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No discussion of Cape Town in particular and South Africa in general can be complete without acknowledging the decades upon decades during which the travesty of apartheid created deep social and class divisions between blacks and whites. After many years of struggle and much deep effort to reform, the nation has gone through a reconciliation process so that apartheid has been left far behind. Today Cape Town is a thriving capital city, combining traditional South African culture with the vibrancy of an alluring and cosmopolitan city.
A good first stop on your exploration of Cape Town is along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. This is an extremely large area of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment that rests between the shoreline and Table Mountain. The waterfront area is filled with activities and interesting people, so it is a wonderful place to have fun and meet a diverse assortment of other tourists as well as local residents. While in the waterfront section of town, be sure to visit the Marine Museum, take a harbour tour cruise, or delve into the depths of the ocean at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Another terrific destination to include in your plans is the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. This is an immense area filled with plants, flowers, and other fauna native to the Cape Town area as well as those brought in from other exotic locations. There are walking paths for self guided tours, places to eat, a gift shop, and a nursery featuring indigenous plants. Throughout much of the summer season there are also frequent concerts in the gardens as well as various art shows featuring the works of artists from all across South Africa.
For an intensely personal and sobering glimpse into the days of apartheid, take the Robben Island tour that leaves from the waterfront area. This is the prison island used to isolate political prisoners during the dark days of apartheid, including the man who is perhaps the most famous prisoner, Nelson Mandela. You will experience first hand the living conditions in the island prison; what's more, many of the tour guides were once prisoners there themselves so they bring an authenticity and depth of insight seldom found on a tour such as this.
For the thrill seekers, make a point of taking the cable car ride up to the very top of Table Mountain. It is a spectacular ride offering stunning views of Cape Town and the harbour area. If you are really determined, you can hike up to the top of Table Mountain via one of several hiking trails. For most people the climb takes about two to three hours, so if you choose to do this plan ahead by carrying food, water, and extra clothing to put on as you get higher and the temperatures get lower. Be aware that weather conditions on the mountain can change quite rapidly, so having the right gear and equipment along can be vital to a safe return to the bottom.
Many major international carriers fly into Cape Town International Airport, including Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, and Singapore Airlines. There are many choices for direct flights from major cities in Europe, Asia, and the United States; during the high tourist season in the summer months there are also several charter airline services that offer additional direct flights to accommodate greater demand.
Wiki:- Cape Town
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