CAPE Town (http://tourismcapetown.co.za/destination-marketing)
stands as a spectacular gateway to southern Africa for both cruisers
and land lubbers. With Durban on the eastern shore being the
commanding port for almost all of Africa, Cape Town is poised to
capitalise on the growing interest in cruises heading north to the
once forbidden lands of West Africa and the Western Mediterranean.
A new, dedicated cruise terminal has been promised.
Like so many African ports, Cape Town began as a strategic and
economic colonial outpost. Ironically, the port was established on the
strength of glowing reports of the bay that reached the opportunistic
Dutch East India Company when one of their vessels, Haerlem,
foundered there in 1647. The attractive, fertile land and largely
cooperative native “Hottentots” enabled a refreshment station to be
set up in the 1650s to service the many ships plying the trade routes
between Holland and SE Asia.
As a direct result of its location, function and traffic, a startlingly
diverse population gradually evolved, incorporating examples of the
many European, Asian and African cultures that were continually
traversing its busy harbour. And so it remains today, with the socalled
‘Mother City’ truly the poster icon for South Africa’s ‘rainbow
nation’ tagline.
Whether you are beginning, ending or going ashore from your
cruise, Cape Town is a spectacular city to visit and a full day tour is
packed with stunning scenery, great food, wine & delightful people.
Most day tours will cover the key points of interest, namely
Table Mountain Cable Car, Cape of Good Hope lighthouse, historic
Simon Town and the resident rare African penguins, Camps Bay,
Kirstenbosch gardens and perhaps quaint Hout Bay. Visiting the
iconic Table Mountain can be tricky as the summit is frequently
shrouded in mist, known colloquially as the ‘table cloth’. Local advice
is on a clear day, drop everything and go for it as conditions change
rapidly.
Wine lovers will be in heaven with a visit to the glorious winelands
of Franschoek and the Constantia Valley, the oldest vineyards in
the southern hemisphere, established in the late 17th century. The
landscape, complete with eucalyptus trees, will remind many of the
Barossa Valley of South Australia. The Cape’s Shiraz certainly rivals
the best reds from anywhere Down Under.
If you have more time to spare, UNESCO-listed Robben Island, the
Garden Route or Harmanus Whale Route are worth exploring.
Who Goes There? Cape Town’s superb deepwater port can
accommodate any size vessel. The following cruise lines include Cape
Town on their itineraries (mostly RTW): Silversea, Oceania, Hapag-
Lloyd, Cunard, Crystal, HAL, MSC and Princess. Smaller vessels
setting out from Cape Town on a more intimate exploration of the
west coast currently include G Adventures, Lindblad and Zegrahm
with more set to follow.
Staying There: From 5-star to B&B, Cape Town has plenty of
accommodation options, but for a real treat (you know you’re worth
it) check in to The Table Bay right in the middle of the plush V&A
Waterfront. Otherwise you can dine at their superb restaurant, The
Atlantic Grill.
You’re best to contact an expert CLIA (www.cruising.org.au) for
these itineraries.
Roderick Eime travelled to Cape Town in April and May 2013 with
assistance from SA Tourism. (www.southafrica.net)
