The Colourful Town Cape Town
Gillian Thornton enjoys a winter sunshine break in South Africa
It’s never too early to start planning your winter sunshine escape and for sun, sea and spectacular scenery, it’s hard to beat sparkling Cape Town. The summer season there runs from November to March and with a time difference of just two hours, there’s no jetlag to spoil your holiday.
Just imagine basking beneath blue skies against a backdrop of Table Mountain; eating and shopping at the beautiful V&A Waterfront; and visiting Robben Island to hear the moving story of Nelson Mandela’s life as a political prisoner.
Accommodation, eating out, and excursions are all cheaper in South Africa than at home. Petrol too, if you fancy the freedom of a hire car for a few days.
We based our city stay at the Commodore Hotel, strategically placed just behind the V&A Waterfront, where our room boasted a view over the marina to Table Mountain.
Most people take the cable car rather than hike up the steep slopes, so as the weather was calm, we headed straight there – the service stops when the sea winds blow. Ask your hotel concierge to book tickets to bypass any queues.
From the flat top with its meandering trails, you can see far and wide over the Cape Peninsula. Next day we took a closer look at the city from the top of a Citysightseeing bus, hopping off to explore the tranquil surroundings and museums around The Company’s Garden, and to enjoy a seafood lunch at the popular resort of Camps Bay.
You won’t see too many people swimming off the sandy beaches though – the
Atlantic waters are cold without a wetsuit, even in summer!
Jump off the red bus route to visit Table Mountain and the blue route for the National Botanical Gardens at Kirstenbosch. Additional loops take in the downtown area and the Castle of Good Hope, as well as Groot Constantia, Africa’s oldest wine estate. Back in town, take a tour of the Springbok Museum; visit the Two Oceans Aquarium; and take a sunset cruise around Table Bay.