Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Attractions

The Cape Town Diamond Museum captures the essence of South African diamond history.  Visitors are encouraged to explore the journey of diamonds in South Africa.  Explore first hand what mining was like, learn about the 4 Cs and discover a whole new way of appreciating the art of diamonds. 

Unique attractions at the Cape Town Diamond Museum, South Africa:

• the specimens dating back billions of years
• life size replicas of famous diamonds
• the visual timeline

Location

1st Floor, Clock Town Precinct, adjacent to Robben Island Gateway

Closest parking

Clock Tower Underground Parking

The Cape Town International Airport in Cape Town (CTIA), South Africa. is a hub for South African Airways. The Cape Town International Airport is the second-largest airport in South Africa, after OR Tambo International Airport
in Johannesburg, third-largest in Africa and a major gateway for tourist traffic. Until the mid-1990s the airport was named DF Malan Airport after Prime Minister Daniel François Malan.

The Cape Town International Airport handled 7,932,000 passengers per annum up to October 2007, showing a massive increase of 13.6% over 2006 figures. Cape Town International maintains its status as Africa's 3rd busiest airport and has overtaken San Antonio International Airport in the world rankings.

The Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is undergoing major renovations at a total cost of R1.3 billion to accommodate the expected 14-million passengers by 2015. The new International Terminal has already been completed with the first of two new multi-storey car parkades already operational adjacent to the Domestic Terminal.

The single landside road access has been reconfigured to provide a two-level roadway, with the lower-level for arrivals and upper-level for departures. This increases capacity at the airport and completely alters the face of the airport.

The domestic terminals are received a complete face-lift in conjunction with a new central terminal building at a cost of R900 million, linking the international and domestic terminals. The domestic terminal has been extensively upgraded and expanded, with the central terminal accommodating both additional international and domestic arrivals and departures. Complementing additional capacity, additional glass air-bridges have been added at airside to facilitate direct access from arrivals and departures to the aircraft.

Cape Town International Airport: ground transportation

Luxury bus transfers and Cape Town hotel transfers are available from the Cape Town airport arrival terminal. Taxi services are also available but passengers should ensure to use a registered taxi service - look for clearly marked vehicles registered as taxis. There are a limited number of taxis authorized at the airport.

Cape Town International Airport: airport location and access / directions

By car

Take the N2 highway from Cape Town to direction Somerset West and follow the signs to the airport.

By taxi

Taxis are available from the airport to the city centre (journey time: 20 minutes).

By bus

Door-to-door shuttle bus services are available on demand or by pre-booking in Arrivals (International and Domestic). Schedules vary according to flight arrival times; passengers can also pre-book their return trip to the airport.

Self Drive Around Table Mountain Tour, Cape Town
 
Distance:  50km (31 miles)      
 
Driving Time:  1 ½ hours       
 
Allow:  7 hours
 
General Overview:
 
This tour takes in coastal scenery plus stretches of unspoilt, undeveloped coastline.  A boat trip to Seal Island and stroll through the world-famous Kirstenbosch National Garden. This beautiful drive starts from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
 
Points of Interest: 
 
Sea Point, Clifton, Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Seal Island, (option: Drive to top of Chapman’s Peak), Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.  
 
Along this scenic route you will see the Somerset Hospital which was the home of Lord Charles Somerset, governor of the Cape between 1814 and 1827. You will pass Green Point Lighthouse. It is the oldest lighthouse on the South African coast built in 1824.  Passing Sea Point and Clifton with its high-rise beachfront apartment blocks. The most beautiful beach resorts are at Clifton and Camps Bay. The next seaside village is Llandudno which nestles at the foot of a mountain called Little Lion’s Head.
 
Visit the picturesque Hout Bay Harbour where one can stop and have lunch at one of the excellent restaurants. The boat ride to Seal Island leaves from the harbour or go to the World of Birds up Valley Road. If you have time the scenic drive to the top of Chapman’s Peak is spectacular. From Hout Bay to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a winding road through a forested area with beautiful views of the Southern Cape Peninsula.
 
