Cape Town to Cape Town

The reopening of the diamond mine at Elizabeth Bay 20 years ago has brought the development of tourism and fishing back to this small 19th century village on the barren, windswept Namib Desert coast. One of Namibias oddities, it has everything you’d expect from a small German town – delicatessens, coffee shops and a Lutheran church. Here, the icy but clean South Atlantic is home to seals, penguins and other marine life and the desolate beaches support flamingoes. It was founded in 1883 when Heinrich Vogelsang purchased Angra Pequena and some of the surrounding land on behalf of Adolf Lüderitz, a Hanseat from Germany, from the local Nama chief. Lüderitz began its life as a trading post, with other activities in fishing and guano-harvesting. As a sign of Luderitz’s revival, 1996 staged the first traditional German Karneval since 1960.

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The scorched desert that surrounds Luderitz means the city’s collection of German art nouveau architecture couldn’t look more unusually placed along the Namibian coastline. This quirkiness is what gives the destination its charm. See gangs of playful penguins skipping across the waves pink flamingos wading by the coast and dolphins leaping into the air near Penguin Island and Seal Island. A much more haunting location with an incredibly dark past is Shark Island – which witnessed the deaths of between 1 000 and 3 000 people when it was the location of a German concentration camp between 1905 and 1907. Inland from Luderitz is Kolmanskop the site of a famous diamond mine and ghost town.

Once a whaling station, Walvis Bay provides a gateway to the extraordinary desert landscapes of Namibia and is itself an area of unusual natural beauty. The showpiece of the Walvis Bay area is the natural lagoon where you can see flamingos in their thousands at certain times of the year, along with a variety of other wading birds such as the white pelican. Further inland you will find the stunning Namib Desert, which provides an unlikely home for a diverse array of wildlife. Alternatively, you could venture into the desert of Sossusvlei, whose mountainous ochre sand dunes are said to be the highest in the world, or visit the colonial town of Swakopmund.

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Home to a beautiful lagoon washed pale pink by a colony of resident flamingos Walvis Bay is a colourful African call where you can meet some of the continent’s most flamboyant wildlife. A small Namibian city on the Atlantic coast of southern Africa the city takes its name from Whale Bay – which gives a clue as to the wonderful wildlife watching opportunities available here. As Namibia’s only deep-water harbour Walvis Bay is an important fishing centre for the country and its sunny shores and natural wonders make it a popular spot for holidaymakers. Walvis Bay is a bird lover’s paradise and hundreds of thousands of birds assemble here to make the most of the tidal lagoon. Boat tours can take you out amongst the preening crowds or you can admire the flamingos herons and carefully treading wading bird species from afar. With whales and dolphins frolicking offshore too there’s a wide variety of wildlife to see here. On the cusp of the sun-scorched Namib Desert beyond Dune 7 rises up to form the highest sand dune in the country with sands piling up 380 metres. Perfect for a picnic or a pulse-raising desert sport like sand skiing or sandboarding. Climb to the top for views from its heights or you can take a flight tour to see further afield and spot some of the extraordinary land animals who roam the landscapes. See the natural drama of Sandwich Harbour where the golden sand dunes plummet directly into the ocean’s waves.

Once a whaling station, Walvis Bay provides a gateway to the extraordinary desert landscapes of Namibia and is itself an area of unusual natural beauty. The showpiece of the Walvis Bay area is the natural lagoon where you can see flamingos in their thousands at certain times of the year, along with a variety of other wading birds such as the white pelican. Further inland you will find the stunning Namib Desert, which provides an unlikely home for a diverse array of wildlife. Alternatively, you could venture into the desert of Sossusvlei, whose mountainous ochre sand dunes are said to be the highest in the world, or visit the colonial town of Swakopmund.

Day itinerary:

Home to a beautiful lagoon washed pale pink by a colony of resident flamingos Walvis Bay is a colourful African call where you can meet some of the continent’s most flamboyant wildlife. A small Namibian city on the Atlantic coast of southern Africa the city takes its name from Whale Bay – which gives a clue as to the wonderful wildlife watching opportunities available here. As Namibia’s only deep-water harbour Walvis Bay is an important fishing centre for the country and its sunny shores and natural wonders make it a popular spot for holidaymakers. Walvis Bay is a bird lover’s paradise and hundreds of thousands of birds assemble here to make the most of the tidal lagoon. Boat tours can take you out amongst the preening crowds or you can admire the flamingos herons and carefully treading wading bird species from afar. With whales and dolphins frolicking offshore too there’s a wide variety of wildlife to see here. On the cusp of the sun-scorched Namib Desert beyond Dune 7 rises up to form the highest sand dune in the country with sands piling up 380 metres. Perfect for a picnic or a pulse-raising desert sport like sand skiing or sandboarding. Climb to the top for views from its heights or you can take a flight tour to see further afield and spot some of the extraordinary land animals who roam the landscapes. See the natural drama of Sandwich Harbour where the golden sand dunes plummet directly into the ocean’s waves.

