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CAPE TOWN
eat | stay | drink | play | visit | info
Abercrombie & Kent Western Cape47 Collingwood RoadObservatory 7925, South AfricaTel: +27 21 448 3799 Fax: +27 21 448 3844rbotes@abercrombiekent.co.zawww.akdmc.com
Published by: MediaWeb Publishingwww.mediawebpublishing.com
guide toAbercrombie & Kent Southern Africa
CAPE TOWN
contents
04 Opening word
06 Highlights
10 V&A Waterfront
14 Winelands
18 Kirstenbosch
22 Robben Island
24 Out of town
26 Table Mountain
28 Museums
30 Historical timelines
If you would like to visit any of the establishments mentioned in this booklet, please do not hesitate to contact your local Abercrombie & Kent representative who will be happy to make the necessary arrangements. Tel: 021 448 3799
MP31548 Tourism_105x210 11/19/07 10:01 AM Page 1
C it
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K
A S C A P T I VAT I N G A S T H E P Y R A M I D S .
A N D YO U D O N ' T N E E D A C A M E L TO G E T H E R E .
Located within the dynamic setting of a working harbour, the V&A Waterfront offers you more than 400 stores, top restaurants and taverns, two craft markets, an aquarium,
numerous leisure options - including boat and helicopter charters - as well as ongoing events and entertainment.
All of this, combined with access to one of South Africa’s premier heritage sites, Robben Island, ensures that the V&A Waterfront lies at the heart of your visit.
IMVA
KALE
LO D
IGITA
L C
Abercrombie and Kent have come
a long way since we opened our first
office in Nairobi, Kenya in 1962, as a
small but discriminate source of ‘Inspired
Experiences’. From that time onwards the
company maintained a steady growth,
opening offices all around the globe with
a total of more than 2500 employees and
a fleet of more than 500 owned vehicles.
From exclusive hotel properties, to a ship
sailing in the Antarctic and the Amazon, to
Nile cruisers in Egypt, A&K has it all.
Today, A&K designs and operates
luxury adventure travel programmes,
for individuals, travel agencies and
corporations in all major markets
worldwide, and has offices in 27 countries.
The principles which guide A&K are
simple – to deliver an unfailingly high level
of service, paired with an equally high
regard for ecological concerns, and a
product that combines quality with value.
The advertisers are all reputable A&K
preferred retailers and have been specially
invited to participate. Please don’t forget
to show the retailers your ‘A&K Peace of
Mind Guarantee’ of quality on page 10.
We hope that this our first
A&K Guide to Cape Town will
complement our hospitality
during your stay in this
wonderful city.
Gael TimmsMD A&K Southern Africa
opening word
Welcome to Cape Town
MP31548 Tourism_105x210 11/19/07 10:01 AM Page 1
C it
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K
A S C A P T I VAT I N G A S T H E P Y R A M I D S .
A N D YO U D O N ' T N E E D A C A M E L TO G E T H E R E .
Located within the dynamic setting of a working harbour, the V&A Waterfront offers you more than 400 stores, top restaurants and taverns, two craft markets, an aquarium,
numerous leisure options - including boat and helicopter charters - as well as ongoing events and entertainment.
All of this, combined with access to one of South Africa’s premier heritage sites, Robben Island, ensures that the V&A Waterfront lies at the heart of your visit.
IMVA
KALE
LO D
IGITA
L C
Abercrombie and Kent have come
a long way since we opened our first
office in Nairobi, Kenya in 1962, as a
small but discriminate source of ‘Inspired
Experiences’. From that time onwards the
company maintained a steady growth,
opening offices all around the globe with
a total of more than 2500 employees and
a fleet of more than 500 owned vehicles.
From exclusive hotel properties, to a ship
sailing in the Antarctic and the Amazon, to
Nile cruisers in Egypt, A&K has it all.
Today, A&K designs and operates
luxury adventure travel programmes,
for individuals, travel agencies and
corporations in all major markets
worldwide, and has offices in 27 countries.
The principles which guide A&K are
simple – to deliver an unfailingly high level
of service, paired with an equally high
regard for ecological concerns, and a
product that combines quality with value.
The advertisers are all reputable A&K
preferred retailers and have been specially
invited to participate. Please don’t forget
to show the retailers your ‘A&K Peace of
Mind Guarantee’ of quality on page 10.
We hope that this our first
A&K Guide to Cape Town will
complement our hospitality
during your stay in this
wonderful city.
