The Local Blog

Cape Town Accommodation

2012-01-06T00:25:00.000-08:00

Cape Town accommodation is plentiful and there’s something to suit every budget but it is highly advisable to book ahead, especially over the Christmas season (December to mid-February) and during the Argus Cycle Tour (usually mid-March). The greatest density of Cape Town hotels, boutique hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, guest houses and self catering apartments and holiday villas are situated in the City Bowl area and immediate South Atlantic Seaboard belt, all within a 10 minute drive from Cape Town City Centre and the V&A Waterfront. Highly desirable suburbs like Tamboerskloof and Oranjezicht spill down the slopes of Table Mountain towards Gardens, Cape Town City Centre, De Waterkant and the exclusive Waterfront. From the Waterfront the dazzling Atlantic coastline curves south, fringed by the seaside suburbs of Green Point, Sea Point, Bantry Bay the ultra glamorous suburbs of Clifton and Camps Bay.

Villa Blu

2011-12-14T03:01:00.000-08:00

Villa blu guest house offers Hermanus accommodation at its finest, enjoy supreme relaxation and comfort at this picturesque guest house b & b, situated in beautiful Hermanus, the whale watching capital of the world.

Tino and Riana welcome you to Villa Blu Bed & Breakfast, relaxed Hermanus accommodation, they will ensure you receive the warmest possible welcome at their charming Hermanus guest house.

Jambo | Cape Town Bed & Breakfast

2011-12-09T00:21:00.000-08:00

Jambo Guest House offers Style and Olde Worlde Charm, but most of all, sincere and friendly Hospitality by the owners Barry and MinaThomas, who will also gladly assist with Airport Shuttles, Car Hire, Tours, or just friendly advice on Places of Interest to visit.

Guests can relax in Barry`s Private Bar (much like an English Pub), where we meet, chat, listen to music, or play a game of Kerem. A Koi Pond, and an open-air, heated Jacuzzi Spa are situated in the charming garden surrounds, and is available for the enjoyment of all our guests - the ultimate Cape Town bed and breakfast relaxation.

Jambo Guest House

V&A Waterfront Wonderland

2011-12-07T04:32:00.000-08:00

Lying west of the industrial Duncan Dock, the V&A Waterfront is Cape Town's original Victorian harbour. Before its construction the Cape of Storms was notorious for wrecking ships during ferocious winter spells. In 1860 a very young Prince Alfred ceremoniously dumped the first load of stone to begin work on the Breakwater and 1869 the twin basin dock was completed.

Renovated period buildings, imitation Victorian malls, piers and a busy harbour coexist with an astonishing collection of pubs, clubs, eateries, museums and outdoor theatres set against the panoramic view of Table Mountain.

The star of the show is the two-level Victoria Wharf, crammed with an array of shops, cinemas, kiosks and stalls. It houses a diverse variety of restaurants, ranging from sushi bars, coffee shops, take-out joints and upmarket venues, the most popular being the outdoor ones where you can enjoy the vistas created by harbour lights and the surreal lit Table Mountain.

If you are looking for V and A Waterfront hotel accommodation, SafariNow has a selection of hotel accommodation in V and A Waterfront and surrounds.

Bayview | Luxury Cape Town Accommodation

2011-12-07T04:00:00.003-08:00

Bayview Penthouses has a selection of luxury Cape Town accommodation high on the slopes of the rugged Twelve Apostles mountain range. Our luxury apartments reflect the natural beauty of the bay and epitomize the lifestyle that has made Camps Bay synonymous with celebrity. The apartments and double bedrooms offer spectacular panoramic views of Camps Bay, Cape Town. The guest house has been laid out so that no matter which apartment you choose or where you are within your self-catering guest house accommodation you can enjoy the views that make Camps Bay famous.

Bayview Penthouses range of Cape Town luxury holiday apartment rooms include:

The "GREEN ROOM" is a carpeted double bedroom Camps Bay Guest house South Africa with beautiful sea views, leading directly into the garden and onto an outside patio with sea views. The King size double bed can be arranged as two single beds (twin) as well. There is also a lounge suite with an extendable sofa couch for a third person. "Tea tray" for preparing your own breakfast and smaller meals. Shower bathroom.

The "SEAVIEW ROOM" is ca. 20 sq. m large, carpeted double bedroom Camps Bay Guest house South Africa with stunning sea views, leading directly into the shared lounge and onto the pool deck, all with beautiful sea views. King size double bed can be arranged as two single beds (twin). A separate kitchenette for preparing your own meals. Bathroom with a bath and shower above the bath.

