piri

Could I please have some guidance for a five day visit to Cape Town early December.
Having difficulties walking very far and also standing still for very long (gone are the wonderful days of galleries and museums), I would appreciate advice on which area of the city would be best for me as far as being in the centre of things , good atmosphere and close to shops , restaurants etc. Advice on hotels in the 4 star grade or good B & B 's would be much appreciated.
I would also like any recommendations for tours or private tour guide that /who would be suitable . I know this request is pretty vague but I just don't know where to start and I always find this forum of great help.
I want to emerge myself in the atmosphere of this lovely city without rushing around to dozens of sights.
Thanks so much.

living4safari

Hi there

I am not able to give you a comprehensive answer, but would recommend that you do a trip to Robben Island on one of the days. You won't have to walk long distances - the museum (where you catch the ferry) is close to a parking area, the ferry has comfortable seats, and you will be in a bus for most of the time on the island, only walking short distances at specific points where you get out to have a closer look at certain things. The V & A Waterfront itself is not a bad choice either, because you can choose how much you want to walk and when and where you would like to sit down and watch the harbour, the passersby and enjoy good wine & a good meal at the same time.
I would strongly suggest that you investigate the possibility of doing a guided city tour by bus - but you were probably planning to do so anyway. The City Lodge hotel at the Waterfront may be a good option; I'm not really au fait with B&B's close by. Also have a look at the Protea Hotels in Cape Town - www.proteahotels.com should have adequate info. Also check out www.citylodge.co.za
If I were you, I would really stay as close to the V&A Waterfront as possible or stay someplace that has a good shuttle service because the Waterfront is really the tourism hub.
Hope it helps a little bit!
Kind regards

sdb2

I suggest a very recent Bradt publication might be greatly helpful to you:

"Access Africa, Safaris for People with Limited Mobility" by Gordon Rattray. It has a section on Cape Town. It's listed at $24.99 but can be had for under $15 at Amazon.com

Good luck, Steve

piri

What wonderful replies from both of you. Steve, I will certainly purchase that book and "living4safari" your suggestions were so helpful. I will check out the places you mentioned and it was great to hear that Robben Island did not require too much walking as I am sure I will find it very interesting. Thanks again to you both. Cheers.

atravelynn

"I would also like any recommendations for tours or private tour guide that /who would be suitable '

I am sure Wayne of Take2Tours could do a nice job for you in Cape Town. He was wonderful when I hired him for several days worth of Cape Town activities. You could discuss particulars with him by email or phone. He was always prompt and knowledgeable in his responses and give helpful suggestions.

Selwyn of I Love Cape Town also gets great reviews as a guide.

living4safari

Hi piri

Only a pleasure - feel free to drop me a mail (on my profile) if you want to chat more. I don't live in Cape Town, but have been there many times and one thing I loathe is bad service. I only return to places where I am happy with the service and will recommend them to everybody I know!

Cheers