View in Cape Town

Cape Town boasts some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels and guesthouses found in South Africa and around the world. Many of the smaller and more personal of these are located within a short distance of Cape Town’s famous landmarks, such as Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and Bo-Kaap. In addition to each of these being famous and unmissable landmarks in their own right, they each offer unique attractions and views of the city.

Lion’s head is a mountain so named for its distinctive and easily recognisable shape. It’s situated beside Table Mountain, and offers spectacular views of Table Bay and the city on one side, and the Atlantic coastline on the other. There is a relatively difficult hike up the mountain that isn’t recommended for young children or the elderly, but is perfect for the fit and adventurous. The path up is steep and there are chains to help you manage the last section, which is rocky and particularly strenuous. An alternate route is available, but the incline is also steep and tricky.

Signal Hill connects Kloof Nek to Lion Hill and is also known as Lion’s Rump due to its proximity to Lion’s Head. The Hill got its name from the semaphore communication post that was established on it, and used to send signals to ships in the harbour. These days it’s famous for the noonday gun, which is fired every day except Sunday. The ritual of the noonday gun dates back to 1902 and is one of Cape Town’s oldest living traditions. It’s accurate to the nearest millisecond; timed by an atomic clock. The responsibility of firing the gun rests with the South African Astronomical Observatory, which fire the gun electronically from a location known as Lion’s Battery. Two cannons are always primed and ready to fire in case one of them fails to go off.

Signal Hill is also famous for its night views of the city and, despite the occasional mugging, continues to be a popular destination for sundowners and romantic sunset picnics. Its situation makes it the perfect spot for viewing crescent moons. The Astronomical Observatory makes regular use of it, particularly when the crescents are difficult to see. The Hill is also home to several sacred shrines and is often used as a launch site for paragliders. Signal Hill offers a popular and beautiful mountain walk up to the top of Lion’s Head, which is particularly breathtaking under a full moon.

Bo-Kaap is a colourful suburb of old houses and cobbled streets. Set on the edge of the city centre, it rises up several narrow streets and nestles on the slopes of Signal Hill. Many of the houses date back to the 1700s when slaves were imported from Africa, India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka by the Dutch. They were settled in the area, which came to be known as the Malay Quarter. To this day the inhabitants are a blend of cultures, although the influence is mostly Muslim. Most of the houses in the Bo-Kaap are national monuments, and no alterations are allowed. Guided tours are available that include visits to local shrines and Mosques. The Bo-Kaap museum is also worth a visit, as it gives a taste of what life was like for a typical family living in the suburb in the 19th century.

The history of the Cape is rich and vibrant. Living examples of some of its most interesting and colourful ages are available to be experienced within walking distance of some of the finest choices of accommodation. Opulence and the comfort of a personal touch needn’t be sacrificed to have the beauty and diversity of Cape Town at your fingertips.

Recommended sites:

http://www.wheretostay.co.za/information/topic/699

http://www.uncoverthecape.co.za/hiking-guide/hikes/lions-head/

http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionswc/bo-kaap.htm

http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionswc/noon-day-gun.htm