Wheel of Excellence: Cape Town’s answer to the London Eye Jun 6, 2010
The Wheel of Excellence. Photo courtesy Warren Rohner
With only a week before the World Cup kicks off in South Africa, the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town launched its state-of-the-art Wheel of Excellence, from which World Cup fans will be able to see the whole of the Mother City.
Situated in the city’s oldest working harbour, London Eye’s South African counterpart is expected to be in Cape Town for about six months.
The wheel will provide a unique way to enjoy panoramic views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, Robben Island and Paarl.
In any one of 36 fully-enclosed cabins, friends and family can sit back and take delight in the city skyline on the 20-minute round trip. For those who seek a little more luxury, sparkling wine and canapés are also available in one of the VIP cabins.
The London Eye has done a lot for boosting tourism in London; it welcomes an average of 3.5 million customers every year.
Speaking on the impact Cape Town’s wheel will have, V&A Waterfront 2010 commercial director and spokesperson, John Elliott says, “Our aim is to offer visitors new ways to experience the V&A Waterfront and the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime event [the 2010 FIFA World Cup™] in a fun, safe and secure venue.”
With 36 air-conditioned cabins holding eight people, each trip can accommodate 288 people. The wheel will run daily from 10h00 until 22h00.
Tickets cost R70.00 and can be purchased on site.
08 Jun 2010 - 08 Dec 2010
Time: 09:00 - 17:00
Venue: Canal Site
Location: V&A Waterfront | Cape Town
Phone: +27 (0)21 408 7600
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Comments
Hmm, I suppose I feel mixed about this attraction.. Just like the rest of these comments. While on one end, it’s awesome, and while riding, it gives you an even more spectacular view of the city.. people on the ground can’t exactly look through the structure.. So.. eh, I guess to each his or her own.
I tinhk the the wheel of excellence should stay,something fresh for Cape town,I was disappointed in getting the photograph.How can I get a copy
I appreciate that these types of attractions dont appeal to everyone but they do create a lot of tourist interest. I remember that there was some initial reaction to the London Eye when that first went up but it is now a “must-do” on the tourist attraction list. Perhaps Cape Town should consider a more permanent structure and on a scale with the London Eye. However in the meantime the Big Wheel is generating discussion and interest which i believe is a good thing.
What is the purpose behind this? it is a poor version than the London Eye and also interferes with one of the finest views of Table Mountain.
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i think there should be a tv in the wheel of excellence so that it can explain every thing.