The European Relocation Association (EURA) is having its first ever Eura Relocation Congress Africa, in Cape Town on the 23rd and 24th of November 2016. Intouch Relocations, as the conference sponsor, is looking forward to showing the delegates a warm South African welcome to our home town!
Eura is an association which represents relocation professionals in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). Its goal is to promote best practice in the relocation industry, provide support to relocation professionals and drive innovation. Eura has traditionally focused on the European market, and has now decided to expand its reach to Africa and the Middle East.
This conference is a great opportunity to get involved in this exciting venture from the beginning, and become part of a truly global industry.
Choosing Cape Town as the location for its first African Conference also affords delicates the opportunity to visit this spectacular city.
Top 10 things to do in Cape Town
1. Table Mountain – Half a day
If you could only do one thing while in Cape Town, it would have to be a trip up Table Mountain. A world heritage site and one of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” this landmark dominated the Cape Town landscape and can be seen from all parts of Cape Town. Named Table Mountain because of its 3 kilometre plateau, the top is often shrouded in a layer of cloud fondly referred to as “The Table Cloth”. The Table Mountain National Park is the richest floristic region in the world. To get to the top you can take a ride on the Cableway, which offers spectacular views on the way up. Beat the queue by buying your ticket online beforehand and also check that the cableway is running as it is sometimes closed due to weather conditions. www.tablemountain.net.
For the more adventurous, you can hike up Table Mountain or follow one of the many hiking trails within the Table Mountain National Park: www.tablemountain.net
2. Robin Island – Half a day
Take a tour of the Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 28 years, and learn about South Africa’s fascinating history. The tour begins with a ferry trip to the island. Ferries depart three times a day from Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront. The ferry trip offers a stunning view of the cape peninsula, however it can be unpleasant in high seas and rough weather so be sure to choose a clear day. The tour takes 3.5 hours including the ferry trip to and from the Island. The tour includes a bus trip around the island and visits to the significant sites such as the maximum security prison, and is guided by former political prisoners. www.robben-island.org.za
3. Town – 2 to 3 hours
Take a walk around Cape Town’s City Bowl, experience the vibe of Long Street with its many shops, restaurants and night spots. Pick up some souvenirs at the craft market at Green Market Square. Cruise down Bree Street and grab a bite to eat or a cocktail at one of the many vibrant eateries. You can see why Cape Town was named the word Design capital 2015 when exploring the carefully curated shops and galleries in this region. Bo-Kaap, the traditional home of Cape Town’s Muslim community, is one of the most colourful suburbs in Cape Town. With its colourful Victorian Terrance houses and cobble streets, as well as its Cape Malay cuisine, a visit to Bo-Kaap is sure to be a unique cultural experience.
4. Beach – 2 to 3 hours
Cape Town’s coat line is superbly beautiful, and there are many beaches offering opportunities to soak up the sun’s rays and participate in a variety of activities, depending on your preference. St James beach is famous for its colourful beach huts and is a great sheltered swimming, if you don’t mind the chilly Atlantic waters. Boulders Beach is home to a large colony of African Penguins, much loved by locals and visitors alike. Camps Bay, probably Cape Town’s most famous beach, offers visitors the perfect blend of beach café’s; tanned, beautiful people; stunning scenery; sand and surf. Camps Bay’s Victoria Road strip is often likened to San Tropez and is a great spot to sip a cocktail, or perhaps some local sparkling wine and fresh oysters, whilst watching the sun set over the ocean.
5. Dining – 2-3 hours
The Cape Town restaurant scene keeps pace with global food trends and can truly compete with any major city in the world. 2 of Cape Town’s restaurants recently made it onto The Worlds 100 Best Restaurants list – The Test Kitchen at 22, and La Colombe at 76. Luke Dale Roberts (of The Test Kitchen fame) is also behind The Potluck Club, The Shortmarket Club and Naturalis, exciting newcomers to the Cape Town scene. Dinner at The Test Kitchen consists of a multiple course dégustation menu, with wine or tea paring, and is a truly special gastronomic experience. Be sure to book at least two months in advance.
6. V&A Waterfront – 2 to 3 hours
The V&A Waterfront is a complex of shops, restaurants, hotels and apartments centred around a working harbour. A short distance from the city centre, The Waterfront is an ideal location to visit if you don’t have much time to explore. There are many restaurants overlooking the harbour, ideal for a pleasant lunch, however don’t expect fine dining in these touristy spots. The new Watershed Market is an excellent place to shop for South African treasures, showcasing a curated collection of the finest crafts, fashion and design. You can also take a ride in the Cape Wheel, a giant observation wheel that offers a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view of Cape Town, from fully enclosed cabins for R100.
7. Constantia wine route – Half a day
The Western Cape of South Africa is a world famous wine producing region, with most of its wine estates spread out to the north of Cape Town in the Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek areas. It is well worth while exploring this beautiful region, if you have a couple of days to spare, however The Constantia Valley offers a terrific experience, only 15 minutes from the Cape Town city centre. The Constantia valley is steeped in history and tradition. Simon Van der Stel founded Constantia's first wine farm, Groot Constantia in 1685 and the heritage buildings at this estate are fine examples of the Cape Dutch architectural style. Escape the city into the magnificent scenery of mountains and vineyards, sample award winning wines and delicious seasonal food at wine estates like Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwagting, and Constantia Uitsig. http://constantiawineroute.com/
8. The Neighbourgoods Market – Saturdays 09h00 – 14h00 – 2 to 3 hours
The Neighbourgoods Market is a great place to experience Capetonian culture and mingle with the hip local population, as well as sample some delicious local delicacies and find some locally made treasures to take home. This award-winning market features over 100 specialty traders every Saturday, creating a weekly platform for local farmers, fine-food purveyors, organic merchants, bakers and distributors, grocers, mongers, butchers, artisan producers, celebrated local chefs, and micro enterprises. The market is housed in an old sky-lit brick warehouse and courtyard at the Old Biscuit Mill in the industrial neighbourhood of Woodstock, Cape Town. It is as much a source for farm fresh as well as organic foods and locally produced specialty goods, as it is a meeting point to enjoy community, swap ideas and stories, and become educated about what we buy and eat by going directly to the source. www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za/cape-town
9. Chapmans Peak Drive – 2 to 3 hours (or longer if you stop for lunch)
Chapmans Peak Drive offers a breath-taking view around every bend. The road is also a feat of engineering and has been closed several times since it was first build due to rock falls. However it has remained open since 2009 and is considered safe, except during extreme weather conditions and heavy mists. Chapmans Peak Drive is a tolled road and a pass costs about R40. Take Chapmans Peak Drive from Hout Bay to Noordhoek, and beyond, stopping at the many viewpoints along the route. Check the website for road and weather conditions before you go. www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za
10. City Tour Hop-on-Hop-off Bus – 3 hours up to a day
A great way to explore Cape Town’s many wonderful tourist attractions at your leisure. There are three routes available, depending on which sites you would like to see and you can choose to hop off and explore any one, or all of the attractions. Stops include Table Mountain, Camps Bay, V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Districs Six Musiem, Castle of Good Hope and Imizamo Yethu Township. Tickets cost R170 for a one day pass. www.citysightseeing.co.za/cape-town
