Cape Town

file:CapeTownPanoramaFromTableMountain_banner.jpg|1280px|Panoramic view of the Cape Town downtown, from Table Mountain]]

South Africa-Cape Town-Table Mountain03 - Cape Town and Table Mountain viewed from Bloubergstrand across Table Bay.

Cape Town (Afrikaans phrasebook|Afrikaans: Kaapstad, Xhosa phrasebook|Xhosa: iKapa) is the second most populous city in South Africa. The capital of Western Cape|Western Cape Province, it is also the legislative capital of the nation. Cape Town is on South Africa's southwestern coast close to the Cape of Good Hope, and is the southernmost city on the African continent. and is the gateway to the globally famous Cape Winelands which includes the towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl.

Cape Town Halal Travel Guide

Cape Town is nicknamed the Mother City within South Africa.

What is the Geography of Cape Town

Astronaut photo of Cape Town STS081-738-23 - Cape Town seen from space: Most of the urban area visible in this NASA Astronaut photo is part of the greater Cape Town metropolitan area. Also visible are Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Fransch Hoek to the northeast, and Rooi-els and Pringle Bay to the southeast

The metropolis of Cape Town is spread over a wide area, from Somerset West and Durbanville in the east to Atlantis in the north and Cape Point in the south. The downtown is situated in a fairly small area between Table Bay and Table Mountain.

History

Before the European colonial perioid what is now the Western Cape was inhabited by Khoikhoi and San groups, whom the Dutch called "Hottentots", "Strandlopers" and "Bushmen" (note that these terms are now considered racist and offensive). From the late 15th century, European ships (primarily Portuguese) started to visit the area, firstly for fresh food and water and then later for whaling and trading with the local residents. Cape Town's colonial history started in 1652, when founder Jan van Riebeeck established a trading post there for the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC), as a stopping point on the Cape Route. Even though South Africa is the part of Africa located furthest from Europe, it was the first, and up until the Africa#19th-century imperialism|19th century only place which was substantially colonized by Europeans. The reason is that the Cape, while being furthest from Europe, also is relatively far from the equator. The Europeans therefore found the climate temperate enough to grow European crops.

The earliest European invadors were predominantly Dutch along with some Protestant Huguenots from northern France fleeing from being persecuted by the Catholics. These settlers over time explored the adjacent hinterland and founded the city's of Paarl and Stellenbosch in what is today the Cape Winelands. They were known as Voortrekkers ("Pioneers"), and they ventured from the Cape region to explore, conquer and settle other parts of Southern Africa. The first people from Asia to arrive in Cape Town were the Malays from Java and other islands of the Dutch East Indies, brought in by the Dutch as slaves in 1654. Their descendants are today known as the Cape Malays. Soon the various ethnic groups intermingled leading to the emergence of the unique, mixed-race Cape Coloured community.

Political control of Cape Town ping ponged between the Dutch and British during the late 18th and early 19th centuries until 1814 when it was ceded to the British for good.

Cape Town, as the seat of parliament, is South Africa's legislative capital. The city was ahead of its time as it developed into a global, multicultural metropolis much earlier than most other major city's of the world. Cape Town has many fascinating points of interest, a thriving Halal dining, and a sizable presence.

How is the Climate in Cape Town

Accommodation in Cape Town ranges from hostels (of which there are many) to luxury lodging. Actually and there are so many hotels, Bed & Breakfasts and guest houses that it can be difficult to decide where to stay!

Staying in the downtown often works out cheaper as all the attractions are nearby, but stick to one of the neighbourhoods next to the central area for better prices and a quieter night's sleep. The area around vibey Kloof Street in Gardens/Tamboerskloof with its young cafe culture and hip shopping is a good choice. You could consider sleeping in one of the suburbs. It is normally quieter and there is less traffic than in Central Cape Town. The suburbs in the south, like Muizenberg, Fish Hoek or Simon's Town, or near thefruit cocktaillands (see Cape Winelands) are ones to try. Areas along the western seaboard of the peninsula (such as Camps Bay) will be more expensive.

Several township bed & breakfasts started to pop up in places such as Khayelitsha to offer tourists the chance to experience this side of South Africa. They mostly are redecorated shacks to fit the basic norms of tourists.

