Cape Town question
 

I'm new on this web site and I have been really enjoying reading all messages sent back and forth. I have been to southern africa twice before - once last year on my honeymoon (three weeks traveling through okavango, moremi, zimbabwe, chobe, krueger, and cape town...took the blue train even). (also - if MattyA reads this, let me know if you want more honeymoon pointers - we had a blast).<BR><BR>Anyways, on to my question. in some ways I am familiar with cape town - but this summer, early july, i am traveling back with my younger sister. Ladies time in Africa! we will spend three nights at ulusaba in krueger, and then three nights in cape town. anyone with any suggestions of things we might want to do there? i've seen the gardens and table mountain, etc, but i kind of want to do some FUN stuff with my little sister (i'm 30, she's 23). any ideas on some cultural shows, fun bars, etc? any input would be appreciated...thanks so much<BR>

Well, a few stops on the wine route can be lots of fun! Otherwise head for Long street after dark. The strip in Camps Bay also has a lovely vibe. Barazza (the bar attached to Blues Restaurant) is a hot spot. The Green Dolphin (at the Waterfront) usually has excellent live jazz music. A previous thread mentioned a tour of District Six which I think would also be great fun.

Bengali,<BR><BR>I'd love some honeymoon pointers. I can't think about anything else except this trip (even though its almost a year away). Everyone has had great advice regarding hotels, game lodges, etc....but, I don't want to forget about the romantic aspect of my trip. I'd love to hear more about your 3 weeks and any recommendations you may have. You can post on here or email me directly at [email protected]. Thanks!!!<BR><BR>Matty A.

Hi Bengali,<BR><BR> I was with a few people &amp; we went to have dinner at the Green Dolphin and listen to the jazz--we could have done without the dinner;the food is not what I would call great but the jazz was ok.

Hi Bengali,<BR><BR>Firstly an important warning. It is NOT summer in Cape Town in July; as a matter of fact expect rain and coldish weather. <BR><BR>OK if you want to have a real swinging time in Cape Town then I would suggest the following:<BR><BR>Do a formal Cape Peninsula Tour a well as a Cape Winelands tour. This will take care of the sightseeing sides of things.<BR><BR>If you want to have a jazzy evening rather go to Manenbergs as opposed to the Green Dolphin. I agree with Patty that the Green Dolphin is not worth it for the food and the muisc is just above average in quality.<BR><BR>For a fun evening don’t miss a night at Mama Africa. Try to go there on a Friday or Saturday night as this is the real heavy party nights. Bear in mind that the African percussion band only starts playing at 22h00. The venue has authentic African cuisine, with live entertainment. You will experience a great African music group with traditional drums and huge wooden xylophones. Fantastic!<BR><BR>Spend a night at the Drum Caf&eacute;. This is an experience you wont forget. http://www.drumcafe.co.za/whatCT.html<BR><BR>Don’t miss having dinner t the Africa Caf&eacute;. http://www.africacafe.co.za/<BR><BR>For a quiet but special night go down to the Basquile Whisky Bar at the Cape Grace Hotel. Have dinner at the &quot;One restaurant&quot; and then have fun in the whiskey bar. Great venue<BR><BR>Another place where it all happens is at La Med in the Glen just off Maidens Cove beach. You can't miss 'sundowners' at La Med. Have a cocktail while watching sunset over Table Bay and hangliders coming down to land on the lawns in front of you. Great fun place. (-:)<BR><BR>If you spend time in Camps Bay then the beachfront area offers 24 hours entertainment whether it be on the beach or simply in the beachfront coffee shops. Amongst others this is where Baraza is that Traci has spoken of.<BR><BR>If you have the time then overnight for one evening at Clara Anna Fontein in their tented camp. This will be a night that you wont forget to easily. If you want more info on this venue you will have to write to me and I will tell you all you need to know as the y do not have a website to help you.<BR><BR>Visit the Mount Nelson Hotel for high tea. What a blast! 14h30 - 17h30<BR><BR>Dont miss a visit to our aquarium - It is world class. If you have a divers certicate you can even dive in the predators tank with the great white sharks. (100% safe)<BR><BR>As far a cultural shows are concernd you will have to be a little bit more specific in your request. Do you want to see local jazz bands, townships choirs, local opera,local theatre or anything else? As you can see the choices are wide in category ad if you specify your interests I will help you further in this regard as Cape Town offers much in this regard.<BR><BR>Well Bengali the above should keep you and your sister on a fun line in my city. <BR><BR>Whoever said Cape Town was boring. (-:)<BR><BR>Hope this all helps and heres hoping that you both have a wonderful time in our great country.<BR><BR>Selwyn Davidowitz<BR>[email protected]<BR><BR>