The "STUDIO" is a ca.18 sqm large, terracotta tiled room. The King size double bed can be arranged as two single beds (twin). The room in Camps Bay South Africa Accommodation, has a limited sea view (one small window to the sea-side and a sliding glass door to the mountain side) and an outside patio. It has an equipped mini-kitchenette for preparing your own breakfast and smaller meals with Marble bathroom with a bath and a shower above the bath.

Bayview Penthouses

Parker Cottage | Cape Town City Bowl

2011-10-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

Parker Cottage is a Victorian style Bed & Breakfast in the Cape Town City Bowl. Completed by renowned architect, John Parker in 1895, these two grand houses offer all the home comforts and luxuries of modern guest house accommodation while maintaining the contemporary charm associated with the Victorian era. Their fantastic range of services include the option of three, four or five star rooms, all you can eat breakfasts, in house laundry and ironing, airport transfers, free parking, Wi-Fi and cellphone hire, 24 hour check in and in house tours. To find out more about this divine Cape Town City Bowl accommodation visit the Parker Cottage website.

Extreme Scene | Adventure Tours

2011-10-04T06:46:00.000-07:00

Extreme Scene, a Cape Town based adventure tour operator provide a wide range of carefully crafted tour packages and adventure activities for those adventure seeking travellers and adrenalin junkies looking for the ultimate thrills and excitement. Tandem sky diving, high speed boating, sunset cruises, safari tours and shark cage diving are just a few of the exhilarating Cape Town adventure tours on offer from these specialist tour operators. For a detailed overview of these and other adventure tours in Cape Town and South Africa visit the Extreme Scene website.

Villa Blu | Guest House

2011-10-03T06:52:00.001-07:00

Villa Blu, a charming Hermanus guest house in the heart of the world’s whale watching capital, offers exceptionally comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation, incredibly warm hospitality and incredible panoramic views of the surrounding Overberg Mountains and Atlantic Ocean below. Stay in beautifully decorated en suite bedrooms and indulge in the various services and facilities this Hermanus accommodation has to offer. For a detailed overview of their rooms, services, tariffs and location navigate to the Villa Blu website.

Head South | Green Point Hotels

2011-08-24T06:37:00.001-07:00

Head South Lodge Boutique Hotel, situated near the foot of Table Mountain, offers 22 sophisticated and contemporary double en suite rooms with elements of original retro and art deco style, and a wide range of services and facilities including medical/surgery, security and hairdresser. With comfortable and elegant Waterfront accommodation, exceptional personal service and a range of wonderful amenities Head South Lodge Boutique Hotel ranks among some of the best Green Point hotels. For an intimate look at their services and facilities navigate to the Head South Lodge Boutique Hotel website.

David's Guest House

2011-08-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

David’s Guest House is situated in the centre of Cape Town’s pleasant city buzz, in Green Point, one of the city’s trendiest suburbs. Surrounded by leafy trees and against the back drop of Table Mountain, this Cape Town B&B offers guests a spectacular setting and unparalleled classic style ambience. Verdant gardens and elegant en suite bedrooms make this modernised Victorian terrace home a must to experience.

Green Point: Jambo Guest House

2011-08-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for Green Point accommodation which offers sincere hospitality and exceptional service, Jambo Guest House is the place for you. Located in the heart of Green Point, this Cape Town bed & breakfast is ideally situated to explore the bustling city or merely wonder at Cape Town’s breathtaking views. Visit the Jambo Guest House website to discover more about this terrific Green Point accommodation.

