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Fun things to do in Capetown and Johannesburg, South Africa

Fun things to do in Capetown and Johannesburg, South Africa

Old Apr 16th, 2006, 06:06 PM
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Fun things to do in Capetown and Johannesburg, South Africa

I am helping with the social activities for a group trip to South Africa. I'm looking for some fun things to do in both Capetown and in Johannesburg. It is for a group of about 40 people between the ages of 25 and 30.

I'm interested in both day and night activities - cool places around the area to visit for day trips, also unique restaurants, wineries, nightclubs, anything that really shows off the culture and uniqueness of both these cities etc.

I know a lot of people on these boards have visited these places. I appreciate all of you sharing your knowledge. I promise to write a great trip report when I get back!!

Liz
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Old Apr 17th, 2006, 08:36 AM
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Egordon, I'm a 21-year old who just spent four months in Cape Town, so hopefully I can help you out. First of all, I would recommend that you pick up Lonely Planet's book on Cape Town- it gives a good summary of what to do in and around Cape Town.
In terms of nightlife, I would recommend Long Street- especially Baghdad Cafe, Cool Runnings, another one whose name escapes my mind right now... they're so close anyways. Assuming you're staying in the city centre, I would try Africa Cafe, Biesmillah (authentic Cape Malay food) or Bukhara (good Indian food). Also, I would stay away from the Waterfront- it's nice, but an overhyped tourist hangout (not authentic SA). There are also some great restaurants in the Winelands, Franschoek especially. For activities in the Cape Town area, you're going to get the usual good suggestions: tour of Cape Peninsula, tour of the Winelands (for authenticity, stay away from the big ones like Spier and Boschendal- I would recommend Delaire, average wine, but amazing views), visit to Robben Island, Kirstenboch Botanical Gardens, trip up the cablecar, etc. I would save some time to spend on the beach in Camps Bay or just walking around the city.
While in Jo'burg, I would highly recommend that you do a tour of Soweto. See if you can spend a night in a bed and breakfast there as well (they're growing fairly rapidly now). There's not a whole lot more to see in Jo'burg.
Also, for some authenticity I would recommend you try the following foods while there: biltong, rusks, milk tart, boerewors, pap, yellowtail, kingklip.
I could go on and on but it would be helpful if you could give some more details about how long you're staying and what time of year you will be travelling in.
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Old Apr 18th, 2006, 05:55 AM
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A great thing to do for local culture in Johannesburg is to take the South African Breweries tour. It's so much more than a "how beer is made" place -- it's a multi-media trip through time, starting in ancient Egypt and ending in a Soweto shebeen. Lotsa fun!
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Old Apr 18th, 2006, 09:29 AM
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In Jo'burg you can also look into a visit to Gold Reef City, where groups can be booked to go down into the mine, try to pick up a gold bar (heavy) etc. There is also the Apartheids Museum. Lots of restaurants and some other entertainment.

http://www.goldreefcity.co.za/about_...city/index.asp
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Old Apr 18th, 2006, 08:06 PM
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Thanks everyone for the great ideas! I'll be there in 3 weeks (so it is coming up quick!!!).

Can anyone tell me of good clubs to go to in both cities? I'm looking for several different types: dancing, listening to music, hanging out. Maybe a theater that does shows? I'm trying to offer people different choices if possible.

Thanks!!
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Old Apr 19th, 2006, 05:35 AM
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Green Dolphin in the Waterfront does jazz every night I think. Another really cool club to hang out in is Hemisphere. Check out (http://www.baxter.co.za/) for some theater. Africa Cafe on Long Street always seems to have live music- ususally African music with a modern twist.
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