|
|
 |
| |
South Africa |
 |
|
|
|
Wine Routes |
|
Wine lover or not, a
visit to the Cape Winelands is an absolute must as the region is one
of breathtaking vistas and majestic mountain backdrops while being
steeped in rich culture and history. Rolling vineyards and quaint
Cape Dutch homesteads await you, as well as award-wining wine farms
offering some of the country's best wines. |
|
The winelands are
divided into various different regions, each offering their own
'wine route'. The most popular and well-known are Stellenbosch,
Franschhoek, Wellington and Paarl. |
|
Not to be forgotten
are the highly acclaimed wine estates in the Constantia Valley. Also
located in beautiful surroundings with stunning mountain backdrops,
the Constantia Valley boasts some of the oldest estates and
homesteads along with award winning wines. |
Stellenbosch - Wine Routes
The wine farms of Stellenbosch are the closest in distance to Cape
Town and are within a 45-minute drive of the city centre. This is
the most well known wine region and is home to a variety of cellars-
producing some of the country's most acclaimed wines. The town of
Stellenbosch is a university town and the oak-lined Dorp Street is
home to museums and galleries as well as many student cafes and
restaurants. |
|
Wine tasting, cellar
tours and stopping to enjoy the scenic beauty at the various wine
farms could easily take a day or more, so it is advisable to have a
rough idea of where you would like to go before you set out. Many of
the wine estates have become very tourist orientated offering guided
tours, gift shops and restaurants while at some of the small estates
you may end up sitting in a rustic cellar sipping wines with the
wine maker himself. Different experiences appeal to different
people, but whether it's big or quaint you prefer you're sure to
find something that appeals to you. |
|
Stellenbosch is home
to the first official wine route that was founded in 1971 -
entrances to wine farms are clearly sign posted and wine may be
purchased at all of the cellars. Both national and international
delivery can be arranged. |
|
Wine estates worth
paying a visit to include Neethlingshof, Delheim, Spier, Saxenburg,
Welmoed and Delair to name a few. |
Franschhoek - Wine Routes
The Franschhoek valley was first settled over 300-years ago by the
French Hugenots and the many guesthouses, street side cafes and
award winning restaurants demonstrate a truly French flair. Lying
against the backdrop of the majestic Franschhoek and Drakenstein
mountains, the town with its picturesque main street showcases
antique stores and art galleries rubbing shoulders with bakeries and
the chocolaterie. Franschhoek is also home to many festivals from
the annual Bastille Day festival (14 July) to cheese, wine and olive
festivals at various times throughout the year. |
|
As with Stellenbosch,
one could easily spend a day or two in Franschhoek wandering the
main street, visiting the wine estates and dining at one of its
eight 'Top 100' restaurants. To truly relax and unwind, consider
spending a night or two at one of the many guest lodges, B&B's or
self-catering cottages. |
|
Wine estates worth
visiting include La Motte, Boschendal, Chamonix and Cabriere to name
a few. |
Paarl & Wellington - Wine Routes
A number of other excellent wine farms can be found slightly further
afield in the Paarl and Wellington areas. Once again, the towns are
steeped in history and set against beautiful backdrops of mountains
and vineyards. Pay a visit to Rhebokskloof and Simonsvlei or simply
take a drive and enjoy the scenery. |
|
[ Top of page
] |
|
|
|
|
|
Table Mountain and Cableway |
|
The top of Table
Mountain offers spectacular views in all directions and gives a
birds eye view of the city. The upper cable car station is situated
at 1067 metres and the revolving cable car makes sure that your trip
up and down gives you a good look in all directions. |
|
Once on top you can
follow paths to various look-outs, make use of the telescopes and
enjoy a light meal or simply a sun downer drink in the restaurant.
In summer, early evening is a great time to plan your trip as the
sunsets are beautiful. Regardless of the weather, take a windbreaker
as it can often be cool on the mountain top. |
|
Visit
www.tablemountain.net for more
details |
|
[ Top of page
] |
|
|
|
|
|
Shopping |
|
Cape Town is an
affordable shopping destination with a wide variety of goods on
offer. From hand-crafted jewellery, intricate beadwork and
traditional African art to designer labels, diamonds and precious
stones, Cape Town has a shopping experience for everyone. Visit one
of the trendy shopping malls or scour the local flea markets and
street side stalls for gifts, souveniers and a piece of Cape Town to
take home. |
|
Shop for African
artwork and decor items |
Shopping Malls
Cape Town is home to many upmarket shopping malls most of which
include big chain stores and smaller boutiques as well as banking
facilities, restaurants and coffee shops and movie theatres.
