GENERAL INFORMATION:
CURRENCY:
South African Rands (ZAR)
LANGUAGES:
English, German, Dutch, Italian, French
CLIMATE / TEMPERATURES (AVERAGE DAY TEMPERATURES):
December to March: 25 - 26 Degrees Celsius
April to May: 21 Degrees Celsius
June to September: 18 - 19 Degrees Celsius
October to November: 22 Degrees Celsius.
SHOPPING:
African curious boutique and shops in the hotel. The coastal town of Hermanus offers traditional smaller shopping malls, boutiques and informal arts and crafts markets. A larger complex, Somerset Mall is just 40 minutes away.
BEAUTY, FITNESS AND WELLNESS:
AltiraSpa and Wellness Centre:
- Body and skincare centre offering therapeutic, regenerative and luxurious facial and body treatments.
- Hamman Centre with Sauna, Steam Room, Brine Pool, Sensation showers, Jacuzzi and unique Rassoul Chamber
- Heated indoor pool, lap outdoor pool
- Balneotherapy
- Beauty salon - Hair Salon
- Fully equipped fitness centre
- Personal trainer on request
- Voted as one of “100 Best Spas in the word”
ACTIVITIES:
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
- Tennis Courts
- Balou’s Play Den for children
- Nearby beaches around Kleinmond
- Whale-watching in Hermanus (June to December)
- Penguin colony nearb
ROOISAND NATURE RESERVE:
- Bird-watching in biosphere reserve with over 150 species
- Guided walking trails
- Horseback riding
- Canoeing
- Mountain bikes.
KOGELBERG BIOSPHERE & ROOISAND NATURE RESERVES:
The Kogelberg Biosphere & The Rooisand Nature Reserves are situated in one of the most important and interesting plantlife environments on the planet.
Located in the heart of South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom, the reserves are areas of incredible botanical diversity.
Kogelberg Nature Reserve is often considered the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, because of the exceptional quality of its fynbos. The reserve lies within the southern stretch of the rugged Hottentots Holland mountain range, and has remained isolated and remarkably unspoilt. Its high mountain peaks, steep kloofs, valleys and several tributaries of the pristine Palmiet River create a sense of remote wilderness.
Kogelberg is situated some 90 km south-east of Cape Town, and comprises a core area of 181000 ha and several smaller fragments. The reserve is sign-posted from the coastal road (R44), and a gravel road leads for 3 km through private property to the entrance. The coastal town of Kleinmond is about 8 km south-east of the reserve.
HISTORY:
The Kogelberg area has evidence of early stone age hunters, who probably lived off game, shellfish and edible plants. Khoi people inhabited the area from about 100 000 years ago until modern times, and their middens and burial sites can be found along the coast. Eighteenth century European explorers described the beauty of the area and the plentiful game, but early farmers found the area too rugged for agriculture. This meant that the Kogelberg was left practically untouched over the years, unlike many other areas of the Cape.
In 1810 the government of the Cape demarcated certain Crown Lands, which included the Kogelberg area. Access was extremely difficult until 1935 when a road was built. In 1937 the then Department of Forestry became responsible for the area and declared it a State Forest. During World War II, a military road was built around the coast and the peripheral coastal area slowly became more developed. Kogelberg was transferred to Cape Nature Conservation in 1987, and declared a nature reserve.
CLIMATE:
The climate of the Kogelberg is fairly typical of the western Cape.
Winters are cold and very wet, and snow may fall on the higher peaks.
The summer months are hot, dry and often very windy.
Hikers should note that the weather conditions are variable and unpredictable.
VEGETATION:
The long isolation of the Kogelberg area has helped to protect its floral wealth and keep it clear of alien vegetation, and today the reserve presents perhaps the finest example of mountain fynbos in the western Cape. It has approximately 1 600 plant species, of which about 150 are endemic. Many spectacular members of the protea family occur in the reserve.
