>>> Celebrating the Festive Season in Cape Town – Dec 2011
>>> Table Mountain - The Flag of Cape Town - Oct 2011
>>> Celebrating Spring in Cape Town - Aug 2011
>>> Creative Cape Town - July 2011
>>> Top Adventure Activities in Cape Town - June 2011
>>> Transportation options in Cape Town - May 2011
>>> Touring the West Coast of South Africa – April 2011
>>> Cape Town Beach Guide – March 2011
>>> Local favorites - Wine farms in the Western Cape – Feb 2011
>>> Cape Town’s Hidden Secrets – Jan 2011
>>> Car hire and roads in Cape Town - Dec 2010

Celebrating the Festive Season in Cape Town – Dec 2011

Spending a sunny Christmas and New Year’s in shorts and flip-flops outweighs the joys of having a white Christmas in our books. If the stunning weather, girls in bikinis and magnificent views are not enough to make you climb on the first plane, the wide variety of activities, festivals, concerts and happenings should give you enough reason to celebrate Christmas and New Years in Cape Town. Here are some ideas to celebrate in style.

• Catch a cable car to the top of Table Mountain on Christmas Day and meet Father Christmas at the Lower or Upper Station. The restaurant will also be offering a special Christmas themed menu. You can watch the last sunset of 2011 and welcome the New Year from the top of the mountain with the last cable car going back down at 1am.
• The Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts offer a relaxed way to spend a Sunday afternoon in a breathtaking setting. The best way to enjoy the concert is to pack a picnic basket, bring along the family and friends and relax on the grass banks while enjoying the music echoing through the beautiful botanical gardens. Enjoy carols by candlelight, the popular rock band Zebra & Giraffe as well as South African icons Mango Groove partying in 2012.
• Nothing spells summer more than enjoying a picnic on the many wine farms that Cape Town has to offer. A day out in the countryside is ideal for the whole family and the majority of wine farms offer a Christmas menu or Christmas picnic to enjoy on the farm.
• If you are after massive crowds, huge dance floors and a good party. The 5fm New Year’s Party at V&A Waterfront is bound to be the biggest party in Cape Town. Hotshot DJs will be entertaining the crowd while the New Year rolls in.
• The Wavescape Film Festival takes place from the 9th – 19th of December and includes local and international films as well as an auction of artistic surfboards for charity. The Film Festival opens it’s screening on Clifton Beach and draws surfers from far and wide.
• For that last minute Christmas shopping, Cape Town has a wide variety of retail centers, flea markets, craft markets and much more. With places like Green Point Flea Market, Kirstenbosch Craft Market, Century City and Cavendish Mall you will most certainly find what it is that your heart desires.
• If its fine dining you're after with the family on Christmas day there is no better place to indulge in anything from the best seafood, sushi, Italian, Cuban, Mexican, Greek, you name it, and of course take-aways by the beach if that’s your fancy. Cape Town definitely has some of the best fish and chip restaurants anywhere. While you at it, don’t forget the endless amount of popular ‘watering holes' around town. Rub shoulders with the rich and famous for a sundowner in Camps Bay or have a laid back cocktail while watching the boats cruise by at the V&A Waterfront.
• Enjoy the clean and safe blue flag beaches of Cape Town with various activities for the whole family or just a romantic stroll along the beach. You will find many stunning beaches to choose from across the peninsula from the cool crisp Atlantic to the warmer waters of False Bay. Keep an eye out for the Sharkspotters and be sure to have a chat with them to find out more about their unique and very interesting organization. The more popular beaches will have renting facilities of surfboards, wetsuits etc. for the active at heart.

Cape Town has something for everyone this Christmas, boating, fishing, abseiling, hiking, birding, surfing, diving, shopping, dinning, partying, wine tasting you name it, all with convenient travel and a lovely climate to add to the enjoyment.

