South Africa Cape Town - Wine Region - Safari Opinions?
Discussion
My OH is celebrating a significant birthday next January.
We’ve always fancied a South Africa - Cape Town - Wine Region - Safari trip..
We’re well travelled in Europe and the States but never done Asia or Africa.
As it’s a special trip we would like to do it properly so are prepared for it to be spendy…we've got a penchant for a nice hotel, decent food / restaurants and enjoy a glass of vino or two.
Safari would have to be on the luxury side of things as the OH has visions of camping in a two man and a hole in the flor for a sh***ter. I’ve assured her that it doesn’t need to be that way
maybe 3 or 4 nights per leg is doable. .?
Has anyone done something similar and booked independently or used a specialist agent?
Right time of year ?
Any hints, tips or pointers appreciated.
We’ve always fancied a South Africa - Cape Town - Wine Region - Safari trip..
We’re well travelled in Europe and the States but never done Asia or Africa.
As it’s a special trip we would like to do it properly so are prepared for it to be spendy…we've got a penchant for a nice hotel, decent food / restaurants and enjoy a glass of vino or two.
Safari would have to be on the luxury side of things as the OH has visions of camping in a two man and a hole in the flor for a sh***ter. I’ve assured her that it doesn’t need to be that way
maybe 3 or 4 nights per leg is doable. .?Has anyone done something similar and booked independently or used a specialist agent?
Right time of year ?
Any hints, tips or pointers appreciated.
AFAIK most of the decent safari locations are a long way from Cape Town. Did something similar back in 2017, stayed in a couple of luxury safari lodges near Pretoria then an internal flight down to Cape Town.
The lodges are large privately owned estates, so not totally wild, but a lot more natural than a safari park. The first one had a water hole next to the lodge that was used by the local herds plus the usual game drives.
South Africa_436 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Second one was more mountainous and woody, but did have a herd of rhinos, complete with their own armed guards.
South Africa_620 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Both lodges had en-suite rooms, air conditioning and decent food. I can try and find out the names of the ones we used if your interested, assuming they both survived the pandemic.
The lodges are large privately owned estates, so not totally wild, but a lot more natural than a safari park. The first one had a water hole next to the lodge that was used by the local herds plus the usual game drives.
South Africa_436 by MBBlat, on FlickrSecond one was more mountainous and woody, but did have a herd of rhinos, complete with their own armed guards.
South Africa_620 by MBBlat, on FlickrBoth lodges had en-suite rooms, air conditioning and decent food. I can try and find out the names of the ones we used if your interested, assuming they both survived the pandemic.
January is mid summer in Cape Town and the weather will be warm - very Mediterranean - like.
The winelands are a lovely area to spend time, and there are lots of options for restaurants, accommodation to suit all budgets. My favourite place there is Franschhoek, it’s the culinary capital of the western cape, with loads of great restaurants and at reasonable prices due to the favorable exchange rate.
We go often, and look forward to our next visit.
If you search you should find some good previous threads on SA, with some detailed posts.
The winelands are a lovely area to spend time, and there are lots of options for restaurants, accommodation to suit all budgets. My favourite place there is Franschhoek, it’s the culinary capital of the western cape, with loads of great restaurants and at reasonable prices due to the favorable exchange rate.
We go often, and look forward to our next visit.
If you search you should find some good previous threads on SA, with some detailed posts.
The ideal itinerary I’d recommend would be
- Victoria falls (2-3 days); stay at the Royal Livingston on the Zambia side, or the Victoria Falls Hotel on the Zimbabwe side. Arrange a tour to see the falls from both sides. A river cruise down the Zambezi river is a nice thing to do too.
- Safari in the Kruger. (3 nights/4 days) I’d recommend the Sabi Sands - it’s an annexe to the Kruger, but because it’s officially private land you can off-road right up close to the animals. In the Kruger proper you have to stay in the tracks. Lots of lodges in the Sabi Sands, ranging from ‘nice’, right through to arguably the best lodges in the world.