These include the endangered marsh rose, Orothamnus zeyheri, once on the brink of extinction, and now known to occur on a few inaccessible peaks; and the highest concentration of Mimetes species in the Cape, most notably the endangered M. hottentoticus and M. capitulatus. Kogelberg has three patches of relic indigenous forest, Louwsbos, Platbos and Oudebos. These patches are similar to the Knysna forests, and includes yellowwood, stinkwood and boekenhout trees. The Palmiet River and its associated riparian vegetation is of the most pristine in the south-western Cape. Wild almond, rooi-els, yellowwood and Cape beech are among the trees occurring in the riverine scrub along the water courses.
Much of the early botanical documentation was done by T.P. Stokoe, a Yorkshireman who emigrated to South Africa in 1911. Stokoe collected numerous specimens in the Kogelberg, many of which were named after him, including the now extinct Mimetes stokoei. His ashes are scattered near Stokoe's Bridge in the reserve.
ANIMALS:
The Kogelberg does not have many large animals. There are a few leopards; the Cape clawless otter may be seen in or near water; smaller antelope include klipspringer and grysbok; and baboons, dassies and hares are fairly common.
Peregrine falcons, black eagles and fish eagles hunt and nest in and around the reserve. An endemic freshwater crab and the endangered micro-frog are found in the area.
A herd of wild horses, which were abandoned after the Anglo-Boer War, roam the flats of the Bot River estuary at Rooisand.
FROGS AND OTHERS:
Seventeen different frog species are to be found in the streams, swamps and seepages in the area! Four of these are listed in the Red Data Book as endangered species. Among these are the Marsh frog and Micro frog. The Micro frog is the smallest of all Southern African frogs and is mainly found near Rooisand. The ponds, dams and seepages on the estate are home to a variety of frog species, the most common being the Clicking Stream Frog. During the winter these frogs can be heard calling all over the estate. As all amphibians are very sensitive to chemical pollution in the environment, care needs to be taken when using herbicides and insect sprays as the chemicals could leach into the wetlands and damage the frog’s habitat.
A healthy prolific frog population is an indicator of a healthy, functioning ecosystem!
FISH:
The upper reaches of the lagoon are fresh and foreign fish species which have been introduced to the river such as carp, bass and bream are found in large numbers. This makes angling rewarding during the summer when the higher water temperature makes them more active. Lower down towards the sea, the salinity increases and sea fish such as mullet, white steenbras and elf are found. Large Leervis are also found here, they are predators and prey mainly on the mullet. The open mouth at Kleinmond allows marine fish to enter and migrate up into the main vlei. A number of sea fish use the protected, tranquil waters of the vlei as juveniles and therefore it is important that it remains as pollution free as possible.
SNAKES AND REPTILES:
Two tortoise species have been found on the estate. The larger more common Angulate Tortoise with its reddish belly and the rarer and smaller Parrot Beaked Tortoise. The Parrot Beaked Tortoise is also known as the “padloper” and is mainly found in the renosterveld patches on the estate, the males develop bright red / orange noses during the breeding season which makes them look like “boozy” old men!
Our dams also contain an aquatic member of the “tortoise” group, a specie of side necked terrapin family, called the Marsh Terrapin. These can be seen resting in the sun on the banks of the dams on the estate. They are the most common and widespread terrapin in Southern Africa. They eat anything and even attack small birds as they come to drink.
Snakes are fairly plentiful on the estate especially in the rough and along the water front. Most are harmless but the Rinkhals, a spitting cobra species, the Cape Cobra and the common Puff Adder need to be treated with great caution. A bite from any of these three could be fatal. Rinkhals numbers and sightings in the Kogelberg area have increased over the last ten years, these snakes hunt mainly at night for toads and mice.
The harmless Olive House snake is very common in the shrubbery and house gardens on the estate as is the Common Slug Eater.
All snakes should be treated with care and should not be picked up. They all play an important role in the ecosystem and without them we will be faced with mice infestations of major proportions. Most snakes will move off when confronted as they are not by nature aggressive. Refrain from killing all the snakes you come across on the estate as by doing so you are upsetting the ecological balance on the estate.