Table Mountain - The Flag of Cape Town - Oct 2011

The flat sandstone plateau of Table Mountain is approximately 3km wide and has become the signature of Cape Town. The plateau, is flanked by Lion’s Head to the West and Devil’s Peak to the East. It’s highest point, Maclears Beacon, rises to 1085m above sea level and overlooks the city of Cape Town and is edged by dramatic cliffs. The clouds that often hangs over the peak is fondly known as the Table Cloth by locals. This trademark profile adorns post cards and logos across South Africa and has become Cape Town’s unique trait.

Table Mountain National Park has an extraordinarily rich biodiversity. The Cape Floral Region mainly consists of indigenous fynbos with an estimated 2200 species confined to Table Mountain itself. Many are endemics only found in this region and many are threatened and protected species. These protected areas form part of a World Heritage Site to protect this unique habitat. Patches of indigenous forest can also be found in the wetter ravines. Many animals inhabit the slopes of Table Mountain including dassies, porcupines, mongooses, tortoises and snakes as well as more secretive creatures like the caracal and the African Wild Cat. The indigenous Klipspringers have recently been reintroduced to replace exotic species and restore the balance in this unique biosphere.

Table Mountains’ charisma has always drawn people to the top, The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has made it effortless to reach the top, while the adventurous still take to hiking or climbing it’s many routes. The Cableway has attracted more than 20-million visitors since its launch in 1929. The plateau offers panoramic views and activities to suit the entire family. From the top you can visit the café, souvenir shop, abseil or relax with a glass of champagne. The mountain and views offer a hiker’s, nature lovers and photographers paradise. The upper cable station offers views overlooking the whole of Cape Town, Table Bay, the historic Robben Island and the Atlantic Seaboard.

Table Mountain is so spectacular with it’s stunning views, history, culture and fauna and flora that it is in the running to become one of the New7Wonders of Nature. Table Mountain is a national treasure that inspires locals and many stories, photographs, painting abound surrounding myths, history and the landscape. Travellers from far and wide are never disappointed by the magic the mountain holds in tales, views and sheer magnificence.  

Celebrating Spring in Cape Town - Aug 2011

There is no better time to visit Cape Town than Spring when the Southern Right Whales are frolicking in the bay and wild flowers are carpeting the landscape with dazzling displays of colour. Days are usually pleasant and cooling towards the evening, but is enjoyable compared to the scorching summer heat waves.

The West Coast Flower region is an important part of the Cape Fynbos Kingdom and includes many sought after endemic species amongst the thousands of species of flowering plants. The flower season brings a natural phenomenon that adorns post cards and draws in thousands of visitors from all corners of the globe. Darling is an hour drive from Cape Town and offers easy access to the flowers with its many flower reserves. For a true Namaqualand daisy adventure, you will need more than just a day trip. The Namaqualand Flower Route is approximately 5 hours north of Cape Town and includes Garies, Springbok, Port Nolloth and Kamieskroon. The flowers are weather dependent and about 4000 species of seeds lie dormant awaiting Spring to transform the barren landscape into the world’s best flower show.

Every year, between June and November, Southern Right whales migrate to the pristine stretch of coastline in the Western Cape. The main whale watching towns are Kleinmond, Stanford, Hermanus and Gansbaai but whale can be found along the entire coastline. Land-based whale watching can be just as rewarding as boat based watching, as these giants often venture very close to shore to nurse and calve their young. The whales can put on a spectacular show blowing, breaching, lobtailing and spyhopping, which can often be observed from the comfort of the many pubs and restaurants overlooking the ocean. Hermanus has proclaimed itself the Whale capital of the world, and with good reason. The annual Whale Festival is held here every spring and attracts over 100 000 visitors each year. The town even employs a “whale crier” to walk through the town announcing where whales have been seen. Whale watching in the Western Cape is an unforgettable experience and watching their spectacular displays of power and water acrobatics will prove to be a humbling experience.

