The Orangekloof Hiking Trail. ape Town. 27 (0)21 465-8515. ttp://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/ht/. eservations@sanparks.org. 420. 6 Days, Cape Point to Table Mountain.
Table Mountain. tarting point is 1.5 km past the Lower Cable Station on Tafelberg Road. o fees are charged. lways open, but you might want to start early enough to catch the last cable car down. 3 km (''all uphill''), 1 to 3 hours, Platteklip Gorge to the Upper Cable Station.
Chapman's Peak. 2-3 hours, non-strenuous with breathtaking views of Hout Bay and Noordhoek and rich flora, especially proteas. The trail begins on the Hout Bay side of the peak about 750 m from the main view-point on scenic Chapman's Peak Drive. Park by the trail head and follow the path out of the picnic area. It soon forks but both routes take you to the same place. Turn right at the next junction, from where the path is clear. Return same route. No permit required.
The Amphitheatre in the Kalk Bay mountains. 3 hours. Start at the sign on scenic Boyes Drive and climb up towards the rocks above which are peppered with scores of caves, many of which are not recommended for novice cavers so be careful. Take a torch. Follow the right forks in the trail and you'll be rewarded with increasingly spectacular views of False Bay. Head straight up through Echo Valley and through an ancient milkwood grove. Come back the same way if you don't have detailed directions. No permit required.
Cape Town has a very good network of trails to suit every level of fitness. Many of these trace the contours of the mountain and wander through the protea bushes and fynbos, often with breathtaking views. Many require no permit, although most of Cape Town's reserves have entrance fees. Hiking in a group is strongly recommended. The outdoor store Cape Union Mart has a hiking club with organized group hikes most weekends. Pick up a programme at one of their stores. You must phone the hike-leader first and pay R10.
'''Paradise Touring''', 021-7131020, [mailto:info@paratour.co.za]. For guided walks up the mountain with a botanical guide.
'''Cape Eco-Tours''', 082-4604847, [mailto:info@cape-ecotours.co.za]. A good one for twitchers to use and is a member of Bird Life South Africa.
In the air
Cape Town Helicopter Tours, including Cape Town Huey Helicopter Tours from the Waterfront. ttp://www.cape-town-helicopter-tours.com/. 27 (0) 72 327 2840. nfo@cape-town-helicopter-tours.com. Helicopter Wine Tours Western Cape, visit, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and or Paarl from Cape Town.
See the cape from above with a scenic helicopter flight. ttp://www.nacmakana.com. 27 (0)21 425-3868. nfo@nacmakana.com. ast Pier Road, V&A Waterfront. rom R400 per person per 15 minutes.
Sport Helicopters. ttp://sporthelicopters.co.za/. 27 (0)21 434-4444. nfo@sport-helicopters.co.za. For scenic flights or the quick way to get to Cape Town.</listing>
<listing name="Gravity Adventure Group" url="http://www.gravity.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 683-3698" email="adventure@gravity.co.za">Provides training (''African Paddling Association approved'') as well sea kayaking in the West Coast National Park.</listing>
Diving
Cape Town is located near two oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. Because of the Benguela Current the Atlantic Ocean is very cold (about 10__C), you can see cold water corals and kelp, occupied by seals. The Indian Ocean is warmer, here you can see the more colourful fish.
Dive shops:
Cruise Sub Aqua. ruise House - 25 Main Road - Fish Hoek - Cape Town. 27 21 782 01 01. nfo@diveinsouthafrica.com. 27 21 782 04 42. 8h30 - 17h00. ttp://www.diveinsouthafrica.com/. Cruise Sub Aqua is specialised in courses and dive packages - Scuba Dive Cape Town, Africa and the Indian Ocean
Scuba Shack Cape Town. nside the Long street travel centre, 289 Long Street. 27 21 424 2233. 27 21 424 9368. ttp://www.scubashack.co.za/.
Pro Divers. hop 88b; Main road; Seapoint. 27 21 433 0472. 27 21 433 0472. ttp://www.prodiverssa.co.za/. There is a branch at V&A waterfront.
A number of operators offer open ocean cage diving to get up close and personal to the great white in their own environment without ending up shark food.
Shark Watch South Africa. 27 (0)28 384-1005. ive@sharkwatchsouthafrica.com. 1100. he Great White House, Perlemoen St, Kleinbaai. Cage diving off Dyer Island.
White Shark EcoVentures. ttp://www.white-shark-diving.com/. rom R1375. 27 (0)21 532-0470. &A Waterfront. harkdive@iafrica.com.
If the open ocean does not appeal to you, the Two Oceans Aquarium also offer diving opportunities in their 2.2 million liter tank.