BIRDS:
A total of 213 different birds have been identified within a 5 kilometer radius of the estate! This area is one of the best birding sites for wetland and aquatic birds in the country. The resident African Fish Eagles can be seen daily as they patrol the vlei looking for fish. Thousands of Redknobbed Coot make this vlei their home, they build floating marsh grass nests on which they raise their chicks. The elusive, beautifully coloured Purple Gallinule can be seen in the reed beds at the waters edge as well as the bright Red Bishops. Tiny Swee and Common Waxbills are found in the gardens of the Hotel as well as on the golf course rough areas.
A good bird identification book will open this world of birds to the keen observer. The way in which we manage the estate is important for the birdpopulations of the vlei. Should pollution and environmental damage take place due to our actions we would stand to lose this birdlife wonder! It is for this reason that we are so focussed and careful in the way in which we manage the natural assets of the area!
RECREATION:
In the Kogelberg, visitor numbers are limited and low-impact recreation which is compatible with the wilderness atmosphere is encouraged. Hikers have several options, and should be prepared for fairly rough terrain and unpredictable weather.
White water canoeing is allowed from 1 June to 30 September each year, but only for competent canoeists, as the river can be dangerous. In the less sensitive areas, permitted recreation activities include hiking, canoeing, swimming, and angling at Rooisand on the Bot River estuary, and walking with dogs near Sir Lowry's Pass Village.
Picnic facilities and accommodation are not provided, but are numerous on the outskirts of the reserve.
Please note that the following regulations and conditions
are strictly applied:
- Hiking and canoeing must be booked in advance.
- Permits must be carried at all times.
- Trail distances and times make allowances for swimming and resting.
- Keep to paths to prevent soil erosion and trampling of plants.
- Swim and rest only at designated sites on the trails to limit impact.
- Please do not pick flowers, disturb animals or deface rocks.
- An inland fishing licence is required for fishing at Bot River estuary. Licences can be obtained at the Kogelberg office.
HERMANUS:
Hermanus is built along the shores of Walker Bay near the Southern most tip of Africa. Magnificent mountains watch over the town which is home of the Southern Right Whale. Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view these magnificent creatures from the best land based whale watching destination in the world.
Each year between June and December, Hermanus becomes home to a large number of Southern Right Whales. They flock to the shores of the Western Cape to mate and calve, but more importantly, to awe spectators.
Hermanus has become known for being the best place in the world to do land based whale watching. With a 12 kilometer stretch of cliff paths, visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the village, while being entertained by the antics of these giants of the sea. Whales can sometimes be seen from as close as five meters from the rocky cliffs. Interpretative signboards, providing visitors with essential information on the Southern Right whales can be found at various points between Grotto (Blue Flag) Beach and the New Harbour.
Although the season starts in June, the peak whale season, with sightings virtually guaranteed on a daily basis, is from August until the end of October. Most calves are born during August and September, with the whale population peaking during October.
For the past few years a couple of Tour Operators were granted licenses to take whale watchers out on the sea. Strict regulations prevent boat based operators from venturing closer than 50m to the whales. This doesn't seem to be deterring the whales though; there are regular reports of them making unannounced appearances very close to the boats.
The Worlds only Whale Crier:
Hermanus also houses the worlds only Whale Crier, Wilson Salukazana, who patrols the streets and cliff paths, alerting everyone to the whereabouts of the whales by blowing on his kelp horn. Different horn "codes" refer to different points along the coastline where whales have been spotted. The key to these codes is found on the sandwich board he wears as part of his outfit.
From June to November, the Whale Crier can be found doing his rounds along the coastline between 10:00-16:00 daily. During this time, he can also be contacted for up to date information on sightings, cell: 073 214 6949. For the rest of the year Wilson works at the Hermanus Tourism office, where he can be contacted for interviews or public appearances.
CAPE AGULHAS:
Cape Agulhas is about 230 km from Cape Town and the nearest towns are L'Agulhas and the nearby village of Struisbaai. Being the most southern tip of the African continent and also the point where the Atlantic and Indian oceans officially meet, Cape Agulhas has much to offer any tourist. The area around the famous bright red and white lighthouse, which casts its strong light onto the surrounding ocean at night, is a declared national park and has rich natural and cultural features. This lighthouse is one of the oldest and most well-known lighthouses in South Africa and also one of the region's many national monuments. It was built in 1849 and is still in operation after almost two centuries. There is a musem as well as a restaurant situated in the base of this lighthouse, which ensures a very unique and interesting atmosphere and wonderful food.
