8 days in Cape Town, could you help?
Jul 3rd, 2007, 09:15 AM
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8 days in Cape Town, could you help?
We finally have our air reserved for 22 days in Namibia, then flying to South Africa for several days. Hurrah!! We'll be in Cape Town mid Oct and wonder if 8 days is enough time to see a little of Cape Town, the wine district and a tour of the Garden Route. How many days do you really need to do the Garden Route? Would two days in Cape Town, two in the Wine area and three on the Garden Route be too little to enjoy each area? We would want to be back in Cape Town the last day to fly home.
I knew we should have planned this out before getting air reservations we can't change, but we were so intense on Namibia we didn't read up on South Africa and realize there was so much to see.
We're not into big cities, so we might be able to cut Cape Town to one day and night the first day there, and then the last day of our trip.
I'd love some suggestions on small B & B's with charm and a pool. I hope mid Oct is not too cool to swim or plunge (cool off) in a pool.
Any suggestions as to where to stay the first and last nights. Would you stay in Cape Town or a little further out, or in city center?
Has anyone stayed at Davids B & B? I saw a comment a while back, but can't find it now. It looked reasonable, and you could rent autos, tours and transport to and from the airport from him. We're looking at low to mid price range, with ensuite bath. We're two senior who like to find the best value, since we like to travel a lot.
Carol
I knew we should have planned this out before getting air reservations we can't change, but we were so intense on Namibia we didn't read up on South Africa and realize there was so much to see.
We're not into big cities, so we might be able to cut Cape Town to one day and night the first day there, and then the last day of our trip.
I'd love some suggestions on small B & B's with charm and a pool. I hope mid Oct is not too cool to swim or plunge (cool off) in a pool.
Any suggestions as to where to stay the first and last nights. Would you stay in Cape Town or a little further out, or in city center?
Has anyone stayed at Davids B & B? I saw a comment a while back, but can't find it now. It looked reasonable, and you could rent autos, tours and transport to and from the airport from him. We're looking at low to mid price range, with ensuite bath. We're two senior who like to find the best value, since we like to travel a lot.
Carol
Jul 3rd, 2007, 09:28 AM
#2
hi, Carol,
I't two weks to the start of our trip, so I can only tell you what we are planning to do.
4 nights CPT
2 nights near Hermanus
3 nights at plettenburg bay
3 nights eastern cape safari.
the more researches I do the more time i wish we had in CPT.
In 8 days, I would be tempted to spend them all in CPT, and use it as a base for day trips. there are a lot of things to see within a day's drive - i just got "7 days in cape town" from Amazon, and you'll be spoilt for choice.
if you can wait til early august, I'll be posting a trip report when we get back.
regards, ann
I't two weks to the start of our trip, so I can only tell you what we are planning to do.
4 nights CPT
2 nights near Hermanus
3 nights at plettenburg bay
3 nights eastern cape safari.
the more researches I do the more time i wish we had in CPT.
In 8 days, I would be tempted to spend them all in CPT, and use it as a base for day trips. there are a lot of things to see within a day's drive - i just got "7 days in cape town" from Amazon, and you'll be spoilt for choice.
if you can wait til early august, I'll be posting a trip report when we get back.
regards, ann
Jul 3rd, 2007, 10:18 AM
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Ann,
Is "7 days in Cape Town" the name of the book? I just went to Amazon and didn't see it. It sounds like the kind of book we need.
We're leaving late Sept for Namibia, so I would love to read about your Cape Town trip. I am anxious to start reserving rooms, however, since one B & B I really liked is already reserved.
I hope I get some good suggestions for charming B & B's. There are so many to choose from, and I've gotten great suggestions from Fodors people for some of our other trips.
Ann, are you staying in a B & B in CPT?
Is "7 days in Cape Town" the name of the book? I just went to Amazon and didn't see it. It sounds like the kind of book we need.
We're leaving late Sept for Namibia, so I would love to read about your Cape Town trip. I am anxious to start reserving rooms, however, since one B & B I really liked is already reserved.
