Africa Cruise - from Cape Town - 121629

Cape Town, (Afrikaans Kaapstad) is the seat of the South African parliament, an anglican and a catholic archbishop and the capital of the Western Cape province, as well as a cultural centre with two universities and various research institutes, museums, libraries, theatres, botanic gardens and a zoo. Cape Town is situated at the northern edge of the Cape peninsula and is one of the largest ports and one of the most important centres of industry in South Africa. The suburbs stretch around the bay by the Cape peninsula and far into wine-growing country. The oldest part of the city between Table Bay and the slopes of Table Mountain (which measures 1,086 metres in height) is also a popular holiday destination. The surrounding area is dominated by Table Mountain. A cablecar route to the summit has been in place since 1926. The historic sights include the oldest building in the city (and, indeed, the country), Castle Good Hope (1666), the Dutch Reformation Church (1699), the old town hall (1755) and the Malai district around Signal Hill. Other sights include the parliament building (1886), the South African Museum (1825), the South African National Gallery (1871) and the South African State Library.

The South African city of Durban lies in the Kwazulu Natal area. "Durbs", as its residents refer to it, is a city with an intercontinental character. With its countless street traders, more than 2 million Indian residents (the city is at the Indian Ocean) and beautiful white beaches, it is a perfect example of "new" South Africa. Sights include: Sea World, rickshaw buses, Durban Botanic Gardens, the Sugar Terminals, Durban Natural Science Museum and Natal Maritime Museum.