Monday, September 22, 2008

Top 10 Things To Do In Cape Town

Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Blessed with gorgeous beaches, a towering mountain and some of the finest architecture, it is one of the premier tourist destinations in South Africa. It is also very reasonably priced for western tourists, catering for all budgets and tastes. With all of this said, once you arrive in Cape Town, there are 10 activities you cannot miss!

1. Take the cable car up Table Mountain. A short trip up on the cable car and you will have a breathtaking, panoramic view of Cape Town.

2. Dinner at the V&A Waterfront. Have dinner at some of the finest restaurants in the country with a superb view of Table Mountain. Surrounded by yachts, seals lazing in the sun and the colorful people, this is an experience not to be missed!

3. Have a drink on Long Street. Long Street in central Cape Town has a unique African buzz. From Irish Bars to Rastafarian themed beach bars, you will definitely have a great time here.

4. Sun worship on Clifton. Surrounded by some of the most expensive real estate probably in all of Africa, Clifton is the perfect spot to bronze your bod. See how long you can stay in the sea for!

5. Fish and chips in Kalk Bay Harbour. Trawl the local fish markets and have a look at the freshly caught fish and local seals. Afterwards enjoy fish and chips with a bottle of white wine overlooking the gorgeous harbour.

6. Swim with the penguins. Boulders Beach in Simonstown has a stunning beach where you can go swimming with the penguins. If you are around in Cape Town in February keep an eye out for the little penguin chicks!

7. Wine tasting in Constantia. Surrounded by countless vineyards, wine tasting is an ideal way to spend a day. With some of the finest wine around, you will definitely leave with a grin!

8. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Beautiful gardens nestled up against the mountain in the suburbs of Cape Town is a great relaxing day out. On Sundays there is sometimes live music too!

9. Green Market Square. You one stop African curious stop! GMS is in Cape Town city centre, little road side cafes make it a must see when in Cape Town.

10. Drive along Chapman's Peak. With the mountain on one side and beautiful Atlantic Ocean on the other, this is a picture opportunity to die for!

Peter van Zijl lives and grew up in Cape Town. To find out more on South Africa click here. For more information on Cape Town click here



Top Paarl Restaurant For Cape Country Cuisine


Voted amongst the top 100 restaurants in 2004 by Wine Magazine, one of the highlights of your stay at Roggeland will be the food. A pre-dinner selection of wines to taste is served under the trees and is an opportunity to mingle with other guests. Take time to informally chat about Roggeland and the exquisite surroundings with family members and staff.



The dining room, originally the old kitchen of the manor house, still has the original oven and fireplace which form part of the character and charm of the homestead. Dinner is a four course, candle lit affair, with carefully selected wines with each course and changes each evening for the duration of your stay.

Our menus are inspired by the regional produce of Paarl and vegetables and herbs are grown in Roggeland's own gardens. Varied, balanced, never heavy, our country cuisine contributes, along with the sunshine, the fresh mountain air, historic setting and general serenity, to a feeling of profound well-being. Special dietary requirements can also be catered for.

The menu de gustation, with specially selected wines to partner each dish, varies daily.

Source: Roggeland