Fish Hoek , Cape Town, South Africa

Fish Hoek is a quaint coastal town set between ocean and mountain at the mouth of the Silvermine River on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula. This is one of the few original villages along the Cape coast that has retained its former character, and it is home to many small and interesting shops. The bay lies in the shadow of the Kalkbaaiberg and Elsie’s Peak headlands, which are dotted with homes that take advantage of wonderful views of the bay. The long, white, sandy beach at Fish Hoek is one of the safest on the False Bay coast, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. During whale-watching season, whales and their calves frequent these waters. 

The beautiful village of Simon's Town lies nearby, close to the world-famous African penguin colony of  Boulders Beach. Numbering about 3 000, these endearing black-and-white birds are highly endangered. Their colony site actually comprises two interconnected beaches – Foxy Beach and Boulders Beach.There is much for the visitor to do and see in Fish Hoek, starting with the Clovelly Golf Club. The course, which dips up and down the contours of sand dunes, offers golfers scenic views of the coastline along False Bay. Located in the pristine and tranquil Silvermine Valley, this short-layout course is famous for its superb greens. One of Cape Town’s top golf courses, Westlake, is situated beneath the mauve slopes of the Silvermine Mountains. This is a physically undemanding 18-hole, par-72 course flanked by tall trees that line many of its fairways.

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa

The Hoerikwaggo Trail in the Table Mountain National Park takes in all the natural attractions of the park – beaches and mountains – as well as some city highlights. The Table Mountain National Park which protects the entire Cape peninsula, combines spectacular mountain and ocean scenery with unique fauna and flora – more than 2000 plant species make up the Cape Floral Kingdom. You should always take a map on any of the hikes in the park; walk with a group of people and let someone know where you are and when you can be expected back.

There are designated areas for dog walking, mountain biking, rock climbing, hang-gliding and paragliding, picnicking and fishing. Scuba diving and surfing are other activities you can try in the park – in addition to a ride in the famous cable car to the top of Table Mountain, where the views are breathtaking. There are staffed information centres at the cableway station and at Cape Point. 

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, established in 1929, takes visitors to the top in one of two cable cars, each with rotating floors and huge windows to ensure your views while travelling are almost as spectacular as those on the summit. Cable cars depart every 10 to 15 minutes.