Gael TimmsMD A&K Southern Africa
opening word
Welcome to Cape Town
Supervisor Branded Division Yvonne Reed
The laughter of my kids as they play
in the rock pools on Blouberg beach;
the sight of Table Mountain every
morning on my way to work; a brisk
walk through Tokai forest early on a
Saturday morning; a picnic with the
family on the lawns of a wine estate;
cherry picking in Ceres in December.
Arriving early in the morning at one of the
Waterfront-based hotels and enjoying
a refreshing cup of coffee at an outside
table; breathing the clean, crisp air while
watching the seagulls improvise their
ballet over the Atlantic Ocean.
Sales and Marketing DirectorMarc Gastaud
Cruise ManagerAmanda Schuddinh
The views from the top of Table
Mountain on a clear day; long walks
on Noordhoek beach when the sea
is calm; sundowners on Clifton in mid-
summer; sunset concerts at Kirstenbosch
and eating fi sh ’n chips at On the Rocks
in Hout Bay. Cape Town has to be one
of the most beautiful cities in the world!
“... picnicking on the lawns of a wine estate...”
“...breathing crisp, clean air...”
A&K staff reveal their Cape Town highlights
“...wallking on Noordhoek beach...”
The Abercrombie and Kent ‘Peace of Mind Guarantee’ is another example of how A&K leads the way in ensuring hassle-free and worry-free shopping. If any item you have purchased while in Cape Town is faulty or broken due to manufacturer error, A&K will ensure that the necessary arrangements are made to resolve the problem. Please contact your nearest A&K offi ce who will ensure the item is replaced, repaired or refunded – at no additional cost to yourself.
The guarantee is valid for a year from the date of purchase. Items damaged due to negligence will not qualify. In order to qualify for this unique guarantee, simply present this voucher to participating retail stores at the time of your purchase and keep your proof of purchase.
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10
experience: the V&A Waterfront
Allow yourself plenty of time to
experience the Victoria and
Alfred Waterfront – it is the most visited
destination in South Africa and 20 million
visitors a year can’t be wrong.
Set against a backdrop of
magnifi cent sea and mountain views, it
is a shopper’s paradise but also boasts
entertainment venues, world class hotels,
restaurants, apartments and an aquarium.
You can also visit parts of a working dry
dock and see fi shing, pilot and tug boats
moving through the harbour as well as the
occasional cruise liner as you sit and enjoy
a meal on the quayside at one of a wide
selection of restaurants.
The port of Cape Town dates back
to 1860 when it was known as the Albert
Basin, and the Victoria and Alfred
Waterfront development was started
in 1988 to make the harbour area more
accessible to the public while keeping
the feel of a working harbour and
restoring the existing historic buildings
in the area.
All stores at the V&A Waterfront are
open till 9pm seven days a week.
400 world-class shops set against dramatic harbour and mountain backdrops
12
With over 400 stores the Waterfront caters
to all shopping needs and is divided into
fi ve main areas:
The Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre
forms the bulk of the retail space at the
Waterfront and it includes some unique
new stores such as a magnifi cent Aston
Martin showroom. This area contains
the majority of clothing and jewellery
boutiques and has a large selection of
restaurants and coffee shops.
The Clock Tower Centre brings
South African crafts, arts, designs and
foods together in one place. The easily
recognisable and historic Clock Tower
was the original Port Captain’s Offi ce
(completed in 1882).
The Alfred Mall & Pierhead is located
within the historic Pierhead and overlooks
the small craft harbour and adjacent
dry dock. Those seeking quality specialist
artefacts, jewellery, curios and art with
a nautical or African fl avour will fi nd a
wonderful selection there.
The Red Shed Craft Workshop, adjoining
Victoria Wharf, is fi lled with an eclectic
mix of locally produced merchandise and
art. It has an atmosphere that allows the
shopper to ‘get closer’ to the producers.
The Waterfront Craft Market & Wellness Centre represents the Waterfront’s culture
of local entrepreneurship, featuring
an assortment traditional handcrafts,
antiquities and holistic lifestyle accessories.
experience: the V&A Waterfront
57a Somerset Rd (cnr Highfi eld Rd)Green PointCape Town
Tel: 021 421 4848/4343
email: pigalle@mweb.co.zawww.pigallerestaurants.co.za
A simply unforgettable dining experience
14
getting out: the Winelands
Modest chap, Simon van der Stel. The Governor of the
Cape Colony from 1679 to 1699 wasn’t just content
to name Simon’s Town after himself – he did the same for
Stellenbosch (Stel’s Forest) and Simonsberg (the majestic
mountain that dominates said Stellenbosch). He also founded
the famed Groot Constantia wine farm (named after his wife),
introduced French Huguenot settlers to Franschhoek (French
Corner) and generally made a bit of an impression.
