BEACHES

There are many famous and unique beaches around Cape Town and close to our Oasis. Beaches Camps Bay Table Mountain forms the backdrop to this normally uncrowded family beach. There are no resident lifeguards, although a rescue helicopter does patrol the coast regularly. A tidal pool, a shady barbeque (braai) spot and facilities including shops, restaurants, a hotel, chemist, banks and police station make Camps Bay a wonderful place to spend the day. Clifton This is Cape Town's most glamorous beach and, in season, is packed with "beautiful people." Huge granite boulders divide the beach into 4 separate sections. Lifeguards keep the beach safe for swimmers. Llandudno About 18km/10 miles from central Cape Town, Llandudno is a peaceful and secluded cove tucked between huge granite boulders at the foot of a steep incline. The tiny village has only one road in and out, and no shops at all. The beach is perfect for a quiet picnic, sunbathing, long walks and somewhat chilly but safe swimming. Sandy Bay A twenty minute walk up the beach from Llandudno will take you to Sandy Bay. Well-known throughout South Africa as an unofficial nudist beach, Sandy Bay has no vehicle access and allows those who prefer worshipping the sun sans clothes an ogle-free retreat.

BO-KAAP

The Bo-Kaap, with its small, but lovingly restored houses, is home to many of Cape Town's Malay families. Here Islam is the dominant religion. Several old Mosques serve the community, and the chanting of the muezzin from the mosque tower calls the faithful to prayer five times a day. Experience the traditional Malay food and culture!

CAPE POINT

Enjoy a trip to the romantic meeting place of the Indian & Atlantic Oceans. Sir Francis Drake the explorer called it "the fairest Cape that we saw in the circumference of the Globe" Breathtaking scenery from the highest sea cliffs in Africa. 7750ha of unspoiled landscape and indigenous flora. Various species of game including baboon and rare antelope called Bontebok.

CASINO

Boasting state-of-the-art facilities, GrandWest Casino has 60 casino tables, offering American Roulette, Blackjack, Raise 'em Poker and Punto Banco. 1750 smart card slot machines, including the multi-million rand attraction - Millennium Mania, which pays out a R2-million jackpot. R1-million jackpot progressives include Dream Machine and for added slots pleasure there is African Express. African Express, is a 25c denomination game with a maximum bet of 90 coins per game. Increasing the bet on each game gives the player a better chance of winning the African Express jackpot ranges from R50 to R500 000. African Express engages the player in a marvelous game of skill as they progress through several different video slot games that are linked to four levels of progressive jackpots. Another popular tables game is Diamond Rush, the linked Blackjack progressive jackpot. The importance of the game is to play the added R5 bet, and stand a chance to win the progressive which is never lower than R50 000. You can play the ordinary blackjack, of course, but by playing Diamond Rush you have that extra adrenaline-pumping edge. Smart Card Gaming Gaming has never been easier and GrandWest has joined the rapidly expanding world of Sun International Smart Card gaming. Gone are the days of endlessly feeding coins into a slot machine. Now it's the age of the coinless system which means added security and improved convenience for players. Salon Prive The GrandWest Casino Salon Prive is a world of ultra-exclusive casino and luxury designed especially for high-end players. There is a Slots Prive and a Tables Prive in operation 24-hours a day. Slots Prive The Slots Prive has a total of 95 dedicated slots ranging from denominations of R2 to R100. For high stakes and unlimited casino pleasure there are slots ranging from normal reels to video reels and video poker with many exciting progressive jackpots on offer. Guests can select delicious snacks from the buffet area and bar service is free of charge. Tables Prive The Tables Prive is only available to top players and the service is superior and exclusive. Players can choose from 4 blackjack tables, 4 American roulette tables and one Punto Banco table. An added advantage for top players is the Captains Cabin accommodating an American Roulette table and two blackjack tables. The buffet and bar area provide fresh and delicious entrees and canapes throughout the day and night, including chinese and halaal dishes.

