Michael and Rhonda’s “A List” Recommendations when visiting Cape Town:

Robben Island – This famous World Heritage site located in Table Bay, some 12km northeast of Cape Town, is where Nelson Mandela and his contemporaries were imprisoned. To tour the rocky island, where a museum stands, a ferry begins at the Clocktower at the V & A Waterfront. ·

The townships – Township life gives American visitors to Cape Town a quick reality check of how more than half of Cape Town’s population truly lives and that the city is not all 5-star hotels. The aftermath of apartheid is real in the townships, which are sometimes difficult to take in, yet proof of how resourceful South Africans are. We don’t recommend taking a tour due to the disrespect of peering into impoverishment as a sport, however, if you happen to pass a township – don’t look away. Take it all in and give thanks. ·

Cape Point – Cape Point Nature Reserve is part of the Table Mountain National Park. It’s at the end of a beautiful scenic drive along the Peninsula. Enjoy one of South Africa’s most spectacular coastal drives through the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Wind your way to Chapman’s Peak from Hout Bay. ·

The Cape Winelands –You can’t leave Cape Town without a wine tour. The Winelands stretch for miles and are divided by area – here are the winelands closest to Cape Town: Constantia, the original vineyards; Durbanville, a newcomer to the scene; Stellenbosch Wine Route, named for Simon van der Stel and the most extensive route; Paarl, home to golf estates and historical buildings, and Franschhoek, named for its French origins. Stop by Joseph’s Beverage in Toledo and let them recommend a good bottle of South African wine – the store carries a view varieties. ·

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront – This working harbor is a welcomed tourist trap, with re-purposed charming old buildings as storefronts, and plenty of shopping at every price point. The V & A as SA residents and cab drivers refer to it, is one of the most visited locations in all of South Africa. Here, tourists can catch a bite to eat or drink, shop, see a live performance, sightsee and take in the shipping activity. For youngsters, the Aquarium and The Scratch Patch are must sees! ·

African Penguins at Boulders Beach – You traverse a boardwalk along the sea to visit these charming creatures. Boulders Beach is the best-known of the series of little beaches and inlets along the coastline just south of Simon’s Town. It is named after the clusters of large granite boulders that shelter these little beaches from the stormy seas and roaring winds. ·

Cape of Good Hope – The southern end of the Cape Peninsula boasts two points of interest really, the Cape of Good Hope and the more southernly and a bit higher situated Cape Point. Both the Capes are situated in the 7800-hectare Good Hope section of the Cape Peninsula National Park, 13 kilometers behind the entrance gate. In the National Park there are many beautiful bays with hiking trails and picnic spots. Popular is Buffels Bay, with a stunning beach and a protected tidal pool. ·

Table Mountain – is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa, and is featured in the flag of Cape Town and other local government insignia. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top. The mountain forms part of the Table Mountain National Park. Elevation is 3,558 feet. ·

Red Hot Glass at Seidelberg Wine Estate – Any visitor from the Glass City of Toledo will be enchanted by the breathtaking collection of glass art. Red Hot glass is one of the very few Venetian-style glass blowing studio’s in South Africa. Artists Liz Lacey and David Jackson amaze and delight visitors as they create magnificent glass art, demonstrating their mastery of one of the oldest crafts on earth. ·

La Colombe – La Colombe, one of Cape Town’s most well-loved and awarded restaurants, has achieved an impressive 12th place in the San Pellegrino 50 Best Restaurants of the World Awards 2010. Having moved up 26 places and into the hallowed Top 20, this bastion of contemporary French-meets-Asian fine dining thereby also clinched the Acqua Panna Best Restaurant in Africa and Middle East Award. The restaurant boasts Oprah Winfrey among its world-renowned patrons.