Which has nothing to do with Helshoogte. Except that it runs
the ‘back way’ – ie over the mountains – between Stellenbosch
and Franschhoek with the Simonsberg looming on either side.
It’s doubtful there is a more beautiful drive, with more
stunning views combined with more abundant wine estates,
anywhere on earth, let alone in the Winelands.
The Helshoogte pass is a heavenly blend of views and vineyards.
One hell of a
DRIVE
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In short, what we have here is a
fabulous example of panoramic
landscapes with the added attraction
of fi ne wining and dining. It’s best to start
from the Stellenbosch side to get the
full impact. From Cluver Road turn right
into Helshoogte Road (the R310). As you
leave Stellenbosch behind the imposing
Simonsberg will be on your left.
Fable has it that the shape of the
mountain is Van der Stel lying on his back –
his head and nose on the right. Whatever
the imagery, the view becomes more
impressive as you climb and the road twists
and turns enough to let you admire the
beauty of the winelands from what seems
to be every cardinal point.
As you near the crest of the pass you’ll
pass Tokara which boasts a fantastic
restaurant with a view all the way to Table
Mountain. Tokara also produce brilliant
wines, especially their sauvignon blanc
and have now branched out, as it were,
into olives.
Thelema Mountain Vineyards next door
produces stunning white wines.
The road now drops down towards
Franschhoek. At the bottom you’ll pass
Boschendal Wine Estate.
From here it’s a couple of minutes and
you’re at the intersection with the R45.
To the right lies Franschhoek and more
gastronomic heaven.
What a drive!
getting out: the Winelands
18
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Professor Harold Pearson would have
approved. Pearson, the fi rst Director
of Kirstenbosch, was the driving force
behind the establishment (in 1913) of what
has become one of the most beautiful
gardens in the world. The area, wild and
overgrown, was left to the people of Cape
Town in terms of the will of the mining
magnate Cecil John Rhodes, who died in
1902.
Pearson lived in a small ‘rat infested’
cottage and devoted himself (mostly
without pay) to the creation of a botanical
garden for the city. He died in 1916 aged
46 and lies buried in the shade of an
Atlas Cedar. His epitaph ‘If ye seek his
monument, look around you’ is apt for
It is world-renowned for the beauty and diversity of its flora. Not to
mention its magnificent setting against Table Mountain.
A living
MONUMENT
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someone whose vision and energy led to
the establishment of this magnifi cent area.
Kirstenbosch grows only indigenous
Southern African plants. The estate covers
almost 530 hectares and supports fynbos
(local Cape fl ora) and natural forest. The
cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays
collections of South African plants,
particularly those from the winter rainfall
region of the country.
In 1660 a hedge of wild almond
(Brabejum stellatifolium) and brambles
was planted to form the boundary of the
then colony and keep out Hottentot cattle
raiders. Sections of this barrier, known as
Van Riebeeck’s Hedge, still exist.
The origin of the name Kirstenbosch is
uncertain but a number of families with
the name Kirsten lived in the vicinity and
somehow the area became known as
Kirstenbosch (Kirsten’s Forest).
It is not just the rolling lawns, two
restaurants and over 2 500 plants that
make Kirstenbosch such an attraction:
there are numerous paths that crisscross
the ‘back’ of Table Mountain. Nursery
Ravine and Smuts’s Track (named after the
former South African prime minister who
said it was his favourite walk) are the most
well known but there are dozens of others,
ranging from dawdle to serious workout.
The gardens are also used throughout
the summer for a series of very popular
sunset concerts.
Kirstenbosch is 13 km from the Cape Town city centre. From the city, take De Waal Drive (M3) in the direction of Muizenberg. At the fi rst traffi c light intersection turn right (southwards) onto Rhodes Drive (M63) and follow the signs to the gardens.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
22
Robben Island
Robben Island is notorious as the
place where Nelson Mandela was
incarcerated for 18 years. It is a haunting
place with a long and sorry past but at least
its story has a happy ending.
It’s the place that symbolises the fall of
apartheid and the victory over colonialism,
injustice and oppression. The island is
named after the ‘robben’ – seals – that
inhabited the area.
For centuries it was not visited or inhabited
as it had no water. Wells were then dug and
at the end of the 17 century it was used by
the Dutch to isolate prisoners, including rebel
leaders from various Dutch colonies.