The magnificent gardens at Kirstenbosch are world renowned for their beauty and diversity of the Cape flora. The garden covers 36 hectares of indigenous South African plants e.g. cycads (these date back 100 million years), proteas, fragrant and medicinal plants etc.
 
On the way back to Cape Town you will pass the University of Cape Town which was founded in 1829 and is regarded as the top research institute on the African continent. On the right you will pass the historic Mostert’s Mill and finally Groote Schuur Hospital where the world’s first human heart transplant took place in 1967.

Cape Town Self Drive Tour: Southern Cape Peninsula
 
Distance:  110 km (68 miles)      

Driving Time:  3 ½ hours   
 
Allow:  7 ½ hours
 
General Overview:
 
This scenic self drive tour follows the Atlantic coast to the magnificent Cape Point Nature Reserve and the Cape of Good Hope (the most south-westerly point of Africa) and returns along the False Bay coast.
 
Points of Interest: 
 
Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Chapman’s Peak, Ostrich Farm, Penguin Colony, Kalk Bay antique shops. This drive starts from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

Detailed Tour description: 
 
Along this route you will pass Groote Schuur Hospital where the world’s first heart transplant took place in 1967. Next the historic Mosterts Mill  and onto Groot Constantia. This homestead is a fine example of Cape Dutch architecture which was built in 1685 and it is the oldest wine farm in South Africa. The manor house has a fine collection of period furniture and ceramics and taste the wine at the winery noted for its red wines.
 
Now head for Chapman’s Peak Drive which is spectacular. At the highest point is an excellent lookout point and continue along the road which hugs the cliff face and notice the different rock types, below the road is igneous granite and above is sandstone of sedimentary origin. Pass the quaint country Noordhoek Farm Village with its craft shops and restaurants. Along the way you see the tallest lighthouse on the South African coastline – Slangkop. Visit the Cape Point Ostrich Farm.
 
Enter the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and onto Cape Point where many people say that the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Take a walk to the lighthouse or go via the funicular railway. Have lunch at the restaurant overlooking the ocean. You will certainly see Baboons but do not feed them.
 
The stretch from Cape Point to the African penguins is spectacular with unique scenery along the False Bay coast. The penguins (an endangered species) at Boulders Beach are often called Jackass penguins as their call is similar to the bray of a donkey. 
 
Pass through the quaint naval town of Simon’s Town which has a Victorian feel and was the headquarters of the British Royal Navy from 1806 – 1957. If you are interested in semi-precious stones visit The Scratch Patch and Mineral World at Dido Valley. Pass Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay with its antique shops and quaint fishing harbour and Muizenberg where surfing is great.  Return to Cape Town.

During the early days of white settlement at the Cape in South Africa, Robben Island, which is 500 ha in size and 12 kilometres off the coast, was used as a prison colony. The so-called 'deliquents' that were brought here, were mainly rebellious Khoikhoi. With very few exceptions, attempted escapes failed and most of the escapees drowned during the long swim to the coast.

In 1961, South Africa's most notorious prison was established on Robben Island. Political prisoners of the anti-apartheid movement were kept here together with hardened criminals. The most prominent inmate was Nelson Mandela, who later became the first President of the new democratic South Africa. Here Nelson Mandela spent 27 years of his life in a tiny cell of 5 square metres.

The living conditions were, particularly in the early years, extremely bad. Prisoners had to labour in the quarry, were not dressed sufficiently and had to sleep on a thin strawmatt on the stonefloor. Through strikes and endless protests, in 1971 the prisoners achieved the implementation of more humane conditions and were also allowed to study. Mandela himself describes his 27 years on Robben Island very impressively in his autobiography "Long Walk to Freedom".

