Cape Town City Centre, Travel Information Cape Town

The enthusiasm and energy of a new, proud nation comes to life on the streets and in the City Centre of Cape Town in the Western Cape, South Africa. A rich diversity of shopping opportunities, art, music, cuisine, theatre, entertainment and nightlife awaits the visitor. And for the sporty and adventurous, there is something to suit everybody’s adrenaline rush – from all kinds of conventional sports to water sports to helicopter flips.

The beautiful Mother City has so much to offer, but since it is not our intention to present a comprehensive tourism brochure – rather consult the various tourism information bureaus for detailed information – we’ll stick to wetting your appetite with our Travel Information and some highly recommended attractions and things to do:

CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE: Built between 1666 and 1679, this pentagonal fort is the oldest colonial and best preserved structure of its kind in South Africa. Guided tours daily – experience cultural exhibitions, military history and colourful ceremonies, the dungeons, blacksmith, fine wines and Cape Malay cuisine.

THE GARDENS: Established in 1962 by Jan van Riebeeck, the first colonial governor in South Africa, to provide fresh fruit and vegetables to passing ships, the Company Gardens is a green, peaceful oasis in the middle of a bustling modern city, worthy of a stroll and house the SA Museum and Planetarium, the SA Cultural History Museum, the SA Jewish Museum, the SA National Gallery with contemporary works of art.

CRAFT MARKETS: Get a taste of Africa at Green Market Square and the pedestrian walk at St George’s Mall where vendors sell anything from African crafts to clothes, jewellery and books to bric-a-brac. Visit also the craft markets of Greenpoint, Noordhoek and Khayelitsha.

CABLE CAR UP TABLE MOUNTAIN: The summit of Table Mountain is more than 1 000 metres high, provide spectacular views and sports a restaurant, shop, telescopes and walkways.

CAPE MALAY QUARTER: Also called the Bo-Kaap, guided walking tours will give you insight into the influence of the colourful Malay culture on the SA cuisine and architecture in Cape Town.

LONG STREET: Famous for all kinds of fascinating shops selling antiques, collectibles, clothing and books, a vibrant nightlife and good restaurants.

Explore the city on the open-top bus and get to know more about the history and culture of the Mother City.

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town is a working habour that has been turned into South Africa’s most visited tourist attraction. It has over 270 contemporary stores, street entertainers, live music shows at the open air amphitheatre, 11 cinemas, an Imax theatre, 7 hotels, the Two Oceans Aquarium where you can swim with the sharks, boat trips, harbour cruises, helicopter charters, art and craft markets, designer clothes, African souvenirs and jewellery shops, a variety of top restaurants, historic sites, a working brewery – to mention a few.

Robben Island

The departure point for ferries and a tour of the maximum-security prison on Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years, is at the Clock Tower.

Things to do in Cape Town Central, South Africa

• Visit the V&A Waterfront for excellent restaurants and shopping
• Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront
• Take a trip to Robben Island from the V&A Waterfront
• Take a harbour sunset cruise from the V&A Waterfront
• Visit the oldest building in the country, the Castle of Good Hope
• Spend some time in the historic Company Gardens
• Visits the craft stalls at Green Market Square for a taste of Africa
• Explore the Bo-Kaap with its Cape Malay flavour
• Take the cable car up Table Mountain
• Take a helicopter trip over the Peninsula
• Visit Long Street with its antique and book shops
• Explore the city on the open-top bus
• Drive the scenic coastal road from Green Point to Chapman’s Peak
• Hike up Table Mountain
• Take a charter cruise from the harbour

The Southern Suburbs

• Visit Mostert’s Mill, one of only two Dutch windmills in the Cape, in Rosebank
• Visit Rodes Memorial on the slopes of Table Mountain where antelope roam freely
• Newlands Stadium and cricket fields
• Have a picnic in the Newlands Forest with its an amazing tapestry of trees
• Shop at award-winning Cavendish Square Shopping Centre in Claremont
• Visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – over 5 000 species of indigenous flora
• Visit Constantia Valley and the wine estates

Atlantic Coast, Cape Town, South Africa

• Do one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world – the Chapman’s Peak Drive
• Visit the Green Point craft market on Sundays
• Stroll along Sea Point Beachfront Promenade
• Swim in the Olympic-sized swimming pool at Sea Point
• Visit the four elite beaches amongst the boulders of Clifton
• Enjoy the view from a restaurant at Camps Bay
• Visit Llandudno for surfing and scuba diving
• Tan at Sandy Bay, South Africa’s only nudist beach
• Visit the Hout Bay harbour with its Yacht Club Marina and Mariner’s Wharf
• Sunset cruises from Hout Bay harbour
• Scuba diving, surfing, kite surfing, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing
• Abseil from Chapman’s Peak
• Cruise from Hout Bay to see the seals

Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa

• Take a train ride from Simonstown to Muizenberg
• Swim with the penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town
• Visit the Toy Museum and Maritime Museum in Simon’s Town
• Visit Gemstone Factory in Simon’s Town
• Visit Just Nuisance’s Grave in Simon’s Town
• Swim at Fish Hoek beach
• Snorkel off Sunnycove beach in Fish Hoek
• Golf at Clovelly
• Go caving in the mountains near Kalk Bay
• Browse amongst antique shops in Kalk Bay
• Visit the old fashioned fishing harbour in Kalk Bay
• Horse riding at 8 km Long Beach near Noordhoek
• For excellent surfing, angling, crayfish boat trips visit Kommetjie
• Visit Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve
• Take a walk at Cape Point to see the Fynbos (indigenous flora}
• Visit the ostrich farm – camel rides
• Walk in Silvermine Nature Reserve
• Surf at “The Hoek” or walk along the beach at Noorhoek
• Sunset beach rides – with champagne at Noordhoek
• Scuba diving, surfing, kite surfing, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing, power boating
• Blaauwberg Region, Cape Town Metro, South Africa
• Enjoy the view of Table Mountain from 48 km of white, sandy beaches
• Top angling spots as well as surfing, wind and kite surfing
• Shop at Canal Walk, the biggest shopping centre on the continent
• Sail on the Rietvlei Dam in the Nature Reserve
• Milnerton Golf Club
• Visit Sanccob, famous rescue centre for polluted marine birds and penquins.
• Watch whales (July to September) and year-round dolphin watching at Bloubergstrand
• Visit Melkbosstrand, the gateway to the West Coast
• Koeberg Power Station and Nature Reserve
• Tygerberg Region, Cape Town, South Africa
• Visit the Grand West Casino Complex with 2 hotels, Olympic sized ice rink, 60 restaurants
• Take a township tour to Khayelitsha on the Cape Flats
• Entertainment and sport at the Velodrome
• Shop at the Tyger Valley Shopping Centre in Bellville
• The Durbanville Wine Route has six wine estates open for tastings
• Durbanville Golf Club

Oostenberg Region, Cape Town Metro, South Africa

• Oostenberg has six own wine estates with wine tasting and hamper picnics
• Visit the Tygerberg Zoo, Drakenstein Lion Park and Animalzone
• Visit the Wijnland Auto Museum – biggest collection of classic and vintage cars in the country
• Kuils River Golf Club offers an 18-hole course and welcomes visitors
• Helderberg Region, Cape Town Metro, South Africa
• Visit the Helderberg Wine Route, starting at Somerset West
• Visit the Stellenbosch winelands
• Swim at long, white, safe swimming beaches of Strand and Gordon’s Bay
• Visit the Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West
• Visit the Fynbos Biosphere near Betty’s Bay
• Magnificent coastal scenic Clarence Drive to Rooi Els
• Watch whales from August to November from Gordon’s Bay
• Scuba diving, surfing, kite surfing, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing in area
• Shop at Somerset Mall, one of the biggest shopping malls in the Western Cape
• Take a drive along the beautiful coastal False Bay road to Muizenberg
• Visit historic Vergelegen Wine Estate
• Visit Monkey Town with 24 species or monkeys
• Golf at Erinvale, Somerset West and Strand Golf Clubs
• Go for shark diving in Gansbaai further along the coast
• See the cheetahs at Spier Wine Estate

Source: Article Base
Car Rentals Cape Town

Fears and Questions That Tourists Have About South Africa

Visitors coming to South Africa don’t always know what to expect or what they are going to see. Below I have selected some of the most asked questions and have supplied some suggestions but there are numerous things to do and see. So numerous in fact that if I had to write it all down here this article will turn out to be a book. So please use the suggestions but know that there are many more things on often in this incredible country.

Security:

South Africa is a land of incredible beauty but as a developing country you definitely have to be security conscious and inquire about the guidelines that need to be followed in regard to this at the airports, tourism information desks and police station. By following these guidelines you will have a hassle free and enjoyable holiday.

Should I visit Johannesburg?

Johannesburg isn’t a bad place to visit and there are a lot of interesting attractions in and around Johannesburg. If you enjoy shopping then this is definitely a shopper’s paradise from the Oriental Plaza to Sandton City there is a wide selection of boutiques, interesting items and many more. Most malls have restaurants, cinemas and much, much more. If you enjoy the gaming zone then go and look at some of the casinos such as Emperors palace, Carnival city and Gold reef city.

