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Company Registration number : 2005/026290/07
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Cape TownCape Town is the gateway to the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Namibia. It has spectacular mountains, gorgeous coastline and natural and unique fauna.Robben Island, Cape Point, Kirstenbosch, the Winelands are just a few of the attractions of the Mother City, as Cape Town is affectionately known. It is the ideal location for holidays, conferences and breakaways.The city is dominated by Table Mountain, flanked by the legendary Devil's Peak and historical Signal Hill, 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 meld 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. The Western Cape is an area which is regarded as one of the most beautiful regions in the world. The City is a rare cultural amalgamation of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers, the local Bushman and Hottentot tribes, and the Bantu tribes from the north. Cape Town boasts a multitude of entertainment, ranging from outdoor activities and adventures in the sun to a roaring night life under neon signs. The vast range of shopping opportunities includes haggling with vendors at Greenmarket Square Flea Market, as well as breezing through sophisticated and stylish shopping malls. The huge variety of restaurants reflects the multicultural history of the Cape and caters for everyone's taste. Visit the beautiful coastal areas of Camps Bay, Clifton, Llandudno, Bantry Bay, Hout Bay and Blouberg and winelands in Constantia, Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franshhoek. Together with a warm summer and temperate winter climate and a friendly community, the Western Cape and the Mother City are an ideal holiday destination throughout the year. History: Cape Town (Afrikaans: Kaapstad; Xhosa: Ikapa) is the second most populated city in South Africa, forming part of the metropolitan municipality of the City of Cape Town. It is the provincial capital of the Western Cape, as well as the legislative capital of South Africa, where the National Parliament and many government offices are located. Cape Town is famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Cape Town was originally developed by the Dutch East India Company as a victualling (supply) station for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, India, and the Far East more than 200 years before the construction of the Suez Canal in 1869. Jan van Riebeeck's arrival on 6 April 1652 established the first permanent European settlement in South Africa. Cape Town quickly outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope. It was the largest city in South Africa until the emergence of Johannesburg. Things Not To Miss:
Exploring the Garden Route - Western Cape - South Africa No visit to the Western Cape is complete without at least a few days spent in the beautiful Garden Route region. Incorporating the picturesque stretch of coastline between Mossel Bay and Nature's Valley, the Garden Route is aptly named for its lush greenery and the vast Tsitsikamma Forest. The coastal route includes the towns of Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley- each with their own charm and attractions. The Garden Route is ideal for a self-drive holiday and can be easily reached from Cape Town via the N2 through the farming regions of the Overberg, or alternatively via Route 62 which travels through the Breede River Valley towns of Robertson and Ashton and then on to Oudtshoorn before joining up with the N2 at George. Relaxing, active, romantic or family fun - the Garden Route offers it all. Hiking, walking and swimming are plentiful, or simply relax and take in the scenery. The Outeniqua Choo Choo chugs between George and Knysna offering spectacular views. Dine on fresh seafood and oysters and take a boat trip on the lagoon in Knysna or, soak up the sun on long stretches of white sandy beaches in Plettenberg Bay. Mossel Bay - Garden Route The first stop on the Garden Route stretch is Mossel Bay. With plentiful beaches on the shores of the mild Indian Ocean, the town is popular with families, locals and tourists. The town was first founded in 1488 by Bartolomeu Dias and is now home to a Maritime Museum, Shell Museum and Aquarium. Mossel Bay also offers boat-based whale watching, hiking and walking and plenty of water and outdoor activities including golf. WCS Accommodation available in Mossel Bay George - Garden Route George is the heart of the Southern Cape and is its main business centre - set in beautiful surroundings and with a mild all-year round climate it is a popular destination. Attractions include two of South Africa's top golf courses, the George Museum dedicated to the history of the timber industry around which the town originally developed, and the nearby beaches of Victoria Bay and Herold's Bay. The Outeniqua Transport Museum houses an interesting display of locomotives and coaches and is also the departure point of the Outeniqua Choo Choo