Cape Town, South Africa Overview Introduction - Cruise Connections
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Cape Town, South Africa
Overview
Introduction
South Africa's "Mother City," Cape Town is dominated by Table Mountain and surrounded by the wild
Atlantic Ocean, giving it an unquestionably jaw-dropping backdrop. It was once described by Sir Francis
Drake as "the fairest cape in all the circumference of the earth," and since the 16th century, seafarers
have been drawn to its dramatic coastline and strategic location on the southwestern tip of the African
continent. Cape Town leads South Africa in developing attractions to appeal to visitors, and it is now one
of the world's top travel destinations.
Cape Town's highlights include the historical center, cutting-edge museums, the famous Constantia wine
estates, and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. There is also a variety of trendy
restaurants and nightclubs, as well as some of the best shopping opportunities in Africa.
Beyond Cape Town, a stunning coast road winds its way around the Cape Peninsula as far south as
Cape Point, where there are pristine beaches, quaint seaside villages, and marine wildlife such as
penguins and seals. The Winelands is South Africa's oldest and most beautiful wine-producing area, and
the scenic valleys are covered by the vineyards of historic estates that have been cultivating grapes for
more than 300 years. The southern coast is dubbed the Whale Coast, and it claims to have the best land-
based whale-watching in the world. In season, sightings are almost guaranteed from the clifftops in
Hermanus.
Cape Town's appeal also lies in its fascinating mix of nationalities and identities—African, European,
Asian— and its history is compelling, too, from the early hunter-gatherers to the arrival of the Europeans,
the Boer War and the breakdown of apartheid. In fact, it's Cape Town's mix of culture and lifestyle that
makes it one of the world's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities.
Highlights
Sights—Panoramic views from Table Mountain; wild, rugged coastlines at Cape Point in the Cape of
Good Hope; history at the Castle of Good Hope and Robben Island; sandy beaches and ocean waves
along Cape Town's trendy Atlantic Seaboard; flowers and picnics at Kirstenbosch National Botanical
Garden; entertainment, shopping and eating at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Museums—Learn about the country's cultural and biological diversity at the South African Museum; see
classical and cutting edge-art at the South African National Gallery; explore Cape Town's apartheid
history at the District Six Museum; celebrate the Islamic contribution to the city at the Bo-Kaap Museum;
visit the fine 17th-century Cape Dutch manor house at Groot Constantia.
Memorable Meals—A communal feast at Africa Cafe; award-winning French food at La Colombe; new
South African dishes at Aubergine; ghosts and gorgeous views at The Roundhouse; deli delights at
Giovanni's Deliworld; food and wine pairings at Planet Restaurant.
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Late Night—Cocktails and sunsets at The Grand Cafe & Beach; people-watching at stylish Cafe Caprice;
nightcaps at the Cape Grace Hotel's Bascule Whisky & Wine Bar; watching crucial sports matches with a
beer at the Fireman's Arms.
Walks—To wild and isolated Diaz Beach at Cape Point; up Lion's Head for a breathtaking all-around view
of Cape Town; a meander through Kirstenbosch to the tranquil Dell; down Government Avenue past the
Houses of Parliament and on to The Company's Garden; up to the top of Table Mountain to gaze across
Table Bay.
Especially for Kids—Waddling with penguins at Boulders Penguin Colony; picking gemstones and
minerals at the Scratch Patch; thrills at Ratanga Junction; sea life at the Two Oceans Aquarium;
summertime splashing at Sea Point Swimming Pool; exploring on a famous red City Sightseeing Cape
Town open-top bus.
Geography
Situated on the southwestern point of the African continent, Cape Town lies in the shadow of Table
Mountain, which towers 3,563 ft/1,086 m above the city and harbor. The central part of the city faces
north, toward Table Bay, and is cradled in the City Bowl between Table Mountain (to the south), Lion's
Head and Signal Hill (to the west) and Devil's Peak (to the east).
Cape Town proper is a relatively compact area. The loosely demarcated districts include City Centre (the
central downtown area); Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (just north of City Centre, on the harbor); Gardens
(south of City Centre); and Bo-Kaap (west of City Centre).
Immediately west of City Centre and Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is Green Point, which forms the tip of the
landmass that shields Table Bay and the harbor from the Atlantic. Following the coast south from Green
Point, you'll pass through the Atlantic Seaboard suburbs of Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton, Camps Bay,
Llandudno and Hout Bay, all home to beaches, restaurants and nightspots.
Other communities spread east and south out of City Centre (the opposite side of Table Mountain from
the Atlantic Seaboard). Woodstock is the first of what's known as the Southern Suburbs, followed by
Observatory, Rondebosch, Newlands, Claremont and Constantia. If you continue south far enough, you'll
reach False Bay and the coastal communities that spread down the east coast of the Cape Peninsula,
including Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Simon's Town. Farther east and beyond the metropolitan area are
Stellenbosch and the other towns in the picturesque Winelands.
History
Among the first residents of the Cape area were the Khoikhoi, a group of nomadic hunters and herders.
Early visitors to the area may have included the Phoenicians, and later, in the 15th century, the
Portuguese arrived but never stayed. In 1652, the Dutch arrived and began using the Cape to supply the
large trading ships of the Dutch East India Company—then the most powerful mercantile force on Earth—
as they sailed to and from Java. Creating vegetable gardens and vineyards, the Dutch used the Khoisan
people as laborers and brought in Malays from Indonesia as slaves. At this small, remote outpost named
Da Kaap (the Cape), a separate language emerged, called Afrikaans, essentially a form of kitchen Dutch
that incorporated elements of Khoikhoi, Malay and other languages.
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Both French and British ships regularly docked at the port. Its strategic position on the shipping lanes led
the British to try to occupy it (they called it the Gibraltar of India). When Dutch shipping went into decline
in the late 18th century, the British took over without much bloodshed. Many of the Dutch settlers (known
as Boers and then Afrikaners) left when the British abolished slavery. The majority headed into the
interior with their ox wagons to establish new colonies in the northeast. This became known as the Great
Trek, and the pioneers as the Voortrekkers (Afrikaans for "fore-movers"). But the Cape Colony thrived in
the 1870s following the discovery of diamonds at Kimberley and gold in the Boer Republic of the
Transvaal (centered on present-day Johannesburg). Ultimately, these riches set off the Anglo-Boer War
(1898-1902) between the Afrikaners and the British. With the establishment of the Union of South Africa
in 1910, Pretoria became the administrative capital, while Cape Town became the seat of parliament and
the legislative capital of the country.