Depending on their locations, some malls also offer curio shops.
Most malls offer safe pay-per-hour parking. |
|
The major shopping
malls are: |
V&A Waterfront
Waterfront
Cavendish Square Claremont, Southern Suburbs
Constantia Village Constantia, Southern Suburbs
Bayside Centre Blouberg
Canal Walk N1, outside city centre
Tygervalley Northern Suburbs
Somerset Mall Somerset West |
|
Most shopping centres
are open for shopping Monday - Saturday from 9am - 5pm and Sundays
10am - 1pm. Some offer later shopping hours on Friday nights and the
Waterfront and Canal Walk are open for shopping until 9pm every
evening. Movie theatres and restaurants stay open later. |
Craft Markets and
Street Markets
A visit to one of Cape Towns markets is a great way to pick-up gifts
and souvenirs from a wide variety of local designers, artists and
entrepreneurs. |
|
The cobble-stoned
Greenmarket Square in the centre of town is a vibrant craft market
where you will experience the pulse of Cape Town. African carvings,
masks and drums, beadwork and jewellery are displayed alongside
clothing, leatherwork and ceramics. Items are generally well-priced
and at some stores bargaining is acceptable. The Red Shed Craft
Workshop and the Waterfront Craft Market - both at the Waterfront -
are indoor markets open 7-days a week. Clothing, jewellery and an
array of crafts and artwork are available. Sunday is the time to
head to the Greenpoint Market in the parking area of Greenpoint
stadium. The market is a a flea-market and craft-market combined
with goods from CD's and sunglasses to African art and beads on
sale. |
|
Open-air craft markets
are held on most weekends in various areas including Hout Bay,
Constantia, Kirstenbosch and Rondebosch. Look out for posters for
details. |
|
The quaint main street
in Kalk Bay is great for antiques, memorabilia and bargains - enjoy
a coffee at one of the steet side cafe's while you're there. Hout
Bay also offers an array of craft shops and galleries - all set in
beautiful surroundings |
|
[ Top of page
] |
|
|
|
|
|
Restaurants and Eating Out |
|
Cape Town is home to a
wide variety of excellent restaurants presenting a range of cuisine
from fresh Mediterranean flavours to exotic Asian spices, local Cape
Malay dishes and traditional African meals. Restaurants in Cape Town
are generally well-priced and are often run by top internationally
trained chefs. In addition you'll generally find excellent wine
lists offering a wide selection of top local wines and, more often
than not the location itself will offer superb views and a memorable
ambience. |
|
Dining with a View
|
|
With a wide range of
restaurants to choose from, there is no excuse for leaving Cape Town
without having enjoyed a meal that offered a spectacular view. Being
a seaside town, there are many beachfront and waterside restaurants
to choose from and, in the city bowl Table Mountain often forms a
spectacular backdrop. |
|
>> For a beachfront
setting and to watch the sunset from your table, try one of the
restaurants in Camps Bay, Clifton or Bantry Bay. |
|
>> For a spectacular
view of Table Mountain across the bay, try one of the beachfront
restaurants in Blouberg. |
|
>> Try Kalk Bay or
Simon's Town for quaint seaside and harbour restaurants with
beautiful views of the False Bay coastline. |
>> The bar and casual
restaurant on top of Table Mountain will offer you a aerial view of
the city.
Spectacular view can be enjoyed from the top of Table Mountain |
Winelands Dining
The beautiful backdrop created by mountains and vineyards has led to
many excellent restaurants being found in the winelands regions of
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Constantia. All three areas are home
to award winning restaurants - from traditional Cape fare to French
cuisine. |
|
>> Try one of the
award winning restaurants on either Buitenverwachting or Constantia
Uitsig wine estate in Constantia. |
|
>> Settled by the
French Hugenots, Franschhoek now offers many restaurants with a
distinctly French flair. Try Reuben's or Le Quatier Francais on the
quaint main street or La Petite Ferme or La Couronne in beautiful
vineyard settings. |
|
>> For a lazy Sunday
afternoon lunch try the mouth-watering Mediterranean style buffet at
Olivello in Stellenbosch or opt for a picnic at Le Pique Nique at
Boschendal wine estate in Franschhoek or at Delair Wine Estate on
the Helshoogte Pass. |
|
The Terrace at Le
Quatier Francais in Franschhoek |
|
Cape Cuisine
|
|
With its origin as a
stop-off on the spice route between Europe and the East, it is no
surprise that Cape Town became infused with a medely of flavours.
