Cape Town is a city located on the West Coast of Africa, near
L`agullas that composes most of the Southern part of the
continent. It is a beautiful place with a very nice climate with
winter rainfall and very strong seasonal winds, knowing that it
is a coastal city. Cape Town is also well known for its most
miraculous Table Mountain and the laid back attitude, which
became part of the Cape cultural heritage.
The History Of Cape Town
It was Bartolomeus Dias who led the Europeans to “The Cape of
Good Hope” first. He called it the ‘Cabo Tormentosa’ meaning
“The Cape of Storms”. A decade after that, Vasco de Gama arrived
at the Cape. From then on, Eastern trade was monopolized by the
Portuguese and the local ethnic group the Khoi–khoi became
familiar with the Europeans. This planted the seed for the Capes
cultural diversity. The Portuguese realized that as the Cape
lies on the sea route from Europe and Asia, it could be used as
a halfway station for ships to take in fresh water and food. So
in 1652, Jan van Riebeek established a permanent settlement
there, which facilitated trade to the East. Slaves where
imported to work on fields to grow crops that was needed for
food for the passing ships. These imported slaves also
contributed to the cultural heritage of the Cape.
Tourism
The Cape has a good variety of ethnic music, along with African
dancers, which can be witnessed at the St George’s Mall. There
one can find good traditional African music performed with
instruments such as bongo drums, xylophones and flutes. On the
first day of January the streets of Cape Town will be filled
with rich cultural activity of the “Kaapse Klopse” or Coon
Carnival. This annual parade consists of 20,000 people who will
dance and sing, performing traditional tunes to start the New
Year on a positive note. This time of the year is famous for the
singing of the Cape’s Malay choirs and many church choirs, which
forms a distinct part of the music and cultural heritage of Cape
Town.
If you are touring to this beautiful city you will find it easy
to get around with the attractive Cape Town car rental deals
available.
Architecture And Robben Island
Cape Town has a combination of British, Dutch & African styles
of houses. The older houses of the Dutch era represent the
ancient culture of the city. The poor black people who can not
afford nicely built houses, build their own houses in unique
indigenous ways, using whatever things available. This style is
called “shack chic”. The tourists can visit nearby Robben Island
by boat. The erstwhile white racist rulers used to keep
political prisoners on this island during the freedom struggle
of black African people. The first black president of South
Africa- Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on the island for 27
years. Many other political leaders fighting against racism of
earlier South African regime were kept prisoners on this island.
Now the government of South Africa has turned the island into a
museum, showing the history of struggle against apartheid.
The Castle Of Good Hope And Table Mountain
A popular tourist attraction in Cape Town is the Castle of Good
Hope. It is located in the center of Cape Town. As South
Africa's oldest remaining stone building, it is not only a
tourist attraction but serves as the headquarters for the
Western Cape military. Tourists will find a wonderful museum and
great food as well then visiting the castle. The thing that Cape
Town’s probably most known for is its flat mountain called
“Table Mountain”. There you will find an exciting cable car
service that will take you to the top of the mountain where you
can then enjoy a meal at the popular restaurant at the top while
experiencing the breathtaking view of the whole Cape Town.
Cape town is a city with lot of tourist attractions. Getting a
cheap flight into Cape Town is just as easy getting the
attractive rates on their car rental deals.The city is also
known for its variety of lodges, hotels, bed and breakfast
houses, and back packers. The city will suit any type of tourist
as it supports different type of people, food, and music and of
course variety architecture.
About the Author: The author owns a website that offers online
car rentals. To learn more visit
http://CarRentalsSA.co.za