Liziwe's Bed and Breakfast NY 111, No 121, Gugulethu -33.976080, 18.574844 ☎ +27 21 633-7406 R600 per room Township Bed & Breakfast.

Ma Neo's Bed & Breakfast | Zone 7 St,, Langa -33.942577, 18.532117 ☎ +27 21 694-2504 - Township Bed & Breakfast.

Budget

Dorm beds under R200

33 South Backpackers @southbackpackers.com 48 Trill Road, Observatory -33.939003, 18.470006 ☎ +27 21 447-2423 +27 21 447-2423 From R160 per person including a fresh muffin breakfast. A boutique-style hostel. You can join them every Tuesday for their locally known "creative evening."

African HeART BAckpackers 27 Station Road, Observatory -33.938835, 18.466886 ☎ +27 21 447-3125 +27 86 556-0277 Dorm R150 African HeART is an artwork in progress, a small, beautifully decorated backpackers which aims to offer the alternative side to travelling in Cape Town.

Anzac Backpackers 71 Hope street Gardens -33.930036, 18.419160 ☎ +27 21 4654918 Dorm R 150 twin R 320dorm beds and twin rooms has a kitchen, travel desk, big screen TV, bicycles for hire, airport transfers, fast Wi-Fi included.

Ashanti Lodge 11 Hof Street, Gardens -33.933470, 18.412155 ☎ +27 21 423-8721 +27 21 423-8790 Dorm From R 190 per person, A perennial favorite among travellers; camping also permitted. Has a large travel centre as well.

A Sunflower Stop Backpackers 179 Main Road, Green Point -33.907908, 18.403974 ☎ +27 21 434-6535 +27 21 434-6501 From R175 per person Tastefully decorated and extremely clean dorms, doubles, and twins. En-suite rooms available too.

Backpackers on Castle 57 Castle street -33.921200, 18.420820 ☎ +27 21-4247524 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 11:00 Dorm R 130. double room R 360. dorm beds and double rooms

Big Blue Backpackers 7 Vesperdene road Green point -33.910483, 18.412650 ☎ +27 21-4390807 from R140a clean hostel with Dorm beds.. free breakfast. free wifi. swimming pool. free tea and coffee all day long.

Bohemian Lofts Backpackers 41 Trill Road, Observatory -33.939158, 18.468897 On Lower Main Road ☎ +27 21 447-6204 dorm R150 per person

Cape Town Backpackers 81 new church street -33.928373, 18.409372 Just off Park Road and Kloof Street ☎ +27 21 426-0200 From R180 per person Listed by the British newspaper The Independent as one of only 3 places to stay in Cape Town (the other 2 being 5 star hotels) and the review described the place as "...spotless and stylish.." This place is fun, friendly, clean, it's friendly and they have regular theme nights in the funky café. There are options from sleeping from dorms to ensuites with table mountain views.

Castle Inn Backpackers grandSouth@ 76 b Darling Street (corner of Harrington Road) -33.926793, 18.426053 ☎ +27 21 465-1662 +27 21 465-1662 From R150 per person Directly opposite the Castle of Good Hope and 5 minutes' walk from the train station. Cheapest Internet cafe in the area.

Cat and Moose Backpackers 305 Long Street -33.927084, 18.414167 ☎ +27 21 423-7638 Dorm bed R140 per person 10% off if stay a week.

Green Elephant Backpackers 57 Milton Road, Observatory -33.937937, 18.465310 ☎ +27 21 448-6359 Dorm R150

Light House farm Lodge Oude Molen Eco Village Alexandra road -33.937700, 18.487989 ☎ +27 827442504 dorm beds per day R120 per person Probably the cheapest dorm beds in Cape Town if you pay by the month. the rate for the month is just R 2500. and the rate for the week is just R 700.

Long Street Backpackers 209 Long Street -33.925259, 18.416496 ☎ +27 21 423-0615 +27 21 423-1842 from R 170 Offers dorms.

Never Home Backpackers - 107 Main Road Green point -33.907807, 18.409164 ☎ +27-21-4349262 Check-in: 2pm / Check-out: 11am Dorm beds R 150 per person very clean 6/8 bed dorms. twin rooms Wi-Fi included. has a swimming pool.

