Western Cape
From its long white beaches, where the cold Atlantic meets the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, to the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town is a city of contrasts. The legislative center of South Africa is also home to some of the country's richest and poorest people.
Here you will find vast vineyards that produce world-class wines, ostrich farms, shopping malls, fine jewelry stores, as well as merchants who create art from anything they can recycle. Dining experiences can range from very fine to the inexpensive. All were very tasty.
There is no shortage of entertainment in South Africa. Musical groups rock the house (literally). Also home to Cape Town University and the world-renowned Cape Town Hospital, which is the site of the world's first heart transplant. Cape Town attracts talents from all over South Africa. All in all, I found these contrasts and conflicting life styles to be the most interesting part of my visit.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain, the most famous landmark in Cape, stands more than 4,300 feet at its summit. A revolving cable car takes you up to the top, where you’ll find a café and the best (on a clear day) view of Cape Town. The cable cars won’t run on windy days. However, it’s still worth the drive. For the heartier adventurers, there is a hiking trail that leads to the summit. Be sure to pack your hiking boots, and water bottles! Myself, I’ll wait for the cable car. The brochures were right; it was spectacular, as we learned from our visit to Table Mountain.
The Famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The waterfront in Cape Town has a wide assortment of shopping, eating, entertainment, and sightseeing facilities. It is also the starting point of the Robben Island tour. Robben Island is the prison that housed now famous people like Nelson Mandela, all for seeking freedom for his fellow South Africans.
Castle of Good Hope
Built in the mid-1600’s by the Dutch East India Company, this castle is the oldest building in South Africa.
The pentagon-shaped fortress is located near the center of town and houses the regional headquarters for the South African Defense Force, as well as a military museum. This information was from the packet I bought as we toured the castle; it was full of a lot of good detailed information.
Robben Island
I highly recommend this emotionally stirring tour that strongly reflects the past sorrows and struggles of the people, who stood against apartheid. Now a national monument, it is the prison where Nelson Mandela, and many of South Africa's freedom fighters, where many were incarcerated for more than a quarter-century. Ironically, ex-prisoners who now lead the tour can tell you exactly what it was like, from their own personal experience.
Townships
The first of these tent cities was started in 1901, in order to house South African men (no women were allowed, as a way to control the men). Because of the long time the men were away from home, the wives and children moved to be closer to their husbands and fathers. Today, townships like
Guguletu, Langa, and Mantana
now house over a million people each. None have running water or indoor toilets. However, a very few are lucky enough to have electricity. This information was gathered, as I toured through the different townships, and talked with various people, in the know. Click on a township for more photos and information.
Boulder Beach
Simon’s Town is a small village at Boulder Beach. It is a rocky beach that is home to the Right Whales, and a colony of Jackass Penguins, a very entertaining group of birds that no one should miss seeing. 
Shopping for Every Taste
Cape Town has many markets. From its expansive shopping malls, to the bargain hunters' delight, with places like the Green Market and the colorful Sunday Market, you will find many exciting, and unexpected things that are only available from South Africa’s most talented artists. Seeing is believing! The overall creative talent, exhibited by native South Africans, is truly unique, to the world.
Wild African Animals
You can't go to Africa without at least one visit to Africa's wild animals. For many years, the African Wildlife has been exploited, and poached, to the point of almost extinction. Now, you can discover firsthand, the appeal of elegant South African’s wild beasts. Many game reserves, and game parks, are readily available throughout South Africa. Your visit can last a few hours, to on that last severl weeks. It's your choice! The one we visited, was Kragga Kamma Game Park. It was so exciting!!
The Wine Lands
The South African vineyards that produce world-famous wines, are just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town. The beautiful mountains and valleys, cask-lined cellars, and friendly staff of the local wineries of Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl, create a delightful atmosphere that entices you to slowly explore and savor these excellent wines. There are 13 wine shops in the Seattle, Washington, area. They carry a nice selection of South Africa's fine wines, or you can always order direct!