Drivers and cyclists everywhere are often at odds over such matters as who has the right of way, but visiting car drivers and bicycle riders agree on one thing; Cape Town has good roads and bad drivers. Whether you will have your foot on a gas pedal, or be pushing pedals when you travel around Cape Town, there are a few things you should know. The first, of course, is that South Africans drive on the left. If you are accustomed to driving on the right, find some quiet place to practice a little before you get into major traffic. An ounce of orientation can save you many pounds of trouble.
Good Roads and Fast Freeways
Cape Town roads are good, and several fast freeways can take you across town in no time. Because the city is on a peninsula, orientation is easy. You have the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and False Bay on the other. Table Mountain provides an excellent landmark. It really is very hard to get lost. There are some wonderful routes you can take, either by car or by bike. One of the most scenic is along the Atlantic seaboard to Hout Bay and the Chapman's Peak Drive. Another takes you around the Cape Point section of Table Mountain National Park by way of the False Bay coast.
Regulations and Driving Tips
National roads are marked with an N prefix, and provincial roads with an R prefix. During the Easter and December breaks, the highways can become unusually congested. During these times, notoriously bad driving habits are made worse by alcohol consumption, although police have been cracking down on drunk drivers. Speed limits range from 60 kph in urban areas, to 100 kph on rural roads and 120 kph on highways. Roundabouts follow the British rule of giving way to the right. Four-way-stops allow the first vehicle at the intersection to proceed first. In Cape Town traffic signals are called robots.
Drive With Caution
South Africa has one of the world's worst records for motor vehicle accidents, so drive with caution. Keep your distance from vehicles in front. Watch out for cars coming straight at you while they are overtaking other cars. You are expected to pull over onto the paved shoulder - where there might be people walking. Cape Town has a few unwritten rules of the road all its own. For example, minibus taxi drivers assume they have the right of way at all times. They will cut you off and run traffic lights with impunity. Be very careful approaching a freeway in Cape Town. The on-ramps often lead directly into the fast lane, and most local drivers won't slow down to let you in. Freeway signs also don't give much warning of the off-ramps. Plan your trip, so you know where you're going.
License, Gas, and Parking
If you're cycling around Cape Town, your main problem is watching out for drivers who have no respect for two-wheeled vehicles. To drive a motor vehicle, you must have a valid driver's license, printed in English. Otherwise you must obtain an International Driving Permit. Always have your license and passport with you. There are plenty of gas stations on the major highways, but they are less frequent on country roads, so fill up when you can. The best places to park in Cape Town are the multistorey parking garages. If you park on the street, you may have to pay a "car guard" not only to watch your vehicle, but to direct you in and out of the parking spot.
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Cape Town Car Rental
Showing posts with label car hire cape town. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car hire cape town. Show all posts
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Cape Town’s Hidden Hotspots
Most tourists on Cape Town holidays will visit the city’s major sights, which are indeed well worth seeing. But beyond Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and Cape Point, lie a host of fantastic and interesting places that only the locals tend to know about. Here are some of the city’s best kept secrets…
The Old Biscuit Mill: Organic Market
Each Saturday morning, Capetonians flock to an industrial warehouse in the small suburb of Salt River just outside the city centre. Salt River is not an area that tourists are likely to visit, lying just below the world renowned District Six area. But they’re missing out on one of the most fashionable affairs of the week. If you find yourself near the city centre one Saturday morning while on a Cape Town holiday, you should pay a visit to the Old Biscuit Mill. Go hungry, for an array of delicious organic food awaits you.
Situated in an old warehouse, seating is a problem and goes fast, so it’s best to get there as early as possible. You can order an organic pizza made in front of your eyes, with rocket, mozzarella and fresh tomatoes forming the base. And bold as the statement may be, it will probably be the best pizza you have ever had! Homemade cocktails and interesting live music complete the scene, where you can sit on a bale of hay, munching away happily in the bright sunshine. And bring an empty bag, because you’re unlikely to be able to resist buying a treat or two for the road.
Kalk Bay: A Fisherman’s Corner
One of the most pleasant ways to spend a day on a tailor made holiday in Cape Town, is to take a drive along the False Bay coast and visit Kalk Bay. A sleepy fishing town about 45 minutes outside the city centre, you can spend a good few hours wandering around this little village. You can enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant, where fresh seafood straight from the ocean can be munched under the hot sun.
After a scrumptious lunch, you can peruse the many quaint antique shops lining the main road. And once you’ve satisfied your curiosity, you can make your way to the ice cream parlour where home made ice cream of all flavours will top off a fantastic summer afternoon.
