Population and Language

South Africa's population is approximately 43 million, with Cape Town having a population of 3 million.

South Africa has 11 official languages, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa and English being the most widely spoken.

History

Cape Town is South Africa's oldest city - the Castle of Good Hope dates back to 1666 and was build by slaves using Robben Island stones and lime.

Climate

The Cape has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and cool wet winters. In summer the sun rises around 05h00 and sets around 20h00.

Geography

Cape Point is not the southern most tip of Africa, and it is debated whether it is where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. However, when you stand at the tip of the peninsula you can see the eastern and western currents crashing together.

The top of Table Mountain is at an altitude of 1082m and was covered by ocean 500 million years ago.

Long Street

Walk the length of Long Street for instant exposure to the Cape's architecture featuring everything from gracious old buildings to modern-day granite. Visit a variety of antique shops and second-hand bookstalls or take a break at small caf�'s and restaurants along the way. Taste dry wors (SA sausage) and real biltong (dried meat) at Morris' Butchery, then head to the African Pan Market for authentic artefacts from all over Africa.

Greenmarket Square

Turn off Long Street into Longmarket Street and stop off at Greenmarket Square's open-air market for variety of African memorabilia. Open Monday to Friday, till 16h00 and Saturdays till 13.00.

Church Street

Close to Greenmarket Square, you'll find the Church Street Antique Market, open daily till 13.00.

Buiten Street

Just off Long Street, opposite Long Street Cafe, is well-known Cape Town artist, Beezy Bailey's factory shop.

Table Mountain

Take the new Swiss-designed cable car to the summit of Table Mountain. Operation status, opening times and a weather report are available from reception

Cape Point

Take a beautiful drive around the peninsulas from Sea point, through Clifton, Camps Bay, Hout Bay and onwards to Cape Point.

Lion's Head And Signal Hill

Climb to the top of Lion's Head for a magnificent view and watch the sun set from the top of Signal hill on a clear evening.

Kirstenbosch

Enjoy the indigenous floral beauty of over 800 species at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, open daily from 08.00 to 19.00. Don't miss their fabulous open-air concert programme in the summer.

Winelands

Take a scenic tour to Constantia, Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch stopping off at wine estates to taste the delicious local wines.

Aquarium

Located at the entrance to the V&A Waterfront, this marine extravaganza features a variety of sea life and penguins. Open from 09h30-18h00 Monday to Sunday.

Robben Island

The world-renowned Robben Island that once housed Nelson Mandela in its maximum-security prison for years is now open for tours. Boat rides from the Waterfront are available and can be booked at reception, as seats are limited.

Helicopter Flips

Tours begin at the Waterfront with various flips to choose from.

Beaches

South Africa boasts a host of beautiful beaches with lounging on trendy Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno and nude sunbathing at Sandy Bay.

Horse Riding

Noordhoek Beach is a long stretch of beautiful white sand, fantastic for horse riding.

Whale Watching (Seasonal)

Take a slow, scenic drive along the coast to Hermanus to see the whales and stop off for some lunch and stunning views along the way.

Tours

Any of the above can be arranged for you, with private or scheduled tours available on request.

Couture

• V&A Waterfront
• Cavendish Square (Claremont)
• Canal Walk (Century City)
• Kloof Street
• Long Street
• Greenmarket Square

We have a variety of handmade sandals available for purchase.

Decor

• Pa Kua Design in V&A Waterfront
• Loft Living in Kloof Street
• LIM in Kloof Street
• The Bright House in Bree Street
• Hot Box in Loop Street
• Africa Nova in Hout Bay and Waterkant
• Heartworks, Kloof Street
• African Image in Church Street
• Monkeybiz funky beadwork in Bo Kaap
• African Wirework on the roadside, at Hout Bay and at the entrance to the Cape Peninsula Reserve.

Jewellery

• Greenmarket Square - handmade silver and gold jewellery
• Church Street antique jewellery
• Prins and Prins diamonds, Corner Hout and Loop Streets

We also have a collection of handmade jewellery, with stones from all over Africa.

Restaurants marked with * are open on Sundays.

