Gentle arches of white sand, wide stretches of wave-lashed coast, boulder-strewn shores home to waddling penguins - it is Cape Town's beaches, more than anywhere else, that you get a real feel for the pulse of the city.

It is here, in all its diversity, that the entire city decamps to during summer. The migration begins every December in Camps Bay, where families spread blankets beneath the string of palm trees lining the talcum-powder-white sand, while athletic couples splash through the freezing shallows throwing Frisbees.

To the north, the beautiful people stretch their long limbs on Clifton, watching each other from behind enormous sunglasses. Further south the water becomes wilder and the sand emptier. Sunbathers are replaced by gangs of surfers, who straddle their boards, shiny as seals, in the heaving south Atlantic waves.

On the other side of the Cape of Good Hope, the vast stretch of False Bay is warmed by currents from the Indian Ocean, attracting both picnicking families and penguins. At Boulder's Beach, the latter waddle nonchalantly between the former, stopping periodically to throw back their heads and bray.

At sundown, the penguins head to their nests and the families pack up their picnics. Surfers re-emerge, shaking the water from their hair and piling into camper vans. And from Camp's Bay to Clifton, music begins to drift out over the sand as the sporty couples shrug on t-shirts and shorts and head to the beach bars for cocktails.

Places to go
by Steve Warburton

Waterfront, Hartenberg, Hillcrest, Forries, Firemans Arms, Blue Peter, Brass Bell, Perseverence Tavern....
God's Country
by Marian Coxall

Cape Town is the most beautiful country in the world. From white beaches to rocky mountains, spectacular gardens and vineyards that stretch for miles... Its makes it easy to be proudly South African. The food is out of this world, people are so friendly and welcoming. I dream about home every day and I cant wait to return to my country... My Cape Town.
sheer joy
by john babbington

My wife and I spent 6 consecutive holidays in south africa and loved each one. why else would we go back ? the winelands, the mountains, the fruit farms, the people, the stunning coastal drives. the adderly street shopping in Capetown, ladies love it.!green market. the uniqueness and variety of everything, that you would never, never find anywhere else on this planet. Up country is a must. Easy to miss, but find McGregor. a village, one way in, one way out !
Holidayesque!
by Brenden Schultze

Have visited many times. While living the heat of Namibia (SWA), leaving for the Cape is just what the doctor ordered. Spectacular and during my many trips, I never once felt threatened or in danger, quite the opposite.
President Mandela
by Sally Munro

On the day scheduled to ascend Table Mountain, we were staying at the Cape Grace Hotel, the tablecloth was over the peak and our trip was cancelled. The Satour guide suggested a trip around this marvellous town. We stopped outside a beautiful building and James, the guide said that our Queen had visited here when she was a Princess.
Suddenly as I looked through the gates I saw a group of people walking towards me - one person in particular just kept walking towards the gates.
It was President Nelson Mandela.There was only myself, the guide and my husband. Mr Mandela shook my hand. He noted I was Scottish and spoke with knowledge and enthusiasm. Until my dying day I will never forget that amazing experience. What a wonderful man, what an amazing country.
different Cape Town
by alan williamson

If you visit Cape Town once or twice you do not get the feel of the REAL heart of the city and its' incredible vibe. Sure the V and A waterfront, Robben Island and Table Mountain are great for tourists, if thats your thing but trust me, dig a little deeper and you will be swept away by the beauty and sheer atmosphere by this wonderous place.
The best coast for relaxation is definitely the west side, starting in Kalk Bay, you must go to the Brass Bell, sipping a refreshment while the waves lap your feet! Then up to Muizenberg, dine in Gaylords the finest Indian restaurant in the world! Up through Wynberg to the open markets and on to Kenilworth racetrack to the biggest and best race meeting of the year, the J n B Met, it is a side of Cape Town which is rarely mentioned but belive me it is a day to remember for the rest of your life!
The Best of Two Worlds!
by Irene Sutton

The pristine beaches with the back-drop of Table Mountain is a wonderful view to behold.If you are fit, why not walk up the mountain instead of taking the cable car, it's not too strenuous and the views are always changing. The Victoria Pier for those who want to shop offers a large variety of stores and with the Rand so low, you can afford to shop!! Restaurants there are plentiful too. But go further afield to Simeons town and see the Victorian architecture and gentle life that's ticking there. Of course you should never miss Stellenbosch with the beautiful countryside and First Class wine. The Vineries are all beautifully manicured and tastings are mostly free. You can take along your own picnic and eat in the extensive grounds after buying a bottle of your favourite wine to accompany it.
Cape town is a rule to itself. Yes it's beautiful but also dangerous in certain areas , that should be omitted from your trip, for example down town after dusk. But all in all you cannot fail to have a wonderful time in cape Town and the people are open, fun, and inviting and are always willing to help, maybe it's all that sunshine they get!!
Swimming with Penguins
by James Cassley