Diving at Two Oceans Aquarium. ttp://www.aquarium.co.za. 27 (0)21 418-3823. nfo@aquarium.co.za. 400 (R325 if you bring your own diving gear), this includes the R70 aquarium entrance fee. AM, 11AM and 1PM daily. You need to be in possession of a valid diving license (PADI, CMAS, BASC et al). Swim along with the five ragged tooth sharks, several yellow tails, bull rays and a lonely turtle. The dive master Iain, a barrel shaped bearded little man with a distinct Scottish accent, is both nice and knowledgeable and accompanies you into the aquarium ready to fend off the sharks with his broomstick should they become cuddly. Dive time is around 30 minutes.
Sunset cruises
Waterfront Boat Company. ttp://www.waterfrontboats.co.za/. 27 (0)21 418-5806. uay 4, V&A Waterfront. glynis@waterfrontboats.co.za. 90 to R190. Take a relaxing sunset cruise on the Condor to Greenpoint and back or do the champagne cruise. One to one and a half hours.
Tigger 2 Charters. ttp://www.tiggertoo.co.za/. 27 (0)21 790-5256. igger@netactive.co.za. rom R180 to R720 per person depending on cruise.
Townships tours
The townships are the places where people were forced to live (based on race) under the apartheid regime. To some extent townships continue to retain their apartheid-era racial make-up, for a variety of reasons. Townships have also grown to cover far larger areas of land than in the apartheid days. This is a result of urbanization, especially over the past 10-15 years. Touring a township may seem strange, even inappropriate, but it is a good way to learn about South Africa's history, and the poverty that many people continue to live in. People in the townships are friendly and the children love visitors. Some townships however '''can be dangerous''' (see the warning on the South Africa page) so don't go alone unless you know what you're doing. The townships tours are safe. If you want to bring sweets or gifts for the children, it is best not to give it directly to them, but to give it to the tour guide who will distribute them later.
Tours can be booked directly or through one of Cape Town's many booking agencies. Tours run once or twice per day. Be aware that if you're given the chance to try some township food, that a 'walkie-talkie' is often made from the feet and beaks of poultry. The very best way to see a township is by foot and to stay overnight at one of the many township B&Bs.
There are several tour companies which offer tours.
African Experience. 0 Loyolo Street, Kayamandi. 27 (0)21 889-5562. ttp://www.africanexperience.com/. waa@webmail.co.za.
Andulela Tours. ttp://www.andulela.com/. 27 (0)21-790-2592. nfo@andulela.com. Offers a variety of different tours, including jazz, soccer, poetry, and culinary tours. Their emphasis is on meeting people, not looking at them.
Cape Fusion Tours. 27 (0)21 461-2437. ranjezicht Cape Town. nfo@capefusion.co.za. Offers hands-on African cooking experiences in Langa at a local cooking school. This gives you an insight into the culture, the people and their cuisine.
Langa Heritage Walk. 27 (0)21 695-0093. enotholi Avenue, Langa. hanyisok@yahoo.com.
Sam's Cultural Tours. 27 (0)21 694-6370. 5 Mshumpela Way, Langa. timba@telkomsa.net.
Sipunzi's Black Cultural Township Tours. 27 (0)82 769-7072. 818 Makhaza Khayelitsha. hayelitsha@tourismcapetown.co.za.
Ultimate Holiday Planner. nr Buitengracht&Riebeeck streets. 27 (0)21 421=8787. ttp://www.ultimateholidayplanner.com. ssistme@ultimateholidayplanner.com. A new online company, with the Largest Point of interest Database in South Africa, offering totally customized tours
Wildlife
There are a number of small nature reserves in and around Cape Town.
Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and Nature Reserve. 27 (0)21 550-4667" "http://www.melkbos.com/directory/Koeberg_nuclear_power_station/Koeberg_nuclear_power_station.html. The 3000 hectare buffer zone around the power station has been converted to a nature reserve with Bontebok, Genet, Steenbok and many other antelope.
Table Mountain National Park. ttp://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/. 27 (0)21 701-8692. ablemountain@sanparks.org. Simon's Town and Cape Point one can often spot whales less than 100m from shore.
A number of operators also offer Whale Watching Cruises.
Waterfront Boat Company. ttp://www.waterfrontboats.co.za/. 27 (0)21 418-5806. hop 5 Quay, V&A Waterfront. glynis@waterfrontboats.co.za. 350. 3 to 4 hour cruise in the bay and you are almost guaranteed to spot whales.
Dyer Island Cruises. ttp://www.dyer-island-cruises.co.za/. 27 (0)28 384-0406. ansbaai" price="R450 to R720. nfo@adventureticket.co.za.
Learn
Cape Town's medical research is world-renowned, and Groote Schuur hospital is where Christiaan Barnard and Hamilton Naki performed the world's first heart transplant.
There are several language schools in the greater Cape Town area. Shop around before you make your choice. Choose a school which is part of the e.g. IALC (International Association of Language Centres) or other certificate that ensure quality.