The Agulhas area is a tourist's paradise and well-known for several areas of special interest, such as swimming and angling, several ship wrecks remains are visible along the shore and also its great diversity of flora.
CAPE TOWN:
Welcome to Cape Town and the Western Cape, an area considered one of the most beautiful in Africa, and whose character results from the cultural melting pot of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British & German settlers, the local Khoisan (Bushman & Hottentot) tribes and the Bantu tribes from the north.
The paternal presence of Table Mountain, the pristine coastline with its white sandy beaches, the magnificent countryside with its bountiful rivers, vleis and dams, and the unique flora kingdom, together with the warm summer climate and friendly community, makes the Western Cape perfect for any vacation.
SOME PLACES OF INTEREST:
CAPE TOWN CITY CENTRE:
Cape Town's central city area is small and the many places of interest are closely situated and best explored on foot. A good starting point for your city walk would be the Castle of Good Hope, which has guided tours at the top of the hour, every hour - visitors are not permitted to sightsee on their own. Jan van Riebeeck's fort was Cape Town's first building. After ten years, this fort, made largely from wood and sods, became inadequate and, with the constant threat of war between Holland and Britain, plans were made for the construction of a permanent castle. For effective defence purposes a pentagonal, bastioned structure based on Vauban's system was chosen.
The cornerstone was laid in 1666 by Governor Zacharias Wagenaar and the construction of the Castle was carried out by the engineer Pieter Dombaer; the skilled work being done by soldiers while slave labour was used for the rough work. The Castle was first occupied in 1674, though not completed until five years later. The five bastions were named after the titles of the Prince of Orange - Leerdam, Oranje, Nassau, Buren and Katzenellenbogen. Between the latter two bastions was the original entrance, facing onto the seashore. However, because of constant flooding, and the fear that the sea entrance might present danger in the event of a naval attack, the gates were moved by Simon van der Stel in 1682 to their present position, and were embellished with the carved coat of arms of the six chamber cities of the Dutch East india Company, their Monogram (VOC) and surmounting all, the crest of the United Netherlands. This gateway was given added splendour by the addition of the 'klompie-brick' bell tower, the date cast into the bell being 1697.
It was Commissioner van Reede van Oudtshoorn who was responsible for the building of the Kat, a 12 metre high building cutting right across the open courtyard. It houses the 'William Fehr Collection' of paintings, the highlights of which include old paintings depicting the Cape. The famed Kat Balcony (see photo), with its sculpture by Anton Anreith, is certainly the most beautiful aspect of the Castle. The Governor's residence was on the Mountain side of the Castle together with a large council chamber which, during Lady Anne Barnard's time, became her reception hall.
Flanked by Buitengracht & Darling Streets is Cape Town's Grand Parade, the scene of many a military and political gathering and today occupied by a flea market and a parking area for motor cars. It is overlooked by the imposing Italian-style City Hall, built out of sandstone. Cape Town was without a town hall until 1905. Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, the City Hall was the last major Victorian building to be erected in Cape Town. The mosaic floors and marble staircase leading up past the stained glass window, commemorating King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, are magnificent, as is the organ with 3,165 pipes, especially planned for the hall by Norman Beard, and is one of the finest in the country.
Turning left into Adderley St (Cape Town's main street) is the 'Groote Kerk' (Great Church). A cruciform building had been started as far back as 1678, but it was not until 1700 that Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel had entirely new foundations laid for a thatched and gabled church. The congregation grew rapidly and in 1789 a magnificent carved pulpit was installed, the work of Anton Anreith and Jan Graaff, the carpenter. Later, the new church was designed and built by Hermann Schutte and dedicated in 1841 - an outstanding feature being the immense vaulted ceiling with plaster rosettes from which hung chandeliers.
