2 Best Sights in Cape Town, South Africa

Rhodes served as prime minister of the Cape from 1890 to 1896. He made his fortune in the Kimberley diamond rush, but his greatest dream was to forge a Cape–Cairo railway, a tangible symbol of British dominion in Africa. The classical-style granite memorial sits high on the slopes of Devil's Peak, on part of Rhodes's old estate, Groote Schuur. A mounted rider symbolizing energy faces north toward the continent for which Rhodes felt such passion. A bust of Rhodes dominates the temple—ironically, he's leaning on one hand as if he's about to nod off.

The Rhodes Memorial Restaurant, tucked under towering pines behind the memorial, is a pleasant spot that serves breakfast, tea, and a light lunch. Unremarkable food, although it is under new management.