- Cape Town and the winelands (a week). Personally I’d just stay in Cape Town then day-trip out to the winelands, but you can also stay in Fransschoek or Stellenbosch if you really want. Restaurants in that whole region are just fantastic- look them up and book ahead. The views from the terrace at the Delaire Graff estate are some of the best I’ve ever come across. Loads of good hotels in Cape Town, the Mount Nelson has a real old-world charm.
- Victoria falls (2-3 days); stay at the Royal Livingston on the Zambia side, or the Victoria Falls Hotel on the Zimbabwe side. Arrange a tour to see the falls from both sides. A river cruise down the Zambezi river is a nice thing to do too.
- Safari in the Kruger. (3 nights/4 days) I’d recommend the Sabi Sands - it’s an annexe to the Kruger, but because it’s officially private land you can off-road right up close to the animals. In the Kruger proper you have to stay in the tracks. Lots of lodges in the Sabi Sands, ranging from ‘nice’, right through to arguably the best lodges in the world.
- Cape Town and the winelands (a week). Personally I’d just stay in Cape Town then day-trip out to the winelands, but you can also stay in Fransschoek or Stellenbosch if you really want. Restaurants in that whole region are just fantastic- look them up and book ahead. The views from the terrace at the Delaire Graff estate are some of the best I’ve ever come across. Loads of good hotels in Cape Town, the Mount Nelson has a real old-world charm.
I would start with safari rather than end with it. The days are long and you’ll want to wind down after.
I’ve been to South Africa about ten times now I think. For my money you can’t beat Kruger. There are a lot of luxury lodges, I see the Sabi Sands area has been mentioned above, plenty of choice there. A quirky lodge in the Kruger is the Shalati train which sits on the bridge over the Sabie river just outside Skukuza. Also near Skukuza is Rhino Post, it’s not hyper luxury but it is nice, they also have Plains Camp which you do walking safaris from, now that’s real safari and can get quite exciting, we’re going back there in December, will be my wife’s 4th time there. From Skukuza, the coolest little airport I’ve ever been to, you can fly direct to Cape Town. I’d spend a good few days there. Lots to see and do, hiking, drinking, eating, helicopter rides etc. Then move onto Franschhoek for a few days. Wine tram, drive up the pass for the views, lots more eating and drinking, motor museum. Maybe a spa day at Babylonstoren if you want to make your wife happy, this can be done on the day of your return flight as they tend to leave in the evening if you’re flying direct.
If you’re looking for a luxury tented camp nearish to Cape Town then Sanbona is accessible in a few hours. The “tents” there are very nice, we had a few days there a couple of years back.
I wouldn’t pay anyone to organise the trip, it’s all very easily done yourself but I appreciate that for a first timer it might offer some peace of mind.
If you need recommendations for vineyards, restaurants etc ask away. Plenty of people on here are regulars to the city and its surroundings myself included and we’re all happy to share our favourite spots!
I’ve been to South Africa about ten times now I think. For my money you can’t beat Kruger. There are a lot of luxury lodges, I see the Sabi Sands area has been mentioned above, plenty of choice there. A quirky lodge in the Kruger is the Shalati train which sits on the bridge over the Sabie river just outside Skukuza. Also near Skukuza is Rhino Post, it’s not hyper luxury but it is nice, they also have Plains Camp which you do walking safaris from, now that’s real safari and can get quite exciting, we’re going back there in December, will be my wife’s 4th time there. From Skukuza, the coolest little airport I’ve ever been to, you can fly direct to Cape Town. I’d spend a good few days there. Lots to see and do, hiking, drinking, eating, helicopter rides etc. Then move onto Franschhoek for a few days. Wine tram, drive up the pass for the views, lots more eating and drinking, motor museum. Maybe a spa day at Babylonstoren if you want to make your wife happy, this can be done on the day of your return flight as they tend to leave in the evening if you’re flying direct.
If you’re looking for a luxury tented camp nearish to Cape Town then Sanbona is accessible in a few hours. The “tents” there are very nice, we had a few days there a couple of years back.
I wouldn’t pay anyone to organise the trip, it’s all very easily done yourself but I appreciate that for a first timer it might offer some peace of mind.
