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Cape Town: Things To See & Do
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Table Mountain
Cape Town's most prominent
landmark and one of its most popular attractions, Table Mountain soars a
little over 1000 metres above sea level and offers a magnificent view
over the city. Visitors can either take a cable car to the summit (a 2
minute trip), or hike up along some very lovely trails, a trip that
takes about 4 hrs and is only recommended for the physically fit. Be
careful of the weather - there are fatalities every year due to the
unpredictability of the weather. Weather hotline: 021-4248181.
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Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town's vibrant
waterfront in the Table Bay Harbour is one
of South Africa's leading tourist destinations. The area has a lovely
Victorian charm, as many of the original buildings are carefully
preserved, and there are a kaleidoscope of restaurants, shops, pubs,
crafts markets, theatres and museums scattered all around the area. It
is also home to the Two Oceans Aquarium, and some of the city's best
hotels.
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Robben Island
Once an infamous
prison and now a national monument and World Heritage Site, this island
just off the Victoria and Albert Waterfront was once home to some of the
nation's most prominent freedom fighters, including Nelson Mandela,
during the country's long struggle against apartheid. Most of the
original prison facilities have been preserved, and guided tours are
conducted daily.
Details
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Opening Hrs:
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Open daily, from
10am to 5pm. |
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Pricing:
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Transfer and
tour are about 150 SAR. |
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Contact:
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Tel:
021-4111006. |
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More Info:
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The guided tour
lasts about 2 hours and is led by a former inmate. Visitors
can also visit the quarry where prisoners used to work. |
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Getting Here:
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Catamarans run
daily on the hour from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the
Waterfront's Clock Tower. Travel time is about 30 minutes. |
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The South African Museum
Founded in 1825 and now the
oldest and largest museum in South Africa, this museum is best known for its
excellent natural history collection showcasing the uniquely South African
fauna and flora. The collection has everything from a guagga foal to a blue
whale skeleton and even the mysterious Lydenburg Heads.
Details
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Opening Hrs:
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Open daily, from
10am to 5pm. |
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Pricing:
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Admission is
free. |
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Contact:
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Tel: 021
4243330. Fax: 021 4246716. |
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Getting Here:
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The museum is
located at the further end of the Company Gardens. |
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Castle of Good Hope
This imposing pentagonal
fort in the heart of Cape Town was built between 1666 -
1679, making it the oldest building in the country. Once used for
its original purpose of defending the surrounding area from marauders,
the castle is now a military museum, covering the military history of
the Cape, the Castle and the region's regiments.
Details
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Opening Hrs:
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Open daily, from
9am to 4pm. |
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Pricing:
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Admission is
free. |
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Contact:
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Tel: 021
4243330. Fax: 021 4246716. |
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More Info: |
The Key Ceremony
is held weekdays at 10am, the Change of Guards at 12
o'clock. |
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Getting Here:
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The museum is
located at the further end of the Company Gardens. |
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Beaches
Cape Town has a few lovely
beaches where visitors can have a go at bathing in the waters of the
Atlantic. Among the beaches available are Muizenberg, Simonstown and
Sandy Bay. The beaches are popular for surfing and windsurfing,
especially as strong breezes are nearly constant in Cape Town. Be warned
however - the Atlantic waters can be surprisingly cold!
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Ratanga Junction
South Africa's first full-scale
theme Park is located within easy reach of Cape Town and right next to the
Century City mega shopping centre. The park offers everything from rides to
interactive play areas and variety shows. There are restaurants, pubs,
shops, a theatre and in the evening, the family-friendly entertainments give
way to more adult-oriented fare, making this park popular with both children
and parents alike.
Details
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Opening Hrs:
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Open daily, from
9am to 4pm. |
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Pricing:
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Admission to
rides: SAR90 for Adults, SAR39 for Children. Non-riders:
free. |
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Contact:
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Infoline: 0861
200300. website: www.ratanga.co.za |
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Getting Here:
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Ratanga Junction
is just off the N1 freeway (Exit 10, after the Milnerton
turn-off) |
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