I hope I get some good suggestions for charming B & B's. There are so many to choose from, and I've gotten great suggestions from Fodors people for some of our other trips.
Ann, are you staying in a B & B in CPT?
Jul 3rd, 2007, 10:41 AM
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I haven't stayed there yet (trip in September) but have booked Akademie Street Guesthouses for our stay in Franschhoek. They have 3 individual guesthouses each with their own small pool. You'll find some reviews on Tripadvisor and here:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34928538
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34831311
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34928538
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34831311
Jul 3rd, 2007, 01:40 PM
#5
hi, granny,
the book is "seven days in Cape Town" by sean fraser, published by struik; the ISBN no for the book is 978-1-77007-198-8, and i ordered it through amazon UK, 3 days ago!
I've got others, but wish I'd got this one earlier, as it's much better for planning, though a bit big to take with us.
I didn't mention where we are staying as you had specified B&B - we have 4 nights in the Radisson on the V & A waterfront. not necessarily what we would have picked, but we got 3 out of the 4 nights free with the 2 nights at Shamwari at the other end of the trip.
there are a number of recent threads on this board about B&B in CPT which you can search for. also you could ask Selwyn if he's got any ideas [search for him by name for the link to his web-site].
22 days in Namibia sounds great.
good luck with your researches,
regards, ann
the book is "seven days in Cape Town" by sean fraser, published by struik; the ISBN no for the book is 978-1-77007-198-8, and i ordered it through amazon UK, 3 days ago!
I've got others, but wish I'd got this one earlier, as it's much better for planning, though a bit big to take with us.
I didn't mention where we are staying as you had specified B&B - we have 4 nights in the Radisson on the V & A waterfront. not necessarily what we would have picked, but we got 3 out of the 4 nights free with the 2 nights at Shamwari at the other end of the trip.
there are a number of recent threads on this board about B&B in CPT which you can search for. also you could ask Selwyn if he's got any ideas [search for him by name for the link to his web-site].
22 days in Namibia sounds great.
good luck with your researches,
regards, ann
Jul 3rd, 2007, 01:58 PM
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IMO 2 nights in Cape Town too few; I'd go for at least 4. You say you don't like big cities but Cape Town is not a huge metropolis, and there is much to see. It takes one full day just to drive the scenic rouite down to the Cape, see the penguins at Boulders, and visit the little coast towns along the way. Then there's Kirstenbosch Gardens, a good half day, and Robben's Island, another half day or more. We elected to skip the Garden Route because it sounded touristy. We spent 5 nights in Cape Town and 3 in Franschoek, which was about right. For what it's worth...
Leslie
Leslie
Jul 3rd, 2007, 02:11 PM
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I loved going up the coast to Langebaan and on to the fishing village of Paternoster. There was a small hotel there, that looked great. That was some years ago, but might be worth checking.
In Cape Town, we love Kensington Place hotel.
In Cape Town, we love Kensington Place hotel.
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Jul 3rd, 2007, 07:15 PM
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We just returned from our trip with 5 nights and 4 days in Cape Town and could have used an additional day.
We stayed at the Cape Cadagon which is on Upper Union street very close to the Mt. Nelson hotel. They have a small pool which is really a plunge pool not a real swimming pool but would be fine for me as we did not want a resort.
We loved the location. They have 12 rooms and we had room 2 which was a little more expensive but larger. We felt like we were in our own home. When we came in at night the same people were at the little desk, and when we could not get computer access on their public computer they just told me to use the one a the desk.
Breakfas in the morning was a buffet and then you could choose from the menu for hot items. We were around the coner from a main street whose name I could not recall but at night after a long day of touring it was great to just walk around to a neighborhood restaurant for something to eat.
In the 4 days we did the following:
One day for Stellensboch and a Township
One day for Table mountain and surrounding areas
One day for the botanic gardens and Grot Costansia
One day just enjoying the city.
If we had another day we would have spent it in the wine country which we did not have time to do.
