The V&A Waterfront is a world-class shopping destination

Undoubtedly the jewel of the Western Cape is Cape Town. The Mother City, as it is also known, is an extremely popular destination for local and international visitors, and is home to scenic and natural attractions, beautiful beaches, a vibrant nightlife, and a rich history.

It is the perfect launch pad for many of the Western Cape’s attractions, including the famed Cape Winelands, the Garden Route, and the attractions of the West Coast and interior.

The most well known of Cape Town’s attractions is Table Mountain, which offers amazing views, a selection of hiking trails, and abundant flora and fauna.

From the top of Table Mountain (as well as from Cape Town itself), visitors can see the infamous Robben Island, where political prisoners were jailed during apartheid. Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison on Robben Island.

Cape Town is also home to the V&A Waterfront, South Africa’s most-visited tourist attraction. The V&A boasts shops, restaurants, nightlife, museums and the Two Oceans Aquarium.

And no description of Cape Town would be complete without mention of its wide, sandy beaches. From the trendy Clifton and Camps Bay, to beaches on the warmer waters of False Bay (Muizenburg and Fishhoek), to the more adventure-oriented Noordhoek and Blouberg, there’s swimming, sunbathing, surfing and kitesurfing for all.

The most widely spoken language in the Western Cape province is Afrikaans, but don't worry – English is also almost universally spoken here.