Selwyn,<BR><BR>Do you need reservations at either Mama Africa or the Drum Cafe???<BR><BR>I am looking to spice up my next visit to Cape Town rather than being back in my hotel room by 9PM like last time.<BR><BR>Thanks for the last post...great feedback regarding night life in Cape Town!

Roccco,<BR><BR>One does not need to make reservations at Mama Africa or the Drum Cafe however I would avise that you arrive early at both venues especially the Drum Cafe as they have a certain amount of jemba drums that they hire out to the publice and you would not want to miss hiring one.<BR><BR>At Mama Africa just go with the flow and dont forget to put on your dancing shoes before you leave home. (-:)<BR><BR>Enjoy.<BR><BR>Selwyn Davidowitz<BR>[email protected]

Selwyn,<BR><BR>At the Drum Cafe the patrons get their own drum to drum along??? That sounds like a blast! I don't know why I didn't explore the Cape Town night life last year! <BR><BR>OK...I am going to stick to my diet and drop 15 pounds by Africa and have a blast. :)

Selwyn,<BR><BR>In regards to the nightlife you mentioned (restaurants, etc.), where are they located relative to some of the nicer hotels (table bay, bay hotel, twelve apostles)? I am curious as to the best method of getting around capetown...whether you can take walks to the nightlife, taxis, or if it is necessary to rent a car for the week?<BR><BR>Also, can you elaborate a little more on the experience at the Clara Anna Fontein lodge? Thanks,<BR><BR>Matty

Matty,<BR><BR>Most of the restaurants that I have mentioned are in the city. This means that they are relatively close to the Waterfront HOWEVER very very far from the 12 Apostles Hotel.<BR><BR>A far as transport to these venues are concerned I would suggest that you use taxis. I say this because of the following reasons:<BR><BR>1. Taxis are efficient and cheap in Cape Town.<BR>2. You wont have to worry about parking<BR>3. You wont have to find your way around town<BR><BR>As far as taxis are concerned if you get on with your first cab driver then take his cell number and keep calling him. You wont believe the service that you will achieve.<BR><BR>The above brings me to another point. When visiting Cape Town, or for that matter South Africa, make sure that you hire a cellphone at the airport. You will find this to be invaluable and DON’T use your home cellphone as the calls are frightfully expensive when you dial from South Africa <BR><BR>As far as Clara Anna Fontein is concerned this is a private game farm 25 km from the city centre. On the farm they have 18 species of animal (lots of different species of antelope and zebra). One can stay over on the farm and the experience of the game drive and traditional dinner is magical. The newest innovation at CAF is the tented village and this is an experience that I cannot describe for you as you simply have to live it in that it is such an exciting event. I recommend a one or two night overnight at most very highly.<BR><BR>The problem about Clara Anna Fontein is that they don’t have a website (They don’t need a website as they are constantly full) They do have an email address which is [email protected]. Their telephone number is +27 21 975 7017 and their fax number is +27 21 975 1533<BR><BR>Matty please understand that it is very hard to describe the CAF experience as it is unique and has to be felt to truly experience what it is all about. Hope that you understand.<BR><BR>Hope this helps.<BR><BR>Selwyn Davidowitz<BR>[email protected]<BR>