Magical Cape Town Beaches

2011-07-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

Cape Town offers some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, with sunny white beaches stretching east to west. It’s no surprise that many of South Africa’s beaches have been awarded the blue flag status, given only to the most perfect beaches of the world. Part of the allure of this area is that this is where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. The Atlantic lies on the west side and is about 4 degrees cooler. Many of the most popular beaches lie on this side of the coast, with many referring to it as South Africa’s “Riviera”. These beaches are lucky to have longer days and protection for the Cape winds, making them a very pleasant experience indeed.
One of the most notable is Clifton which is comprised of 4 beaches all together, it is no doubt one of the most fashionable beaches. The wealthy all aspire to own homes fronting its snow white sands and people fly from all over to see and be seen http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifagainst the backdrop of the bright blue wahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifter, decorated with gleaming white yachts.
The East coast however has the warmer water with many hidden and secluded gems, which tourists travel from far and wide to experience. These are also preferred by local families wanting to steer clear of the crowds along the west coast. Each beach has its own particular charm however, so it’s always best to go to a few and decide which is most suited to your tastes.
If you are thinking about visiting this side of the world you are sure to be left with more than just a glowing tan, but fond memories of this captivating region and the hospitable people which reside in it. There is a wide array of accommodation options you can take advantage of such as Self Catering Accommodation & Holiday Rentals or Cape Town Guest Houses. There is plenty to choose from and they line the coast, offering a wonderful way to experience the sun and surf offered by Cape Town, South Africa.

Universities in South Africa

2011-05-26T04:16:00.000-07:00

The decision of where and what to study is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. Hundreds of pamphlets, advertisements and representatives from Universities in South Africa will try to make the decision for you however at the end of the day, armed with an overload of information that has been handed to you; you alone can make the move towards what you want.

South Africa is home to the top three universities in Africa. In 2010 the University of Cape Town ranked number one - if you choose this university as your tertiary education institution not only will you leave with a sought after qualification but you would have studied underneath the guidance of some of the top lecturers and resources on the continent. The University of Pretoria and the University of Stellenbosch rank second and third, and without a doubt will give an education and tertiary education experience to be proud of.

The decision of what to study can often lead to where to study. There are many Universities in South Africa that are renowned for being the best at giving certain degrees. For example, Rhodes University in Grahamstown is notorious for their excellent journalism faculty and degree, and the best place to study veterinary science is at the University of Pretoria. Another factor involved is language. Although it is compulsory to learn two languages at school level, most students would prefer to attend a University that teaches in their mother tongue. The University of Stellenbosch mostly lectures in Afrikaans, however some of the courses are also taught in English. The Mangosuthu University of Technology is accommodating towards Zulu speaking students, as the institution is in Kwa-Zulu Natal, the province which is home to the largest population of South African Zulu speakers.

Unfortunately one of the factors that must be considered when applying to a University are its fees. Many bursaries are offered to previously disadvantaged students, and those who wish to pay back their university fees can often take out student loans. Unfortunately student loans are not available to foreign students but many scholarships can be won by students from African countries wishing to study in South Africa. Foreigners who otherwise wish to study at one of the Universities in South Africa will find that they may have to pay higher fees than their fellow students who are South African citizens.

South Africans have a wide choice of tertiary education institutions to choose from, ranging from collages, schools, and universities. Although the decision of where to go is a big one which must not be taken lightly, a University degree will nudge you a step above the rest and may even anchor you a career in a shaky economy. Not only will you receive a good education but you’ll make new friends and contacts to later network with, and will have the opportunity to become involved in University events, outings, and committees. Lastly, a University degree can never be taken away from you and an education is never worthless. By attending a University, not only will you be one of the elite to be fortunate enough to get this education and experience, but you will be able to make a valuable contribution to your society and work towards your dream career.

Camps Bay Holiday Apartments

2010-07-09T00:19:00.000-07:00

Camps Bay Apartments, set in this trendy village only ten minutes from the city centre, is known as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Did you know that Camps Bay beach is one of Cape Town’s largest beaches, and has long been a favorite destination for all visitors to Cape Town.

Attractions such as V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain cableway and the City Centre are close at hand therefor making our Camps Bay Holiday Accommodation options real gems.

This beachfront is vibrant throughout the year and the ambience attracting all kinds of people, visiting cafes and enjoying restaurants close by.

If you are travelling to Cape Town check out Holiday Rentals Camps Bay
Go here for Camps Bay Self Catering

Camps Bay Night out: Dinner and Movie at the 12 Apostles Hotel

2010-07-07T02:10:00.000-07:00

The 12 Apostles Hotel offers the opportunity to go for dinner and a movie in their small 16 seater theatre.

Each month they schedule a list of movies which run five times a day and may be accompanied with breakfast (1000hrs), lunch (1500hrs) and dinner (1800/2000/2200hrs).

Indulge with your partner or a group of friends in the Azure Restaurant with their specially created movie menu, followed by an intimate viewing of a film at the hotel's private cinema. Choose from a varied selection of great classics, comedy, adventure, drama and foreign films and sink into plush red leather seats with state-of-the-art flat screen Dolby surround sound, and a lavish assortment of goodies, including popcorn, ice cream, hot chocolate, milkshakes and candy!

