Cape Town Tours Offer an Exciting Look at South Africa
A Cape Town vacation provides travelers with a great look at South Africa's past and present.
Providing the opportunity for travelers to view one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town tours are a perfect way for adventurous vacationers to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Cape Town, situated on the southwestern tip of Africa, is a breathtaking town that has maintained its beauty despite years of political unrest in South Africa. The streets are safe for visitors and locals heartily welcome tourists.
What Will I See?
Cape Town's natural beauty is awe-inspiring! The city is dominated by Table Mountain, which sits protectively above the city and is said to be a sacred location. Visitors can climb sections of the mountain or take a cable car to the top for an amazing view.
Arts and culture are an important part of the city. You'll find concert halls, ampitheaters, cinemas, and a number of other venues that support performances of ballet, opera, instrumental music, South African folk music, and film.
Museums are abundant. Many give the visitor a good look at South Africa, then and now, outlining the struggles and strength of the country. Organized cultural Cape Town tours can be scheduled upon arrival in the city.
Just a short drive from Cape Town, visitors can treat themselves to a ride through the spectacular Winelands Region, best explored by car at your own pace. Wine aficionados will love tasting some of the continent's best wines and will bask in the beauty of this lush, green region.
What to Do
Cape Town, located near the convergence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, boasts many wonderful beaches, some with rather chilly waters but others warm and welcoming.
The False Bay coastline and the Atlantic Ocean beaches of the Southern Peninsula offer water that's a bit warmer than the opposing coast. Here, families gather for a Cape Town vacation and young surfers hone their skills.
Clifton, synonymous with Miami's South Beach, is the place to see and be seen in South Africa. The "beautiful people" gather here, even though the water's usually way too cold for swimming.
Water sports, of course, are popular as well. Boat charters take travelers out into the ocean for incredible deep-sea fishing, where you can expect to catch albacore, yellowtail, salmon, and the local favorite, Snoek.
Cape Town isn't short on adventure. A number of Cape Town tours will please even the boldest adventure traveler. Try your hand at bungee jumping, dune buggy excursions, or para-gliding. Hop aboard a raft for a fantastic whitewater adventure, ride an ostrich, jump from a plane, or dive with the sharks.
Dining and Shopping
Truly a cosmopolitan city, Cape Town offers wonderful restaurants and cafes, providing a wide variety of cuisine, from traditional South African dishes to Japanese sashimi to tasty Italian food paired with the area's fine wines.
Shopping is fun, too. The city's official site notes that "retail therapy" is a favorite pastime in Cape Town. Visitors can find everything from the latest fashions to a wide selection of antiques to handicrafts by local artisans.
Going to Cape Town
Most passport holders need visas to get into South Africa. Upon arrival, you must be able to prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. You must also have a valid return ticket. Check with your travel agent for more information on legal documents and other guidelines for a successful and enjoyable Cape Town vacation.
Posted by Pat on Thursday, September 8, 2005