South Africa Winelands
TABLE MOUNTAIN
Table Mountain, a magnificent flat-topped mountain forms the prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa.
The level plateau gives Table Mountain its distinctive shape, and is 1,086 metres high and approximately 3 kilometers wide, surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Table Mountain forms a dramatic backdrop to Cape Town and Table Bay harbor making it a unique and distinctive landmark.
Table Mountain is surrounded by beautiful bays, beaches and valleys existing in tandem with the culturally diverse and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. When a south-easterly wind blows, Table Montain is often covered by clouds, producing the famous "table cloth" of cloud.
For further information on Table Mountain please go to: www.tablemountain.net
ROBBEN ISLAND
Robben Island was declared as a world heritage site in 1999 and is a must see for all travelers visiting Cape Town..
Lying off the Table Bay area of Cape Town, in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Robben Island is 5 miles (8 km) west of the mainland and 6 miles (10 km) north of Cape Town. In the 16th and early 17th centuries Robben Island was a common stopping point for ships waiting to dock in Harbour.
Early settlement efforts were thwarted by the cost of continuously shipping supplies from Cape Town mainland to Robbin Island and therefore the decision was made by the Dutch to turn Robbin Island into a penal colony. The facility also included the housing of a leper colony and the an institution for those deemed as mentally insane.
Robben Island served as South Africa’s maximum-security prison until 1991 and then served as a medium security prison until 1992. Most inmates, including former president Nelson Mandela, were men incarcerated for political crimes. Nelson Mandela’s famous book “Long walk to freedom” describes in detail, the conditions of life on Robben Island and describes the struggle of fellow political inmates such as Ahmed Kathrada, Sisulu, Thambo Mbeki and, Robert Sobukwe.
Further information on Robben Island can be found at: www.robben-island.org.za
South Africa’s other world heritage sites include:
V&A WATERFRONT
The V&A Waterfront is South Africa’s most visited tourist destination providing the traveller with a myriad of activities.
Overlooked by Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the V&A Waterfront offers it all. From designer shops (inc. Prada, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vitton, Boss, Armani, Levi, Guess Aston Martin and many more), World class hotels (inc. The One and Only), cinema’s, and over 40 restaurants, the V&A Waterfront is South Africa’s premier shopping experience and another must for both South African and international tourists alike.
V&A Waterfront trading hours are 09h00 to 21h00 weekdays, and from 10h00 to 21h00 on Sundays and Public Holidays.
There is a bus service taking passengers to the V&A Waterfront from Adderley Street in Cape Town’s CBD otherwise Water taxis are also available from Cape Town’s International Convention Centre (CTICC),taking passengers on the linked canal into the V&A Waterfront’s harbour.
Full information on the V&A Waterfront can be found on www.waterfront.co.za
TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM
Also located in the V&A Waterfront, next to the One & Only Hotel is the magnificent Two Oceans Aquarium offering visitors one of Cape Town’s top attractions. Over 3000 living sea animals including sharks, penguins, turtles, seals and fish can be viewed here in a fun and educational environment.
Information and bookings can be made on www.aquarium.co.za
2010 WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town is hosting the Fifa 2010 World Cup, and what a better place to enjoy this spectacle than in one of the most beautiful cities in the world? The Greenpoint host stadium is framed by Table Mountain and Soccer fans throughout the world will be in Cape Town to experience this magical event standing in the shadow of Cape Town’s favourite attraction.
2010 fifa world cup information can be found on: www.greenpointstadiumvc.co.za or www.southafrica.info