Traditional Cape dishes have a strong Malay influence and dishes
worth trying are Bobotie (curried mince topped with an egg based
topping), Smoorsnoek (a stew of flaked fish with potatoe and tomatoe),
Milk Tart (custard tart) and Bredie (flavoursome stew). African
dishes are tradionally starch based and include various types of
beans, pulses and 'mielie-pap'. |
|
>> For traditional
Cape Malay dining try Jonkershuis restaurant at Groot Constantia,
Emily's at the Waterfront or The Cape Malay Restaurant at the
Cellars-Hohenort Hotel in Constantia. |
|
>> For African fare
try Imvelo Xhosa restaurant at the Waterfront or Africa Cafe, Mama
Africa or Marco's African Place. |
|
Seafood is also
popular in the Cape with fresh linefish as well as oysters appearing
on many menu's. Ostrich is also popular and for the more adventurous
various other game such as springbok and kudu can be tried. |
|
Family Dining
|
|
While many of Cape
Town's restaurants offer a fine dining experience, there are also
plenty of restaurants that cater for families and are 'kiddie'
friendly. These restaurants typically offer a play area for children
and a special children's menu. Besides the standard fast-food
options, the Spur steak ranches as well as St. Elmoes pizzerias
cater for families. |
|
[ Top of page
] |
|
|
|
|
|
Golf Courses |
|
We have given you
brief info on the three nearest golf courses to Funcharle Villa with
the Durbanville course being just 5 minutes away with at least
another 12 courses from just 15 minutes to an hour an half away.
Golfers Paradise |
Durbanville Golf
Course
The Durbanville course is set in a beautiful park landscape, softly
undulating with picturesque mountains in the background. The very
well maintained course is - compared to others in the Cape - quite
protected from the wind and pleasant to play. The Halfway House near
hole 9 offers snacks and refreshments. Visitors are very welcome.
For further details, telephone (021) 976 8120. |
|
Belville Golf Club
|
|
The 18 hole golf
course, situated in the affluent suburb of Welgemoed, is set in a
sheltered valley of rolling hills with panoramic views of the
Hottentots Holland mountains in the distance. For further details,
telephone (021) 913 3100 or visit
www.bellvillegolf.co.za |
|
Milnerton Golf Course
|
|
Situated alongside the
sea in Milnerton, this is a fairly exposed course with little to
protect it from the strong winds that blow in summer - this makes
for a challenging game. The course offers scenic views out to sea
and towards Table Mountain, and the nearby lagoon boasts an array of
water birds. For further details, telephone (021) 552 1047. |
|
Other Courses |
Atlantic Beach Golf
Course (021) 553 2223
Clovelly Country Club (021) 782 1118
Erinvale Golf Course (021) 847 1906.
King David Golf Course (021) 934 3056
Metropolitan Golf Course (021) 434 7808
Mowbray Golf Course (021) 685 3018
Rondebosch Golf Club (021) 689 4176
Royal Cape Golf Club (021) 761 6551
Steenberg Golf Estate (021) 713 2233
Westlake Golf Club (021) 788 2011 |
|
Remember when dialling
from the UK dial 00 27 and omit the first 0 from the number. |
|
[ Top of page
] |
|
|
|
|
|
Beaches |
|
Cape Town has some of
the best beaches in the world to offer, so if you're a sand-and-sea
lover be sure to take some time out to relax and soak up the sun.
From the family beaches on the False Bay coastline to the trendy
Clifton beaches on the Atlantic Seaboard - you're sure to find a
stretch of sand that suits your fancy. |
Bloubergstrand
Beaches
The popular beaches of Blouberg offer one of the most beautiful and
most photographed views of Table Mountain across the sweeping bay.
These beaches are popular with families and sports enthusiasts -
surfing and kite-surfing in particular are very popular. Also ideal
for long beach walks and evening sundowners and picnics. In season -
the Blouberg beaches are also a great whale-watching viewpoint.
|
Hout Bay
Originally a small fishing village, Hout Bay is now a favourite with
visitors with its traditional harbour and many restaurants and curio
shops. The beach is flanked by the harbour on one end and the cliffs
of Chapmans Peak on the other. It's a favourite amongst windsurfers,
paddle skiers and surfers and is ideal for walking. |
Atlantic Seaboard
Beaches
The beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno that dot the
Atlantic Seaboard are white and sandy offering beautiful views and
spectacular sunsets. Although the water is very chilly, on a hot
summer day it does make for a refreshing dip. These are generally
the more 'trendy' beaches where many locals spend their weekends.
