Cape Town

From a historic point of view, Cape Town has played a key role in European trade links with the East since the 17th century.

Early navigators braved the Cape of Good Hope in search of wealth in India and China. Slaves, spices, porcelain and gold were amongst the main motivations. Cape Town became a crucial stopover and the area was gradually colonised as South Africa's own wealth of natural resources became apparent by the mid 18th century. Cape Town then became a major port, a center of administration and a melting pot of cultures, mainly Dutch, French, British and of course the local Khoi and San peoples. These influences are still prevalent today in the architecture, cuisine, music and peoples that make Cape Town such a cosmopolitan and vibrant destination.

Geographically Cape Towns situation is hard to beat. In the shadow of the Table Mountain range - now a national monument and park - its shores are washed by both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans with Cape Point National Park being designated as their official meeting place. The climate is classed as Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and relatively low rainfall during the winter months.

Cape Town boasts many restaurants, bars and cafes and with so many other attractions for the visitor it would be impossible to cover them all in this text.

Selected highlights include The Two Oceans Aquarium: With outstanding exhibits representative of South Africa's diverse aquatic ecosystems. For divers and non-divers alike, the aquarium is an absolute must for any visitor. The Wine Route: With literally hundreds of estates to choose from, many fine wines to sample, excellent restaurants and stunning scenery. The Wine Route is another essential on anyone's list and only a short drive to the centres of Constantia, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschoek. Table Mountain: Visit the summit for kaleidoscopic views of the city, introduce yourself to the Cape floral kingdom, then return by cable car, hike or even abseil back down.