Following World War II, the National Party came to power in South Africa and fostered the apartheid
system of racial separation. In Cape Town, one of the government's actions was to forcibly remove
nonwhites from District Six, a precinct adjacent to the center of Cape Town. Buildings were bulldozed and
people forcibly relocated to townships on the Cape Flats, and today much of the land still stands vacant
as a testament to forced removals and segregation during apartheid. Nelson Mandela and other
dissidents were imprisoned on Robben Island, situated in Table Bay, off the coast of Cape Town.
In the 1980s, the city was racked by civil unrest, but this period gave birth to the United Democratic Front,
one of the most important and instrumental antiapartheid organizations of the time (it had the support of
around three million members by 1985). Archbishop Desmond Tutu waged his antiapartheid campaign
from Cape Town, and peaceful protests in the city sparked similar demonstrations throughout South
Africa. Mandela was eventually released from prison in 1990, and democratic elections were held in
1994, which instigated sweeping positive changes across all of South Africa.
Since then, despite facing challenges with unemployment, poverty and crime, Cape Town has grown into
a sophisticated city where most of its residents enjoy a lifestyle that even other South Africans envy. It
has also established itself as a world-class tourist destination and is often ranked as one of the top must-
see cities in the world. Today facilities and infrastructure for visitors are of a very high standard, and Cape
Town now attracts some 80% of the foreign tourists who visit South Africa—estimated to top 10 million
per year.
Port Information
Location
In 1580, Sir Francis Drake wrote in the log of the Golden Hind that the Cape was "the most stately thing
we saw in the whole circumference of the globe." Still today, arriving cruise passengers are always
amazed by the sight of Table Mountain rising above the city's pretty harbor.
There is no dedicated passenger facility at Cape Town, but the Multi-Purpose Terminal on Duncan Dock
doubles as a passenger terminal for larger cruise ships. The majority of smaller cruise liners, however,
are able to dock in the Victoria and Albert Basins, where passengers disembark right at Cape Town's
tourism center, the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. There you'll find everything you need, from trendy
shops to casual eateries and flashy restaurants, not to mention numerous pubs and clubs. There are
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several visitor-information desks dotted around the complex that are open daily 9 am-9 pm. Phone 021-
408-7600. http://www.waterfront.co.za.
From the port, it's a 20-minute walk or short taxi or bus ride to the city center.
Potpourri
Cape Doctor is the name given to the southeasterly wind that blows across the Cape Peninsula in
summer, often forming a wispy, white cloud that covers Table Mountain in the shape of a tablecloth.
The Cape Floristic Region covers 34,749 sq mi/90,000 sq km and is home to nearly 20% of Africa's
flowering plant species, making it the smallest and richest floristic region per unit of area in the world.
Able Seaman Just Nuisance was an enlisted and adored sailor in the Royal Navy from 1939 until his
death in 1944. However, he was guilty of many misdeeds and often went AWOL or got into fights, and he
enjoyed his beer as much as any other sailor—the only difference being that he was a Great Dane. A
bronze statue of him is in Simon's Town.
Painting white lines on roads originated in South Africa. Adderley Street in Cape Town had lines painted
as far back as 1922.
If a Capetonian tells you he will do something "just now," it means "in the near future but not
immediately." "Now now" means "right away." You will hear these phrases frequently in Cape Town.
Cape Town is known as the Pink Capital of Africa, in large part because of its annual Cape Town Pride
Festival and Mother City Queer Project, two of the world's biggest gay festivals.
With around 2 million visitors every month, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront undisputedly outperforms any
other tourist attraction in Cape Town. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is the second-most-visited
attraction, with about 100,000 people per month going up the mountain.
See & Do
Sightseeing
Cape Town's majestic setting puts nature at the top of the sightseeing list. Plan to visit Table Mountain,
centerpiece of the eponymous national park, on the first clear day available, because you cannot ascend
it in cloudy weather.
Another side of nature can be seen in the city's parks and gardens. The two standouts are Kirstenbosch
National Botanical Garden, a spectacular collection of more than 4,700 species of indigenous flora on the
slopes of Table Mountain; and The Company's Garden, a former vegetable garden of the Dutch East
India Company that is now a park filled with trees, decorative flower beds and elegant fountains in the
heart of the city.
Lovers of wine and beautiful scenery won't want to miss a drive inland to the Winelands of the Western
Cape, where the vineyards of award-winning wineries unfurl along some of the world's finest wine routes.
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The most popular trip follows the Stellenbosch Wine Route, which lies in the heart of the Winelands, a 45-
minute drive from Cape Town. The Paarl and Franschhoek wine routes are farther away and can be seen
on a day trip from Cape Town. Older than all of these, the Constantia Wine Route lies on the Cape
Peninsula south of Cape Town and includes several legendary estates with wonderful Cape Dutch
architecture.
Historic Sites
Castle of Good Hope
Buitenkant Street (at Castle Street, opposite Grand Parade), City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-787-1260
http://www.castleofgoodhope.co.za
This imposing pentagon-shaped fortification dates from 1666 and was the original Dutch fort built to
defend the Cape from rival European powers. It's home to the Iziko Museums of Cape Town William Fehr
collection of furniture, porcelain, silverware and paintings. Other sights at the castle include the Castle
Military Museum, the Dolphin Pool and an inexpensive courtyard restaurant called De Goewerneur (The
Governor).
Daily 9 am-4 pm, last entry at 3:30 pm. A Key Ceremony takes place Monday-Friday at 10 am and noon,
followed by the firing of the Signal Cannon. R30 adults.
Houses of Parliament
Parliament Street (to enter, use Visitors Centre Entrance at 120 Plein St.)
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-403-2911
http://www.parliament.gov.za
One of South Africa's centers of government, the Houses of Parliament were built in 1884 and are
recognized as architectural masterpieces. There are three different chambers to see: the National Council
of Provinces, the Old House of Assembly and the National Assembly.
