As winter approaches in northern hemisphere, summer beckons in south. This is time to take a few days off and follow sun! The best place to catch sun in end of year holiday season is without doubt Cape Town. Cape Town's claim to being most beautiful city in South Africa is undisputed. And seasoned travel writers readily accept merit of Cape Town's claim that is indeed one of most beautiful cities in world. The city is blessed with unrivalled gifts of nature. The mighty kilometer high flat top Table Mountain dwarfs even most ambitious skyscrapers in business district. The city is surrounded by glorious landscapes, stunning beaches and a bounty of unique vegetation. Where else do you have a choice of cool Atlantic Ocean and warmer Indian Ocean?
But Cape Town offers much more. It is reputed to be most open-minded and relaxed city in South Africa and is one of safest cities in Africa for visitors. Action hero Jean-Claude Van Damme visited city in 2003 to shoot an action thriller and declared: "I love waking up in this city with sea around me and fresh air. The people are young with fresh and warm personalities and are friendly and it's a country full of hope."
The movie was shot in city and around harbour and some local funs got to see Van Damme at waterfront. This is same country that has produced some of most inspiring people of our times. Desmond Tutu - Nobel Peace Prize winner and past leader of Anglican flock in Cape Town, for example. And of course Nelson Mandela.
Take a boat trip to Robben Island, one of hottest destinations for overseas visitors. This is where Nelson Mandela nearly lost his sight quarrying lime during his long imprisonment. Make sure to get to summit of Table Mountain by cable where you will enjoy some unforgettable views.
Northwards of city center is Victoria and Albert waterfront- a trendy shopping and entertainment complex. It is packed with art galleries, art and craft shops, restaurants, taverns, cinemas, theatres and an aquarium. It is easy to see why many beautiful people converge here. It is when in Cape Town that you will understand why Desmond Tutu named country as "Rainbow Nation". The peoples here have roots in four corners of planet and together give city its vivid colours.
Cape Town is well connected to one of most popular travel destinations in South Africa: Garden Route. The Garden Route is southern coastal area starting west of Cape Town at Swellendam and ending at Humansdorp just before Port Elizabeth. The Garden Route is probably most scenic journey you will ever make. You encounter soaring cliffs, wide beaches, semi desert, rocky coves, rain forests, tranquil lakes and rugged mountains.
The area is good for watersports and weather allows this year round. A visit to wine producing regions can also be staged from Cape Town. If you are short of time, head for picturesque Stellenbosch just a 45-minute drive away.