Monte Rosa House Self Catering H

CAPE TOWN
Cape Town is a cosmopolitan and modern city at the southern tip of the African continent. The central city is somewhat small by world standards, being confined as it is between mountain and sea, but the wider metropolitan area is enormous with a journey from Simon's Town in the south to Table View in the north involving a journey of almost 100 kms, (60miles).

The city is at the northern end of a 54 km long peninsula which culminates in the dramatic headland at Cape Point, often mistakenly referred to as the southernmost tip of Africa. That distinction belongs to Cape Agulhas, a few hundred kms to the east.

There is a dramatic difference in the ocean on either side of the peninsula. The western, or Atlantic side is influenced by the cold Benguela current and experiences near freezing temperatures, even in summer. The eastern, or Indian Ocean side however experiences temperatures several degrees warmer making for pleasant bathing.

BEACHES
The Cape Peninsula has arguably some of the best beaches in the world where the locals are found sunning on hot summer days.

The Atlantic coast beaches of Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno are popular venues overlooked by multimillion Rand mansions and apartments. On the Indian Ocean side are the warm water beaches of Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and Boulders Beach in Simon's Town where sun worshippers share the beach with the only land based penguin breeding colony in Africa.

CAPE POINT
Cape Point forms part of the Table Mountain National Park is a sight not to be missed. The reserve offers an abundance of natural beauty, is home to various birds and mammals, including antelope, baboon, ostrich and zebra, as well as more than 2200 plant species. At the tip of the reserve is Cape Point where the Cape Point lighthouse stands on top of the highest sea cliffs in South Africa.

Facilities
There is a restaurant and gift shop in the reserve as well as an information centre. Whether your preference is for a hearty meal at the restaurant or a brisk walk to the top of the 678 metre high peak. For the less energetic the only funicular in Africa will whisk you to the top in style.

A number of picnic spots and braai (barbecue) facilities are available within the reserve and there are some interesting walks and trails with swimming at Bordjiesdrif and Buffels Bay tidal pools.

Who knows, you may even spot the legendary 17th century ship "The Flying Dutchman", legend has it that the ship disappeared while trying to round the Cape. She is reportedly sometimes seen trying to round the cape on a stormy night, tattered rigging flapping in the wind.

Visiting Cape Point
The reserve is open throughout the year from 07h00 to 17h00 daily. There is an admission fee payable at the gate, contact the reserve for details. [Tel: 021 780 9100]

TABLE MOUNTAIN
Table Mountain, the massive sandstone plateau rising up above the Cape Flats has always been a welcome sight to seafarers. Rising over a kilometre out of the ocean, on a clear day it's visible from 200 kilometres out to sea. The summit is approximately 3km wide and at Maclear's Beacon, its highest point, rises to a height of 1085m.

Over the centuries it has become one of South Africa's most famous landmarks. Although there are numerous hiking trails to the top of the mountain, for the less energetic, the revolving cable car is a less strenuous way of making the ascent. There are over 2 kilometres of paths and numerous view sites on the summit.

Facilities
A gift shop and restaurants are available at the upper cable station, for a breakfast with a difference, or a choice of hot or cold buffet, the Self Service Restaurant offers a varied choice. If you prefer to sit and watch the sun set over the city, the Cableway Cocktail Bar is ideal, the facility can also be booked for functions. The Summit Boardroom accommodates up to 80 guests and offers a different venue for staff training or entertaining VIP guests.

Accessibility
The Cableway is freely accessible to people with disabilities. There are dedicated parking bays near the lift entrance at the lower cable station. Guide dogs are welcome aboard and most seem to enjoy the ride.

Visiting the mountain
The weather is unpredictable on the mountain and can turn cold very quickly, so take adequate warm clothing, no matter how warm the day. The cable car operating times vary according to the season with the first car up at 08h00 year round. Last car down is between 17h30 and 19h30, contact the cable station for details and prices: 021 424 0015.

WINELANDS AND BOLAND TOWNS

The South African wine country and surrounding Cape winelands, situated in the range of mountain valleys to the east of Cape Town were settled by immigrants from European countries in the 1600's. Many of these early settlers were French Huguenots and their legacy can still be found in the names of the estates, La Motte, La Provence, Haute Provence and L'Ormarins are some of the better known producers of fine wines founded by those early pioneers.

Tours
The wine country is popular for day tours from Cape Town, most of the estates offer wine tasting and sales. Many of the wine estates include top quality restaurants, while others provide picnic baskets which can be enjoyed on the lawns under shady oaks.

The pocket sized town of Franschhoek boasts more than 20 restaurants at last count with a wide variety of choice, from gourmet breakfasts to top quality dinners including smoked trout from the clear and unpolluted local rivers and lakes.

Towns
Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa and the wine capital of the region, is very popular for its oak-lined streets, beautiful Cape-Dutch architecture and fine restaurants.

A worthwhile trip is a drive over Franschhoek Pass to the Elgin Valley, the foremost region in the country for the growing of apples. The pass follows the route originally taken by elephants on their travels, although it is now well maintained asphalt.

While visiting Paarl, make sure to also visit the world famous KWV cellars.