Down there, in the southern tip of Africa, lies one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. When the sun shines, it’s awesome. A quaint town framed by the famous Table Mountain, white sand beaches, and the Pacific Ocean. Standing over 1,000 meters high, Table Mountain towers over beautiful colonial buildings. The promenade is decorated with brightly painted facades and the beautiful coastline is framed by high cliffs, making it one of the most magnificent in the world.

Stroll along the V&A waterfront and you can see street performers singing traditional African music over a coffee in one of the many cafes. This exclusive area is full of boutiques, cafes, restaurants, theaters and wine bars. Strolling through the shops makes for a pleasant afternoon and while you’re there take the ferry to Robben Island. Home to the infamous prison where Nelson Mandela was held for most of his 29 years behind bars.

The half-hour boat ride will make you think of what little hope the prisoners must have had when they were taken into solitary confinement. Surrounded by icy shark-infested waters, freedom was in sight, but escape was impossible. The guides are ex-inmates who make the experience that much more exciting as they tell personal stories of their time there. These men are true heroes. It’s amazing to hear what they managed to accomplish behind bars. They planned and schemed and somehow managed to send messages to their followers that eventually ended Apartheid.

You will see Nelson Mandela’s tiny cell in the maximum security wing, the quarry where he carved with crude tools and where secret meetings took place. How anyone was able to survive this way for years is a testament to the strength and determination of these brave men.

After spending time in Cape Town, it’s a good idea to rent a car and drive along the coast. Winding along one of the most scenic drives on the planet, Chapman’s Peak is a delight. Featured in many movies and commercials, its massive cliffs tower overhead as the path weaves its way through the blasted rock. Be prepared though, in South Africa they drive on the left side of the road.

Head to Simon’s Town to see the penguin colony that resides on its beaches. Simon’s Town is a beautiful seaside town where a seafood lunch is a must. The famous penguins sunbathe and splash in the water posing perfectly on large, smooth rocks as dozens of tourists grab their cameras.

After a morning exploring the city and the penguins, drive further south to the Cape of Good Hope. The Indian and Atlantic oceans meet here and collide with each other under the highest sea cliffs on earth. The view is impressive and you can take the tram to the top avoiding a long walk. The boardwalk winds through the grounds and you can explore the old lighthouse and keepers house, and you can gaze out over the ocean with nothing between you and Antarctica but the sea. It’s amazing to be in this truly legendary destination at the end of a vast continent.

If you’re short on time to visit South Africa, Cape Town and the surrounding area have everything you could need. Safaris, diving, world class vineyards, beaches, shopping and spectacular scenery. What else does a person need?