A restaurant I would suggest is Mama Africa which is in the heritage square area. It is touristy but great African food and ambience.
We stayed at the Cape Cadagon which is on Upper Union street very close to the Mt. Nelson hotel. They have a small pool which is really a plunge pool not a real swimming pool but would be fine for me as we did not want a resort.
We loved the location. They have 12 rooms and we had room 2 which was a little more expensive but larger. We felt like we were in our own home. When we came in at night the same people were at the little desk, and when we could not get computer access on their public computer they just told me to use the one a the desk.
Breakfas in the morning was a buffet and then you could choose from the menu for hot items. We were around the coner from a main street whose name I could not recall but at night after a long day of touring it was great to just walk around to a neighborhood restaurant for something to eat.
In the 4 days we did the following:
One day for Stellensboch and a Township
One day for Table mountain and surrounding areas
One day for the botanic gardens and Grot Costansia
One day just enjoying the city.
If we had another day we would have spent it in the wine country which we did not have time to do.
A restaurant I would suggest is Mama Africa which is in the heritage square area. It is touristy but great African food and ambience.
Jul 3rd, 2007, 11:42 PM
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Granny,
Spiegelcjs is refering to The Africa Cafe and not Mama Africa which is an entirely different restaurant. I know this because I sent them to the Africa Cafe
Have to agree with Spiecgelcjs that the Africa Cafe is a must do place to visit for a great African type meal in Cape Town.
Also agree that Cape Codogan is a wonderful place to stay.
In my opinion Davids is one of the best money for value places to stay at for those visiting Cape Town. Great accommodation, wonderful friendly service, good location and very good prices. I would recommend this guesthouse highly.
Hope the above helps.
Enjoy our city when you visit us.
Very proudly part of the wonderful
nation of South Africa
Spiegelcjs is refering to The Africa Cafe and not Mama Africa which is an entirely different restaurant. I know this because I sent them to the Africa Cafe
Have to agree with Spiecgelcjs that the Africa Cafe is a must do place to visit for a great African type meal in Cape Town.Also agree that Cape Codogan is a wonderful place to stay.
In my opinion Davids is one of the best money for value places to stay at for those visiting Cape Town. Great accommodation, wonderful friendly service, good location and very good prices. I would recommend this guesthouse highly.
Hope the above helps.
Enjoy our city when you visit us.
Very proudly part of the wonderful
nation of South Africa
Jul 22nd, 2007, 02:08 PM
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Hi Granny,
DH & I are not "into big cities" either, but I will tell you that Cape Town is certainly one of the prettiest we have ever seen. And the driving in the surrounding areas is spectacular - you will love it!
We stayed at Akademie Guest Houses in Franschhoek back in Feb 2006, and really enjoyed it (My trip report was the second that Patty linked above). I can't comment on the Garden Route, but we spent 2 days in Cape Town and 2 days in Franschhoek, and could have spent a lot <b>more</b> time in both places.
Hope you have a great trip!
Patty - have you posted your itinerary for September?
DH & I are not "into big cities" either, but I will tell you that Cape Town is certainly one of the prettiest we have ever seen. And the driving in the surrounding areas is spectacular - you will love it!
We stayed at Akademie Guest Houses in Franschhoek back in Feb 2006, and really enjoyed it (My trip report was the second that Patty linked above). I can't comment on the Garden Route, but we spent 2 days in Cape Town and 2 days in Franschhoek, and could have spent a lot <b>more</b> time in both places.
Hope you have a great trip!
Patty - have you posted your itinerary for September?
Jul 23rd, 2007, 12:02 PM
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Hi Granny,
We stayed in Capetown for seven days last November/early December--and split it up w/four days at the beginning of our trip and three days at the end. We also spent three days in the Winelands. We stayed at a wonderful B & B (Selwyn D. doesn't think it's up to what it used to be--but we've travelled widely and it was one of the most charming and reasonable places we've stayed anywhere and the staff was uniformly warm and helpful). It's the Welgelegen House in the Gardens in CapeTown and the value for the money was excellent. I'm not sure about whether they have a small "dipping" pool or not. We also stayed at a wonderfully beautiful boutique hotel, Camps Bay Retreat that's in the Camps Bay area, but it was more pricey and you really benefit from having a car.