Even though Spring in Cape Town may not be the best time to pull out your bikini and flip flops, it is definitely the most rewarding time to visit the mother city where everything is green and fresh and the weather is soft and mild. The temperature starts rising and the days become longer. Along with the flowers and whales, the mild temperatures are also perfect to explore all that Cape Town has to offer from hiking, shark cage diving, site seeing and general exploring and relaxing.

Creative Cape Town - July 2011

Cape Town is a diverse, cultural city and is the hometown of many South African artists, poets and musicians. The vibrant people and magnificent views inspire many creative souls and Cape Town is renowned as the creative centre of South Africa. There are a variety of attractions for those who love a bit of artistic flair from art galleries, jazz festivals and flower shows to theatres, annual festivals and music events, Cape Town has a creative outing for the most distinct and creative travelers. If you would like to get your creative juices flowing, here is a list of Cape Town’s creative hotspots.

• Everyone loves flowers and the Cape Town Flower and Garden Show offers a world-class display of show gardens, lectures, Cape Town cuisine and wine. This spectacular exhibition of flowers, plants and exotic species is held annually at the Lourensford Wine Estate.
• Cape Town has a host of theatres offering the best of South Africa’s homegrown talent. The Baxter theatre was established in 1960 and is a platform for dance, music and live theatre. The Artscape Theatre is an all-round arts venue and is renowned for its ballet and opera. On Broadway in Longstreet focuses on the cabaret scene. The Masque Theatre in Muizenberg is an intimate theatre that hosts a variety of professional and semi-professional productions. Other theatres include Theatre on the Bay, Maynardville Open Air Theatre, The Playhouse and Villa Pascal Theatre.
• The Kirstenbosch summer concerts are the perfect way to spend a family outing on a Sunday afternoon. Relax and picnic in the beautiful botanical gardens while South Africa’s talented musicians entertain you. All music lovers are catered for from jazz to rock.
• Cape Town proudly hosts more than 100 art galleries and the artwork reflects the diverse South African culture and scenery. You will not be disappointed if you are looking for a piece of art as a unique memento and even the most serious art collectors will easily find a masterpiece.
• Bo-kaap is the home to the Cape’s Muslim community and this brightly coloured village adorns many post cards. Bo-Kaap has a fascinating history and it is worthwhile having a traditional Cape Malay meal at one of the restaurants that line the brightly coloured houses and narrow cobbled streets.
• In 1966 the government declared District Six a “white area” and moved all the coloured and black people out the area to the Cape Flats. The history of this vibrant community is relived in the District Six Museum and is worth a visit to learn more about Cape Towns’ history.
• The “Museum Mile”, collectively known as the Iziko Museums, is located near Cape Town and consists of 12 museums and celebrate natural history, social history and art. These museums are the perfect way to explore Cape Town’s cultural history. The exhibits include insects, fish, dinosaurs and 700 million year old fossils.
• The Cape Town International Jazz Fest is a favourite amongst locals and is a feast of good music. It has grown into a hugely successful international event and about 34 000 people attend each year. The festival brings more that 40 international and local artists who perform over 2 days on five stages and has earned the status of being a prestigious event.

If you have a creative spirit, Cape Town is also the perfect destination to inspire your own creative ideas.

Top Adventure Activities – Cape Town - June 2011

The Western Cape in South Africa is a diverse landscape with wild oceans, magnificent mountain ranges, blue skies and raging rivers. If you are adventurous at heart, there is a wide range of adventure activities that will get your blood pumping. From the extreme adrenaline rush of the worlds’ highest bungee jump to more casual strolling in the beautiful mountains, the Western Cape has many options to choose from.