Today, Robben Island is a national memorial and a museum. The catamaran ferries leave from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront's Clock Tower to Robben Island. The boat trip takes about 30 minutes and the guided tour of the island about two hours. A former inmate acts as tour guide around the prison and presents Nelson Mandela's cell. There is a bus one can take to the lime quarry, where the prisoners had to labour in the blinding sun without protection.

The ticket sales office is located at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.

Robben Island Museum:
Tel +27 21 413 4220/1 (Nelson Mandela Gateway)
Email: infow@robben-island.org.za Tel +27 21 409 5169  +27 21 409 5169 (Robben Island)
Email: infoi@robben-island.org.za

Advance Bookings:
Tel   +27 21 413 4233  +27 21 413 4233 / 37
Fax +27 21 418 3736
Email: rimbookings@robben-island.org.za

Special Tours:
Tel +27 21 411 1037 +27 21 411 1037
Email: specialtours@robben-island.org.za

Victoria and Alfred Shopping areas, Cape Town

The Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre forms the bulk of the retail space at the Waterfront, and presents the shopper with a wide variety of national retailers, boutiques and services, along with a large selection of restaurants, coffee shops and fast food outlets.

The Clock Tower Centre, across the swingbridge from the Pierhead, is the latest addition to the V&A Waterfront’s retail offering. It brings South African crafts, arts, designs and foods together in one centre, along with facilities appealing to tourists and locals alike.

The Alfred Mall & Pierhead is situated within the historic Pierhead and overlooks the small craft harbour and adjacent dry dock. Those seeking quality specialist artefacts, jewellery, curios and art with a nautical or African flavour will find a wonderful selection here.

The Red Shed Craft Workshop, adjoining the Victoria Wharf centre, is filled with an eclectic mix of handmade merchandise and art and has an atmosphere that brings the shopper closer to the creator.

Waterfront Craft Market represents the Waterfront's culture of entrepreneurship and micro business development. This vibrant indoor craft market, adjacent to the Two Oceans Aquarium, features a diverse assortment of innovative designs and traditional handcrafts, antiquities and holistic lifestyle accessories.

Shopping Hours 

All stores within the V&A Waterfront, with the exception of the V&A Craft Market & Wellness Centre, are open from 09h00 till 21h00 daily.
Sundays and Public Holidays
For your convenience, stores are now open from 09h00am till 21h00pm on Sundays and Public Holidays.
V&A Craft Market & Wellness Centre
Stores are open from 09h30am till 18h00pm daily.

V&A Waterfront Parking 
Parking's an absolute breeze at the V&A Waterfront, with the new Breakwater Parking Garage (11*) now open - 800 undercover bays available over two levels with unique retail stores - including a magnificent Aston Martin showroom...want to know a little secret too? "An elevated bridge will give shoppers access to the main entrance of Victoria Wharf when complete."
How about that view? If ever you're looking to capture that breathtakingly picturesque postcard moment, to leave friends and family, especially those who've left our sunny shores, absolutely green with envy...then you definitely need to soak up the marvellous views on offer; from the Breakwater Parking Garage...they're just to die for!!
 Parking Garages - Available Now
• Breakwater Garage (11*): 800 undercover bays over two levels.
• Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre Garage (10*): 1240 undercover bays.
• Clock Tower Centre Garage (16*): 240 undercover bays.
• Portswood Square Garage (15*): 400 undercover bays.
• Ulundi Garage (14*): 210 undercover bays.
• Granger Bay Garage (12*): 150 undercover bays.
• BP Building (4*): 105 undercover bays.
Surface Parking - Available Now
• Victoria Wharf area :
- 150 bays adjacent to Table Bay Hotel (8*) FREE OF CHARGE
- 150 new bays next to Table Bay Hotel over Breakwater Boulevard (7*) FREE OF CHARGE
- 75 bays behind the Security Operations building (9*) FREE OF CHARGE
• 'Mini Table Mountain' area (5*): 200 bays above Breakwater garage (left off Beach Rd entrance) FREE OF CHARGE
• Clock Tower area (2*): 220 bays next to the Silo Building
• Coen Steytler entrance (1*): 900 bays adjacent to the Canal
• Portswood Ridge area (4*): 152 bays on terraced area next to BP Building and GSB FREE OF CHARGE
(* denotes position of parking garage on the map below)

