Nature

The southern tip of the African continent is the meeting place of two mighty and bountiful oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic. The Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, showcases the incredible diversity of marine life found in these two oceans. Over 3000 living sea animals, including sharks, fishes, turtles and penguins can be seen in this spectacular underwater nature reserve. The “two oceans” theme is illustrated by spectacular exhibits, ranging from vibrant displays of Indian Ocean tropical fishes to the magnificent 800,000 litre Kelp Forest Exhibit, which is one of only three living kelp forests on display in the world. Visitors will be mesmerised by the gentle sway of tall kelp plants and the play of dappled sunlight on silver fishes.

The Aquarium recently opened its third large-scale temporary exhibit gallery, Frogs – Beyond the Pond. Explore an enchanted garden in this gallery, meet some local frogs and learn more about what you can do to ensure the survival of these enigmatic and fascinating creatures.

Discover life beyond the African waves with opportunities such as diving with the sharks and the daily feeding of the fishes and penguins. The Aquarium offers oceans of fun for children, including puppet shows and arts and crafts.

Meet, eat and play at Shoreline Café, the Aquarium’s restaurant situated just off the foyer. Shoreline Café offers exquisite views of Table Mountain, the yacht marina and the upmarket residential apartments and hotels that grace this part of the V&A Waterfront. This facility, under Aquarium Management, is informal, wholesome and child-friendly and offers an appetising menu of affordable light meals. Shoreline Café also houses the first dedicated children’s play centre in a restaurant within the V&A Waterfront. The Aquarium’s Gift Shop, operated by Tiger’s Eye, offers a great selection of top-quality merchandise of the novel and nautical persuasion.

Dive in and discover the depths of this enchanting world!
Prices valid until 31 August 2009, subject to change.
Open 9.30am - 6pm daily

Entrance: R82 (adults), R65 (pensioners, students - with SA ID,
and children14-17yrs), R38 (children (4-13 years)
 t 021 418 3823  f 021 418 3952
E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  
Website www.aquarium.co.za 
                                                     

From its rugged, rocky outcrops and sheer cliffs to the fynbos-covered plains, Cape Point holds much in store for visitors to these shores. Enjoy a full day of discovery with spectacular views, fine food, remarkable encounters with nature, spell-binding history and memories to treasure for ever.

The natural beauty of the Table Mountain National Park is pristine and especially well conserved at Cape Point. Take a leisurely stroll down to the beach, or hike the many walking trails. 

Taste local seafood fare from the Two Oceans Restaurant, perched high above crashing waves, and take in sweeping views of False Bay.  Alternatively enjoy a light meal or plan for a picnic at the Two Oceans Food Shop.

Experience an exhilarating ride in the funicular, which rises 238 metres above the ocean to where the old lighthouse keeps watch over the seas. The views from here are spectacular.

At Cape Point’s curio shops, such as the Logo Store or Lighthouse 5, visitors will find just the right souvenir, work of art or antique maritime ornament to rekindle memories of adventures at the south-westernmost tip of Africa. 

Adventure activites include swimming, diving, angling, hiking, surfing and bird-watching. Cape Point’s fynbos plains are home to 1,200 species of indigenous plants, various small mammals including the red lynx, many antelope including the rare Bontebok, and ostriches and zebras.

Funicular/Restaurant/Shops:
9am-6pm (Oct-March); 9am-5pm (Apr-Sept)
Funicular pricing: Adults: R40pp rtn/R30pp one way;
Scholars /pensioners: R15pp rtn /R12pp one way

Open: National Park 6am–6pm (Oct-Mar); 7am–5pm (Apr-Sept)
Entrance: R55 (adults), subject to change, Free for Wild Card holders
t 021 780 9010/1 f 021 780 9203
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  http://www.capepoint.co.za/

Paarl offers many attractions - from visits to the Afrikaans Language Monument and Paarl Mountain, with its rocks which are remains of granites which rose and broke through slate and sandstone formations about 500 million years ago, to sampling some local olive oil. The Strooidak Church and Het Gesticht Church (Slave Church) in town are two of the oldest in South Africa and Paarl Museum has an interesting overview of the town’s colourful history. Opening in late 2008, the first phase of Paarl’s exciting new heritage tourism venue, De Poort Heritage Village, is almost complete. Visitors can observe heritage artisans; see a forge in operation; try out the skill of the blacksmith and watch a cooper or farrier. The Drakenstein Heemkring archive is housed in De Oude Woning in Paarl. The collection includes valuable manuscripts, photographs, books, genealogical records and research on original Huguenot farms.

The historic town of Wellington nestles at the foot of the Groenberg, in a picturesque valley including the well-known Bainskloof Pass. This pass was surveyed and built by Andrew Geddes Bain, using convict labour and primitive tools to hack and blast the way through almost impossible terrain. It took 23 days per kilometre, from 1849 to 1853 to open the way to Ceres and the Karoo beyond. Today, much of Bain’s original dry course stonework is still visible. The pass was tarred in 1935 and declared a National Monument in 1980.

The Wellington Museum offers an exceptional Egyptian collection alongside traditional ethnic artifacts, Stone Age objects and pioneering history. Ouma/Granny’s House Museum is a beautiful Victorian cottage and houses a valuable collection of antiques. In 1853 Lady Loch Bridge, a wooden bridge named after the Governor’s wife, was used for access between Cape Town and Paarl across the Berg River. In 1910 it was replaced with an iron bridge and became the first iron bridge in South Africa. The original wooden pillars are now at Wellington Museum.

Wellington info: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
t 021 873 4604/8   f 021 873 4607
Paarl info:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
t 021 872 4842   f 021 872 9376

Situated in the foothills of the majestic Swartberg Mountains, the Cango Caves comprise a series of caverns extending 5 km into the mountain. A 1.2km stretch is open to visitors. Originally discovered by hunter-gatherers almost 80,000 years ago and opened to the public in 1891, the caves are one of the oldest show-caves in the world.

The Standard Tour lasts 60 minutes and extends as far as the sixth chamber. For the more adventurous, the 90-minute Adventure Tour escorts visitors through a series of small and challenging tunnels culminating in the awesome but aptly named Letterbox. Experienced and multilingual guides conduct both options. Comfortable footwear and light clothing are advised. The modern administration complex includes a family restaurant, coffee-shop and bar, curio shop, and Interpretive Centre. In the Auditorium, Cangos 2, 3 and 4 (the 3,8 km not open to the public) may be viewed.

Entrance: Please call for the latest rates
Open: 9am–4pm Daily (Closed Christmas Day)
t 044 272 7410  f 044 272 8001/279 1812
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   www.cangocaves.co.za