If you need recommendations for vineyards, restaurants etc ask away. Plenty of people on here are regulars to the city and its surroundings myself included and we’re all happy to share our favourite spots!
All food for thought. Thanks everyone.
I’m inclined to book solo as we have a dislike for organised group packages.
I usually start with an event/experiences or maybe even something as simple as a special restaurant and build a trip around that.
Just getting my head round the size of the place and the distances/logistics involved.
I’m inclined to book solo as we have a dislike for organised group packages.
I usually start with an event/experiences or maybe even something as simple as a special restaurant and build a trip around that.
Just getting my head round the size of the place and the distances/logistics involved.
hmg said:
All food for thought. Thanks everyone.
I’m inclined to book solo as we have a dislike for organised group packages.
I usually start with an event/experiences or maybe even something as simple as a special restaurant and build a trip around that.
Just getting my head round the size of the place and the distances/logistics involved.
It’s big but it’s not US big so it’s not too crazy. Cape Town to Franschhoek for example is only an hours drive.I’m inclined to book solo as we have a dislike for organised group packages.
I usually start with an event/experiences or maybe even something as simple as a special restaurant and build a trip around that.
Just getting my head round the size of the place and the distances/logistics involved.
If you wanted to take some of the stress out of it and if you’re not keen on self driving there you could go to someone like Audley Travel who can put together a decent itinerary around your specific requirements and organise your transfers etc. Definitely avoid a group package.
South Africa has special restaurants coming out of its ears so good luck just picking one!
Just come back from 3 weeks in S.A. including 5 days safari.
We went to Sabi Sands , staying at Elephant Plains and it was excellent., big 5 every day , 2 x 3 hour drives a day , plus a mid day bushwalk.
We started at Cape Town for 3 days , get a private guided walk in the town, don’t try it yourself .
Definitely do the wine tram if you’re near Franschoek and like red wine.
Just noticed above the recommendation for Audley Travel, that’s who we used , found us some lovely luxury hotels .
We went to Sabi Sands , staying at Elephant Plains and it was excellent., big 5 every day , 2 x 3 hour drives a day , plus a mid day bushwalk.
We started at Cape Town for 3 days , get a private guided walk in the town, don’t try it yourself .
Definitely do the wine tram if you’re near Franschoek and like red wine.
Just noticed above the recommendation for Audley Travel, that’s who we used , found us some lovely luxury hotels .
Edited by Busa mav on Monday 8th April 14:37
Some recommendations in the area:
Franchoek:
Le petite ferme - amazing views and the food is really good
Le quartier Francais - fine dining, very good food
Somerset West:
Lourensford wine estate - great wines especially the sweet one
Vergelegen - pretty old school menu
Morgenster - olive oil tasting
Stellenbosch:
Kleine zelze
Brandy tasting at van runs
Spier wine farm used to have a cheetah sanctuary too.
Loads more wine estates with good food and wine though.
Safaris are generally more of a northern thing though but there are a few game farms around the cape within a couple hours drive from the winelands.
It's a nice drive from Chapman's peak > cape point around the coast to hang klip (and beyond, depending on how far you want to go you can go all the way to Transkei this way which is a more tropical climate but maybe an 10 hour drive or something like that).
Cape point is also a nature reserve and you'll definitely see a lot of baboons, and penguin sanctuary at boulders beach.
Coastal road trips - east coast becomes warm and tropical, west coast becomes cold and desertish.
Watch your back though, don't whip out your phone or fancy cameras without being very aware of your surroundings.
Oh and don't go for the cheapest car rental, made that mistake before - in Europe it would be something like a Corsa or polo - there the lowest class was a matiz with less than 1.0 engine, no power steering, no power windows, no Aircon, no airbags - absolute death trap that couldn't get up to speed joining highways, returned it the next day for a polo which was much more suitable.
Franchoek:
Le petite ferme - amazing views and the food is really good
Le quartier Francais - fine dining, very good food
Somerset West:
Lourensford wine estate - great wines especially the sweet one
Vergelegen - pretty old school menu
Morgenster - olive oil tasting
Stellenbosch:
Kleine zelze
Brandy tasting at van runs
Spier wine farm used to have a cheetah sanctuary too.