which travels between George and Knysna. WCS Accommodation available in George Wilderness - Garden Route Stretching from the Kaaimans River to the borders of the Goukamma Nature Reserve, the seaside resort of Wilderness includes the expansive Wilderness National Park, five rivers, five lakes and long stretches of beach. This is the ideal destination for a relaxed, outdoors holiday. There are plenty of opportunities for walking, mountain biking and canoeing. Look out for the elusive Knysna Loerie, the Cape clawless otter and bushbuck. Wilderness offers a host of accommodation from guesthouses and a few hotels to camping, as well as a selection of restaurants. WCS Accommodation available in Wilderness Sedgefield - Garden Route With the lagoons, rivers and the ocean Sedgefield is a water lover’s paradise. The opportunities are endless from canoeing to windsurfing, fishing, diving and surfing. The small seaside village is alongside the Swartvlei Estuary and borders the Goukamma Nature Reserve making it rich in birdlife, flora and fynbos. George and Knysna are both within easy driving distance for day trips and there are a host of guest lodges and B&B's to choose from. WCS Accommodation available in Sedgefield Knysna - Garden Route The popular and picturesque town of Knysna is located on the shores of the Knysna Lagoon - the lagoon is a protected area and is home to over 200 species of fish, including the rare Knysna seahorse. Regular guided lagoon cruises will introduce you to the area as well as the spectacular cliffs at the Knysna Heads which lead out to the Indian Ocean. Outdoor activities abound from canoeing, hiking and horse riding to beach walks at Brenton-on-Sea or the romantic Noetzie Beach. Dining in Knysna is also a pleasure with a host of restaurants to choose from - try some fresh Knysna oysters washed down with champagne. WCS Accommodation available in Knysna Plettenberg Bay - Garden Route Plettenberg Bay is a holiday-makers paradise with many locals spending the long summer holidays in this sun-filled town. Surrounded by a backdrop of the majestic Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains, Plettenberg Bay offers miles of white sandy beaches and clear, warm waters. Ideal for long beach walks, swimming and other outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking and boat-based whale and dolphin watching trips. Plettenberg Bay offers a host of hotels, guest houses and lodges from luxurious to rustic and a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and beach bars. Within easy driving distance are a number of golf courses, Monkeyland and a selection of private game reserves. It’s an ideal base from which to explore the Garden Route and surrounds. WCS Accommodation available in Plettenberg Bay Transport: By Car & Taxi Car Hire: There are a number of car hire companies in Cape Town and the Western Cape. Most companies are either represented at the main airports including Cape Town International Airport and George Airport or they will arrange to meet you at the airport. You may want to travel longer distances so be aware of the mileage restrictions. You may also hire one-way rentals and there is likely to be a drop-off charge. Shared Taxis: These are also known as minibus taxis. This is an efficient mode of transport, especially in and around the Cape Town city centre. The driving can, at times, be a bit hair-raising as drivers stop frequently to drop-off or pick-up commuters. Taxis: Car taxis are generally the quickest and safest though the most expensive way to travel around Cape Town. You will find taxis parked outside most hotels and attraction places. The general way to get a taxi is to phone for one. Car Rental or Buying a car: Cape Town and the surrounding areas are popular for longer visits. If this is what you would like to do you may consider a rental purchase or buying a car. The main routes around Cape Town are the N1 that goes to Johannesburg, the N7 that goes to Springbok and Namibia and the N2 that goes along the Cape Garden Route. These roads are mostly double-lane highways and are well maintained tarred roads. The main routes have service stations at regular intervals. These service stations have restrooms, restaurants, autobanks, public phones and shops. Some service stations may not have autobanks so ensure you have cash with you as you cannot pay for petrol (gas) with a credit card. Car Rental: All the major car rental agencies - and numerous regional operators - have offices at the airports and in the cities. Rental Purchase: This means that you buy a passenger car or 4WD vehicle from a rental purchase or buy-back dealer with a guaranteed buyback and they take care of all the paperwork and guarantee to buy back the vehicle from you when you're ready to leave the country. This is a good choice for tourists, business people, university students, backpackers, sportsmen or diplomats visiting Cape Town and the Western Cape for 3 months and longer. For periods exceeding 12 weeks, this option can be 60% cheaper than renting a vehicle. |