From 1836 to 1931 it was used as a leper
colony, then during World War Two it was
fortifi ed and heavy naval guns were installed
as part of the defences for Cape Town.
Robben Island then became a maximum
security prison, and between 1961 and 1991,
over 3 000 men were held there, including
many current leaders of South Africa.
These days you can take a boat out to
the island where former prisoners act as tour
guides and relate their experiences of life on
the place that once broke so many hearts
but now is a beacon of new beginnings.
A bastion of bitterness that became a place of hope and forgiveness
Charter your own private yacht with an experienced skipper and crew and enjoy the tranquility of the open ocean
• UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES Half day or full day trips
• PRIVATE YACHTS We do not mix guests
• NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED For novices to experienced hands
• SAIL ALONGSIDE YOUR PROFESSIONAL SKIPPER & CREW
or Just enjoy the best views of Cape Town
• NO EQUIPMENT NEEDED Fleeces, windbreakers & caps provided
• PROVISIONS Wines, refreshments and photo CD
of your sail
Tel: +27 (0)82 439 3225 email: info@sailactive.com website: www.sailactive.com
As featured in the book ‘50 Places to Sail Before You Die’
24
out of town: Simon’s Town
First stop is the historic fi shing village of
Kalk Bay, which provides a wonderful
opportunity for photographs as the local
fi shermen offl oad their hauls from brightly
painted boats.
You can also wander the cobbled streets
and look out for bargains in the quaint
antique shops lining the main road. If all
this sounds like hard work fi rst thing in the
morning then stop in for a cup of coffee and
a hot breakfast at Live Bait restaurant.
Moving on past Fish Hoek you’ll soon see
the naval base at Simon’s Town occupying
a headland with the giant Simonsberg
mountain behind plunging into the sea.
Nowadays, Simon’s Town’s premier
attraction is the world’s only urban penguin
colony, so spend an afternoon at Boulders
Beach or Foxy Beach having tea with the
little feathery critters.
In the centre of Simon’s Town’s Jubilee
Square you’ll see a statue of a great dane
... a dog that is. This is the much–loved Able
Seaman Just Nuisance, who ‘served’ in the
local arm of the Royal Navy in World War
Two as a mascot.
To this day, the (some would say slightly
eccentric) locals celebrate Just Nuisance
Day (April 1) with a parade of great danes
through the town’s streets.
Roll down the windows and breathe in the fresh sea air as you meander your way down to Simon’s Town
To visit Cape Town Ostrich farm contact your local Akorn representative who will take care of all arrangements:Tel: 021 448-3799
• Experience all aspects of ostrich breeding.
• Tours conducted in a number of languages.
• Restaurant specialing in authentic ostrich dishes.
• Three curios shops, African boma and lots more.
• Leather factory and museum. • Open daily from 09h00 to 17h00.
26
A number of celebrities (including
presidents, members of the Royal
Family and countless fi lm stars) have visited
Cape Town and ascended Table Mountain.
Among them was Sir Edmund Hillary, who
visited Cape Town in 1953 following his
ascent of Mount Everest but like many others,
he took the cablecar to the top.
If you are reasonably fi t, however, walking
to the top of Table Mountain is a feasible and
enjoyable option and your A&K guide can
advise you on the best routes.
You can also combine a cablecar ride
with a walk on the Hoerikwaggo Trail. The
fi rst night is spent on the lower slopes of Table
Mountain where you are treated to a three-
course traditional Cape Malay meal.
The next day you catch the cablecar up
take a hike: Table Mountain
* The Hoerikwaggo Trail (meaning ‘mountain of the sea’) is organised and run by the Table Mountain National Park.
Ask your local A&K representative for more details about booking either a two-day or three-day trail.
to the top of the mountain and walk to the
Overseer’s hut where you overnight and can
partake in a braai, before descending at
Kirstenbosch the next day.
The trail is fully catered, you carry only a
small day pack, and you are accompanied
by trained guides at all times.
72-74 Long StreetCape Town
Tel: +27 21 4238008Fax +27 21 4238009
e-mail: sales@tribaltrends.co.za
African Home Décor Store
We offer international delivery
Tribal Trends Est 1976
28
interesting museums
CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE
Cnr Darling & Castle Streets
Tel: +27 21 469 1249
The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest
building in South Africa. Built between
1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East
India Company, it was never seriously
defended. It always had a military function
but today it houses the priceless William
Fehr Collection of artwork which refl ects
many aspects of cultural life at the Cape
from the early settler days until the middle
of the 19th century.