Mzoli’s Street Café
Some of the most culturally rich and vibrant areas of Cape Town are in the townships. Of course, you need to know where you are going and seek advice before setting off into one of these areas, but provided you are cautious, a great day out can be had. Mzoli’s lies on the outskirts of Gugulethu, offering a street side barbecue, bar and dance club all rolled into one. Most vibrant on a Sunday afternoon, it is well worth a lunch time visit. The set up is quite simple. You pick a roadside table, go to the butcher, buy whatever meat you want, and take it to the man who will barbecue if for you. The next step is to pop over to the shebeen across the road, where you can buy a six-pack of beer for next-to-nothing, and you’ll be set for the afternoon. With a DJ to set the mood of the day, you can enjoy your barbecued meat and bottles of beer at tables on the pavement, while locals dance in the street around you.
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Car Hire in Cape Town
The Old Biscuit Mill: Organic Market
Each Saturday morning, Capetonians flock to an industrial warehouse in the small suburb of Salt River just outside the city centre. Salt River is not an area that tourists are likely to visit, lying just below the world renowned District Six area. But they’re missing out on one of the most fashionable affairs of the week. If you find yourself near the city centre one Saturday morning while on a Cape Town holiday, you should pay a visit to the Old Biscuit Mill. Go hungry, for an array of delicious organic food awaits you.
Situated in an old warehouse, seating is a problem and goes fast, so it’s best to get there as early as possible. You can order an organic pizza made in front of your eyes, with rocket, mozzarella and fresh tomatoes forming the base. And bold as the statement may be, it will probably be the best pizza you have ever had! Homemade cocktails and interesting live music complete the scene, where you can sit on a bale of hay, munching away happily in the bright sunshine. And bring an empty bag, because you’re unlikely to be able to resist buying a treat or two for the road.
Kalk Bay: A Fisherman’s Corner
One of the most pleasant ways to spend a day on a tailor made holiday in Cape Town, is to take a drive along the False Bay coast and visit Kalk Bay. A sleepy fishing town about 45 minutes outside the city centre, you can spend a good few hours wandering around this little village. You can enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant, where fresh seafood straight from the ocean can be munched under the hot sun.
After a scrumptious lunch, you can peruse the many quaint antique shops lining the main road. And once you’ve satisfied your curiosity, you can make your way to the ice cream parlour where home made ice cream of all flavours will top off a fantastic summer afternoon.
Mzoli’s Street Café
Some of the most culturally rich and vibrant areas of Cape Town are in the townships. Of course, you need to know where you are going and seek advice before setting off into one of these areas, but provided you are cautious, a great day out can be had. Mzoli’s lies on the outskirts of Gugulethu, offering a street side barbecue, bar and dance club all rolled into one. Most vibrant on a Sunday afternoon, it is well worth a lunch time visit. The set up is quite simple. You pick a roadside table, go to the butcher, buy whatever meat you want, and take it to the man who will barbecue if for you. The next step is to pop over to the shebeen across the road, where you can buy a six-pack of beer for next-to-nothing, and you’ll be set for the afternoon. With a DJ to set the mood of the day, you can enjoy your barbecued meat and bottles of beer at tables on the pavement, while locals dance in the street around you.
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Car Hire in Cape Town
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Travel: Cape Town, South Africa
Breathlessly, we take the last few steps over some craggy rocks and scramble to the summit. After two hours of solid climbing, Vanya and I are ready to collapse as the sun beats down on our sweaty brows.
• Cape Town with Green Point Stadium in the foreground
And then, suddenly, all the effort becomes worthwhile. In a moment, Table Mountain gives up one of the most spectacular views in Africa.
From our wind-swept viewpoint, we see the white surf of the Atlantic Ocean crashing into the rocky peninsula that is the Cape of Good Hope.
And to the north, I cast my eyes over Cape Town's city bowl, making out in the distance the impressive white oval that is Green Point Stadium, the 70,000 capacity football stadium built for this month's World Cup.
Gazing down and over the turbulent ocean, the immense pride that Capetonians feel for this corner of the country makes complete sense to this outsider.
Since those first settlers established a trading post under the shadow of Table Mountain nearly 350 years ago, Cape Town has grown to become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Africa, famous as a playground for the rich and a popular destination for millions of European and North American holidaymakers.
But I also wanted to see Cape Town from the fascinatingly diverse perspectives of the three million ordinary South Africans for whom the city is home. This would prove easier than I had imagined as I discovered a warmth and hospitality that can only hold them in good stead as they help host the greatest sporting event on the planet.
After my Emirates flight touched down under a deep blue sky, we drove from the airport past a montage of scenes that immediately revealed the vast spectrum of life that is found here. From the township of Khayelitsha, where thousands of black South Africans live in squalor, the road quickly took me past the affluent southern suburbs, home to many of Cape Town's British expatriates.
It is a jarring juxtaposition of rich and poor that provided an immediate insight into the deep racial divisions that remain nearly 20 years after apartheid, the regime that created these poverty-stricken townships, was swept away in the name of democracy and equality.
Depressingly, decent housing and even basic sanitation remain an exception in the townships. But look beyond the grim physical reality: a visit to Khayelitsha is one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences for visitors to Cape Town.
