Cape Town Travel Forum

We will be in Cape Town in late July of 2008 with our 14-year-old daughter, and will have several full days and several half-days for activities to get know the Cape Town area of Africa. We will not be flying out for a 1 or 2 day safari, but doing more local things. We understand this is winter and we have never been to Africa before, but we will be there for business and we want to do some family tour time.

We have heard that the following are good – are there any detailed suggestions on these, or suggestions for other destinations?
> Table Mountain
> Robben Island
> Cape Point
> Chapman’s Peak Road
> Boulder’s Beach and penguins (is it nuts to swim with them in Winter?)
> World of Birds, Hout Bay area

What do people think about:
> Imhoff Farm Village camel rides – we heard they a tourist dump. Are they un-safe (ride along a road) or just not ideal -- are in a rural area (ride on roads to the beach)?
> Westcoast Ostrich Show Ranch, or a place one can ride an ostrich?
> Winter weather -- if it is rainy, cloudy and windy, what options are there for us to get to know Africa and Cape Town?
> Car rental versus hiring a car and driver for a day trip to Cape Point?
> Other unique activities to build family memories of Cape Town and Africa

What are suggestions for a Bed-and-breakfast if we took two days to tour the Cape area? Any comments on these:
> Guinea Fowl House B&B
> Simon's Town and Toad Hall B&B
> Chartfield Guesthouse B&B
> 1 Blue On Blue B&B

Thank you!

Hi,

I will be travelling to Cape Town on the 19 Dec - 3 January 2009 and require a 2 bedroomed apartment along the Atlantic coast or Cape Town City. My budget is around R12,000 total. Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks

Hello!

Anybody knows what would be the best bet when it comes to choosing a flightcompany to get to cape town from europe (I am from Brussels but am prepared to start from a neignbouring country). When in South America last year, a friend of mine discovered real cheap flights, (Flights that were only one third of the regular price), on a site that sells only throuh internet.

Anyone an idea?

Also I would if possible like to combine countries like Tanzania and South Africa. Only, sometimes aircompanies offer single flights that are almost the price of a full ticket, which would not make this "combi" possible...

Love from Belgium

Karen

I'll be traveling to Cape Town in November but I'm starting to think about what I'll want to do when I'm there. I know I want to visit Table Mountain & Robben Island & I also want to see penguins. The problem is I only have 2 full days. Can I do Robben Island & Table Mountain in the same day? Where's the best place to see penguins & how long does it take to get there from the center of the city? What else is a must-see in Cape Town? Any recommendations for moderately priced restaurants?

does anybody know this hostel? would you recomment it for backpacker?

I´m travelling to Cpt in July. I´ll be alon. I´d like to hike in Table Mountain. ¿do you know any tourist company that offers that excursion?

Did anyonne ever participate in any of those township tours and can suggest the tour privider?
I am looking for a tout which is respectful to the people who live there and which gives you a chance to meet those people and talk to them to get to know their way of life better.

Thanks for your help!
Marit

Would welcome any info on the best way to get to and from Newlands cricket stadium and Camps Bay. Train, car, bus, travel time etc.

TIA,

Colin

Hi all,

I'm planning to do a self-drive trip from Cape Town to Victoria Falls in June and I have most of it worked out. However, I'm still on the fence about the first eight days of the trip. Below are two itineraries between Cape Town and Windhoek: Can you tell me which one would be preferable? (I don't mind driving, so the longer drive in itinerary #1 isn't a major issue to me.) Itinerary #2 costs about US$300 more (the car is only slightly cheaper; the CPT-WDH flight is about $175 per person.)

Itinerary #1

Day 1: Arrive Cape Town 11AM. Table Mountain
Day 2: Robben Island, V&A Waterfront
Day 3: Daytrippers Tour to Cape Point
Day 4: Wandering around Cape Town
Day 5: Drive to Springbok, SA
Day 6: Drive to Fish River Canyon
Day 7: Fish River Canyon
Day 8: Drive to Sossusvlei

Itinerary #2

Days 1-4 as above.
Day 5-6: More Cape Town wandering (maybe a Great White breaching tour and/or a visit to the townships?)
Day 7: Fly to Windhoek
Day 8: Drive to Sossusvlei

Any information would be useful!
Thanks!

Hi!

I am travelling to Cape Town in th beginning of April. Since I am travelling alone, I have some questions:

What about the safety for single female travellers during daytime? Which places can I go to? What do I have to take care of?

Does anyone know a tour operator for younger people which goes to Cape of Good Hope or the Table Mountain?

Maybe some of you are there too between April 3rd and 6th. Just contact me!

Thanx for your help!
Calim

Hi

I am getting married in July next year and are thinking of possible destinations for our honeymoon. The place that I really want to go to is Cape Town. My fiancee likes the sun and I was wondering what winter is traditionally like in Cape Town.

Cheers

I'm going to Cape town at the end of the month and was wondering if anyone can reccomend a cheap, reliable car hire company?

Has anyone used the left luggage office at the Cape Town Airport? I am combining work with pleasure, and would like to leave a suitcase full of business clothes behind when I go on a little safari jaunt. The airport authority site says they have a left-luggage office, but I was just wondering if it would be safe (for non-valuables, or course).

I was planning to visit Cape Town for around 10 days in mid-late April, but one of the main things on my list was the white shark breaching tour in False Bay. Apparently this is much better during the middle of the "season" around June. If I do Cape Town then, I'll only have around 7 days. I was following the standard 1-day-per-thing schedule which leaves plenty of downtime, but any advice on whether the following "wishlist" would be possible in 7 days? If so, without knowing the layout of the city, how would you arrange - which items could easily be combined into 1 day?