Boulders Beach, on a warm sunny day in mid-March, hundreds of Penguins going about their business, paying no heed to the human's until one goes near their nests or is blocking their route to the Sea. After sitiing rapt for about an hour watching them coming and going, I decided to cool off with a dip in the sea, I was only about 20 metres out when I saw I two penguins swimming in convoy with me, darting this way and that underneath me. A magical experience
The Truth Hurts
by Ken Dunn

There can be fewer places better to visit in the world with a bunch of school children than Robben Island. I have been privileged to visit on two occasions but when escorted by an amazing guide by the name of Thulane Mabuso the experience was utterly awesome and one which left this guide and my students in floods of tears!
I have shared this experience on BBC Radio 4. I whole heartedly recommend Robben Island and I am currently planning my next school visit!
Dont tell too many....
by Sally Impey

Just returned from our second Christmas in Cape Town; probably our best Christmas ever in 26 years. So relaxing - even with two mid-20 year old sons! We all did our own thing; sometimes sharing experiences - Robben Island, Table Mountain, sometimes apart. We all loved every minute. Fantastic food, wine and such friendly and helpful people. The drive to Hermanus and the 'real' tip of Africa gave us an insight into the amazing rolling scenerey of Africa. The views from our apartment overlooking the Atlantic were amazing. We all felt safer than in London! We are now planning our next trip driving further afield and soaking up the wonderful atmosphere of South Africa. All I can say - lucky folk who live there.
Captivating Cape Town
by Elaine Dean

I’ve been to some spectacularly set cities in my life but Cape Town is second only to Rio di Janeiro for stunning setting. Table Mountain looms over the city on the southern tip of this vast continent and it is magnificent.

First stop was Robben Island, a boat ride from the fabulous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the prison where Nelson Mandela was caged for so long. It was emotional and one of those moments in a lifetime that is never to be forgotten. The guides are all former prisoners and I was proud to shake the hand of Ntozelizwe Talakumeni who had been imprisoned with Mandela & co.

I was taken on a tour of the coast south of Cape Town, Camps Bay and Hout Bay and we ate at night in the Winelands Town of Stellenbosch. A day was spent in the Winelands where we toured a winery in Boschendal and ate what has to be the world’s most sensational picnic – like a Fortnum’s Hamper I guess – sitting in parkland under plane trees with jagged mountains all around.

Whoever said ‘South Africa gets under your skin’ was spot on, I cannot wait to return to this vast ‘world in one country’ to see and experience more of this land where Nelson Mandela looms large.

The added attraction of course is that there is no jet lag flying directly on a line of longitude.

2010 World Cup anyone?

Useful websites:

http://www.robben-island.org.za/

http://www.tablemountain.net/

http://www.boschendal.com/

http://www.stellenbosch.org.za/

http://www.franschhoek.org.za/
Southern Sunshine
by Audrey Osterlyng

My first experience was hiring a car in Port Elizabeth and driving down the Garden Route to Capetown. The beaches in Wilderness and Plettenburg Bay were breathtaking. Seeing ostriches, the Post Office Tree in Mussel Bay and Constantia were all new experiences. I took side trips to the Paarl area - trying the wines and even Hermanus where I saw a Large White whale. I ended up persuading my husband to repeat the trip with me. Capetown is a wonderful stop by cruise-ship as well; so go for it when you have the chance.
Zuid Afrika!!!
by Janet Gladston

We arrived in S.a. May 1962, with 20pounds in our pockets married for just a year we wanted to experience life before we setled down, how kind everyone was to these Roinecks, left 5yrs later with two children and 20 pounds in our pockets but loads of lovely experiences.and good friends we still see.
once been never forgotten
by kathleen brennan

I have been to south africa on many times and have had new experiances each time,peaple allways ask me if i was scared,i ask them what of and they say,crime,Itell them I have never been afraid,Iam sometime more afraid in my own country,peaple should get over their fear and go and see for them selves,I'm sure they will want to go back the same as I do.the people are friendly and really wellcome you,go at the right time of the year and the weather is brilliant,food is cheap with the exchange rate and to die for.
Table Mountain
by Sheila Brown

We visited friends in Cape Town for the first time last November. Immediately my eyes were drawn to the wonderful mountains all around and I felt this strange exciting lift to my spirit. On the first Saturday, sipping coffee, overlooking the bay at Simonstown, I received a text from friend, Jo, saying The mist's lifting, the wind's dropped-it's going to be
glorious up Table Mountain - let's go. We did - and it was - a most incredible,indescribable spiritual experience! It was so hard to leave - my heart is still there...
An 11 day fantastic holiday
by Howard Ducker

Staying at the Radisson in Cape Town was an experience in itself. The friendliness of the staff was refreshing, the service impeccable and the breakfast outdoors by the sea unforgettable.
One is very safe during the day,the area well policed. Much to see and many restaurants; my, the portions are enormous!
The visit to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years was shockingly thought provoking.
Table Mountain imposes everywhere and is worth a visit.
The most appealing aspect of this holiday was that Cape Town is mosquito free.
All in all, a fantastic holiday.
Trip to Robben island
by Peter Winter-Moore

