Mossel Bay Cape Town is a 400 kilometer stretch of the N2 national road in a westerly direction. Mossel Bay Port Elizabeth is 400 kilometers to the east. This makes Mossel Bay the halfway mark between the 2 big southern cities of South Africa. It is also considered to be the unofficial southern start of the Garden Route.  Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex Mossel Bay is a harbor city with a population of about 130,000 people that is a farming region and a tourist attraction. The old town area occupies the north-facing side of the Cape St Blaize Peninsula. The modern suburbs bestride the Peninsula and have expanded eastward along the sandy bay.
The name Mossel Bay originates from the ascendancy of the Dutch shipping dealers in the 16th and the early 17th Centuries. The Dutch explorer Cornelis de Houtman dubbed it Mosselbaai when he arrived. Most of the explorers that landed there enjoyed eating the abundant amount of seafood that was available.
 Ernie Els The Mossel Bay Cape Town climate is considered the winter rainfall region and the Mossel Bay Port Elizabeth climate is the all-year rainfall region. Therefore Mossel Bay is mild year round because the city is located where the winter rainfall and all-year rainfall regions merge. The weather is affected by the Agulhas Current of the Indian Ocean and the proximity of the Outeniqua Mountains which are to the north. Most of the rainfall, about 80%, occurs at night. There is very little frost and no snow at any time of year. A compelling bit of trivia is it is featured in the Guinness Book of Records as having the second mildest all-year climate in the world.
The Bay has been a popular beach vacation destination for South Africans for over 100 years. A local Afrikaans farmer purchased a farm in the 1930s, and developed the land as a vaction resort. Over the decades it has grown to become a modern and comfortable haunt. The major attractions are the agreeable weather and the pristine beaches. The infrastructure including the paved roads and inland accommodations is modern and conducive to tourism. Mossel Bay was where the first contact between Europeans and indigenous people took place. The many cultural attractions include: - Jukani Predator Park is a wildlife sanctuary on the Garden Route.
- The Botlierskop Private Game reserve which has a variety of activities including guided game drives, a helicopter flight and a horseback safari through the mountains.
- Golfing.
- The White Shark viewing adventure.
- The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex.
Mossel Bay has a tradition of being hospitable and there is a great deal of natural beauty in the town and the surrounding areas. The history, culture and weather make it an exciting and fun place to visit.
A Cape Town private tour shows you the ropes of the magnificent city without much effort on your part. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the adventure as your own private tour guide reveals the incredible beauty of the city to you. A stressful vacation where you have to plan everything won't allow you to enjoy your travels, but an experienced tour guide eases all your tension and aids you in making your trip worthwhile. The benefits of a Cape Town private tour eliminate the nasty distractions that often plague people on their precious vacations.  Warren's been touring since 1995 Reliable Experts
The people who give tours of Cape Town understand the best parts of the city that travelers like. Years of experience teach these tour guides how to show tourists the spots of Cape Town that they will remember the most. You can put your trust in a tour guide to plan the best possible trip for your needs and desires. Calling ahead to plan a tour aids both you and the guide. Any special events occurring within your stay could be addressed by the guide, and you may be able to experience something special. Professional tour guides know the city like the backs of their hands, and you'll know everything you need to in order to have a life-changing vacation.
 Southern Right Whale Best Attractions
Cape Town is loaded with fun things to see and do, but every family is different. What you might consider enjoyable is likely to be much different from what other people do. A real professional guide will ask you about your interests and a bit about your background to determine the best itinerary for your individual needs. The people hired to take people on tours are empathetic and quick-thinking. Even if your initial plans fall through, the knowledgeable guide will always have a backup plan to prevent your day from going down the drain.  Cape Minstrels Memorable Tours
If you could use one word to describe a Cape Town private tour, it would be "memorable." You'll certainly be exposed to different aspects of culture, entertainment, and tradition at your various stops on the tours. You may get to taste ethnic foods, partake in music festivals, watch South African theater shows, and anything else your guide might think that you would enjoy. Plenty of choices present themselves for the visitor to Cape Town, and you'll be amazed at the discoveries you make about yourself on the trip.
The Mediterranean climate and lush setting of Cape Town make it a favorite destination for world travelers. Its beautiful vistas sweep up from the beaches of Table Bay to the majesty of Table Mountain. This lively city invites you to explore everything from its fascinating culture to its unique ecosystem. You'll find the most exciting tours of Cape Town are off the usual maps. Different Ways to GoThe city offers many different experiences, and you can decide how to enjoy each one. Sticking with an itinerary and taking your touring points from a brochure is a good place to start. However, give yourself a chance to explore Cape Town on your own time, and create your own adventures. - Let Cape Town Day Tours be your guide. The locals know where to find the city's best culinary and sightseeing treasures.
