Cape Town

1. Robben Island – Another World Heritage site which since the 17th century had been used as a place of banishment and imprisonment, but most famously known as the place where our beloved Madiba spent 27 years of his imprisonment. Robben Island is now widely recognized as a symbol of Freedom. Take the tour around the prison site, visit the quarry where inmates worked during the day and get to interact with an ex prison inmate. The cells are well preserved and you can get a feel for what it must have been like back when it was still an operational prison. Be prepared for the wealth of emotion you are sure to feel.

2. Table Mountain - Enjoy a scenic walk or use the cable car, but no visit to Cape Town is complete without a visit to this grand old lady of the Cape. Or get ‘thrown’ off the mountain at about 1000metres above sea level, one of the worlds longest abseils. An exhilarating experience for any adrenalin junkie. The majestic Table Mountain which stands guard over the city and one of Unesco’s World Heritage sites is the natural home to ‘fynbos’ and over 2000 species of plants and is one of the richest areas of plants in the world. Table Mountain is also home to the ‘dassie’, which resembles a rabbit but is most closely related to the elephant.The views from the mountain at sunset will find the romantic in you.

3. Experience the city on foot – Meander down Adderley street and stop by the famous Flower Market which has been there for the past 100 years. Stroll up to St.Georges Mall, bustling with entertainment. This once busy street is now a pedestrian area alive with the sounds of buskers, dancers, drummers and street artists. There are a number of cafes and restaurants where you can just kick back and watch the passers by while enjoying the vibrancy of the area. Or you can stop at any of the curio shops and art galleries that line the route. This area is also known for the many Jewellry stores. Make your way to Long Street, which has long since become synonymous with ‘fun vibes’ and a great excuse to stay out all night. Long Street Café is an institution and you simply must enjoy at least a cocktail at this viby, noisy, always busy spot. Or move on to the Dubliner for a spot of Live Jazz.

4. Camps Bay - Certainly “THE” spot for people watching and if you sit in any one of the restaurants along the strip you are bound to spot a celeb or three. The most popular being Café Caprice, This beachside café is an institution with both locals and frequent visitors alike. During the busy seasons it is wise to book in advance. Camps Bay Beach is also extremely popular with its large expanse of white sand it is perfect for a game of Frisbee or just suntanning. A short walk up the road are the beaches of Clifton, here the beaches are numbered and Clifton 4 has been give “blue flag” status for its adherence to strict environmental standards. This area is known as Cape Town’s answer to St Tropez.(Atlantic Seaboard)

5. Chapmans Peak Drive - Home to both the Argus Cycle Tour and The Two Oceans Marathon it is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. 9km of unadulterated views as it winds its way from Noordhoek to Hout Bay. Soak up some country charm in Noordhoek Farm Village while exploring the art galleries and craft shops. Then on the other side, in Hout Bay be sure to stop at Snoekies for their famous fish n chips, but if time is of the essence and you’d rather make your own, buy fresh fish straight off the trawlers for that epic ‘fish braai’. From Hout Bay you can take a ‘glass bottomed’ boat to Seal Island and explore the wonders of marine life in the area. (Atlantic Seaboard)

6. Enjoy a sunset cruise which departs from the V & A waterfront. There are many options but the Jolly Roger pirate ship is lots of fun and quite an experience. The views of the city from the sea are spectacular. Take along your own oysters and enjoy complimentary bubbly from the captain.

7. The V & A Waterfront – Well, what can I say….A shopping mecca for all who enjoy that blissful of pastimes….Retail Therapy. Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Burberry you name it, there will probably be store. Restaurants, novelty stores, bars, entertainment…All to be found at the V & A.

8. Bloubergstrand and Big Bay - Very popular with windsurfers and surfers alike. A melting pot of South African culture you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to meal time, the restaurants are many and even the fussiest palette will find something to enjoy. Some of the most magnificent views of the city and Table Mountain can be enjoyed here.(Atlantic Seaboard)

10. Kalk Bay - Retro, bohemian and moving along at its own pace, its hard to believe Kalk Bay with its pretty cobbled streets is part of Cape Town. Interesting people, quirky artists, antique shops, book shops. This little fishing village has an identity all of its own and after your first visit, you will be sure to be back again and again. For a place to eat you can enjoy the Brass Bell, a short walk under the train lines or quirky Cape to Cuba, but my suggestion is, ask the locals where they’d eat. And prepare to be delighted with their suggestions. If you can drag yourself away, catch a water taxi to Simonstown. The main road linking Kalk Bay to Simonstown is under construction so to prevent irritation use the water taxi.(False Bay Coastline)

11. The Cape Winelands – This will require planning and time. Either choose a route, for eg Stellenbosch or Franschoek and visit the area. Or choose your favourite vineyard and then visit others in that area. The choices are many and one can never do the wine route justice. Each return visit will have something more or different to offer. Tokara, Spier, Rust en Vrede & La Motte definetly need a visit. And closer to Cape Town is The Durbanville Hills wine estate. One is most certainly spoilt for choice but no matter which you choose, the experience will be memorable.

12 - Mzoli's A visit to Cape town will beincomplete without what is fast becoming the ‘hip’ thing to do…a visit to Mzoli’s. An experience you will cherish long after the hangover is forgotten. Mzoli’s started out as a butchery in Gugulethu, but has grown into one of the most popular places to hang out. Celebs flock here for that ultimate township experience. Buy your meat at the butchery, it gets braai’ed and served to you in colourful plastic containers accompanied by ‘baked beans salad’ and that South African staple, pap. While you’re waiting for your ‘nyama’ you can order a cocktail from across the road or you can enjoy a beer (a quart) from the shebeen. You need to buy a glass and cutlery is not provided. What it lacks in sophistication it makes up for in merry making and great fun. Don’t be surprised to find yourself seated next to a famous actor or singer whether local or international, such is the appeal of Mzoli’s

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