1) Shark Cage Diving: Ever dreamt of coming face to face with the oceans apex predator, from the comfort of a cage of course! Cape Town offers various options for shark viewing and you can experience natural predation, breaching sharks, cage diving or surface viewing.
2) Skydiving: Cape Town has several sky diving clubs and whether you choose a standard jump or a tandem jump, the Western Cape has one of the most scenic Drop Zones. You will get to see Table Mountain, Robben Island and the whole Cape Peninsula from altitude. If you can handle the thrill, then there is no doubt that skydiving is a must for you.
3) Bungee Jumping: Bloukrans Bridge in the Western Cape is the highest commercial bungee jump in the world at a staggering 216 metres. If you can handle plunging head first in a free fall and rebounding into the sky over the beautiful Garden Route then the highest jump in the world should definitely be added to your bucket list.
4) River Rafting: The Orange, the Doring and the Breede rivers are the most popular in the Western Cape for commercial river rafting, each offering their own experience and grading. The Doring is fast-flowing and demands a reasonable level of fitness, others including the Orange River is calm and offers tranquility with occasional spills. Great scenery, chilled evenings and a touch of adrenalin is guaranteed to make your trip memorable.
5) Rock Climbing: The Western Cape is a rock climbers paradise, you will find hundreds of top quality sport routes and classic trad routes all within a stone’s throw of the city. From the famous Table Mountain to the beautiful expanse of the Cederberg there are endless routes to suit all levels of experience and ability. The crags are not overcrowded as they are in the Europe or North America, yet the quality of some of the climbs surpasses those found elsewhere in the world.
6) Hiking: Cape Town is world renowned for its majestic mountain ranges, indigenous fynbos and diverse fauna and flora. There are an abundance of hiking trails to suit various levels of fitness and ability. Table Mountain alone has a network of over 550 walks and there are also endless trails at Cape Point, the West Coast, Cedarberg and the Garden Route ranging from 20 minutes strolls to grueling multiple day adventure hikes.
7) Kite Surfing: Kite Surfing in the Western Cape has boomed over the last few years and when the wind is right you will see adrenalin junkies taking to the waves all over Cape Town. The “Cape Doctor” winds can be uncomfortable to some but is a favourite companion to those addicted to the heart-racing sport of Kite Surfing. Blaauwberg and Langebaan are amongst the favourites with locals. There are various outfitters offering lessons, rentals and advice if you would like to ride the “Cape Doctor”.

There are many other adventure activities in the Western Cape to choose from include abseiling, paragliding, horse riding, surfing, fishing, diving and kayaking and many operators who can provide you with assistance. The beauty about Cape Town is that it is so diverse that should you be bringing your family along there is something for everyone, even if they prefer sun tanning on the beach or shopping up a storm.

Transportation options in Cape Town - May 2011

Cape Town is a beautiful city with magnificent scenery, hot nightspots and lots to see and do. It has been voted the top tourist city in the world, the last thing you want while exploring this gem is to be hindered by transportation limitations. Here is some advice on the best way to get around Cape Town and what to avoid.

Public transport in South Africa is not very reliable and safe. There are bus routes and train routes but they are unlikely to get you everywhere you want to go. Minibus “taxis” are cheap, overcrowded and unsafe as the drivers have very little regard for the rules of the road and are best to be avoided. Metered taxis are safer and reliable but charge quite hefty fees per kilometer and need to be called and ordered to get to a specific destination. Public transport in South Africa cannot be relied on if you want to do a great deal of stress-free sightseeing.

The easiest and most affordable way to get around Cape Town at your own steam is by hiring a car. You can choose and book a car online in a minute and have it delivered to the airport or your hotel for convenience. When choosing a vehicle, think practical and consider the season. If you are planning on doing longer distances with lots of luggage and your family, opt for a larger sedan or SUV but if you are just going to zip around town, save yourself some money and petrol and go for a small car. In summer it can get fairly hot so hiring a car with an air con will make your travels a lot more comfortable. For your own benefit, check for any cracks, scratches or dings the car may already have to prevent any charges when you return the car. Most car rental companies will insist on checking it with you. To make the most of your experience in Cape Town, hiring a car is definitely your best option.

