I was lucky enough to attend the official opening of the Flying Dutchman funicular at Cape Point on Tuesday morning. In honour of the occasion the rain held off and we were treated to glorious views from the Two Oceans Restaurant.
We were greeted at the entrance to the restaurant by the waiting staff (dressed in Bafana Bafana supporter shirts) and were offered a glass of JC Le Roux’s finest champagne before finding an empty seat at a table for speeches and a delicious Continental breakfast.
One of the highlights of the morning was the two songs written and performed by the restaurant waiting staff – they should be performing at the World Cup Ceremony this evening … they would surely give Shakira a run for her money!
After breakfast we were directed towards the Flying Dutchman. The original funicular was launched in 1996 and ferried the monthly 100 000 visitors between the restaurant and the lighthouse.
At a cost of R6 000 000 the newly upgraded Flying Dutchman boasts many changes and among these are smoother tracks, bigger windows to appreciate those awesome views, faster travel time (only three minutes to the top) and each funicular carries 35 passengers. The Flying Dutchman is also solar powered so its environmental aspect is low.
We were entertained at the lighthouse by the very talented Masiphumelele School Choir – what beautiful voices to lighten up the chilly weather!
Cape Point is one of my favourite places and judging by the tourists spotted; a group of English lads, a father and son team sporting Socceroo beanies, Brazilians and Americans the beauty of this national treasure is not lost on other nationalities either. There is a range of activities to do at Cape Point; hiking in pristine conditions, mountain biking, picnics in the designated picnic areas (watch out for the baboons and DO NOT feed them), spot shipwrecks from the shipwreck trails and much much more.
Don’t delay – get to Cape Point and try out the Flying Dutchman for yourself.
