We have our flights, hotels, and rental cars booked. Now we are looking for some recommendations for things to do, places to eat, etc.. We are a family of five-- three boys aged 14, 12, & 6 so suggestions that may especially appeal to children are particularly welcomed. Here is our schedule:

2 nights in Johannesburg-- we arrive in the evening and want to spend one day exploring the apartheid museum and soweto (I have booked a private driver for this).

3 nights in Blydes River/Kruger (we will have a car here)

4 nights in Capetown (we will have a car)

2 nights in winelands (we will have a car)

4 nights on safari in Madikwe

Our boys are active and love sports and outdoor activities. We all also love good food and are adventuresome eaters.

Thank you for your recommendations!
Jeanne

I forgot to mention that we will be there in July.

Hmmm, well, I've been to Madikwe and I've been to Kruger National Park. And I'd rather spend the 4 nights in Kruger. Or even better at Kings Camp near Kruger. http://kingscamp.com/

Also, how does Madikwe work into your itinerary as you present it? JNB then CPT then to Madikwe then back to JNB?

regards - tom

Tom the schedule is all set and we are happy with it. I am really just looking for suggestions of activities and restaurants vs input on the schedule.

FYI, we will fly into JNB, spend two nights there and then drive to Kruger. We will then fly from Kruger to CPT. After spending time in CPT and winelands, we will fly to JNB and rent a car to drive to and from madikwe. We are driving to Kruger and Madikwe as 1. it is much cheaper than flying when you have 5 people; 2. my husband dislikes flying on small planes; and 3. we enjoy driving. We prefer to fly non stop therefore we have to fly into/out of JNB...

We would love suggestions on things to see/do in these locations, especially activities that we may not find in a guidebook. Also would love restaurant recommendations.

topping

Cape Town musts: Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape Point, penguins at Boulders & baboons along the peninsular, can recommend the Black Marlin restaurant along here or Bertha's in Simons Town, also The Harbour House in Kalk Bay or the Brass Bell pub. You may spot a whale or two if your lucky, might be to early although I have seen them further up the coast in June.

When you are in the winelands you might like to take a trip to Wisenhof Wildpark http://wiesenhof.co.za/about.html

Thanks braaiseason.

topping

Not sure if your time in CT is at a weekend ? Hout Bay market is on Sunday. Noordhoek Food Barn, Spier nr Stellenbosch may be of interest for all the family. http://www.spier.co.za/what_to_do_at_spier

Well when you're in cape Town there is a lot to do. If you like markets there is the Old Biscuit Mill market in Woodstock, the Stellenbosch Market (try the cinnamon buns!) and the Muizenburg Market.
The aquarium at the V&A Waterfront is amazing, and there are plenty of other things to do at the Waterfront. Then try catching a train (don't worry its safe on this line) from Cape Town city centre out to Simons Town. Stop in Kalk Bay and browse in the shops along main road, and stop at Kalkys Restaurant in the harbour for fantastic fish and chips.

Take a walk along the sea point promenade, hike up Lion's Head and take the Cable Car to the top of Table Mountain. There is SO much to do in Cape Town.

Almost forgot, get a guide and head to Mzoli's Meat, a restaurant in Gugulethu. Its safe during the day, and everyone goes to Mzoli's. Great traditional food!

There's also World of Birds in Hout Bay

http://www.worldofbirds.org.za/

Or Butterfly World in Paarl, I've visited the Aquarium in CT twice, worth a visit especially at the feeding time by divers watching out for the sharks !

wonderful suggestions! Thank you!

Cape Town :

See the Noon Gun being fired - it is up a little road that you really question whether you are in the right place and then you get to the barracks which seems even odder. But get there by about 11.30 or so, enjoy the view and wait for the action. It's free too.

If you are planning on going up Table Mountain go as soon as it is clear of clouds. If you wait you may not get another chance esp as you only have a few days

World of Birds in Hout Bay allows you in with the spider monkeys - check the times if that is your sort of thing.

You can go out on a boat trip from loads of places in the V&A. Our favourites are the catamaran from the side of the V&A Hotel and the speed boat from the steps by the swing bridge.

We like The Africa Cafe in Heritage Square. It's definitely touristy but quite fun and you get a set meal with lots of different African dishes to try. Also, Willoughbys, upstairs in the V&A is good for fish - no view at all as it is in the mall but reputedly where the locals go.

In Paarl there is Le Bonheur crocodile farm and about an hour from Cape Town going west there is the West Coast Ostrich Ranch.

If you want some personal favourites of attractions and sights of SA (each city, plus in the country), I have maps with my choice of spots all over the country which you are welcome to use for free -they integrate with google Maps so you can just load them onto your smartphone. Go to www.satpacktravel.com and just follow the links to the maps you want.

That way you pick and choose what you want -and if you find something I haven't, please let me know and I'll add it.

Also I believe The Wheel of Excellence is still at the V&A until the end of this year.