Riverlodge Backpackers oude molen eco village Alexandria road Pinelands -33.939469, 18.489571 ☎ +27 21 448-0526 dorm bed R120 per person Has camping and a 10-bed dorm.

Two Oceans Backpackers 47 Long Street -33.921240, 18.420673 ☎ +27 21 422 5401 Dorm from R 100 Dorms and superior Muslim friendly rooms. Linen provided, hostel is very clean and staff friendly and there is a and balcony to hang out.

26 on Aandbloem | @onaandbloem.co.za 26 Aandbloem Street, Devil's Peak -33.9357986065875, 18.4263092279434 ☎ +27 83 460-7140 R500 single, R375pps (includes breakfast, en-suit bathroom with shower & WC Views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town City Bowl.

Abbey Manor Luxury Guesthouse 3 Montrose Avenue, Oranjezicht -33.941511, 18.413147 ☎ +27 21 462-2935 From R800 Luxury guesthouse set high on Table Mountain overlooking Cape Town city. Dramatic views from individually decorated rooms. Built in 1905 in the Arts-and-Crafts style, and has been remodelled. An easy hop from the downtown and the V&A Waterfront. Rated 5 stars by TGCSA. Provides free wi-fi to guests.

The Bay Atlantic Guest House 3 Berkley Road, Camps Bay -33.948163, 18.380629 ☎ +27 21 438-4341 From R350 Beautiful four star Guest House situated in Camps Bay with exhausting view on the beach of Camps Bay and the Lionshead, only 10 minutes away from the V&A Waterfront. Provides free wi-fi to guests.

Bayflowers Guest House 5 Scholtz Road, Green Point -33.909533, 18.401478 ☎ +27 21 434-0968 from R690 for a single room, R445 pps for a double Very central, walk to Waterfront, beach and downtown, helpful staff, rooms clean and tastefully equipped.

Cactusberry Lodge 30 Breda Street, Gardens -33.937093, 18.416258 ☎ +27 21 461-9787 R500 3 star. 200 metres from the Gardens Shopping Centre, is comfortable, central and quiet, very good value for money, excellent breakfast, very helpful in all itinerary planning.

The Camps Bay Guesthouse 31 Geneva Drive, Camps Bay, Cape Town -33.951519, 18.384349 ☎ +27 81 467-4400 From ZAR 750.00 Exclusive use of 180sqm private self-catering stand alone luxury lodging set in the grounds of the owners Camps Bay Villa, private and secure with onsite gated parking, full kitchen, teak floors, living and dining room with underfloor heating throughout, widescreen LCD television with Apple TV entertainment system and stereo surround, complimentary hi-speed WIFI access, private deck and garden area opens into the grounds with access to the Villa swimming pool, porcelain tiled bathroom has separate bath and shower, WC and bidet.

Cape Diamond Boutique Hotel Longmarket and Parliament Street -33.924535, 18.421874 ☎ +27 21 461-2519 From ZAR 1080.00 All rooms equipped with Air-conditioning, Private toilet and bath, Safe deposit box, Side lamp table and Wired Internet connection (extra charges apply). Some of its facilities and services are Meeting/ banquet facilities, Business centre, Restaurant, Theatre Cafe, 24-hour front desk, Room service and Laundry service.

Cape Paradise Lodge 48 Leeuwenhof Road, Higgovale -33.939800, 18.402718 ☎ +27 21 424-6571 From R300pps Cape Paradise awaits you! Has Table Mountain as a backdrop and fantastic views.

The Charles Guesthouse 137 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant -33.916276, 18.416850 ☎ +27 21 437-9706 R920 for single room, R1400 for a double Trendy and fashionable today, it is compared to New York's Greenwich Village and London's Soho with its tree lined streets, restored cottages, spectacular views and village atmosphere.

City Lodge V&A Waterfront Corner Dock and Alfred Roads -33.913707, 18.422239 ☎ +27 21 419-9450 From R480 per person sharing 3 star.

Daddy Long Legs Boutique Hotel & Self-Catering Apartments 134 & 263 Long Street -33.923693, 18.417599 ☎ +27 21 422-3074 (Hotel), +27 21 424-1403 (Self-Catering) From R450 a double/twin (Hotel) & R550 a one bedroomed apartment Located in the heart of the downtown on one of Cape Town's most celebrated streets - a hotel with a difference, focusing on good value lodging and a hotel experience you'll never forget.

