The African continent holds thousands of charms not described in history books or in popular minds. One proof of this is South Africa, the continent’s second largest economy – second only to Nigeria – and more specifically, Cape Town, the legislative capital of the country. Similar to Rio de Janeiro by allying what is most modern with the preservation of its natural beauties, the geography of Cape Town has a special charm, mainly because it is crossed by Table Mountain and its cableway reminiscent of the Sugar Loaf’s cable cars. Home to the National Parliament, Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa, with 3.5 million inhabitants, but it’s outstanding for being an important commercial and industrial center, thanks to its imposing port.
Let’s start our tour of Cape Town exactly at its main tourist attraction, the famous Table Mountain: even if appreciating the majestic mountain from afar is already an incredible experience, don’t stop at just seeing it from sea level. There are two options for ascending it: by cable car or – for sportsmen – by hiking with a guide along one of its incredible trails. On the way down, visit the Kirstenbosch Gardens, at the foot of the mountain. The botanical garden holds a treasure of flora and fauna, in a perfect setting for a picnic surrounded by nature.
Robben Island, a separate tour
Robben Island is an essential part of the country’s history. Take a boat at the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, and don’t miss visiting the cell where Nelson Mandela – the late former president of South Africa and one of the world’s greatest leaders – spent 18 of the 27 years he was imprisoned, as well as other important activists who fought for the end of apartheid. Much more than a prison, Robben Island is a tour that teaches many lessons, such as patience, determination and humility, especially through Mandela’s grandeur. All of this is transmitted by tourist guides, many of them ex-prisoners themselves.
A country that learned from past mistakes
Apartheid is to South Africa what Nazism is to Germans, and if you wish to understand one of the saddest periods of the country’s history, you must visit District 6. This bohemian district sheltered negroes, whites, Indians and Muslims, until it was torn down by apartheid in the 60’s, as one of the racial separation acts, and all this is related and documented in the District 6 Museum. The museum was built based on an old church important in the antiapartheid struggle and, with the help of former inhabitants, now employees of the museum, created a permanent exhibition by rebuilding the interiors of the houses and showing photos and characteristic objects.
Cookery
Regions such as Tamboerskloof, Loop, Wale and Orange Street offer an infinity of bars and parties, but Long Street is the liveliest street in Cape Town. Similar to Augusta Street in São Paulo, it has two versions: in the daytime with bookstores, galleries and shops selling natural products, and at night, with bars, parties and restaurants. But the most outstanding for those who wish to enjoy the local cuisine is the Malayan District of Bo-Kaap, where the best dishes in town are presented, both typical and from other regions in the country.
Shopping and entertainment in Cape Town
Situated in the heart of Cape Town, the revitalized V&A Waterfront port offers a wide choice of restaurants and shops, besides options for entertainment, such as its famous Ferris wheel, its aquarium and its museums, such as the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. With works by some of the greatest contemporary African artists, the Zeitz MOCAA is the largest museum of contemporary art in the continent, with 9,500 m2 and 80 galleries spread over 9 floors. There is also the famous Old Biscuit Mill market, which gathers tourists from all over the world to enjoy the local cuisine as well as its pieces of art and design typical of the country. Lastly, there is the Green Market Square, an open air market and a great choice for those wish to take home beautiful souvenirs from the city, choosing among craftwork with paintings, masks and sculptures based on the local culture and fauna.
For sports lovers
Speaking of sports, surfers love to go to Cape Town and have a great time in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The beaches are lovely, with fine, white sand. However, even in the summer the water is quite icy. The best ones for riding the waves are Kalk Bay, Outer Kom, Misty Cliffs, Milnerton, Table View and Big Bay. Pay attention to the warnings in the sand: at certain times of the year the presence of sharks is common. If you wish to get closer to them without risk, look for specialized agencies that organize dives. Among the most popular radical sports we find rappelling , trekking, and mountain biking, usually on dirt roads along the mountains.
