Cape Town South Africa Cruise Port Guide

from the Cape of Good Hope, near the southern tip of the vast African continent, Cape Town is dominated by the 3,000-foot, flat-topped Table Mountain and blessed with superb scenery and beaches.

The official founding of the city is recorded as April 6, 1652. On that day, January van Riebeeck dropped anchor in Table Bay. His small expedition proceeded ashore to build a fort for the Dutch East India Company. The fort served as a base for their ships to shelter and stock up on fresh supplies of meat, fruit and vegetables. He started to barter with the Khoikhoi tribe for meat and planted gardens that are known today as the Company Gardens.

At first sight, Cape Town appears surprisingly small. The city center, lying to the north of Table Mountain and east of Signal Hill, is also referred to as the City Bowl. Its compactness is best explored on foot, starting with the Castle, the oldest surviving building in South Africa. It was built between 1666 and 1679, replacing Van Riebeeck's original mud-walled fort. In addition to numerous historical buildings, Cape Town offers museums, parks, gardens, markets and shops. Impressive mountains, magnificent surf beaches and outstanding wineries complete the picture of this beautiful city. A ride on the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain offers visitors a spectacular panorama on a clear day.

With its unique setting, cosmopolitan population and diverse cultures, Cape Town is a highlight of any visit to South Africa.