Loads more wine estates with good food and wine though.
Safaris are generally more of a northern thing though but there are a few game farms around the cape within a couple hours drive from the winelands.
It's a nice drive from Chapman's peak > cape point around the coast to hang klip (and beyond, depending on how far you want to go you can go all the way to Transkei this way which is a more tropical climate but maybe an 10 hour drive or something like that).
Cape point is also a nature reserve and you'll definitely see a lot of baboons, and penguin sanctuary at boulders beach.
Coastal road trips - east coast becomes warm and tropical, west coast becomes cold and desertish.
Watch your back though, don't whip out your phone or fancy cameras without being very aware of your surroundings.
Oh and don't go for the cheapest car rental, made that mistake before - in Europe it would be something like a Corsa or polo - there the lowest class was a matiz with less than 1.0 engine, no power steering, no power windows, no Aircon, no airbags - absolute death trap that couldn't get up to speed joining highways, returned it the next day for a polo which was much more suitable.
Edited by Bryanwww on Monday 8th April 14:50
Edited by Bryanwww on Monday 8th April 14:53
Another option could be to do the Cape Town /Wine region/Garden route with an Eastern Cape Safari rather than the Kruger?
There does seem to be some nice options for game lodges on private reserves further down the coast. The landscape seems very lush and the topography quite different comparison to the Kruger park.
Hmmm
There does seem to be some nice options for game lodges on private reserves further down the coast. The landscape seems very lush and the topography quite different comparison to the Kruger park.
Hmmm
We did this in 2022 for an early 60th for Mrs BVD and a late one for me!
Started in Cape Town for 4 nights before heading to Franschoek for 2 nights where we enjoyed the wine tram! Plenty of options and with hindsight wouod have had 3 nights there.
Then to Plettenberg Bay to explore the garden route for 3 nights before heading to the Eastern CApe for 5 nights Safari - again maybe a night too many but wanted to go to Addo where there are lots of elephants which Mrs BVD loves!
The advantage of the Eastern Cape rather than the Kruger and others is that no malaria issues and less driving or flights from CT.
The safaris whilst early starts do give opportunities for downtime during the day and we never felt knackered and putting at the end means you can fly from Port Elizabeth ti J’Burg and then home rather than back to CT unless you want to drive back.
I would say 5 nights CT and have a car to drive to Cape Point etc
3 at Franschoek
4 garden Route either having one base or moving along
3 or 4 nights Safari - that way guaranteed to see all the animals etc
Can recommend Shamwari for Safari and Gorah Elephant. Camp for a tented experience.
We used A Travel Counsellor Travel Agent who liased with a South African company for our personal fly drive with a SUV type car - had a Hyundai Creta which was OK.
Started in Cape Town for 4 nights before heading to Franschoek for 2 nights where we enjoyed the wine tram! Plenty of options and with hindsight wouod have had 3 nights there.
Then to Plettenberg Bay to explore the garden route for 3 nights before heading to the Eastern CApe for 5 nights Safari - again maybe a night too many but wanted to go to Addo where there are lots of elephants which Mrs BVD loves!
The advantage of the Eastern Cape rather than the Kruger and others is that no malaria issues and less driving or flights from CT.
The safaris whilst early starts do give opportunities for downtime during the day and we never felt knackered and putting at the end means you can fly from Port Elizabeth ti J’Burg and then home rather than back to CT unless you want to drive back.
I would say 5 nights CT and have a car to drive to Cape Point etc
3 at Franschoek
4 garden Route either having one base or moving along
3 or 4 nights Safari - that way guaranteed to see all the animals etc
Can recommend Shamwari for Safari and Gorah Elephant. Camp for a tented experience.
We used A Travel Counsellor Travel Agent who liased with a South African company for our personal fly drive with a SUV type car - had a Hyundai Creta which was OK.
