Cape Town | South Africa’s most popular city

What to do?

There is something very special about the iconic Table Mountain; it leaves a majestic and powerful impression on all that have visited the amazing City of Cape Town.

From the top of the mountain you are treated to panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Bay. Take the cable car to the top which revolves as it climbs the steep slope reaching the summit within 6 minutes.

Facilities on top of the mountain include a souvenir shop, restaurant, cocktail bar and summit room. The cable car will not operate in harsh weather conditions.

The Cape Point or Cape of Good Hope, situated at the south-western tip of Africa, is a place well known for treacherous seas, troubling many a ship as they passed from Atlantic Ocean to Indian Ocean or visa-versa. Table Mountain National Park overseas this beautifully scenic area, which is home to an entire floral kingdom and many populations of animals.

Around the park there are numerous walking trails to explore. There is a funicular that will take you right to the tip where you are able to look back at awe at the beauty of Cape Point, Cape Town and it surrounds.

There is an indescribable feeling that you get standing at this point and if you are in Cape Town this is a must see local attraction.

The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest building in South Africa. Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, better known as the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie), this pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort built in 1652 by Commander Jan van Riebeeck, founder of the maritime replenishment station at the Cape of Good Hope. Today the Castle is the seat of the military in the Cape and houses the Castle Military Museum and Iziko Museums of Cape Town. The Castle is open to tourists on guided tours or those that just wish to wander around with a map.

Boulders Beach is situated just after the naval port and picturesque village of Simons's Town. The beach has a very healthy population of African Penguins who have chosen the beach as their home and breeding ground due to the fact that there are fewer predators on this part of the coast.

Since 1985 the population has grown at a significant rate as the birds are feeding on the abundant supply of small shoaling fish in False Bay.

The protected area is a popular local attraction and is looked after by the Table Mountain National Park.

There are walkways that enable you to view the penguins without disturbing them in their natural habitat.

Situated in the working harbour of Cape Town the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is South Africa's most visited attraction, with a wide variety of activities and attractions which make it a very interesting and exciting place.

People visit for numerous reasons; to shop, dine, to sip on cocktails, to listen to music, go on boat trips and visit the Two Oceans Aquarium... the list goes on.

The underlying appeal of the V&A Waterfront is its magnificent setting. With Table Mountain looking down on you and the fresh ocean breeze from Table Bay take some time to take in the scenery.

The harbour is just as beautiful in the night as it is in the day and it is always alive with visitors.

Where to stay?

A member of 'The Leading Small Hotels of the World', Cape Grace Hotel, www.capegrace.com, is a celebration of the French influence on the history of Cape Town. The hotel's charm lies in its intimate atmosphere, stylish decor and unique personalised hospitality. The boutique hotel delivers all the creature comforts you would expect from a five star hotel with a few extras thrown in too. Backed by the iconic Table Mountain Cape Grace is perfectly positioned on a private quay in the centre of Cape Town's vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Occupying two historic buildings, the Taj Cape Town, www.tajcapetown.co.za, retains the architecture and many restored interiors of the original National and Provincial Parliaments. A luxury hotel set in the vibrant heart of Cape Town it offers guests a combination of refined hospitality and an authentic Cape Town experience complete with close access to St-George's Mall and Greenmarket Square.

Some features of this art deco building, such as the wood-panelled floors, have been retained in its conversion to make Cape Diamond Hotel, www.capediamondhotel.co.za, an efficient­business hotel. Boxed in by tower blocks, lower floors are short on natural light but to compensate there's a rooftop Jacuzzi with Table Mountain views.

Where to eat?

Africa Café, www.africancafe.co.za, offers the best in African dining. A touch on the touristy side, however they offer a tasty traditional African dishes best for those that are hungry. A communal feast is served with a selection of 15 courses from across the continent on an all you can eat basis. Every room has a different theme and different décor to provide the most varied African experience.

For more than just a meal head up to Table Mountain Café, www.tablemountain.net. They serve tasty deli items as well as meals on compostable plates as well as good coffee, beer and wine. Try the breakfast specials if you are inclined to wake up early and go for a hike up the mountain.

Based inside the Gold, www.goldrestaurant.co.za, of Africa Museum the main deal here is the evening set meal and show, which includes, should you so choose, a djembe drumming session. Sit down at your table in one of the beautiful inner city courtyards surrounded by ancient trees and history. A set 15 course menu consisting of Cape Malay cuisine and African cuisine is served by a member of staff who will explain each dish to you and from which African country the dish originates. The Cape Malay and African cuisine buffet is complemented by a life-sized Malian puppet show.

How to get there?

Emirates offers daily flights to Cape Town with a stop over in Dubai. Flights departing from Malta on 2 August and returning on 15 August were priced at €1164.99 including tax at the time of going to print. Total flying time is approximately 17 hours.