- Hop a bus or train for your own tour. Public transportation is an affordable way to see the sights.
- Splurge on an aerial view. A helicopter tour offers a breathtaking perspective of the city.
- Trust your own two feet. Take the time to get to know the city, and discover its charms.
Natural Places to VisitCape Town thrives in the center of an incredibly diverse ecosystem. A safari bus trip through the Aquila Game Reserve is your opportunity to be on the lookout for African elephants, Cape buffalo and endangered snow leopards. Hiking through Table Mountain National Park lifts you out of the city and into the company of zebras, baboons and more than 250 species of birds. The incredible Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, like Cape Town itself, is a world-class destination for nature lovers. Thrills to Experience If you crave heart-stopping action, Cape Town delivers with tours that take you where the Great Whites swim. Spend a day cage diving with the sharks off the coast, and you'll leave with a lifetime of memories and stories to tell. If you'd rather not swim with the fish, enjoy them from the shore. Cape Town is one of the few areas in the world that offers spectacular whale watching from land, and boating excursions provide an even closer view. There are so many fascinating tours of Cape Town and its lush surroundings, and they're all as unique as the South African setting. From the exceptional wineries in the countryside to the jazz and reggae festivals in the city, treat yourself to the tours less travelled, and discover your own exciting adventures.
Cape Town, South Africa welcomes more new visitors each year. Cape Town tours reveal the best and brightest spots to see in the magnificent city. A good tour makes a trip much easier and more enjoyable for everyone. When you need to find your way around Cape Town, you're strongly encouraged to contact Cape Town Day Tours. The people there have expert knowledge on how to get the most out of your Cape Town experience, and your vacation will be more special than you ever could have imagined if you choose to enlist their help. The very best Cape Town tours provide you with the tools to thoroughly enjoy your trip.
With plenty of experience and knowledge on Cape Town under their belts, the staff at Cape Town Day Tours makes the city more available to tourists every year. They're a company that you can trust to show you a great time when you're traveling around the city. Cape Town is quite a large city, and you may be confused about how to find the best places to spend your valuable time. There's no need to worry when you have the backing of Cape Town Day Tours. The best parts of Cape Town will soon be part of your vacations plans, and your enjoyable experiences begin to unfold before your eyes.
You'll be given a variety of places to choose from on your Cape Town tours. Rural beauty, city life, and mountainous views all play a vital part in taking the best of Cape Town with you when you go back home. Nothing will be left to chance with Cape Town Day Tours, and the company prides itself on showing you how to have more fun in Cape Town than you could ever imagine. The cultural experiences enrich your perspective on the world around you in new, fascinating ways.
You can call in advance or wait until you arrive to book your tours with Cape Town Day Tours. The choice is yours and yours alone. The only thing that matters is your comfort during your stay in Cape Town, and you can choose many different tours that suit your pace. If you want to see more places, you can choose busier tours. You can choose more relaxed tours if you have kids or if you just want to take your time. Cape Town tours await anyone who is looking for the experience of a lifetime during their next trip to South Africa.
Robben Island holds a special place in history for several reasons. In the midst of the apartheid period in South Africa, many current and future Africans were imprisoned on the island. Racial segregation led to the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela, who would later become the first black president of South Africa. Jacob Zuma, South Africa's current president, also spent 10 years as a prisoner at Robben Island. The isolation of the island made it a desirable place for South African governments to keep their political prisoners. The island itself is actually only a few feet above sea level, and dangerous storms sometimes threaten the prisons there.
A Tourist Mecca
If you're at all interested in prisons or the history of prisons, you'll love what you see here. You get to take a ferry from Cape Town's main lands to the island. A bus tour takes you everywhere you need to go in order to see the prisons in their entirety. The guides on the bus know so much valuable information about the history of the prisons, and they'll be able to answer any questions you might have about the things that happened there in the past. Some ex-prisoners ever give their own tours of the prisons, and these are especially exciting and enjoyable. The Boat Ride
If you like boat rides on choppy waters, then you'll love the Robben Island tour. The ferry ride usually takes about 30 minutes, and the short trip is usually an enjoyable experience. You get to look back at Cape Town's main coastline from the sea, and it's a view that you can't see any other way. You can make new friends and begin to learn about the historic prisons before you even step foot on the island.