One-hour guided tours Monday-Thursday (from 9 am-4 pm) at 9, 10 and 11 am. On Friday (when
parliament is not in session), tours are at 2-3 pm. Reservations and copy of your passport are required.
Free.
Josephine Mill
13 Boundary Road
Newlands, South Africa
Phone: 021-686-4939
http://www.josephinemill.co.za
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CPA 22ndICPDCape Town's only surviving water mill was built in 1840 and is still in working order. It is a beautiful
redbrick building on the leafy banks of the Liesbeeck River. There's an organic wheat shop and restaurant
on-site.
The Mill Museum can be visited Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm, Saturday 10 am-2 pm. Stone-milling
demonstrations are Monday-Friday at 11 am and 3 pm. R10.
Noon Gun
Military Street (off Buitengracht Street in the Bo-Kaap)
Cape Town, South Africa
A Cape Town tradition worth visiting, if only for the novelty value. The Noon Gun is fired daily from the
slopes of Signal Hill. It dates from the days when it was needed as a time check for ships: Their
chronometers had to be aligned for accurate navigational calculations. Somehow it became a tradition,
though the only purpose it serves now is to scare the pigeons.
Monday-Saturday at noon. Free.
Rhodes Memorial
Groote Schuur Estate (off Highway M3, 10 minutes from City Centre)
Rondebosch, South Africa
Phone: 021-687-0000
http://www.rhodesmemorial.co.za
Cecil John Rhodes, prime minister of the Cape Colony in the late 19th century, dreamed of a British
Empire stretching from Cape Town all the way to Cairo. He didn't quite manage it, but this edifice was
built in his honor anyway. Set on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, it's a lovely spot to admire the
views of Table Bay and the city's Southern Suburbs, and a charming restaurant and tea garden offers
breakfast, lunch and tea.
Daily 8 am-6 pm May-September, 7:30 am-7 pm October-April. Restaurant open daily 9 am-5 pm. Free.
Robben Island
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-409-5100
http://www.robben-island.org.za
The maximum-security prison on Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela and other dissidents of the
antiapartheid movement were incarcerated (Mandela spent 18 years on the island). There, they faced
miserable conditions, inhabiting tiny cells and toiling in a lime quarry, and the tour of the prison is a
moving experience. While on the island, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, you
may get to see some of the penguins, antelope and other wildlife that call it home. An Anglican church
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CPA 22ndICPDdesigned by Sir Herbert Baker and a distinctive lighthouse (one of two in the world that flashes on and off)
built in 1863 are other attractions. Ferries to Robben Island leave daily at 9 and 11 am and 1 pm, weather
permitting, from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Clock Tower.
The island tour lasts three-and-a-half hours, including boat transfers in both directions and a 45-minute
bus tour around the island. It's a popular excursion, so book ahead. R300 adults.
St George's Cathedral
5 Wale St. (at the entrance to Government Avenue), City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-424-7360
http://www.sgcathedral.co.za
The cornerstone of this Anglican church (referred to as St George's) was laid in 1901, at the height of the
Anglo-Boer War, on the site of an older church that opened in 1846. It has magnificent stained-glass
windows by Gabriel Loire. It was a focal point of antiapartheid activity from the 1960s onward, and Nobel
Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu has presided over services on several occasions. Guided
tours on request.
Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4 pm, Saturday 9 am-1 pm. Services Monday-Friday 7:15 am and 1:15 pm;
Saturday 8 am; Sunday 7, 8 and 9:30 am and 6 pm. Free, but donations are welcome.
Museums
Groot Constantia
Groot Constantia Road
Constantia, South Africa
Phone: 021-794-5128
http://www.grootconstantia.co.za
At the heart of South Africa's oldest wine estate (established in 1685), this Cape Dutch manor house is
furnished with 17th- to 19th-century period pieces reminiscent of the household of a well-to-do farmer and
vintner of that time. Includes antique furniture and copperware of the period. The picturesque estate is
surrounded by vines and also offers wine tastings and sales, cellar tours and two highly rated restaurants.
Daily 9 am-6 pm. Entry to the manor house R30 adults.
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CPA 22ndICPDBo-Kaap Museum
71 Wale St., Bo-Kaap
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-481-3938
http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/bo-kaap-museum
This museum examines the early history of the Bo-Kaap, the area of Cape Town that was settled by
former slaves from Dutch Indonesia who gained their freedom in the 1830s. The neighborhood, with its
steep cobbled streets and colorful houses, is still home to many of their descendants and remains
predominantly Muslim. The museum is housed in a building dating from 1763 and furnished as a 19th-
century Muslim home.
Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm. R20 adults.
Cape Town Holocaust Centre and South African Jewish Museum
88 Hatfield St., Gardens
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-462-5553 (Holocaust Centre), 021-465-1546 (Jewish Museum)
http://www.ctholocaust.co.za
This is Africa's only center dedicated to the World War II holocaust. Exhibitions include archival
documents, film footage, multimedia displays and artifacts. In the same complex, you'll find the South
African Jewish Museum (http://www.sajewishmuseum.org.za), which is in a landmark building whose
facade is made of Jerusalem stone. Its displays trace the social, political, intellectual and cultural
contributions made by Jews in South Africa—many of whom emigrated from Europe after the Holocaust.
The Holocaust Centre is open Sunday-Thursday 10 am-5 pm, Friday 10 am-2 pm; the Jewish Museum is
open Sunday-Thursday 10 am-5 pm, Friday 10 am-2 pm. Admission to the Holocaust Centre is free;
Jewish Museum R40 adults.
Cape Town Science Centre
370-B Main Road, Observatory (10 minutes east of the City Centre)
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-300-3200
http://www.ctsc.org.za
Let the kids build a house out of genuine materials, experience the weightlessness of space in a
simulator, or play chess on a giant board.
Monday-Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm, Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm. R40.
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CPA 22ndICPDDistrict Six Museum
25-A Buitenkant St., Gardens
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-466-7200
http://www.districtsix.co.za
Commemorates one of the most startling apartheid-era events in Cape Town. District Six was once a
multiethnic neighborhood of more than 50,000 people. In 1966, the government declared it a whites-only
area and bulldozed nearly all the buildings to force out residents. It's still undeveloped. Exhibits are mostly
photographs and artifacts donated by former residents.
