

There are plenty of beaches which are brilliant for shell hunting and observing rock pools. Children can spend many happy hours here without even entering into the water. Many people choose to picnic on the beaches but caution is advised. This park has a very large Baboon population. They are fascinating to watch as they move around in troops and babies can be seen hanging onto mother’s fur. We have spent a long time simply observing their interactions and behaviour. However they have no fear of humans and they can be aggressive. Feeding of the Baboons is now an offence in the park and will lead to an eviction and fine, the baboons have grown to associate people with getting easy food and they will automatically come to people eating. Close to they are quite intimidating as they are large and have impressive teeth. We have learnt to picnic inside the car with the windows shut. I have seen people get out of their cars, leaving the doors open and young children inside whilst they take a photograph, the baboons are very fast and were in the car in seconds. No harm was done but it was certainly a scary experience. They will also grab bags and clothes so keep everything close to hand. Occasionally you may meet one in an enclosed area such as between rocks on the beach (or even a toilet cubicle which wasn't a nice experience!), the advice is to back away slowly and there should be no reaction.

Ostriches are also plentiful in the park; it is an impressive spectacle to see several huge birds running along the beach. There are Eland and approximately 250 species of bird too. The Cape Point Park is also home to tortoise. These should never be picked up; if they are handled they expel all their bodily water. They will often then die because there are not many places for them to restore their water supply and they dehydrate before they reach it.

A new cafe and education centre has been built which houses many exhibits and offers fascinating information on the area (thats how we found out about the tortoises). Talk to the guide and they will show you all sorts of exhibits that are kept in the drawers. They are particularly engaging with children. There is a useful display about the snakes in the area and the ones that you should be most wary of.
The Cape of Good Hope is also in the park. This is often referred to as the most Southern point of Africa and represents the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. The sea crashes against the rocks here with impressive ferocity and offers plenty of photographic opportunities.

The flora of the park is described as "Fynbos" which is the fine bush native to the Cape. Non-native species are being discouraged in the whole of the area of Cape Town as they have a higher requirement for water than the native species. The Fynbos contains some attractive succulents and flowers that attract the delicate hummingbird.

It is easy to spend several hours at Cape Point, the walks are not too challenging and the beaches are stunning. Although we have visited in the height of the summer there it is always possible to find a quiet spot to admire the scenery and to relax in the peacefulness. Be sensible around the wildlife and you should have a memorable day.

Visiting Cape Town is a memorable experience, the area offers such beauty and variety that it can be difficult to distinguish the high-lights a trip. However anyone who wants a unique experience should head off to Boulders Beach.

Boulders Beach is now part of the Table Mountain National Park. It is situated near Simons Town which is on the Cape peninsula, South of Cape Town. In the early 1980s a pair of breeding penguins was seen on the beach and now the colony has grown to over 2500.

The species here is the African Penguin which is also sometimes known as the Jackass Penguin due to its distinctive call; it has also been called the Black-footed Penguin. Boulders Beach is actually a group of beaches that are separated by granite rocks so the water is relatively safe and calm and a little warmer than some of the beaches of Cape Town.

Access to the beaches is R15 for adults and R5 for children (prices 2009). Once on the beach you can swim and picnic and you may well find that you have penguins for company. The birds seem totally uninterested in their human companions and the opportunity to see them at such close quarters is not to be missed. They are quite a small breed of penguin and they do look very cute and cuddly but you are wise not to touch. They can be aggressive and they can give a nasty bite. However if you do not attempt to touch them you can observe them from a long time without any problems.

A wooden walkway has been constructed from the first beach to Foxy beach where you will find the majority of the colony. The walkway restricts human access to the beach and the majority of birds congregate in this less hectic setting. The raised walkways meander down the beach and there are several viewing spots to allow you to watch the birds enter and leave the water. This beach is very noisy and you can appreciate how these penguins got their more common name.

The penguins used to walk all over the roads and caused a lot of destruction in local gardens. This led to accidents and irritation so the beach was put under the National park status. Fences were erected and proper visitor facilities were erected as the number of tourist was also causing a problem. The penguins will still sometimes shelter under cars so it is wise to check around your vehicle before you drive off.

Foxy beach is also the home to the information centre on the penguins, this is not large but it does offer the opportunity to learn more about the species and about their life in the area. This species of penguin is the only one to be found in Africa and there are several colonies but this one is the largest on the mainland. There are facilities and a gift shop here too.

We have been lucky enough to visit the colony twice. The first visit was at the end of October. This is the time when the penguins are moulting. This lasts about three weeks but the birds look very bedraggled and thin as they are unable to enter the water. Their coats are not waterproof during this time so they all just stand around looking forlorn. The smell from the beach is also rather unpleasant at this time so it is not the ideal time for a visit.

