The Insider’s Guide to
Cape Town
Celebrate life at Olaf’s Guest House. Contact us today at . . .
Phone: +27 (0)21 430 2200/ Fax: +27 (0)21 439 50 57 / Email us: [email protected]
/ Fax to email: 086 216 7785 / Website: http://www.olafs.co.za/
Satisfy Your
Curiosity
I. Facts about Cape
Town
II. Leisurely Activities
III. Cultural Activities
IV. Animal-related
activities
V. Dining
VI. Day Trips
VII. About Olaf’s
Cape Town, South Africa ranks as number one
in the world’s top 10 destinations to visit,
according to TripAdvisor’s 2011 Travellers’
Choice Destination Awards.
Cape Town is referred to as “The Mother City”
by locals.
Cape Town is home to two World Heritage
Sites, including The Cape Floral Region—home
to nearly 9,000 species of flora, including a
variety of endemic species—and the famous
Robben Island—an island off the coast of
Cape Town that was once used as a leper
colony, and a prison for various political
figures, including Nelson Mandela.
There are 11 official languages in South Africa.
According to a famous legend, Table
Mountain got its name from passing clouds
that appear like a tablecloth on top of the
mountain. These clouds are said to be formed
from a smoking competition between the
Devil and an imaginary sailor, Van Hunks.
Cape Agulhas is the very southern tip of South
Africa and is the point where the Indian and
Atlantic Oceans meet.
South Africa’s Boulders Beach is a bustling
penguin colony.
After visiting Cape Town in 1580, Sir Francis
Drake wrote in his journal “This cape is the
most stately thing and the fairest cape we saw
in the whole circumference of the earth.”
Did You Know?
Leisurely Activities
From traditional artwork, to precious stones and gems,
and delectable coffees to sensational South African
wines, you’re sure to find a gamut of exciting pieces to
purchase in Cape Town.
Some of the must visit hot-spots for shopping include:
V&A Waterfront: linens, beauty and skincare products,
African artwork and artifacts, quaint bistros, charming
cafes
Bo-Kaap: colorful shops, Streetwires (beaded wire
animal statues), Monkey Biz (a non-profit organization
that sells glass bead artwork)
Green Market Square: African cuisine, art, enjoy a glass
of wine or cup of coffee
Kalk Bay: quaint fishing harbor, luxury antique shops, fine
restaurants
Cavendish Square and Canal Walk: high-end shopping,
jewelry, leather, music, fashionable clothing
Shopping
As one of Cape Town’s most fascinating (and arguably
most popular) attractions, Table Mountain is the perfect
place to enjoy a challenging hike, abseil adventure,
relaxing picnic, or an exciting ride up the side of the
mountain via rotating cable car.
As you venture up Table Mountain via rotating cable
car, you’ll see a panoramic view of Cape Town’s
spectacular geography and be able to enjoy some
great cuisine at the café located on the summit of the
mountain. And during your venture up the side of the
mountain, keep an eye out for dassies (rock hyrax),
which are small, furry brown mammals that are most
closely related to the elephant!
Don’t forget to bring your camera—the photographic
opportunities are unlike any other place on earth.
Table Mountain
Spas
Whether you’re visiting Cape Town after an exciting
South Africa safari in the bush, or simply seek relaxation,
a trip to one of Cape Town’s lavish spas is just what you
need to feel rejuvenated, balanced, and revived.
Below are some of the most luxurious spas in Cape Town:
Pezula Spa
The Saxon
The Equinox Spa
With neighboring jagged cliffs, mountains in the
backdrop, gorgeous white sand, and warm waters,
Cape Town is home to some of the world’s most
spectacular beaches.
Below are just a few of our favorites:
Clifton: A popular beach among the locals and one of
Cape Town’s most beautiful.
Camps Bay: A breathtaking beach, with the famous
Lion’s Head mountain in the backdrop.
Hout Bay: As one of our absolute favorites, Hout Bay
provides the perfect setting for long strolls, horseback
riding, sunbathing, and swimming. The pier is famous for
its fish and chips cafes. And if you’re lucky, you may
even spot the Cape fur seal or Southern right whale!
Beaches
Set at the base of the glorious Table Mountain, the
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is world-renowned for its
spectacular flora diversity. Covered with breathtaking
manicured gardens, endemic plant species, buzzing
birds and insects, and fragrant aromas, you’re sure to
find sheer relaxation amongst the beauty of
Kirstenbosch.
Some of the gardens at Kirstenbosch include:
Fragrance Garden
Medical Garden
Van Riebeeck's Hedge
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Art Bike Tours
Robben Island
Keep an open mind
Explore
Talk to locals
Try new dishes
Learn something new each day
Bring home a keepsake or souvenir
Renowned for its amazing art scene,
Cape Town is speckled with . . .
Quaint art galleries
Antique shops
Jewelry boutiques
Home décor stores with handmade
African pieces
Eclectic art stores filled with local
and traditional works of art
Side Note: Cape Town is particularly
famous for its handcrafted beadwork,
and wood-carved bowls and animal
statues.
Take in the sights, sounds, and
aromas of Cape Town on a city
bicycle tour. Pass through colorful
piazzas and neighboring towns as
you journey to Cape Town’s most
historic sites.
Tips for your visit:
Simon’s Town
Celebrated for amazing seafood
cafes and restaurants, and a quaint
seaside charm, Simon’s Town is the
perfect place to visit for a relaxing
afternoon.
The area is also famous for its
frequent sightings of otters,
Southern right whales, and
penguins.
Robben Island is a World Heritage Site
that lies directly off the coast of Cape
Town. Once used as a leper colony, and a
prison for various political figures,
including Nelson Mandela, Robben
Island provides visitors with a rich
insight into some of Cape Town’s most
profound history. The best way to take in
all the amazing elements of Robben
Island is on a guided tour.
