December 9, 2008 at 1:41 pm · Filed under South Africa, Travel
Regardless of whether you are a nature lover or history enthusiast, for sheer variety there is probably very little which beats a trip from Cape Town to Durban via the famous Garden Route. The scenery is amazing and there are ample opportunities to enjoy splendid beaches along the way (such as at Jeffrey’s Bay, which is a renowned site for surfers) and also to take in natural indigenous forests. Indeed, one of the highlights of any such trip must be the Tsitsikamma and Storm’s River region of the Eastern Cape. Adventurous travellers are sure to enjoy doing the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour or, for the brave, there is the Bloukrans Bridge Bungy Jump which is listed by Guinness World Records as “the highest commercially operated Bungy Jump in the world”.
For the more laid-back traveller a visit to the Addo Elephant National Park is very highly recommended, as is a visit to the Cango Wildlife Ranch and, of course, the Cango Caves in the Oudtshoorn vicinity. The opportunity to visit an Ostrich Farm and ride one of these feathered beauties is also available.
Further north you will pass through what was formerly known as the Transkei and encounter rural habitats and relaxed coastal villages such as Coffee Bay and Port St. Johns. The latter is a small, typical Third World town which attracts many European tourists due to its spectacular natural surroundings and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. PSJ is also the (unofficial) South African capital of “ganja” (marijuana), which probably accounts for the myriads of backpackers who pass through the region. And, of course, home to the eccentric and much publicized Ben Decker (artist/actor and ex-politician wannabee) who lives in a cave with a stunning 180 degree sea view.
Located at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River, the town combines virgin forests with stunning ocean views and is pure paradise for any nature lover who wishes to explore its many hiking trails, discover secluded waterfalls and awesome views from the top of Mount Thesiger. I’ve been privileged to spend a few years as a “local” (before returning to my Cape Town roots) and can highly recommend a stay at the Umzimvubu Retreat Guest House.
For those who prefer to add some bright lights to their itinerary, major cities en route such as East London, Port Elizabeth and, of course, both Durban and Cape Town offer everything you may desire. In brief, no matter whether you are seeking natural splendor, historical highlights, an adrenalin rush or sophisticated city life, the Garden Route combines it all in a breathtakingly beautiful package.
April 20, 2008 at 1:22 pm · Filed under Other, Travel
Whether you are interested in the New 7 Wonders , Castles & Palaces , or a variety of other interesting places , you will find a selection of photos, videos and satellite images accompanied by brief descriptions and links to various maps at this site. Some good videos are also available at Videotrip. Another interesting, wiki-style site is Worldflicks, for example checkout their pics of Cape Town. Or indulge yourself with the photographic selection at Travelbook or the array of British sights at Geograph.
Attractions at Platial
April 15, 2008 at 10:58 am · Filed under Attractions, Cape Town and tagged: bar, Cape Town, IceLounge
Consisting mostly of ice, approximately 45 tons of which had been imported from Canada, this bar offers patrons warm outerwear before they indulge in having their drinks (served in ice glasses) and admiring the various ice sculptures. The recently opened Ice Lounge is the first of its kind in South Africa and offers a venue for corporate functions as well as entertainment for children during the day. After 17h30 it is strictly adults and the entrance fee is increased to approximately 8 Euro. Daytime tariffs and related information is available at the website. Please note that the Ice Lounge is seasonal and does not operate during the winter. You can also view my photo set at flicr
While a venue made entirely from ice is a unique proposition for the local market, similar venues have operated around the world with ice lounges and ice bars having been constructed in London, Sydney, Milan and Stockholm in past years. The ice hotel in Sweden attracts 100 000 visitors a year but, it is a greater challenge to maintain an Ice Lounge in a South African summer than an Ice Hotel over the European winter.
Thor Ice has over the past five years introduced a number of innovative means of branding and product display through ice carving and creative frozen product inserts. It is this experience that drove them to attempt a far bigger project: constructing the region’s first lounge or bar of this kind. Both Cape Town and Johannesburg were considered as locations for the project but ultimately Cape Town’s cosmopolitan nature won favour with the creators who have visited similar venues in trendy cities across the globe.
Source: Hotel & Restaurant
April 15, 2008 at 12:54 am · Filed under Cape Town, Cities, Travel and tagged: Cape Town, destinations, Travel
“A most stately thing, and the fairest Cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth.“
– Sir Francis Drake (16th century)
Considered to be one of the global hot spots, Cape Town offers the foreign traveller good value for money and, according to Frommers, “is regularly heralded as one of the most beautiful (cities) on earth” due to its unique scenery. Whether you are into sophistication or slumming it, searching for adventure or tranquility, Cape Town is sure to be a pleasant surprise. Pairing the natural beauty with a vibey and friendly culture, there are a variety of delights ranging from award winning French-style wines to Malay cuisine, fine art and architecture, a wealth of historical sights and much more on offer.
Airlines from all five continents service South Africa and land at the Cape Town International Airport, which has been voted the “Leading Airport in Africa” at the World Travel Awards. ATMs, bars, restaurants and currency exchange facilities are available throughout the airport, as are a number of shops. Many of the flights also touch down at Johannesburg en-route, making it quite viable to experience the South African landscape by including a trip on the Blue Train or luxurious Rovos Rail between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Normal shopping hours are between 08h00 and 17h30, though big malls operate daily between 09h00 and 21h00. Traveler’s cheques and foreign currency are not the norm, but major credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Value Added Tax (14%) is included in all purchases and foreign visitors can reclaim the VAT on expenditures exceeding ZAR 250.00. Banking hours are from 09h00 to 15h30 weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays.
South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year.
October till March are the most popular tourist months, but with its temperate Mediterranean climate and temperatures ranging between 8 and 25 degrees Celsius, Cape Town is a recommended destination for any time of year, certain aspects such as the indigenous flora being more seasonal.
The infrastructure, numerous outdoor activities and its rich cultural heritage has led to Cape Town being described as a “must-see before I die” city. Major developments are already underway in preparation for the 2010 World Cup and a new ultra-luxurious hotel is being built at the V&A Waterfront with canals which would connect to Century City, effectively creating a mini-Venice. Whether you’re an eco-tourist, culture-vulture or simply looking for adventure and a great vacation, Cape Town is sure to exceed your expectations.
Further reading : Cape Town Travel Guide
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