Rhodes Memorial - Historical Visit

Cecil John Rhodes came to South Africa in 1870 where he was quickly attracted by the allure of the recent diamond rush taking place in Kimberley at the Big Hole. After shrewdly purchasing the mineral rights of the De Beer brothers farm for a paltry � 6 000 Rhodes was now well on his way to fame and fortune.

Queen Victoria, quite chuffed by his financial acumen and loyalty to the Empire, duly appointed Rhodes as head of the British South Africa Company. With the queen's blessing Rhodes claimed vast areas of Mashonaland as his own and renamed the area Rhodesia.

Next, Rhodes became the Prime Minister of the Cape Colony but eventually grew weary of politics and retired to his home in Groote Schuur. He also purchased what is now Kirstenbosch Gardens, which he bequeathed to the Botanical Society upon his death in 1902.

RHODES MEMORIAL:
In 1912 the city constructed the massive granite memorial in his honour upon the slopes of Devil's Peak, just above the present site of the University of Cape Town. Visitor's are welcomed to the memorial by the obligatory bronze statue of a rearing horseman. The Memorial is guarded by eight bronze lions that line the 49 steps, one step for each year of his life, leading up to the imposing rows of granite pillars reminiscent of a Greek temple.

RESTAURANT:
There is a tea room located behind the temple where one can take in the the panoramic view across the city's stock yards and northern suburbs. The restaurant is very popular and so reservations are necessary, especially on weekends Tel 021 689 9151

HIKING:
Above the memorial a pathway leads up to a turn of the century block house called the King's Blockhouse. There are also contour trails, one heading southward toward the Newlands forest and another heading westward towards the city. This corner of Devil's Peak can be ferociously windy so bring sunscreen or be prepared to hold onto your hat very tightly.

DIRECTIONS:
- exit the M3 just south of the University of Cape Town

Helicopter Flights Around Cape Town

Flying in a chopper is akin to removing yourself from the real world for a short while and becoming a mere spectator. There is a certain feeling of superiority as you look down upon the busy little ant’s nest of activity from which you have just temporarily escaped. As the helicopter gains height for a full view of the Mother city, confined within the natural bowl formed by Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, the workers fade to insect proportions. The biggest ships seem like bath tub toys.

There are several helicopter companies at the Waterfront Heliport .They all offer similar flights at comparable rates. The shortest and cheapest is a thrill-seeking 20 minute Atlantic Coast and Table Mountain spin costing R1800 with 3 Pax, then a 30 minute flight part way to Cape Point is R2700 with 3Pax, or a full one hour peninsular trip all the way down to the lighthouse at Cape Point and to Simon's Town will set you back R5400 for 3Pax.If you are a wine lover and don’t want to drink and drive, why not charter a helicopter for a Wine route tour, R5400 / hr for 3Pax.

The flight of ecstasy is never long enough and the return to reality is inevitable. Nothing can beat the incredible view of Table Mountain, the Mother City and the stunningly beautiful Cape coastline .Why not take to the air for a touch of the high life and experience in full the awesome beauty of Cape Town.