One of Africa's most popular tourist destinations is the city right at the continent's southern tip. Touring Cape Town will allow you to see stunning beaches, breathtaking views and a rich culture. One way to experience the city in all its color and to taste a slice of authenticity is to take the train along with the locals.
Many parts of the city are served by commuter trains. In fact, more and more Capetonians are preferring the train to being stuck in rush-hour traffic jams. You can travel by train to outlying suburbs and townships and even as far as the Boland wine region. For tourists, a popular option is to take the Southern Line.
The Southern Line shows you different aspects of the Mother City. You'll travel through industrial areas near the harbor, then through the leafy Southern Suburbs with their quaint Victorian houses. The most scenic part of the journey starts at Muizenberg, from where the railway line runs all along the western coast of False Bay. On your left you see the ocean and on your right there are mountains and little villages like bohemian Kalk Bay with its fishing harbor. The line runs so close to the ocean that the sea spray may hit the windows on windy days. Keep an eye out for seals, wild birds and, in winter and spring, whales.
The trains have two traveling classes. They're informally called 'first class' and 'third class', a throwback to the days when only white people could travel in first and second class and the majority of the city's inhabitants had to travel in third-class carriages. Even today, the majority of travelers in the first-class carriages are white. A third-class ticket, however, will allow you to meet Capetonians from all walks of life.
Many people will tell you that the train is not a safe travel option and that you should especially avoid third class. However, few of these people ever take the train, so their opinions are based on rumor. While it's not advisable to travel after dark, the third-class carriages are usually filled with people on their way to and from work, and everyone keeps an eye out for one another's safety.
Traveling third class is not only cheaper but also more colorful. There are always vendors selling a variety of goods, from snacks to brooms. Lay preachers are commonplace and if you're lucky, you may find yourself in a carriage where the people are dancing and singing along to a busker's music.
Not every part of Cape Town is served by the trains. However, there are usually minibus taxis waiting at the train stations to take you closer to your destination. For instance, if you get off the train at Simon's Town, you can take a taxi through this picturesque navy town to Boulders Beach and its African penguins.
For some of the sights in Cape Town, a car is still the best way to get there. A visit to Cape Point, for instance, is best when you get there via Chapman's Peak Drive with its dramatic views. However, to have a truly Capetonian experience, shun the tour bus at least once and take public transport instead.
Many parts of the city are served by commuter trains. In fact, more and more Capetonians are preferring the train to being stuck in rush-hour traffic jams. You can travel by train to outlying suburbs and townships and even as far as the Boland wine region. For tourists, a popular option is to take the Southern Line.
The Southern Line shows you different aspects of the Mother City. You'll travel through industrial areas near the harbor, then through the leafy Southern Suburbs with their quaint Victorian houses. The most scenic part of the journey starts at Muizenberg, from where the railway line runs all along the western coast of False Bay. On your left you see the ocean and on your right there are mountains and little villages like bohemian Kalk Bay with its fishing harbor. The line runs so close to the ocean that the sea spray may hit the windows on windy days. Keep an eye out for seals, wild birds and, in winter and spring, whales.
The trains have two traveling classes. They're informally called 'first class' and 'third class', a throwback to the days when only white people could travel in first and second class and the majority of the city's inhabitants had to travel in third-class carriages. Even today, the majority of travelers in the first-class carriages are white. A third-class ticket, however, will allow you to meet Capetonians from all walks of life.
Many people will tell you that the train is not a safe travel option and that you should especially avoid third class. However, few of these people ever take the train, so their opinions are based on rumor. While it's not advisable to travel after dark, the third-class carriages are usually filled with people on their way to and from work, and everyone keeps an eye out for one another's safety.
Traveling third class is not only cheaper but also more colorful. There are always vendors selling a variety of goods, from snacks to brooms. Lay preachers are commonplace and if you're lucky, you may find yourself in a carriage where the people are dancing and singing along to a busker's music.
Not every part of Cape Town is served by the trains. However, there are usually minibus taxis waiting at the train stations to take you closer to your destination. For instance, if you get off the train at Simon's Town, you can take a taxi through this picturesque navy town to Boulders Beach and its African penguins.
For some of the sights in Cape Town, a car is still the best way to get there. A visit to Cape Point, for instance, is best when you get there via Chapman's Peak Drive with its dramatic views. However, to have a truly Capetonian experience, shun the tour bus at least once and take public transport instead.
About the Author:
If you are looking for information about exciting Cape tours, pay a visit to the web pages online here today. You can see details at http://www.capetours.co.uk now.
No comments:
Post a Comment