Fairest Cape in the World
"THE Fairest Cape in all the circumference of the Earth" is how the famous English explorer, Sir Francis Drake, described this south-western corner of South Africa. Indeed he was right, even though Portuguese sailors called it the "Cape of Storms" because of the toll it executed on many passing ships.
Others have called it the "Tavern of the Seas", "The Cape of Good Hope", or simply "The Cape", and it is still known by all these names today.
With the distinctive form of Table Mountain looming majestically above Cape Town, this area is the gateway to South Africa's premier tourist destination. The mountain range sweeping down the Peninsula is home to one of the most unique floral kingdoms in the world and the entire region is a declared National Park.
Along the western shores of the Peninsula is the Atlantic Ocean with magnificent beaches, from trendy Clifton and Camps Bay to the sweeping expanse of Long Beach, home of horse riders, surfers and those wanting to escape the crowds.
Passing down the coastline, one may see (but don't feed them!) some of the last remaining baboon troops which roam the southern mountains, before entering Cape Point Nature Reserve, a pristine area of flora and fauna and jagged cliffs where gannets, cormorants and gulls soar and ride the thermals.
On the eastern shores are the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean, where one can even swim with penguins at Boulders Beach, home to the only mainland colony of penguins in the world.
Between August and October, the Southern Right Whales enter the protected waters of False Bay to breed and give birth, providing wonderful viewing opportunities from the shore, where at times the whales are only meters from the rocks.
Helicopter flights around the Peninsula provide an exhilarating way to see this magnificent destination, but many airline pilots also can't resist giving their passengers a scenic tour when coming in to land at Cape Town International (pass that request on to your captain!).
Cape Town is a dynamic city, with entertainment, shopping and a vibrant night life, and home to a cultural melting pot of friendly inhabitants. The city is on the doorstep of the country's premier wine region, and makes an excellent destination to end one's Southern Africa safari, and should be on the itinerary of every traveler to South Africa.