Still not sure where to park?
Portswood Square (15*), Ulundi (14*), Breakwater (11*) and Granger Bay undercover parking garages (12*) are ideal if you plan to stay a while.
Victoria Wharf (10*) and Clock Tower (16*) undercover garages are perfect if you're popping in and out of the respective centres.
And if you'd prefer not to pay for parking, there are:
575 free bays within short walking distance of Victoria Wharf, which you'll find at "Mini Table Mountain" (5*) behind the new Breakwater Parking Garage.
Including the area in front of the Table Bay Hotel side of Victoria Wharf (8 on map), next to the Table Bay Hotel (7*) and behind the Security Building adjacent to Victoria Wharf (9*)

Contact Information:

tel: +27 (0)21 408 7600
tel: +27 (0)21 408 7790 (V&A Waterfront Information Kiosk - Victoria Wharf)
email: info@waterfront.co.za
Website: http://www.waterfront.co.za

Cape Town – Table Mountain

Table Mountain Website
Table Mountain Cableway Enquiries: Tel:  (021) 424-8181  (021) 424-8181 or Online Enquiries

Providing a majestic backdrop to the city of Cape Town, Table Mountain is one of the world's most striking natural wonders and South Africa's most recognized icon. Flanked by Devil's Peak to the east, Lion's Head and Signal Hill to the west, the massif of Table Mountain comprises the flat-topped plateau of the eastern and western tables overlooking the city of Cape Town, the eastern buttresses with their forested ravines flanking the city's southern suburbs, and the western buttresses of the Twelve Apostles standing sentinel along the Atlantic coast.

The level summit of Table Mountain is three kilometres long, east to west. Its highest point, at 1 086 metres, is Maclear's beacon. This beacon was erected in 1843 by the astronomer, Sir Thomas Maclear, as part of an experiment to more accurately measure the circumference of the earth. The western end of the narrow plateau supports the upper cableway station, first built in 1929.

In May 1998, the proclamation of the Cape Peninsula National Park placed Table Mountain and much of the remaining unspoiled area of the Peninsula under the custodianship of South African National Parks. The Cape Peninsula National Park is the only national park in the country set in the midst of a bustling metropolis.

Please
 • Be vigilant.
 • Take only photographs, leave only footprints
 • Stick to designated paths, roads and trails
 • Note closing times
 • Keep pets on a leash
 • Consider the privacy of fellow visitors
 • Adhere to road safety rules
 • Choose your mountain route according to the fitness and experience of the party
 • Tell someone exactly where you are going, and when you expect to return
 • Stay put in case of trouble - don't try to find your way down in mist or in the dark.
 • Retrace your steps if you get lost.

Please don't

 • Litter
 • Light any fires without permission
 • Feed, disturb or injure any animal
 • Damage, remove or destroy any seeds, plants or rocks
 • Climb alone or visit secluded areas after dark
 • Leave personal belongings unattended
 • Stray off constructed footpaths
 • Mountain bike in sensitive areas

Landscape of Table Mountain
There is much of geological interest on and around Table Mountain, displaying evidence of the varying rock types from which the mountain is composed, and the geological processes and changing climatic conditions which, over hundreds of millions of years, have served to build and sculpt the landscape we see today. The bulk of Table Mountain is composed of layer upon layer of erosion resistant light grey sandstone of the Peninsula formation (so-called Table Mountain sandstone) and shale and siltstone of the underlying Graafwater formation. These rest upon a foundation of what is, for the most part, Cape granite. In the north the Cape granite gives way to rocks of the Malmesbury group, from which most of Signal Hill is made up, and which run under the city centre and Devil's Peak to the west.