Monday-Saturday 9 am-4 pm. Guided tour R45; self-guided tour R30 adults.
Heart of Cape Town Museum
Groote Schuur Hospital
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-404-1967
http://www.heartofcapetown.co.za
Located in Groote Schuur Hospital, this fascinating museum uses re-created scenes to tell the story of
the first successful human-heart transplant, including the operating theater in which Dr. Christiaan
Barnard performed the operation in 1967. The collection also includes original letters and odd artifacts
commemorating the event.
Tours daily at 9 and 11 am, and 1 and 3 pm. Reservations are essential. R200 adults.
Koopmans-de Wet House
35 Strand St., City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-481-3935
http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/koopmans-de-wet-house
This beautiful building dates from 1701, and many of its murals and furniture are still very much in their
original state. The highlights are the large selection of Japanese, Dutch and Chinese porcelain.
Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm. R20 adults.
Michaelis Collection at the Old Town House
Old Town House, Greenmarket Square, City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-481-3933
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CPA 22ndICPDhttp://www.iziko.org.za/museums/michaelis-collection-at-the-old-town-house
This impressive collection of art showcases some world-renowned works by 17th-century Dutch and
Flemish old masters, including Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Jacob Ruisdael and Anthony van Dyck. The
building once served as the city hall and later as a magistrate's court and police station.
Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm. R20 adults.
Planetarium
25 Queen Victoria St., City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-481-3900
http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/planetarium
Housed in the South African Museum, the Planetarium has a variety of excellent programs about stars
and planets. Shows run daily, but times and programs change regularly—phone for details or check the
website. Combination tickets for the planetarium and the South African Museum are available.
R40 adults.
Rust en Vreugd
78 Buitenkant St., City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-481-3903
http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/rust-en-vreugd
Housed in a Dutch town house built in 1778, this museum exhibits the William Fehr Collection of Africana
art (watercolors, drawings, etchings) from the late 16th to early 19th century. The landscaped garden
reflects the original 1786 garden design.
Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm. R20 adults.
Slave Lodge
49 Adderley St., City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-467-7229
http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/slave-lodge
The Slave Lodge was built in 1679 to house the slaves that worked the adjacent Company's Garden. It
houses a series of artifacts and multimedia displays relating to slavery at the Cape Colony, as well as the
transatlantic slave trade between the west coast of Africa and the Americas and Caribbean.
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CPA 22ndICPDSouth African Museum
25 Queen Victoria St., City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-481-3800
http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/south-african-museum
A natural-history and anthropology museum. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including some
excellent examples of prehistoric rock art, as well as traditional cultures of Africa and life in the oceans.
The popular Whale Well includes a collection of whale skeletons. The Planetarium is part of the museum
but has its own admission fee.
Daily 10 am-5 pm. R30 adults.
South African National Gallery
Government Avenue, City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-481-3970
http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/south-african-national-gallery
Stages changing exhibits of art from southern Africa and around the world. The permanent collection
includes works by many leading British artists, including members of the Bloomsbury group, and a huge
collection of African beadwork.
Daily 10 am-5 pm. R30 adults.
Springbok Experience
Portswood House, Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (at Portswood Road)
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-418-4741
http://www.sarugby.net
This modern rugby museum offers an insight into South Africa's most adored sport. It also touches on
rugby's role in the country's political journey. When the South African team, the Springboks, defeated
New Zealand's All Blacks in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, then-president Nelson Mandela and white
Springbok captain Francois Pienaar held aloft the trophy together—a poignant moment that demonstrated
that all races had a common cause for celebration. In the museum's Springbok Trials zone, visitors can
attempt various kicking, passing and fitness tests to determine whether they'd make the national squad.
Tuesday-Sunday 9 am-5 pm. R75 adults.
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CPA 22ndICPDNeighborhoods & Districts
Bo-Kaap
This part of central Cape Town was settled by former slaves from Malaysia, whose descendants still
inhabit the area. The name means "upper Cape," and the district hugs the lower slopes of Signal Hill
above the city center. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with small, boxy houses that have been
famously painted in bright colors, and Islamic culture gives this neighborhood a distinctive character. The
Bo-Kaap has its own small museum, which gives some insight into the area's history and way of life. But
the highlight is walking the streets just to soak up the atmosphere, which is enhanced further when the
muezzin calls ring from the various mosques.
De Waterkant
Adjacent to and below Bo-Kaap, on the slopes of Signal Hill, lie the narrow cobbled streets of De
Waterkant. The focus of this cosmopolitan neighborhood is the Cape Quarter, with courtyard restaurants,
art galleries and decor shops situated around two central piazzas. Many of the cottages in De Waterkant
have been renovated to preserve their 18th-century original design with flower boxes under the windows
and sprawling balconies, many of which have been turned into guesthouses. The neighborhood is also a
vibrant evening destination, boasting some good bars and Parisian-inspired cafes.
Green Point and Sea Point
From the city center and De Waterkant, the first residential suburbs that curve along the Atlantic
Seaboard and the fringes of Table Bay are Green Point followed by Sea Point. They feature modern, and
mostly luxury, high-rise apartment blocks that climb up the lower slopes of Signal Hill, while many of the
older Victorian houses have been restored into fine guesthouses. Main Road neatly dissects the area and
is renowned for its string of restaurants offering international cuisine as cosmopolitan as the community
that lives there. Green Point Park is a spacious urban park offering lots of green space, a biodiversity
garden, and an exercise circuit. Sea Point Promenade follows the length of Beach Road from Mouille
Point to Bantry Bay, a distance of about 4 mi/6.5 km—it's ideal for a stroll, especially at sunset, and the
stunning open-air Sea Point Swimming Pool is easily Cape Town's most popular place to swim.
Kalk Bay
The quaint village of Kalk Bay is located a 40-minute drive from central Cape Town. Since its
establishment by the Dutch East India Co. in 1742 as a small port to ferry supplies and construction
materials to and from Simon's Bay (now Simon's Town), Kalk Bay has been home to whalers,
shipwrecked Filipino crew and refugees, and emancipated slaves from the Cape who turned to fishing for
income. Today, Kalk Bay is a bohemian collection of antiques shops, art galleries, craft shops and
boutiques. Cafe culture is seriously entrenched, and there are countless restaurants and coffee shops
fringing the main road. Visit the picturesque working harbor, sunbathe on one of the small beaches or
swim in the Kalk Bay tidal pool (the water is warmer there).