Animal-related Activities
Shark diving
Test your bravery on a shark diving safari in
the world’s most great-white-clad waters!
And who knows, you might just see a great
white shark breach as it attempts to snag its
first meal of the day.
A visit with the Penguins
It’s hard to find something more adorable
than the plump African penguin. These little
critters are scattered all along the rocky
beaches and terrain of Boulders Beach and
are a real treat to observe up close and
personal.
Whale watching in False Bay
Whether you’re enjoying a sensational
seafood lunch or relaxing on a sunset
cruise, witnessing the whales of False Bay is
an exciting and rare experience that
shouldn’t be missed!
A glimpse into the life of a
Cape fur seal
Enjoy a boat ride to one of the Cape fur
seal islands to witness playful seals during
their everyday activities.
Dining in the Cape
Not only is Cape Town famous for its traditional Cape Malay and South African cuisine, but it’s also renowned
worldwide for its international dishes. From trendy martini lounges to jazzy wine bars, seafood eateries to Asian-
fusion fine dining, and contemporary French restaurants to Italian bistros, Cape Town puts its own unique spin
on global culinary delights.
Below are just a few of our favorite eateries, bars, cafes, and restaurants in Cape Town:
Pure: located in Hout Bay * excellent Groote
Post wines * 3-course meals with wine pairings *
elegant * contemporary * romantic *
http://www.houtbaymanor.com/pure
La Colombe: unique fine dining * Asian and
contemporary French influences * excellent
wine selection * vineyard backdrop *
http://www.constantia-
uitsig.com/pages/restaurants/la-colombe.php
Overture: great meat and fish selection *
contemporary *Mediterranean and South
African flavors * award-winning dishes *
http://www.dineatoverture.co.za/
If you’re in the mood for elegance . . .
The Grand Café & Beach Granger Bay: jetsetter
hot-spot * funky and fun * large terrace with
outdoor seating * gourmet cuisine *
http://www.thegrand.co.za/
Black Marlin Restaurant: fantastic breakfast *
fresh seafood, including lobsters, prawns, and
mussels * overlooks False Bay with outdoor
seating * http://www.blackmarlin.co.za/
Five Flies: elegant ambiance * outside
courtyard * cigar bar * wine bar * specialty
seafood dishes * fine dining *
http://www.fiveflies.co.za/
If you’re in the mood for the outdoors . . .
La Boheme Wine Bar & Bistro: cozy * casual *
excellent food and wine selections *
http://www.labohemebistro.co.za/
Sotano by Caveau: located next to the sea in
Greenpoint * wine and Mediterranean tapas
bar * social atmosphere * excellent service *
http://www.eatout.co.za/Restaurants/8454/Sot
ano-By-Caveau
French Toast Wine & Tapas Bar: stylish and
trendy * extensive wine list * delicious tapas *
http://www.frenchtoastwine.com
If you’re in the mood for some wine . . .
Aubergine: contemporary African ambiance *
local ingredients * fine dining * continental
French and South Africa cuisine *
http://www.aubergine.co.za/
1800°: steakhouse and seafood * elegant and
hip * international inspiration *
http://www.caperoyale.co.za/eighteenhundre
d.php
Rust en Vrede: sophisticated and contemporary
atmosphere * international cuisine * exceptional
meats and seafood *
http://www.rustenvrede.com/restaurant/about-
restaurant
If you’re in the mood for Cape fare . . .
Cape Winelands
Located roughly 45 minutes from Cape Town’s city
center, Cape Winelands provides the perfect
getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. With
several primary wine routes and regions, including
Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Wellington,
Cape Winelands is famous for its diversity in vineyards
and century-old Dutch wine estates.
Best tours to enjoy in Cape Winelands include . . .
Horseback wine tasting tours
Olive oil tasting tours
Wine and food pairing tours
Village tours of Franschhoek
Garden Route
Renowned as one of Africa’s most beautiful coastal
regions and located just outside of Cape Town, the
Garden Route is ideal for leisurely drives, hiking, and
beach getaways.
Best places to visit in the Garden Route:
Mossel Bay: Home to some of the best beaches in South
Africa, a Maritime Museum, a Shell Museum, and an
Aquarium, as well as exciting whale watching tours.
Knysna: This charming town—famous for its fresh
oysters—is home to a breathtaking lagoon, which is
perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and sunset boat
cruising.
Plettenberg Bay: Celebrated for gorgeous beaches,
exceptional nearby golf courses, and sensational
mountain views, Plettenberg Bay is the perfect place to
enjoy the pristine natural beauty of South Africa.
Celebrate life at Olaf’s Guest House. Contact us today at . . .
Phone: +27 (0)21 430 2200/ Fax: +27 (0)21 439 50 57 / Email us: [email protected]
/ Fax to email: 086 216 7785 / Website: http://www.olafs.co.za/
About Olaf’s Guest House
Olaf's Guest House is a charming bed and breakfast
accommodation with nine individually decorated en-suite
bedrooms, and provides all the comforts of home. Enjoy a
sumptuous full breakfast each day in our fine dining area or sun-
drenched patio. Relax and unwind poolside with a glass of
champagne after an afternoon exploring Sea Point’s shopping
and Cape Town's sights. When you stay with us, you'll find the
attention to detail surpassed only by the personal service from
your host Raymond and his team.
Located in beautiful Sea Point, Olaf's Guest House is only 10
minutes from Cape Town city center, including the trendy Long
Street and Kloof Street with its restaurants and cafes, the V&A
Waterfront, and Camps Bay, as well as the famous Table
Mountain. Internet Cafés, restaurants, and a large variety of
shops are within easy walking distance from Olaf’s Guest House.