Table Mountain sandstone erodes slowly and produces sandy, nutrient-poor soils that are easily leached. The indigenous fynbos ("fine bush") vegetation is well adapted to such conditions and reaches its greatest species diversity in places where these poor soils are found. Soils derived from Cape granite and rocks of the Malmesbury group, on the contrary, are much richer in nutrients and more susceptible to erosion.

Water on Table Mountain
Van Riebeeck's decision as to where to establish the first European settlement was influenced by the continuous flow of fresh water from the Platteklip Gorge stream, which provided the first supply of water for Cape Town. Until the second half of the nineteenth century the city was able to meet its water needs from the Platteklip stream and from other springs and streams on the north face of Table Mountain.

The discovery of diamonds in Griqualand West in 1867 and of gold on the Witwatersrand in 1886, however, provided the stimulus by which the population of Cape Town trebled from 33 000 in 1875 to over 100 000 by the turn of the nineteenth century. Cape Town became not only South Africa's leading port of entry but also the main service and supply centre for the rapidly
developing hinterland. To address the growing demand for water, work began in 1887 on a plan to cut a tunnel through the Twelve Apostles to bring water from the untapped Disa Stream to the Camps Bay side of the mountain. From here it was fed by gravity through a pipeline to Kloof Nek, and then down to Cape Town. During the late 1800s and early 1900s five storage dams were built on the mountain to augment the supply of water to both Cape Town and the suburbs developing along the eastern and western slopes of the mountain.


Fauna on Table Mountain, Cape Town
The fauna of this area includes a wealth of invertebrate species that may exceed even the flora in their diversity, and which over time have evolved an astonishing array of symbiotic interrelationships with the flora that scientists are only now beginning to understand. No less than 111 of these invertebrates, and one vertebrate - the Table Mountain Ghost frog - are found nowhere else on earth. The visitor to Table Mountain is most likely to encounter the ubiquitous dassie (Rock Hyrax), whose closest living relative is, strangely enough, the African elephant.
While early callers at the Cape commented on the abundance of large animals they encountered here, most of these were shot out or driven away in the early years of European settlement. However, while the larger predators like lion, leopard and hyena have
disappeared, most of the animals found here historically still survive. This is all the more remarkable when one considers that Cape Town has experienced over 350 years of urban, agricultural and industrial development, with attendant pressures on the remaining natural environment.

HUMAN HISTORY
It may never be precisely known when the first people arrived at the Peninsula, but it may have been as early as a million years ago. When the first Khoi-khoi pastoralists arrived with their domestic animals around 2000 years ago, they recognised the natural assets of the area. By the time the first Europeans began calling at the Cape these pastoralists were driving their herds of sheep and cattle here each summer for the good grazing and certain water supply. To these people, Table Mountain was known as Hoerikwaggo ("the mountain of the sea").

SOME MAIN ATTRACTIONS
 • Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (managed by the National Botanical Institute)
 • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
 • Signal Hill
 • Rhodes' Memorial
 • Lion's Head

WALKS AND CLIMBS on Table Mountain
Climbers have opened over 350 separate routes to the summit of Table Mountain, ranging from easy to very difficult.

Climbing the mountain should not be attempted without expert advice. The Mountain Club of
South Africa welcomes dedicated mountaineers as prospective members. Walks are organized by volunteer groups known as the Friends of Lion’s Head and the Friends of Newlands Forest.
The most popular trails are the Pipe Track from Kloofnek; Platteklip Gorge; Skeleton Gorge; Constantia Nek towards the dams and Maclear's Beacon; and Kasteel Poort on the Camps Bay side.
For more information consult the map "Approved footpaths of Table Mountain", available in local bookstores, or a number of hiking guidebooks that are available.