* Table Mountain
* Table Bay cruise
* Robben Island/Mandela Gateway
* Planetarium
* Holocaust Centre
* Cape Flats tour
* District Six Museum
* District Six walking tour
* Cape of Good Hope
* False Bay white shark breaching tour

Thanx

I'm interested in townhouse hotel in the area of garden and surrounding (next to castle of good hope) and st/george hotel in the area of city bowl & bo-kaap (near cape town train station).
I know they are in a prefect location and at a sensible price. But what about the safety?
I have read a serveral guest reviews, very few saying is insecure.
But I would to more comment on it.

to whom had stayed at this 2 hotel or near by, please advice in terms of security..... I'm concerned about my safety ... :(

Many thanks

regards
Tiffany

I'll be going to Cape Town next month and have absolutely no idea on what to do when I get there.

* What is the weather like around Mid-March? Shall I bring summer clothes or do I need light jackets? Does it get chilly at night?

* Any recommendations on a good hotel, preferably near where the nightlife is, and hopefully has free WIFI?

* Aside from diamonds, what would be a unique and truly South African souvenir that I can bring home that won't take so much space/weight on my luggage?

* I've heard about seal watching and whale watching. Is it easy to spot them at this time of the year?

* I'm a city-girl and very clueless about going out in the wild. I once fainted when I saw a tiger attack its prey, and would not like that embarrassment to happen again, ha ha. Anyway, I would be interested in going to a safari, if there's one that isn't so hard core. Any recommendations?

* Is there a wine tour in Cape Town? If not, where's the nearest one?

I know these questions are a lot, but answering just one or two would help me get started. Would appreciate any information and local insights as well. Thanks in advance. :-)

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

Me and 7 friends are travelling to Capetown for 7 nights in June'08 would love some advice on where 'the' places to stay are?

Have heard V & A waterfront or Camps bay are lively places. Could anyone confirm and or recommend any quality hotels.

Tips on the 'happening' bars & clubs would be cool 2.

Have planned to go shark watching, sky diving. What else is cool to do in the Cape.

Thanks in advance!!

We are planning a trip to Cape Town for Christmas, 2008. We plan a week exploring in and around Capetown then hopefully Garden route and safari. My questions are
1) We are a family of 4 and luxury safari is so expensive - are there any reasonably priced ways of doing it without chasing the big 5 in a herd of 4x4 - I do realise this is peak period
2)Where are good places to stop on the Garden route for a couple of nights each so we can explore - good not luxury accomodation would be great

Thanks in advance for your advice

I will be staying in the De Waterkant area near VA. I would like to visit the Gold of Africa Museum, Mandela House, and Imhoff Farm (sp). I haven't been able to find tours that take me there. I was wondering what was the best way to get to these areas? For those of you who have been here, was it enjoyable or a waste of time?

My husband and I are travelling to the winelands for 3 nights beg of Feb.

WE have a hire car booked but want to sample the delights of the local wine and dont want to risk drinking and driving...its supposed to be a holiday afterall!

We're staying at The Zorgvliet wine estate but have planned to visit many of the other vineyards in Stellenbosh, Paarl, Franshhoek and Somerset...can anyone recommend a local, reliable and reasonably priced driver who would do this type of drive and wait type journey for say a daily rate?

OK, so now I am considering either Camps Bay or Bantry Bay as the Waterfront area is proving hard to find accomodation. Considering that we are a couple of middle age guys looking for a golf game during the day and dinner and drinks in the evening, is there much to do in either of these areas. How far are they from the Waterfront district?

They look beautiful however I have learned to be scheptical of the marketing descriptions.

Thanks all.

HI,
IS IT POSSIBLE TO

RECOMEND A COMPANY TO GO OUT GREAT WHITE SHARK WATCHING .

MANY THANKS ,

HELENA

Hi i'm hoping to spend a few days in Cape Town but have to go to the Winelands for a concert, was wondering if its best to get another hotels in the Winelands for that depending on how far away from Cape Town this may be? Also where are the best night clubs?
Thanks!

I got some great information on the responses to previous questions. Thanks.

I have a conference in in Bakubung in mid February and a collegue and I intend to stop in CT for three nights before returning. We are trying to fit the most into this time and would like to get a game of golf in. We have nt booked accommodation yet but are considering te Town House Hotel or the Cape Town Lodge.
Any feedback on golf courses and a review of either of these Hotels would be appreciated.

Also, I'm a huge Rugby fan. Are there any venues close by either of these Hotels?

Cheers!

Hello:

Which tour outfits in Cape Town do you recommend for this adventure?

Would you recommend this for someone who is a beginner?

I will be coming to Cape Town at the end of February for the first time and am curious on a few things....

What type of clothing to pack?
What the best beaches are?
What types of items South Africa and Cape Town are "known" for that I can bring back to the States?

Thanks in advance!!

:-)

I am thinking of going to Cape Town during January,
I am planning this break following the breakdown of a 26 year marriage so want lots of advice including is this a good location if on your own.
I would want to plan everything without the help of a travel agent so advise on flights accommodation etc would be great.
I would like to fly on to Mauritius for a few days can I do that directly from Cape Town is it easy to do and is it expensive?
I assume the climate is hot and sunny in January,is it expensive? my only other experiance outside europe was India where I have spent a great deal of time recently.

I know that this sounds bad, but I am an American football fan and will be in Cape Town during the conference playoffs of the NFL. The team I support looks like it will be in it, and I would like to watch the game. Does anyone know of a sports bar in the Western Cape (preferably Cape Town CBD) area that shows American football and would likely show the game?

Hi There,

I will be travelling to Cape Town in January, can you tell me if i need a visa being a tourist, im coming from the UK. What are the immigration procedures once i arrive in Cape Town.?

Thanks in advance.