Cape Town

• AUBERGINE
  french style cuisine, contemporary design with traditional service
• BAIA*
  specialises in seafood, situated in the shopping mall at the waterfront, huge terrace with great table mountain views. highly recommended
• BACINI’S*
  literally on the corner down the road, very local Italian, nothing fancy, relaxed atmosphere, do not take bookings
• BIZERCA BISTRO
  situated in the heart of the city, it offers food made with south african ingredients and an added French flare
• BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB
  also literally 5 min walk, Richard Griffith from madame Zingara fame, starting out small, but no less fantastic, local food including fish, pastas etc, great atmosphere
• BUKHARA*
  north indian, in city, good indian food
• CAFÉ ROYALE*
  best hamburger joint, hamburgers with a difference- very trendy
• CARNE
  opened by the owner of 95 keerom, beautiful restaurant, specialing in meat, but serving a little of everything
• CAVEAU
  fabulous wine/ tapas bar , very relaxed www.caveau.co.za
• CODFATHER*
  excellent fresh seafood, select your own combination, very basic décor, good vibe
• COL’CACCHIO
  best pizzas in cape town www.colcacchio.co.za
• CONSTANTIA UITSIG*
  another top restaurant, dishes based in italian food, but with chefs flair. on a wine farm in constantia www.uitsig.co.za
• FIVE FLIES*
  lovely courtyard setting, romantic and great classic cuisine
• FOOD BARN*
  franck dangereaux- one of the top 50 chefs of the world, has opened his own restaurant in noordhoek, delicious french cuisine in relaxed environment- perfect for lunch, to far for dinner www.thefoodbarn.co.za
• FORK
  tapas with a twist and great service www.fork-restaurants.co.za
• GINJA
  fusion food, excellent atmosphere- one of our personal best restaurants in cape town
• GREENS*
  on park road, off kloof street. café style, outside tables on terrace, excellent pizzas
• GOLD
  our recommended choice for that traditional african cuisine with beautiful court yard and live drumming every night
• HAIKU*
  asian fusion, hot place in cape town at the moment! excellent food
• HARBOUR HOUSE*
  on the waters edge in the harbour of kalk bay, wonderful seafood, relaxed ambience, perfect lunch venue
• HEADQUARTERS
  steak, salad and unlimited amount of chips, make this a favorite with locals (that’s the only dish on the menu) – it’s delicious and very lively with dj on a Friday night
• IL LEONE*
  fantastic Italian food, great vibe and funky atmosphere
• JARDIN
  nouveau cuisine at it’s best! In an elegant setting
• KYOTA GARDEN SUSHI
  small local japanese restaurant- beautiful décor, modern japanese food, within walking distance
• LA COLOMBE*
  french, voted best restaurant in south africa for 2 years running. situated on wine farm in constantia
• 95 ON KEEROM
  a beautifully decorated Italian restaurant, very modern, excellent food www.95keerom.co.za
• MANOLO*
  classic, french influence, fine dining, very romantic www.manolo.co.za
• MILLERS THUMB
  also a walk down, just off kloof. filled throughout the year with locals, have a big variety of excellent meals- great relaxed atmosphere- a must do at least once
• NELSONS EYE*
  no décor to mention- but the best steak house in town
• PIGALLE*
  only dinner/ dance venue in cape town. very glamorous restaurant with beautiful chandeliers. big 10 piece band, playing all swing music- a wonderful special night out
• PARANGA
  designed for comfort & class. You can choose to kick off your slops & sip a cocktail on the comfy terrace, or you can don your finest and romance your partner in on of the elegant and intimate booths
• RICKS CAFÉ*
  comfortable, stylish ambience. selection of tapas, salads and gourmet burgers. funky late night vibe to compliment your food
• ROUNDHOUSE
  boasts the finest rare wines, uncomplicated french cuisine inspired by the seasons and lastly the history and nostalgia of the grand old Cape
• SAIGON*
  vietnamese restaurant down kloof street, 10 minute walk, always excellent
• SALT*
  in the ambassador hotel, on the waters edge, great venue for early dinner- watching the sunset and being next to the ocean
• THE GRAND
  the grand has a rambling, “old havana” feel, rather nods to French Riviera and belle epoque. so shabby-chic comes to the mod glam of the strip. with a view of the ocean from the top floor that cuts the street
• TANK*
  in cape quarters, flowing onto piazza, very trendy, great sushi and cosmopolitan menu
• WAKAME / WAFU*
  best sundowner venue- very trendy bar upstairs with great tapas style food
• WILLOUGHBY’S*
  in the middle of the waterfront shopping mall- but the best sushi and freshest seafood in cape town
• YINDEES
  best thai on kloof www.yindees.co.za

Franschhoek

• BREAD AND WINE*
  great outdoor setting, rustic food and a fabulous atmosphere
• CHAMONIX*
  on a wine farm, we recommend their white wine, lovely out door setting
• GENOT* the ‘baia’ of the winelands, fantastic fresh seafood, also do the best picnics in the winelands- have to be pre-booked
• GRAND PROVENCE*
  gorgeous design, excellent food, in a world class destination
• LA QUARTIER FRANÇAISE*
  french cuisine in a beautiful setting www.laquartier.co.za
• LA PETIT FERME*
  beautiful view and classic French food, lunches only
• REUBENS*
  top favorite in Franschhoek, one of SA’s best restaurants

Stellenbosch

• BOSCHENDAL
  on the way to franschhoek, excellent picnics. must be booked
• OVERTURE
  set at the hidden vallay wine estate, absolutely stunning views, 2, 3 or 4 course starter syle dishes available- delicious
• TERROIR*
  top restaurant in sa, very popular fantastic dishes
• TOKARA*
  fusion, fabulous views of stellenbosch www.tokara.com

In Season, bookings are advisable for all restaurants; please contact Reception to make a reservation.

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Club and Bar Scene

• Alba
  stylish cocktail bar in the Hildebrand Hotel, Waterfront
• Asoka
  funky bar in Kloof Street
• Bronx and Cruz
  hetero-friendly, gay clubs in Green point
• Bascule
  cool collective whisky and cigar bar in the Cape Grace Hotel, Waterfront
• Planet Bar at Mount Nelson
  for drinks
• Waku at Wakame
  best sundowner venue in town
• Bang Bang Club
  get your dancing shoes on
• Jade
  a funky lounge and drinks venue