Newbie

I'm planning on an autumn trip to South Africa. Aside from a trip to Mexico City, ages ago, this is my first time outside the country. Are there customs or warnings I should be aware of, there? Any good, interesting places to stay in Joberg and Cape Town for around $100/night or less? Any places/areas to avoid?<BR>Any recommendations on must-dos either city? Particularly interested in political history, theatre and wine. <BR>

paula

Hi Newbie<BR><BR>When you say autumn, do you mean SA autumn (that's around now). If you mean September / October, that's the start of spring here. I f you like wine, you MUST go to the Cape wine region, it is absolutely beautiful and the wines are excellent. For $100 per night you can stay in some nice accommodation. I stayed at a place called La Petite Ferme in Franschoek, I think it was about $70 or less, and it was really lovely. Very small, only 3 rooms, with plunge pools looking out over the vineyards and valley. I can't find their e-mail address but have a look at www.portfoliocollection.com, there are many choices there. The weather might be a bit wet / blustery if you are in the Cape outside of summer - depends. Up in Jo'burg I'd suggest you go on to the Kruger or the Northern Province to a game lodge - (about 4 hrs drive from Jo'burg). They can be pricey, but you can still get something for $100. It's a great experience and not one you'll forget. The weather is better up here - different climate, drier and sunnier but colder at night. Any questions please ask. Paula

Renea Apartian

Hi Newbie. I was in Capetown in late September last year. We especially enjoyed it because of the place we stayed. I recommend checking out the Clifton House. The website is www.cliftonhouse.co.za. The Clifton House is an owner-run guest house located just 10 min. from downtown Capetown. During the off season it is quite affordable.

Woody

Hi<BR><BR>We stayed in a lovely B&B in Hout Bay last Xmas called Froggs Leap. www.froggsleap.co.za I think? We are planning to go back there next January. The price was about R450 (&pound;30) per room per night. Excellent place and highly recommended.<BR><BR>Woody

Saleem

Hi Newbie<BR><BR>The current exchange rate is in your favour. As a Capetonian I would never pay $100 for a room back home (I am working abroad at the moment). Hotel rooms and guest lodges/bed and Breakfast should be very cheap. Your $$ will go a long way. <BR><BR>Things you must do when in Cape Town:<BR>- Take a day trip to the Spier (wine route) on their special train.<BR>- If you are going in September, go whale watching in Hermanus (Whale festival)<BR>- Take a cable car up table mountain and hike down (with a guide or group of course)<BR>- Visit Cavendish Square for shopping in the smartest mall in the world. There is also the ever popular Waterfront shopping area and the new Canal Walk (about 400 stores under one roof).<BR>- Buy a hotdog at one of the kiosk on the Parade "Adams"(in the City Bowl). Not like a typical hotdog.<BR>- If it is warm go to Clifton/Camp Bay to check out people. <BR>- Make reservations at Bukhara's in the City Bowl for breathtaking Indian food<BR>- You should rent a car. If you book at Hertz from Overseas you get a discount.<BR>- Check out GrandWest Casino for legal gambling and entertainment.<BR>- The main wine area is Stellenbosch and many companies offer day excursions.<BR>- Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium at the Waterfront.<BR>- Whatever you do - do not get into a minibus taxi. Trust me...<BR>- Public transport is not as safge and reliable as elsewhere in the world.<BR><BR><BR>Keep your receipts as you can claim back the tax (vat) that you paid on your purchases.<BR><BR>Be safety conscious and not reckless.<BR><BR>You will a ball of a time. I guarantee that you will want to go again.

James

Fantastic advice Saleem!<BR><BR>Can I add a couple of things?<BR><BR>Spend a day or two in the winelands (I should claim a little tourist experience having spent month and months there) and make sure you get to see Franschhoek - lunch on the front of their terrace looking down the valley is memorable.<BR><BR>Cape Ponit is a half day journey - do it with a trip through Simons Town and the old wineries in Constansia.<BR><BR>CPT really is the most wonderful city imaginable - have a great time!

James

Thickoo! I meant to say La Petite Ferme in Franschhoek.

cwill

What is the cost of a tour to the wine country from capetown? I am going to s.a. with a tour and I know they will want more money,and It will e less if I go on my own with a local tour. any recomendations would be helpful<BR> thanks

shufits

this is my fourth trip to south africa. if you have an entertainment book from the usa check out the discounts at some hotels. we are staying at a four star hotel including buffet breakfast for less than half price!!!! let's see, around $25 dollars each and its across from the beach!

Larry

On my last visit to Cape Town I stayed at the Winchester Mansions Hotel, a 1920's decco style building in the Seapoint area on the oceanfront. I used the Entertainment discount card to get half price lodging that included a full cooked breakfast each morning. We had a 2 bedroom suite with chocolates on the pillow and thick terry cloth bathrobes. We paid about $45-$50 total for two people in the room. You can also go to www.portfoliocollection.com for a comprehensive listing of all types of lodging in Southern Africa. Their site includes pictures, prices, and contact info. A search on the web for So. African Accomodation will give you more sites than you will ever have time to visit but I could forward some on to you if you are interested.

Helen

Hi<BR><BR>I can recommend good accommodation for Johannesburg and Cape Town for you. Just email me and I will also advise you some interesting places to visit in both cities.

angel

We too are planning an autumn trip to South Africa and have enjoyed reading all the tips but are wondering---what is an entertainment book or card. We live in Texas. Where would we get one?

tracy

Hi there Newbie<BR>I have recently been to SA and my dealings with Wild Sensations as great, they are very helpfull, contact them on [email protected],<BR>they do all travel arrangements, and safaris, they will give you some options on places to stay <BR>good luck<BR>Tracy