Cape Town & surrounds

Warmed by the African sun, Cape Town is dominated by the famous towering, Table Mountain, a table-shaped mountain, set on a peninsula of soaring, rocky heights and lush valleys, where two oceans converge - Indian and Atlantic. Immense natural beauty and the fast pace and bright lights of a great urban centre with its friendly people melt effortlessly here. Firmly positioned on the international map, Cape Town offers a myriad things to do and places to see, whatever your tastes, inclinations or budget.

Within walking distance of the Fountains Hotel:
Built between 1666 - 1679, the Castle of Good Hope - situated in the heart of Cape Town - is the oldest building in South Africa. It is a pentagonal fort with a moat and bastions at each corner, each named after the titles of the Prince of Orange. The Castle houses a military museum with three linked themes: the military history of the Cape, the military history of the Castle and the history of the Cape regiments past and present. It also houses the William Fehr Collection of paintings and antiques, and visitors can dine or relax with a refreshing drink at a restaurant on the premises.

The charming Company Gardens are situated off Upper Adderley Street in the city centre. The oldest garden in South Africa was established by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 as a vegetable garden to supply fresh produce to passing ships. Today it contains a wide variety of indigenous and exotic plants, shrubs and trees, an aviary and a restaurant. Its sundial dates back to 1787 and its bell tower to 1855. Below the restaurant is a saffron pear tree, the oldest cultivated tree in South Africa and believed to have been planted shortly after Van Riebeeck established a settlement here.

A short drive from the Fountains Hotel:
Table Mountain is a World Heritage Site and Cape Town's most unique identifying landmark. Its summit soars 1 086m above sea level and can be reached by means of a revolving cable car. Visitors can marvel at the awe-inspiring 360° view of Cape Town while enjoying a meal or refreshing drink at the restaurant, or wandering the rocky trails lined with beautiful fynbos.

Situated in the Table Bay Harbour, the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is one of South Africa's leading tourist destinations and a favorite with local residents who work, play, shop - and also live- there. Original buildings have been renovated and new ones built, all in Victorian style, contributing to the timeless charm and appeal of this complex in the midst of a working harbour. Visitors can enjoy world-class shops, a variety of fascinating museums, an excellent selection of restaurants, pubs and coffee shops, craft markets, historical walking tours, cinemas (including an Imax!) and theatres, outdoor entertainment, helicopter flips and much more. The Waterfront is home to some of the Cape's most renowned hotels, and is a superb venue for conferences. One can also visit South Africa's largest aquarium, the Two Oceans Aquarium, which represents some 300 aquatic species. An information centre, good security and ample parking add to the Waterfront's popularity and to visitors' pleasure.

A hop across from the main land:
From there catamarans or historic vessels depart daily to Robben Island. A national monument, Robben Island is one of the most significant historical sites in South Africa. First used by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a refreshment station, it later became an asylum and leper colony. The Island was then controlled by the Army and Navy, after which it fell into the hands of the Department of Correctional Services in 1960. It gained notoriety as a gaol for those considered dangerous to the previous government, including its most famous prisoner, Nelson Mandela, for whom the island was 'home' for over two decades. A limited number of tourists can now visit Robben Island every day, with guided tours of the prison and a museum as well as walking and cycling tours for a closer look at the wildlife and the splendid views of Cape Town from the island.

A lovely day’s outing:
Kirstenbosch is a beautiful botanical garden world-famous for its indigenous plants (over 5000 species) and for its magnificent setting on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Visitors can stroll the vast grounds or admire the view whilst picnicking on the rolling lawns of Kirstenbosch. During the summer season Sunday evening concerts take place there, a great favorite with the locals. There is a delightful restaurant renowned for its Sunday breakfasts and teas, as well as a shop where one can buy postcards and plants.

Nearby is Groot Constantia, the Cape's oldest homestead - the farm originally allocated to Governor Simon van der Stel. At the Manor House, visitors can admire furniture and antiques dating to the mid-1700s, and, in the Wine Museum, a rare selection of wine drinking and storage vessels dating from between 500BC and the 19th century. Visitors can also enjoy cellar tours, purchase wine from the Estate and dine here.

Hout Bay and its traditional, working harbour with rustic fishing boats and the constant activity of fishermen plying their trade, is at 22km from Cape Town city centre. The Hout Bay harbour boasts the world-famous Mariners' Wharf, comprising a harbour front emporium of live lobster and fish markets, seafood bistros and restaurants, shell, souvenir, art and nautical-style shops, and old wine and liquor store, and a pearl-in-an-oyster outlet. Visitors can enjoy round-the-bay boat trips, watch the antics of the cape fur seals in the summer months and enjoy the moon shaped beach of Hout Bay.

Good Hope Nature Reserve is another must to visit. Situated on the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, this nature reserve boasts 7 750 hectares of indigenous flora and fauna. Visitors can look out for baboon, bontebok, zebra, Cape grysbok, steenbok, grey rhebok, eland, springbok, grey mongoose and over 150 species of bird. In the reserve, at the end of the Table Mountain chain, is world-famous Cape Point, the dramatic and visually awe-inspiring promontory, and a restaurant where one can dine in style where the two oceans are said to meet.

Visit Cape town’s famous golden beaches:
Cape Town's many clean, natural beaches are considered among the most beautiful in the world, spectacularly situated between sea and mountain, from False Bay to the Atlantic Coast. Sun-worshippers, nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike are spoilt for choice!

Just 10 minutes from the city centre, Clifton and Camps Bay are sheltered from the southeaster wind, and are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, beach walks and sundowners. Surfing spots abound, as well as excellent spots for scubadiving, boardsailing and fishing. For those afraid to brave the invigorating sea temperatures of the Atlantic coast, a scenic drive to False Bay offers warmer waters at popular Muizenberg, Kalk Bay or Simonstown. For 'naturalists' wanting to get a little closer to the elements, Sandy Bay, a nature reserve, is also an unofficial nudist beach.