Capetown is a lovely port to sail in to. We came into Capetown in the early morning on our first cruise into Africa. The sight of Table mountain growing slowly bigger as you sail in is one of the most evocotive sights ever from a cruise ship. We have been there on two occasions, once on the QE2 Out of Africa cruise and again on the Singapore to Southampton sections of the 2004 world cruise. What to do in Capetown, well you will probably not be there long enough for what is a beautiful southern African city. We tried twice to get to the top of Table mountain and failed both times, once to the weather and once to the crowds. We have to go back again sometime to do that. The best starting point is in the big shopping development, Victoria and Alfred, dockside, known locally as the V&A. From there you can take the open top bus tour of the city, A must for first time visitors. Also from there you can take the Roben Island trip to visit the prison island of Nelson Mandela. There are many other tours that take you out of Capetown. Try wine tasting in the cape wine region, but don't try driving there, the wines really do get at you. We took what was probably one of the most interesting tours ever recently to Landa Township in Capetown. You can book this at the V&A, and you will see another aspect of South Africa not available on any mainline tour. South Africa is a fascinating country, but you do need to listen to the advice you are given about security. Don't be put off, follow the advice and you will be fine in this wonderful country.( With Thanks to David Toft.)
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