Township tours usually last half a day or so and include a visit to a shebeen, or pub, orphanage, school, community centre and a traditional healer. Turning the lives of impoverished non-white people into a tourist attraction doesn't sit comfortably with me, but the reception I received on my visit to Gugulethu, another township nearby, at least partly allayed my concerns.
With a group of friends, we spent an afternoon at Mzoli's Place – a butchery which happens to be an almost legendary hang-out among Capetonians. Buckets of African sausage and lamb chops are served to a soundtrack of blaring Kwaito music and raucous laughter among the well-oiled clientele. The idea is simple: you choose the meat at the butchery, it gets barbecued to perfection, and is then served with a spicy salsa, bean salad and the South African staple maize "pap".
After munching a mammoth slab of beef and chatting with the locals, we drove back into town – passing close to the football stadium – and downtown to Long Street. It is here that the World Cup after-match parties will be the most colourful and the most cosmopolitan.
This strip of bars, restaurants and hotels, slap bang in the centre of town, is where everyone heads to have a good time. After taking in a cool gallery exhibition opening complete with canapes and wine at Wessel Snyman Creative, we headed to Boo Radleys, a few blocks away on Haut Street, where we downed cocktails and talked football. The World Cup-themed chat continued in Rick's café before we ended the night sipping a Mars Bar milkshake at Mr Pickwick's.
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Car Hire Cape Town
• Cape Town with Green Point Stadium in the foreground
And then, suddenly, all the effort becomes worthwhile. In a moment, Table Mountain gives up one of the most spectacular views in Africa.
From our wind-swept viewpoint, we see the white surf of the Atlantic Ocean crashing into the rocky peninsula that is the Cape of Good Hope.
And to the north, I cast my eyes over Cape Town's city bowl, making out in the distance the impressive white oval that is Green Point Stadium, the 70,000 capacity football stadium built for this month's World Cup.
Gazing down and over the turbulent ocean, the immense pride that Capetonians feel for this corner of the country makes complete sense to this outsider.
Since those first settlers established a trading post under the shadow of Table Mountain nearly 350 years ago, Cape Town has grown to become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Africa, famous as a playground for the rich and a popular destination for millions of European and North American holidaymakers.
But I also wanted to see Cape Town from the fascinatingly diverse perspectives of the three million ordinary South Africans for whom the city is home. This would prove easier than I had imagined as I discovered a warmth and hospitality that can only hold them in good stead as they help host the greatest sporting event on the planet.
After my Emirates flight touched down under a deep blue sky, we drove from the airport past a montage of scenes that immediately revealed the vast spectrum of life that is found here. From the township of Khayelitsha, where thousands of black South Africans live in squalor, the road quickly took me past the affluent southern suburbs, home to many of Cape Town's British expatriates.
It is a jarring juxtaposition of rich and poor that provided an immediate insight into the deep racial divisions that remain nearly 20 years after apartheid, the regime that created these poverty-stricken townships, was swept away in the name of democracy and equality.
Depressingly, decent housing and even basic sanitation remain an exception in the townships. But look beyond the grim physical reality: a visit to Khayelitsha is one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences for visitors to Cape Town.
Township tours usually last half a day or so and include a visit to a shebeen, or pub, orphanage, school, community centre and a traditional healer. Turning the lives of impoverished non-white people into a tourist attraction doesn't sit comfortably with me, but the reception I received on my visit to Gugulethu, another township nearby, at least partly allayed my concerns.
With a group of friends, we spent an afternoon at Mzoli's Place – a butchery which happens to be an almost legendary hang-out among Capetonians. Buckets of African sausage and lamb chops are served to a soundtrack of blaring Kwaito music and raucous laughter among the well-oiled clientele. The idea is simple: you choose the meat at the butchery, it gets barbecued to perfection, and is then served with a spicy salsa, bean salad and the South African staple maize "pap".
After munching a mammoth slab of beef and chatting with the locals, we drove back into town – passing close to the football stadium – and downtown to Long Street. It is here that the World Cup after-match parties will be the most colourful and the most cosmopolitan.
This strip of bars, restaurants and hotels, slap bang in the centre of town, is where everyone heads to have a good time. After taking in a cool gallery exhibition opening complete with canapes and wine at Wessel Snyman Creative, we headed to Boo Radleys, a few blocks away on Haut Street, where we downed cocktails and talked football. The World Cup-themed chat continued in Rick's café before we ended the night sipping a Mars Bar milkshake at Mr Pickwick's.
