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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 6 JULY 2014 34 Cape Town ONE of the three capitals of South Africa, Cape Town is a city of stun- ning beauty. From the impressive Table Mountain to the wild beaches, rugged shorelines and neat vine- yards, it is easy to fall in love with a city with a personality to equal its good looks. What to do? There is something very special about the iconic Table Mountain; it leaves a majestic and powerful im- pression on all that have visited the amazing city of Cape Town. From the top of the mountain you are treated to panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Bay. Take the cable car to the top that revolves as it climbs the steep slope, reaching the summit within 6 minutes. Facilities on top of the mountain include a souvenir shop, restaurant, cocktail bar and summit room. The cable car will not operate in harsh weather conditions. The Cape Point or Cape of Good Hope, situated at the southwestern tip of Africa, is a place well known for treacherous seas, troubling many a ship as they passed from At- lantic Ocean to Indian Ocean or vi- sa-versa. Table Mountain National Park overseas this beautifully scenic area, which is home to an entire flo- ral kingdom and many populations of animals. Around the park there are numer- ous walking trails to explore. There is a funicular that will take you right to the tip where you are able to look back at awe at the beauty of Cape Point, Cape Town and it surrounds. There is an indescribable feeling that you get standing at this point and if you are in Cape Town this is a must-see local attraction. The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest building in South Africa. Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, bet- ter known as the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie), this pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort built in 1652 by Commander Jan van Rie- beeck, founder of the maritime re- plenishment station at the Cape of Good Hope. Today the Castle is the seat of the military in the Cape and houses the Castle Military Museum and Iziko Museums of Cape Town. The Castle is open to tourists on guided tours or those that just wish to wander around with a map. Boulders Beach is situated just af- ter the naval port and picturesque village of Simons's Town. The beach has a very healthy population of Af- rican Penguins who have chosen the beach as their home and breeding ground due to the fact that there are fewer predators on this part of the coast. Since 1985 the population has grown at a significant rate as the birds are feeding on the abundant supply of small shoaling fish in False Bay. The protected area is a popular lo- cal attraction and is looked after by the Table Mountain National Park. There are walkways that enable you to view the penguins without disturbing them in their natural habitat. Situated in the working harbour of Cape Town, the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is South Africa's most visited attraction, with a wide variety of activities and attractions which make it a very interesting and exciting place. People visit for numerous reasons; to shop, dine, to sip on cocktails, to listen to music, go on boat trips and visit the Two Oceans Aquarium… the list goes on. The underlying appeal of the V&A Waterfront is its magnificent set- ting. With Table Mountain looking down on you and the fresh ocean breeze from Table Bay, take some time to take in the scenery. The harbour is just as beautiful in the night as it is in the day and it is always alive with visitors. Where to stay? A member of 'The Leading Small Hotels of the World', Cape Grace Hotel, www.capegrace.com, is a celebration of the French influence on the history of Cape Town. The hotel's charm lies in its intimate at- mosphere, stylish decor and unique personalised hospitality. The boutique hotel delivers all the creature comforts you would expect from a five star hotel with a few ex- tras thrown in too. Backed by the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Grace is perfectly positioned on a private quay in the centre of Cape Town's vibrant Victoria & Alfred Water- front. Occupying two historic buildings, the Taj Cape Town, www.tajcape- town.co.za, retains the architecture and many restored interiors of the original National and Provincial Parliaments. A luxury hotel set in the vibrant heart of Cape Town it of- fers guests a combination of refined hospitality and an authentic Cape Town experience complete with close access to St-George's Mall and Greenmarket Square. Some features of this art deco building, such as the wood-paneled floors, have been retained in its con- version to make Cape Diamond Ho- tel, www.capediamondhotel.co.za, an efficient business hotel. Boxed in by tower blocks, lower floors are short on natural light but to com- pensate there's a rooftop Jacuzzi with Table Mountain views. Where to eat? Africa Café, www.africancafe. co.za, offers the best in African din- ing. A touch on the touristy side, however they offer a tasty traditional African dishes best for those that are hungry. A communal feast is served with a selection of 15 courses from across the continent on an all-you-can-eat basis. Every room has a different theme and different décor to provide the most varied African experience. For more than just a meal head up to Table Mountain Café, www.table- mountain.net. They serve tasty deli items as well as meals on composta- ble plates as well as good coffee, beer and wine. Try the breakfast specials if you are inclined to wake up early and go for a hike up the mountain. Based inside the Gold of Africa Museum, www.goldrestaurant.co.za, the main deal here is the evening set meal and show, which includes, should you so choose, a djembe drumming session. Sit down at your table in one of the beautiful inner city courtyards sur- rounded by ancient trees and histo- ry. A set 15-course menu consisting of Cape Malay cuisine and African cuisine is served by a member of staff who will explain each dish to you and about the African country the dish originates from. The Cape Malay and African cuisine buffet is complemented by a life-sized Mal- ian puppet show. How to get there? Emirates offers regular flights to Cape Town with a stop over in Du- bai. Flights departing from Malta on 2 August and returning on 15 Au- gust were priced at €1028.73 includ- ing tax at the time of going to print. Total flying time is approximaely 17 hours. TRAVEL A city of stunning beauty The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest building in South Africa built between 1666 and 1679 The Cape Point is known for its treacherous seas as well as its incredible natural beauty African penguins have taken over Boulders Beach, but a number of walkways still allow tourists to observe them without disturbing their natural way of life The iconic Table Mountain leaves a majestic and powerful impression on all that have visited