It is strongly advised that you book early as is very popular and space is limited.

Go here for more info.

Go here for Camps Bay Accommodation

Camps Bay Spots: The Bayside Cafe

2010-06-30T03:15:00.000-07:00

Situated in a most enviable location on Camps Bay’s glorious beachfront, the Bayside Café enjoys magnificent sea views and spectacular sunsets. Successfully run by Eddy Uys and crew, has been trading since 1989.This popular establishment has a strong local and international following who appreciate the consistent good quality of food and service.

The spacious interior, which is spread over two floors, has undergone a complete revamp to complement the existing architecture of this gracious building which is over 75 years old. The first floor has been dramatically improved by the addition of natural stone walls, polished wooden floors, crisp white tablecloths and comfortable upholstered chairs. Strategic splashes of colour and attractive arched windows complete the sophisticated new look which has also been carried through to the downstairs section. Smoking is only catered for on the outdoor patio, weather permitting.

Popular for breakfasts especially on weekends and holidays, the restaurant is fortunate to have shaded pavement tables to make the most of the warm summer months. The breakfast menu is impressive with a selection that includes Salmon, Croissants and French toast. For light lunches the menu offers Burgers, Baguettes, Wraps, Sandwiches and plenty of fresh crisp salads. Well known for their excellent Ribs, Steaks and Seafood, it is difficult to pin point specific dishes on the main menu as there are so many good things on offer. It is worth noting however that vegetarians have been well catered for with choices that include a fragrant Thai vegetable curry and Tortilla wraps with veggies and creamed butternut sauce.

Source: dining-out.co.za

Camps Bay Accommodation

Winter activities in Cape Town

2010-06-07T04:44:00.000-07:00

Now that winter has truly set in one staying in Camps Bay Accommodation can no longer waste an idle day lying on the beach. (Unless you want to return home an icicle!) but do not fear! there are plenty of things to keep you entertained during a Cape Town winter. With that in mind I found this great article on things to do in Cape Town when it's raining:

Cape Town, Under Cover

Cape Town in winter can be a very wet place, a lot of the outdoor activities tend to take a back seat when the rains hit and people often don’t what to do with themselves when the grey clouds gather and the soft rain falls. Cape town can be as an exciting place indoors as outdoors with many good an fun activities and for those who like a bit of spice then there are also many under the cover activities in Cape Town.

For those animal lovers who need to be indoors for a bit.

Places like the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A waterfront, with over 3000 animal species type is the perfect place to visit. Here you can see certain sea bird species, water mammals, many different fish types, a Kelp forest and much, much more. For more information contact the aquarium at +27 (0) 21 418 3823.

There is also the spectacular Butterfly World near Paarl is another land of wonder. It is an enclosed garden wonder world that is abound with beautiful flying color. It also features a restaurant where you can obtain refreshment and you can stay as long as you like learning about the different species and how to distinguish them. For more information contact +27 (0) 21 875 5628.

For the Kids

Do you enjoy playing the casino and worry about the kids, Grand West has a fantastic kid’s area that is called magic village. Here you will find a shooting gallery, go carting, racing, rocking boats, and video arcades. For more information contact +27 (0) 21 534 0244.

The icy temperatures call for some warming activities like ice skating. Grand west has an Olympic sized ice rink and just outside a small ice rink for the younger children. Put those blades on and go and enjoy. Contact +27 (0) 21 535 2260 for times and prices.

For the older kids or adults who are still kids at heart then go and try the Kenilworth Kart racing track in Kenilworth behind Access Park. For times and prices contact +27 (0) 21 682 2670/ 6174.

Want to do a bit of shopping and get the younger ones out of your hair for a bit then go to Jimmy’s jungle in the Tygervalley Shopping centre, Claremont or Summerset West. Which caters for children between 6 and 9, for more information contact the head office at +27 (0) 21 556 5034.

Worried that your kids don’t get the exercise that they need and don’t get out of the house much then go to SSISA Kids Club, it has specific programs that are designed with kids in mind and take place 4 days a week. For more information contact +27 (0) 21 659 5600.

For a bit of fun with those kids parties or outings why not go and try Laser Quest which is a harmless action packed shooting area Laser game. Situated in Claremont, for more information contact +27 (0) 21 683 7296.

