Why consider Cape Town as a Holiday Destination?

A Different World

We take overseas holidays for many reasons. For some, it’s perhaps a question of getting guaranteed sunshine. For others it may be more to do with beaches, pools and tanning etc. Yet some people take their holidays primarily because they’d like to have a new experience. That’s typically associated with seeing new cultures, meeting different peoples and participating in their societies and sampling the local cuisines.

Cape Town is a holiday destination that can meet all of those criteria for a ‘different’ holiday. Positioned on the very southern tip of the African continent, Cape Town can offer a range of experiences that are truly unique.

The Very Old, Old and New Worlds Combined

The local archaeological record shows that the history of the area around this great city goes back into prehistoric times. This part of South Africa became known to Europeans in the 15th century when the Portuguese were the earliest non-indigenous explorers. Over the following centuries, many other peoples and cultures made their own contributions to the melting-pot nature of what eventually became known as Cape Town. That included the Dutch, British and many other nationalities that came to live and work in the area.

Since the creation of the new Republic of South Africa, there has been considerable emphasis on the development of a ‘rainbow nation’ culture and the city is at the heart of that. Cape Town is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most cosmopolitan and vibrant cities.

A Variety of Attractions

Having a diverse cultural history doesn’t necessarily, in itself, make for a great holiday destination. Yet a holiday in this area can offer a wide range of things to choose from.

– The Beaches

You can choose from one of several beaches. Some of these are on the Atlantic side of the peninsular and are regarded as chic. You may find though that the sea temperature is a little cooler than those on the Indian Ocean side. Those on the Indian Ocean also have a slightly more Bohemian culture and feel to them.

So you have plenty to choose from – depending upon your personal preferences!

– The Sights and History

In the city you’ll find all sorts of different architectures – some going back to the 17th century including the castle. Many parts of the city show their different ethnic origins that affect not only the buildings but also the local restaurants and shops. So for example, it’s possible to walk around and soak up the atmosphere of colonial Dutch times, some of the splendours of the 19th century British Empire or the colourful Indonesian culture of what’s sometimes misleadingly called “the Malay Quarter” (more correctly ‘Bo-Kaap’).

– The Glamour

Those that enjoy the chance to buy those exclusive items also won’t be disappointed at the choice available.

Cape Town has several prestigious and well designed shopping locations. One of these, the V&A Waterfront, is located with a large sea front development of old buildings and is a wealth of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Canal Walk, Tyger Valley and The Cape Quarter, are just a few of the other centres where you can indulge yourself. If you prefer slightly more localised and craft-based shopping, try the Red Shed or Greenmarket Square where you may find some real bargains.

– The Locality

One of the best -known images in the world is that of Table Mountain towering over Cape Town and the sea. It’s possible to take a trip to the top from where spectacular views are to be had.

It’s also possible to take wildlife tours or pop along to Boulders Beach to see the local penguins.

Of course, no trip to South Africa would be complete with taking a tour of the wine growing areas that start just outside of the city. Yet the tour isn’t obligatory and if you’d prefer just to drink some of the famous labels produced there – then why not!

Finally, a mention must be made of the famous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. If horticulture is your thing, you’ll be amazed and the richness and variety of the exotic species on display in this magnificent environment.

How to Do It?

Holidays in Cape Town are no longer the preserve of the rich. There are specialist holidays available where you can customise your visit to concentrate on the things you wish to see rather than those things someone else wants to show you.

A specially designed and crafted holiday of that sort can ensure that your see Cape Town at its best and without the stresses and strains that sometimes accompany an entirely ‘do it yourself’ type of visit. So if you’ve always nurtured a desire to visit Cape Town and this fascinating country – now might be a good time to do something about it.

Author Bio: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Cape Town