The Mother City. I have never met anybody who didn’t love Cape Town. In actual fact, Cape Town is a bit of a misnomer as, like Sydney, the actual city called Cape Town is remarkably small, being the Cental Business District, the docks and a small amount of domestic residences (in comparison to the suburbs surrounding it, that is), and the Mountain which overhangs everything like a giant shroud. Table Top makes the place as everything else is a valley leading down to the sea where a considerable amount of reclamation has taken place to expand the city.

It is a wonderfully calm place, into which environment you slip remarkably quickly ... nobody ever runs. I often wonder whether it is the lack of major public transportation that creates this effect. There is only one train station which is used by the local indigenous population to get to work. As well as two of the world’s most famous trains ~ Rovos Rail (the better one, in my opinion) and the Blue Train*. The bus system is exactly the same except for the double deckers, which are for sightseeing.

This wonderfully calm atmosphere correctly portrays the local inhabitants, who are a joy to meet and to talk to. I’m probably a bit biased as we have a home in Cape Town. We have many friends down there whom we meet each time we visit. Their hospitality is the best in the world ~ after the Irish that is! The whole enchanting Cape approach is mirrored in the standard of personal service in restaurants, shops and bars. They are there to genuinely welcome and help you. There is no pressure to buy!

A serious problem is that you always want to spend so much time in Cape Town, especially because there is so much to do. Robben Island is a must, as is the Perang in Camp’s Bay for lunch, and 96 Winery Road in Stellenbosch (on the Ken Forrester wine estate – brilliant Chenin Blanc). I adore Stellenbosch. I need to pinch myself to realise I am in a beautiful town with the most typical of Cape Dutch architecture. Paarl is more colonial of the 18th/19th century whilst Franschoek is different again. We always visit Le Quartier Francais for lunch ... It is one of very many excellent restaurants.

You can leave Cape Town for your next destination and have lunch in Franschoek before continuing on to one of South Africa’s really beautiful drives through the mountains and the lakes to Caledon. Or, you take the NI through the Karoo before turning right through the Swartberg Pass to Oudtshoorn. Really stunning scenery. I could go on writing but, why don't you call us on 020 8891 4646, where one of our consultants can tell you more about this 'world in one country' personally.

* To read our separate report on Carol Harnett's trip on The Blue Train, click here.

Waterfront





Paarl winelands





Stellenbosch Museum