Cape Peninsula, in the south east corner of Africa, is indeed regarded by many as one of the most beautiful sights in the world. Cape Town, South Africa's mother city, nestles at the foot of Table Mountain, a unique flat top mountain rising out of the sea. At the tip of the peninsula is Cape Point. Set in one of the most stunning locations in the world, Table Mountain is probably the most enduring impression carried away by visitors to this beautiful city. Cape Town has the reputation as being the most laid back city in the Southern Hemisphere with Capetonians adhering to "Africa time", which is somewhat slower than most other major cities. This relaxed atmosphere is attributed to Table Mountain which is known to be amongst the most spiritual places on earth. The 470 km2 of the Cape Peninsula, including Table Mountain, is home to 2 256 different plant species. The 60 km2 of Table Mountain alone supports 1 470 species. The city lies about 60km north of Cape Point, in a natural bowl with the magnificent Table Mountain to the rear and the vast Atlantic Ocean to the front. Cape Town was established in 1652 by Dutch seafarers as a replenishment station for ships of the Dutch East Indies Company. Today it is the second largest city in South Africa and is the legislative capital of the country. The city is an amalgamation of cultures from a rich and varied history, with each culture leaving an indelible imprint on present-day Cape Town. Outside of the city itself, the rugged countryside is a natural adventure playground. The adrenalin seeker can find every activity under the sun provided for here from sand boarding to paragliding, kloofing to shark-diving, white-water rafting to bungee jumping. For the more conservative; mountain biking, hiking and sailing in this awesome environment are all most enjoyable, and of course you can come into close contact with a variety of animals on Safari or in the Cape Peninsula Nature Reserve. Cape Town works as a city in a way that so few on the African continent do. Historical buildings have been saved, there are restaurants, cafes and bars, parks and gardens, markets and shops - all the things that make living in a city worthwhile. And there are a few things that most cities don't have: mountains, magnificent surf beaches and outstanding vineyards. Give yourself at least a week to explore it all. Here's what they say. Best international value for money destination in the world Conde Nast Reader's Travel Awards, October 2001 The world's hottest winter sun spot The London Sunday Times, September 2003 Cape Town...one of the world's 8 new 'cultural meccas' Newsweek,September 2002 50 places to see before you die Voted no. 5 in BBC Television, October 2002 | 