The other visit we made was in February. This time the birds looking healthy and happy. It was possible to observe them entering and leaving the water, they look so awkward on the beach but look streamlined and elegant the moment they enter the sea. It was particularly entertaining to seen the way them seem to "jump" out of the water.

These birds can breed at any time of year but the usual time from the Boulders Beach colony is March to May.

Overall this is certainly an experience that will stay in the memory for a long time. The sheer number of penguins, the close proximity and the amazing noise will leave a lasting impression.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is situated in Cape Town in South Africa. It is run by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.

The entire site consists of a 528 hectare estate on the Eastern slopes of the famous Table Mountain. Only a small proportion of the estate forms the cultivated garden, approximately 36 hectares. However there are lots of access paths into the uncultivated areas that provide enticing walks on the lower parts of the mountain.

The gardens were founded in 1913 and their main purpose now is to ensure the continuation of indigenous South African plants and to provide access to all to enjoy them. The gardens consist of the local fynbos flora and also natural forest.

Entry to the gardens is R35 for adults, R20 for South African students and r10 for children. Senior citizens who are South African can gain free entry on select days each month.

There is plenty of parking near the main entrance. You enter through the visitors centre. Here there are exhibitions about the gardens and plants and also there is a large gift shop selling many things horticultural in nature and also local crafts. The main walkways as you enter are wide and tree-lined providing much needed shade from the South African sun. The gardens have four areas for refreshment varying from formal restaurants to a tearoom. You are allowed to take picnics into the gardens and enjoy them amongst the spectacular scenery. However you are not allowed to take in any picnic furniture and you are not allowed to barbecue. There is also a "no bins" rule which means that you must take all of your rubbish home with you. This helps reduce maintenance costs and also prevents infestations of rats and mongoose.

Walking away from the major paths and buildings leads you into the main gardens. Here the planting has been arranged into different areas and depending on the time of year of your visit the main attractions will change. It is wise to remember that these gardens are on the side of a mountain. They are extremely steep and although a large proportion of the paths would be navigable in a wheelchair it may be very tiring. There are plenty of seats spaced around the gardens to allow one to rest a while and take in the views and appreciate the plants.

The Peninsula gardens contain 2500 species that are native to the cape Peninsula. Many of these can be seen growing locally but the whole collection is quite impressive. There has been a move in Cape Town to remove non indigenous plants from gardens and return to the many glorious species that thrive here.

Water-wise Garden- this area is planted to demonstrate how to make a beautiful garden that does not require so much water or maintenance. Imported species of plants need regular watering to remain healthy in the South African climate and this obviously depletes natural resources so this is an educational area to make people appreciate what would be more suitable for the climate.

Fragrance Garden –this area is home to plants that have interesting textures or unusual aromas. This area is particularly aimed at visitors suffering from impaired vision who really appreciate the diversity.

Medicinal Plant Garden- this is planted with a variety of species that have been used in African medicine. There are descriptive notices explaining the purposes that each was used for. Some have been found to be very effective and are still used widely.

Protea garden- these flowers are absolutely stunning when in full bloom and the multi-coloured flowerbeds are frequented by delicate hummingbirds collecting the nectar. It is a delightful spot to rest and watch these birds at work.

Towards the edges of the cultivated garden you will come across some parts of the original Van Riebeecks hedge. This hedge was made of brambles and was planted by the European settlers in the 17th century to form a boundary to their colony. The hedge acted as a barrier to animals and people.

On returning towards the entrance there are some small glass-houses that exhibit some of the more delicate species that need a more sheltered spot than the slopes of the mountain can provide.
The location of this garden must be one of the most spectacular in the world. The views across the whole of the city of Cape Town and beyond are breath-taking and certainly make the tiring climbs worthwhile.

Table Mountain is probably the most widely recognised landmark of South Africa and no trip to Cape Town would be complete without seeing the city from the top.

The mountain looks unique due to its steep sides and its fairly flat top, the summit plateau is about 3km wide. The mountain base is partly granite with the majority of the mountain being sandstone. The summit of the mountain is sometimes covered by cloud and this is, occasionally quite flat and is then referred to as the "tablecloth", this particular cloud formation is referred to as orographic cloud. The highest point of the mountain is towards then eastern end and it is 1085m above sea level. The cableway ascends the western end that is 1067m above sea level.