For family outings

Enjoy your golf, then go and try out the spectacular indoor put put course at the V&A waterfront. Very economical and challenging, contact +27 (0) 21 419 9429 for more information.

Want to learn more about South Africa’s precious and semi precious stones the come and visit the scratch patch and have a go at starting your collection. Situated in Simons town and the V&A Waterfront, for more information contact +27 (0) 21 786 2020 for Simons Town and +27 (0) 21 419 9429 for the V&A Waterfront.

Enjoy your star Gazing then come and visit the planetariums in Cape Town and surrounds for a very peaceful, relaxing and awe inspiring time. There are 2 worth mentioning, the SAAO in Observatory, contact +27 (0) 21 447 0025 and Iziko planetarium at the top of the Cape Town gardens, contact +27 (0) 21 481 3900.

Ten Pin Bowling is a game traditionally going as far back as the early Egyptians and has spread very fast around the world. A good action packed and challenging game for the whole family. There is one in the Tygervalley shopping complex +27 (0) 21 914 8217, N1 city +27 (0) 21 595 2100, Claremont +27 (0) 21 671 1893, and in Somerset West +27 (0) 21 850 0254.

For the young individuals and older Jollers, Cape Town is alive with vibrancy and has entertainments that would keep you partying late into the early hrs of the morning. Try Long Street for a good pub and club crawl or visit Stellenbosch (a university town) for an incredible party.

Source

Camps Bay SA's priciest suburb

2009-06-25T03:08:00.000-07:00

Johannesburg - It appears that wealthy investors still have plenty of appetite for big-ticket properties with prices in some of SA's swankiest suburbs still rising at double-digit rates.

This is according to the latest data from real estate portal South African Property Transfer Guide (SAPTG).

The Atlantic seaboard suburb of Camps Bay saw average house prices surge by 56% over the past year to R7m in March 2008, up from an average sales value of R4.48m in March 2007.

That places Camps Bay as SA's most expensive suburb in SAPTG's monthly top 10 survey of highest average sales value achieved.

SAPTG's data, which is sourced from the Deeds Office, applies only to property transfers of up to R20m.The survey is divided between suburbs were 10 or more sales are achieved per month and suburbs with less than 10 sales.

The Cape Town suburb of Constantia ranked second after Camps Bay as the highest-priced residential neighbourhood in SA (10 or more sales) with an average sales value of R 5.95m. Posh golf resort Zimbali on KwaZulu-Natal's north coast claimed third spot in March, with an average sales value of R3.65m. That's growth of 21% in 12 months.

In the "less than ten sales" category, Cape Town again boasted the highest priced suburb in SA, with Fresnaye on the Atlantic seaboard taking top slot with an average sales value of R6.9m.

Not hit hard by credit act

That's followed by Gauteng's exclusive Hyde Park where properties changed hands at an average R4.78m in March this year 17% up from the average price tag of R4m achieved in Hyde Park a year ago.

SAPTG's house price trends for top-end suburbs are in stark contrast to what is happening in middle-income areas. Standard Bank's latest data shows that median house prices in SA dropped by 5.2% in the year to March 2008 from R580 000 to R550 000.

That's the first time in eight years that median house prices have actually dropped in nominal terms. And property economists expect the overall market to stay in the doldrums for at least the next 12 to 18 months. More so, if interest rates are hiked yet again later this week.

Estate agents confirm that luxury suburbs have been far less affected by higher interest rates and the National Credit Act (NCA) than the middle and lower priced end of the market.
Laurie Wener, MD of Pam Golding Properties (PGP) in the Western Cape, says top-end suburbs remain active despite the general slowdown. PGP recorded a number of record sales in the past three months on the Atlantic Seaboard. Many of these sales are going to cash buyers who are not affected by higher rates and the NCA.

Recent record sales deals include a penthouse apartment in Clifton for R48m, an apartment at the V&A Waterfront for R22.5m and a three-bedroom home in Camps Bay for R16.5m. Wener says foreigners are still showing a keen interest in the area, but at least 60% of sales are going to South Africans - both Capetonians and upcountry buyers.

Jared Gottschalk of the Alliance Group says they recently sold a "moderate" Camps Bay beachfront property to an upcountry buyer for R44m, proving once again just how strong demand for prime properties in this area of Cape Town still is.

Article Source

Camps Bay Self Catering Accommodation

Camps Bay Spots: The Roundhouse Restaurant

2009-05-27T05:03:00.000-07:00

Cape Town's new Roundhouse restaurant situated in Camps Bay's The Glen opened on the 9th June 2008

Founded in 1756 the Roundhouse building has an abundance of nostalgia surrounding it.

