Cape Town lies on the slopes of Table Mountain at the south-western tip of Africa.

This beautiful city, set in breathtaking scenery, is the product of diverse cultures and has become a unique center of style, adventure and hospitality. Regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world:- 'heaven at the tip of Africa' and voted as one of the top 5 Gay travel destinations, Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city with beautiful people, breathtaking scenery and far too much to see and do in just one visit.

Time Zone and Time Difference

South Africa operates on Central African Time, which is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. There is no daylight saving in South Africa, so their times do not change from summer to winter. Check the "Time Ticker" for current time in Cape Town.

 

Airports

Cape Town's International Airport (CPT) is located about half an hour from the city bowl.

Only specially licensed airport taxis are allowed to pick people up from the airport. All journeys are metered, and you should expect to pay roughly 120 ZAR for a trip into the center.

There is a shuttle bus that runs the 22 kilometers (14 miles) into Cape Town and drops you off at the Tourist Rendezvous Travel Center in Adderley Street. The buses leave every half an hour and cost roughly 20 ZAR.

Passport and Visa

South Africa has tightened its visa requirements. Only visitors for tourism, short business meetings, or in-transit do not require visas. All others, including academics, students on educational trips, and volunteers may need visas, or otherwise take the chance that they will be refused admission and returned to their point of origin. It is strongly suggested that travelers check the requirements with the nearest embassy or consulate of South Africa before traveling. Visitors who intend to work in South Africa must apply for work permits abroad at the appropriate South African embassy or consulate. Travelers entering South Africa from countries where yellow fever is endemic are often required to present their yellow World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination record or other proof of inoculation, or they must be inoculated at the airport in order to be permitted entry. Travelers may obtain further information from the Embassy of South Africa, 3051 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 232-4400, or, the South African consulates in Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest South African embassy or consulate.

South Africa has one of the highest incidences of HIV/AIDS in the world. Visitors to Kruger National Park and other low altitude game parks should take malaria prophylaxis before arriving and after departure. Only mefloquine (Larium), doxycycline, or malarone are considered truly effective against malaria. Further information on antiretroviral therapy against HIV/AIDS, malaria prophylaxis, vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization's website.

Health

Good news - Cape Town is not a malaria area, no inoculations are required and tap water is perfectly safe to drink. If traveling to rural areas or north from Cape Town, contact your local travel clinic for all necessary health precautions.

There is no Malaria risk in Cape Town or the Western Cape. Malaria is mainly confined to the northern and northeastern half of the country, especially in the Lowveld, approximately 1800 km from Cape Town. There are also occasional outbreaks in the Kalahari region. However, if your journey to (or from) Cape Town takes you through any part of Africa where malaria is prevalent, it is advisable to start a course of anti-malarial tablets before you leave home. The worst you'll get in summer is a severe suntan, so remember the sun block.

Electricity

For those who cannot leave the hairdryers and hot brushes behind, remember South Africa has an electricity supply of 220/230V (for some strange reason it is 250V in Pretoria) and three-pronged, round terminal plugs are the norm. Hotels have 110V outlets for shavers. American appliances will need a transformer. Condoms, however, are available in all sizes!!

Currency

Forget traveler's checks, cash, or personal checks. All you really need is a valid ATM and credit card. Charge as much as you can, thus ensuring the best exchange rate at all times and only take out cash from an ATM machine as needed. Avoid exchanging back to US currency by paying your hotel bill with excess cash and charging the rest. All major credit cards are accepted everywhere Keep enough cash to get you to the airport. Remember your fare on the way down and keep that much for the return. As of printing you could get around 6.02 Rands (ZAR) per USD.

South African Rand (ZAR)

1 Rand = 100 cents
Notes: 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Rand
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents; 1, 2, and 5 Rand

Climate and Weather

Or try Weather Forecast for Cape Town

Lying between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, Cape Town enjoys mild winters and pleasant summers. Summer temperatures in December to February range from around 15 to 27 degrees Celsius (60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit), whilst in the winter months of June to August average temperatures are between 7 to 20 degrees Celsius (45 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit). Rainfall is moderate throughout the year and there are refreshing sea breezes, which can sometimes turn a little bracing during the winter.

