Cape Town, South Africa:- Hotels and Car Hire - Help Required.

Ronn1e_2

I am off to Cape Town, for the first time, on 3 January 2006 and
would therefore be grateful for any advice or guidance than you can give me on:

Hotels/B&B's recommendations for Cape Town and Garden Route.
Best deals on car hire.
Must Do's and Must not Do's.

Many thanks.

richardw

Organise inclusive car hire before you go.
Stay at Camps Bay with a seaview and watch the sunset every evening.
Give a few Rand to the guy that helps you park your car.
Food in restaurants is excellent, peruse the menu at Madame Zingara.
Visit Clifton beaches 1,2,3 and 4.

VickyA_2

We got our car hire through Trailfinders, at the same time as our flights. Make sure that you specifically ask for air conditioning. We were told to ALWAYS drive with our windows up, no matter where you are due to car jackings etc. Ensure that NOTHING is on show in your car - money, cigarettes, maps etc whether you're driving or parked in town. Scary, but practical and we felt alot safer: friends who live out there had had their windscreen smashed because they'd left a packet of cigarettes on the dashboard.

OK: scary bit over, now on to the accommodation.

Franschhoek - lots of vineyards and wine, wine, wine!!! We stayed at a lovely little guesthouse called La Gileppe: www.lagileppe.co.za I would gladly stay there again.

Swellendam - not strictly on the Garden Route, but it was such a non-touristy town that it was refreshing. We stayed at www.elianthe.com Lovely lady that ran it.

Knysna - stayed in Stanndards Guest House, run by an English couple. www.stannards.co.za

If you go to Knysna, you HAVE to go to the Knysna Elephant Park and buy a bucket of fruit to feed them. I didn't want to feed them, but OH did: and I haven't enjoyed myself so much in ages! They are beautiful creatures. Make sure you say hello to Harry and Sally from me (two of the elephants!). http://www.knysnaelephantpark.co.za/

When you're in Cape Town, you HAVE to go to Robben Island - where Nelson Mandela was held for most of his inprisonment. When we went, our tour guide had been the Secretary General of the PAC. Also on our tour was a returning prisoner, number 465/64 who was in a cell next to Nelson Mandela (no 466/64). Incredible. Well worth the seemingly high price. Book this tour in advance!!!! http://www.robben-island.org.za/

loveabargin

I went in feb this year and had a great time. If you are flying south african airways ask them to reserve you a seat in the bubble. They have economy seats on upper deck bit more room and much quiter.

I stayed in Cape Town at The Table Bay hotel on the waterfront which was fantastic. A cheaper option would be The Commadore a nice small hotel in a good location there.

You must visit table mountain and go and see the penguins who have taken over the beach along the coast. Also the wine region of stellenbosh with it's beautiful afrikaans university town.

If you like fish and seafood go to a restaurant called Panama jacks. It's proberly best you get a taxi there as this place is in the middle of a working dock and used by local's dont be bothered by the look of the place a "shack" the food is great and I would recommend a seafood platter. Lastly if you fancy afternoon tea then a must is at the table bay hotel we did this before our flight home which was a nice way to end our holiday.

Have fun

Party_Animal

I've done Panama Jacks. Excellent fish and wine, but unless you knew you'd give it a miss. It looks nothing from outside.

Ronn1e_2

Loveabargain,
Thanks for the useful information. I see you went in February. I am going in January (peak season) and am now getting worried about inflated prices. Any MSE tips?

loveabargin

Hi Ronn1e

I booked my trip a year in advance with voyana as a package but I have noticed that they are not selling trips to SA anymore. I thought that eating and drinking was very cheap, to be honest most things was reasonable. Its just expensive to get there. I didn't hire a car so I can not help you there but booked day trips from our hotel as I was traveling with another lady and wanted to be careful as we heard all the horror stories before we went. I have to say we had no problems there. Have a look at this site https://www.cybercapetown.com I think you will find it useful look for the 3* accommodation Breakwater lodge, this is very cheap place to stay, it was a prison and well situated in the V&A waterfront, this site will give you prices too. I was glad that we stayed in the waterfront and not in town as we walked around without any bother and was advised to be careful in town at night. I hope this helps

Ronn1e_2

Hi Loveabargain,
Thanks for that useful web address and for the good advice about the Waterfront.

rede

I presume your return flight is in the evening, we spent a fantastic relaxing day at the botanical gardens, sitting in the sunshine, having a picnic, watching Adam crawl around the grass. A great way to relax on the last day before sitting on the plane.
You will love it all went in Sept 2001 which was just the end of the holiday season & everyday was fantastic.