I woudl recommend checking out the websites of both.
We did mostly day trips--but did have the additional three days in the winelands. I would think that four or five days in Cape Town and two in the Winelands would work out nicely.
Enjoy!
We stayed in Capetown for seven days last November/early December--and split it up w/four days at the beginning of our trip and three days at the end. We also spent three days in the Winelands. We stayed at a wonderful B & B (Selwyn D. doesn't think it's up to what it used to be--but we've travelled widely and it was one of the most charming and reasonable places we've stayed anywhere and the staff was uniformly warm and helpful). It's the Welgelegen House in the Gardens in CapeTown and the value for the money was excellent. I'm not sure about whether they have a small "dipping" pool or not. We also stayed at a wonderfully beautiful boutique hotel, Camps Bay Retreat that's in the Camps Bay area, but it was more pricey and you really benefit from having a car.
I woudl recommend checking out the websites of both.
We did mostly day trips--but did have the additional three days in the winelands. I would think that four or five days in Cape Town and two in the Winelands would work out nicely.
Enjoy!
Jul 23rd, 2007, 12:54 PM
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Personally, when I'm short on time I'm a fan of seeing less places but doing each one as much justice as I can.
With 8 nights I'd probably do 3 nights in Cape Town, 2 in the Winelands and 3 seeing the Western side of the Garden Route.
For accommodation I'd recommend the Portfolio Collection as a starting point. I used it to narrow down a shortlist of properties but ended up booking my chosen ones directly - booking via Portfolio Collections doesn't provide any way to negotiate on rates and as we were travelling in low season I was able to negotiate hefty discounts by contacting guest houses directly.
Guest houses in South Africa are of a much higher standard than I've experienced anywhere else, especially for the price. Really, really lovely boutique places...
In Cape Town we were pleased we chose to stay in Greenpoint, though there are many other areas people recommend.
With 8 nights I'd probably do 3 nights in Cape Town, 2 in the Winelands and 3 seeing the Western side of the Garden Route.
For accommodation I'd recommend the Portfolio Collection as a starting point. I used it to narrow down a shortlist of properties but ended up booking my chosen ones directly - booking via Portfolio Collections doesn't provide any way to negotiate on rates and as we were travelling in low season I was able to negotiate hefty discounts by contacting guest houses directly.
Guest houses in South Africa are of a much higher standard than I've experienced anywhere else, especially for the price. Really, really lovely boutique places...
In Cape Town we were pleased we chose to stay in Greenpoint, though there are many other areas people recommend.
Jul 24th, 2007, 12:03 PM
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Cyn,
I posted my itinerary in this thread http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34999909
I posted my itinerary in this thread http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34999909
Jul 26th, 2007, 02:15 AM
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If you haven't yet found a B & B in Cape Town. You might check out where we stayed. It's a quiet, attractive place in Camps Bay, which will be convenient if you have a car: http://www.fullhamlodge.com/
We stayed in the Dolphin Room that cost about US$100 per night. The room had a fantastic view of the ocean and opened onto a deck (the sunsets were fabulous from here). It had big bathroom with a large spalike tub. There was a minibar and safe in the room. There was good size pool downstairs, next to the breakfast room/lounge. There was parking in front or in the garage. The house was in a quiet residential area, next to a nature reserve, and right under the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range. We found Camps Bay to be very convenient, about a 15 minute drive to the Waterfront or to Table Mountain. But also close to Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak Drive, the incredibly scenic road that leads to Noordhoek and beyond (False Bay, Simon's Town, Cape of Good Hope and more).
There are many beautiful places to stay in Franschhoek. But we were very happy with our choice. We stayed in a self catering cottage in the middle of a vineyard with dramatic views of vines and mountains. It cost Rand 450 or Rand 500 per night. No pool, though. If you are interested:
http://www.kleindassenberg.co.za/
Enjoy your trip! South Africa is wonderful. Next time, like you, we'll add Namibia to our itinerary.