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Car Hire Cape Town
Monday, June 7, 2010
Cheap Car Hire Cape Town
Cape Town is blessed with as many discount car rental companies as Johannesburg has, although the market is not as large. We have searched for a cheap car rental company that has discounted car hire in Cape Town, which will also let you rent a car with no credit card even if you are a backpacker/student and only 18 years old and have just received your drivers licence. Discount Student cars are hard to come by, as the norm in Cape Town’s car rental industry has been that you were only able to rent a car if you were 23 years of age or in some cases 25 years old and in the possession of a credit card. On top of that, you had to be the owner of the credit card. Now, some car renters have tried to get discount car hire using someone else's card, yet this is deemed as fraud and can not be accepted by any car rental company. We found no cheap car rental for cash in our internet search. We have however, identified a need for hiring cars with no credit card and did some research. We discovered that people were searching for 'credit card car rentals in Cape Town', as well as 'cash car rental Cape Town airport'.
There is a new trend in Europe, one that is spreading to other parts of the world. Shops, retailers and international companies are accepting fewer credit cards; instead they prefer you to pay by debit card or cash. A recent survey from major international retail stores in Europe revealed that this trend is increasing with the result being that a growing amount of visitors to Cape Town and South Africa are in need of a discount car hire in Cape Town; and are not able to rent a car as they do not own a credit card. Drive Africa has made it our mission to source and find reputable companies in Cape Town that can offer either discounted cash car rentals or debit card car rentals at very attractive prices ( in addition, to also keep their cash deposits to a minimum). To rent a car in Cape Town with discount was difficult to find.
This in itself was quite a mission, as every car rental company we approached was reluctant to offer their cars for rent to backpackers or students in Cape Town without the security of a local or international credit card. We approached some of the smaller cheap car hire companies in Cape Town and convinced them that this product is needed in Cape Town. This is a trend which stems from Europe and it is only going to increase. An increasing amount of foreign visitors to Cape Town would be looking to make use of discount car hire for cash or would like to use their debit cards for paying their rental car. Some rental companies listened to us and we were able to convince them to allow cash car hire for students and backpackers for discounted car hire in Cape Town with a few provisos’ that they set. Click here for further information pertaining to cheap car hire in Cape Town.
The discount rental company would need proof of residence while visiting Cape Town, as they will take a copy of the air ticket, ID or passport and take cash deposit to secure the cheap car hire with no credit card. We have therefore identified some companies and are now able to exclusively offer discount car hire to our clients, namely students in Cape Town, a package only available to Drive Africa at this stage. We have made sure that even the cheapest car hire or low priced car rental that we offer on our website has all the correct, government approved insurances that come with the rental, so that if you have an accident or your car is stolen while you are renting it, it is always correctly insured to completely covers you. Remember, these are not 4x4 rental cars. Please go to 4x4 hire South Africa and choose the car of your choice that suits your needs.
So if you hire a car from Drive Africa using cash or your debit card, you can hire with peace of mind knowing that that the cheap car rental in Cape Town that you were searching for is right here, allowing you to book with confidence. Drive Africa also has a financial guarantee in place as well as being proud members of Cape Town Tourism and members of the Tourism body SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association) that has a financial guarantee in place for renters of Drive Africa and they in turn have bestowed our site with the international website body Dot Travel approved sites stamp. They assure through their accreditation, that we are a fully fledged car rental company offering discount car hire and are not just a virtual company on the internet. A bonus is that the minimum age for student car hire in Cape Town or a backpacker car rental is 18 and all you need is a valid driver’s license; as there is no minimum time that you have had to have your driver’s license for.
We welcome you to Cape Town, and especially to come and rent a discount car in Cape Town from us. This will definitely make your stay an unforgettable one.
Article Source
Cape Town Car Hire
There is a new trend in Europe, one that is spreading to other parts of the world. Shops, retailers and international companies are accepting fewer credit cards; instead they prefer you to pay by debit card or cash. A recent survey from major international retail stores in Europe revealed that this trend is increasing with the result being that a growing amount of visitors to Cape Town and South Africa are in need of a discount car hire in Cape Town; and are not able to rent a car as they do not own a credit card. Drive Africa has made it our mission to source and find reputable companies in Cape Town that can offer either discounted cash car rentals or debit card car rentals at very attractive prices ( in addition, to also keep their cash deposits to a minimum). To rent a car in Cape Town with discount was difficult to find.
This in itself was quite a mission, as every car rental company we approached was reluctant to offer their cars for rent to backpackers or students in Cape Town without the security of a local or international credit card. We approached some of the smaller cheap car hire companies in Cape Town and convinced them that this product is needed in Cape Town. This is a trend which stems from Europe and it is only going to increase. An increasing amount of foreign visitors to Cape Town would be looking to make use of discount car hire for cash or would like to use their debit cards for paying their rental car. Some rental companies listened to us and we were able to convince them to allow cash car hire for students and backpackers for discounted car hire in Cape Town with a few provisos’ that they set. Click here for further information pertaining to cheap car hire in Cape Town.