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Mossel Bay’s main attractions are an excellent museum complex; several beautiful historic stone buildings (some of which are exceptionally well preserved); some of the best oysters along the coast; excellent golf; and good beaches with safe, secluded swimming. The area has some of the only north-facing (read: sunniest) beaches in South Africa, which means it’s very popular with local families and is always packed in December. Dolphins—sometimes hundreds at a time—frequently move through the bay in search of food, and whales swim past during their annual migration (July–October). You could take a cruise out to Seal Island, home to a breeding colony of more than 2,000 Cape fur seals or, if you’re feeling brave, a cage dive to view the numerous white sharks (blue pointers) that hang around the seal colony.

Originally the home of the San and Khoisan people and later the Xhosa tribe, the area now known as Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth) became a landing place for passing European ships after Portuguese navigator Bartolomew Diaz arrived in Algoa Bay in 1488. As part of the Cape Colony, the British occupied the area during the Napoleonic Wars and it was they who built Fort Frederick here in 1799. Twenty-one years later 4,000 settlers arrived, becoming the first permanent British residents of South Africa and Gqeberha. Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony, founded Port Elizabeth, naming the settlement after his late wife. The town underwent rapid growth after 1873 following the construction of the railway to Kimberley, and is now one of the country’s major seaports. Like most South African cities, miles of beautiful coastline surround Gqeberha. Algoa Bay combines warm water and fair breezes, making it a mecca for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. Those interested in history can follow the Donkin Heritage Trail, past a succession of Victorian and Edwardian town houses, trim gardens and neo-Gothic churches. Just outside the town are a number of game reserves, including the famous Addo Elephant National Park.

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Port Elizabeth, or PE is an uncut gem of a destination. Loved by wealthy South African families as a holiday destination, it is a city has of faces. One: a natural haven with unspoiled beaches, rolling sand dunes and the warm Indian Ocean lapping at your feet and two: a post-industrial migrant city with a rich heritage. PE is also called Nelson Mandela Bay, and there is much here that celebrates him – starting with Route 67, a collection of 67 artworks honouring the 67 years that Mandela dedicated to achieving South Africa’s freedom.Known as “the friendly city”, Port Elizabeth is enjoying an urban regeneration, spurred on by the youth of the region that want to put it (back) on the map. Think vibrant creative projects spilling out wherever you go; a pedestrianised central zone, galleries selling local artworks, restaurants serving South African fusion food, award-winning buildings that house museums, restored Victorian terraces. Unsurprisingly, the boardwalk is buzzing.PE’s proximity to the excellent nature parks at Addo and Lalibela make it an ideal destination for game lovers. Both of these parks are a little way from PE (70 and 90 kilometres east respectively) but both offer a chance to revel in South Africa’s no holds barred natural beauty. This is the real reason why people come to South Africa – for a chance to see the fabled Big Five. Addo even boasts the Big Seven (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard, as well as the great white shark and Southern right whale).

Originally the home of the San and Khoisan people and later the Xhosa tribe, the area now known as Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth) became a landing place for passing European ships after Portuguese navigator Bartolomew Diaz arrived in Algoa Bay in 1488. As part of the Cape Colony, the British occupied the area during the Napoleonic Wars and it was they who built Fort Frederick here in 1799. Twenty-one years later 4,000 settlers arrived, becoming the first permanent British residents of South Africa and Gqeberha. Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony, founded Port Elizabeth, naming the settlement after his late wife. The town underwent rapid growth after 1873 following the construction of the railway to Kimberley, and is now one of the country’s major seaports. Like most South African cities, miles of beautiful coastline surround Gqeberha. Algoa Bay combines warm water and fair breezes, making it a mecca for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. Those interested in history can follow the Donkin Heritage Trail, past a succession of Victorian and Edwardian town houses, trim gardens and neo-Gothic churches. Just outside the town are a number of game reserves, including the famous Addo Elephant National Park.

