Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

ENTERTAINMENT ANDSHOPPINGFactory Shops: Observatory with itsmany factory shops caters for allthose who cannot resist a bargain.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREGroote Schuur TransplantMuseum: Positioned off De WaalDrive, the museum was the sceneof the first heart transplant in theworld, performed by Dr ChristiaanBarnard in 1967. The museum isopen on Tuesdays, Wednesdaysand Fridays from 09:00 to 12:30.Valkenberg Manor House: Thebuilding was built in 1770 and liesjust off Liesbeeck Parkway. It isone of the oldest Cape Dutchhouses in the Cape and has beenfaithfully restored. Today it is thereception area of the Courtyard atCape Town Hotel.OTHER ATTRACTIONSSA Astronomical Observatory: Forthose who would like to take areally good look at our skies, a visitto the observatory is essential. Itwas established in 1821 by theBritish Admiralty and lies just offLiesbeeck Parkway.Every day, except Sundays, the observatory sends an electric impulse to fire the Noon Gunon Signal Hill.PINELANDSThis secluded upmarket suburb developed on what was originally the farm Uitvlugt. The ZuluKing Cetshwayo was detained on this farm after the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War.ADVENTURE AND SPORTElsieskraal River Walkway: The walkway offers a relaxing 3-km route along both sides of theriver.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREWolraad Woltemade Statue: The statue in front of the Old Mutual Assurance Group Buildingin Jan Smuts Drive commemorates the bravery of the legendary Wolraad Woltemade who, in1773, gave his own life to save the survivors of a ship that had been wrecked in the watersnear Cape Town.60