V & A Waterfront

Today the V & A Waterfront attracts more than 20 million visitors each year - local and international tourists alike. There are over 400 stores and 45 different restaurants and bars on offer, an arts and crafts centre, the IMAX cinema, an internationally renowned aquarium, a children's science exploratium and a museum. All stores at the V&A Waterfront are open until 9pm, seven days a week.

Since its origin in 1860, the Port of Cape Town has provided an important haven along the Eastern trade routes. Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria's second son, tipped the first load of stone into the sea to initiate the construction of Cape Town's harbour.

The two harbour basins “Victoria and Alfred” were constructed between 1860 and 1920. The area is noted for its heritage buildings which retain the charm of Victorian industrial architecture and a harbour built for sail and the early days of steam travel. This unique blend of Victorian architecture, maritime tradition and African culture creates an environment that is lively and cosmopolitan

Buildings of Historical Significance

The Victorian Gothic-style Clock Tower was the original Port Captain's Office, which was completed in 1882.

The Time Ball Tower was built in 1894 and is situated next to the Harbour Engineer's former residence, the Dock House. The Time Ball is a signaling device whereby ship's masters were able to test the accuracy of their chronometers whilst docked

The Dragon Tree planted next to the Time Ball Tower is a species originally from the Canary Islands. Believed to have been planted over 100 years ago by a sailor passing through Cape Town, the sap ("dragons blood") of these trees was once popular as a medicine to treat dysentery and diarrhea.

The Breakwater Prison was constructed in 1860 to house the convicts working on the breakwater. The remains of a treadmill alongside the former prison building remind of the punitive penal attitudes of the 1890's.

The South African Maritime Museum showcases the maritime history of Table Bay and houses the most extensive collection of model ships in South Africa. Floating exhibits in the Victoria and Alfred Basins include the SAS Somerset - a retired Naval Defence Boom Vessel and the Alwyn Vincent - a coal-fired steam tug.

There are numerous other historical buildings within the V&A Waterfront boundaries. Among the most interesting are Ferryman's Freehouse/Mitchell Scottish Ale House (1860),the Dock House (1880),the Old Power Station (1882), the Harbour Café (1902),\ and the Union Castle Building (1919).

Seal Landing

The most special feature of the Waterfront is probably the familiar sight of a colony of Cape fur seals resting on the seal landing in the Clock Tower precinct, or on old tyres lining the quaysides. The seals are an integral part of harbour life, and can often be seen posing on postcards.

The Two Oceans Aquarium

The Two Oceans Aquarium is a window on the oceans, offering glimpses of the diverse life found off the South African coastline. Over 3000 living animals, including fishes, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and birds can be seen in this spectacular underwater nature reserve. The Aquarium offers unique opportunities such as diving with the sharks and copper hat diving. The daily feeding of the fishes is at 15h30 in the I&J Predator Exhibit.

The V&A Waterfront Marina

Part of the vision for the V&A Waterfront was for it to be lived in. The development is aimed at the world's most affluent, and offers a quality and standard of finish to rival the world's best.

More information please feel free to contact us at info@ebubeleni.com we can facilitate your arrangements, and take you on Guided Tour of Cape Town and the V & A Waterfront.   

Transfers to and from your B & B, Guesthouse, Lodge or Hotel, should you not be staying with us at "Ebubeleni", can be arranged.