Now that you have the freedom of getting around how you please, you can enjoy Cape Town and her endless beauty and charm. Cape Town is very easy to get around allowing day trips to explore the Peninsula, West Coast, Winelands and Whale Route fairly simple. The roads outside the city are spacious and generally quiet. Take it easy and enjoy our world-class city.

Touring the West Coast of South Africa – April 2011

The West Coast of South Africa is an alluring place that holds a special magic that remains with you long after you have gone home. The contrasting landscapes hold legends, history and beauty from delicate daisies, forgotten shipwrecks, crashing waves, misty mountains and sand dunes.

An obvious time to visit the West Coast is in spring when the barren landscape transforms into a magic carpet of colour. The Namaqualand daisies are famous worldwide for their beauty and splendour and a tour from Cape Town to Springbok will make you feel like you have taken a magic carpet ride to a fairytale land with millions of daisies stretching as far as the eye can see.

The coast is dotted with quaint fishing villages including Paternoster, Saldanha and Lambert Bay, where the local fishermen make a living out of the ocean. These villages are well worth a visit and if you have the palate, you can try the local delicacy, bokkoms, which is fish biltong or dried and salted fish. If you don’t mind the icy cold water, dress up in your diving suit and try your hand at catching your own crayfish. Remember that you will need a permit and it’s best to check with the locals where the best and safest spots are.

The most popular town on the West Coast is Langebaan, an idyllic little seaside town about an hours drive outside of Cape Town. This village is popular for its lagoon, water sports, golf course, restaurants and stunning accommodation. Die Strandloper in Langebaan is a unique restaurant on the beach and is famous for it’s fresh and delectable seafood and the experience rather than the eating.

Inland you will find the charming little village of Darling tucked away between vineyards and wheat fields. Victorian homes and old trees made an idyllic setting and it is traditionally known as the home of well-known satirist Peter-Dirk Uys. His theatre, Evita se Perron, is a cabaret venue and restaurant and is named after his alter ego, Evita Bezuidenhout.

The Cederberg region includes Clanwilliam, Citrusdal and the spectacular Cederberg mountain range and is popular for its world class climbing and hiking and is home to historic bushmen paintings. The solitude and breathtaking natural beauty of the area is captivating.

Further up the West Coast you will come across isolated places that escape the tourism brochures. One such place is Noup about 6 hours drive from Cape Town. The divers cottages overlooking the Atlantic provide memorable sunsets and a magical stay. Crayfishing, hidden surf spots, 4x4ing and shipwreck tours are a few of the activities that you can engage in with locals.

The West Coast is place of magic and instills a sense of belonging. Once you have been there, you will forever wonder around with the longing to return.

Cape Town Beach Guide – March 2011

Cape Town is acclaimed for its collection of postcard perfect beaches; which makes this part of South Africa one of the top sun, sand and sea destinations in the world. Each beach has it’s own character and you can expect a variety of experiences that will make your visit to the Mother City unforgettable. From mussel picking and penguin viewing, to family friendly and trendy and everything in between, you are sure to find a stretch of sand to suit your tastes. Cape Town boasts 3 blue flag beaches and it is the first country outside of Europe to earn blue flag status.

Cape Town is separated by a mountain range into the eastern and western side of the peninsula so on any given day you can expect very different sea and weather conditions on either side. You can watch the sun rise on the eastern side and end the day with a sundowner and sunset on the western side. In False Bay, the water is usually about 3ºC warmer but is also renowned for the Great White Sharks lurking in the bay. There are shark spotters on duty at the popular beaches and when you hear a siren you know it’s time to get out the water.

Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno are on the Atlantic side and are trendy beaches with beautiful views and magnificent sunsets. These beaches are perfect for sun tanning, sundowners and swimming but remember South Africa has sunny days so smear on the sunscreen.