We stayed in the Dolphin Room that cost about US$100 per night. The room had a fantastic view of the ocean and opened onto a deck (the sunsets were fabulous from here). It had big bathroom with a large spalike tub. There was a minibar and safe in the room. There was good size pool downstairs, next to the breakfast room/lounge. There was parking in front or in the garage. The house was in a quiet residential area, next to a nature reserve, and right under the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range. We found Camps Bay to be very convenient, about a 15 minute drive to the Waterfront or to Table Mountain. But also close to Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak Drive, the incredibly scenic road that leads to Noordhoek and beyond (False Bay, Simon's Town, Cape of Good Hope and more).
There are many beautiful places to stay in Franschhoek. But we were very happy with our choice. We stayed in a self catering cottage in the middle of a vineyard with dramatic views of vines and mountains. It cost Rand 450 or Rand 500 per night. No pool, though. If you are interested:
http://www.kleindassenberg.co.za/
Enjoy your trip! South Africa is wonderful. Next time, like you, we'll add Namibia to our itinerary.
Jul 26th, 2007, 08:27 PM
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I am planning a trip to South Africa in Nov - Dec. I've allocated 6 days to CPT. I just booked a room at a lovely B&B called An Africa Villa http://www.capetowncity.co.za. It is rated highly on Trip Advisor.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Jul 26th, 2007, 09:26 PM
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Thanks everyone for your tips. Still finishing up the Namibia portion, and reading our "Time Out Cape Town" book we just got.
Diamantina, if we ever return to Cape Town, it will be off season. Prices really go up Oct 1st. The Fullham Lodge is lovely, the rate goes from $111 to $179 Oct lst. The other place looks good also.
IlovNegril, "an African Villa" is nice too. I've seen that before. We just haven't decided if we want to spend the first 3 days in Cape Town, 2 in the wine country and 2 somewhere on the western Garden route or reverse.
Would like to make some decisions this weekend, because family is coming to visit the next 2 weeks.
Diamantina, if we ever return to Cape Town, it will be off season. Prices really go up Oct 1st. The Fullham Lodge is lovely, the rate goes from $111 to $179 Oct lst. The other place looks good also.
IlovNegril, "an African Villa" is nice too. I've seen that before. We just haven't decided if we want to spend the first 3 days in Cape Town, 2 in the wine country and 2 somewhere on the western Garden route or reverse.
Would like to make some decisions this weekend, because family is coming to visit the next 2 weeks.
Aug 1st, 2007, 12:35 PM
#19
hi, again, granny,
we're just back from a fabulous trip to SA, including 4 nights/three days in CPT. The radisson was everything you could want of a hotel and more. I'm about to start my trip report so I won't repeat info here, but I'd stay there again any time.
the night we had to pay for was approx £100/U$200 per night per room including the world's best breakfast! it may of course be more expensive in season - we were there in July.
ideally, I think I would want at least 4 proper days in CPT [2 in the city, one for Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch gardens, one for the cape] two for the winelands, and another 2 for namaqualand [in october, the flowers should be at their peak, and you could do some wine-tasting/game watching too] but you could jsut as easily spend all your 8 nights in CPT and do the rest as day trips.
regards, ann
we're just back from a fabulous trip to SA, including 4 nights/three days in CPT. The radisson was everything you could want of a hotel and more. I'm about to start my trip report so I won't repeat info here, but I'd stay there again any time.
the night we had to pay for was approx £100/U$200 per night per room including the world's best breakfast! it may of course be more expensive in season - we were there in July.
ideally, I think I would want at least 4 proper days in CPT [2 in the city, one for Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch gardens, one for the cape] two for the winelands, and another 2 for namaqualand [in october, the flowers should be at their peak, and you could do some wine-tasting/game watching too] but you could jsut as easily spend all your 8 nights in CPT and do the rest as day trips.
regards, ann
