Cape Town's giant wheel of fun

The V&A Waterfront, Cape Town's oldest working harbour and iconic retail, leisure and hospitality destination, has secured the exclusive right to host the 50m high Wheel of Excellence as one of its attractions for local and international visitors over the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament.

The Wheel of Excellence, a fully illuminated giant wheel will feature 36 fully enclosed luxury cabins which will treat visitors to a unique sightseeing opportunity - providing an eagle eye view of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Stadium, Robben Island, Table Mountain, the City and the Paarl mountains.

Click here for the Wheel of Excellence gallery

Says V&A Waterfront 2010 spokesperson John Elliott, "Our aim is to offer visitors new ways to experience the V&A Waterfront and the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime event in a fun, safe and secure venue."

"The Wheel of Excellence is an endorsement of the fact that the V&A Waterfront would like to offer all visitors a world-class experience. Our status as one of the most visited destinations in Africa and close proximity to the new Cape Town stadium means that we are expecting in the region of 100 000 visitors daily during the tournament. The Wheel of Excellence will be one of many reasons to visit the V&A Waterfront."

"This particular attraction is perfect for Cape Town. It will be beautifully illuminated at night and will offer affordable rides in the comfort of the luxury cabins. In Cape Town one should always take the weather into account and fortunately we will be able to accommodate rides, up to the point of extreme weather."

The 36 luxury cabins feature glass floors, air conditioning and LED lighting. The Wheel is equipped with two types of ballast tanks at its base for safety during windy conditions and can accommodate a load capacity of 288 persons per ride (8 people per cabin).

"The V&A Waterfront has a number of exciting activities and events planned for visitors during 2010 and beyond. The Wheel will remain at the V&A Waterfront after the World Cup and as ticket prices will range from about R70 per person, it is the perfect way for visitors to experience the V&A Waterfront and to enjoy the spectacular landscape."

Located at the Gateway Canal, accessed from the Coen Steytler entrance to the V&A Waterfront, The Wheel of Excellence is the first wheel of its size and type in South Africa. It will be fully operational in time for the World Cup and will remain in Cape Town for a further period.

The Wheel of Excellence is manufactured and operated to the highest standards and is located in major cities and countries around the world, including the USA, Australia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Malaysia, France and Japan. This particular wheel has come from the Champs Elysees in Paris where it was a major attraction over the peak Christmas and New Year period, attracting high numbers of visitations. All Wheel of Excellence products are designed and manufactured according to the latest German and European standards, ensuring 100% safety record for all wheels assembled throughout the world.

For more information about the V&A Waterfront, visit www.waterfront.co.za