Muizenberg and Fish Hoek are both family friendly. Surfers Corner in Muizenberg is an historic surfers beach and offers perfect beginner waves and is well known for it’s perfect long boarding conditions. Fish Hoek is a popular family beach and has a relaxed beach front restaurant and play area for the children.

Hout Bay, which is fondly known as the Republic of Hout Bay by locals, was originally a small fishing village and has a traditional harbour and many restaurants and shops. The magnificent cliffs of Chapman’s Peak flank the beach. The scenic Chapman’s Peak drive entering Hout Bay is well worth a drive.

Bloubergstrand and Table View are popular with water sport enthusiasts and offers perfect conditions for surfing and kite surfing. The signature photographs of Table Mountain that adorn tourist magazines and postcards are taken from Bloubergstrand so it’s well worth a visit to get add an experience behind the photograph.

Noordhoek and Kommetjie boasts stunning stretches of white sand and are ideal for long walks and sundowners. Long Beach in Kommetjie is a favorite amongst surfers and you can go on horse riding trips on Noordhoek Beach. If you have the permits and the know-how, you can also pick mussels and catch crayfish during the right season. 

Boulders Beach and Windmill Beach in Simon’s Town are renowned for the endangered African Penguin and they offer great pleasure watching their awkwardness on land and stealth in the ocean. Windmill Beach offers protection from the wind and is well known for beach weddings due to the absence of the South Easter.

If you into that sort of thing, Sandy Bay is Cape Town’s nudist beach which can only be reached by walking along the coast from Llandudno. It can get windy and there are no amenities but it is quiet and beautiful.

There are many more beaches to choose from, all with their own special character so make sure to set aside some time for exploring Cape Town’s beautiful beaches with white sand, blue skies and turquoise waters.

Local favorites - Wine farms in the Western Cape – Feb 2011

Wine farms in the Cape Town and the Western Cape are abundant from small family run farms to high-end 5* tourist destinations. The locals have shared some of their favorite wine farms and estates outside the pages of a glossy tourism brochure. From experience, here is a list of our top 20 favorite wine farms and estates straight from the mouths of locals.

1) Fairview Wine and Cheese estate, Paarl – For the cheese, wine and great experience.
2) Waterford Estate, Stellenbosch – Fantastic chocolate and wine pairing.
3) Ross Gower Wines, Elgin – Their sparkling wine is to die for.
4) Quoin Rock, Stellenbosch – Stunning tasting and gorgeous views.
5) De Morgenzon, Stellenbosch – Their 5* chenin blanc is unbelievable good.
6) Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate, Wellington – Good accommodation and excellent restaurant
7) Alee Bleue, Franschhoek – Awesome restaurant and really different tasting room.
8) L’Ormarins Wine Farm, Franschhoek – Good wine, port and car museum.
9) Tokara Wine & Olive Farm, Stellenbosch – Fantastic deli and stunning views of olive trees.
10) Haute Cabriere, Franschhoek – Delicious champagne.
11) Hart Espoir, Franschhoek – Small, family vide and stunning wines.
12) Springfield Estate, Robertson – Stunning wines.
13) Bouchard Finlayson Boutique Winery, Hermanus – Tastings excellent and staff incredibly knowledgeable.
14) De Grendel Wines, Durbanville – Excellent wines, great tasting and large variety.
15) JC le Roux, Stellenbosch – Gorgeous venue and delicious bubbly.
16) Beyerskloof Wine Farm, Stellenbosch – Stunning restaurant.
17) Muratie Wine Estate, Stellenbosch – Stunning wine tasting room with restaurant and guesthouse.
18) Neethlingshof Estate, Stellenbosch – Stunning wines.
19) Graham Beck Wines, Franschhoek – Fantastic wines.
20) Klipdrift Brandy Distillery, Robertson – For something different.

Cape Town’s Hidden Secrets – Jan 2011

Visitors to South Africa are more than likely familiar with the tourist hotspots in Cape Town. Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront and Cape Point are likely to be on your itinerary. Cape Town boasts some hidden secrets that might not be on your tourism brochure. Here is a list of our top 20 favourite hidden secrets that the locals know and a tourist should know.

