South Africa » Introduction of Cape Town

Cape Town, the oldest city in southern Africa, is regularly heralded as one of the most beautiful on earth. The massive stonework bulk of Mountain, often draped in a flowing "cover" of clouds, forms an imposing backdrop, while minutes away, immaculate sandy beaches line the cliff-hugging coast. Mountainous slopes supporting the world's most varied botanic kingdom (some 9,000 species strong) overlook productive valleys carpeted with vines, and driving from the highway you can spot zebra and wildebeest grazing in peace by the hubbub below.

Every year brings a veer of new awards ("best value for money," "best city in the world to eat out in," "best destination in Africa and Middle East"), leaving no doubt that Cape Town is now a permanent fixture on the map of global hot spots. Yet the city feels and is very different from the rest of Africa. Situated in the country's far south-western corner, Cape Town is physically separated from the rest of the continent by a barrier of mountains.