A gorgeous city in eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, Durban is a destination that should be in every tourist’s travel itinerary. It has long pristine beaches, commendable infrastructure, and rich…
Billed as the “Mother City”, Cape Town is a destination that beckons you again and again. Being home to the majestic Table Mountain, plentiful historical sites and some of the most spectacular beaches in South Africa, the charming metropolis always leaves its visitors craving for more. Here are some irresistible reasons why Cape Town merits a trip.
Abundant Natural Wonders
The flat-topped Table Mountain is probably the most iconic attraction; however there are plenty of other equally gorgeous natural landscapes festooning the varied expanse of Cape Town. Scintillating beaches such as Boulder’s Beach and Beta Beach, plenty of vineyards, the Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens and Green Point Park are a few places that make this South African city a nature buff’s haven. If you’re up for adventure, surfing, hiking and mountain biking are among the exciting activities you can try here.
Glorious History and Heritage
Along with an array of natural splendours, Cape Town packs in quite a good number of museums and historical sites that promise you a peek into the city’s eventful history. Visit the District Six Museum to learn about South Africa’s period of apartheid. Robben Island is where the great South African Leader Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Today this oval-shaped island, approximately 7kms west of Cape Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and draws history-buffs from far and wide. Houses of Parliament, The National Gallery, and Iziko Museum are some of the other notable historical sites in Cape Town.
Endless Shopping
Cape Town is an exciting place for shopaholics. The South African city has a wide array of shopping venues, ranging from modern malls to traditional markets. With over 450 retail outlets selling everything imaginable, the V&A Waterfront is probably the most popular shopping spot in Cape Town. The place is best known for its upscale boutiques and shops selling everything from fashion and jewellery to leather goods and electrical equipment. If you’re looking for a real-deal bargaining experience, then head to the Pan African Market or the Greenmarket Square. While the former is popular for old-folk art and custom-tailored garments, the latter offers a variety of African souvenirs and reasonably priced CDs. Visit Heartworks for quality gifts and local crafts from rural Africa.
