Here are some places in Cape Town I visit frequently. They are a mixture of very well known tourist “spots” as well as some less known places.
No 1. Boulders Beach in Simons Town
This place is a must see! I try and visit at least once a year. I was there about three weeks ago with my entire family. The beach is very popular as it is such a unique experience to swim side by side with the African penguins. During this recent visit we sat on our towels surrounded by a family of geese (with their five little goslings) as well as a pair of penguins. One stands at the edge of the water while the penguins swim past with such speed that your eye struggles to follow it. Complete this experience with a stroll along the Simon’s Town Watefront and popular Main Road. This area leaves you with a holiday feeling regardless of wheteher you are a local or a tourist!
http://www.simonstown.com/tourism/penguins/penguins.htm
No 2 Helderberg Plaas
Plaas is the Afrikaans word for farm. Found just off the R 44 from Somerset West to Stellenbosch, this is a perfect Sunday afternoon experience . Adults and childrend just love it. I feel like we are the first to discover this gem as it is still relatively quiet and peaceful. Perhaps i shouldn’t even be telling you about it! It could do with a bit of fixing and updating but that is part of it’s charm. We always have a nice relaxing time there, maybe because it’s not so busy. There are farm animals like goats, chickens, ducks and rabbits. The kids love feeding them ( well actually so do the adults). There are paths that take you right up into the hills and nature. There are Braai facilities ready for use or you could even pack your own picnic. The views are stunning, lots of space to explore and the cheesecake is rather nice too. It is nice to drive five minutes from where we live and enjoy nature and farm life.
http://www.helderbergplaas.co.za/
No 3 Cape Town, Waterfront and Green Point Park
Yes, I do agree with the locals – Cape Town is one of the greatest cities in the world. It’s breathtaking to stand at the harbour or Waterfront and look out towards Table Mountain. The Waterfront is lively and vibrant. You can be a tourist for a day, visiting the Aquarium, eat out and enjoy a ride on the big wheel. Cape Town has diverse cultures, restaurants and day to day living experiences. I will have to do a separate blog on this rather special city.
One place I would like to recommend is the newly developed park at Green Point stadium. You can picnic, use the outside gym or let your kids play in the large playground. This park reminds me of the great green spaces London has, such as Dulwich Park. The facilities are free for everyone to use ( one of the best perks) and what a nice idea for Cape Town families and tourists to enjoy this outdoor facilities too.
http://www.capetownkids.co.za/listings/entry/green-point-park
5 things I can’t believe I haven’t done yet:
No 1 – Visit Robben Island. Yes I do get sea sick. Never mind it’s still on my list anyway!
No 2 – Riding an Ostrich. This must be fun. Not everybody agrees. One thing is for sure, they have the most beautiful eyes and lashes.
No 3 - Driving along the West Coast to Namibia, all the way up to Swakopmund at least. Eat German food and enjoy the small town atmosphere.
No 4 – Umhlanga Rocks and Durban. I have read many books which were based in this area. I can’t wait to see it for myself.
No 5 – White water rafting on the Orange River. Pure Adventure.
Written by Juliane Du Plessis – Volunteer Coordinator Cape Town