* Approximate Walking Times (add time for stops)

Constantia Nek to Maclear’s Beacon 1085m 4 Hours*
Skeleton Ravine to Maclear’s Beacon 1085m 3.5 Hours*
Platteklip Gorge to Maclear‘s Beacon 1085m 2.5 Hours*
Kasteel’s Poort to Maclear’s Beacon 1085m 3.5 Hours*
Lion’s Head 669m 2 Hours*

• Abseiling (Western Table)
 • Angling and diving (Oudekraal and the Karbonkelberg)
 • Braaiing (barbequeing) and/or picnicking - (Oudekraal, the Glen, Van Riebeeck Park, kirstenbosch, Signal Hill)
 • Hang-gliding and parasailing (the Karbonkelberg and Lion's Head)
 • Hiking (trails traverse the entire area)
 • Mountain climbing and rock climbing (Lion's Head and Table Mountain)
 • Scenic drives (Tafelberg Road, Signal Hill Road, Victoria Road)
 • Mountain biking (below Tafelberg Road)
 • Dining (restaurants at Kirstenbosch, Rhodes Memorial and the upper cableway station on Table Mountain)


FLORA
The Cape Floristic Region is internationally recognized for its extraordinary floral biodiversity. Table Mountain and the Peninsula are home to some 2 285 plants species - more than 25% of the species found throughout the Cape Floristic Region. Table Mountain alone has over 1 500 species of plants, more than the whole of the United Kingdom, many of which are endemic. The most common regetation type on Table Mountain, as with the rest of the Cape Peninsula National Park, is fynbos.

This generally low-growing, shrubby vegetation includes heaths (Ericaceae), reeds (Restionaceae) and proteas (Proteaceae). Some of the most conspicuous fynbos species on the mountain are from the protea family, and include the King Protea Protea cynaroides, South Africa's national emblem. Also found are the larger-growing "Waboom" Protea nitida and the "Kreupelhout" Leucospermum conocarpodendron which can grow to the size of a small tree. Another member of the protea family is the endemic Silver Tree Leucadendron argenteum, which is found on the slopes of Lion's Head and above Kirstenbosch.It is in the shrubs found below these larger species, however, that one finds more striking evidence of the extraordinary species diversity for which fynbos is famous. This is particularly so with the geophytes (plants that grow from underground bulbs), such as members of the Disa, Gladiolus, Moraea, Watsonia, Babiana and Iris genera. Many geophytes are well known for their spectacular displays when flowering en masse, particularly in the wake of fire. The second vegetation type of Table Mountain, Renosterbos ("rhinoceros bush"), is also rich in geophytes. Found on Signal Hill and the lower slopes of Devil's Peak, Renosterbos takes its name from the drab, grey ericoid shrub Elytropappus rhinocerotis that is generally abundant. Alsocharacteristic of Renosterbos is the presence of grasses, which in this veld type take the place of restios, and the virtual absence of proteas. Lastly there is afro-montane forest and thicket. This covers only around 3% of the Cape Peninsula, and is mainly established along the cooler, well-watered ravines on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, and in Orange Kloof. Together these vegetation types constitute a flora so rich in species that it is not only the most diverse corner of the Cape Floristic Region, but also, from a botanical point of view, the richest area, for its size, anywhere on the planet, surpassing even the tropical rainforests in its diversity. This is the reason that the Cape Peninsula has been nominated for World Heritage Site status.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Sacred Circle - The pioneers of Islam in the Cape were political prisoners and slaves brought from the East during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Most had been exiled for leading their nations' resistance to colonialism. In 1694, for example, Sheikh Joseph was banished to the Cape by the Dutch after the conquest of Java and Sumatra. Because of the lives and works of these religious leaders, and the sitting of their kramats (tombs), Muslims have come to regard Cape Town as a holy place. Sheik Joseph's resting place is one of a number of kramats that form a sacred circle around the city. The road between Lion's Head and Signal Hill runs past the domed kramat of Mohamed Gasan Gaibie Shah, while the kramats of Sayed Abdul Haq and ten others are found in the Deer Park, a common place of refuge for Muslims during colonial times. Anotherkramat is that of Sayed Abdul Malik, a doctor and spiritualist who came to the Cape at the end of the eighteenth century as a slave from Batavia.

