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Spotlight on Cape Town

by Lara Behrens
9th August 2016 City Stay
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Often the jumping off point for safari adventure at one of South Africa's world famous game reserves and national parks, Cape Town is a city worth more than a passing glance. Spoiled for natural beauty with an exciting cultural scene and humbling history, Cape Town is a destination in itself. According to a study for the City of Cape Town, the metropolis saw almost 1.5 million international visitors in 2013, demonstrating this city's worldwide allure. Do yourself a favour and incorporate a few days into your South African trip to get a taste for what living in this fabulous port is all about.

Eat and drink to your heart's content

Ranging from European haute cuisine to vibrant Ethiopian fare, the world is your oyster when it comes to eating in Cape Town. For a quintessentially South African experience, the Roundhouse serves up contemporary European cuisine with a South African flair from an 18th century guardhouse at the foot of Table Mountain.

South Africa is well-known as an international wine capital, so it's well worth taking a tour through the world class Cape Winelands. If you prefer to indulge in the company of South Africa's nightlife scene, Long Street is hip and happening with countless bars, lounges and clubs to choose from for an evening out.

The Cape Winelands offers great opportunities for scenic wine tastings
The Cape Winelands offers great opportunities for scenic wine tastings

Learn about South Africa's fascinating history

Both a moving and fascinating World Heritage Site, Robben Island is an essential landmark for history buffs during your stay in Cape Town. The island was once a prison for political prisoners during the Apartheid era, including Nelson Mandela who spent 18 years of his life here. Tours of the island are conducted by former political prisoners and offer incredible insight into this period of South Africa's history.

The excellent District Six Museum, meanwhile, tells the story of the once vibrant community that in 1966 was declared a white-only area. From then until the early 1980s, around 60,000 residents were forcibly removed from the area after which their houses were bulldozed.

Hit the beach

Surrounded by coast, Cape Town offers top-notch beaches galore, whether you're looking to surf, swim or just relax in the sun. On the city's Atlantic side, Camps Bay Beach is impossibly picturesque with long stretches of white sand under the towering Twelve  Apostles. For a warmer swim or a surfing lesson, head to Muizenberg beach on the city's False Bay coastline.

Cape Town's Table Mountain, Lions Head and Twelve Apostles
Cape Town's Table Mountain, Lions Head and Twelve Apostles

To book the perfect Africa travel package and visit outstanding Cape Town, contact the experts at Bench Africa.

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