This history seems fitting for an evening of luxury and fine dining in The Roundhouse’s new use as an upmarket restaurant.The Roundhouse restaurant promises to be one of the most superb restaurants under the Cape Town sky.

They offer expert service, French cuisine based on seasonal textures and flavours as well as fine rare wines from a variety of boutique cellars from all over the world.The Roundhouse restaurant has four different dining experiences where you are able to dine in style according to your preference.

The private dining room is well over 300 years old and holds one of the finest and most rare wine collections in the country.Just knowing the history of the room amplifies its grace and elegance so much more.

With its lavish views of all the Cape's beauty including the Twelve Apostles, Clifton and Camps Bay the Somerset Room is the perfect place to savour the taste of the exquisite wine and cuisine.The Oval room is fantastic, with its fully customizable ability it’s able to cater for both large or small, intimate events.

The room still features its original fireplace adding warmth and romance to an already beautiful setting.The Rumbullion is the name given to the terraces at the Roundhouse. It’s a 17th century term meaning ‘a riotous good time’.

The terrace is surrounded by century old pomegranate trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. It will most certainly be a wonderful place to share special moments with friends and family.For latest information: read more on the opening of the new Roundhouse Restaurant in our events section.

Article Source

If your going to Camps Bay check out Camps Bay Accommodation

I love Camps Bay

2009-03-16T02:18:00.000-07:00

Camps Bay Self Catering | Camps Bay Luxury Holiday Apartments

http://www.gotravel24.com/theme/adventure/i-3-camps-bay

By Lebogang Mogashoa
December 1st, 2008

Camps Bay has first dibs on that summer look. It's like this, if you're in Cape Town and you spend the whole season without spending a full day in Camps Bay, can you really say you've experienced summer?

Here are more reasons why we love the bay.

1. The beach

How rad is that beach? It can be intimidating sometimes because the hot bodies on display might induce panic in some of us whose bodies didn't get the memo. Otherwise, the white sands and the masses of people just make it all very party beach central

2. The pipe trail

This flat walking trail gets its name from the old water pipe it follows at the top of Camps Bay. You can take in spectacular views of the bay at a leisurely pace.

3. Theatre on the Bay

It's nice to know that you can spend the whole day being lazy at the beach. Then later that night show off your glowing tan at the theatre. It's a nice one too; perfect for big shows.

4. Dizzy's Jazz Café

There's something really casual but grownup about eating good food on a summer day while listening to jazz music. And the fact that you can actually do this in beachy Camps Bay makes it the perfect atmosphere.

5. Celeb spotting

If you like to see the rich and famous looking casual and relaxed, Camps Bay is one of the most reliable magnets. Check them out at Café Caprice where you go to see or to be seen.

6. Fishy heaven

You can't go to Camps bay and not eat some kind of seafood. It's rude. Especially as there are so many places to choose from. Some of the best include the Codfather, Yo Sushi, and Sunset Beach.

7. Sinnful ice cream

There's ice cream and then there's ice cream (users of this phrase will know which is fiercer). The appropriately named Sinnful has too many flavours to mention. It's the kind of ice cream that puts other contenders to bed.

8. Wine outside the Winelands

Wine tasting is such a Cape Town thing. It's normally done in a day trip to the Winelands. But if you'd like your wine tasting and still keep your beach time, check out Deli at the Bay.

9. Sundowners

Catch the perfect summer sunset here from the beach or from one of the many nice bars in the area. Popular bars on the strip include Baraza, Eclipse and Caprice.

10. Beach shopping

If you like your summer with a bit of shopping, Camps bay doesn't disappoint on that front either. Albeit it's shopping of the beach variety. Victoria Road is home to surf shops and street vendors selling anything from swimwear, towels to sarongs and napkin rings.

Cape Town Experiences - Cape Town Accommodation

2008-12-17T03:02:00.000-08:00

Camps Bay Self Catering | Camps Bay Luxury Holiday Apartments

Having just returned from a most spectacular week-end in Cape Town, I am pressed to share the fantastic experiences and memories.

Cape Town offered us such a wonderful time. The weather was superb, greeting us warmly and continuing throughout our stay.

We were treated to local fish and chips near the Kalk Bay harbor and enjoyed the fresh ocean aroma as well as the glorious views and sounds of seagulls surrounding us.