Nelson Mandela's Cell
A humbling part of the trip for most people is when they get to see Nelson Mandela's cell. Mandela spent 18 years of his 27 total years of imprisonment at this cell on the island. The cell is the size of a small closet, and it's quite amazing that he didn't suffer incredibly painful body cramps from sitting in there all those years. The fact that the first black president of South Africa endured such a dreadful experience for so many years inspires those who visit. They come away from this tour with a new perspective on life and an appreciation for what others went through. The history at Robben Island poses significant cultural experiences for the visitor who comes with an open mind.
Cape Town tourism offers visitors a chance to see one of the most incredible parts of the entire world. Upon their arrival to the welcoming city, tourists select their plans for their adventures during their stay. An extensive stay in Cape Town invites travelers to see and do everything that they have time for. The local tourism culture oozes with life and potential for an enjoyable experience. Check out some of these Cape Town tourism hot spots on your visit:
Table Mountain
A highly-recommended tourist attraction in Cape Town is Table Mountain. Make sure you take your camera to fully capture the incredible sights from high atop the mountain. All the natural beauty of Cape Town comes to life right before your eyes as you take in nature's wonders. You could hike to the top or take a cable car to the summit, but you should be prepared with the proper attire for the time of year you go. Clifton Beach
Cape Town tourism wouldn't be complete without mentioning Clifton Beach. In addition to what you would expect from a beach, you'll also experience the beach in new ways at Cape Town. You'll surely enjoy the sand, the waves and the sun,. The wind even completely ceases at times, and you get to hear every natural sound that the beach has when everything else is quiet. Fun times awaits you right around the corner at Clifton Beach.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
You can take a tour of one of the most amazing gardens on earth. Varieties of plants are found here that other countries only wish they had. The gardens span over 528 hectares, so it's unlikely that you'll run out of stuff to do or great gardens to see. Endangered and rare species from South Africa highlight the gardens, and people of all ages will be in awe at the sights of these mystical gardens. There are plenty of other things to see such as shops, restaurants, and a nursery for young children. Now that you have a sample of Cape Town tourism, you may be thinking about taking a trip there. The choice to head on down to Cape Town would be one of the better decisions you've ever made, so don't delay. Make your way to Cape Town today for some truly great tourist experiences.
World renown, Cape Point Vineyards, have opened a new picnic venue. Set among the vines and overlooking Noordhoek Valley and the beach. Visitors will now not only be able to enjoy their fine wines - eleven 5 Star ratings from Platter’s Wine Guide over the past 6 years - but also soak up the sun and enjoy some of the finest views on the Peninsula. Set at the side of the Vineyard’s dam, in the midst of vines and fynbos, where it is set against a backdrop of the magnificent Noordhoek amphitheatre and provides a breath taking view of the prestigious Noordhoek beach, Cape Point Vineyards’ new picnic site cannot help but to encourage one to linger… Cape Point Vineyards Noordhoek Estate is open for picnics Daily between 12:00 and 15:00; and Sundowner tastings are served between 17:00 and 20:00. "Enjoyed a wonderful afternoon in the most exquisite venue. The picnic was the best we have ever had – far better than “a well known Stellenbosch” venue! The contents of the basket were well thought out, the presentation fantastic and the food excellent, (particularly the Bobotie Wraps), which were amazing. The wine, as expected was perfect, the service and friendliness of the staff rates 10/10. Great to see that there are vegetarian options available. We would highly recommend this place. Looking forward to the “Sundowner” option, which we will be trying shortly. Well done! " - Gill & Eric Sydenham Picnics:Adult Picnic: R265.00 per couplePicnics are available daily from 12:00 - 15:00: - Bookings are essential and advisable 24 hours in advance! - 1X Large Bobotie Wrap
- 1X Cheese Board: a trio of cheeses, crackers, chili jam and butter
- 2X Mini Mielie loaves
- 2X Salad Skewers
- 1X Assorted cured meat pack
- Assorted fresh bread
- 1X Hummus pot
- 1X Capponata Pot
- 2X Koeksisters
Kiddies Picnic: R50.00 each - Freshly made Sandwich
- Fresh fruit
- 1X packet of chips
- 1X Juice box
- 1X Smarties Box
Sundowners:Available daily from 17:00 - 20:00 Bookings are essential. CHEESE PLATTER A selection of six local, hand-crafted cheeses, served with olives, preserve, seasonal fruit with bread and crackers. A generous serving for two. - R 150.00 CHEESE & MEAT PLATTER A selection of six local, hand-crafted cheeses, sliced salami, prosciutto and coppa. Served with olives, preserve, fresh, seasonal fruit with extra bread and crackers. A generous serving for two. - R 185.00 EXTRA PLATTE An extra portion of bread and crackers served with salted butter for your platters. - R20.00 Wine is also available for purchase by the carafe or bottle.
