Cape Town

A travel guide to Cape Town

Kaapstad is the most cosmopolitan city in Africa, a collection of Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture snuggled into a natural harbor and backed by the shimmering heights of Table Mountain.

Though local prices have shot up 10%, and the US$ has slunk down, South Africa remains a bargain. Penguins waddle on the beaches, the city sits in the midst of South Africa's famed Constantia wine country, and there's even a game preserve on the cape where baboons, mountain zebras, elands, and ostriches roam.

For bigger game, you can head north to Kruger National Park on the Mozambique border.

Or for a sobering take on how far this country has come in the decade since Apartheid ended, take a boat to Robben Island, pay homage at Mandela's cell, and listen to the guides—former political prisoners and ex-guards—tell their tales.

Stay: $126 at the African-styled iKhaya Lodge (www.ikhayalodge.co.za) on Dunkley Square—$138 for a room with Table Mountain views.

Dine: $19 for a communal, 16-course African feast at the Africa Café.

Package: $1,650 for air, six nights, and city tour (877-200-5610, www.2afrika.com)—with a free stopover in London.