Whilst we had plans to visit the beautiful wine lands, this never really became an option as we ran out of time.

The beaches were absolutely amazing, I found time stood still and I became a soul again. Playing in the sand, overlooking the mountain and refreshing my feet in the freezing Atlantic waters was a treat I want again.

We stayed in affordable Cape Town accommodation, which was completely too our liking. Clean, fresh, new finishings all made the stay so very pleasant.

Finishing off the week-end was a trip up the famous Table Mountain. I was surprised to find it actually quite chilly at the top of the mountain. This view afforded us a 360 degree of the city and we were able to point out the exact location of our Cape Town Accommodation.

After defrosting and enjoy expensive cappuccinos on the top of the mountain, we rushed to find the beaches again. Wandering between Boulders, Clifton and Camps Bay was just such a great experience. The beaches are all in close proximity to one another, so gave us a great chance to enjoy all the wonders.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Currie

Cape Town Travelling Tips

2008-10-16T00:26:00.000-07:00

Camps Bay Self Catering | Camps Bay Luxury Holiday Apartments

Article Source: http://www.campsbayinfo.com

Air Travel:

These days getting to South Africa is pretty simple when one considers the vast quantity of international daily flights and direct connections to Johannesburg and Cape Town. There are an outstanding number of world-class airlines flying daily into South Africa’s international airports from all the corners of the globe. While some countries offer direct flights to Cape Town International, most fly to O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg) International. From there, a quick two hour flight takes you to Cape Town ...

Requirements for Entry:

For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa for vacation, entry is straightforward and hassle-free. All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport, but for many countries, visas are not required up to a maximum number of days. For the latest visa requirements, contact your nearest South African embassy or mission. A yellow fever inoculation and certificate from travellers over 1 year of age coming from an infected area, is an official requirement.

Electricity:

The electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ, with the exception of Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V). Most plugs have 3-pin or 2-pin. Adaptors can be purchased, but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer. Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and appliances.

Driving:

Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving licence issued and valid in their own country, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is in English. If your drivers licence does not meet these requirements, an international driver’s licence is required. Driving is on the left hand side of the road and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory.

People and Language:

Diverse people and cultures combine to make the Rainbow Nation colourful. Population groups include the majority Nguni (incl. Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi); Sotho-Tswana; Tsonga; Venda; Afrikaners; English; Coloureds; Indians; Khoi and San; and immigrants from Africa, Europe and Asia. The majority religion is Christian, but freedom of worship is guaranteed by the Constitution. There are 11 official languages, including English. Most South Africans are multi-lingual and English is fairly widely spoken, notably in urban centres.

Safety:

Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists, provided they take basic common-sense precautions e.g. not walking alone in deserted areas at night, not flashing photographic equipment or jewellery and, in traffic, maintaining a safe following distance. Most major cities run organized crime prevention programmes and Basic Safety Tip guidelines are available at hotels and tourism information offices. If you are in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction, contact the National Tourism Information and Safety Line on 083 123 2345. This number may also be used for assistance in replacing lost documents or reporting incidents.

Payments and Currency:

The local currency is the South African Rand (R1=100 cents), which exchanges favourably with the major international currencies. This makes South Africa an affordable destination, where five-star luxury, and many items such as food, wine and lager, can be purchased at a much lesser cost than in many global cities. View current foreign exchange rates.

Most international traveller's cheques are accepted, however, it is advised that you bring them in a hard currency, such as US dollars or British Pounds. Currency can be exchanged at banks, forex bureaus and sometimes at hotels. Foreign tourists can have their VAT (value-added tax at 14%) refunded at the point of departure, provided they present their original tax invoices. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.

Food and Water:

South Africa’s tap water is potable and of the safest and cleanest in the world. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation is generally top-notch. It is safe to eat fresh fruit and salads and to put as much ice as you like in your drinks - a good thing, too, after a day on the beach or in the bush. Restaurants cover a wide variety of cuisines and visitors are normally very impressed with the food. The country’s many cultures makes for varied traditional fare, which is worth exploring.

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A Visitors Guide To Cape Town South Africa

2008-09-17T03:37:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a truly extraordinary place to visit, consider Cape Town, South Africa. There are few places on earth that can compare. There are wide open spaces and so much beauty that it is hard to describe or imagine.

