Spectacular Cape Town, the Pearl of Africa

Started as a half-way station between Europe and the East in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company, Cape Town today is a place where old and new harmoniously converge to create a truly unique gateway to the continent of Africa.

Even if you’re only going to spend a couple of days in and around Cape Town, make sure that you pack a variety of clothes – you may very well experience four seasons in one day!

Start off with an adrenaline rush, courtesy of Thunder City Entertainment: fly in a supersonic jet to see the panoramic beauty of the southern tip of Africa and reach out to touch the curvature of the earth. As an American Express Cardmember, you’ll receive a 15% discount when paying with your Card. Or explore the breathtaking wonders of the Cape Peninsula from a helicopter with NAC Makana Aviation and discover the magic and beauty of the Cape from the air. Receive 10% off all flights when you pay with any American Express Card.

If you’re in the mood for shopping, Cape Town has it all. Head for Cape Cobra in trendy Green Point to purchase meticulously hand-crafted leather bags and accessories made from ostrich and crocodile leather. Receive a 10% discount on all purchases when using any American Express Card.

For exquisite jewellery, visit the spectacular and spacious Jewel Africa showroom in Buitengracht Street, and choose from a vast range of top-quality loose diamonds, tanzanite and gemstones; as well as cutting edge fine jewellery in gold, white gold and platinum. Receive 40% discount when paying with your American Express Card.

After all that activity, enjoy a sumptuous meal at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where you’ll find a number of world class restaurants that cater for all possible tastes, including 221 Waterfront, Baia, Emily’s, Den Anker, Belthazar and Ikhaya African Restaurant.

The next day, get up early and climb Table Mountain to enjoy breathtaking views over the city, or drive to Cape Point to see the tip of Africa where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. On your way back visit the famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

Drive back along the Atlantic coast over breathtaking Chapman’s Peak. Enjoy a local favourite – fish and chips – for lunch in Hout Bay and then get down to Clifton or Camp’s Bay beach for the afternoon to hang out with Cape Town’s beautiful people.

Before you leave, don’t forget to visit one of South Africa’s most famous historical sites, Robben Island, where former President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned during the apartheid era.

The Cape Winelands offer a spectacular combination of natural beauty and world-class wines. Drive to Fraai Uitzicht near Robertson in the Breede River Valley- Cardmembers receive a free three-course meal at the Fraai Uitzicht restaurant when you use your American Express Card to book a 2 night stay there.

If you are visiting just for the day and have lunch or dinner at the Fraai Uitzicht 1798 Restaurant, use any American Express Card and you will receive a tour of the oldest cellar in the valley as well as a complimentary bottle of the estate’s handcrafted Merlot.

Click here to visit Selects and take advantage of the above offers and more.