CITY CENTRE

Cape Town Before the Dutch East India Company (VOC) established a 17th-century victualling station on Table Bay's pristine shore, the Cape Flats were hunted for hippopotami and other large game by the Khoi-Khoi and the San (Bushmen). With colonisation, the Cape of Good Hope established a lasting tradition of hospitality leading weary explorers and sailors to rename it 'The Tavern of the Seas'. The sight of majestic Table Mountain and the people who live beneath it are as welcoming today as they were all those years ago, the looming crags a striking landmark providing a magnificent backdrop to the vibrant, friendly Mother City. In Cape Town many of the world's scenic wonders are within a day's drive of the city centre. Magnificent seascapes and panoramic vistas abound on drives marrying the sea to the mountains. An endless coastline studded with white, sandy beaches lures swimmers, sunbathers and anglers to an appreciation of a life lived in wide-open spaces and fresh, blue air. At midday the noon gun booms out over Cape Town, statling the pigeons into a flurry of wings in Greenmarket Square, and old Cape Town residents glance at their watches to check the time, it has become very much part of the timeless traditions of Cape Town, South Africa's oldest and most beautiful city. But the beauty of Cape Town endures; in its mountains, its varied and spectacular coastline, its rich flora, in its historic architecture, and in its wonderful friendly people and animals.

CULTURAL

On the Cape Flats, a sandy flat stretch of land between the between the Peninsula and the Hottentots Holland Mountains and winelands, you will see the sprawling townships and satellite squatter camps and shanties. Developed in the early twentieth century their blend of cultures and heritages are unique to South Africa. Socially responsible community based tourism is helping in the up-liftment of these districts. There are many self-help projects where the local people have meaningful ownership of the tourism industry. A visit to the townships will expose you to a vibrant cultural mix of peoples. Their traditions and way of life in a modern city, shown in their music, food, shebeens and traditional healers. Experience the diversity of Cape Town with a visit to Cape townships which will give you an alternative perspective. Guided tours include a unique blend of environmental, cultural and historical destinations and are guaranteed to leave you with delightful memories. You will meet the children of the areas, enjoy refreshments at a spaza (township shop) visit a shebeen (tavern) and a community school and soup kitchen run by amazing women. Cape Town has a very diverse population, there are many different religions, race and ethnic groups. The townships of Cape Town stand in strong contrast to the wealthier suburbs, economically, culturally and (still) racially. There is a lot of poverty and unemployment, but there is also an amazing warmth and community spirit that is sometimes lacking in richer areas. On a tour of the townships you will see areas that were important in the struggle against apartheid, shop in a craft market and meet local residents. You will find people extremely friendly and glad that you are interested in their lives. In the days of apartheid, black people were not allowed to live in traditionally white areas and were confined to areas away from the city. Most residents of Cape Town (about 55%) are of mixed descent and generally speak Afrikaans. These people (referred to as "coloured") also lived in areas separate from the black townships and white areas. Over one million coloured people live in a region known as the Cape Flats.

CHAPMAN'S PEAK

Chapman's Peak Drive is considered one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. It was originally known as the 'Hout Bay - Noorde Hoek Road'. It is named after John Chapman, the Captain's mate of an English ship, the Consent. He was nearly left behind at Hout Bay during 1607 or 1615 (date uncertain), after he had been sent to look for a safe anchorage and fresh water. The crew of the Consent named Hout Bay 'Chapman's Chance' after this incident. Chapman's Peak is regarded as the oldest surviving English place name in South Africa. On 29 December 1999 a tragic accident occurred when a rock fell onto a car and the passenger was killed. The road was closed early in January 2000. During 2001 the Western Cape Provincial Roads Administration took over the project from the South Peninsula Administration. Contractors were invited to apply for prequalification to submit tenders for the restoration of the road. Eventually two full proposals were submitted and after much investigation and analysis a consortium was selected. This consortium has been named the Entabeni Consortium. The proposal includes the formation of a toll road with toll booths to be set up on the Noordhoek side and on the Hout Bay side of the drive. The road has be restored and safety measures implemented to prevent damage from falling rocks.