My wife and I are going to visit South Africa for our first time in January. We couldn't decide where to stay/visit during our time there but we stumbled across a 12 night cruise from Cape Town that calls in at Port Elizabeth, Richards bay, Durban and Mossel Bay. We've top and tailed the cruise with a couple of nights in Cape Town before and a Safari Lodge after. Just another suggestion to go along with the great advice already shared above.
If you are really into your food and wine, I would highly recommend the following restaurants/ vineyards:
La Colombe - Cape Town
FYN - Cape Town
Chefs Warehouse @ Tintswalo Atlantic - Cape Town (Ask for a table on the edge of the balcony - epic sunset)
Dusk - Stellenbosch (also has a great cocktail bar next door)
In Franschhoek we also ate La Petit Colombe, Protege and Le Coin Francois and I would say they are not up to the same standard as the other restaurants mentioned above.
Vineyards:
Cape Town
- Klein Constantia
Hemel en Arde Valley
- Creation
- Storm
Malmesbury
- Sadie Family
- AA Badenhorst
La Colombe - Cape Town
FYN - Cape Town
Chefs Warehouse @ Tintswalo Atlantic - Cape Town (Ask for a table on the edge of the balcony - epic sunset)
Dusk - Stellenbosch (also has a great cocktail bar next door)
In Franschhoek we also ate La Petit Colombe, Protege and Le Coin Francois and I would say they are not up to the same standard as the other restaurants mentioned above.
Vineyards:
Cape Town
- Klein Constantia
Hemel en Arde Valley
- Creation
- Storm
Malmesbury
- Sadie Family
- AA Badenhorst
I can’t comment on the safari bit as we’ve never done them (just not our bag plus there’s more chance of being bitten by mosquitoes once you venture into the game parks so extra jabs needed).
We’ve been 4 times now and already have our fifth planned for next February.
Our itineries have consisted of:-
First time - 2020
Simons Town (near Boulders Bay for the penguins)
Hermanus - some decent restaurants but not what I would call pretentious fine dining
Knysna (Thessens Island) - not a fan and bitten to death by mosquitoes as it was a tidal lagoon
Franschhoek
Cape Town
Second time - 2022
Cape Town (Atlantic Marina) - very nice & handy for the V&A Waterfront
Wilderness
Franschhoek
Third time - 2023
Cape Town (Atlantic Marina)
Hermanus
Franschhoek
Fourth time - 2024
Hermanus - 7 nights
Franschhoek - 8 nights
As you can see we’ve settled on our favourite places.
Cape Town is great but I think we’ve seen what we want to see now and to be honest a lot of the restaurants in the V&A Waterfront aren’t that great. Whilst there it’s worth buying the City Sightseeing Bus Tour 2 day package as this takes you to the likes of Groot Constantia wine estate, Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Cape Point. It also lets you go on a walking tour around Bo Kaap known for its multi coloured houses (but don’t do it without a guide as it’s a dodgy area).
Also worth doing whilst in Cape Town is Boulders Bay for the penguin colony plus a drive along Chapmans Peak Drive toll road is stunning.
Hermanus is often overlooked but again it has some nice wine estates up the Hemel en Aarde valley as well as Benguela Cove which unusually is located almost by the sea. There are also some really nice restaurants where you really don’t have to spend a fortune (eg Chard, Fisherman’s Cottage, The Wine Glass)
It is also just a nice size with some lovely little cafes to stop for a really good coffee and pastries.
Franschhoek is probably our favourite place and it is really just one long street where all the restaurants are located with lots of wine estates located nearby (worth doing the Wine Trolley but again once you’ve done it a couple of times, the novelty wears off).
Lovely Cape Dutch architecture gives it almost a Caribbean feel and it has a lovely atmosphere. There are plenty of fine dining restaurants here if that’s your bag but again you really don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well.
Not exactly “fine dining” but it’s worth booking lunch at Haute Cabriere wine estate which is just outside of the town - superbly presented quality food with great service and very reasonable.
As others have said, book a decent hire car as the topography is really hilly in parts with steep mountain passes and some great roads - Franschhoek Pass, Bainskloof Pass, Chapmans Peak Drive, R62 through the Karoo are all well worth doing.
Oh and petrol is less than £1 per litre.
