me

I'm flying into cape town for 7 nights vacation and wondered if anyone has any good advice in terms of how best to split the trip up.<BR><BR>I'm planning on 3 nights in Cape Town, 2 in Stellenbosh and have 2 more nights to go somewhere else.<BR><BR>All ideas greatly appreciated as I've not been to the area before

L

One option is to rent a car in CT and drive to Hermanus to see the Southern Right Whales ... they calve close to shore. The seafood restaurant at The Marine Hotel is a winner. Also, plan to do the full tour down to Cape Hope, going down one side and back the other. Spend some time in the V&A Wharf area ... good shopping. And you might want to visit the Vauhgn Johnson wine shop there just to get briefed on SA wines before you venture into that area ... VJ will pack up a case for you so you can check it as baggage on your return flight. Have a good time, and if Table Mtn. is clear, grab the cable car to the top. Ciao

Kim

I agree with the last reply:<BR>MUST SEES:Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope<BR>Time constraints - wouldn't do it again: Robben Island - unless you are a real history buff I'd pass. It takes up most of the day. But I would recommed the sundowner harbour cruise to unwind.<BR>Days off?: RENT A CAR! Seriously, car rental is very cheap in SA especially when you tell them you're a tourist. Take the car and drive the Garden route along the ocean - if you take the 2 more nights for this tour you can make it to the stunning Cango Caves (take the adventure tour but wear old clothes) and Addo Elephant Park - you can camp there.<BR>So much to see in this area don't waste your time in one place!

james

I think the Robben Island tour is an absolute must along with the trip up Table Mountain (tip - go at sunset when the queues are shorter and the view more interesting). The market at Greenmarket Square, V&A waterfront is ok - the Aquarium is stunning. The Castle and company gardens are worth a look if you want to get a historical aspect. Take a drive down the coast using the Chapmans peak drive which is surely one of the most spectacular drives in the world. The winelands are lovely with lots of great food places. Don't miss a visit to Franschhoek which is pretty. Have a picnic at Boschendal winery - they provide the picnic. Further afield, Hermanus is ok but you won't see whales at this time of year. Personally, I'd spend the time in CPT and the winelands - there really is stacks to do. The mini Rough Guide to Cape Town is helpful. Definitely hire a car - Tempest do good deals.

JC

Please correct me if wrong, but I've heard the Robben Island trip may be a rip-off ... you must actually reserve far in advance to set foot on the place and take the tour. The boats in the V&A Wharf in CT, I am told, merely cruise by the island, and their advertising apparently omits this little fact. Again, I have heard you must make arrangements far in advance. Anybody with actual expereience? JC

james

JC - I just turned up - paid ZAR100 per person, got on the catamaran and went to the Island. Once there you get taken round the Island to see the 'sights' (including a stop off where you get to take the 'classic' view of Cape Town) and then on to the prison itself where an ex-con (the whole Island is run by them) gives you a guided tour. I think from Cape Town and back again it was 3.5 hours - it felt like an hour it was so interesting. I wonder if there are rip-off tours that don't visit the Island? I got the information off a web-site.

Jo

James says the Chapman Peak Drive - suppose to be great but when we went to do it the road was closed and not expected to reopen for quite some time, so don't back on it!<BR>I agree with Cango Caves. Perhaps a hire care and heading up the Garden Route would be great. I love Knysna! Near Plettenburg Bay is a place called Monkeyland which I loved - its a reserve for all types of monkeys and lemurs where you can see rare types in a natural environment. Quite an experience having a beer while monkeys are fighting on the next table!<BR>There are some wonderful walks near George if that is your thing. Hermanus is lovely, even if its not whale season its well worth a visit.<BR>So much choice, so little time...