Universities
<listing name="University of Cape Town" url="http://www.uct.ac.za" phone="+27 (0)21 650-2128" fax="+27 (0)21 650-5189" email="admissions@bremner.uct.ac.za" address="Rhodes Drive, Rondebosch"></listing>
<listing name="University of the Western Cape" url="http://www.uwc.ac.za" phone="+27 (0)21 959-3900" address="Modderdam Road, Bellville"></listing>
<listing name="Cape Peninsula University of Technology" url="http://www.cput.ac.za" phone="+ 27 (0)21 959-6121" email="info@cput.ac.za" address="Keizergracht Road, Cape Town"></listing>
Other nearby universities.
<listing name="Stellenbosch University (Maties)" url="http://www.sun.ac.za" phone="+27 (0)21 808-4514" fax="+27 (0)21 808-3822" email="beo1@sun.ac.za" address="Stellenbosch"></listing>
Learn to sail
Cape Town is an excellent place to learn to sail, with courses completed here recognized internationally and costs far lower than what you can expect to pay in more developed countries.
<listing name="Good Hope Sailing Academy" "http://www.goodhopesailingacademy.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 424-4665" email="ghsa@iafrica.com" price="From R2650 for a 5 day Competent crew course, R3350 for a 5 day skipper course Based at Royal Cape Yacht Club and Saldanha Bay>SAS and RYA accredited courses.</listing>
<listing name="Yachtmaster Sailing School" url="http://www.yachtmaster.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 788-1009" email="skipper@yachtmaster.co.za" address="Based at Royal Cape Yacht Club, Langebaan and Saldanha Bay">RYA accredited.</listing>
Buy
The V&A Waterfront is the prime tourist destination for souvenirs, though these tend to be typically touristy (i.e. expensive and not necessarily authentic). More authentic curios for better prices can be found every Sunday at the Green Point market outside the Green Point
Stadium on Sundays, in walking distance from the V & A Waterfront. Many of these same curios can be purchased during the week in the several multi-story shops at the lower end of Long Street. For the real deal with authentic artifacts complete with provenance and ethnographic background, go to Church Street where there are a couple of shops but be prepared for sticker shock. When buying African Curio, the price at open markets are almost always very negotiable and seldom does the item have a price sticker attached. People with foreign accents are often quoted twice to three times the price they sell to locals, so do negotiate.
Wine
If you like South African wine, buy it here (or anywhere in South Africa) before you leave, because it is much cheaper and there is more availability than overseas. Top guide to wines is the John Platter's Guide, with a few others around too, and with thousands of wines available from the region, you will need a guide (see below for shops that have knowledgeable staff). Read Wine magazine (or the iconoclastic Grape) for the latest information.
Vaughan Johnson's Wine Shop. ttp://www.vaughanjohnson.com/. ock Road, V&A Waterfront. 27 (0)21 419-2121. johnson@mweb.co.za. Quality selection but not exhaustive. Knowledgeable staff. Generally substantial (10-20%) markup over winery prices but of course more convenient.
Caroline's Fine Wines. &A Waterfront and 15 Long Street in the City Centre. 27 (0)21 419-8984. Better selection and more knowledgeable staff. City Centre location recommended, but both are excellent. Foam inserts and boxes for international shipping or for checking with your luggage (safe!). Not cheap though, compared to supermarkets and wineries.
Wine Concepts. ttp://www.wineconcepts.co.za/. 27 (0)21 671-9030. ardiff Castle Building, cnr Main Street & Kildare Road, Newlands (Southern Suburbs). ales@wineconcepts.co.za. Another great wine shop, certainly the best outside the City Bowl. A franchised location is on Kloof Street in the Lifestyle Centre.
Ultra. ttp://www.ultraliquors.co.za/. A large Knysna or wild flown in from Namibia.
As one of the main tourist spots is the V&A waterfront, you will find a broad range of restaurants, but they are often crowded and expensive. Another highlight is the area around Long Street with its many cafes and restaurants (frequented by a multi-ethnic clientele), while the trendy area of De Waterkant between Bo Kaap and Green Point above Somerset Road also boasts good food and a great vibe. Dine with supermodels and other beautiful people in Camps Bay, which has many hip eateries and nightspots overlooking the beach along Victoria Road.
Farther afield, Hout Bay on the west side of the Cape Peninsula is very good for fresh crayfish (lobsters - they have become quite expensive, around R300, though). Kalk Bay on the east side of the peninsula offers a big variety of fresh fish, do check out The Brass Bell. The restaurants in nearby Simon's Town are also good.
