South Africa's cultural capital is one of the most vibrant
destinations in Africa. It is surrounded by stunning beaches,
expansive vineyards, lush farmland and, of course, the iconic Table
Mountain. Riding the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is, for many,
the highlight of any South Africa holiday. Over the
centuries, Table Mountain (1,086 metres or 3,563 feet) has become
one of South Africa's most famous landmarks.
The steep cliffs and rocky outcrops of Table Mountain are home
to a number of different animals and plants. Complementing the vast
array of flora is a stunning range of fauna, some, like the Table
Mountain Ghost Frog, found in no other place in the world. The
oldest existing building in South Africa, Cape Town Castle, was
built in 1666 to protect the new settlement at the Cape. Still
operational as a military base, today its five imposing stone walls
also house a museum with artefacts dating back to the 17th century,
and troops dressed in historic uniform parade on its cobbled
grounds.
Nearby, across the Grand Parade, stand the Drill Hall and Cape
Town's Italian Renaissance-style City Hall, completed in 1905. The
Slave Lodge, the second oldest building in Cape Town, has served
many purposes in its nearly three centuries. Originally built as
accommodation for the slaves of the Dutch East India Company, it
was also Cape Town's first post office, a library, and the Supreme
Court. Today it is home to the South African Cultural History
Museum - also known as the Slave Lodge Museum - and its displays of
ceramics, toys, silver and textiles from Cape Town's past, as well
as artefacts from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