Dark Chocolates Guest House Durbanville 1 Mountain View Crescent Durbanville -33.853468, 18.644240 ☎ +27 21 975 3776 From ZAR 810.00 Standard rooms, all equipped with Air-conditioning, TV with cable and High-speed Internet connection. Facilities and services are Garden, Outdoor swimming swimmingpool and Conference.

De Waterkant Village 1 Loader street, De Waterkant -33.916272, 18.416845 ☎ +27 21 437-9706 R580 for single room, R850 for a double De Waterkant is often described as being arty, charismatic and quaint and is a truly special place decorated with gorgeous al fresco restaurants, sidewalk café's, boutiques and bars and is often compared with Greenwich Village.

Don Beach Road Hotel 249 Beach Road, Sea Point -33.914721, 18.387392 ☎ +27 21 434-1083 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 11:00 The Don Beach Road is located in Sea Point spectacularly overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Grande Kloof Boutique Hotel 69 Kloof Road, Fresnaye -33.924623, 18.383584 corner of Kloof Road & Avenue La Croix ☎ +27 21 433-1852 Check-in: 14PM / Check-out: 11AM from ZAR600 (includes light continental breakfast, free WIFI, open plan top floor sea view rooms or executive petite garden level rooms, swimming pool, jacuzzi area, steam area, private secluded sauna Good Sea Views, Fantastic Lions head view and views of famous Robben Island.

Kloof Nek Suites 72B Kloof Nek Road, Signal Hill -33.935234, 18.401495 ☎ +27 21 4224 217 Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: 10AM From ZAR1100 - Kloof Nek Suites is a guest house offering three self-catering rooms in Tamboerskloof.

Lorraine’s on Lincoln 12 Lincoln Street, Boston -33.899883, 18.618905 ☎ +27 21 946-4710 From ZAR 670.00 All rooms equipped with English breakfast, Spacious dining area, Hair dryer, TV with satellite channels, Work desk and Fan. Outdoor swimming pool, Garden, Banquet hall, Car rental, Wi-Fi Internet connection, Fax and photocopying services.

Nine Flowers Guest House 133-135 Hatfield Street -33.932068, 18.415401 ☎ +27 21 462-1430 R480 for a single room to R850 for a triple Very central, helpful staff, nice rooms.

The One 8 @.com 18 Antrim Road, Three Anchor Bay -33.909053, 18.400423 ☎ +27 21 434-6100 From R550 per room Modern and intimate Four star lodging in Cape Town. The One 8 Hotel is located in Green Point and close to Clifton Beach, Camps Bay, V&A Waterfront, De Waterkant village, and Table Mountain. This friendly Guest House offers bed and breakfast and contemporary rooms for your South African Holiday.

Protea Hotel Sea Point Arthur's Road, Sea Point -33.917357, 18.388073 ☎ +27 21 434-3344 R350 pppn Protea has a whole bunch of hotels in Cape Town and surrounding areas. It is well worth checking their web site for last-minutes bargains, which can reduce the price by 50%.

Rhonda's Manor 35 Clarens Street, Fresnaye -33.921492, 18.388183 ☎ +27 21 434 4231 R800 double room Upper Sea Point, near the Waterfront,campsbay and clifton beaches.

Southern Light Country House @light.com 24 Hohenort Avenue, Constantia -33.999610, 18.431315 ☎ +27 21 794 4500 R850 - R1300 Season Dependant Southern Light Country House is an lodging in Constantia set in the beautiful surround of Upper Constantia.

Tudor Hotel 153 Longmarket Street, Greenmarket Plaza -33.922688, 18.419380 ☎ +27 21 424-1335 R520 for single room, R740 for a double In the downtown, near the Waterfront, Parliament, Gardens or the (Malay) Quarter Boo-Kap.

Villa Sunshine Guesthouse 1 Rochester Road, Bantry Bay -33.923878, 18.381956 ☎ +27 21 439-8224 From R 950 per room The Villa Sunshine guesthouse is a classic Mediterranean Villa situated along the prestigious Atlantic Seaboard. In close proximity to several of Cape Town’s most revered tourism attractions, it is still able to provide its guests with a peaceful setting – within walking distance of restaurants and retail outlets to meet your every need.