Cannons - In former years, a small cannon was fired from the summit of Lion's Head, signaling the approach of ships in Table Bay. This was relayed to the interior by cannons mounted at other vantage points, summoning distant farmers to the city with provisions for trade, or to defend the harbor against attack.

Noonday Gun - The South African Navy fires Signal Hill's Noonday Gun at 12a.m. every day but Sunday. The famous Lion's Battery on the slopes of this 335m hill overlooking Table Bay is also used to fire salutes for visiting ships and on ceremonial occasions.

A Missing Link - The Wynberg caves are the only place on earth where the missing link between worms and insects occurs. The velvet worm peripatus is regarded as the evolutionary link between segmented worms like earthworms and arthropods, such as millipedes.

The Tablecloth - Devil's Peak got its name from a legend concerning a Dutch pirate named Van Hunks, who is said to have spent his days smoking his pipe where the saddle of land connects Devil's Peak to Table Mountain. One day, he challenged the Devil to a smoking contest, with the condition that if he won he could reclaim his previously forfeited soul. So much smoke was generated by the contest that the "tablecloth" formed over the mountain.

The Guardian of the South - From various myths and legends, the Portuguese poet, Luis Vas de Camoes, (1524-1580), developed the character "Adamastor" - the monstrous Guardian of the South who was said to have been vanquished by the Portuguese explorers after they had rounded the Cape of Good Hope. The Peninsula was portrayed as the supine form of Adamastor after his death. In Xhosa legend, Djobela - the Earth Goddess turned mighty giants, placed in the four corners of the earth, into mountains to guard the world. The greatest giant of them all – Umlindi Welingizunu was Table Mountain, the Watcher of the South.

Constellation - Table Mountain is the only geographical feature in the world that has a constellation named after it - the Mensa ("table" in Latin).

The Two Oceans Aquarium is an all weather, all year round destination which offers its visitors a glimpse into a world usually reserved for a fortunate few.

Showcasing the diversity of marine life off the South African coastline, the Aquarium is one of Cape Town's top tourist attractions. More than 50 exhibits in 6 major galleries explore the habitats surrounding the southernmost tip of Africa.

The four largest exhibits are the I&J Predator Exhibit (2.2 million litres); Kelp Forest Exhibit (800,000 litres), the Sappi 'River Meander' exhibit (a series of smaller exhibits), and our temporary exhibit 'The Living Dead' - travelled in time, locked in rock.

For further information about ticket prices and opening times please click here:

Physical Address:Two Oceans Aquarium
P.O. Box 50603
Waterfront
8002
South Africa
Tel:+ 27-21-418-3823
Fax:+ 27-21-418-3952
General Enquiries:aquarium@aquarium.co.za

Visitor information at Two Oceans Aquarium

To make the most of your visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium, we suggest that you plan your day by reading through the visitor information below.

It is recommended to allow 1 to 2 hours to enjoy the diverse and magnificent displays. Please wear comfortable shoes

Indian Ocean at the Two Oceans Aquarium

The Oceans of Contrast - Indian Ocean Gallery presents life from the warm Indian Ocean off South Africa's east coast. The gallery includes a beautiful live coral display and a tropical fishes exhibit showcasing the dazzling colours of Indian Ocean fishes.

The Agulhas Current, one of the most powerful currents in the world, flows southwards down the east coast of South Africa, bringing warm Indian Ocean water from tropical regions.

Diversity is the name of the game on the east coast and a great variety of colourful fishes, such as butterflyfishes; damsels, surgeons and angelfishes add spice to life on the reef!