DISTRICT SIX MUSEUM FOUNDATION
25A Buitenkant Street
Tel: +27 21 461 8745
District Six was named the Sixth Municipal
District of Cape Town in 1867. Originally
established as a mixed community of
freed slaves, merchants, artisans, labourers
and immigrants, by 1982 over 60 000
people had been forcibly removed and
their houses fl attened by bulldozers. The
museum works with the memories of those
experiences and more generally with the
history of forced removals.
A selection of what we consider to be the best museums in Cape Town
SLAVE LODGE
49 Adderley Street
Tel: +27 21 461 8280
Built in 1679 by the Dutch East India
Company, this single-story building was
used to accommodate about 600 slaves.
Today it also houses a collection of cultural
artifacts from around the world.
THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
Government Avenue
Tel: +27 21 481 3800
This museum was established in 1825
and has a particularly impressive
anthropological section with a number of
unique fossils. The exhibitions mainly deal
with the natural history of South Africa
and its biological and cultural resources
of the past and present. Don’t miss the
anthropological section with its big realistic
dioramas. The Planetarium lies in an
adjacent building.
BO-KAAP MUSEUM
71 Wale Street
Tel: +27 21 424 3846
The historic Bo-Kaap became home to
many Muslims after the abolition of slavery
and it still retains a strong link with Islam.
Aspects of Muslim cultural heritage are
displayed. The building is a rare example
of early urban Cape Dutch architecture.
CAPE TOWN HOLOCAUST CENTRE
88 Hatfi eld Street
Tel: +27 21 462 5553
Serves as a place of remembrance for the
six million Jews who died in the Holocaust
and for all other victims of Nazism. It
addresses the ethical, moral and historical
dimensions of the Holocaust.
GROOT CONSTANTIA MANOR HOUSE
Groot Constantia Rd, Constantia
Tel: +27 21 794 5067
The manor house at Groot Constantia is
a magnifi cent example of Cape Dutch
architecture and probably the most
majestic historic mansion in the Cape.
30
historical timeline
40 000 BC: The fi rst humans are believed to
have inhabited the Cape. Skeletons and
tools have been found at Peers Cave in
Fish Hoek.
1488: Bartolomeu Dias rounds the Cape
and reaches Mossel Bay, which he names
Angra dos Vaqueiros - Bay of Cowherds -
with reference to Khoikhoi herders there.
1620: Two optimistic Englishmen, Andrew
Shillinge and Humphrey Fitzherbert of the
English East India Company take ‘quiet
and peaceful possession’ of Table Bay and
‘of the whole continent near adjoining’.
1652: Jan van Riebeeck is instructed to
‘found a fort and garden’ at the Cape.
1654: Sheep are placed on Robben
Island to prevent theft and attack from
wild animals. The island is later used to
incarcerate prisoners.
1658: By this date over half the population
at the Cape are slaves, brought in from
West Africa or the East.
1795: The British land in False Bay and
take possession of the Cape after a few
skirmishes in Muizenberg.
A quick rundown of 42 000 years of Cape history in two pages.
historical timeline
1803: The Cape is handed back to
Holland but then retaken in 1806.
1867: Diamonds are discovered in
the Northern Cape at Kimberley.
Diamond diggers exceed 50 000.
1886: Gold discovered on the
Witwatersrand, leading to an even
madder rush.
1912: South African Native National
Congress is formed (later renamed the
African National Congress – ANC).
1948: Nationalist Party comes to power
and formalises apartheid laws.
1950s: Forced removals start. Houses in
District Six demolished and families are
forced to move to the Cape Flats.
1967: World’s fi rst heart transplant
operation performed by Dr Christiaan
Barnard at Groote Schuur Hospital.
1976: The Soweto Uprising starts after a
proposal to make Afrikaans the offi cial
language in black schools.
1990: Nelson Mandela released after
27 years in prison.
1994: First democratic non-racial elections.
The ANC takes 60% of the vote.
1996: First public hearings of the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission into apartheid
atrocities are held.
2003: The government fi nally accedes to
two long accepted facts: that HIV causes
AIDS, and that anti-retroviral drugs can
retard the progress of the disease.
2006: Fifa decides to build a stadium in
Green Point for the 2010 soccer World Cup.
2007: The Springboks win
the rugby World Cup in
France.
Tel: +27 21 422 1090 www.prinsandprins.comHuguenot House, cnr Hout and Loop St, Cape Town