John and Elizabeth

John and Elizabeth December 2007

Last updated 04-Feb-2007

John and Elizabeth's comments January 2007

Cape Town

We stayed a couple of nights at Portswood on the Waterfront. But there are plenty of hotels in the area. Cape Town is rather more expensive than the rest of SA – but still a lot cheaper than UK for equivalent.

Eat At

Balthazar – on the Waterfront – largest wine list in South Africa with over 500 wines. Most available by the glass.

The Azure at 12 Apostles Hotel – about 10 miles south of Cape Town near Llandudno – best to book for here – you can see the sun set from the balcony (but most evenings are cloudy and may not be brilliant). Service here was exceptional.

Visit

Cable car up to top of Table Mountain. Take one of the short walks around the top of Table Mountain. The times they suggest (3 walks are marked out) are for a tortoise!. T^he cable car may not run if it is windy – which Cape Town seems to be quite often. We had no problem but Penny had some problems and

Cape Point – In a nature reserve – we saw Baboons and Ostrich there. Springbok also there.

The penguins at Boulders Bay

If you hire a car drive down the coast road from Cape Town from Hout Bay to Noordhoek. Fantastic scenery on a road that hugs the cliffs, (Toll about 10 or 20 Rand)

Wineries

Try and spend at least ½ day in Stellenbosch and visit the museum – set in 4 houses.

If you are into Mohair (jumpers rugs scarfs) or want an Ostrich Feather Boa – go to Karoo Classics. Depending on how much you spend they will also give you a discount of 10% to 15% if you ask.

There are a couple of fish restaurants there – I think the one we went to was called The Fishmonger – it seemed much nicer than the other one and the food was very good.

Franschhoek

We stayed at The Ballon Rouge in the centre of the village – good for eating out in the village as no need to drive.

Winery there to see is Cabriere – on the hillside going up the pass. Book lunch or dinner there and ask for a window table looking into the cellars.

La Petete Ferme is outside the village and has fantastic views over the valley. It does have rooms and would be a good place to stay – but would mean driving to eat out in the evening. Would also be a good place for lunch.

We also ate at the French Connection in the main street.

You will probably need to book dinner for your first night ahead – we had a problem the first night (but found a lovely restaurant Moneaux I think a little way out going back towards Stellanboch), but we were there at peak season just after new year so that probably had something to do with it.

For a wineyard picnic go to Vergeleglen – really in Somerse West rather than Stellenbosh. Taking the main road out of Somerset West going east you will see signs to Heldeberg Vineyard (turn right) – follw that direction and you will reach Vergeleglen about 2 miles down that road. Again you will need to book – they will respond to emails.

It is worthwhile at Stellanbisch and Franschhoek going to the Tourist Information and picking up the local guide – if only for the map so that you can orientate yourself.