Do not neglect the Cape Winelands for food if you have a car. In Stellenbosch, Spier has several restaurants, including the fun, afro-chic Moyo, and many wine estates offer food of different types and quality. The village of Franschhoek is the culinary navel of the wine region, with Le Quartier Francais a perennial five-star winner, but only one of many excellent restaurants. In the Constantia Valley, Constantia Uitsig has three great restaurants, The River Cafe, La Colombe and the Constantia Uitsig Restaurant, upmarket, but worth it.
NB: Make sure you know what the price is before you order rare delicacies in restaurants as there have been a few rare but high-profile cases of heinous overcharging where the price is not on the menu, particularly for perlemoen (abalone) and crayfish (similar to lobster).
Budget
Table Mountain Restaurant. n top of Table Mountain, close to the Upper Cable Station. rom R20 for a simple breakfast. pen 8:30AM to 6:30PM, with extended hours during December and January>A 120 seat, self service restaurant. No booking required.
'''Unnamed Restaurant''', Company's Garden. Small; offers good refreshment in a quiet atmosphere after a tour through the city. Basic local kitchen.
The Charles. 37 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant. rom R35 Small English Breakfast
(served with toasted white or whole wheat bread)
1 Egg, rasher bacon, sausage, fried tomato and saut? mushrooms " hours="Open 7:00 AM to 17:00 PM, >The Charles can accommodate +-25 ? 30 people seated </eat>
Midrange
Africa Cafe. 08 Shortmarket Street. 27 (0)21 422-0221. ttp://www.africacafe.co.za/. fricafe@iafrica.com. Affordable and very good. Maybe the best restaurant in Cape Town for African cuisine. Lower to medium price range. Serves fixed menu, all you can eat of 12 - 15 different dishes.
Bayfront Blu. wo Oceans Aquarium. 27 (0)21 419-9086. Offers breakfast and coffee all day and also serves good seafood, like Swahili prawn curry. Tables offer view on water and Table Mountain.
Biesmiellah. orner Upper Wale/Pentz Street. 27 (0)21 423-0850. One of the oldest restaurants around, known for its Malay kitchen. No alcoholic drinks are available.
Five Flies. 4-16 Keerom Street. ttp://www.fiveflies.co.za. Enjoy a wonderful, multi-course meal in a stylish restaurant housed in one of Cape Town's oldest still-standing buildings. Favourite of local diplomats. Menu changes regularly; book reservations online.
Hildebrands. &A Waterfront. Offering standard Italian fare of pizzas and pastas, but the quality is not up to par.
Jewel Tavern. anguard Road. ear Duncan Docks. 27 (0)21 448-1997. Increasingly popular Thai restaurant. Preferred destinations for Cape Town's bon viveurs. Guest can watch how their meals are prepared. Note this is a local spot for fisherman/boat workers coming in and spending a few days into the harbour. It is a very authentic spot with no frills. Most of the staff do not speak English, but the food is delicious.
95 Keerom. 5 Keerom Street. A top class Italian restaurant with modern decor and a trendy atmosphere.
Lolas. cross from Long Street Cafe. Vegetarian food with local colour and great karma. Good conversation and even better meals. Mingle with dreadlocks, artsy types and brooding poets.
Long Street Cafe. 59 Long Street. Very popular, European kitchen, which serves up tasty drinks.
Mama Africa. 78 Long Street. 27 (0)21 426-1017. pen Monday to Saturday. Restaurant is open 7PM till late, the bar is open 4:30PM till late. African style tourist restaurant offering local and African meals, like Bobotie and Potjiekos, but also springbok, kudu and crocodile steak. Good range of wines at affordable prices. Live marimba music some nights.
Renaissance Cafe. ainstream Centre, Main Road, Hout Bay (next door to the Post Office). 27 (0)21 790-7202. Best coffee in Hout Bay, set in a stunning courtyard. Open 8:30AM to 6PM every day. Well worth a visit!
Rhodes Memorial Restaurant. 27 (0)21 689-9151. oy@rhodesmemorial.co.za. hodes Memorial. Situated in the Table Mountain National Park directly behind the famous Rhodes Memorial. The restaurant has stunning views over the northern and eastern Cape Town suburbs and the Hottentots Holland mountain range. The menu is diverse and caters to all tastes, but its the desserts that really rate a mention, be sure to tuck into some scones!
The Ritz Hotel. nr. Camberwell and Main Roads, Sea Point. 27 (0)21 439-6010. Has a revolving restaurant on the top floor of the hotel. Good food, good views, soft background live piano. A bar and smoking room is available one floor below the restaurant. You do not have to be a resident at the hotel to get a booking at the restaurant. NB(The floor has a small non revolving ledge next to the wall. Do not put your valuables on it as your table will be half way around the building before you realize that you have been separated from your belongings.)
Sunflower Health Cafe. 11 Long Street. Vegetarian restaurant, with a limited range of satisfying warm meals.