Cape Town's Cultural History Museum lies at the entrance to the Company's (Dutch East India Company) Gardens at the top of Adderley Street. It was originally built as a slave lodge by Willem Adriaan van der Stel, to house the slaves working in the gardens. After the second British occupation, the slaves were sold and in 1810 Thibault and Schutte converted the slave lodge into government offices, and finally into a courtroom. In use as a courtroom for over a century, the building was subsequently used for various other quarters of officialdom. Now restored and in use as the Cultural History Museum which contains an interesting collection of early postal stones, and the history of postage and currency in South Africa. There are many examples of furniture, glass ceramics, weapons, musical instruments and toys from the many countries whose people settled in South Africa. The archaeological section has interesting objects of Egyptian, Greek & Roman origin. The reconstructed tombstone of Jan van Riebeeck stands in the courtyard.
The Company's Gardens: Houses of Parliament: Plans were initially designed by Charles Freeman and incorporated a high central dome, Corinthian porticos and pavilions at the four corners. Statues surmounted the parapets and there were fountains in the gardens. The foundation stone was laid by Governor Sir Henry Barkly in 1875. Later it was found that the foundations were inadequate and Freeman was replaced as resident architect. Henry Greaves drew up an amended set of Freeman's plans and eventually in 1884, the Houses of Parliament were completed. Sir Herbert Baker later designed a new House of Assembly.
On the other side of the entrance to the Company's Gardens is St George's Cathedral. The foundation stone was laid in 1830 by Governor Sir Lowry Cole and at the same time Eerste Berg Dwars Straat was named St George's Street. The existing church was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and Francis Masey. The buttress stone, inscribed with Arts and Crafts lettering, was laid by the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V) in 1901.
Tuynhuys, the Company's Guest House was built in 1700 to accommodate important visitors to the Cape. It was enlarged fifty years later by Governor Tulbagh and further alterations were made in the late 18th century by Governor van de Graaff. The building was later remodelled for use as Government House. A magnificent staircase was installed as well as fireplaces and other essentials thought necessary by the British. Governor Lord Charles Somerset was the builder of the exquisite ballroom and many of the redecorations carried out at Government House can be attributed to him. It was his intent that the house be suitable for the representative of the Monarchy. Tuynhuys is now the office of the State President and is closed to the public.
The South African Library was designed by William Kohler and his designs were based on the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. The opening ceremony was performed by Prince Alfred in 1860 and an impressive portrait of Queen Victoria's son hangs in the main reading room. Governor Sir George Grey was responsible for this magnificent building and a collection of his books and manuscripts are to be viewed here. They include a copy of Shakespeare's first folio.
The South African National Gallery displays over 6 500 works of art by South African and international artists. The permanent Sir Abe Bailey Collection can be viewed here. Film shows, lectures and workshops are held throughout the year.
The Great Synagogue, in Government Avenue behind the Gallery, is one of Cape Town's outstanding buildings and was the first synagogue in South Africa. The foundation stone was laid in 1904 by Governor Sir Walter Hely-Hutchinson and was opened in 1905. Standing alongside is the Old Synagogue, opened in 1863, which now houses historical and ceremonial treasures of the Jewish Museum. Its Egyptian Revival architecture is common only to the Egyptian Building higher up the avenue and the Paarl Gymnasium in Paarl. The Holocaust Museum is close by and is highly recommended.
Further up Cape Town's Government Avenue, turn right into the South African Museum, which may also be reached via Queen Victoria Street. It houses permanent displays of natural history (marine life and birds), geology, ethnology, archaeology and printing. The collection of Bushman relics and lifelike figures (created by the artist James Drury at the turn of the century), the Bushman paintings exhibit, and dioramas of the fossil rich Karoo and its reptiles, are notable. A recent addition is the impressive Whale Well.
Cape Town's Planetarium is part of a R20 million extension of the South African Museum and was completed in 1987. Spectacular audio-visual shows simulating panoramic terrestrial landscapes and celestial subjects, are a feature.
Visit Jewel Africa on the corner of Bloem and Buitengracht Street. Hear all about the four C's of diamonds and watch how rough stones are cut and polished into brilliant diamonds. See the workings of a platinum workshop. African craftwork made of verdite, wood, stone, ceramic and copper. Experience the magic of Africa's largest gold chain factory and see how our goldsmiths design and complete a unique item of jewellery.