The highlight of our Holiday to Capetown last year was the trip to visit Robben island.
After a boat trip and drive around the island which has magnificent sea views , our enthusiatic young African guide brought the recent history of South Africa to life.How could such a beautiful island have been the s place of such suffering?
The final part of the tour involved visiting the prison cells including Nelson Mandellas tiny solitary cell .The guide for this part of the tour was a fellow prisoner which made the whole experience all the more moving.
2000 Millenium
by David Dawson

For the millemium my partner and I had 2 weeks in SA, 1 week in Cape Town with the Union Castle Line Reunion, a fabulous week, new years eve day on clifton beach glorious,the waterfront magical, the friendliness and hospitality of the people magic, then a week at sun city, not to be missed, the Zulu village. the game reserve, i could go on and on. Fantastic, luv you SA
ON TOP OF THE TABLE
by nigel cox

The breathtaking view of Table Mountain and Lions Head from the white sandy beaches of Camps Bay wasnt enough for me. I couldnt take my eyes off the beauty that nature had blessed the city of Cape Town with so we dragged ourselves away from the scorching sunshine, sea breezes and white foam of the Ocean, bought a picnic and bottle of Western Province wine for a few rand and rode the cable car up to Table Mountain. Watching the golden sun set, sipping wine and eating our food as dusk descended made it the best new years eve of my life.
B&B
by Allan Harris

B&B is not like we know it in the UK, we found the standard extremely high but particularly enjoyed staying at 'Le Lezard Bleu' under Table Mountain. Great food, accommodation, and brilliant advice as to where to eat in Cape Town. The food was really good in all restaurants we tried.
Just go there
by Homesick for the Mother City

Cape Town is magical - friendly people, beautiful weather, spectacular scenery, wonderful wildlife, open air concerts, stunning surf, superb food and world famous wine, majestic mountains, meandering wine-routes, Table Mountain, swimming with penguins at Boulders, whales in the bay, baboons at Cape Point, just so much to see and do - the holiday of a lifetime
Table Mountain
by Julie Abraham

It was one of many trips to S.A. that we decided to fly down from Jo'burg to stay overnight and visit Table Mt of which I had heard so much about. We boarded the little car going upward and watching the city and the ocean below move away from us at a steady pace. After getting to the top and walking about, we were warned the tablecloth was on its way and we needed to get down right now or we would be detained for however long. We were able to come down later to see the tablecloth surround and cover Table Mt. It was an exciting day.
Last but not least
by martin bancroft

During 1997 I travelled around the world in a Westerly direction. After visiting North America, the south pacific, Australia and New Zealand I found myself at my last port of call before home, Cape Town. My lasting memory is sitting on Table View beach, gazing at the mountain and mentally wandering through my recent adventures. In a high state of wellbeing the fantastic splendour of all in front of me provided the inspiration for the years ahead. It kind of tied it all together if that makes sense.
Kirstenbosch Gardens
by Norman Witkin

Beautiful botanical garden coupled with huge outdoor stone sculptures by African artists - with the back of Cape Town's Table Mountain behind, made it a world-class and wonderful setting to enjoy. Having tea in the local restaurant was also delightful.
Following my Fathers Footsteps
by Lynda Murphy

My Farther served in the Royal Navy during w.w.2 His ship was sent to Simonstown . He often told me how beautiful Cape Town is , how he would love to return if he ever had an the money . Unfortunately he didnt go back there he died in 2004 .

I did ! Last year in June . Cape town is a magnificiant city the people are very friendly and so kind . We made friends with local young men who work on the boat trips at the Waterfront . My husband loved talking to them about football . He was suprised to find that they loved Steven Gerard his idol !

We visited the old British navel base in Simonstown that was handed back to South Africa many years ago . It a wonderful sleepy town ! We were allowed to take a quick look around by a navel person guarding the gate . I could imagine my Dad there as a young salior enjoying the best time of his life . It was a wonderful experience for me ! Once again the people there were very welcoming and friendly .

Cape Point was absolutely beautiful we travelled there with a local tour company stopping at various locations along the coast . Hout Bay and Fish Houk have magnificent beaches with dreamy sceanery .

We spent seven days in South Africa last year it was fantastic to visit places my Father had taught me about during my childhood . My only regret is thet he wasnt there enjoying it with me . I hope to return this year for a longer stay . I would recommend Cape Town to everybody the welcome we received and the experience of that wonderful city is behond compare !
lifestyle
by gareth meek

brilliant family holiday and so inexpensive.
A top notch evening out with the family at first class restaurants including drinks at roughly half the price of the U.K.
Everyone we met was very friendly and went out of the way to make our holiday the best ever.