We’ve been 4 times now and already have our fifth planned for next February.
Our itineries have consisted of:-
First time - 2020
Simons Town (near Boulders Bay for the penguins)
Hermanus - some decent restaurants but not what I would call pretentious fine dining
Knysna (Thessens Island) - not a fan and bitten to death by mosquitoes as it was a tidal lagoon
Franschhoek
Cape Town
Second time - 2022
Cape Town (Atlantic Marina) - very nice & handy for the V&A Waterfront
Wilderness
Franschhoek
Third time - 2023
Cape Town (Atlantic Marina)
Hermanus
Franschhoek
Fourth time - 2024
Hermanus - 7 nights
Franschhoek - 8 nights
As you can see we’ve settled on our favourite places.
Cape Town is great but I think we’ve seen what we want to see now and to be honest a lot of the restaurants in the V&A Waterfront aren’t that great. Whilst there it’s worth buying the City Sightseeing Bus Tour 2 day package as this takes you to the likes of Groot Constantia wine estate, Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Cape Point. It also lets you go on a walking tour around Bo Kaap known for its multi coloured houses (but don’t do it without a guide as it’s a dodgy area).
Also worth doing whilst in Cape Town is Boulders Bay for the penguin colony plus a drive along Chapmans Peak Drive toll road is stunning.
Hermanus is often overlooked but again it has some nice wine estates up the Hemel en Aarde valley as well as Benguela Cove which unusually is located almost by the sea. There are also some really nice restaurants where you really don’t have to spend a fortune (eg Chard, Fisherman’s Cottage, The Wine Glass)
It is also just a nice size with some lovely little cafes to stop for a really good coffee and pastries.
Franschhoek is probably our favourite place and it is really just one long street where all the restaurants are located with lots of wine estates located nearby (worth doing the Wine Trolley but again once you’ve done it a couple of times, the novelty wears off).
Lovely Cape Dutch architecture gives it almost a Caribbean feel and it has a lovely atmosphere. There are plenty of fine dining restaurants here if that’s your bag but again you really don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well.
Not exactly “fine dining” but it’s worth booking lunch at Haute Cabriere wine estate which is just outside of the town - superbly presented quality food with great service and very reasonable.
As others have said, book a decent hire car as the topography is really hilly in parts with steep mountain passes and some great roads - Franschhoek Pass, Bainskloof Pass, Chapmans Peak Drive, R62 through the Karoo are all well worth doing.
Oh and petrol is less than £1 per litre.
Thanks again everyone. Lots to ponder.
Looks like we are going to do CT 3 nights /Wine Region 2 or 3 nights drive along the Garden Route and stop to break up the journey a couple of times along the way maybe 1 night and 2 nights ( yet to be decided where? then East Cape Safari 3 nights..
So around 12/13 nights in total.
Could be reversed if that’s more relaxing ?
Generally it would be nice once based somewhere to be able to stroll out to bars/restaurants as you would in Europe or is it normal to have to drive out to destination restaurants ?
Is a car in Cape Town a help or a hindrance or would you just get one at the airport at the start ?
Would you fly into CT then fly back from Port Elisabeth after the Safari to CT fly home ?
Looks like we are going to do CT 3 nights /Wine Region 2 or 3 nights drive along the Garden Route and stop to break up the journey a couple of times along the way maybe 1 night and 2 nights ( yet to be decided where? then East Cape Safari 3 nights..
So around 12/13 nights in total.
Could be reversed if that’s more relaxing ?
Generally it would be nice once based somewhere to be able to stroll out to bars/restaurants as you would in Europe or is it normal to have to drive out to destination restaurants ?
Is a car in Cape Town a help or a hindrance or would you just get one at the airport at the start ?
Would you fly into CT then fly back from Port Elisabeth after the Safari to CT fly home ?
hmg said:
Thanks again everyone. Lots to ponder.
Looks like we are going to do CT 3 nights /Wine Region 2 or 3 nights drive along the Garden Route and stop to break up the journey a couple of times along the way maybe 1 night and 2 nights ( yet to be decided where? then East Cape Safari 3 nights..