Rainbow nation on the reef

Most tropical fish are brightly coloured and use colour as flags or advertisements. Some colours warn of danger and others advertise useful cleaning services. Patterns and colours also help to camouflage the fish, making it difficult for predators to see its true shape amongst the corals and sponges. Some fish mimic other species. The mimic blenny imitates the colours and behaviour of the harmless blue cleaner wrasse, but instead of cleaning, it tears flesh from unsuspecting fish waiting for a clean!
Colour also helps to identify "friend" or "foe" on the reef. Many fish are territorial and will chase fish of the same species. Females and juveniles are different in colour and markings so that males will allow them to feed in their territories.

Atlantic Ocean at the Two Oceans Aquarium

A series of some thirty-two exhibits comprises the Oceans of Contrast - Atlantic Ocean Gallery which introduces some of the animals from beneath the waves of the cold Atlantic. Our volunteers at the Touch Pool and Microscope will provide you with fascinating snippets of ocean information whilst you experience close encounters with some weird and wonderful ocean creatures.

Off the west coast of South Africa, the Cold Benguella Current flows sluggishly northwards. The west coast is one of the richest fishing grounds in the world and supports huge commercial fisheries.

Play hide and seek at the Cryptic Fish and Shyshark exhibits. These Atlantic Ocean inhabitants have mastered the art of camouflage and we challenge you to tell us how many of these elusive creatures you can count. Silver grey fishes drift above a sandy bottom amongst waving kelp fronds in the Cold Water Reef Fringe Exhibit. A feast of west coast, east coast and south coast crayfish can be seen in three separate displays. Snake-like hagfish, which have no jaws, eyes, fins or scales, lie entangled with one another in an ooze of slime. Juvenile ragged-tooth sharks hover in the dim light of a rocky cave exhibit.

River Meander at the Aquarium in Cape Town

This exhibit traces the course of a river from its mouth, back through a freshwater reedbed, to its origin as a stream high up in the mountains. A small colony of African Penguins (an endangered species) and Rockhopper penguins (a sub-Antarctic species) lives on the beach washed by gentle waves. Here you can see them feeding, preening and darting to and fro beneath the waves. Several African black oystercatchers (another endangered species) can also be seen, wading at the water's edge.

Further along, you are transported to a crisp mountain setting where waterfalls cascade into a variety of rock pools, surrounded by lush green vegetation. These pools are home to freshwater fishes unique tot he Western Cape and highly endangered. These include Clanwilliam Yellowfish and Redfin minnows.

The value of this display as an educational resource is outstanding, as one is able to gain an overall perspective of an entire river ecosystem at a glance.

Predator Exibit at the Two Oceans Aquarium (Cape Town)

The I&J Predator Exhibit contains some 2.2 million litres of seawater and is perhaps the most dramatic exhibit in the Aquarium. Ragged-tooth sharks; shoals of Yellowtail, Garrick and many other fishes; several species of rays and a turtle are visible through an enormous 11 metre wide by 4 metre high acrylic panel.

There are several spectacular viewing points such as the semi-tunnel, which hugs the perimeter of the exhibit. This affords visitors a thrilling encounter as sharks drift menacingly overhead.

The feeding of the inhabitants in the I&J Predator Exhibit is a spectacular sight and a definite highlight in a visit to the Aquarium.

There is a 'general feed' in which all the fishes in the display are fed. This feeding frenzy is astounding as the fishes swim at great speeds and devour everything in sight (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 15h30). The gully sharks, eagle rays and a loggerhead turtle are fed on a separate occasion. The turtle keeps everyone amused as it hovers around the divers, occasionally giving them a nip if it is being ignored for too long (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 15h30). The most exciting feed, which has everyone transfixed in anticipation, is the hand feeding of the Ragged-tooth sharks on Sundays at 15h30