Just recently I had the pleasure of doing the Blue Mini Peninsula Tour on one of the Cape Town City Sightseeing open top buses that operate in and around the city. The audio dialogue, on board service and driver were excellent, but the thing I was most impressed by was the view. And I am not only talking about views of the panoramic variety! Sitting up high on the top level of the double-decker bus, without having to keep my eyes on the road, allowed me to see so much more than I have ever seen previously. In other words just being a couple of metres higher than normal gave me a whole new perspective of the city that I love so much! Sometimes height can be a wonderful thing….

At the Two Oceans Aquarium, Stop 1

Listening to the 14 - Channel Language system

Driving along De Waal Drive suddenly I had an unobstructed view up onto the slopes of Devil’s Peak. This allowed me clear sight of its wide open parklands and the many different types of antelope that roam there. Kirstenbosch Gardens and the vistas of Table Mountain from Rhodes Drive were just incredible. Driving over Constantia Neck I was amazed that I could see right down into the valley and over the walls of the many very impressive estates that are a feature of the area. I have never seen views like that before! Going into Hout Bay suddenly I could see steep gorges and rocky outcrops on the mountains that surround the town. I also had a wonderful view from road level of the monstrosity of a castle overlooking the harbour. Up Suikerbossie and turning around to look back over Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak I was amazed at the beauty of the surroundings. Over the top of Suikerbossie and a breathtaking view of Llandudno beach – a totally different perspective of the area! Then all the way down and along Victoria Road into Sea Point, where I have never before had the pleasure of being able to peer right down to the bottom of the steep cliffs and into the beautiful little coves and bays below. It was a truly mesmerising experience and it was only once I was back in the city and had stepped off the bus that I managed to snap out of my trance like state.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Amazing flowers found at Kirstenbosch Gardens

At Mariner's Wharf, Hout Bay

Beach at Hout Bay

Sea Point promenade

Yes the panoramic views of Cape Town are always something amazing to behold but if you want a whole new perspective on this magnificent city, along with the panoramic views, hop on one of the red open top double-decker busses!

Ross Clarke is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys exploring all manner of places. He has been infected by the travel bug since his first venture beyond South Africa’s borders in 2003. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/rossclarke100

Experience Cape Town and the Blue Mini Peninsula Tour. City Sightseeing Cape Town’s blog tells you the stories behind the best attractions and events in Cape Town, South Africa.
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