Published: 23/09/2011 by Alison Beere

Cape Town - Miss It, Miss Out!

I have a pet hate.
Actually, I have several pet hates ;)
But the one I have in mind is for broad generalisations, sweeping statements and extravagant claims. And it definitely includes articles pretending to present both sides of an argument while in fact selectively stacking up evidence on one side - and one side alone.

So am I embracing a convenient double standard?

Hmm?

"Miss Cape Town, Miss Out" is definitely an extravagant claim.
And I'm the first to admit that there are loads of worthwhile places to visit, both within South Africa's borders and beyond. So perhaps I'm just giving in to that well-known Cape Town malady - a spot of one-upmanship?

Yes, Capetonians are notorious for punting their city...

Even if they've never set foot beyond it! But here's a difference to note I wasn't born here. In fact I first set foot in the Cape when I reached the ripe old age of 18, so I do have plenty of 'beyond Cape Town' experience to draw on.

But even with all that outside experience, I can still make a compelling case why every South African family should visit Cape Town. That argument is backed up by the fact that as I write I am wearing a very particular hat - my Parent Hat.

The Parent Hat is the one which makes us parents want to enlighten and educate our kids at every turn, to broaden their horizons and expose them to every interesting particle of knowledge while we can. And to have fun while we do it.

Enjoying fun is what makes me shamelessly pro-Cape Town

Cape Town is awesome! Of all the cities I have visited, it stands out as a fascinating place with so much to do (and learn) as you holiday. For our family I find it so enriching to see my children exposed to important issues, intriguing sights and historical places as we simply live out our lives around this town.

There is so much here to soak up - from the roots of much of South Africa's written history to the totally fascinating culture, unique terrain and rich floral heritage. It should be a crime ;) to marvel at any other country before we've shown our kids the treasure of our own!

And now having exhausted myself with that passionate outburst, let's take a look at a few of the fascinations in store for you when you bring your kids to visit Cape Town.

Test your general knowledge - and get excited

Did you know that...

* you can introduce your kids to the SA national tree, flower, fish and animal - all in Cape Town? And during a short trip into the countryside you will be able to show them flocks of our beautiful national bird as well?

* On the Cape Peninsula you can swim with endangered African Penguins - actually bob around with them in the water right next to you?

* From Llandudno you can watch the sun go down while you picnic in the same rock 'kitchen' that sheltered Khoi families way back in the day?

* At the Castle of Good Hope you will be walking through the oldest building in South Africa - treading right where Dutch and British colonial governors used to tread?

* In parts of Stellenbosch you can follow the old system of open channels (the 'leiwater' system) as it moves water round the town to keep the gardens green and fertile?

* You can have your photo taken with Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, any day of the week?

Never mind the education, what about the fun?

No one goes on holiday to learn all the time – ugh! It's not a school tour :). But it's a bonus to know that the simple combination of your kids' natural curiosity and your own interest in your surroundings can result in you all arriving home enriched as well as relaxed after your trip to the Cape.

But you can't get to the end of your trip before you even begin! So before you take the next step, let's put together an in-a-nutshell version of why holidaying in the Cape is a must.

Cape Town is an incredibly family-friendly city.
It's also a-wash with historical and interesting places that make for great outings.
In between those outings you can enjoy fun times at the beach, on the Mountains or in the Winelands.
Its natural beauty alone makes it a winning destination.
All of which pretty much brings us full circle...

Sweeping statements and grand generalizations?

They still don't do it for me - usually.
But Cape Town is a special case so I'll make an exception - I think ALL South African families should visit here!
===

Next Step

Summer - and particularly Christmas - is a favourite time for South African families to visit Cape Town. But reasonable accommodation can be hard to find, especially near the beach. And it gets booked up fast. If you want to get your first choice of options, it makes sense to book early.

Visit www.CapeTownMagic.com to plan your Cape Town holiday now!