HISTORICAL

Castle of Good Hope The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving building in South Africa. Built between 1666 and 1679, this pentagonal fortification replaced a small fort of timber and clay built by Commander Jan van Riebeeck in 1652

ROBBEN ISLAND

Robben Island is world renowned as the prison in which Nelson Mandela spent much of his 27 years of incarceration. But prior to Nelson Mandela and his fellow political dissidents, the island had a 400 year-long and unhappy history as a dumping ground for any unwanted persons - from those who went against the political, social or religious grain of the day, to criminals, lepers and lunatics. Many apartheid activists and former inmates consider it as their alternative political "university". Today a moving memorial to a long liberation struggle, it is one of South Africa's most significant historical sites, where former political prisoners will act as your guides. The Island, surrounded by the cold, restless and shark-infested waters of Table Bay, is situated ten kilometres off- shore and is 575 hectares in size. It is home to a rich and varied marine life, particularly seabirds, some of which are rare migrants. Ferry service A thirty min trip by catamaran (or alternately a historical boat (previously used to taxi prisoners to the Island); every day, every hour, 9am to 2pm, from Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Waterfront. Prior to embarking on an Island trip, explore the Nelson Mandela Gateway: the mainland memorial to the Island's history and past inhabitants that provides orientation and context for your Robben Island experience - and worth a visit on its own. Bus, walking and cycling tours and limited accommodation - are available on the Island

KIRSTENBOSCH

In many cities the indigenous flora has been swallowed up by urban sprall. Cape Town, however, is fortunate to have one of the world's leading botanical gardens right in its midst. The tiny enclave of the southern and western Cape is one of the world's richest botanical regions, in fact, one of its six flora kingdoms. Kirstenbosch contains more than 8500 indigenous plant species, including some so rare that they occur in areas only a few square meters in extent. The immense wealth of the plant life here has attracted botanists from all over the world to Cape Town to study the flora treasure. Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 on land bequeathed to the nation by Cecil John Rhodes. It covers more than 500 hectares, of which 36 hectares are cultivated, and the remaining area consists of a nutural flora reserve.

TABLE MOUNTAIN

Discover the beauty of Table Mountain, take a trip in the Cable Car to the top of Table Mountain, what a view! The old part of Cape Town lies in a great amphitheater by the rocky sandstone masses of Table Mountain, Devils Peak and Lions Head. The mountain looms over the city, embracing it and providing it a unique setting and character. Lion's Head, at the other end of the mountain, might of been named because there were lions roaming there, but was more likely given its name simply because it looks rather like a lion, with a curved back and rump ending at Signal Hill, above Green Point.

