In the winter months, May through August, cold fronts sweep across the Atlantic and bombard the Atlantic Seaboard with rain and sometimes gale force winds. The winters are cool with an average minimum temperature of about 7° C and most of the rainfall in the area occurs in winter.

Summer, on the other hand, is warm and dry. During these months - November through February, you can expect average temperatures of around 26°C

The Atlantic Seaboard includes the residential suburbs of Mouille Point, Green Point, Sea Point, Fresnaye, Bantry Bay, Clifton, Camps Bay, Bakoven, Llandudno and Hout Bay.

The first people to call the Atlantic Seaboard home were the San people. They roamed the coast, lived in caves and were known to feed off the abundant marine live. In 1783 the Bantry Bay and Clifton areas was established as a botanical garden.

By 1923 there were ninety beach houses in Clifton (known then as Clifton-on-Sea), and it wasn’t until May 1929 that the Cape Town Council stipulated that bungalow owners vacate their cottages in the months of June, July and August. This was to prevent permanent residents in the area. Later this regulation was overruled when the owners created the Clifton Owners Bungalow Association.

Slowly the area developed into what we see today, with an array of properties to choose from.

Cape Town Beaches
The world famous beaches of Cape Town attract thousands of holidaymakers to this part of the country every summer. These beaches include Camps Bay beach, Clifton beach, Glen beach, Llandudno, Sandy Bay and Hout Bay.

Cape Winelands
The winelands of the Western Cape is the largest wine-producing region in South Africa and is divided into six main wine regions, each offering their own unique wine route. Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Robertson and Wellington are the most popular.

Chapman’s Peak Drive
Chapman’s Peak Drive winds it way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Situated on the Atlantic Seaboard, at the southwestern tip of South Africa, it is one of the most spectacular marine drives anywhere in the world. The 9km route has 114 curves and skirts the rocky coastline of Chapman's Peak. The drive offers stunning 180° views with many areas along the route where you can stop and take in the scenery or sit down for a relaxing picnic. “Chappies” as it is also referred to, forms part of annual Two Oceans Marathon as well as the Cape Argus Cycle Race.

Green Point Stadium
The stadium is located in Green Point, between Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean, close to the Cape Town city centre and to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The stadium has a capacity of 68,000 and will host 5 first round matches, a second round match, a quarter final as well as a semi-final during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Adventures available in Cape Town

Deep Sea Diving/Fishing
As Cape Town is flanked by both the Indian and the Atlantic oceans, there is a thriving interest in marine sports. Some of the world's finest big game fishing in the world is available here, in particular long fin and yellow fin tuna, as well as broad billed swordfish. False Bay is a famous breeding ground for Great White sharks and you can arrange to go cage diving amongst these awesome creatures. Normal scuba diving is also very popular all around the coastlines.

Abseiling
Widely available throughout South Africa with Cape Town offering a 100m abseil on Table Mountain and an awesome hang from Chapman's Peak, South Africa's most famous and dramatic coastal drive.

Fishing
Fly-fishing (freshwater and seawater ) ..... rock and surf angling ..... spear fishing ..... bottom fishing and deep-sea fishing - South Africa offers it all from rainbow trout to big game fish! The Cape of Storms is notorious for yielding quality big game fish such as Marlin and Tuna, and the Cape also offers excellent trout and bass fishing around inland rivers and dams.

Hiking
With so many mountain ranges surrounding the Cape, hiking is a popular pastime. There are numerous trails that take several days as well as day walks up Table Mountain. Before embarking on a trip up Table Mountain it is essential that you contact the Mountain Club of South Africa - (021) 465-3412. Without an experienced guide many people have lost their way, sometimes with fatal consequences. Another well-known activity is "kloofing". This is a combination of hiking and swimming along a river in a ravine and is great fun.

Surfing
Big Bay in Blouberg used to be the home of the Gunston 500 Surfing Competition and you will find surfers at almost every beach along the coast. A local radio station even broadcasts a daily "surf report" advising people where to find the best waves each day. In addition to this popular sport, you will see many windsurfers and kite-surfers. It is an awesome sight to see them launched into the air as they jump the waves. Blouberg is especially popular for power kites, whether on the sand or on the sea.

Golf
There are many golf courses and driving ranges in and around Cape Town and you will find that the courses are both pristine and diverse. They are also highly affordable by international standards.

Horse Racing/Riding
Prominent racing events such as the J&B Met and the Durban July are highlights in the social calendar. In Cape Town there are two main tracks - Kenilworth and Durbanville - where racing takes place every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. For social riding along the beach or elsewhere you can contact The Riding Centre in Hout Bay - (021) 790-5286.

Cape Town is generally a safe and friendly city, although it is strongly advised that safety precautions be taken. Due to poverty in certain areas, crime and theft can be a problem. Try not to carry large amounts of cash and be discreet with expensive cameras, jewellery etc. Do not walk in deserted areas, especially after dark and always park in designated, well-lit areas. When driving, keep your doors locked and while parked lock your belongings in thr boot rather than leave them in the open. Ask locals or your hosts to advise you on areas that should be avoided.