When most people think of going on holiday to Cape Town, they think of it as a stopover on the way to a safari holiday. However there are many things on offer in Cape Town and the surrounding area, which make it worth the visit in its own right.
The garden route is an amazing self-drive route that takes you from the Western Cape, in Heidleberg, to the Eastern Cape in Storms River. There are many coastal towns to be seen along the route including George, Natures Valley, Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn, Knysna and Mossel Bay. With mild winters and milder summers the Garden route sits in an oceanic climate. With the mountains of the Tsitskamma National Park and many lakes and vineyards situated along the route it offers a scenic drive through diverse countryside.
Cape Town is located within driving distance of the main South African vineyards and you can take a guided tour of some of the more popular estates. The Heidleberg, Constantia and Durbanville wine routes offer a taste of some of the oldest wine producing vineyards in the area. The wine route is also famous for fine dining and most vineyards have a variety of restaurants situated near to them offering diverse cuisine.
If you are staying in Cape Town and wish to visit some of the amazing scenery and traditional towns in the area then a visit to Simon`s Town should be on your itinerary. Simon`s Town is full of Victorian streets with Victorian building lining them; the town is steeped with naval history. If you want to take in spectacular views of the area around Cape Town then take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain and the National Park. The Table Mountain National Park is a great place to experience some of the wonderful flora in the area and the wildlife is also easily viewable. There are many walking and hiking routes throughout the park and you can take guided tours.
Cape Town itself is home to many museums and art galleries. There are over 100 art galleries in the area showing artwork from local and international artists. If you want to see local Cape Town artists then take a trip to Cape Art or the Chelsea Gallery. The Air Force Museum has exhibits from over the years of the South African Air Force. You can even take a simulator flight and experience flying yourself. The Castle Military Museum if set in South Africa`s oldest standing building and in 1936 it was given the status of a national monument. The museum takes you through the South African military history and the wars they have fought in.
If you want adventure on your holiday then Blaauwberg beach is for you. On Blaauwberg beach you can learn to kite surf and experience the adrenalin rush of the amazing sport. If you prefer to water-ski then you could take a trip to the Blue Rock Cable water-ski where you can water-ski on a cable in a freshwater lake.