Tasca de Belem. ictoria Wharf, shop 154, Piazza Level, V&A Waterfront. 27 (0)21 419-3009>A very good Portuguese restaurant that offers some exquisite meals.
Tong Lok. 0 Link Rd Parklands, Parklands Centre. 27 (0)21 556 8722> The best Chinese restaurant and take-away that serves anything from vegetables, to seafood, sushi and other Japanese foods.
Willoughby's. ictoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront. Has some of the best seafood including excellent sushi at very good prices.
Splurge
Tide. 9 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town. 27 021 437 9701. es@thebayhotel.com. 27 (0) 21 438 4433. ww.thebayhotel.co.za. o-Fr , Sa-Su . 90 Fresh Catch Of The Day. Serving with Steamed Seasonal Vegetables , New Potatoes and Lemon Butter.
Ashton's Restaurant at Greenways. Torquay Avenue Upper Claremont. 21-761-1792. o-Su 7AM-10PM. World class fine dining restaurant that offers international cuisine with a South African twist.
Blue Danube. 02 New Church Street Tamboerskloof 8001. 21-423-3624. o-Fr 12PM-11PM, Sa-Su 6PM-11PM. Serving French/Austrian cuisine modernised with dishes inspired by more exotic flavors.
Drink
Long Street, which can be easily reached from St. George's Cathedral and the Greenmarket Square, is famous for its bars, restaurants and clubs. This is the ideal place if you want to end the day with a drink. It is also one of the few truly multi-ethnic, multi-racial nightspots in the city. See the new South Africa, not just other tourists.
You will have live entertainment (normally something like jazz or kwaito music) in many bars and sometimes you will have to pay to get in.
Blushlounge. ttp://www.blushlounge.co.za/. 3 Somerset Road, Greenpoint. pen Tuesday to Sunday from 5PM to late. Blush Lounge is a bar lounge and nightclub that caters for the young professional. Quality service by well trained bar staff and efficient and stylish door and security staff, patrons can relax into an evening of wellness brought on by a socially accessible environment.
Caveau Wine Bar & Deli. ttp://www.caveau.co.za/. 2 Bree Street, Heritage Square. 27 (0)21 422-1367. nfo@caveau.co.za. Has over 300 wines by the glass and an award-winning wine list at that. In Heritage Square, city centre.
The Nose Wine Bar. ttp://www.thenose.co.za/. ape Quarter, 72 Waterkant Street, Green Point. 27 (0)21 425-2200. nfo@thenose.co.za. Has many wines by the glass, but pricey.
Mannenbergs Jazz Cafe. hop 102, Clock Tower Centre, Clock Tower Precinct, V&A Waterfront. 27 (0)21 421-5639. anenberg@mynet.co.za . ttp://www.manenbergsjazzcafe.co.za/. Popular jazz cafe specializing in distinctive Cape Jazz. Snacks and coffee during the day and live jazz every evening. Bookings/reservations essential. Many famous jazz musicians have already played here.
Club Georgia. 0 Georgia Street. ffside the Buitensingel. 27 (0)21 422-0261. :30PM till late. Popular with over 25-year olds. Music from all over Africa is played, especially Kwassa-kwassa, Kwaito, Ndombolo and Rai.
The Fez. 8 Hout Street, Greenmarket Square. pen till late. closed down 4 years ago
The Green Dolphin. ttp://www.greendolphin.co.za/. hop 2A, Alfred Mall, Pierhead, V&A Waterfront. 27 (0)21 421-7471. reen-dolphin@mweb.co.za. Locals tout it as the best jazz club in the city, with soothing beats playing every night.
Marco's African Place. 27 (0)21 423-5412. 5 Rose Street, Bo Kaap. Popular gay bar which serves up specialities such as Ulwimi (steamed ox tongue with mustard sauce) along with live African music.
169 on Long. 69 Long Street. 27 (0) 21 426-1107. ttp://www.urwurld.com/travelguide/27_78_0_1980_/. This place is a local legend, pumping out a range of jazzy retro beats between Wednesday and Saturday nights. There's also a nice restaurant attached that serves Mediterranean cuisines, so you can line your stomach before you hit the dance floor :)
Sandy B. 9 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town. 27 021 437 97 01. ttp://www.thebayhotel.co.za/. es@thebayhotel.com. Open to the public at The Bay Hotel over summer, Sandy B is a unique cocktail venue, accentuated by its glorious views of Camps Bay beachfront.
The Nose Wine Bar. ttp://www.thenose.co.za/. ape Quarter, 72 Waterkant Street, Green Point. 27 (0)21 425-2200. nfo@thenose.co.za. Has many wines by the glass, but pricey.
'''Observatory''' or better known as Obz is just north of Rondebosch (Southern Suburbs). There are several student residences of the UCT and Obz main street (Lower Main Road) has a vibrant nightlife with restaurants, bar, pool halls and pubs. Almost daily there is something going on.
