WELCOME TO 'THE MOTHER CITY' - CAPE TOWN
In this beautiful city even transient visitors can't help but devote a few million brain cells to storing images of its grandeur: its striking Table Mountain backdrop, its glorious beaches and enchanting vineyards, its rugged landscapes, its strange and wonderful plants and animals.
Cape Town, the administrative capital of South Africa, perches at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain. By any standard, the Cape Town region of South Africa is one of the most beautiful and compelling places to visit on the planet. The history of Cape Town started in the mid 17th century when the Dutch East India Company sent Jan van Riebeeck to the Cape to establish a halfway station on its trade routes to the far east. Thus, this makes it the oldest city in South Africa.
Cape Town is a city with fascinating historical sites, excellent museums, vibrant markets and a beautifully restored waterfront. Visit numerous wine estates, and experience the taste of internationally renowned South African wines. For the more adventurous enjoy the thrills of Ratanga Junction Theme Park and the splendour of the V&A Waterfront and Canal Walk shopping centre. Situated near the V&A Waterfront, is the amazing Two Oceans Aquarium, which offers many impressive displays.
Then there's the grandeur of Table Mountain and the picturesque views from Cape Point and Signal Hill. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, situated in the Southern Suburbs, is a definite must for any visitor. This 36-hectare garden is renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape Flora, which it displays, in a magnificent setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. With its mild, Mediterranean climate, Cape Town is an ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities for most part of the year. Ranging from walking, hiking and cycling trails to numerous water sports and golfing greens. The Mother City offers something for all.
The Weather
Summertime
Cape Town weather is very Mediterranean with little rain, 11+ hours of sunshine
and long light evenings. The only thing to mar this perfect summer weather
climate is the south east wind in Cape Town - which can be extremely forceful.
Spring & Autumn
Spring (September/October) and Autumn (April) are great times to visit Cape
Town as these months are usually balmy in-between seasons when nature is
at its showiest. If you're into flowers come to Cape Town in September or
October, or spot whales from the land in July and October. Cape Vineyards
are heavy with fruit in January and February , but their autumn colours
are stunning in May and June, too.
Winter
Cape Town nights can get cold but never get to freezing point, although
the further inland you go, the colder it gets, with occasional snow on mountain
peaks. There will be stormy days of rain and wind in Cape Town followed
by days or weeks of perfect sunny weather with a tangy chill in the air.
Time it right and winter becomes the perfect 'secret' season.
Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town International Airport is a sophisticated point of arrival and departure, situated 20km east of Cape Town. Even though Cape Town International Airport caters for over 6 million travellers a year, it has managed to retain the friendly, informal feel of a provincial airport. Arriving passengers seem to relax the moment they step into the Cape Town sunshine. Look straight ahead and the recognisable shape of Table Mountain confirms that you really have arrived in one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Cape Town International airport gives you direct access to 21 cities in 14 different countries, and if you take a short 2-hour flight to Johannesburg, the rest of the world is at your doorstep with direct flights to 103 cities.