The discount rental company would need proof of residence while visiting Cape Town, as they will take a copy of the air ticket, ID or passport and take cash deposit to secure the cheap car hire with no credit card. We have therefore identified some companies and are now able to exclusively offer discount car hire to our clients, namely students in Cape Town, a package only available to Drive Africa at this stage. We have made sure that even the cheapest car hire or low priced car rental that we offer on our website has all the correct, government approved insurances that come with the rental, so that if you have an accident or your car is stolen while you are renting it, it is always correctly insured to completely covers you. Remember, these are not 4x4 rental cars. Please go to 4x4 hire South Africa and choose the car of your choice that suits your needs.
So if you hire a car from Drive Africa using cash or your debit card, you can hire with peace of mind knowing that that the cheap car rental in Cape Town that you were searching for is right here, allowing you to book with confidence. Drive Africa also has a financial guarantee in place as well as being proud members of Cape Town Tourism and members of the Tourism body SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association) that has a financial guarantee in place for renters of Drive Africa and they in turn have bestowed our site with the international website body Dot Travel approved sites stamp. They assure through their accreditation, that we are a fully fledged car rental company offering discount car hire and are not just a virtual company on the internet. A bonus is that the minimum age for student car hire in Cape Town or a backpacker car rental is 18 and all you need is a valid driver’s license; as there is no minimum time that you have had to have your driver’s license for.
We welcome you to Cape Town, and especially to come and rent a discount car in Cape Town from us. This will definitely make your stay an unforgettable one.
Article Source
Cape Town Car Hire
Monday, May 31, 2010
Beauty is in the eye of the Stroller:
Calling all visitors to Cape Town... Fancy walking in the foothills of the Himalayas or Andes for a paltry 25 Rand - the price of a sandwich? You can leave home at a not too disagreeably early hour and be back home in time for tea.
Of course I'm joking, but a day's hike in the extraordinary Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve - an hour and a bit outside Cape Town - comes pretty close to delivering such a massive mountain hiking experience: huge, straining peaks and tumbling river valleys against a backdrop of silvery blue sky.
And then there's the plants.
Kogelberg is at the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a unique sliver of vegetation restricted to South Africa's Cape region.
Compared to other global plant powerhouses - the Holarctic Kingdom covers most of the Northern Hemisphere - the modestly-sized CFK is only the size of Portugal but contains 1 in 5 of every plant in Africa (including 50% of those found south of the Zambezi) and is the most diverse of all the 6 floral kingdoms, even pushing the tropical rainforests into second place.
The Cape Floral Kingdom is made up of a number of biomes - areas of environment-adapted vegetation - of which the fynbos (Dutch for 'fine bush' - named after the small, needle-like leaves characteristic of much of the flora) is by far the largest.
Essentially a mix of shrubby ericas (heathers) and bushy proteas plus the reed-like restios, the fynbos is also packed full of some of the most bizarre-looking plants you'll see.
Fleshy-leaved stalks finish with a startling flourish of colour; wildly extravagant bushes burst into sunshine yellow flowers; alien-looking orchids and lilies push their way out of the sand - it's an explosion of colour and form that is utterly bewildering.
Equally as jaw-dropping is the endemism involved: of the fynbos' 9 000 or so species, some 70% are found nowhere else - and in the Kogelberg Reserve a handful of plants are restricted to just a few boggy mountain tops.
What does all this mean? Well, see for yourself - it's easy enough. Take the ridiculously scenic R44 - Clarence Drive - from Gordon's Bay to Kleinmond on the other side of Cape Town's False Bay.
Try not to steer the car off the road as you gape at the sea views, pass Betty's Bay and turn inland on a signposted gravel road a kilometre before the Palmiet River dam.
It's pretty quiet around these parts. The official at the entrance gate was fast asleep when I arrived and the only sounds were the distant artillery-like rumbling of the ocean and over-excited birds in full song.
There are various trails - some a couple of hours; others a full day's hike. I set off on the latter, a 24km circuit that takes you on a most extraordinary journey: damp valleys, silent, sun-dappled forests, steep slopes and wide, tumbling rivers.
It was about 6 hours before I saw anyone - 2 walkers with whom I swopped cheery hellos and how fars - and that was it for the whole day. No radio masts, no pylons, no vehicles - just endless views and captivating scenery.
That's not to say I was entirely alone: the path is scored with animal tracks - antelope, porcupine and the heart-fluttering sight of perhaps a Cape Leopard's pawprint.
A pained squeal alerted me to the presence of baboons and sure enough there they were, a troop down in the river bed casually stripping the fibrous skin off a stand of sedges and chewing the stalks like sugar cane.
I thought I had their number and settled down to spy on them, until my binoculars took me into the yellow eyes of a pair of enormous males who had (predictably) spotted me long before I had seen them and were watching me carefully; one with a long white cigarette-like stalk hanging casually from its mouth like a 1930s New York cop.
Adopting primate decorum, I lowered my gaze and walked on and the 2 hairy security men stretched back in the sun and resumed chewing.
Don't expect vast, milling herds of animals: the fynbos sits on ancient, sandy, wind and sun-blasted soil - and the result is a low animal biomass (the big stuff used to live in the neighbouring Renosterveld before its fertile soils were ploughed up for wheat and apples).