Villa Zest Boutique Hotel 2 Braemar Road, Greenpoint -33.910675, 18.413915 ☎ +27 21 433-1246 From ZAR 990/Single & ZAR 1190.00 /double The Villa Zest is in the Green Point suburb.

Cape Grace West Quay Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront -33.908582, 18.420426 ☎ +27 21 410-7100 From R16000 to R55000 for 5 nights, 2 people Situated on its own private quay on Cape Town’s vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and the Cape Grace has 121 rooms all with views of the V&A harbour or yacht marina with a Table Mountain backdrop.

De Verdwaalde Boer - private villa & guesthouse with Dutch management. #1 at Booking.com and #1 at Tripadvisor | 10 Monterey Drive, Constantia -34.011877, 18.422926 located in the heart of the oldestfruit cocktail-producing area of South Africa, a 10 minutes trip from Cape Town's CBD ☎ +27 21 794-1501 From R700 p.p.p.n De Verdwaalde Boer boasts 7 suites and is available to book as a villa for full privacy.

Hilton Cape Town Downtown | 126 Buitengracht St, Cape Town 8001 -33.921867, 18.415897 ☎ +27 21 481 3700 From R2847 pppn
Mandela Rhodes Place Wale Street & Burg Street -33.923957, 18.418879 ☎ +27 31 310-3333 From R815pps Old school charm and hospitality meets modern amenities and features. It also boasts a gymnasium, swimming pool, wireless internet, undercover parking, 24 hour concierge and business centre, optional breakfast service, pre-delivery grocery shopping, airport and city transfers, vehicle hire, house keeping and laundry and day tours

Radisson Hotel Beach Road, Granger Bay -33.899384, 18.412339 ☎ +27 21 441-3000 R2745 pppn 5 star hotel overlooking its own private marina and the famous Robben Island.

Villa Horizonte | @orizonte.com - From $500/night for 2 bed villas A good online estate agency where you can rent luxury villas in Cape Town. Most of the villas has its own private swimmingpool but there is a minimum stay of 1 week.

Telecommunications in Cape Town

Telephone

If you have a cell phone get one of the affordable prepaid sim cards from either Vodacom, MTN, Cell C or Telkom Mobile and save money on local calls.

Calling Home

Overseas calls at local rates via the Celldial service. Call 087 940 6966 and follow the voice prompts. See www.celldial.co.za for supported countries.

Internet Cafe's in Cape Town

Internet is available throughout Cape Town and the inner city cafes always a hub of activity. Charges per hour ranges from R5 (in town) to R50 (V&A waterfront)

Internet cafes can be found all over the city and suburbs, with many coffee shops offering internet access.

WiFi

Many Guesthouses in Cape Town provide WiFi free for their guests.

 Always-On, +27 (0)11 575-2505, provides prepaid wifi access in a number of locations in Cape Town. Simply connect to the access point and you will be given the opportunity to pay for access by credit card. Pricing starts at around R15 for 10 minutes or R60 for 100MB.

Coverage areas include:

Westin Grand Hotel at Arabella Quays
Cape Town Backpackers
Cape Town International Airport | Restaurants and Coffee shops, in Domestic and International Departures, boarding gates, airline lounges and at the Road Lodge.

City Lodge | GrandWest, Pinelands and V&A Waterfront.

Dulce Cafe | Bayside Centre, Durbanville and Gabriel Road, Plumstead

Mugg&Bean | Just about all of them offer free WiFi.

Sundance Coffee Co | Adderley St, Buitengragt Street and Mouille Point.

McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) |

Cafe Neo, located opposite the lighthouse in Mouille Point, offers an open hotspot in addition to their excellent Greek food.

Stay Safe

While Cape Town is not a dangerous place for tourists, South Africans are significantly more safety-conscious than people in most other parts of the world. While you should take some care as a tourist in any city, you should be more careful in South Africa than in many other places.

