THE WESTERN CAPE

 

There is a huge difference between the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal and it is almost like visiting two different countries.  The main differences are in climate and population composition: In the Cape the climate is Mediterranean versus sub-tropical; Coloureds and whites are the main groups versus Blacks and Indians in Kwazulu-Natal; Afrikaans and English are the main languaes vesus Zulu and English in KwaZulu-Natal.

Language and population

Home language:   Afrikaans: 59.2%;    English: 20.3%;    Xhosa: 19.1%

Population:           Coloured: 54.2%;    White: 20.8%:       Black: 19.9%;

                             Indian: 1.0%; Other: 3.1%

“Cape Town, dominated by its famed flattopped mountain and virtually encircled by the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, is arguably Africa’s most celebrated city. The city has in more recent times come to symbolise the renaissance of the entire continent.

  The site of the founding European colony and not for nothing known as the Mother City, modern Cape Town is peopled with an interesting blend of cultures, which include people of Dutch, German, French, English, Malay, Khoi and black descent, the legacy of all reflected in the many faces of the cosmopolitan city, from its grand old Cape Dutch homesteads and whitewashed fishermen’s cottages to its striking churches, cathedrals, synagogues, mosques and kramats.

  Beyond the immediate city limits and far on the distant horizon, lie some of the Western Cape’s most impressive gems: to the north the rugged beauty and gentle fynbos, and to the east the verdant and tranquil vineyards of the winelands for which the Cape is renowned throughout the world.”

Inside guide   “Classic sights?  The Cape peninsula, where two oceans meet, must rank as one of the most beautiful and striking sights in the world, let alone on the African continent.”

Spectrum Guide   “Cape Town is described as the ‘fairest cape in the whole circumference on the earth’ – an appraisal that continues to be confirmed.  It is a city that has much to offer, be it scenic, historical, cultural, culinary or recreational and Cape Town is perhaps the most kindly of South African cities.  Do not miss to also travel along the Garden Route, ranked among South Africa’s most popular scenic attractions.”

 

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