Cape Town is justly famous for its beaches, restaurants, V&A Waterfront and other tourist attractions.

No visit to this part of the world is complete without visiting the Boulders beach penguin colony, one of only two mainland breeding colonies of the African or Jackass Penguin.

 

False Bay

Boulders beach is in the historic naval town of Simons Town, a spectacular train ride or easy and picturesque car trip on well maintained roads. Simons Town is well served with restaurants, shops and beaches.

Cape Point nature reserve is a short drive away; first named "Cape of Storms" by early seafarers the reserve now boasts excellent tourist facilities.

The area known as the Western Cape has been settled since the 17th century and the land which once teemed with game such as elephant, lion, rhino, hippo and vast herds of antelope, has been subdued and put to the farmers plough.

 

The Cape Winelands

The Western Cape is synonymous with wine and the area bounded by the eastern mountains are the Cape Winelands. The early French Huguenot settlers brought their passion for wine-making with them and many of the wine estates carry their legacy with names such as L'Ormarins, L'Avenir, La Provence and Mont Rochelle.

This is a land of gentle green vines, towering mountains, snow capped in winter and trout filled streams and lakes.

The towns of Franschoek and Stellenbosch are at the centre of this wine growing area. Some world class wines have come out of the valleys and hills of the Cape and the annual Nederberg Wine Sales attract buyers from all over the world.

 

Cedarberg 

The Cedarberg mountain range wilderness area is a two hour scenic drive from Cape Town. There are a number of day walks and short hikes to features such as the Maltese Cross and Wolfsberg Arch, these landmarks can also be taken in as part of longer hikes of two days or more.

Other popular hikes take in "Crystal Pool" or Sneeuberg, the highest peak in the Cedarberg range at 2027 metres above sea level. The mountain is frequently snow covered in winter.