So around 12/13 nights in total.
Could be reversed if that’s more relaxing ?
Generally it would be nice once based somewhere to be able to stroll out to bars/restaurants as you would in Europe or is it normal to have to drive out to destination restaurants ?
Is a car in Cape Town a help or a hindrance or would you just get one at the airport at the start ?
Would you fly into CT then fly back from Port Elisabeth after the Safari to CT fly home ?
You can get by without a car in Cape Town especially if you’re based near the V&A Waterfront as you just use the City Sightseeing Bus to hop-on/hop-off but you would miss Boulders Beach and Chapmans Peak Drive. We’ve always picked a car up at the airport as it’s less hassle than dealing with a downtown branch who aren’t as switched on as the airport pickup.Looks like we are going to do CT 3 nights /Wine Region 2 or 3 nights drive along the Garden Route and stop to break up the journey a couple of times along the way maybe 1 night and 2 nights ( yet to be decided where? then East Cape Safari 3 nights..
So around 12/13 nights in total.
Could be reversed if that’s more relaxing ?
Generally it would be nice once based somewhere to be able to stroll out to bars/restaurants as you would in Europe or is it normal to have to drive out to destination restaurants ?
Is a car in Cape Town a help or a hindrance or would you just get one at the airport at the start ?
Would you fly into CT then fly back from Port Elisabeth after the Safari to CT fly home ?
Staying in Atlantic Marina (Airbnb), there’s a large underground car park so your car is safe and probably won’t move much.
Driving from the airport is a real eye opener as the townships on the Cape Flats/Mitchell Plain go on for mile after mile - a seriously dodgy area so no stopping and prey you don’t pick up a puncture (read the FCO advice but it’s not that bad if you know what you’re doing and are sensible). The Waterfront in CT has lots of security so is safe whilst both Hermanus and Franschhoek are really safe.
Most places close by 9:00pm, 10:00pm at the very latest.
We have friends who drove the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth then flew back to CT - but then they love flying!
We’ve never ventured past Knysna and to be honest we’re happy with our choices so far.
hmg said:
Thanks again everyone. Lots to ponder.
Looks like we are going to do CT 3 nights /Wine Region 2 or 3 nights drive along the Garden Route and stop to break up the journey a couple of times along the way maybe 1 night and 2 nights ( yet to be decided where? then East Cape Safari 3 nights..
So around 12/13 nights in total.
Could be reversed if that’s more relaxing ?
Generally it would be nice once based somewhere to be able to stroll out to bars/restaurants as you would in Europe or is it normal to have to drive out to destination restaurants ?
Is a car in Cape Town a help or a hindrance or would you just get one at the airport at the start ?
Would you fly into CT then fly back from Port Elisabeth after the Safari to CT fly home ?
If you stay in Camps Bay there are quite a few great restaurants that are walkable from the Bay Hotel. It's not particularly dodgy around there but you do need to be a bit aware. I'd particularly recommend the Codfather (despite the cheesy name!). Looks like we are going to do CT 3 nights /Wine Region 2 or 3 nights drive along the Garden Route and stop to break up the journey a couple of times along the way maybe 1 night and 2 nights ( yet to be decided where? then East Cape Safari 3 nights..
So around 12/13 nights in total.
Could be reversed if that’s more relaxing ?
Generally it would be nice once based somewhere to be able to stroll out to bars/restaurants as you would in Europe or is it normal to have to drive out to destination restaurants ?
Is a car in Cape Town a help or a hindrance or would you just get one at the airport at the start ?
Would you fly into CT then fly back from Port Elisabeth after the Safari to CT fly home ?
We visited Pumba reserve for our safari in the Eastern Cape. Different experience to a private reserve in Kruger. Arguable better in one way (as you are pretty much guaranteed to see the good bits..we saw lions on every drive I think and perfect for kids) but also possibly less adventurous. No malaria in Eastern Cape, which is a bonus for some.
We flew LHR to Joburg, then to Port Elisabeth, then to CT, then back to Joburg so can't really help on your final question. I did no driving at all!
ETA we used Trailfinders to do all the bookings.
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