There are amusement parks and tours for everyday sight seers. If you’re feeling adventurous then take one of the township tours or stay in the 4star Protea hotel in Soweto.

If it’s wild life you’re after then Johannesburg offers a few day parks such as the lion park or elephant sanctuary and Johannesburg zoo is also a very popular attraction. All in all look at spending about 4 days in Johannesburg to see the sights and attractions and don’t miss out the night life.

Where are the good hiking areas?

If you are a hiking enthusiast then there are many hiking trails to be tried. My personal favourite is the hiking trails in Barberton near Nelspruit. The scenery is exquisite with its ruggedness and beauty. If you are looking for more information on different trails around South Africa then go to http://www.trails.co.za/ to see some of the best trails in and around South Africa.

What type of safari is the best?

The best safari type outing is definitely the Kruger National Park which offers a wide range of accommodations from camping to luxury chalets. It is roughly the size of great Britain, so there is definitely a lot of exploring to be done. The best thing you can do is stay for about a week to experience some of the wonderful things to be experienced in the park such as night drives and sunrise guarded walks through the wild. There are a few other parks to be looked into like the Pielansberg nature reserve. For more information about South Africa’s parks and reserves go to southafrica-traveL on the net.

What is a good Wine tour?

The wine tours in the Western Cape are fantastic with a lot to offer. It is always a good idea to book a tour to the various wine routes but if you wanted to do so yourself then why not hire a car from places such as www.wisewheels.co.za and please remember that South Africa has a strict policy against drinking and driving. A good site to go to for different tours on offer is wineanorak so look them up for more information.

What else is there to do?

Some other wonderful spots are on the Kwazulu Natal coastline and if you like fishing then don’t miss the Amanzimtoti Sardine run which occurs yearly and has turned into a wonderful festival called the Amanzimtoti sardine splash. Go visit the Grahamstown Arts festival for a cultural explosion occurring yearly this celebration of the arts is always a good fun and enlightening experience.

Should I fly, drive or go by train from Cape Town to Johannesburg?

The question of flying driving or going by train is a bit of a conundrum as it depends how much of South Africa you would like to see and how much time you have. To drive from Cape Town to Johannesburg can take 1 to 2 days depending on whether you stop half way or not but driving can be a pleasurable experience as you will be able to see a whole lot more of the diversity South Africa has to offer but word of warning try to plan the route before you go as it can be a very long journey if you don’t. Why not hire a car or get more information from www.southafrica-carhire.com. Going by train is also a lot of fun to experience life in South Africa. It is a set journey that can take up to 5 days but you see some beautiful country side and have some fabulous experiences. Flying is obviously the quickest way to go as it takes an average of 2hrs to fly from Cape Town to Johannesburg with many service providers for your flight booking. Shop around and you can probably find a very, very cheap ticket.

Go and explore this welcoming and absolutely amazing country and see diversity and things of interest that you would never have imagined seeing or experiencing.

Source: Article Base
Cape Town Car rental

 

Hire a car and see more of South Africa

As winter looms on the horizon, the long haul holiday market springs into life offering sun and heat in the southern hemisphere. From the cosmopolitan offerings of Cape Town and Johannesburg to the wilderness of the Kruger National Park to the rugged Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines, South Africa has plenty to offer the holiday maker this winter.

South Africa is vast, and traversing the distances between the major attractions is most easily accomplished by taking advantage of the internal flights available, but perhaps the more rewarding experience can be derived by hiring a car as it helps to convey a deeper understanding of what the country has to offer. Car rental firms have a presence in most of the major cities and car hire in South Africa (http://www.easycar.com/car-hire/destination/SouthAfrica.aspx/EN ) is relatively cheap.

Cape Town is the first port of call for many flights to South Africa (http://www.britishairways.com/findaflight/europe/gb/flights/from/london-to-cape-town.html ) and the city greets all with a bustling, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city skyline is dominated by the omnipotent table mountain and the city retains a bustling café culture and impressive seafood at the harbour area. Moving out of Cape Town and along the Garden Route – touted as Africa’s answer to Route 66 – is a series of beautiful coastal towns of South Africa’s Indian Ocean coastline.

Durban is a surfer’s mecca and offers a laid-back alternative to the bustle of Cape Town and Johannesburg. For the more adventurous, Durban can be used as a base for exploring South Africa’s most fearsome ocean predator, the Great White Shark. For land based predators, there can be only one place to visit – Kruger National Park. South Africa’s top attraction offers the unique opportunity to view outstanding wildlife on safari and the chance to spot the big five in their natural habitat for a unique and rewarding experience.

