Cape Of Good Hope Nature Reserve
The drive to Cape of Good Hope is approximately an hour from downtown Cape Town. This is one of the most visually attractive nature reserves in the country which forms part of Table Mountain National Park. The reserve comprises of breathtaking oceans and mountain scenery, beaches, hiking paths, diverse and unique fauna and flora and lastly wide range of bird species occurring here. There are numerous wildlife animals living in the reserve namely baboons, ostriches, zebras and many more. The Cape of Good Hope is rich in culture and natural heritage and is seen as one of the top tourist destinations in South Africa. Cape Of Good Hope is meant for outdoor individuals who love hiking, surfing, picnicking and cycling against the magnificent backdrop of mountains and coastline of Cape Peninsula.
Cape Point
Cape Point is situated within the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve within Table Mountain National Park. The reserve consists of two peaks at that tip of the peninsula one Cape Point and the other Cape Of Good Hope. Many visitors would park their cars and hike up to the Lighthouse namely Cape Point Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in 1859 and it still stands today. Sailors treated this lighthouse with a great deal of respect. During the day this lighthouse was used as a navigational landmark and by night it was seen as a dangerous area which wrecks ships due to violent storms and dangerous rocks. Cape Point Lighthouse is situated on the highest section of the peak and is now being used as a centralized monitoring point for all lighthouses on the coast of South Africa. The views from the top is quite amazing with the view from cliffs one can see the ocean, coastline and the marvelous yet peaceful Dias Beach below. Access to this historical landmark could either be by hiking, driving along the scenic route or making use of the Flying Dutchman Funicular which will transfer visitors to the top.
Table Mountain and Cable Car
Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain. It is name Table mountain because once clouds start rolling over the mountain it is like a tablecloth being spread out on a table. Table Mountain is part of the Table Mountain National Park where one can watch over Cape Town, an ever-present landmark in the city. Tourists and citizens can either hike to the top of the mountain or take a cable car. The Cable car operates on a daily basis leaving every 10-15 minutes. The cable car will not operate in bad weather conditions or poor visibility. Once you reach the top there are paths marked which will take you on various routes across the mountaintop. At the top, you will find interesting flora and numerous small creatures. The mountain is home to a wide range of plant species. For this reason, the mount is within the Cape Floral Region. Things to do at the top includes getting something to eat at the restaurants or cafe and have a picnic. If you plan on hiking up or down the mountain there are various routes, for example, the Platterklip Gorge which will take approximately 1-3 hours to get to the top. Other longer routes are the Back Table, Nursery Ravine, Skeleton Gorge, Smuts Track and Bridle Path. If one joins an organized tour group you can experience and explore rock climbing and mountain biking riding on the mountain.
Lion’s Head
Bo-Kaap
The Bo-Kaap is one of the oldest residential suburbs in Cape Town and is situated on the slopes of Signal Hill. This part of Cape Town has brightly painted colorful houses and steeply paved streets. It’s something truly spectacular to this beautiful city filled with so much love and vibrant culture. The Bo –Kaap is also known as the Cape Malay Quarter, which originates back to 1760s when many houses were built and leased to slaves. These slaves were brought from many South East Asia countries namely Malaysia and Indonesia and the rest of Africa to work in the Cape. Many families situated in Bo-Kaap have been living there for generations and is a significant part of our cultural heritage.