A popular destination with locals is '''Camps Bay''', which offers a vibrant night-life and many bars, restaurants and clubs.
Sleep
Accommodation in Cape Town ranges from hostels (of which there are many) to luxury accommodation. Actually, there are so many hotels, B&Bs and guest houses that it can be difficult to decide where to stay!
Consider sleeping in one of the suburbs. It is normally much quieter and there is less traffic than in Central Cape Town. The suburbs in the south, like Camps Bay or Simon's Town or near the winelands (see Cape Winelands) may offer better quality for a lower price.
Many guest houses and backpacker's accommodation are along Long Street. As rates and services change quickly take a look before checking-in.
.
Budget
A Sunflower Stop Backpackers. 79 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town. 27 (0)21 434-6535. 27 (0)21 434-6501. ttp://www.sunflowerstop.co.za. shley@sunflowerstop.co.za. rom R100 per person. Sleep in tastefully decorated and extremely clean dorms, doubles, and twins. En-suite rooms available too.
African Train Lodge. Old Marine Drive, Monument Station, Cape Town. 27 (0)21 418-4890. 27 (0)21 418-5848. ttp://www.trainlodge.co.za. ookings@trainlodge.co.za. rom R100 per person. Sleep in tastefully restored train carriages right in the centre of town, adjacent to the main train station.
Cape Town Backpackers. ttp://www.capetownbackpackers.com. 27 (0)21 426 0200. 1 new church street, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town. nfo@capetownbackpackers.com. rom R110 per person. Listed by the British newspaper ''The Independent'' in January 2009 as one of only 3 places to stay in Cape Town (the other 2 being 5 star hotels!) the review described the place as "...spotless and stylish.." They are also the winners of travel agency Hostelworlds best hostel in Africa award for 2006 and 2007 and were Top Rated for 2008! Its fun, friendly (and clean), they have regular theme nights in the funky bar and have various options for sleeping from dorms if you want to save money for more beer, to ensuites with table mountain views if you want to spoil yourself.
Ashanti Lodge. 1 Hof Street, Gardens. 27 (0)21 423-8721. 27 (0)21 423-8790. ttp://www.ashanti.co.za. shanti@iafrica.com. rom R110 per person, or R60 per person for camping. A perennial favourite amongst travellers ; camping also permitted. Has a large travel centre as well.
Carnival Court Backpackers. ttp://www.carnivalcourt.co.za. 55 Long Street, Cape Town. rom R70 in the dorm to R250 for a double room. nfo@carnivalcourt.co.za. Dorms and private rooms at reasonable rates. Linen provided, hostel is very clean and staff friendly and there is a bar and balcony to hang out.
Castle Inn Backpackers. 6b Darling Street (corner of Harrington Road), Cape Town. 27 (0)21 465-1662. 27 (0)21 465-1662. randSouthTravel@yahoo.com. ttp://www.grandsouth.co.za. rom R75 per person. Directly opposite the Castle of Good Hope and 5 minutes walk from the train station. Cheapest Internet cafe in the area.
Cat and Moose Backpackers. ttp://www.catandmoose.co.za. 27 (21) 423 7638. 05 Long Street, Cape Town. nfo@catandmoose.co.za. rom R75 in the dorm to R230 for a double.
Green Elephant Backpackers. ttp://users.iafrica.com/g/gr/greenele/index.htm. reenele@iafrica.com. 7 Milton Road, Observatory. 27 (0)21 448-6359. rom R50 for camping to R350 for a double ensuite.
Long Street Backpackers. 09 Long Street, Cape Town. 27 (0)21 423-0615. 27 (0)21 423-1842. ttp://www.longstreetbackpackers.co.za. nfo@longstreetbackpackers.co.za. 90 in a dorm to R140 for a private room. Offers dorms as well as private accommodation and a good range of travel-services.
Mid-range
A Whale of a time. 1 Echo Road, Fish Hoek, Cape Town. ttp://www.awhaleofatime.co.za/. 27 021 782 5040. tay@awhaleofatime.co.za. rom R695 per unit. Self catering apartments with panoramic sea views over False Bay. A 5min stroll down to the beach, shopping, restaurants and more. Rated 4 stars by TGCSA.
Evergreen Manor and Spa. 1 Murray Street, Stellenbosch, Cape Town. ttp://www.evergreenmanor.co.za/. 27 21 886 6832 . tay@evergreenmanor.co.za. Luxury guest house accommodation in historical Stellenbosch, Cape Town.
Camps Bay Beach Club. 9 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town. ttp://www.campsbaybeachclub.com/. 27 021 437 9701. es@thebayhotel.com. 445 per person sharing. Luxurious bed and breakfast, excellent service, has a 'dipping pool' in the back.