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CPA 22ndICPDLong Street
If the Mother City had a heartbeat, then Long Street would be her main vein. You can spend a whole day
wandering its length, exploring the various offerings from local designer boutiques to bookshops and
antiques arcades. And you won't go hungry—restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars abound. Try Pickwicks for
a milkshake or Royale for a burger; both are Cape Town institutions. The road is steeped in history, too—
Long Street Baths has been cooling off the local population since it first opened in 1908, and Palm Tree
Mosque gained its official status in 1825. Keep on walking up toward Table Mountain and you'll hit Kloof
Street. With an entrenched cafe culture on its tree-lined pavements, this street is the meeting place of arty
types and hipsters.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Dock Road
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-408-7600
http://www.waterfront.co.za
Located just north of City Centre, along the harbor, this waterfront area (named after Queen Victoria and
her son Alfred) is the centerpiece of Cape Town's tourism industry. It's similar to the shopping and
entertainment districts in many U.S. cities. The renovated warehouses have loads of stores and the
Watershed craft market, but plenty of other activities are based there, too: the Two Oceans Aquarium, the
ferries to Robben Island, the Cape Wheel, an amphitheater for live entertainment, two cinemas, helicopter
rides, sunset and harbor boat trips, and lots of bars, restaurants and hotels.
Daily 9 am-9 pm.
Woodstock
373 Albert Road, Woodstock
Cape Town, South Africa
Lying just to the east of the city center, Woodstock is one of the oldest suburbs in Cape Town and is a
blend of seedy streets, secondhand stores and unique finds. It has seen a massive revival in recent years
and has become a thriving design hub and home to some of Cape Town's finest art galleries,
photography studios and decor shops housed in cleverly converted and revamped warehouses. The Old
Biscuit Mill is the most popular of these and hosts the Neighbourgoods Market every Saturday 9 am-2
pm—a thriving foodie mecca and an eclectic craft market (http://www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za).
Parks & Gardens
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-780-9204
http://capepoint.co.za
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CPA 22ndICPDThis is the most southerly part of the Table Mountain National Park and also lies within the Cape Floristic
Region. The Cape of Good Hope section encompasses the southern tip of the peninsula—Cape Point—
and more than 17,300 acres/7,000 hectares of indigenous fynbos (heath). It's home to antelope, ostriches
and baboons, and it features scenic hiking trails and some amazing but well-hidden beaches—the best
walk is down to Diaz Beach. At Cape Point, a railway, the Flying Dutchman Funicular, transports
passengers from the parking area up to a viewing platform just below the clifftop lighthouse. You can also
walk to the top of the cliff, a stiff but enjoyable climb. Also at Cape Point is a fantastic restaurant, Two
Oceans, open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea (expect to find a crowd there). To get there, take
Highway M4 through Simon's Town and Miller's Point, or Highway M65 through Kommetjie and
Scarborough.
Daily 7 am-5 pm April-September, 6 am-6 pm October-March. R125 adults. .
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Rhodes Drive
Newlands, South Africa
Phone: 021-799-8783
http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch
Founded on the eastern side of Table Mountain in 1913, Kirstenbosch is renowned for the beauty and
diversity of its indigenous flora (more than 4,700 species, including several types of protea and prehistoric
cycads), but it's also a great spot to look for birds endemic to the fynbos of the Western Cape. A variety of
small mammals are also resident, and there's an especially gorgeous display of wildflowers and a scent
garden for the blind. The former estate of Cecil Rhodes, it now includes a restaurant, gift shop, bookshop
and garden center. Sunset concerts are held on the lawn of the gardens every Sunday December-March,
and there's a craft market on the last Sunday of the month September-May.
Garden open April-August daily 8 am-6 pm, September-March daily 8 am-7 pm. R55 adults.
Table Bay Nature Reserve
Grey Avenue (take Highway R27 to Blouberg Road and follow the signs)
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-444-0315
http://www.friendsofrietvlei.co.za
The Rietvlei Section of the Table Bay Nature Reserve is a large wetland area and the floodplain of the
Diep River has more than 190 bird species in residence, including large flocks of flamingos and pelicans.
The reserve also has a spectacular view of Table Mountain, and the springtime wildflowers are a
wonderful sight.
Daily 7:30 am-5 pm. R14 adults.
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CPA 22ndICPDTable Mountain
Tafelberg Road (off Kloof Nek)
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-424-0015
http://www.tablemountain.net
Cape Town's biggest tourist attraction rises to 3,562 ft/1,086 m and is part of Table Mountain National
Park, a vast protected area that stretches down the entire Cape Peninsula from Signal Hill in the north to
Cape Point in the south. It's worth getting a close look at the mountain itself, and the most popular way of
doing so is to ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, which whisks you to the summit. (You may want
to ride the cable car one way and walk the other.) Once there, you're in for awesome panoramic views—
provided the peak isn't shrouded in clouds. Keep an eye out for black eagles, Himalayan tahrs, smaller
indigenous antelope such as duiker and klipspringer, rock hyraxes, and such striking flowers as the
protea. There's also a decent self-service restaurant at the top of the mountain.
There are more than 20 hiking trails that run up the mountain from all sides—a leisurely climb takes about
two to three hours. For details on the routes, purchase one of the trail guides available from bookshops or
the park's offices. There are many available, but the titles by Mike Lundy are recommended. If you're
planning to hike far, be sure you're well-equipped with a map, provisions and gear: The mountain sees
some rapidly changeable weather, and it's easy to get lost. Always check the weather report first, carry a
mobile phone and let someone know you're out walking on the mountain.
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway operates daily, although service can be interrupted by bad weather.
The first car up is at 8 am throughout the year. The last car down departs anywhere from 6 pm in the
middle of winter to 9:30 pm in the middle of summer (phone or check the website for exact times). It
usually closes for two to three weeks over the cusp of July-August for maintenance.
Round-trip tickets are R240 adults; one-way tickets are R125 adults. Tickets are best bought online to
avoid queues.
