newbee3

Thanks braaiseason. I'll definitely keep your advice in mind.

I was thinking of posting to ask for advice regarding the whole cage diving/whale watching part of the trip. Everything else seems to be pretty set.

I understand that Gansbaai is 2 hours away from CT. I figure that since we are going to Hermanus anyway, it's only a half hour drive to Gansbaai next day.

I'm a bit confused whether we should book a cage diving tour with a ASEC in Simon's Town or with Great White Shark Tours in Gansbaai. Someone said that Simon's Town is less commercialized and the boats arent that crowded. However, Gansbaai has more sharks (?). Options, options -- so many!

annhig

hi newbee,

you are indeed travelling at the time that the flowers are supposed to be out - lucky you! [I've not managed to see them yet].

however if you decide to stay in/around Cape town you can still see them and many more by going to the Kirstenbosch gardens round the back of Table Mountain - IMHO it's a real must see. also, I can see anywhere where you have mentioned seeing Table mountain itself, which you really should try to get up at some point in your trip.

my recollection is that one of the HOHO buses goes there, but you would need to check to make sure that this is up to date.

have a great trip!

braaiseason

The Simon's Town outfit does only have 2 people in the cage whereas at Gansbaai it could be up to 5 people. There are less people with ASEC & they also do whale watching.

Alternatively you could do this ...

Day 1 & Day 2 - City
Day 3 - Move to the Cape Peninsula, shark dive pm
Day 4 - Full peninsula tour
Day 5 - Day trip to Hermanus
Day 6 & 7 - Cape Winelands Tour - Stellenbosch, Franschhoek
Day 8 - EMPTY (suggestion west coast)
Day 9 - Depart CT for Jo'burg

Just a thought :0)Whatever you decide I'm sure you will have a super time.

newbee3

Hi Annhig! I wasn't planning to visit Kirstenbosch, but will definitely include it in our itinerary now. The HOHO buses pass by Table Mountain, so figured we could swing by then. If there isn't enough time during on the HOHO days, we have a spare day and can dedicate the afternoon in the Mountain. Thanks for your input!

Hi Braaiseason. The decision of where to cage dive made my head spin because it is such a crucial part of the whole SA experience. I personally love sharks and this experience is the only item in my bucket list so I have a lot riding in this. That being said, after lengthy research, I have decided to confirm with Great White Shark Tours in Gansbaai. Thanks for your suggested itinerary.

Can anyone give me advise - is it better to stay in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek? I've read Franschhoek is supposed to be a better place to spend the night, but some reviews are also saying that Stellenbosch is. Also, if anyone can suggest b&bs or inns that would be suitable.

Many, many thanks everyone!

annhig

newbee - FYI the best time to go up Table Mountain is when the "table cloth" or cloud isn't hanging on top and over the edge of it.

they do [or at least did when we were there] free tours of the top with volunteer guides at 10am and 12 noon - we thought it was very interesting and well worth doing. lasts about an hour, and meets by the seating area near the top of the cable car.

some of the people who had been with us on the tour walked down to the gardens but there were warnings about thefts and muggings on the mountain which we decided to heed.

newbee3

Thanks, annhig!

I need some more advise. Not sure if I should be posting this on another thread, or continuing it on this one. Here it goes:

I've been hearing/seeing conflicting information on precautionary measures to take before coming in to SA. Some people are saying we should take yellow fever shots and malaria pills, while others are saying only malaria pills are required.

Kindly advise as to what we should do. I heard that if not necessary, best not to take the yellow fever shot as there are quite a few side effects. Same goes for malaria.

What do you guys think based on your knowledge and experiences?

Urgent help required please.

Many thanks!

annhig

you need to ask your own dept of health/doc for advice on that.

however as a rule of thumb, if you are going to safari-type places on the cape, you don't need malaria tablets, if you are going to Kruger, you do. [that's one of the attractions of the cape safari outfits]. but you need to ask your dic which sort of malaria protection you need.

can't help with the yellow fever I'm afraid.

pixelpower

Hey newbee,

You'll love nThambo!

Please say hi to Yolandi, Gawie and Isaac from us.
Us = Jochen & Mira.

If you need any info, just send me a PM on FB:
www.facebook.com/MarulaCampSafaris

Ciao,

J.

Taga_Safaris

Hi newbee
You might want to keep a lookout on surf4safaris.com which offers specials. Its a new website but growing.

Yours on Safari
Mark

AmyVW

Yes! Take the Hop on Hop off bus. I live in Cape town and I still enjoyed it

Some things in the city bowl(the bowl in front of Table Mountain) area:
Bokaap. Bright and colourful and well as full of culture. If you love coffee, there is a really sweet coffee shop called Haas in Bokaap.
A lovely thing to do is to go to the Saturday goodfoods market in Woodstock if you are into food: at the Old Biscuit Mill.
Climb Lion's head for a slightly different experience to Table Mountain.
These are all things you can do if you happen to be in the city bowl
On Table Mountain, go explore the whole top.
I agree with all the major sightsees that others have mentioned for CT.
Definitely drive up the West coast to see the wild flowers (only in Aug) and visit a charming fishing village called Paternoster (+-2hours up west coast from CT).