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Cape Town Travel Blogs

Background: After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found their own republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) spurred wealth and immigration and intensified the subjugation of the native inhabitants. The Boers resisted British encroachments, but were defeated in the Boer War (1899-1902). The resulting Union of South Africa operated under a policy of apartheid - the separate development of the races. The 1990s brought an end to apartheid politically and ushered in black majority rule.

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By garryandcarol
November 19th 2009

Cape Town & Hong Kong Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

Coastal Drive

We had 4 nights, 5 days in Cape Town and no idea where to start and what to do! We were so used to being in the tour group where everything had been done for us so we had to get used to being in charge of ourselves again. So our first day in Cape Town was spent doing very little, getting our bearings and deciding what we should do for the rest of our stay here. The next day was a beautiful day, so we went up to see what Table Mountain was all about. The queue was sooooo long, [View Full Entry]

By WonderYears
November 16th 2009

Cape Town, day 4, Nov 12 Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

Today the only agenda is Table Mountain, the sun has briefly appeared and I took the chance of going to Table Mountain to try my luck (they said the cable car was working). As luck would have it, when I got to the foot of the mountain, I was told the cable car is closed for the day, too windy :( Guess, have to do Table Mountain on another trip :( Spent the rest of the day chilling by the Waterfront (had food at an Indian restaurant "Jewel of India", was craving some desi food, but the food/service was average and [View Full Entry]

By Becca22
November 15th 2009

homeward bound Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

Well I have now reached the last day. I have been back in Cape Town now for about a week and managed to see Robben Island, tour of cape point, go up table mountain and various other sights. Its all been such an amazing adventure can't quite believe it's nearly over, but all good things must come to an end or so they say, well my last day is a lovely sunny affair what a nice last day. It true to say that the Western Cape has definately got under my skin and I will be sorry to leave but also [View Full Entry]

By WonderYears
November 10th 2009

Cape Town (Day 1) Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

Table Mountain

Woke up early Monday morning, Rusty dropped me to airport after we dropped Shaurya school. Domestic flights in SA are not as good as in India, but I guess very few countries have the quality India now has in domestic airlines. But the flight was on time and I did get my seafood meal, so cant complain. Cape Town when I landed was 18 degrees, but quickly got to about 21-22, which was pleasant. Got to my hotel at Sea Point (small place, but livable) where I would stay till Friday morning. Its a self-catering place, though I plan to eat [View Full Entry]

By WonderYears
November 10th 2009

Cape Town (Day 2, 10th Nov) Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

God's abode? 12 aposotles

I am writing with some time lag, thanks to travel and limited access to net. There is a song by "Crowded House", "Always Take the Weather With You". Well, I did bring the weather with me, but just the wrong kind. After the first day being half decent (sunny), 10th (and its 12th today and the weather hasnt improved) saw temperature dropping to 13-14 degrees with wind speed consistently around 50 kpmh. That meant, Table Mountain was out of question, the cable car is shut and hiking is not allowed. So I went to Hout Bay, a small fishing village in [View Full Entry]

By Tamserku
November 10th 2009

South Africa - SOCIABLE!! Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

Wine Tasting = Sophistication. Not! Equals cheap Wine!

Anyone like a glass of wine? We were not in South Africa too long before we were at a winery tasting the nectar of the Gods. Our second night was spent camping at a small vineyard (Highlanders) where we sampled some of the local wines - sensory sensational. The last day of our 42 day overland trip saw us passing through beautiful wine growing regions before we saw our first glimpse of Table Mountain, signaling our arrival to the Mother City - Cape Town. Cape Town is an alluring city that although is very cosmopolitan still has a wild African flavor [View Full Entry]

By Mikes world
November 8th 2009

Cape Town to Joburg, the final phase.. Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

Andrew, John and Mandy

Wednesday, Nov 4 - Cape Town Well, Rob left yesterday and I'm on my own again. He was great company and I am going to miss him, as I miss all of my kids. This morning I caught my flight from Nairobi to Cape Town. Who would have guessed that it was an 8 hour trip - 4 hours to Joburg, a 2 hour lay over, and a 2 hour flight to my final destination. Africa is a big continent!! My friend John Jesson, our tour guide on the motorcycle trip with Ayres Adventures met me at the airport. I did [View Full Entry]

By CardiffJenks
November 8th 2009

Cape Town 2009 Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

View of Table Mountain from V&A Waterfront

Saturday 7th November An overcast day, windy but dry. The previous day we’d decided to go and look at the Winelands, and in particular the Fairview Winery where I’d been in 2006 on the cricket tour. Not so much for the wine tasting but because I’d recalled that the Winery also sold very tasty cheeses. So we set off north up the N1 Motorway following the signs for Paarl about 35 miles north of Cape Town. The motorway was in excellent condition and if the weather had been better it would have been a great drive. However, the very strong crosswind [View Full Entry]

Shark Feeding Time at Two Oceans Aquarium

General feeding frenzy - and not just the fish

By Tammie217
November 7th 2009

500 Years of History Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

Siviwe and the Happy Feet Dancers

[I am going to start by typing exactly what is in my journal. However, this was a very long and full day and I only had time to write a few paragraphs. At some point I will come back and write more in retrospect.] At Breakfast Slept very well again but still not quite long enough. Each night I hope for eight hours but experiencing the day and night seems so much more important than sleeping. This morning's yoga practice was much better -- the stiffness from 24 hours of airport/airplane time is finally receding. Midnight What a day! No time, [View Full Entry]

By Tammie217
November 5th 2009

Setting the Stage Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

LDTG in South Africa

We are flying over desert -- it looks as if we are over the surface of another planet. We left home about 13 hours ago, flew through Amsterdam (three hour layover) and have 8 hours left of this flight. Today's destination: Cape Town, South Africa. I have never been this far from home. However, flying is a bit like suspended animation -- a slightly annoying and very cramped pause, after which you happily disembark in a new location. So I don't feel very far from home, until I look out the window and feel as if I am on Mars. Counting [View Full Entry]

Travel Blog » Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town