April 14, 2008 at 11:26 pm · Filed under Cape Town, Photos and tagged: Cape Town, Photos
Cape Town and surrounds
A great photographic collection from Garlyn
April 14, 2008 at 11:00 pm · Filed under Attractions, Cape Town, Cities, Travel and tagged: Attractions, Cape Town, sightseeing, tours
Passing the main entrance of the Houses of Parliament during the City-sightseeing bus tour in Cape Town.
The sightseeing bus tour offers two itineraries viz. the so-called Red Route and the Blue Route. Discounted tickets for persons taking both tours are available and, being reasonably priced at approximately 18 Euro for both itineraries, I consider this the most hassle free method of gaining a brief overview of the most popular tourist spots. Buses run at intervals of approximately 30 minutes and each route offers a selection of 13 stops. Being able to hop-on and hop-off, one can decide whether you wish to not explore a specific sight more closely or to remain behind and spend more time there until the next bus arrives. Please note that the tour price does not include entrance to the various attractions, although a booklet of coupons with discounts is provided.A word of caution: the Cape sun can be a scorcher and, if you’ intend sitting on the open upper deck (which, I must admit, offers the very best views), come prepared with plenty of sunscreen. I didn’t and, even being used to the climate as a local, ended up looking and feeling like a parboiled Xmas turkey!
The Red Route focuses on such sights as local museums, the Castle of Good Hope and naturally the Table Mountain Cableway. During my trip the queue at the Cableway would have meant a wait of at least two hours and I therefore opted not to disembark and visit the top cable station. Included in both routes is a trip through Camps Bay and Sea Point, with the final disembarkation point being at the Two Oceans Aquarium in the V&A Waterfront, which is also the starting point of the tours. This allows one ample opportunities to indulge in exploring the Waterfront either before or after the tour e.g visit the Aquarium, browse the mall or, as in my case, set off on a sunset champagne cruise to Clifton as the ultimate ending to a great day of sightseeing.
The Blue Route heads out of Cape Town proper and offers the chance to undertake a township tour in Kronendal near Hout Bay. This itinerary also includes a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens as well as the enchanting World of Birds, which is one of the stops I opted to explore more closely. As there are also a selection of kiosks and eateries at the World of Birds, it was possible to relax and have a beverage in its tranquil surroundings whilst waiting for the next bus to arrive. The next stop was the Mariners Wharf in Hout Bay which, being located directly at the beach, is ideal for those who want to take a quick splash in the sea. They also serve a variety of seafood and arguably the best fish & chips in the Cape, so I settled there for lunch with views of the beach and harbor. Time allowing, one can naturally also opt to rather disembark at Camps Bay beach and end the day by exploring its varied fine dining restaurants, quaint shops and the Theatre on the Bay.
April 14, 2008 at 10:25 pm · Filed under Accommodation, Attractions, Cities, Montagu, Travel and tagged: Attractions, hotel, Montagu, spa
Copyright: South African Tourism
Avalon Springs is located in Montagu, a scenic two-hour drive from Cape Town. Offering very good value for money, it is the ideal place to unwind with great facilities for the health-orientated guest who wishes to gym, sauna, have massages etc. Very relaxed and friendly ambiance throughout. Weekends may be slightly crowded, but midweek the Avalon is definitely one of the best spots I have ever encountered for total relaxation.
Visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy a scenic
tractor trip in the Langeberg at the
Protea Farm and discover the delights of a traditional South African potjiekos.
April 14, 2008 at 10:17 pm · Filed under Attractions, Cities, Oudtshoorn and tagged: attraction, Oudtshoorn, wildlife
No, I am not referring to the kind that go about in business suits, but the furry variety as found at the Cango Wildlife Ranch.
The ranch has some 40 species of animal and relies largely on public donations to support their conservation efforts – entry fees are reasonable and the proximity to masses of crocodiles basking in the sun or opportunity to stroke a live cheetah are not everyday experiences to be found easily elsewhere.
Besides the numerous attractions and thrill of petting live cheetahs (like stroking an enormous, dangerous kitten), there is a variety of curios and interesting bric-a-brac to charm souvenir seekers and a delightful restaurant with extensive menu. I rate the Cango Wildlife Ranch as the highlight of my visit to the region, not purely for the enjoyment of the good facilities but also for the feel-good-factor of having been able to contribute to such a worthwhile cause as preserving our wildlife at “the oldest and biggest cheetah contact centre worldwide”. Certainly not an experience to be missed!