The Kogelberg is however great for birds, or at least some highly endemic species. In fact, nearly every bird I saw was either unique to the fynbos or to Southern Africa - and the lack of disturbance means that the birds seem bolder and more conspicuous - maybe I'd just had too much coffee.
A neatly painted house - the park ranger's cottage - peered around the corner as the late afternoon sun covered the mountains in shady swathes of purple - the end of the trail.
I can't say I wasn't looking forward to putting my feet up for a bit - although the hike doesn't involve any serious climbing, it's 8 hours on the go - and I wouldn't particularly want to be marooned up there at night.
The Kogelberg may be eminently accessible from South Africa's 2nd largest city but it was starting to look mighty wild up there as the sun's warmth ebbed.
The car park was deserted, as it was when I arrived. I sat for a while and watched birds flitting and darting about like garden fairies on whirring wings. Strands of silvery spider web drifted past on a breeze and the air seemed to glow - a fitting final chapter to a magical destination.
Discount Car Rentals Cape Town
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Cape Town Festivals and Events
Cape Town is a spectacular destination to visit at any time of the year, combining natural splendour and vibrant local culture, a buzzing nightlife with a fascinating recent history. But it is also notable for the sheer number of festivals and events that take place all throughout the year. Here are a few of the highlights to watch out for on your Cape Town holiday...
For Sports Enthusiasts...
There's one event that a sports nut on holiday in Cape Town won't want to miss out on. The Cape Argus Cycle Tour is the world's biggest cycle race, with over 40,000 amateur and professional cyclists taking part each year. Starting in the centre of town, the 109 kilometre route passes through the highlights of the local scenery, including False Bay, Chapmans Peak, and Suikerbossie Hill, before finally ending up in the Green Point district of Cape Town. It is one of the most beautiful cycle rides in the world, held on the second Sunday in March every year - book your place early if you want to take part!
If you are a runner rather than a cyclist, the Two Oceans Marathon could be your event of choice. Taking place on Easter Sunday and following the stunning scenery of the Cape Peninsula, this is known as "the world's most beautiful marathon." The main event is a 56 kilometre ultramarathon that runs from Greenlands to the Cape Town university, but there is also a half marathon and a number of fun runs for those who want to run a shorter distance.
For the Party Crowd...
One New Years' Celebration not enough to you? In Cape Town, they celebrate the New Year two days in a row! Taking place on the 2nd of January, Tweede Nuwe Jaar (also known as Kaapse Klopse) is a celebration unique to Cape Town. Originally a celebration held by freed slaves, the event has evolved into a colourful carnival, featuring live music, dance, food and drink stalls, as rival troupes from different parts of town compete to put on the very best show.
For the Fashionistas...
If you you are planning on having a Cape Town holiday and know your Gucci from your Gautier, try and time your visit with Cape Town Fashion Week. Held in late August, it showcases the best local design talent in a proudly African week of fashion, eschewing the big name international designers and focusing instead on homegrown talent and practical fashion.
For Gourmets...
If good food and fine wines are your thing, make sure you start you South African holiday in Cape Town. The Cape Times V&A Waterfront Wine Affair, held over three days in early May, is a showcase of over 70 vineyards, held in a picturesque waterfront location, giving visitors to sample the very best South African wines.
Another essential event is the Cape Gourmet Festival, a fortnight of culinary events focusing on wine, spirits, and traditional South African food that concludes with The Good Food and Wine Show on the last weekend of the festival.
Whether you are a sports nut, a discerning gourmet, a fashion fan, or are just looking for a good party, your are sure to find a festival to suit your taste, so make sure you time your Cape Town holiday to coincide with one of these great events.
For Sports Enthusiasts...
There's one event that a sports nut on holiday in Cape Town won't want to miss out on. The Cape Argus Cycle Tour is the world's biggest cycle race, with over 40,000 amateur and professional cyclists taking part each year. Starting in the centre of town, the 109 kilometre route passes through the highlights of the local scenery, including False Bay, Chapmans Peak, and Suikerbossie Hill, before finally ending up in the Green Point district of Cape Town. It is one of the most beautiful cycle rides in the world, held on the second Sunday in March every year - book your place early if you want to take part!
If you are a runner rather than a cyclist, the Two Oceans Marathon could be your event of choice. Taking place on Easter Sunday and following the stunning scenery of the Cape Peninsula, this is known as "the world's most beautiful marathon." The main event is a 56 kilometre ultramarathon that runs from Greenlands to the Cape Town university, but there is also a half marathon and a number of fun runs for those who want to run a shorter distance.
For the Party Crowd...
One New Years' Celebration not enough to you? In Cape Town, they celebrate the New Year two days in a row! Taking place on the 2nd of January, Tweede Nuwe Jaar (also known as Kaapse Klopse) is a celebration unique to Cape Town. Originally a celebration held by freed slaves, the event has evolved into a colourful carnival, featuring live music, dance, food and drink stalls, as rival troupes from different parts of town compete to put on the very best show.
