When arriving in South Africa, more precisely in Cape Town, it is impossible not to stop for a moment to appreciate its pure natural beauty. With 2.500km2, almost 3 million inhabitants and centered on a huge group of mountains, the place borders the sea and enchants at first sight.
Entering its rhythm and daily life, it is possible to see that all this brilliance is also reflected in its inhabitants, in the organization of public spaces, in the emerging art and design, in every piece of this former Dutch colony that has prospered greatly in recent decades. Exploring its corners means delving into a history of many conflicts, disputes and political crises, and also traveling through a world of prints, curves and lots of fantasy.
WHERE TO GO OUT?
A large part of Cape Town's gay life is in De Waterkant, in Pink Village, a block that brings together most of the city's gay bars and clubs. But don't forget that the city is beautiful and so are the summer days. So, during the day, invest in a gay beach like Third Beach, in Clifton, or Sandy Bay, a famous nudist spot where some cruising takes place at the tip of the bay.
CHECK OUT THE BARS AND CLUBS FOR YOU TO PLAY
Crew – open until almost dawn
Azoka – mixed, good for drinking and meeting local friends
The Power & The Glory – a kind of indieartbar/pub that brings together the city's hipsters
The Bronx Action Bar – one of the best-known and busiest gay venues in the city
Hot House – sauna that is a favorite destination for boys who go out at night around the city
Plus: Bar Code, Beaulah Bar and Loft Lounge
WHERE TO EAT?
Beefcakes – the local hamburgayria is definitely fun. Honest price and great flavor
The Grand – located on the shore, has great drinks that can be served on sofas in the middle of the sand. The space also has a culture and design store.
Gold of Africa Barbier-Mueller Museum – with a complete collection on the history of gold in Africa, it is the best option to sample dishes from across the continent. During dinner there are artistic performances
Trinity – in addition to good Japanese dishes, it has a lively dance floor
WHERE TO RIDE?
First of all, visit the Cape Town Tourism website (www.capetown.travel) for information and select what you would like to see among so many attractions. Taking the bus that tours the city is also a good way to find yourself. Coffeebeans Routes (www.coffeebeansroutes.com) offers tours accompanied by a specialized guide.
Among the attractions, Table Mountain is almost mandatory. Climbing to the top with the cable car and looking at the city from above is indescribable and a great way to start exploring it. Visiting the Cape Town Stadium, the venue for the 2010 World Cup, is also exciting, mainly due to the anticipation of the event in Brazil in 2014.
The V&A Waterfront brings together bargain markets with local products to luxury shopping malls with all the world's designer stores. At the top of Lion's Head, another symbolic mountain in the city, it is possible to go paragliding. To feel the warmth of the city, visit the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, an emerging and vibrant neighborhood. Don't miss the wine route and taste some of the most sought after flavors among winemakers from around the world. To get around the city in style, just call Rikkis Taxis, cars that are worth the price and comfort.
Where to go to
– see different species: KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDEN – the oldest botanical garden in the world, opened in 1913, exudes natural beauty
– enter history: THE CASTLE OF BOA ESPERANÇA – located on the cape of the same name and established in 1666, the building is the oldest in South Africa
– understand Nelson Mandela: ROBBEN ISLAND – formerly a kind of local Alcatraz, the place that once held the former president imprisoned is now a museum and ecological reserve
– an unusual haircut: SCAR – hype beauty salon, caters to the city's hipsters looking for modern and effective cuts, + at scarhair.com
– admire the local nature: CAPE POINT – southernmost point of the peninsula, the place is known for its rich diversity of flowers and wild visitors such as penguins
– relax in a luxury spa: THE 12 APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA – the five-star hotel located on the Atlantic Ocean has a spa and massage service amidst its plant garden, there is no way not to relax
– buy South African fashion design: A STORE IS GOOD – a cool store that sells books, records, gadgets and pieces by celebrated local designer Adriaan Kuiters and THE FASHION DELI – a kind of fashion emporium that features innovative pieces hanging in Pepsi fridges and wrapped in market boxes
– appreciate and understand local fashion: CAPE TOWN FASHION COUNCIL – with Bryan Ramkilawan as CEO, the institute promotes various fashion and social actions – such as the Wear Only ZA movement – and the local fashion week
– have a cultural night: THE DREAM FACTORY – the warehouse in the center promotes cinema nights in a relaxed atmosphere, complete with a full bar and DJ after the screening
– acquire contemporary South African art: SALON 91 – located on Kloof Street, the tiny space houses great and visionary projects and works by local artists
– feel unique fragrances: FRAZER PARFUM – by perfumer Tammy Frazer, daughter of the creator of the world-renowned Olay, the store offers 8 chapters in scents, in beautiful bottles and with scents inspired by cities visited by the owner
WHERE TO STAY?
If you have plenty of money and you want to stay in style, get together with friends and rent a high-end property from NOX Rentals. Close to the beach, the mountains and essential points of the city, the houses are impressive. With a fully equipped kitchen, illuminated swimming pool, suites with closet and home theater, internal elevator, personalized service from a member of the company, garage and an amazing view, the investment is worth it. Find out more via email nastassha@noxrentals.co.za.
If you prefer a good old hotel, the unusual, inviting and fun Fire & Ice, from the Protea chain, could be the ideal place. With attentive staff and a complete breakfast, the hotel plays with design in its elevators and halls. The rooms have all the comfort and technology you would expect from a high-end guesthouse. Centrally located, the establishment has rates and services that are worth it. For information and reservations, visit www.proteahotels.com.
TOTALLY FRIENDLY
Although prejudice and homophobia exist everywhere in the world, Cape Town residents have a very evolved and peaceful relationship with the issue. There is gay life everywhere and public displays of affection are seen as normal by a large part of the population, making physical or verbal aggression rare and expanding the LGBT universe outside the ghettos, creating a real daily coexistence with difference.
Write down!
– South African tourism website – www.southafrica.net
– Cape Town tourism website – www.tourismcapetown.co.za
– DDI South Africa – 27 and Cape Town code – 21
– Language – South Africa has more than eleven official languages, but the most used in Cape Town are Afrikaans (a dialect close to Dutch) and English
– Time zone – 5 hours more than Brasília
– Currency – South African Rand, on average 1 real is worth 4,25 rand
– Emergency telephone number – 10111 – Police
– Visa and immigration – To enter South Africa it is not necessary to have a tourist visa. However, in order to pass through South African immigration, your passport must be valid for 30 days and have a blank page in the visa section.
*Article originally published in A Capa magazine #51 – November 2011