Further up Government Avenue are the ornamental gateways guarded by the Stone Lions sculpted by Anton Anreith. Within these on the right lie buildings housing several departments of the University of Cape Town, The Michaelis School of Fine Arts, The Little Theatre and Bertram House , the only surviving brick Georgian house in Cape Town. Built by a Yorkshireman named Barker, and named after his wife Ann Bertram Findlay, it was completed in 1839. An 18th century watercourse runs at the back of the house which once led to a nearby mill. The Ann Lidderdale Collection forms the nucleus of the exhibits with examples of fine furniture, ceramics, silver and objects d' art.
Within the gardens are a number of statues, monuments and ponds including the Memorial to South African soldiers killed at Delville Wood during the First World War. The grey squirrels which inhabit the trees lining the Avenue are a delight.
Leaving the Company's Gardens and returning to Cape Town's city centre via Long Street you will pass a delightful collection of small shops and restored buildings of architectural interest. The old Palm Tree Mosque is the only surviving 18th century house which was built by Carel Lodewijk Schot in the late 1780s. The building was converted into a mosque in the early years of the 19th century by the son-in-law of the Imam.
The Blue Lodge remains the only magnificently decorated Victorian corner building in the city. It was originally designed by Max Rosenberg as a rooming house. One of the city's most treasured buildings is the Sendinggestig built in 1804. It became the mother church of Dutch Reformed missionary activity. It houses valuable documents relating to early churchmen.
Continuing your walk, you reach Greenmarket Square, which is still covered by market stalls and continues to serve its original function. The original cobblestones are still in existence and a thriving flea market is flanked by a number of restaurants and coffee shops. On the one side is the Old Town House whose foundation stone was laid in 1755 and completed in 1761. Originally the Burgher Watch House, it is now a gallery housing some fine works of art including the Michaelis Collection of old Dutch and Flemish masters.
The Metropolitan Methodist Church, on the corner of Burg Street and the Square, is a Gothic building which was regarded by Capetonians of old as the finest place of worship in the country.
The St George's Mall used to be a congested city street until closed off for the use of pedestrians. It is flanked by shops and a number of restaurants and coffee shops with umbrella shaded outdoor seating. Buskers entertain passers-by and there are many stalls selling a variety of goods.
Cape Town's Strand Street runs down from the slopes of Signal Hill through the centre of the City. Koopmans DeWet House was completed in 1701 and is a prime example of a typical Cape Town House. The land was granted to Reyner Smedinga by Willem Adriaan van der Stel. He imported building materials from Holland and built his house in Strand Street, which was the most fashionable area of town. The facade was remodelled by Thibault in the late 18th century, with Anreith carrying out the sculpturing decorations.
At the back of the house are the slave quarters and a courtyard. The house was acquired by the de Wet family in the early 19th century and remained in their possession until Marie de Wet married Christoffel Koopmans. Marie made a fine collection of furniture that forms the nucleus of the museum today. The exhibits portray the lifestyle of a successful 18th century businessman. The house became a place of famous social and political gatherings, with persons such as Cecil John Rhodes and Paul Kruger having visited here. The building and its contents were purchased in 1913 to form a museum.
In 1771, Martin Melck gave his fellow Lutherans permission to hold services in his barn in Strand Street. A few years later, consent was given to convert the barn into the Lutheran Church. The church's carved pulpit by Anreith has become famous. Melck had set aside land next to the church for a parsonage, though it was only after his death that it was built. Designed by Anreith, Martin Melck House is the only surviving example of an 18th century townhouse complete with dakkamer (roof-room). On the other side of the church is the Sexton's House, built in 1787. It is now restored and serves as the Netherlands Embassy.
Within the vast shopping complex of Cape Town's Golden Acre in Adderley Street, one is able to view the remains of part of the reservoir built in 1663 by Governor Zacharias Wagenaar. It is the oldest remaining structure in South Africa. The original waterline prior to the land being reclaimed from the sea is indicated on the floor of the Golden Acre.