Travelling by road through the Transvaal provides a rewarding experience allowing visitors to see more of the real South Africa by car, taking in Johannesburg and Pretoria en-route. These cities offer a greater glimpse into South African life and can act as a good base for booking and exploring a Kruger safari.

Source: Buzzle
Cape Town Car Hire

Reasons to Have Car Insurance

Car insurance is a great thing to have and it provides many benefits. One huge benefit is that if you are stranded on the side of the road in the St. Louis area your car insurance company will send an St Louis tow truck to assist you. It will also provide you with a deductible so if you have a car accident then you the car insurance company will pay for part of the St Louis auto repair. Basically, the company will help you to fix your car. This is another huge perk. There are many other benefits that will absolutely astound you.

One of the biggest benefits that comes with purchasing insurance is that you will be legal. All licensed operators of cars must have insurance. This is mandated by the state. If the other reasons to buy it are not enough then this reason should convince you to invest in it. If you get in an accident and you do not have insurance horrible things can happen. The bottom line is it will keep you legal which is very important. This is the one of the biggest perks that comes with having car insurance.

Another huge perk that you have when you have it is that you will have roadside assistance. This means that if you get into an accident or you get a flat tire or encounter any other disaster then your insurance company will pay for someone to come pick you up. Wherever you are the insurance officials will be send to your location. They will address your issue so that you can continue your travels. For instance, if your car gets a flat tire then the roadside assistance officials will come to where you are stranded and change your tire. If you are stuck in a more complicated situation like engine trouble then the roadside assistance officials will tow your car to a repair shop. They will also give you a ride to the shop so that you can accompany your car. This is another huge perk that comes with it.

Another benefit that comes with having it is having the company pay for part of repairs and maintenance. If you get into a car accident and your fender gets smashed in then the insurance company will pay for part of a new fender. If you are sitting at a red light and another car sideswipes your car then your company will cover part of the damage. This is a huge advantage that comes with being backed by a car insurance company. They take the burden of paying for all the repairs and new parts off your shoulders. This is another one of the benefits that comes with having it. As you can see, purchasing it might be one of the best decisions that you make in your entire lifetime.

Source: Ezine Articles
Cape Town Car Hire

Cape Town City: Get Into the Thick of Fun and Adventure

All roads lead to Cape Town City, and the Cape Town airport is only 20 minutes from the city, so there you go. But for the first-time traveler rent a car to see the sights and visit the places regular transport or sedan taxis cannot access. This is the best way to get into the thick of adventure and fun in Cape Town Central.

Where the Fun Is

Cape Town accommodation caters to all types from posh hotels to budget rooms, so there are choices for every tourist dropping by to spend a week or a night in the city. If you want the business district or a place that gives you a feel of home and privacy, there is always a place for you.

So hop on and get going for some action in the scenic city. The city is relatively small, and you can go around on foot to see the sights. You can tramp to the V&A Waterfront with a local but get a ride to Camps Bay. Sadly, the place has a high crime rate, but that should not stop you from getting around. Do not bring all your money or show off your mobile phone and digicam to avoid covetous eyes and fast fingers.

• Green Point Flea Market. If you are looking for fun activities that will not burn a hole in your pocket, you might enjoy the festive atmosphere in the biggest flea market in the Cape. Who knows but you might spot an ancient Dutch tea cup here! There is live music to blast your ears, cafes for a steaming cup of coffee, curious like no other, and yes, people! Meet new friends and bump into friendly expats ready to give you some tips so you do not have to wade through the 500 stalls there.

• Castle of Good Hope. Hie off to Table Bay, and get a good view of the ancient fortress built with stone, clay, and timber by the Dutch East India Company. It was first a replenishment station for docking ships but became a fortress in readiness for war when Britain and Netherlands were not seeing eye to eye in 1664.

• Llandudno Beach. Just an hour away you’ll have a whale of a good time taking in the beach scene with waves continually battering the rocky slopes. The secluded cove is perfect for visitors some peace and quiet.

If you dare, sign up for the following fun:

• Hot Air Balloon Ride. Get a sweeping view of Cape Winelands from the air. As early as 5 a.m., you have to be at the meeting site. After rigging, be up in the air in just 30 minutes.

• Two Oceans Aquarium. Dive into the depths in a cage and see sharks up close and watch the giant kelps and feed the fish.

• Table Mountain. Conquer Table Mountain by climbing the rock or ride a cable and get as close as you hang to the gorgeous mountain. Or go abseiling and have your fun captured on video so you can show it off at home.

If you are planning a week’s stay, then you are in. The fun and adventure waits.

Source: Article Base
Cape Town Car Hire