Khoi people
Khoi people some of the first inhabitants of the Cape, it is believed that Khoi migrated towards the Cape Peninsula around 2000 years ago with their large herds of Nguni cattle. The San people were also in the Cape around the same time, but with no written history it is impossible to say who was here first.
European Arrivals
Bartholomeu Dias, a Portuguese explorer, was the first known European to have sailed around the southernmost tip of Africa in 1488. Vasco da Gama was the next recorded visitor to the Cape in 1497. It was not until around 1652 when Jan van Riebeeck arrived that Europeans first inhabited the Cape.
Dutch Arrivals
Jan van Riebeeck established the first permanent European settlement in the Cape on the 6 April 1652; this was to supply the passing Dutch East India Company ships with fresh water, vegetables and meat. Simon van der Stel arrived in 1679 to replace Van Riebeeck as governor of the Cape.
Asian Arrivals
Asian immigration from current day Indonesia to the Cape started back in 1654; these Asians help form the current populations of Cape coloureds and Cape Malay as well as bringing in Islam to the Cape. They were brought to the Cape as slaves by the Dutch East India Company.
French Huguenots
In 1688 the first non-Dutch immigrants arrived in the Cape, and they were the French Huguenots who were fleeing anti-Protestant persecution in Catholic France. They fled to the Netherlands and were then sent to the Cape. They brought with them experience in wine making and formed the town of Franschhoek.
The English
The English military successfully invaded the Dutch held Cape Colony in 1795 with the "Battle of Muizenberg". In 1802 a peace agreement saw the Cape being returned to Dutch rule, however in 1806 at the Battle of Blaauwberg the British took the Cape back. The British took permanent control of Cape Town in 1814 and held it until 1960.
Cape Town Municipality
In 1839 a due to further political developments the Cape Town Municipality was formed, at this stage in Cape Town short history it had a total population of 20 016. Currently (2011 Census) the population stands at 3 750 000 inhabitants with a municipal area covering over 2 455 square kilometres.
Union of South Africa
Britain established the Union of South Africa in 1910 which saw the Cape Colony being merged with the Colony of Natal and the two defeated Boer Republics. This would later in history become the current South Africa that we have in front of us today with Cape Town as the legislative capital.
Apartheid
In 1948 South Africa introduced the world the Apartheid, a political platform that divided South Africans in 4 racial groupings as well as the Group Areas Act", a law that grouped areas of residence by race. All multi-racial suburbs of Cape Town were either purged of unlawful residents or demolished by the Government.
Robben Island
Robben Island translated into Dutch is "Seal Island". First inhabited way back in the Stone-age and since the 1600's Robben Island was used as a prison by the Dutch, English and Apartheid Government. Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held; the island is now a museum.
The Rainbow Nation
Nelson Mandela made his first public speech in decades from the balcony of the Cape Town City Hall in 1990. On the 27th April 1994, South Africa had her first ever free and fair elections in which over 20 000 000 South Africans cast their votes, many for the first time in their lives.
Current Cape Town
Cape Town today is the top international tourist destination in the whole of Africa with visitors taking in all of her majestic beauty 364 days a year. Yes, Cape Town has her fair share of issues, but as Capetonians, we are working hard together to help this one of the best cities in the World.
Table Mountain
The rocks of Table Mountain are approximately 600 000 000 years old (6 times older than the Himalayas). Table Mountain was named in 1503 by an explorer named António de Saldanha; he called it "Taboa da Caba" (Table of the Cape), the Khoi people called her was "Hoerikwaggo" (The Sea Mountain).
Cape Town Sightseeing Bus
Explore the stunning city of Cape Town in a budget-friendly and time-efficient way - The City Sightseer Bus.
This double-decker 'topless' red bus offers travellers several routes to take in all the attractions, including Blue Route from the City to Hout Bay, Red Route for Table Mountain Cable Car and Purple Route through Constantia Vineyards.
With the guided tour commentated in 15 different languages, this is a great day out for both kids and adults alike!
Muizenberg Beach Cape Town
Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, is a beautiful seaside town that has experienced both decline and resurgence.
From the late 19th century until the 1960s, it was one of the most popular resort areas in South Africa.
In recent years, however, Muizenberg has undergone a transformation as law-abiding citizens have reclaimed the area and invested heavily in its revitalization.
Shark Cage Diving Cape Town
Experience the majesty of one of nature's most magnificent creatures with shark cage diving in Cape Town. With "Shark Diving", you can get up close and personal with great white sharks as they swim around the boat looking for bait.
Whether you want to dive yourself or just observe from the deck, this thrilling activity offers a unique opportunity to appreciate these powerful animals in their natural habitat.
You will also learn more about how humans are affecting their environment and why conservation efforts are essential for protecting them.
Cape Town Kite Festival
The 19th annual Cape Town Kite Festival was held at the beginning of November in Muizenberg, bringing together over 20,000 people for a two-day event.
The festival featured stunt kiting exhibitions, Japanese-inspired Rokkaku kite battles, and a Heritage Kite Competition that encouraged children to build South African swallow or bat-style kites from scratch.
In addition to the fun activities on offer, the festival also supports Cape Mental Health charity and provides an opportunity for local businesses and visitors alike to experience the beauty of Cape Town and Muizenberg.
10 best things about Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa is a vibrant and beautiful city that offers something for everyone.
From its stunning beaches to its majestic Table Mountain, from its world-famous Constantia vineyards to the stunning Kirstenbosch Garden, Robben Island and a great number of 5-star restaurants on offer - Cape Town truly is an unforgettable destination.
Here are 10 of the best things about this incredible city that make it such a fantastic place to visit or live in.
Mount Nelson Hotel In Cape Town
The Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town is a luxurious 5-star resort known for its stately entrance, magnificent views of Table Mountain, and nine acres of landscaped gardens.
Recently the hotel has completed a winter refurbishment program that includes enhancements to the façade and bathrooms, as well as light refurbishments to all remaining luxury rooms and suites.
Guests can enjoy activities such as garden walks with the hotel horticulturalists, indulging in morning or afternoon tea on the terrace, or meeting up with friends at Planet Champagne Bar.
Constantia Valley Wine Route
The Constantia Valley Wine Route is a stunning destination for wine lovers in South Africa. It offers an array of estates, each with its own special selection of wines and unique experiences to enjoy.
From the upgraded wine-tasting venue at Uitkyk Estate to Klein Constantia's "Beyond Restaurant", there are plenty of opportunities to sample some excellent local vintages. For those looking for something special, Groot Constantia is home to Cape Ruby port and Eagles Nest has partnered with the Western Cape Raptor Research Programme.
Norval Foundation South Africa
With its dynamic atmosphere and captivating art, Norval Foundation in Cape Town offers a unique experience for all ages who appreciate the beauty of art.
No matter who you are, the Norval Foundation has something to astound and delight! From spectacular exhibitions to an expansive sculpture garden featuring one-of-a-kind pieces, as well as a selection of educational workshops for kids - it is all here waiting.