V&A WATERFRONT

This energetic working harbour is one of South Africa's most popular tourist attractions. Today the V&A Waterfront attracts more than 20 million visitors each year - locals and international tourists alike. With over 400 stores and 45 different restaurants and bars to offer, an arts and crafts centre, the IMAX cinema, an internationally renowned aquarium, a children's science exploratium and a museum - it's not difficult to see why !! Since its origin in 1860, the Port of Cape Town provided an important haven along the Eastern trade routes. By the time Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria's second son, tipped the first load of stone into the sea to initiate the construction of Cape Town's harbour, the city had already been transformed into a hive of seafront activity. Even today many exotic and diverse products can be found here. The discovery of gold and diamonds in South Africa necessitated an elaboration of the existing harbour section. The two harbour basins were constructed between 1860 and 1920, and the area is noted for its heritage buildings which retain the charm of Victorian industrial architecture and a harbour built for sail and the early days of steam travel. Redevelopment of this famous site began in 1988 and continues today around the original Victoria and Alfred basins. Shopping With over 400 stores, the V&A Waterfront caters to all shopping needs in a huge range that will suit any budget or taste. The unique blend of Victorian architecture, maritime tradition and African culture creates an environment that is lively and cosmopolitan. All stores at the V&A Waterfront are open until 9pm, seven days a week for your convenience, and there are over 6000 open-air and underground parking bays, patrolled and monitored 24 hours a day for greater peace of mind. The Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre forms the bulk of the retail space at the Waterfront. The shopper is presented with a wide variety of national retailers, boutiques and services, along with a superb selection of restaurants, coffee shops and fast food outlets. The adjoining Red Shed Craft Workshop offers an eclectic wealth of ethnic treasures, handmade curios and art, shark's teeth and gemstones. The Alfred Mall is situated within the historic Pierhead and houses quality specialist artefacts, jewellery, curios and art with a nautical or African flavour. Buildings of Historical Significance The Victorian Gothic-style Clock Tower was the original Port Captain's Office, which was completed in 1882. This icon of the old docks was restored in 1997, and has become an important focal point in the Waterfront's recent urban design. The Time Ball Tower was built in 1894 and is situated next to the Harbour Engineer's former residence, the Dock House. The Time Ball is a signalling device whereby ship's masters were able to test the accuracy of their chronometers whilst docked. It remained in use for 40 years, then lay idle for 63 years when new technology outdated it, and was finally restored and officially recommissioned in November 1997. The Dragon Tree (dracaeno draco) planted next to the Time Ball Tower is a species originally from the Canary Islands. Believed to have been planted over 100 years ago by a sailor passing through Cape Town, the sap ("dragons blood") of these trees was once popular as a medicine to treat dysentery and diarrhea. The original Breakwater Prison was constructed in 1860 to house the convicts working on the breakwater. The remains of a treadmill alongside the former prison building remind of the punitive penal attitudes of the 1890's. The building now houses the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business and the Breakwater Lodge, a comfortable non-graded hotel. The South African Maritime Museum showcases the maritime history of Table Bay and houses the most extensive collection of model ships in South Africa. Floating exhibits in the Victoria and Alfred Basins include the SAS Somerset - a retired Naval Defence Boom Vessel and the Alwyn Vincent - a coal-fired steam tug. Both may be boarded for a nominal fee. There are numerous other historical buildings within the V&A Waterfront boundaries. Among the most interesting are Ferryman's Freehouse/Mitchell Scottish Ale House (1860), the Dock House (1880), the Old Power Station (1882), the Harbour Café (1902),\ and the Union Castle Building (1919). Seal Landing The most special feature of the Waterfront is probably the familiar sight of a colony of Cape fur seals resting on the seal landing in the Clock Tower precinct, or on old tyres lining the quaysides. The seals are an integral part of harbour life, and can often be seen posing on postcards. The Two Oceans Aquarium The Two Oceans Aquarium is a window on the oceans, offering glimpses of the diverse life found off the South African coastline. Over 3000 living animals, including fishes, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and birds can be seen in this spectacular underwater nature reserve. The Aquarium offers unique opportunities such as diving with the sharks and copper hat diving, sleepovers for children, facilities for conferences and functions and the daily feeding of the fishes at 15h30 in the I&J Predator Exhibit. The V&A Waterfront Marina Part of the vision for the V&A Waterfront was for it to be lived in. Six years of planning and designing are now taking shape in the form of the V&A Marina, one of the world's foremost Marina developments. The development is aimed at the world's most affluent, and offers a quality and standard of finish to rival the world's best. The V&A Waterfront Marina is being developed in phases and when complete will consist of some 600 dwelling units with over 200 boat moorings. All the units are on the water's edge and a short walk through this secure estate along gently lit landscaped walkways finds you in the heart of the V&A Waterfront.

WINE ROUTE

The winelands of Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, steeped in history and tradition from the 17th century to today. Produce world award winning wines. " Wine and cheese, culture and cognac" From Cape Town to Paarl, the countryside quickly changes from residential areas to smallholdings, light industry and then to farms with fruit trees and vines. The Simonsberg mountain comes into view, the culmination of the three most well-known wine-producing valleys in South Africa - Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Travel past fruit orchards and vineyards along one of the side roads to visit the estate of one of the Cape's top winemakers. Follow the oak-lined main street of Paarl with its collection of Cape-Dutch, Colonial, Georgian and Victorian architecture, and possibly imagine the gracious living of bygone eras. Drive straight through Franschoek and a little way up the Franschhoek Pass, for a truly spectacular view of the valley and town. Return to the town, pausing at the Huguenot memorial, erected to commemorate the arrival of the main body of French Protestants in 1688. Take time for an optional lunch at one of the many restaurants along the main road, or explore the interesting art and craft shops. Traverse the "Helshoogte" Pass and travel past Stellenbosch to visit a brandy distillery on the outskirts of the town. Join a conducted tour of the brandy-making process, which includes visits to the maturation cellar and also to the cooperage, where expert craftsmen still ply the trade which has been handed down from generation to generation. Finally the opportunity arrives to taste and appraise the very fine brandies. Sit back and enjoy the scenery!