The Company's Garden
Queen Victoria Street (at the top end of Adderley Street), City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-400-2521
http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/parks/facilities/Pages/CapeTownGardens.aspx
A garden as old as the city itself, this is the site of the vegetable garden founded by Jan van Riebeeck in
1652 to supply Dutch trading ships with fresh produce. Today the tranquil and expansive grounds running
alongside Government Avenue contain green lawns, bright flower beds and beautiful fountains.The VOC
Vegetable Garden recreates the original Dutch quadrant layout and grows indigenous herbs, vegetables
and fruit trees. The South African National Gallery and the South African Museum are there, as are a
number of historic statues, a pleasant outdoor restaurant, and squadrons of inquisitive squirrels.
Daily 7 am-7 pm April-August, 7:30 am-8:30 pm September-March. Free.
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CPA 22ndICPDWineries, Breweries & Distilleries
Constantia Wine Route
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 0767-425-366
http://www.constantiavalley.com
South Africa's tradition of award-winning winemaking dates from the arrival of the original Dutch colonists.
There are several wineries south of Table Mountain in the Constantia Valley, which was chosen in 1685
by the first governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, as the site of his farm, Constantia. Wine estates
there have excellent examples of old Cape Dutch architecture and include Buitenverwachting (which
means "beyond expectations"), Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Constantia Uitsig. All offer a wine
tasting and sales center, as well as on-site restaurants. Take Highway M3 south, then follow Rhodes
Drive past the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden for a splendid dash through the forests. You can
also take Highway M63 east from Hout Bay.
Stellenbosch Wine Route
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-886-4310 for more information
http://www.wineroute.co.za
This region, 25 mi/40 km east of Cape Town, is home to a large number of award-winning estates. Most
offer daily wine tastings, cellar tours and sales, and many have restaurants and picnic facilities. Some
offer luxury accommodations, as well. Among the finer wineries in the area are Boschendal, Hartenberg,
Lanzerac, Middelvlei, Meerlust, Neethlingshof, Rust en Vrede, Simonsig, Tokara and Vergelegen—a top
wine estate with magnificent camphor trees planted more than 300 years ago. The Spier Estate wines
can't match those of the better vineyards, but the facility has plenty of activities in the beautiful grounds
dotted with lakes and offers tastings of wines made by other Stellenbosch vineyards. Stellenbosch itself
was founded by Governor Simon Van Der Stel in 1697 and is the second-oldest settlement in South
Africa after Cape Town. It is well worth visiting for the fine Cape Dutch architecture and museums along
historic, oak-lined Dorp and Church streets. Highway R310 is the most direct route by car.
Recreation
One of the best aspects of Cape Town is that it offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities at a
minimal cost. Beach culture thrives up and down the Atlantic Seaboard, the West Coast and False Bay.
Most are lively and full of bronzed sunbathers, competitive surfers, picnicking families and more. Cape
Town's environment is also excellent for hiking and walking, with lots of convenient and scenic routes to
choose from, while the ocean—although cold—offers opportunities for surfing, boat rides and fishing.
Nightlife
Cape Town has an unusually lively nightlife—things are joyously raucous after dark, especially in
summer. You can boogie in the luxury of a nightclub or step out under the stars at an impromptu outdoor
16 | P a g e South Africa
CPA 22ndICPDtrance party. A bewildering number of venues present live music—rock 'n' roll, jazz, soul, rhythm and
blues, reggae (you name it, you can find it)—or featured DJs laying down the latest international grooves.
Most places also have special theme parties weekly or bring in foreign acts: Look out for flyers or simply
ask around—the cafes along Long Street in the City Centre are a good place to start.
Most of the best bars and clubs are in or close to the City Centre, especially up and down Long Street.
Other nightlife districts include fashionable Victoria Road in Camps Bay and the thriving gay and lesbian
scene based in the De Waterkant area, close to Somerset Road in Green Point. There are also a few
places dotted around the Southern Suburbs, which especially cater to the lively student crowd from the
University of Cape Town (UTC).
Most taverns and pubs open for lunch just before noon and serve alcohol until closing time, usually
between 11 pm and 1 am, depending on the season—summertime is party time. City bars and nightclubs
open by 9 or 10 pm and rock until the sun comes up. Generally speaking, the later they open, the later
they close.
Shopping
If you're after designer labels, the selection in Cape Town can match that of just about any large city in
the world. But it's the unique, creative items produced locally that stand out.
Items to look for include beaded jewelry, wooden sculptures, baskets, drums, fabrics, local paintings,
sculptures, and items crafted from wire and other recycled materials (usually made by local people living
in disadvantaged communities). These are sold in galleries, upmarket souvenir shops, and flea and curio
markets. Other signature South African items include wine, diamonds and gold.
Shopping Hours: Standard shopping hours are Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm and Saturday 9 am-1 pm.
Malls usually have longer hours: generally Monday-Saturday 9 am-6 or 7 pm, Sunday 9 am-1 pm,
although the larger malls may stay open until 9 pm.
Department Stores
Woolworths
Cape Town, South Africa
http://www.woolworths.co.za
South Africans' favorite department store specializes in quality clothing, homewares, furniture, and food
and wine. There are more than 50 branches in and around Cape Town; the main stores are located in the
City Centre and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Some branches have an in-store restaurant, Cafe W,
and standalone food shops can be found attached to 24-hour filling stations.
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CPA 22ndICPDGalleries
Clementina Ceramics
Shop 101, The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-447-1398
http://www.clementina.co.za
This shop in the Old Biscuit Mill sells Clementina one-off ceramics, renowned brightly colored tableware,
and the work of many contemporary South African ceramists. Also sells jewelry, felt, glass and basket
ware.
Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-3 pm.
Kalk Bay Modern
136 Main Road
Kalk Bay, South Africa
Phone: 021-788-6571
http://www.kalkbaymodern.co.za
One of several galleries and crafts shops running along the main drag through Kalk Bay, this shop
showcases a wide selection of local modern art, as well as arty ceramics and other crafts. It's
conveniently upstairs of the Olympia Cafe & Deli.
Daily 9:30 am-5 pm.
Stevenson Gallery
Buchanan Building, 160 Sir Lowry Road
Woodstock, South Africa
Phone: 021-462-1500
http://www.stevenson.info
This upmarket gallery exhibits the best in contemporary African art. The extensive exhibition spaces host
solo and group exhibitions, as well as a fantastic permanent collection that features big names such as
Pieter Hugo, Mustafa Maluka, Penny Siopis and Hylton Nel.
Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-1 pm.
The (AVA) Metropolitan Gallery
35 Church St., City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-424-7436
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CPA 22ndICPDhttp://www.ava.co.za
A nonprofit gallery for the Association for Visual Arts (AVA) exhibiting contemporary South African art,
including paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, original prints, jewelry and functional art.
Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-1 pm.
Markets
Bay Harbour Market
31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 082-275-5586
http://www.bayharbour.co.za
This is a smorgasbord of food and craft stalls, and communal bench tables invite sociable chatting over
craft beer or organic wine. Live music heightens the atmosphere. Once a fish factory, the venue is now
home to more than 100 entrepreneurial traders and attracts more than 25,000 visitors a month.
Friday 5-9 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am-4 pm.
Greenmarket Square
Between Shortmarket and Longmarket streets, City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Originally opening as a farmers market in 1710, Greenmarket Square is now the city's best-known flea
market. Clothing, jewelry, souvenirs and curios are for sale, and tourists and businesspeople rub
shoulders in the many surrounding sidewalk cafes.
Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm, Saturday 9 am-3 pm.
Pan African Market
76 Long St., City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Spanning three stories, this indoor market offers a wide selection of curios, art, jewelry and antiques from
all over Africa. Vendors come from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, Mozambique, Mali and,
of course, South Africa itself. The Soul Kitchen serves tasty traditional snacks and drinks.
Monday-Friday 8:30 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-3 pm.
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CPA 22ndICPDWatershed
Dock Road, next to the Two Oceans Aquarium, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 21-408-7600
http://www.waterfront.co.za/Shop/watershed
This vibrant indoor market is filled with a mix of handmade merchandise and art. Gifts, textiles, jewelry,
woodcarvings, fashion clothing, ceramics and wirecraft are just some of the many items offered. The 150
tenants have been chosen carefully for their quality and craftsmanship – hence prices can be high too.
Wellness at the Watershed on the mezzanine level offers a range of treatments available for mind, body
and soul.
Daily 10 am-7 pm.
Shopping Areas
Canal Walk
Century Boulevard (in the Century City development, 10 minutes from Cape Town off the N1; take the Sable Road
exit)
Milnerton, South Africa
Phone: 21-529-9699
http://www.canalwalk.co.za
This is South Africa's second largest shopping mall, with more than 400 stores and loads of
entertainment, including Nu Metro movie theaters.
Daily 9 am-9 pm.
Cape Quarter
27 Somerset Road, De Waterkant
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-421-1111
http://www.capequarter.co.za
This mall has a historical location in the trendy suburb of De Waterkant. Popular with craft lovers, its
shops and galleries specialize in crafts, jewelry, decor and art—most with a local flavor—and there are
several restaurants and cafes arranged around two attractive piazzas.
Monday-Friday 9 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-4 pm, Sunday 10 am-2 pm.
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CPA 22ndICPDCavendish Square
Dreyer Street
Claremont, South Africa
Phone: 021-657-5620
http://www.cavendish.co.za
Large, chic and very upscale shopping center with more than 200 shops and a strong emphasis on
fashion and decor. Additionally there are numerous restaurants and a 16-screen Ster-Kinekor movie
theater.
Monday-Saturday 9 am-7 pm, Sunday 10 am-5 pm.
Montebello Design Centre
31 Newlands Ave.
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-685-6445
http://www.montebello.co.za
A rambling complex of more than 20 arts-and-crafts studios, workshops, an organic deli, historic
greenhouse and nursery, and a restaurant. Located in the leafy suburb of Newlands, Montebello offers
unique designer goods, jewelry and art directly from the artists or crafters who make them.
Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-3 pm, Sunday 9:30 am-2:30 pm.
The Old Biscuit Mill
373-375 Albert Road
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-447-8194
http://www.theoldbiscuitmill.co.za
An outdoor shopping experience in the old Pyott's biscuit factory in Woodstock. As well as hosting the
Neighbourgoods Market every Saturday, The Old Biscuit Mill has a range of workshops, designer stores,
cafes and galleries. The area of Albert Road out front has recently become Cape Town's mecca for home
design and features a number of vintage furniture and decor stores.
Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm, Saturday 9 am-2 pm.
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CPA 22ndICPDVictoria Wharf Shopping Centre
Granger Bay Boulevard
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-408-7600
http://www.waterfront.co.za
A luxury shopping experience geared toward tourists, with more than 450 shops, some 80 restaurants,
pubs and coffee shops, and two movie theaters. Among the offerings are a large branch of Exclusive
Books and two large department stores: Woolworths and Edgars.
Daily 9 am-9 pm.
Specialty Stores
& Banana
35 Main Road
Hout Bay, South Africa
Phone: 021-790-0802
http://www.andbanana.com
For high-quality gifts with an African theme, this contemporary handicraft shop in Hout Bay stocks an
array of quirky goods, ranging from picture frames and candle holders to jewelry handcrafted from
materials such as seashells, feathers, beads, ostrich eggshells and wood.
Monday-Friday 10 am-5:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-4 pm.
Artvark
48 Main Road, Kalk Bay
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-788-5584
http://www.artvark.org
This craft shop uses a unique style of contrasting rough and smooth surfaces of silver, copper and brass
cutlery to create miniature artworks with a contemporary feel. It also sells a range of funky, handcrafted
metal jewelry.
Daily 9 am-5 pm, with extended hours during summer.
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CPA 22ndICPDBurr & Muir
146 Strand St., City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-418-1269
http://www.burrmuir.com
If you love art deco and late-19th- and early-20th-century ceramics of museum quality, or if you're a
collector, then this shop is a must-see. The merchandise is world-class and beautifully displayed, just
around the corner from Cape Quarter in the De Waterkant.
Monday-Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Saturday 9:30 am-12:30 pm.
Cape Union Mart
Quay 4, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-425-4559
http://www.capeunionmart.co.za
For high-quality outdoor clothing and equipment, head to this chain—there are branches in most of the
larger malls, but the flagship store is at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It has everything you need for
camping, hiking, trail running, mountain climbing and going on safari. It also stocks the stylish casual
clothing brand Old Khaki.