Bayflowers Guest House. Scholtz Road, Green Point. 27 (0)21 434-0968. ttp://www.bayflowers.co.za/. 390 for a single room, R320 pps for a double. nfo@bayflowers.co.za. Very central, walk to Waterfront, beach and city centre, helpful staff, rooms clean and tastefully equipped.
Cactusberry Lodge. 0 Breda Street, Cape Town. 27 (0)21 461-9787. ttp://www.cactusberry.net.ms. 500. 3 star. 200 metres from the Gardens Shopping Centre, is comfortable, central and quiet, very good value for money, excellent breakfast, very helpful in all itinerary planning.
City Lodge V&A Waterfront. 27 (0)21 419-9450. ttp://www.citylodge.co.za. lva.resv@citylodge.co.za. orner Dock and Alfred Roads, Cape Town. rom R480 per person sharing. 3 star.
Constantiaberg Villa. morrison3@toucansurf.com. Self catering 2 bedroom apartment. Beautiful secure complex, with views of Table Mountain, pool and leisure facilities.
Daddy Long Legs Boutique Hotel & Self-Catering Apartments. 34 & 263 Long Street, Cape Town. 27 (0)21 422-3074 (Hotel) & +27 (0)21 424-1403 (Self-Catering). ttp://www.daddylonglegs.co.za. nfo@daddylonglegs.co.za. rom R450 a double/twin (Hotel) & R550 a one bedroomed apartment. Located in the heart of the city centre on one of Cape Town's most celebrated streets - a hotel with a difference, focusing on good value accommodation and a hotel experience you'll never forget.
Grapevine Cottage Guesthouse. ttp://www.grapevine-cottage.co.za. 650 per unit, max 4 people. 3 Vierlanden road, Durbanville. gt;3 star. Great view over the Durbanville winelands. Surrounded by wine estates, excellent restaurants nearby. Self catering accommodation and Bed and breakfast; garden and pool invite you to relax.
Nine Flowers Guest House. 33-135 Hatfield Street, Cape Town. 27 (0)21 462-1430. ttp://www.nineflowers.com. nfonineflowers@telkomsa.net. 480 for a single room to R850 for a triple. Very central, helpful staff, nice rooms.
Protea Hotel Sea Point. ttp://www.proteahotels.com. 350 pppn. eapoint@proteahotels.com. 27 (0)21 434-3344. rthur's Road, Sea Point.
Shambala Guest Lodge. ttp://www.shambalaguestlodge.com. rom R250pppn. 27 (0)21 790-4328. nfo@shambalaguestlodge.com. 7 Little Lions Head Road, Hout Bay. Set in a lush and tranquil garden on the sunny slopes of Little Lion_fs Head mountain, overlooking the valley of Hout Bay. Offers a selection of one and two bedroom self-catering suites. Breathtaking views and beach access close by.
Sitara Country Lodge. 0 Guinea Fowl Way, Noordhoek. ttp://www.sitara.co.za. nfo@sitara.co.za. 27 (0)21 789-1622. rom R325 for single room, from R450 for a double. In the south of the Cape Peninsula. Ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of the Cape Town area. Own transport required.
Tudor Hotel. 53 Longmarket Street, Greenmarket Square, Cape Town. ttp://www.tudorhotel.co.za. nfo@tudorhotel.co.za. 27 (0)21 424-1335. 520 for single room, R740 for a double. In the city centre, near the Waterfront, Parliament, Gardens or the Malay Quarter Boo-Kap.
De Waterkant Village. Loader street, De Waterkant, Cape Town. ttp://www.dewaterkantvillage.co.za. es@dewaterkant.com. 27 021 437 9706. 580 for single room, R850 for a double. De Waterkant is often described as being arty, charismatic and quaint and is a truly special place decorated with gorgeous al fresco restaurants, sidewalk cafe's, boutiques and bars and is often compared with Greenwich Village.
The Charles Guesthouse. 37 Waterkant Street , De Waterkant, Cape Town. ttp://www.thecharles.co.za. es@thecharles.co.za. 27 021 437 9706. 920 for single room, R1400 for a double. Trendy and fashionable today, it is compared to New York's Greenwich Village and London's Soho with its tree lined streets, restored cottages, spectacular views and village atmosphere.
Camps Bay Beach Club. 9 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town. ttp://www.campsbaybeachclub.com. es@campsbaybeachclub.com. 27 021 437 9701. Camps Bay Beach Club boasts the unique concept of being 'an information desk with a view' and also offers Harley Davidson and vintage car hire on their doorstep. Another innovation at the sleek and stylish venue, is a cold kitchen serving crisp fresh dishes specialising in anti-pasti, salads and seafood. The Beach Club chef celebrates fresh ingredients and creates sublime nude food.