|
|
Clifton Beach
is made up of four coves and the beaches are called 1st, 2nd, 3rd
and 4th. When the summer south-easterly blows, the Clifton beaches
are usually well sheltered from the wind. All of the beaches are
accessible via stairs leading down from the road above. In summer,
plan to get to the beach early as parking is very limited. Generally
4th is the busiest in summer with good changing room and bathroom
facilities. Kiosks on the beach sell snacks, cold drinks and
ice-creams as do the many vendors that wander the beach. Deck chairs
and umbrellas are also available for daily rental. If you're on a
budget and plan on spending a great deal of of time on the beach,
buy your own umbrella as this will save you in the long-run! |
|
Camps Bay is a
long sandy beach accessed directly from the road. Again, parking in
summer is limited and you may need to park along one of the many
sideroads. The road behind the beach is lined with streetside cafes,
restaurants and a few small grocery stores making snacks and lunch
easily at hand. Kiosks and vendors also operate from the beach.
Camps Bay is generally more family friendly as it is bigger and
there is more space for games and sandcastles for children, and the
young at heart. Deck chairs and umbrellas are available for daily
rental. |
|
Further along the
coastline you will find the picturesque LLandudno beach - by
far one of the most beautiful beaches and a favourite for
sundowners. The houses that hug the steep road down to the beach
have breathtaking views. Once again, parking is extremely tight in
peak season and the beach is reached by a winding pathway. The sandy
beach is flanked by rocks on either end - leading to smaller coves
for those wanting to explore. This beach is slightly more remote
with no shops and sadly poor bathroom facilities, but vendors do
operate on the beach for snacks, drinks and ice-creams. Deck chairs
and umbrellas are available for daily rental. There is often good
surf for surfers and body-boarders. |
Noordhoek &
Kommetjie
The scenic drive over Chapman's Peak will bring you to the long
white stretch of sand at Noordhoek Beach. This beach is ideal for
long walks and is also popular for horseback riding, surfing and
kite flying. Further along is Kommetjie beach also popular with
surfers and families. |
False Bay Beaches
The False Bay coastline is generally quieter and more laid-back than
the trendy Atlantic beaches, but in peak-season these beaches too
are very busy with holidaymakers. The water in the bay is much
warmer and the shallow waters extend quite far making for safe and
enjoyable swimming. Lifeguards are on duty at all major beaches and
for safety will ask you to swim in designated areas. |
|
In its heyday in the
50's and 60's Muizenberg was a town of glitz and glamour.
Today it has become a sleepy sea-side town although many of the
elegant mansions of days past still adorn the mountainside. The
sandy beach is extremely long offering plenty of space for fun and
games and facilities are good. Behind the beach you will find a
number of cafes as well as a Put-Put Course (miniature golf) and a
few waterslides. The far end of the beach is popular with surfers.
|
|
Further along the
coast towards Cape Point is Fish Hoek Beach a favourite with
locals and a popular family beach. The long stretch of sandy beach
is ideal for walking as is the walkway at the far end of the beach
that wanders past rockpools and offers long views out to sea. There
is a play area for children as well as a relaxed beachfront
restaurant and take-aways and snacks are also available. Bring your
own umbrellas and beach chairs. Good bathroom and changing
facilities are available. |
|
For a different
sea-side experience, head to Boulders Beach just past Simon's
Town. The beach forms part of a conservation area that is home to
the African Penguin and wooden walkways have been constructed to
view the penguins in their natural habitat. The beach itself is
small and made up of a number of small coves surrounded by large
boulders - if you get their early you may be able to claim your own
private beach. Watch out though for the changing tides. Great for
swimming and exploring - provided you don't mind coming face-to-face
with a penguin or two! An entrance fee is charged and a small shop
and restaurant can be found alongside the parking area at the top of
the beach. |
|
[ Top of page
] |
|
|
|
|
|
Airport & Car Hire |
|
The newly refurbished
and renovated Cape Town International Airport is located on the N2
highway about 20 minutes (22km)from the city centre and 40 minutes
from Funcharle Villa. |
|
Travelling from the
Airport |
|
Unfortunately, there
is not an efficient public transport system that services the
airport, so other arrangements need to be made. You can book your
car at the airport on arrival there are many to choose from or Book
before you go.
south-africa.carhireexpress.co.uk. |
|
Car Hire |
|
A Car is essential for
any tourist in cape town as there is no public transport. Car hire
is cheap and petrol is a quarter of UK prices. There are many to
choose from why not have a look at
south-africa.carhireexpress.co.uk. |
|
[ Top of page
] |