For the Fashionistas...
If you you are planning on having a Cape Town holiday and know your Gucci from your Gautier, try and time your visit with Cape Town Fashion Week. Held in late August, it showcases the best local design talent in a proudly African week of fashion, eschewing the big name international designers and focusing instead on homegrown talent and practical fashion.
For Gourmets...
If good food and fine wines are your thing, make sure you start you South African holiday in Cape Town. The Cape Times V&A Waterfront Wine Affair, held over three days in early May, is a showcase of over 70 vineyards, held in a picturesque waterfront location, giving visitors to sample the very best South African wines.
Another essential event is the Cape Gourmet Festival, a fortnight of culinary events focusing on wine, spirits, and traditional South African food that concludes with The Good Food and Wine Show on the last weekend of the festival.
Whether you are a sports nut, a discerning gourmet, a fashion fan, or are just looking for a good party, your are sure to find a festival to suit your taste, so make sure you time your Cape Town holiday to coincide with one of these great events.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Cape Town: The Must-see City Of Africa
Mention Cape Town, South Africa, and perhaps the first thing that comes into your mind will be the growling lions and the running gazelles. It could be true that much of the popularity South Africa is brought by its safari, but there is definitely than meets the eye whilst visiting Cape Town.
And the Adventure Begins
Cape Town has something in store for adventure lovers from all over the world. For one, the beaches are very inviting, especially when it comes to various water sports activities such as kayaking, parasailing, water skiing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. In fact, you can just simply ride a yacht or a chartered boat and watch the dolphins and whales having fun, and enjoy the bounties of the sea.
Your Cape Town travel will also never be complete without taking the off-beaten paths and hiking trails that lead up to the gorgeous Table Mountain where you can see lush vegetation and exotic floral and animal species. Do you want to be the next Tiger Woods? You can also take delight in a quiet tee time amongst the vast greens of Cape Town golf courses, which are actually some of the best if not the best in the entire world.
The South African arts and culture will be one thing that you do not want to miss. In Cape Town, you can take your pick amongst the wide varieties of cultural and entertainment performances of different artists. You can amuse yourself to real African music, humor, dances, and arts. At daytime, meanwhile, you can feast your eyes amongst the historical galleries, museums, and exhibits found all over the city such as the Gold of Africa Museum, or Robben Island Museum. You can also proceed to Hout Bay and Kalk Bay in Cape Town if you would like to take some paintings or souvenirs back home.
Cape Town also never sleeps, as the bars, restaurants, clubs and cafes will keep you entertained, well into the night. This is also a very good opportunity to meet interesting folk and exchange stories. You can dine at fine international restaurants, or sample the local cuisine. The V&A Waterfront is one of the premier attractions in Africa, where you will find entertainment, and activities galore.
The fertile mountains, plains, and valleys all over Cape Town make them perfect for the cultivation of the most delicious wines in the world. During your trip, you can visit the Cape Winelands region which offers rolling mountains and historic wine cellars, offering free samples of local wine. Food, cocktails & other refreshments are also on offer.
Find Cape Town Accommodation Now
There are millions of people all over the world that visit the city every year, so you may want to secure yourself an early spot in one of the fine Cape Town hotels or other accommodation options. Many Cape Town Hotels permit online booking, which saves time & hassle once you arrive. With the most courteous staff and world-class amenities, you are in for a pleasant surprise!
With all this excitement, your Cape Town Travel experience, is something you would not soon forget!
And the Adventure Begins
Cape Town has something in store for adventure lovers from all over the world. For one, the beaches are very inviting, especially when it comes to various water sports activities such as kayaking, parasailing, water skiing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. In fact, you can just simply ride a yacht or a chartered boat and watch the dolphins and whales having fun, and enjoy the bounties of the sea.
Your Cape Town travel will also never be complete without taking the off-beaten paths and hiking trails that lead up to the gorgeous Table Mountain where you can see lush vegetation and exotic floral and animal species. Do you want to be the next Tiger Woods? You can also take delight in a quiet tee time amongst the vast greens of Cape Town golf courses, which are actually some of the best if not the best in the entire world.
The South African arts and culture will be one thing that you do not want to miss. In Cape Town, you can take your pick amongst the wide varieties of cultural and entertainment performances of different artists. You can amuse yourself to real African music, humor, dances, and arts. At daytime, meanwhile, you can feast your eyes amongst the historical galleries, museums, and exhibits found all over the city such as the Gold of Africa Museum, or Robben Island Museum. You can also proceed to Hout Bay and Kalk Bay in Cape Town if you would like to take some paintings or souvenirs back home.