Rust-en-Vreugd in Buitenkant Street is an 18th century house containing the bulk of the noted William Fehr Collection of water-colours and valuable Africana (the remainder is housed at the Castle).
The Archives in Roeland St, situated in the old Roeland Street Gaol, contains extremely interesting maps, documents, pictures and photographs dating back to the earliest days of the Cape.
The Malay Quarter, up the slopes of Signal Hill above Buitengracht Street, is a residential area of people descended from Malay slaves and immigrants brought to the Cape during the Dutch occupation. The Malay community was established by Sheikh Yusuf of Batavia on his arrival at the Cape in 1693. The earliest of the houses in the Bo-Kaap were erected at the close of the 18th century. Traditional flat-roofed houses, minarets and mosques are a feature. The Bokaap Museum, in Wale Street, is a typical example of this type of building and it portrays the lifestyle of a 19th century Malay family.
V&A Waterfront:
Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront development has grabbed the imagination of Capetonian and visitor alike. With majestic Table Mountain as a backdrop and the unique interest of the 'working harbour', it is not surprising that the 'Waterfront' has become Cape Town's most popular attraction. Its success has largely been built upon local support and attracts over a million visitors a month, of which 70% are Capetonians.
For over a century The Dutch East India Company contributed to the development of the Cape of Good Hope. The arrival of their merchant ships, laden with spices and treasures from markets explored, caused great excitement in the community. Times have changed, yet the same spirit lives on at the Waterfront Craft Market, where craftsmanship and artistry of an ageless quality are captured in a market for the explorer at heart.
Shops cover gemstones, curios and fancy fashions to the silliest souvenirs. It is also well stocked with restaurants, taverns, cinemas, theatres and a variety of entertainment including boat trips and charters. Try the historical walks.
It is advisable to first visit the V&A Waterfront Information Centre. They are there to help you with friendly advice, directions and up-to-the minute information on activities and events. They will even arrange bookings for tours and taxis.
A trip to Robben Island Museum is a must for any visitor to Cape Town. Visit the prison cell where Nelson Mandela spent many of his years in prison. For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometres from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society. During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. The duty of those who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs. Those imprisoned on the Island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning a prison 'hell-hole' into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation. Robben Island came to symbolise, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity.
The Imax cinema is situated at the Portswood Road entrance to the Waterfront. The main feature of Imax is the super-realistic image on a screen five stories high.
The Two Oceans Aquarium offers an exciting insight into the indigenous fresh and seawater creatures of South Africa.
The Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre forms the bulk of the retail space at the Waterfront, and presents the shopper with a wide variety of national retailers, boutiques and services, along with a large selection of restaurants, coffee shops and fast food outlets.
The Alfred Mall & Pierhead is situated within the historic Pierhead and overlooks the small craft harbour and adjacent dry dock. Those seeking quality specialist artefacts, jewellery, curios and art with a nautical or African flavour will find a wonderful selection here.
The Red Shed Craft Workshop, adjoining the Victoria Wharf centre, is filled with an eclectic mix of handmade merchandise and art and has an atmosphere that brings the shopper closer to the creator.
The Waterfront Craft Market represents the Waterfront's culture of entrepreneurship and micro business development. This vibrant indoor craft market, adjacent to the Two Oceans Aquarium, features a diverse assortment of innovative designs and traditional handcrafts, antiquities and holistic lifestyle accessories.
The South African Maritime Museum has the largest collection of model ships and some fascinating artifacts. There is also a floating exhibit, the S.A.S. Somerset.
Other items of historical interest are the Time Ball Tower, (which was once used by ships in the bay to set the time) and the Old Clock Tower, built in 1887. The topmost floor housed the clock mechanism, while the bottom floor housed the elaborate tide-gauge operated by a float on the water below. The Clock Tower Centre, across the swingbridge from the Pierhead, is the latest addition to the V&A Waterfront's retail offering. It brings South African crafts, arts, designs and foods together in one centre, along with facilities appealing to tourists and locals alike.
Cape Fur Seals can be viewed by taking a boat ride around the harbour. |
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