1) Peregrine Farm stall in Elgin Valley is in the middle of apple country and is well known by the locals for their fresh homemade apple juice and delicious home made pies.
2) You can’t get any fresher strawberries than to pick your own at Mooiberg Farm Stall
3) Observe the vibrant hustle and bustle at Kalk Bay Harbour while enjoying classic and fresh fish & chips are served at Kalky’s.
4) If you are feeling a bit adventurous, try your hand at Kite Surfing.
5) Windmill beach is adjacent to the popular Boulders Beach and is an attractive secluded haven for penguins and vivid blue channels of seawater.
6) The Porters Market in Tokai is the best place to stock up on some organic food and fresh produce.
7) Watch the sun set over the Atlantic ocean while sipping cocktails at Monkey Valley Resort in Noordhoek.
8) Stop and chat to the Shark Spotters on duty as they will give you an interesting low down on the magnificent Great White Sharks that visit our shorelines.
9) It is well worth taking the scenic drive to Betty’s Bay and visiting the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.
10) The Old Bisuit Mill is a vibrant village where talented people share and show off their passions from shops, markets and designer stores to workshops and festivals.
11) For a unique seafood experience, book a lunch at Die Strandloper in Langebaan and indulge in crayfish, mussels and snoek right on the beach.
12) Oom Samie se Winkel in Stellenbosch follows the old tradition of the rural trading post and stocks everything from straw brooms to clothing, fruit, veggies, arts and crafts.
13) Catch the water taxi between Simon’s Town and Kalk Bay, the only delays you might expect is whale crossings.
14) There is always an interesting show at the Kalk Bay Theatre located in the old Kalk Bay DR church; which is a heritage building built in 1876.
15) Hike up signal hill and watch the sun set over Cape Town.
16) If you are a cheese lover, then a visit to Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie is a must to stock up on your favourite home made cheese.
17) Go cart racing at the indoor circuit at Kenilworth offers a heart racing activity that is loads of fun.
18) Over 450 varieties of whisky are served at the Bascule Whisky Bar situated at the Cape Grace Hotel.
19) Baboon Matters monitor four troops of baboons in Cape Town and you can take a guided hike with them to observe the troops at close quarters.
20) Cape to Cuba in Kalk Bay offers a rustic and relaxed atmosphere to sip cocktails and try out some Cuban cigars.

Car hire and roads in Cape Town - Dec 2010

Public transport in South Africa is not very reliable and has limited coverage of the city. If you are heading for the Mother City, the most affordable and reliable form of transport is car hire in Cape Town and the rest of South Africa. Roads are world class and you will have no trouble reaching your destinations in a standard vehicle, unless 4x4'ing is on your itinerary.

Petrol stations are widely available and are not self-service, it is courteous to tip the attendants as they will fill you up, check your oil and water and clean your windscreen. A tip between R2 and R5 is generally acceptable. There are two tollgates on Cape Town's roads, one on the scenic Chapman’s Peak drive and the other heading out of the city on the N1; you can pay toll fees with cash or credit card.

You are more than likely to encounter baboons on your travels, take care when driving and do not feed them, feeding baboons is strictly prohibited by law and is a punishable offense. Along other wildlife, Cape Town is home to the endangered Western Leopard Toad, take care when driving at night during rainy season as they are often found crossing roads heading to their breeding grounds.

Cape Town is considered a safe city, but like elsewhere in the world, there are areas that are best avoided after dark. You can check with your travel agent or hotel for advice on which areas to avoid. Locking your car and keeping valuables out of site will keep you safe on your travels and sticking to the speed limit will keep you on the right side of the law as law enforcement has a no-nonsense policy against traffic offenses. Cape Town is a beautiful city with lots to see and do and a visit to this part of South Africa should not be missed.