Cape Town also never sleeps, as the bars, restaurants, clubs and cafes will keep you entertained, well into the night. This is also a very good opportunity to meet interesting folk and exchange stories. You can dine at fine international restaurants, or sample the local cuisine. The V&A Waterfront is one of the premier attractions in Africa, where you will find entertainment, and activities galore.
The fertile mountains, plains, and valleys all over Cape Town make them perfect for the cultivation of the most delicious wines in the world. During your trip, you can visit the Cape Winelands region which offers rolling mountains and historic wine cellars, offering free samples of local wine. Food, cocktails & other refreshments are also on offer.
Find Cape Town Accommodation Now
There are millions of people all over the world that visit the city every year, so you may want to secure yourself an early spot in one of the fine Cape Town hotels or other accommodation options. Many Cape Town Hotels permit online booking, which saves time & hassle once you arrive. With the most courteous staff and world-class amenities, you are in for a pleasant surprise!
With all this excitement, your Cape Town Travel experience, is something you would not soon forget!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Top Things To Do in Cape Town
You could spend a full year in this awesome city and visit a different site, or take part in a different activity, every single day – and you still would not have seen and experienced everything Cape Town has to offer!
When out and about in the city and surrounds you can take to the air, the water or keep your feet on the land – there are countless ways to enjoy the city.
Experience Cape Town from the air: choose to drift across a sunset in a hot air balloon or tear through the clouds in a jet flight. Experience a Vietnam inspired helicopter flip in an open-door Huey or soar like a bird in a tandem paraglide over the Franschhoek Winelands. The sky’s the limit when you book an Air adventure through Book Cape Town!
The land itself offers plenty to keep you occupied.
From hikes through caves, quad biking through vineyards, bungee jumping off bridges to taking the ultimate South Africa road trip on a Harley Davidson, you can experience the Cape in one hundred unique ways.
With two oceans hugging her coastline, Cape Town is a water-lover’s paradise. From something as simple as a swim in the ocean to more adventurous activities above, on and below the surface of our seas, lakes and rivers, if you’re a water-baby you can dive with sharks, enjoy a boat ride out to meet the whales, wrestle a giant tuna off a charter around Cape Point or learn a new skill such as kite surfing for high-speed fun!
Things to do - Places / Sightseeing
For those who enjoy more traditional sightseeing, you can explore the city’s best-loved places such as the Cape Town Castle– or the most famous of all Cape Town’s landmarks, Table Mountain. A visit to Robben Island is sure to be one of the most memorable destinations you will visit. From art galleries to museums, shopping malls to casinos, you’ll never be short of places to visit in this city!
Rental Cars in Cape Town
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Rent A Car For Your Perfect Holiday!
If you are planning a long trip for the coming weekend or a holiday in some exotic destinations, it will be wise to rent a car for the comfort of your traveling. Some argue that hiring a car is expensive. Although this is true, for a long journey it is better to ride a car that is rented rather than your own. Even if you are out for a weekend trip and suppose you have chosen to take the rough mountain trial or the rough roads down the countryside, then the wear and tear that your own car will go through is going to hurt you in the long run.
Moreover, if you are touring Africa, then the terrain requires you to rent a car that is capable of rolling on those tough roads without a problem. Certainly, your minivan or sports car is not meant for that job. You need a tough vehicle, perhaps a jeep to wade through the roads and the terrain. If you are wondering as to how to find the perfect car to rent, then you can check out the various car hire agencies that are there online, which will help you to find the right car at the right price. These agencies are professionals and have a standard market rate that you will find to be just. Moreover, you can be rest assured about the vehicle that you are getting. Before the car hire agencies hand over the keys to you, they will ensure that the car is in perfect condition for the trip you desire to take.
It is better to rent a car in advance before you actually make the trip for various reasons. The first important reason is the availability of a particular vehicle that you may require. For example, you might need a green jeep. However, if you are late, not only you might not get a green jeep, you might not even get a jeep. Another reason is to get the best discounts and packages that are available for advance bookings. So, all you need to do is click a button and find the perfect car hire agency on the internet and rent a car.
Moreover, if you are touring Africa, then the terrain requires you to rent a car that is capable of rolling on those tough roads without a problem. Certainly, your minivan or sports car is not meant for that job. You need a tough vehicle, perhaps a jeep to wade through the roads and the terrain. If you are wondering as to how to find the perfect car to rent, then you can check out the various car hire agencies that are there online, which will help you to find the right car at the right price. These agencies are professionals and have a standard market rate that you will find to be just. Moreover, you can be rest assured about the vehicle that you are getting. Before the car hire agencies hand over the keys to you, they will ensure that the car is in perfect condition for the trip you desire to take.
It is better to rent a car in advance before you actually make the trip for various reasons. The first important reason is the availability of a particular vehicle that you may require. For example, you might need a green jeep. However, if you are late, not only you might not get a green jeep, you might not even get a jeep. Another reason is to get the best discounts and packages that are available for advance bookings. So, all you need to do is click a button and find the perfect car hire agency on the internet and rent a car.
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