Today the Queen Mary 2 docked in Cape Town harbor. It is a magnificent passenger liner. 2000 visitors will enjoy the sights and sounds of Cape Town for the next 3 days. Her last port of call was Walvis Bay in Namibia and from Cape Town will head to Durban and Mauritius.
The following passage is quoted from Wikipedia' RMS Queen Mary 2 is a transatlantic ocean liner . She was the first major ocean liner built since Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1969, the vessel she succeeded as flagship of the Cunard Line . The ship was named Queen Mary 2 by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004 after the first RMS Queen Mary , completed in 1936. Queen Mary was in turn named after Mary of Teck , consort of King George V . With the retirement of Queen Elizabeth 2 from active duty in 2008, Queen Mary 2 is currently the only transatlantic ocean liner in operation as a liner (in scheduled service between Southampton and New York ), although the ship is often used for cruising, including an annual world cruise.[ 6 ] At the time of her construction in 2003 by Chantiers de l'Atlantique , Queen Mary 2 was the longest, widest and tallest passenger ship ever built, and with her 151,400 gross register tons (GRT) , was also the largest. She no longer holds this distinction after the construction of Royal Caribbean International 's 154,407 GT Freedom of the Seas in April 2006, which was in turn superseded by the same company's 225,282 GT Allure of the Seas in December 2008 and 225,282 GT Oasis of the Seas in October 2009. However, Queen Mary 2 remains the largest ocean liner (as opposed to cruise ship ) ever built.
Queen Mary 2 was intended primarily to cross the Atlantic Ocean, and was therefore designed differently from many other passenger ships. The ship's final cost was approximately $300,000 US per berth, nearly double that of many contemporary cruise ships. This was due to the size of the ship and her unique design, which reduced the economies of scale achieved with other Carnival ships. Costs were also increased by the high quality of materials and the fact that, having been designed as an ocean liner, she required 40% more steel than a standard cruise ship.[ 7 ] She has a maximum speed of just over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph) and a cruising speed of 26 knots (48 km/h; 30 mph), much faster than contemporary cruise ships , such as Oasis of the Seas , which has a top speed of 22.6 knots (41.9 km/h; 26.0 mph). Instead of the diesel-electric configuration found on many ships, Queen Mary 2 uses a CODLAG configuration ( Combined diesel-electric and gas ) in order to achieve her maximum speed. This uses additional gas turbines to augment the power given by the diesel generators on board, and allow the ship to reach a higher maximum speed.
Queen Mary 2 's facilities include fifteen restaurants and bars, five swimming pools, a casino, a ballroom, a theatre, and the first planetarium at sea. There are also kennels on board, as well as a nursery. Queen Mary 2 is one of the few ships afloat today to have remnants of a class system on board, most prominently seen in her dining options. As of 1 December 2011 Queen Mary 2 , and the other ships of the Cunard fleet, had changed their registry to Hamilton, Bermuda in order to host weddings on board thus ending 127 years of Cunard British registry.[ 8 ] .'
One doesn't always associate Cape Town with wildlife. Most commonly when nature is discussed, flowers get the nod long before fauna. Looking around Cape Town and surrounds I am often astounded by the diversity of wildlife we actually possess.
July to November sees the largest of the mammals coming to visit. Southern Right Whales visit to give birth and mate as well as clean off a layer of skin on the rocks before making the long swim back to the feeding grounds in the Southern Oceans. Sightings of these magnificent mammals occur from Namibia to Durban with Hermanus being given the title of 'best land based Whale Watching' in the world.
Only living in the Southern Hemisphere are Penguins. The variety near Cape Town is 'African Penguins' otherwise known as Jackass Penguins due to the donkey noise the male produces. Colonies around Cape Town include Boulders Beach and Stony Point at Betty's Bay.
Cape Fur Seals are common in the cold waters of the Benguela Current. These animals can grow in excess of 300kg. Named after the fine fur found on their bodies. They feed on the schools of pilchards that abound in the nutrient rich waters of the Southern Atlantic. A popular trip is done at Hout Bay Harbour and lasts about 45 minutes.
Where there are seals there are sharks. Big ones, Great White Sharks. Some have been measured at over 6m in length and 2000kg. Now a protected species, people have swapped rods and reels for going in cages with cameras. Shark Cage Diving has become a popular activity. Gans Bay and Seal Island in False Bay are well known spots.
Two more baboons have been euthanased. Jimmy is a baboon from the Smitswinkel Bay Troop and another from the Constantiaberg area. Both were given a lethal injection. Check out IOL News for the full story
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