Robbe are seals in Afrikaans. So Robben Island is named after the seals. It was a place to keep prisoners right back to when the first European explorers arrived. Rogue sailors were left there. It was also a leper colony back then.
The most famous modern prisoner on Robben Island was Nelson Mandela. Many tourists do the guided tour of the prison cells and the ferry is often fully booked for days. Many locals prefer not to be reminded of that part of our past.
Robben Island has no water and it never rains there. All water is brought in. In the picture is a seal on the jetty at the V and A Waterfront.
Since we live in the southern hemisphere our seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. That means the 2010 Soccer World Cup is going to happen right in the middle of our winter.
South Africa has vastly different climates from one region to the next. The Kwa Zulu Natal coast is decidedly humid and tropical yet about 50 kilometers inland it is reminiscent of the Alps.
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate hence the wine farms. However our winters are wet. I love the BBC weather page for information. They give average rainfall for June and July as 9 – 10 days a month. The average daily temperatures are between 7 – 18’C. Make sure you pack a raincoat and some warm clothes. Unless you are from a part of the world where 18’C is warm.
How does one get about Cape Town?
It depends … Long haul – one can do coach buses such as Intercape or fly with One Time, SAA, BA or Kulula. Longish distances – would probably best in a hired car, or with Golden Arrow who have brand new buses on the roads or by train. Click here for the bus timetables – Golden Arrow bus services.
The roads in SA, although a bit of a mess at moment, are generally good. Make sure you know where you are going in advance and have a safe place to park a car.
Short trips – are best by bus or taxi. I prefer the Rikki taxis which are well priced London style cabs. Minibus taxis are widely used by most locals but they do have a bit of a reputation. The aim is to get as many people as possible to wherever as fast as possible. A bit hair raising for my constitution. I would not take one if I was the only person getting in and I would not use one at night. [see minibus taxis in the picture] I also prefer to avoid the trains.
There are many more operators out there but these ones spring to mind right now.
Is public and commercial transport safe in South Africa? We do have crime. Our crime does tend to occur in hot spots. Our crime statistics are not as scary as some South Africans insist on portraying. You can look up the crime statistics in the area you will be staying at on this link – South African Police Services.
Hanging baskets, a common feature in Europe, do occur here too. In the picture are some Geraniums or what are probably more likely to be Pelargoniums in Main Road, Sea Point.
The plant family is indigenous to South Africa despite being in abundance all over the world.
All along the roads and walk-ways more indigenous plants are going into the ground. The flora should hopefully be spectacular come Soccer World Cup. We will need sun for many plants like the Gazanias or African Daisies to open up. Yet another famous local plant.
Charles Darwin was here. Right here at this exact spot. Back in 1836 Darwin was aboard HMS Beagle and marvelled at this very rock formation.
Some say it was his fascination at the unique geology in the area that began his formulation of the theory of evolution. You can visit the place too if you walk along The Promenade at the furthermost end of Sea Point.
