Hello, I am planning to make a last-minute trip to Capetown from NYC during the 2nd and 3rd week of March. I will be travelling alone, looking for a few days of beach, few days of exploration of the city, and a few days of safari (2 weeks in total). Suggestions on what to do, and how agressive to be? (Krugar? local safari?)...
The info and suggestions are overwhelming, figured I would ask those of us who know!
Appreciate the help.
Matt
Reply to this Matt,
Not knowing your age group and/or interests, it is not easy to make specific suggestions. You wanting to be aggressive makes me wonder if you have the right destination in mind.
Cape Town has in the past been known as the "Cape of Storms", the "Cape of Good Hope" and was most fittingly described as ".. the fairest Cape of them all" Enjoy!
What you will learn here is that Cape Town is NOT safari country. For than you need to visit our Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal or Mpumalanga provinces.
I made a few comments on what to do/see here in my hometown. You can read some of my notes here: http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/78074/Cape-Town-1 (it is an ongoing work in progress, and you may find more information there in time to come)
Faure (in a sunny Cape Town)
Reply to this Cape Town is a majestic place and two weeks is a good time to explore its attractions. You can enjoy beaches, mountain biking, walking and hiking routes in the surrounding forests and mountains, horse riding and many more activities. If you like shopping then Hout Bay is a must visit spot with a wide variety of street shops
Reply to this Thank you both for the info.
Faurec. I am 28, single, and looking for a relaxing time with some beach, good food, and loads of culture. In your opinion, would it make sense to spend a week in Cape Town (the idea of guesthouse accommodation is ideal for me, suggestions?), then have a short flight to Port Elizabeth to go on Safari for a few days? (Suggestions on more info?)
O, and by agressive, I just meant whether or not to try and do too much. I didnt mean any sort of physical agression!! hah
Thank you again, and I look forward to your reply
Reply to this I will rephrase: What would you recommend by way of a manageable trip from Cape Town to go on a legitimate safari? Manageable meaning a short flight, or < half day train/bus.
Know anything about the Kragga Kamma Game park?
Thank you again!
Reply to this Kragga Kamma is in the Eastern Cape. Kagga Kamma is in the Western Cape.
Safari's range from around R 1400 upwards per person per night. If you're travelling alone you can expect to pay a 50% supplement (ie. R 1400 + R 700 per single). Usually this would include accommodation, all meals, two game drives lasting about 3 or 4 hours each, and access to all the lodge facilities. Safari is always a highlight of a visit to South Africa.
The best lodges would be in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, and naturally Kruger National Park. Kruger Park is about 5 or 6 hours drive from Johannesburg, so a fly-in option from OR Thambo to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is recommended. There are flights to Kruger Park from Cape Town too on a daily basis.
Go for the luxury experience and pay a little bit extra - you won't regret it.
Reply to this I can highly recommend Amakhala Safari Lodge in the Eastern Cape (fly to Port Elizabeth and rent a car from there but pre-book the car before you arrive, or the lodge can provide airport transfers. Shamwari Private Game Reserve (also in the Eastern Cape) is a superior luxury lodge so you can expect to pay from R 3000 per night per person sharing, fully inclusive.
Reply to this Hi Matt,
March is a wonderful month to visit Cape Town (seriously). Beaches: You have so much to choose - Camps Bay, Clifton beaches (young and trendy), Llandudno (Peninsula) and Boulders Beach (family beach on the Peninsula) will be a great start. I would also recommend a trip to Overberg - via Betty's Bay and Hermanus - and Gansbaai for Shark Cage diving (if you're into a bit of adventure). So explore the city (get local advise from your B&B - safety tips), V&A Waterfront, beaches, Table Mountain, the Peninsula down to Cape Point and Franshoek/Stellenbosch Winelands at a minimum. You can do all the above in 8-10 days.
Safari - worth a trip to Shamwari and Addo (fly to Port Elizabeth), although there are some smaller private game reserves in the Western Cape. Both of these are malaria-free. I personally think 3 days is enough in one safari location.
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In response to: Msg #129691
For me personally, Cape Town is one of the best places to travel in South Africa to spend vacation. This place has loads of attractions to offer to its travelers. Travelers can also explore its wonderful surroundings. Its beaches are beautiful with white sand and great surrounding scenery. Table Mountain is a majestic spot and it offers panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Bay from the top of the mountains.
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