Cape Town is physically cut off from the rest of the country by a barrier of mountains. The valleys produce grapes, wine, deciduous fruit and wheat. The cobbled streets, ancient oaks, and the British-built Georgian buildings are only a few of the sights that make Cape Town an extremely beautiful place to visit.

The city has an interesting history and a wonderful blend of people both culturally and racially. If you are interested in this aspect of Cape Town you should visit the South African Museum where you will get a glimpse into the various cultures of the area. This museum is the oldest one in South Africa. You can find the South African Museum in Cape Towns Company Gardens at the top of Adderley Street. This is the place to see many exhibits depicting much of the natural and cultural history of South Africa. There is also a planetarium on the grounds.

The Dutch East India Company has a fascinating history and this was the group of people who designed the Cape Town Companys Gardens. These folks established the Company Gardens so that the sailors who were traveling to the East would have a place to stop and take care of any health problems they incurred during the first part of the journey. There are also amazing buildings in the Gardens including a museum and the Anglican St. Georges Cathedral.

In the same area is the office of South Africas State President and the Houses of Parliament. At the southernmost tip of Government Avenue is the citys best known hotel, the Mount Nelson, which sits in the shadow of Table Mountain. This hotel has a grand colonial atmosphere and still serves a delicious and elegant afternoon tea.

On Adderly Street you can walk toward the harbor and see the oldest church in South Africa, Groote Kerk. Be sure to take a look at the ornately carved pulpit. Here you can view the statues of Jan van Riebeeck and his wife, Maria. Close to these attractions is the Castle of Good Hope which is the oldest surviving intact structure in South Africa.

You may want to search out Greenmarket Square which is the heart of the old city. There are flea market stalls, shoppers and buskers galore. The Old Town House is a beautiful baroque building that dates back to 1761 and holds the Michaelis Collection of Dutch and Flemish art. There are also Victorian buildings that house pawnshops and boutiques.

There are many museums and galleries in Cape Town. Most of them operate under the umbrella of Iziko Museums of Cape Town. The museums offer diverse exhibitions in lovely settings. You can even tour a collection of old city houses that have been restored.

Visit Cape Town, South Africa for a trip you will always remember.

By: Thomas Smith

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Planning a trip to Cape Town? Visit the Search South Africa Hotels website to find Cape Town hotel review by going to www.searchsouthafricahotels.com/Cape-Town-1.shtml You'll also find Cape Town car rentals, last minute deals, vacation packages and flights.

Heading to Camps Bay? check out Camps Bay accommodation

Camps Bay Spots: Blues food and wine

2008-07-28T01:31:00.000-07:00

Carl Penn and Mark Dendy Young (Winemaker of La Petite Ferme)

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:46
source: www.iafrica.com

Cape Town locals and visitors recently descended Blues Restaurant for a chance to tantalise both their palates and noses as Blues combined food and wine to tease all the senses at their last Food and Wine Pairing evening.

This culinary experience was the fourth in this year's series of Food and Wine Pairing evenings hosted by Blues Restaurant. Blues strives to combine great food with fine wine in an indulgent yet educational and interesting manner.

This evening was attended by Master winemaker, Mark Dendy Young of La Petite Ferme who introduced his range as guests quaffed with gusto, enjoying copious eats from the Blues feast.

Guests were treated to a sumptuous four-course dinner which started with Porcini Mushroom and Taleggio Fried Sandwiches, paired with La Petite Ferme Sauvignon Blanc.

The intermediate course, Poached Salmon with a Fresh Mussel Velouté, was teamed with La Petite Ferme Barrel Fermented Chardonnay.

For mains guests enjoyed Pepper Crusted Beef Fillet, Roasted Winter Vegetables and Green Peppercorn Jus and sipped the La Petite Ferme Shiraz.

To wrap things up Blues offered a delicious Polenta Cake for those with a sweet tooth.

Blues will be hosting these exclusive events every second Wednesday until 27 August, and have made sure that only the finest quality wines will be presented.

Like this event, the upcoming Food & Wine Pairing evenings will each be hosted by the winemaker himself who will take guests through the spectacular tastes and aromas from an expert's point of view.

There is an impressive array of wine estates still to come, all of which have longstanding relationships with the restaurant.

Prepare yourself for a night filled with versatile flavours and lingering aftertastes which will leave you craving for more. For an unforgettable experience, contact Blues now on +27 21 438 2040 to reserve your table.

If you are heading to Camps Bay check out Camps Bay Accommodation