| Cape Town is a fantastic city for many reasons. | | | | penguins that decided to make it their home back |
| But one of the highlights is the fact that there are | | | | in 1982. It is a residential area, but that hasn't |
| so many stunning natural habitats to explore in or | | | | stopped the penguins from settling here, and you |
| near the city. That means you can enjoy | | | | can see them quite close up. There are about |
| restaurants, bars and attractions in the city one | | | | 3,000 penguins in the colony, and it is an |
| minute, and be enjoying the joy of African wildlife | | | | important protected area due to the vulnerability |
| the next. | | | | of the species. |
| So where to head to experience the South | | | | Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden |
| African countryside during your stay in Cape | | | | Facing the eastern side of Table Mountain you will |
| Town? Here are a few suggestions. | | | | find your very own Garden of Eden in the |
| The Cape Peninsula | | | | Kirstenbosch botanical garden, a UNESCO World |
| The Cape Peninsula is probably the most | | | | Heritage Site. This is acclaimed as the best |
| accessible natural location near to Cape Town. | | | | botanical garden in the country, perhaps even in |
| This is home to the Peninsula mountain chain | | | | the world. It was set up in 1913, and its aim is to |
| which stretches 60 km from Signal Hill to Cape | | | | protect the flora indigenous to South Africa. |
| Point. It is packed full of stunning valleys, pristine | | | | Including plants from the region and from many |
| beaches and picturesque bays. | | | | areas of South Africa, it has over 7,000 species |
| It is also home to the fabulous Table Mountain. | | | | in total, many of which are under threat. This |
| You'll find plenty to do on Table Mountain, | | | | makes for a very chilled out afternoon trip from |
| whatever your fancy. If you want to relax and | | | | Cape Town exploring the 36-acre garden. |
| enjoy spectacular views, you should take the | | | | Helderberg Nature Reserve |
| cable car to the top and enjoy the views over | | | | The Helderberg Nature Reserve is situated on the |
| Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope. You | | | | slopes of Helderberg Mountain in Somerset West. |
| could also hike up the mountain and enjoy the rich | | | | It is an easy drive from Cape Town, and here |
| variety of flora and the beautiful natural landscape | | | | you will find a stunning natural setting for a large |
| along the way. One of the best options for this is | | | | number of flora and fauna, especially birds. There |
| the Hoerikwaggo Trail, a three-day luxury hike, | | | | are plenty of activities to get involved in here, not |
| but there are others to choose from. | | | | least walking and hiking, with numerous trails on |
| Alternatively, you could go rock climbing on its | | | | offer. Cruises and fishing are also options. |
| steep slopes, and then abseil or hang-glide down | | | | Enjoy the Natural Splendour of Cape Town |
| from the top. | | | | If you go to Cape Town then make sure you |
| Boulders Beach | | | | make time to enjoy a few of the natural treats |
| Another highlight of the Cape Peninsula near Cape | | | | on offer in the surrounding region. They are easy |
| Town is Boulders Beach. This sheltered beach is | | | | to reach, spectacular to view and will make the |
| well known mainly for the colony of African | | | | perfect day trip from the city. |