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I have flights booked to CPT next Feb, (big thanks to Northern Lass for mentioning club flights availability earlier this year). I’m trying to get our schedule sorted but am finding it quite daunting. We are 2 adults, staying for 8 nights and will pick up a car at airport, definitely want to do a safari, thinking of Sanbona for 2 nights it’s around a 4 hour drive from CPT depending on route, so maybe stay closer to Safari lodge night before so that we can arrive early. Also want to do wine region and stay for 1 or 2 nights, then stay in Cape Town, thinking maybe Vineyard Hotel (from review here) but not sure if it’s central enough? Hotel budget (non Safari stay) is reasonably flexible anything around £300pn, other then between locations don’t want to drive too much, so either central hotels or is it safe walking in some areas or just uber? I’ve had a read of what I can on HfP but would appreciate any suggestions and advice, Thank you
On your last day, do book (important), for the afternoon tea at the locally known ‘Mount Nelly’ Hotel…now a Belmond group hotel, but tea just as good as ever. Great to relax on the last day in the garden with over 40 teas and never ending sandwiches, cakes etc etc. Then head out to the airport for a sleep home.
ps Don’t believe everything you might hear, a great place to visit, just ‘be sensible.’
I think the only other point I would make,is that I think you are pushing it for 8 days, there is so much to see and do…a trip out to Robben Island is probably a must, Nelson Mandela’s prison for 18 years….trips from the V&A Waterfront. And as a ‘first timer’, take the 2hr city tour bus.I’ll also be in Cape Town in Feb. 3rd time and can’t recommend it enough. Make sure you drive around the Cape Peninsula, visit Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak drive. We are staying in Franschhoek for winelands but Paarl is highly recommended too.
I’ve never done a safari from CPT as I’ve done many in other places and the ones from CPT are a trek but hope your one is good. Uber is easy to use over there but I’ve always found CPT fine to walk around during the day. The hop on hop off bus is extremely good value and gets you pretty much everywhere touristy with minimal hassle.Kariega River Lodge was our first safari experience around 13 years ago. It was amazing. Might be too far though as it’s just east of what used to be called Port Elizabeth. The drive was worth it though and some pleasant stops along the way at Knysna, Mossel bay and Oudtshoorn.
In Cape Town we stayed in Seapoint but I don’t remember the hotel specifically.If you get a taste for the wildlife ( not literally ) head to Namibia for your next trip. Hands down the most amazing holiday I have ever had.
With 8 nights, I would just spend time around Cape Town itself and Franschhoek. You can drive down to do Chapman’s Peak Drive and Boulders as well. I think there’s a temptation to try and fit loads of stuff in, but even a few weeks isn’t enough time to experience everything you want to. Trust me, you will want to come back!
If you enjoy good food, then happy to recommend many restaurants. Hiring a car will be helpful.
I am not a Safari expert, but I think February isn’t normally considered a great time for safari anyway. Better to enjoy the good weather and see the sights such as the penguins and table mountain.
We did Pumba game reserve, that was amazing. Not sure how far it is from Cape Town, but plan a stop somewhere along the garden route to break up the journey.
.Thank you all for the comments so far, @Mikeact yes the afternoon tea on last day looks like a great tip along with the city tour bus. I know 8 days isn’t long but I’m sure all going well, we can definitely return the following year. Planning to pick up car from airport for the duration. @Harry T yes we do enjoy good food, I’m not necessarily looking for fine dining but would definitely welcome restaurant recommendations. Also any hotel recommendation for base in Cape Town. Thanks again
Baybylonstoren is great for day trip/lunch (think Daylesford) & the beautiful Delaire Graff Estate just 20 mins down the road for wine tasting. Make a nice day trip as they are not far from Cape Town.
I was a first timer to CPT. Rented a car and went up the west coast as well.
Driving – dead easy, great roads, signage, respectful fellow drivers. Secure parking available.
Staying in CPT – if the waterfront and tourist malls are your thing – else I can’t see a reason to stay in CPT itself.
The interest is the various satellite bays, beaches, communities around CPT itself. The driving between them ticks off many of the routes mentioned above.
Fyi…we walked around CPT away from waterfront, perfectly fine, I popped into a barber to get a haircut, my wife carried on walking, 20m past the barber she was approached by three men teasing her, luckily 2 other locals stepped in to scatter the hasslers away. She walked back to the barbers and sat waiting on a sofa.
If you like Wes Anderson’s there is a high end campsite straight out of a Wes Anderson set. Hot tub, kayaking, log fire, air con, BBQ. Great views. Only 6-8 guests site I believe. Preferable to have a high clearance car to get to it. Well within your above budget.
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