Hi Selwyn, So glad you agreed with me re the Green Dolphin-now I can really say what I feel--it was &quot;awful&quot;-what a waste of time. <BR> I hear that The Mount Nelson or Nellie as they say is THE hotel in Cape Town??? Unfortunately, I didn't even know about it.<BR> Yes, you must get a cell phone as Selwyn says-absolutely mandatory! <BR> The winelands-magnificent as well as Cape Peninsula.<BR>

Can these cell phones be rented at J'burg airport and returned at Capetown airport? <BR>

Clematis,<BR><BR>In answer to your question Vodacom Cellucity have just told me per phone that they DO handle hiring at one airport and handing of the phone at all their major airports as well as branches in SA. They do have branches at all major airports. <BR><BR>If you go to http://www.hire4lower.co.za/africa/default.htm all is explained and you can pre-hire your phone via the net using this facility. Cost of hire is all told about $4 per day + call charges of about 30 US cents per minute. <BR><BR>Hope this helps.<BR><BR>Selwyn Davidowitz.<BR>[email protected]<BR><BR>

Wow, thank you very much Selwyn! Very helpful!

If you do decide to rent a car while in Cape Town, (my own personal recommendation )cell phone hire is provided free of charge with the car hire. You pay for the calls you make, but not for incoming calls.

Are these cell phones available in Kenya?

Thanks for all the great advice everyone. I really enjoyed hearing about CAF - would it be suitable for all ages? I'm coming to Cape Town with my parents in Januray of next year and we want to make the most of our trip so all the advice is invaluable.<BR>One other question does anyone have any advice about the best way to travel between Cape Town and Jo'burg? I believe there is now a cheap airline operating would anyone have the web address or be able to advise? Thanks so much!

Waverley,<BR><BR>You are correct about cellphone hire coming free with car rental BUT this is a facility that only SOME companies offer and generally these companies are the big expensive ones. Thus dont be fooled as you are paying for the phone anyway. I would rather hire a car from Tempest Car Hire at a great rate and no cellphone with seperate phone hire from a cellphone company. Note that Tempest have branches all over the country where one can drop off or change vehicles etc.<BR><BR>Just me two pence worth...<BR><BR>Selwyn Davidowitz<BR>[email protected]

Mariacallas: I would venture that it would be available--absolutely

Hey Selwyn, thanks for the tip on Tempest Car Hire. I just booked a Toyota Corolla that I need for a week in Jo'burg next month before heading out to the bush. This saved me R 720, (over $ 90) over the best quote I had to date. <BR><BR>Next question: I bought a cheap Nokia GSM cell phone in Europe and bought a prepaid SIM card for each country as I changed countries. I had planned to take the phone to Africa and buy a prepaid SIM card at the Jo'burg airport. In light of some of the other postings, should I just plan on hiring a cell phone at the airport? What are the economies here? I'll need to make several international calls while in SA. <BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>

Selwyn, thanks for the info that not all car hire places have the cell phone option. I rented through National which was actually the cheapest deal. At that time it was MUCH cheaper than Tempest. I went onto sidestep.com which brings up all the car hire prices and compares them.

Hi everyone! <BR>Thank you so very much for all of the responses re. nightlife, things to do, and the cell phone issue. that is a fabulous idea and it never occured to me to do that on past trips. <BR><BR>Selwyn, your email was so helpful that I have already jotted down many notes, and I will be in touch directly re. the Clara Anna Fontein. Everyone else, I am just so thrilled that you have taken the time to write and help out.<BR><BR>The information re. the jazz clubs/bars is great! My sister is very much a city-person (as opposed to my husband, who is obsessed with nature), so I do think we will spend most of our time in Cape Town proper. I would also like to see some of south africa's history...i.e. some have recommended a tour of District Six? Any thoughts on this? How would I set that up? We will be staying at the Cape Grace and I am assuming they could arrange a tour - what would you recommend?<BR><BR>In terms of cultural shows, etc, your input was already very helpful. The music sounds wonderful there and I know we'll want to take it all in.<BR><BR>And Selwyn, thanks for the warning about the weather! both of my previous trips to cape town have been at the same time of year, so i am prepared. <BR><BR>Again, I appreciate all your help. And if anyone thinks of anything else, please do feel free to re-post. What would some of the best lunch places be...in the sense of &quot;best quick meal for a reasonable price&quot;? While dinners I feel should be delicious and elaborate, lunch in my opinion should be delicious and cheap! would love to hear thoughts.<BR>bengali

