sandi

leoville -

Like Rocco and Joey, I missed the trip report when originally posted - beats me how, but I actually read off the screen which I usually don't do (rather print and then read).

Great report and so much detail.
We too did the Shark Cage Diving - or rather my partner did; I do't "do water" though I was the one who booked for him and it was a big concession for me to even be aboard the boat. But I took the photos above the water, while he took those below. Unfortunately, below, the water was murky, but you can still see the size of the sharks. The one I took topside, was a shark grabbing the chum-bag and those are sure "big sharp teeth." The first dive was so exciting that my partner went down for a second dive. Then as soon as we returned to CPT, took the film in for developing and had them back within the hour.

While we only spent half-day in the winelands, we had lunch at La Petite Ferme which was outstanding. However, we felt the meal rather inexpensive, but that might have something to do with the fact that I'm from NY and he's from Las Vegas; also in '01 when we visited, the USD was a bit stronger than it is nowadays.

I do look forward to seeing your photos if and when you can post them. Thanks again for a great trip report.

Roccco

Sorry, but I just had to top this most amazing trip report for anybody that missed it the first couple times around.

I am going absolutely mad trying to decide on where I am going next and in conducting a couple searches I stumbled on this report again.

Leoville seems to have captured the perfect South African itinerary with this trip, but one that also must be taken probably between September - November to take advantage of the whale viewing season.

Seeing this trip report has me thinking about a couple weeks in Rajasthan in March, and then cutting and pasting Leoville's itinerary but substituting accomodations--Twelve Apostles Hotel instead of Table Bay Hotel...I've stayed at both and the 12 Apostles is an easy choice despite the Table Bay being an excellent hotel--also subbing out Le Quartier Francais for the Winelands and the Misty Beach Chateau in Hermanus, or if I can afford it, the Marine Hermanus--subbing out Tsala Treetop Lodge for the Phantom Forest--subbing out Phinda Vlei for Phinda Forest--and subbing out the less expensive Simbambili for Londolozi.

Amazing, amazing trip report. Thanks again, Leoville.

lana123

loved every minute of reading your report. Can you please give me the contact name of your driver in Capetown...I need to arrange a couple of tours in capetown and your trip sounds like what I would like to do.

Regards

Celia

Leoville, thanks for a super report, and Roccco, thanks for topping it!

We've been home from SA for only 2 months, and had decided to put Africa out of our plans for the next couple of years -- but just like Karen Blixen who is always wondering if there is rain at Ngong, I'm always thinking about what's going on in southern Africa. This trip report has me wondering if I need to revise my plans.

Thanks for the wonderful emotional lift!

leoville

Wow, I need to visit my own writing more often. Sorry I have not answered some of the questions. The name of our Cape Town tour operator was Robin of Robin Tours(nothing to do with the island!). Unfortunately I do not have his phone number. I promise I will get pictures posted somewhere soon. All of my photography are in slide form. I recently bought a scanner and I am slowly scanning items in. I am currently working on a photo project in Kenya, so the SA pictures may take some more time. Thanks!