Cape Town Travel Forum

I will be in Cape Town for 5 days in July with my family -- we will have 2 adults and one 9-year-old. It would be nice to be able to walk (safely) to a restaurant in the evening and a small grocery during the day. We may have a car, so parking would be good. The child prefers a pool. We are fine with a self-catering apartment. The only place I know that meets these need would be some of the apartments at the V&A Waterfront, and they are a little pricey. Is there a good family alternative?

Thanks,
Paula

July is mid-winter and also our wettest/coldest season. Most pools are not maintained at this time. If you insist on using a pool then, check with the owner that it will be clean/full in July.

Does it have to be in the center of Cape Town? What about Hout Bay, Simon's Town, Stellenbosch, Kalk Bay, etc.?

Thanks for the tip on the pools. I know it will be winter, but I am a little vague on what that means in Cape Town climate. Here in Colorado we have pools for about 15 weeks of the year and I know the season there is longer, but apparently not year-round :-) I will be sure to manage the child's expectations on that aspect of the trip.

I guess we don't need to be absolutely in the center, as long as we can get there. We are thinking about one guided tour of the city, and we will want to visit the market on the square, but will also spend time on our own with a car outside of the city.

Hi
I suggest that you look at this website www.lasplendida.co.za


- i just recently reccommended it to other visitors and they seemed impressed. Its close to the waterfront- right on the beach front opposite the promenade- great for walking-or throwing a ball on the lawns 1 block away is a stunning deli/restaurant called cafe Neo (we often go there for breakfasts and they are child friendly) 2 blocks away are great restaurants and another deli- newport deli-

I have a 4 yr old- and I suggest that you stay at splendida - if the prices are not suitable let me know and ill find you something else.

We have some great days in july- and nearby this place are little beaches where one can collect shells or even have a paddle- cold water but pleasant on a hot day ;)

Winter in Cape Town can get fairly cold and windy at times. (daytime 10C or less at times)
Be prepared to take a warm jacket and you can leave the bathing suit at home...
Unless the accommodation has a heated pool, you won't be able to swim in any pool or in the sea at that time of year unfortunately.

The upside of that season is that you will get very good deal in very nice accommodations. I would have a look at Camps Bay or Clifton at that time of year which are two of the favourite areas in Cape Town surrounds. They are very pricey, but in July, you will get some good deals.
Have a look at some accommodation sites like www.southafrica-stay.com or www.sa-venues.com.

But other than that, I'd probably try to visit Cape Town at another time of year (November-March). At least you will have nice weather then :)

Thanks everyone. Yes, of course it would be great if we could go in a better season, but I have to be there at this time for work. :-)

The apartments in Granger Bay are in walking distance to the V&A waterfront and may be a little less than the apartments in the Waterfront. There is also a free shuttle between some of the apartments over there to the waterfront.

Contact:
GillMconie@safarinow.com
Andre Nel btech@mweb.co.za

http://www.capestay.co.za/granger/---> These are connected to Radisson hotel
http://www.thegranger.com/accommodation.htm
http://www.sa-venues.com/visit/waterclubapartment/