Waverley, I just now tried sidestep.com, but it linked into a site hotwire.com that returns the message &quot;...services not provided at that location, pick another location..&quot; when I enter Johannesburg, South Africa as the rental location. What have I missed?

Harold,<BR><BR>May I suggest that you bring you personal cellphone with you + card. On arrival at the airport test if this works. If it does then use your phone. If it does not then go to the Vodacom Cellucity counter and ask them if you can hire their phone ONLY and test your card. If this works then this will be the option to follow. If it does not work then hire the total package from Vodacom Cellucity.<BR><BR>Thats my advice.<BR><BR>Selwyn Davidowitz.<BR>[email protected]<BR><BR><BR>

Bengali,<BR><BR>Thanks for your positive comments.<BR><BR>When you write to me about Clara Anna Fontein I will respond with what I suggest you do about District 6 and visiting the area.<BR><BR>Sounds like you are in for one great time in Cape Town.<BR><BR>Selwyn Davidowitz.<BR>[email protected]<BR>

Harold, not sure what you are doing &quot;incorrectly&quot;, but I just tried it again for next month leaving from Johannesburg and it brought up a whole lot of choices, alamo being the cheapest in the economy car range. (Just trying anything). Try this link <BR>http://www.sidestep.com/open.html?<BR>SbAutoOpen=1<BR><BR>Click on cars. I did not get into hotwire at all.

Dear Gilcmorris, there is a low cost airline,it is: kulula

Waverley, I was able to get into Sidestep.com, at last. Here is what I found. I asked for a mid-sized car for one week in Johannesburg in mid-May. Alamo came up as cheapest by a large amount. This is the basic rental fee and does not included taxes, fees, insurance, etc. I then went to Alamo.com and input the same info. That site requires you to input your country of origin (could this make a difference on price?). That site stated that no mid-size cars were available during the period and I chose a class of ..&quot;Honda Civic, or similiar&quot;.<BR>There is a place to input promotions, quicksilver #, etc., which would presumably lower the rate. The calculator came up with a weekly rental of R 1503. That is a super price and so I called Alamo in Johannesburg to confirm that was a correct price (not that it would do me any good as I've already booked a car). The agent said that the price was an international booking and that the rate would be honored, but when I went thru it with her she said that the colision damage wavier and theft waiver weren't included in the price and should be. This adds another R 91 per day to the rental. I didn't think to ask if VAT at 14% has to be charged on the CDW, but if not with this addition, the price is only slightly higher than the Tempest booking I have made.<BR><BR>Assuming sidestep.com may have some economies of scale, I went back to sidestep.com and took Alamo's best rate for the car class and added on the information obtained (premium location, contract fee, CDW and VAT). This exercise gave me a weekly rental of $ 30 less than Tempest. So I have concluded that Alamo and Tempest are in the ballpark.<BR><BR>I was struck by how much higher Avis, National and Europa Car were over Alamo.<BR><BR>

Alamo and National are one and the same, so while I booked with Alamo, I had to look for National in the car park when returning the car to Cape Town airport, ( and believe me, it is VERY well hidden). <BR><BR>I did take all the insurnaces which add on a lot.<BR><BR>On thinking about the free cell phone rental, I think that perhaps more car hire companies than not give the cell phones. I have found that not one single car hire company that we have used tell you this, you have to know to ask.<BR><BR>In fact, when I am back there in May, I am going to survey them. (I'll be in Joburg for the week and so will have PLENTY of free time.)<BR>

Thanks Pattysuericia that was the website I was looking for.