Africa is probably best known for its exotic wildlife and the stunning beauty of its nature.
But the country’s cities can be just as alluring as its wildlife and wilderness, with one in particular a must visit.
Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the imposing Table Mountain.
Slowly rotating cable cars climb to the mountain’s flat top, from where there are sweeping views of the city, the busy harbour and boats heading for Robben Island, the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela.
Since it opened as a tourist attraction in 1929, Table Mountain has attracted more than 25 million visitors to its slopes.
In addition to this renowned landmark, Cape Town has lush botanical gardens, dazzling beaches and verdant green Winelands.
Chapman’s Peak Drive, the road that takes you from one side of the peninsula to the other, is regularly voted the most beautiful drive in the world.
The city makes a perfect destination for those who like fine dining and wines.
Cape Town is a melting pot of cuisines and has acquired a reputation as the food and wine capital of South Africa.
There is a variety of wonderful dishes to sample, ranging from traditional dishes like bobotie (curried meat with fruit) and potjie (meat and vegetables slow-cooked over a fire in an iron pot) to the freshest seafood imaginable.
Cape Town also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa, with the city straddling the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Boulders beach offers visitors the chance to see hundreds of resident African penguins nesting along the shoreline.
The city certainly rates highly with tourists on Tripadvisor, who have lavished it with high praise.
Ryan M said: “Just returned from a two week trip to South Africa. The first week was all business and took me from Johannesburg to Durban and then to Cape Town.
“The second week was all holiday in Cape Town, and I couldn’t be happier! If you have never visited South Africa, you must plan a trip to the Cape.”
While helenamurph85 wrote: “I have just returned from a 9 week volunteer project in Cape Town and when I wasn’t working hard, I was experiencing the delight that is Cape Town.
“From Robben Island to Table Mountain and everything in between, there is so much to see and do in this city that you can be there for 9 weeks and never get bored.”