The majority of people ascend the mountain by using the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway which has its base station on Tafelberg Road. There is no car park but parking is available all the way down the road and there is also a drop-off point and the entrance to the base station. The price for a return ticket is R160 for adults and R80 for children (current 2009). Queues do build up during the school holidays and waiting times can be up to about an hour, out of school holidays there is rarely a need to queue. After purchasing your ticket you are led to the cable cars. Each pod carries up to 65 passengers on the 10 minute ride up the mountain. The floor of the carriage rotates slowly through 360 degrees as you make your ascent. This allows everybody a chance to have a good view across the city. A couple of the top panels are open so it can be a bit unnerving to find that it turns and it suddenly feels much windier if you haven’t noticed this. There are a couple of seats in the middle but the majority of passengers choose to stand to enjoy the panoramas unfolding.

The cableway was originally opened nearly 80 years ago but it has been upgraded three times since with the latest upgrade giving much larger carriages (the previous ones only took 25 passengers.). The service is weather dependent so it is wise to check on the internet to see if it is running before you make your journey. Approximately 800000 passengers use the service annually. The round carriages help the cableway to be safe to operate in windier weather but the station is not opened if there is felt to be a risk.

If you are feeling fit it is possible to hike up the mountain. The easiest route is Platterklip Gorge but due to security issues in the area it is suggested that you should form groups of at least 4 people and preferably have a guide too. If you are hoping to descend via the cableway it is sensible to check that it is running before you set off.

Once at the summit of the mountain it becomes apparent that it is not quite as perfectly flat as it looks from the ground. There are 2km of pathways plotted across the top and there are also relief maps to help you identify what you are seeing. The panoramic views of both Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula are stunning and many people just stand and gaze. You are bound to spot Dassies (rock Hyrax) whilst at the summit; they literally sit right on the edge of rocks overhanging enormous drops and look like they haven’t a care in the world. The flora on most of the mountain is fynbos which is the native plants. The status of World Heritage Site has encouraged the Table Mountain National Park in its attempt to rid the area of alien plants that use too much water.

There is a self-service restaurant on the summit or you can take your own picnic. You will need to take warm clothing with you. The temperature at the top and the windy conditions mean that you will become chilled very quickly even when Cape Town itself is basking in hot weather.

Both the sight of Table Mountain from the city and the sight of the city from the mountain will stay in your memory for a long time and the journey is well worth it.

Cape Town is the legislative Capital of South Africa and it is the second largest city in the country. This charming city is found on the shores of Table Bay and it is dominated by the imposing Table Mountain. The city is served by Cape Town International Airport which has recently being undergoing refurbishment.

Cape Town was originally developed by the Dutch East India Company as a supply station for their ships. In 1652 the first permanent European settlement in South Africa was formed. The influence of the first Dutch settlers can be seen in the architecture of the city and also the buildings along the wine route out of the city in places such as Stellenbosch. In the centre of the city there is a public garden which used to be used by the DEI Company for growing their vegetables.

In the more recent history of the city there has been a lot of unrest and Robben Island can be clearly seen from the land. This was the prison home of many anti-apartheid supporters, the most well-known being Nelson Mandela. It is possible to take day trips to the island and be shown round be ex-prisoners. This is quite a long trip and not recommended for young children so it is an excursion I have still to take.

One of the most distinctive parts of the city is the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. This brightly coloured area has been redeveloped and is on the site of the original port. There are statues of the four Nobel Peace Prize winners from South Africa, Luthuli, Tutu, de Klerk and Mandela. This is the location of the impressive Two Oceans Aquarium which is worth a visit. It shows the diversity of oceanic life on either side of the Cape peninsula and offers lots of educational opportunities. There are plenty of shopping options. There are plenty of designer stores but also two huge barns (red and blue) housing local crafts and artists, the perfect place to pick up a gift or souvenir. Down by the water you can take boats to Robben Island and also Whale watching trips. There are a couple of Sea lions who have made their home in the docks that can be seen daily. The buildings are very distinctive and offer some lovely photographic opportunities.

There are several beaches in the area and these are popular with both locals and tourists. If you wish to travel a little further then take a drive around Chapman’s peak to Hout Bay. The road clings to the side of the mountain and it is shut when there is a fear of rock falls, the views down to the sea are breathtaking. Hout bay has a lovely market on Sundays where locals are always willing to chat about their wares.

Travelling around Cape Town you cannot fail to notice the Townships, these massive areas of shanty towns were caused by apartheid and should not be ignored. There is lots been done to improve the standard of living for residents including craft business support and tours. Do not turn a blind eye to the poverty, do what you can and then you can enjoy the beauty that Cape Town has to offer knowing that you have done your best.