Splurge
The Bay Hotel. es@thebay.co.za. ttp://www.thebayhotel.com. 27 021 437 9701. 9 Victoria Road Camps Bay. n Inquiry. 5 star hotel featuring a wellness centre, conference rooms, and fine dining restaurants.
Cape Grace. ttp://www.capegrace.com/. 27 (0)21 410-7100. est Quay Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront" price="From R16000 to R55000 for 5 nights, 2 people. Situated on its own private quay on Cape Town_fs vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the Cape Grace has 121 rooms all with views of the V&A harbour or yacht marina with a Table Mountain backdrop.
Radisson Hotel. apetown.reservations@radissonsas.co.za. ttp://www.radissonsas.com. 27 (0)21 441-3000. 2745 pppn. 5 star hotel stunningly overlooking its own private marina and the famous Robben Island. Staff are warm and friendly and cater to every request.
Mandela Rhodes Place. eres@threecities.co.za. ttp://www.mandelarhodesplace.co.za. 27 (0)31 310 3333. n Inquiry. Old school charm and hospitality meets modern amenities and features. It also boasts a gymnasium, swimming pool, wireless internet, undercover parking, 24 hour concierge and business centre, optional breakfast service, pre-delivery grocery shopping, airport and city transfers, car hire, house keeping and laundry and day tours
The Cape Milner. eres@threecities.co.za. ttp://www.capemilner.com. 27 (0)31 310 3333. n Inquiry. Stylish, beautifully decorated, with large comfortable bathrooms. Filling breakfasts are provided each morning.
Lagoon Beach Hotel. eres@threecities.co.za. ttp://www.lagoonbeachhotel.co.za. 27 (0)31 310 3333. n Inquiry. Ideally located for business, tourist and leisure travellers. Excellent facilities at the on-site Camelot Spa so be sure to indulge yourself in some pampering.
Villas & Apartments
Century City Apartments. ttp://www.centurycityapartments.co.za/. 27 (0)21 528-0007. ape Town and Century City. nfo@centurycityapartments.co.za. rom R600 per apartment to R3,500 per apartment; ranges from 1 bedroom apartments to 3 bedroom multi-million rand penthouses.
The Glen Apartments. ttp://www.theglenapartments.co.za/. 27 021 437 9704. he Glen, Camps Bay. es@theglenapartments.co.za. rom R1200 per studio to R4,300 per apartment; ranges from 1 bedroom studios to 3 bedroom Luxury Serviced Apartments.
Waterfront Village. ttp://www.waterfrontvillage.com/. 27 021 437 9705 . ind Pearl House, West Quay Road, V & A Waterfront. es@waterfrontvillage.com. rom R1,900 per apartment to R4,400 per superior three bedroom apartment; one bedroom to 3 bedroom apartments available.
Constantia Villas. ttp://www.constantiavillas.co.za/. 27 (0)83 444 2456 . amelot, Rhodes drive, Constantia, Cape Town. nfo@constantiavillas.co.za. rom R4,500 to R14,000 per villa.
Canterbury Penthouse. anterbury Sq, corner of Glynn Rd & Canterbury Rd, Gardens, Cape Town. 27 (0)72 509 7695. ttp://www.capetown-direct.com/gardens/living-the-dream. rom R800 p.d. aolly@gmail.com.
Waterfront Apartments. ttp://www.waterfrontapartments.co.za/. est Quay Road, Waterfront, 8001. 21 438 7800. es@waterfrontapartments.co.za. 1760 - R6500 Season Dependant. Current Special Pay 3, Stay 4.
Township
Vicky's Bed and Breakfast. 27 (0)21 387-7104. ickysbandb@yahoo.com. iyani Street, Site C, Khayelitsha. Township B&B.
Ma Neo's B&B. 27 (0)21 694-2504. anga. Township B&B.
Majoros B&B. 27 (0)21 361-3412. onke@telkomsa.net. raceland, Khayelitsha. Township B&B.
Kopanong, Liziwe's, Majoro's, Malebo's, Radebe's or Vicky's. 27 (0)21 551 0162. nfo@cape-town-hotels.travel. ape Town Township. Township B&Bs.
Contact
Telephone
If you have a cell phone get one of the cheap prepaid sim cards from either Vodacom, MTN, Cell C or Virgin Mobile and save money on local calls.
Internet
<listing name="m@in internet cafe" alt="" directions="" address="Kloof street" phone="" email="" fax="" url="ttp://www.maincomputers.co.za/" hours="" price="">They have private booths, and offer wifi access for laptops.</listing>
Other internet cafes can be found all over the city and suburbs, with many coffee shops offering internet access.
WiFi
Always-On [http://www.alwayson.co.za] , ''+27'' (0)11 575-2505, provides prepaid wifi access in a number of locations in