Central Cape Town is generally safe to walk around by day, though you should not take valuables with you and should avoid dressing like a tourist. You may encounter beggars and con artists, but they will accept a "no". Avoid "dressing like a tourist", i.e. wearing an outfit involving cameras, jewellery and golf hats. Leave valuables in the safe in your hotel room or with staff for safekeeping. (Do not leave anything valuable in your room outside of the safe, and do not leave anything in view of an open window. If you leave valuables out in your room you may find the hotel takes them into safekeeping and leaves you a note - thit is to avoid their hotel getting a reputation as a place where thieves will find an easy target.)

During the evening you should take a taxi or ride-hailing service to and from your destination, rather than walking. Have the driver meet you outside the bar or restaurant (take a taxi card with you if needed). If walking at all, make sure you stay on well-lit and crowded streets. Crime is especially high in Salt River, Observatory, Mowbray, and the Cape Flats.

If visiting a township, go with one or more people who live there or know it well. Official township tours are your safest bet; revealing a very interesting lifestyle to the more curious tourists.

Foreigners should avoid hitchhiking or using local commuter and metro trains. Be aware of automated teller machine (ATM) con artists. Under no circumstances allow a stranger to assist you in your transactions. Should your card become stuck in the ATM, call the helpline number on display at the teller machine for assistance and to cancel your card.

If driving in a car, smash-and-grab theft is a risk. Keep your doors locked, ensure your windows are wound up when you slow down (including at traffic lights) and keep an eye out for people approaching you. Keep valuables out of sight and locked away. If you are driving to or from the airport, plan your route and do not stop at unknown spots. The airport is surrounded by some very dangerous areas that should be avoided.

Watch out for the mini bus taxis. They often drive like hell disobeying many traffic rules, and are entirely unregulated except by organised crime. Watch out for pickpocketing.

Glue sniffing children and junkies are a minor problem, called 'strollers' by the local residents: these ragamuffins will strip you bare if you do not stay alert.

Respect the mountains - dress correctly as temperatures can fall very quickly. Go in a group of at least 4 people, as robberies sometimes occur and accidents can happen.

Important telephone numbers

From a fixed line

107 - Emergency.
10111 - Police. ]
10177 - Ambulance.
082911 - Netcare911

Cope in Cape Town

Embassies and Consulates

Argentina 8 Brittany Ave, Bantry Bay ☎ +27 21 439-0403 +27 21 439-5918 - Only located in Cape Town when the South African parliament sits in Cape Town. When parliament moves to Pretoria, so does this embassy.

{{flag|Austria

Austria | kapstadt-@ 3F, 1 Thibault Sq ☎ +27 21 421-1440 +27 21 425-3489

{{flag|Belgium

Belgium | 4F, Vogue House, Thibault Sq ☎ +27 21 419-4690

China | @mbassy.org.za 972 Pretorius St, Arcadia, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 431-6500 +27 12 342-4244 {{flag|the Czech Republic

Czech Republic | 2 Fleetwood Ave, Claremont ☎ +27 21 797-9835

{{flag|France}

France | 78 Queen Victoria Street ☎ +27 21 423-1575 +27 21 424-8470
Germany (Foreshore) | 19F, Safmarine House, 22 Riebeek Street ☎ +27 21 405 3000 +27 21 421 0400* Greece | 19F, Reserve Bank Bldg, 30 Hout Street ☎ +27 21 424-8160 +27 21 424-9421 - Only located in Cape Town when the South African parliament sits in Cape Town. When parliament moves to Pretoria, so does this embassy.

India | The Terraces, 9F, 34 Bree Street ☎ +27 21 419-8110, +27 21 419-8111 +27 21 419-8112

Indonesia @petown.org.za 124 Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth ☎ +27 21 761 7015 +27 21 761 7022 {{flag|Italy

Italy | 2 Grey's Pass (top of Queen Victoria St) ☎ +27 21 487-3900 +27 21 424-0146

{{flag|Mozambique

Mozambique | 1 Thibault Sq Long Street ☎ +27 21 421-5660 +27 21 418-2690Visas for Mozambique in 24 hours for R 750.

