My background for visiting Cape Town, is my participation on a christian youth group tour of South Africa. I was one of 65 norwegians on this trip, assisted and escorted by 20 south africans. Our journey started in Cape Town the morning of 1. April 2007.
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Llandudno with The Sentinel (331m) and Chapmans Peak (592m)
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We arrived in Cape Town at 0500 in the morning, After passing through the immigration, we were met by 15 south african friends with a huge banner and norwegian flags. It was a humid day, and for a short moment our longing for summer temperatures were threatened. But, as soon as we found our seats in the bus, the sun overcame the clouds and greeted us welcome to the Rainbow Nation.
Soon after entering the N2 towards Cape Town, we saw the first of many townships on our tour on our right hand. Seeing the small and simple houses for the first time made a big impression, and gave us a good reminder of the many problems the nation have struggled with for more than 100 years.
Just a short while after, our from the clouds came the Devils Peak. For sure, this is Cape Town!
It struck me this morning, how beautiful the landscape was. Specially when we turned southwards through Constantia and the wineyards. We climbed over the edge of the mountain, and descended down towards the cool Atlantic Ocean and our lodging in Llandudno.
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Cape Town seen from the top of Table Mountain
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After lodging in at Apostel Battery in Llandudno, we headed for Kloof Nek, Tafelberg road and the Cableway to Table Mountain. Well, that doesn't mean we actually USED the cableway! No, we started climbing the 700 metes to the top of the magnificent mountain. The day became really hot, and my 2 liters of water was hardly enough to moisten my tongue. But, when I finally reached the top, I was rewarded with the most beautiful view I have ever seen!
On my left, I had the 12 apostles towering over the Atlantic Ocean, the Lions Head and the Signal Hill. Right in front of me I looked down on the Mother City. To the right, we could see the Devils Peak and the Indian Ocean. And out there, in the sea was the terrifying Robben Island.
On the way down, this time WITH the Cableway, we watched the Table Cloth veil the mountain top with white dotty mist.
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Robben Island Prison Gate
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Monday morning, and we found ourselved heading for "Nelson Mandelas Gateway to Robben Island" at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Onboard Susan Kruger we enjoyed the sunny day, while watching the whales and seals. From the sea, we could see how steep the hill we climbed yesterday really was.
When we arrived Robben Island, we were escorted to white buses who took us for a tour of the Island before dropping us off at the prison. The tour alone was worth the money, specially the visit to the limestone quarry.
The prison itself was a little disappointing to me, probably because we walked around in peace without experiencing the terror of apartheid. The former inmate who escorted us was a ANC member, and at the end of the tour he gave a flamboyant speech of how South African nation found its freedom. I have never been closer to signing in as a member of ANC myself.
I used my last 30 minutes on Robben Island to explore the Penguin Boardwalk and the African Penguins living there.
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The clocktower at Waterfront was really a nice sight, and worked good as a meeting point for a big group like ours after spending some hours shopping and dining in the area.
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Apostel Battery, our lodging
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Our group focused on sleeping cheap, and decided to stay at the old cannon battery in Llandudno called Apostel (from the 12 apostles) Battery. It was far from luxury, but worked out just great for us.
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The Pedestrian Bridge at Waterfront
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Just sitting at the cafe next to the clocktower watching the people, the seals and the boats was a good experience. Drinking local beer or a nice cup of coffee chatting with friends... perfect!
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Native song group performing at the Waterfront
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Of course, 36 hours in the city didnt give us opportunity to explore all the sights worth a visit. But, I think with the limited time we had, we managed to get value for our money. I promise, next time I will stay for a week!
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Published on Tuesday July 3th, 2007
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Tue, Apr 29 2008 - 06:58 PM
 by murrayskinner
Mon, Jul 16 2007 - 03:23 PM
by eirekay
Terje,
Nice overview for such a quick trip!
Eire |
Sat, Jul 07 2007 - 05:21 PM
by mistybleu
Terje, nice report. I didn't realise it was such a short quick fix. But is sounds like fun.
All the best
Amanda |
Wed, Jul 04 2007 - 10:34 AM
by rangutan
| A "blitz-trip" written more like a travel-log but still makes an excellent presentation fresh and different to others. I prefere new views and styles like this, supported by great photography and enthusiastic experiences [4.3] |
Wed, Jul 04 2007 - 06:35 AM
by marianne
Terje,
Nice description of the Tafelberg and the view. Interesting report especially since you were in Capetown for only 36 hours. Nice photos. |
Tue, Jul 03 2007 - 08:34 PM
by akhila
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