Cape Town, South Africa – August 1999

As I sat down to write this article, it occurred to me that it has been a year to the day since I first arrived in Cape Town, for a three day stop over. A year later, I�m still here (although currently on sabbatical up north).

So what is it about this town that makes a true British chippie stay so long? I just simply love this city – the setting, the vibe, the nightlife. I could talk for hours and frequently do…….but I�ll keep it brief.

What to do in the Mother City
You can always follow the the standard tourist "four days in Cape Town" formula, this consists of:
Day 1: Cape Peninsula
Day 2: Winelands
Day 3: City Centre and Waterfront
Day 4: Table mountain

Do go to all these beautiful places (maybe with the exception of the Waterfront which is just a lame tourist mecca), but I highly recommend that you hire a car and go to all those gorgeous places too frequently missed.

Maybe head North to the Cederberg Wilderness or up the West Coast to Langebaan and skip through the endless fields of flowers (a la Little House on the Prairie).

Table Mountain is a must of course, but on this subject I have two points:
Firstly at this time of year the weather is changeable and often the mountain is covered in clouds. Although this looks beautiful, it has left many a frustrated tourist unable to get up there, so make a point to go up whenever its possible.

And secondly, Table mountain is just one (albeit rather large) part of a stunning mountain range, full of hidden gems such as lakes, forests and waterfalls.

One idea for a gorgeous (if a tad energetic) day out:
Early morning head for Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. It's Spring time and everything is blooming. Walk through the forest and then climb Skeleton Gorge. Collapse at the top with a picnic lunch next to the reservoir. Then take a leisurely stroll across that big flat mountain to the far side, for a well deserved sundowner before taking the cable car down (trust me on the cable car!)

If you're a beach baby, then you'll be in your element, as you'll find endless stretches of stunning coastline. Just remember that this is the Atlantic Ocean and its bloody cold! The Cape Peninsula has amazing sealife, including Right Whales (season starts now), Great White Sharks and the oh-so-adorable African Penguins.

Out on the Town
This is one serious party town (from what I can recall through the alcohol induced haze). Whatever your tastes its all here, throughout the night – whether you want to spend a mellow evening listening to some first class jazz, take part in a drumming circle or pose about at some trendy nightclub. Especially the posing bit – welcome to Cape Town daaahhrling. My personal haunts are listed in the column on the left.

The ever popular Mo' Funk and Cheese parties are always good and make a welcome change from the tedium of the dance scene that is so popular here.

Dress code is whatever – though if you're stuck for ideas anything black, tight and expensive seems to work. And although an easy mistake to make, mobile phones are not compulsory.

And as a Final Thought (just call me Jerry)
I�ve heard many travellers say that although Cape Town is really nice � it's just not the "Real Africa". To these people I ask "What the hell did you expect?! Tribal dancing, or elephants meandering down the Street?"

Africa is a continent full of extremes and vast diversity � and it all starts here in the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.

Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Africa Insiders.
General Info
Cape Town is beautiful, vibrant and cosmopolitan. Take your time and do it justice.

Geography
Right at the furthest South-Western point of Africa. You'll recognise it by the big flat mountain in the middle of it all.

Accommodation
Too numerous to mention! I highly recommend the excellent backpackers hostel Oak Lodge. Or view AdventureTravelAfrica for a list of hostels.

Transport
From the airport – a lot of accommodations will do free pick ups or call the lovely Andre (082) 809 9185 for the shuttle bus.

Around town Rikkis are cute and cheap ish and go everywhere. If you can figure out the network then the local minibus taxis go every where and are cheap.
Be warned – the drivers must be buying their licenses. Or hire a car.

Good cheap food
Mr Pickwitts on Long St – good food, great vibe and open very late.
Naked (on Kloof, on the square, at the Shack) – wraps, juices, good coffee, nice vibe

Bars and Clubs
The Jam – De Villiers St
live music, relaxed student vibe. Also, Shack next-door Long Street in general has a good selection of late nights bars and clubs.