{{flag|Namibia

Namibia 25th Floor, Atterbury House, 9 Riebeeck Street ☎ +27 21 419 2810 +27 21 418 1472

{{flag|the Netherlands

Netherlands | 100 Strand Street ☎ +27 21 421-5660 +27 21 418-2690

{{flag|Portugal

Portugal | Standard Bank Centre, Hertzog Blvd ☎ +27 21 418-0080 +27 21 418-0084
Spain | 37 Shortmarket Street ☎ +27 21 422-2415 +27 21 422-2328

{{flag|the United Kingdom

United Kingdom | 15F, Southern Life Centre, 8 Riebeek Street ☎ +27 21 405-2433

{{flag|the United States

United States 2 Reddam Ave, Westlake ☎ +27 21 702-7300 +27 21 702-7493

News & References Cape Town

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Cape Town

Cape Town is perfectly placed for many one or two day trips, which offer a variety in experiencing fresh landscapes and cultures.

Cape Peninsula

SafrikaIMG 8414 - The Robben Island prison museum

Robben Island is located just off the coast from Cape Town, this was the location used during the apartheid days to hold political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela and the late Walter Sisulu. The tour consists of a guided bus tour around the island, before meeting a former political prisoner for a tour of the prison area. The island itself is quite scenic, with African penguins seen on the tour. The bus tour stops to allow you to take in the view, and buy a Snacks. Tours run several times per day, seven days a week from the Nelson Mandela Gateway near the clock tower at the V&A Waterfront. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone. There are three trips a day at 09:00, 11:00, and 13:00. The tour takes 3½ hours including the ferry ride to and from the island.

Penguins on boulders beach - The Boulders penguin colony.

Boulders|Boulders beach is famous for its penguin colony and you can watch penguins in their natural habitat. September is the breeding season and if you are very lucky you can see penguins hatching out of their eggs. Note that if you go into one of the paid access parts (which is not expensive anyway) if you hang onto the ticket it is valid in the other part too. If you're lucky in addition to the penguins you may well see Dassies in the undergrowth beside the path or even sitting sunning themselves on the path itself.
Visit the Cape of Good Hope to experience the wildness of the natural habitat preserved here. Stunning views and for sure you will meet one of the local baboons or ostriches. Be sure to stop in Simon's Town on your way back to relax with a wonderful view on the False Bay.
Hout Bay — commonly called the "Republic" of Hout Bay by its local residents — is a beautiful bay on the Atlantic coast. The bay is protected from the north westerly and south easterly winds, but is open to the south westerly wind and prevailing swell which can produce some of the worlds biggest surf at "Dungeons" and "Tafelberg reef". It has a quaint fishing harbour, which provides protection from the south westerly swell. Boat trips to Seal Island (more accurately Duiker Island) operate from here. While you're there try the fish and chips at the Café on the Rocks at the end of the harbour road - a local secret.
Noordhoek#QQ01723|Chapmans Peak— Experience one of the most scenic drives in the world. As you drive up the Chapmans Peak Drive and look north over Hout Bay and the view of the bay and the fishing boats is stunning.

Along the south coast

RSA Bontebok - Bontebok, seen in De Hoop Nature Reserve|De Hoop.

Only two hours from Cape Town are the Bontebok National Park the De Hoop Nature Reserve, perfect for spotting African flora and fauna|bontebok and African flora and fauna|whales.
The southern tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas is not far away.
The Overberg region offers whale spotting and quiet towns to relax.

Garden Route and further on

The world-famous Garden Route ranges from about Mossel Bay, via George and Knysna to the Tsitsikamma National Park the Addo Elephant National Park. Bungee from the highest bridge(216m),at the Bloukrans bridge. This road will take you further on to Port Elizabeth, Durban. Do not forget to visit the Karoo and visit an ostrich farm and the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn.

Up north

Go up north along the West Coast (South Africa) | West Coast to Saldanha Bay and all the other hidden spots. Further on are Namaqualand and finally Namibia.

West Coast Fossil Park - Langebaan 120 kilometers north of Cape Town on the R27 ☎ +27 22 766-1606 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 4PM on weekdays, 9AM Monday - 12PM on weekends R25 entrance fee

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Visit Melkbos to surf, windsurf, kitesurf and sunbathe on its wide sandy beach and also visit the only working Nuclear Power Station in Africa. There is a Whatweredoing/ElectricityGeneration/KoebergNuclearPowerStation/Pages/Nature_Reserves.aspx nature reserve surrounding the power station, with trails for walking or mountain bikes, where you'll see eland, zebra and springbok. Entrance is free, but you must show a photo ID.

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