Cape Town is the second most populated city of South Africa and is renowned for its harbors, natural beauty and urban splendor. It is also known as the Mother City, the oldest and arguably the most stunning city of South Africa. This is the reason why many international film and documentary makers have chosen some of the Cape Town’s timeless landmarks to complement the story of their movies.
A Cape Town travel guide can assist you during the tour of the city, highlighting the major tourist hot spots.
Following are some landmarks that draw casual tourists, Nature and film enthusiasts alike-
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world, a visitor’s paradise and anicon of the Mother City. Filmed in movies like Rendition (2007), Catch a Fire (2006), Safe House (2012), etc, the location is unusual in magnificence.. Table Mountain is Cape Town’s most visited and photographed site , making it the centre of the city’s scenic landscape.
It has been named one of the new 7 Wonders of Natureand is the home to the world’srichest albeit smallest floral kingdom- “The Cape Floristic Region”. The cable car ride to the top of the mountain offers a 360 degreepanoramic view of the city and its surrounding areas. Table Mountain offersthe perfect view of the following – 12 Apostles Mountain Range, Robben Island, Mitchell’s Plain and the Cape Flats.
Boulders Beach
The Boulders Beach is so named after the inlets formed between boulders of granite,known to be 540 million years old. Located near Simon’s town in the Table Mountain National Park, it is famed for its colonies of African Penguin birds.
The beach has been a popular tourist spot for observing the penguins as well as enjoying beach-activities. However, to specifically view penguins,Foxy Beach is a better option.
Cape Town Stadium
The Cape Town stadium is located between Signal Hill and Atlantic Ocean. It is close to the city centre and popular tourist and shopping spots that make for a funand leisure time.It was also the venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
This landmark is well-known for luring hordes of foreign tourists, as it is an important entertainment hub. The harbor allows tourists to take boat and helicopter rides for an awe-inspiring view of Cape Town. It is a paradise for shopaholics and foodies due to the presence of umpteen numbers of restaurants and shops.
Other places of interest in and around the waterfront are: Maritime museum, an aquarium (famous for sharks), Observation Wheel and the Robben Island Exhibition and Information Centre.
Rhodes Memorial
The memorial (part of the Table Mountain National park) is a national landmark built in the memory of Cecil John Rhodes at his favourite viewing point. This place is the starting point for trekking on devil’s peak. A tea room situated behind the memorial offers students, residents and tourists a gala time.Another intriguing site is a small forest of the famous native silver-tree situated on the upper side of the slope of Rhode’s memorial.
One is sure to fall in love with Cape Town’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and creative spirit.