Daily 9 am-9 pm.
Original T-Bag Designs
Klein Kronendal, 144 Main Road
Hout Bay, South Africa
Phone: 021-790-0887
http://www.tbagdesigns.co.za
This unique shop showcases a range of beautiful handmade gifts such as notebooks, mirrors, coasters
and placemats, all made from recycled tea bags by previously unemployed Hout Bay residents. You can
visit the workshop on-site, as well. There are two other outlets with extended hours including the weekend
at Bay Harbour Market at Hout Bay and at the Watershed market at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Monday-Friday 9 am-4:30 pm.
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CPA 22ndICPDScratch Patch
1 Dock Road (near the Two Oceans Aquarium), Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-419-9429
http://www.scratchpatch.co.za
Gemstones and minerals, some set in jewelry. The store is named for the area where you can dig for your
own stones—very popular with children.
Daily 9 am-6 pm.
Shimansky Collection
Top Floor, Clock Tower, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-421-2788
http://www.shimansky.com
A sophisticated store specializing in well-made platinum and diamond jewelry. Here Shimansky also runs
the Cape Town Diamond Museum (http://www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org), which documents South
Africa's diamond-mining history and has replicas of some of the largest stones ever found. Shimansky
has additional stores in the larger malls and a duty-free store for departing passengers at Cape Town
International Airport.
Daily 9 am-9 pm.
Vaughan Johnson's Wine & Cigar Shop
Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-419-2121
http://www.vaughanjohnson.co.za
This cheerful and knowledgeably staffed wine emporium is the place to stock up on a few bottles of Cape
whites and reds, whether you're after a few vintage award-winners to stash in your luggage or quaffable
and affordable own-label products for a picnic. Overseas shipping arranged for serious buyers.
Monday-Friday 9 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-5 pm, Sunday 10 am-5 pm.
24 | P a g e South Africa
CPA 22ndICPDYoung Designers Emporium (YDE)
Shop 225, Victoria Wharf, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-425-6232
http://www.yde.co.za
YDE showcases offerings from South Africa's talented new, hip, young designers. Its outlets around the
country, including three in Cape Town, stock affordable designer fashion and accessories for men and
women.
Daily 9 am-9 pm
Dining
Dining Overview
Cape Town and the surrounding area offer an overwhelming amount of consistently excellent restaurants
ranging from fine dining, French and Asian to fusion, seafood and African. The options vary from the
opulently elegant to the conveniently casual. It's not just type of cuisine or price that determines choice—
because of Cape Town's varied climate, a table on a sunny deck with a view is de rigueur in summer,
while dining next to a cozy fireplace is preferable in winter.
The city is known for its "Cape cuisine," which broadly is made up of the finest local ingredients and
borrows from all points of the culinary compass. Local delicacies worth trying include crocodile, ostrich
and a large selection of game fish (called line fish)—snoek and yellowtail are scrumptious. The selection
of local shellfish includes crayfish (Cape rock lobster) and West Coast mussels. The most ubiquitous local
delicacy is known as biltong (pronounced BILL-tong): spicy strips of dried venison, ostrich or beef. It is
comparable to beef jerky, only better. Samosa (pronounced sa-MOO-sa) is spicy curried vegetables or
meat in a triangular deep-fried pastry. Koeksisters (pronounced COOK-sisters) are syrup-soaked
doughnuts.
Other local delicacies: bobotie (pronounced bo-BOO-tee), a spicy ground meat with a savory custard
topping; bredie (pronounced BREE-dee), a stew of meat, often lamb, with vegetables; waterblommetjies
(pronounced VA-ter-blom-a-kees), a nutty-tasting flower that grows wild in ponds; and stuiwe pap
(pronounced STAY-ve-pup), a firm cornmeal porridge similar to polenta. Tripe, known as upens
(pronounced OO-pence) in African restaurants, and mopane worms (dried caterpillars, pronounced mo-
PAH-nee) are strictly for the daring palate. For something more traditional, you should try authentic
African and local cuisines, such as Cape Malay (spicy food with its origins from the slaves from Malaysia)
and Boerekos cooking (Afrikaans cooking with a strong Dutch influence).
The most concentrated restaurant districts in Cape Town are in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront; Long
Street and its extension, Kloof Street (heading up the hill toward Table Mountain); Victoria Road on the
Camps Bay promenade (great views of the Atlantic Ocean, but pricey); Green Point (Somerset Road
25 | P a g e South Africa
CPA 22ndICPDgoing into Main); Sea Point (an entire main street filled with delis, restaurants and bars); False Bay's
fishing villages; and the lush and historic Winelands.
Breakfast is generally served 8-11 am (if you want to eat earlier, hotels or established coffee shops are
best); lunch runs noon-3 pm; dinner is 7-10 pm or later. Many of the more casual restaurants serve meals
all day and also double as bars and cafes.
Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of dinner for one, not including drink, tip
or tax: $ = less than R100; $$ = R100-R200; $$$ = R201-R300; $$$$ = more than R300.
Local & Regional
Africa Cafe
108 Shortmarket St. (Heritage Square), City Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: 021-422-0221
http://www.africacafe.co.za
Menu items cover a wide range of African cuisines, from the Cape to Cairo. About 15 dishes make up the
communal feast, a geographical and gastronomical delight that is served family-style. Prior to the meal,
servers in traditional garb bring a bowl of rose water to the table so guests can wash their hands before
dining. The place is a bit touristy, but locals like it as well. The African decor is a sight to behold, and you'll
see many diners making their way from room to room with camera in hand.
Daily 6-11 pm. Reservations required. $$$$. Most major credit cards.
The Tasting Room
Corner of Berg and Wilhelmina streets (in Le Quartier Francais Hotel)
Franschhoek, South Africa
Phone: 021-876-2151
http://www.lqf.co.za/restaurants/the-tasting-room.htm
This world-renowned restaurant focuses on expertly prepared small plates from seasonal offerings.
Ingredients are locally sourced, and each dish is a visual work of art. Everything there is exquisite: the
food, the wine, the service and the hotel itself. Franschhoek is in the Winelands, not too far outside of
Cape Town. It's worth the drive.
Tuesday-Saturday from 7 pm. Reservations required. $$$$.
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