Day itinerary:

Port Elizabeth, or PE is an uncut gem of a destination. Loved by wealthy South African families as a holiday destination, it is a city has of faces. One: a natural haven with unspoiled beaches, rolling sand dunes and the warm Indian Ocean lapping at your feet and two: a post-industrial migrant city with a rich heritage. PE is also called Nelson Mandela Bay, and there is much here that celebrates him – starting with Route 67, a collection of 67 artworks honouring the 67 years that Mandela dedicated to achieving South Africa’s freedom.Known as “the friendly city”, Port Elizabeth is enjoying an urban regeneration, spurred on by the youth of the region that want to put it (back) on the map. Think vibrant creative projects spilling out wherever you go; a pedestrianised central zone, galleries selling local artworks, restaurants serving South African fusion food, award-winning buildings that house museums, restored Victorian terraces. Unsurprisingly, the boardwalk is buzzing.PE’s proximity to the excellent nature parks at Addo and Lalibela make it an ideal destination for game lovers. Both of these parks are a little way from PE (70 and 90 kilometres east respectively) but both offer a chance to revel in South Africa’s no holds barred natural beauty. This is the real reason why people come to South Africa – for a chance to see the fabled Big Five. Addo even boasts the Big Seven (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard, as well as the great white shark and Southern right whale).

South Africa’s only river port city is situated on the south-east Indian Ocean coast between the Buffalo and Nahoon Rivers. Its location is widely regarded as one of the most attractive on the Eastern Cape coast and it is ideally placed for exploring the coast towards Port Elizabeth and the surrounding Transkei region. The city you see today was born when the British-built Fort Glamorgan was constructed here in 1847 and it was British governor Sir Harry Smith who named the town London after the Empire’s capital as an open declaration about its promising position as a port. The town later became East London due to its location on the east of the Buffalo River, and in more recent times is sometimes referred to as Buffalo City. East London is renowned for its superb golden beaches such as Eastern, Orient and Nahoon, both popular with surfers, and a variety of places to dine and drink have sprung up along the bustling beachfront. While the city is predominantly modern you can see a number of historic buildings and monuments such as City Hall, whose clock tower commemorates the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

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A very British name tells us who established the city of East London. The British built this port on the Buffalo River in 1847 to service their military forts and troops in disputes over land with the Xhosa people. European settlement expanded and East London grew. Settlers usually walk in the footsteps of others who lived on the land before them. Here, many people muat have resided over the years as the oldest footprints in the world, at 200,000 years, were found nearby. Most of the eight million Xhosa people live in Eastern Cape Province. They are a proud tribe with a rich and ongoing culture which they celebrate with vibrant clothing, music and dance. Beaded jewellery is important for many reasons—decoration for dancers, special ceremonies and indicating the social status of women. Today they live in an Africa with modern opportunities and challenges, and ongoing links to their past. The city has several natural attractions for residents and visitors alike. Sandy beaches are popular with residents, who also enjoy water activities on the sheltered and picturesque Buffalo River. Like many areas of South Africa, game parks are popular for local wildlife lovers. Speaking of nature, near to East London is where the first living (well freshly dead in an angler’s catch) coelacanth known to science was found in 1938. This lobe-finned fish had been only known from 66-million-year-old fossils. It is more closely related to four-legged land animals than typical ray-finned fish. This place has history.

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

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Sprawling across endless, staggeringly blue coastline, and watched over by the iconic plane of Table Mountain, Cape Town is without doubt one of the world’s most beautiful cities. A blend of spectacular mountain scenery, multiculturalism and relaxed ocean charm awaits in the Mother City, where you can venture out to rolling vineyards, dine in laid back sea suburbs, or spend days exploring cool urban culture. Cape Town’s natural splendour fully reveals itself as the cable car rears sharply to the top of Table Mountain. From the summit, 3,500 feet above sea level, you can let the scale of the panoramic vistas of the city rolling down towards the ocean wash over you. Another heavenly perspective waits at the top of Lion’s Head’s tapering peak. A sharp hike and an early start is required, but the views of the morning sun painting Table Mountain honey-gold are some of Cape Town’s finest. Cape Town’s glorious sunshine and inviting blue rollers can be a little deceiving – these oceans are anything but warm at times, with nothing between the peninsula’s end and Antarctica’s icy chill. This cool water has upsides though, bringing a colony of adorably cute African penguins to Boulders Beach. Boarded walkways offer the perfect vantage point to see the cute creatures dipping into the sea and lounging in the sun. Nearby, journey to the end of Africa at the Cape of Good Hope, where you can stand at the bottom of this mighty continent, watching out over the merging waves of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Cape Town’s beauty is counterpointed by the ominous island form, which sits four miles offshore from the bustling restaurants and lazy seals of the lively V&A Waterfront. A living history lesson, you can sail in the ships that transported prisoners out to Robben Island, before a former prisoner tells of the traumas of life on this offshore prison. Your guide will show you the cramped cells, and render Mandela’s long walk to freedom in heartbreaking, visceral clarity.