Month	Temperature (°C)		Rainfall		Wind Speed (Knots)
	Mean daily max	Mean daily min	Mean monthly (mm)	Days with 1mm rain or more	Mean at 0800	Mean at 1400
Jan	26.1	15.6	14	8	8	15
Feb	26.3	15.4	17	7	6	15
Mar	25.3	14.1	19	7	5	13
Apr	22.9	11.7	39	10	4	10
May	19.8	9.4	74	17	4	9
Jun	18.0	7.7	92	18	5	9
Jul	17.4	6.9	70	15	6	10
Aug	17.6	7.3	75	16	5	11
Sep	19.2	8.6	39	13	6	12
Oct	21.3	10.4	37	9	8	15
Nov	23.6	12.9	15	12	9	16
Dec	25.1	14.9	17	10	7	15
Mean	21.9	11.2	6	12
S.A. Navy - 1998 stats for Airport

• These statistics refer to Cape Town airport.
• Humidity ranges from 63% average in the summer months to 79% in July.
• The Winelands are more still and somewhat hotter.
• Temperatures are cooler in the South Peninsula. Wind speeds at Cape Point are significantly stronger.

Language

South Africa now recognizes an impressive 11 official languages; English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. Of these, English and Afrikaans (South African Dutch) are the most widely spoken.

Most people in South Africa speak English. Afrikaans heavily influences the way English is spoken in South Africa, and it may take some time to bend your ear around the way that it is spoken. This is in part due to the accent, and in part due to many Afrikaans words having been adopted as local colloquialisms.

Tipping

Tipping is expected for many services in South Africa, things that perhaps you would take for granted at home. Almost all gas stations in South Africa use attendants who expect around 2 ZAR or 3 ZAR. In restaurants, waiters usually receive about 10% according to the quality of the service, unless a gratuity is included in your bill. Bar tenders should be tipped around 10%, this applies also to hairdressers, taxi drivers and tour guides. Hotel porters expect about 3 ZAR, and maids about 20 ZAR or so per week.

Tax Refunds

All travelers to South Africa are able to claim back 14% (approximately 12.5% after all the fees are taken out) VAT (Value Added Tax) on goods purchased for export providing the total value exceeds R250. Make sure you keep the original tax invoices (full receipts) & complete a VAT refund control sheet obtainable from your airport/harbor of departure and customs offices. The purchases will need to be checked by a customs inspector. We suggest that you go to the VAT counter at the V&A Waterfront Shopping Center to get your paperwork done prior to heading to the airport. Even though you have to get in line at the airport to get the check, it will save time to have the paperwork completed ahead.

Holidays

South Africa has 12 official public holidays. It is important to remember that if a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday is officially a public holiday. When the public holiday falls on a Sunday and is a 'religious' holiday, the Monday is NOT a holiday, according to the policy document issued by the S.A. government.

The public holidays are as follows:

Businesses and banks are closed on public holidays, but most shops and restaurants are generally open, except for Christmas Day when just about everything is closed -- except for some restaurants.

Getting Around

• Royal Cape Tours 14 Libra Road, Surrey Estate 7764, Cape Town, South Africa. Tel: +27 21 637 3544. EmailRoyal Cape Tours was established in 1999 and provides tour packages throughout South Africa. We have a wealth of experience in serving international tourists, and continuously strive towards service excellence.An affiliate to SA Tourism, we also maintain excellent relationships with reputable hotel groups in South Africa. All our tours and itinerary are personalized towards your requests, and the tours are conducted in English, German and Spanish.
• Sea More Express Tours 5 Avondale Place, Avondale Close, West Beach, Cape Town, 7449, South Africa. Tel: +2721 5543321 or +2783 375 5751. Email Gay Tour Operator. If you want a tour guide, experience the ultimate gay paradise of Cape Town, South Africa with Sea More-Express.
• You might also try Mike Bosch Tours "for the discerning gay traveler of today who prefers to travel with his family and/or friends we can arrange the perfect tailor-made Cape Town & Garden Route tours based on private services matched exactly to the clients requirements with a friendly and knowledgeable guide." P O Box 27365, Rhine Road, Cape Town, 8050 South Africa. Tel: +27 21 434 1956 or +27 82 459 6661. Email.

Useful Info

• The Peninsula is 50km (30miles) long and seldom more than 10km wide. At its highest point, the mountain is 1086m high.
• Fast freeways and roads make it easy to get around. Maps are freely available in all Information offices and hotels.
• There are over 100 beaches and 300 walking routes up the mountain.

• The City Bowl is the historic center of Cape Town and remains the business 'downtown' area. It is enclosed by Table Mountain to its south and Signal Hill to the west.
• The Waterfront is on the north side of the City Bowl adjoining Table Bay.

• The Atlantic Suburbs are on the northeast coast of the Peninsula on the mountain slopes above the shoreline. These include Sea Point and Green Point and up-market suburbs such as Camps Bay and Hout Bay. They enjoy great sunsets and beaches - but the water is cold!
• Table Mountain runs due south in a chain of hills that form the Cape Peninsula. On the eastern side of the mountain is leafy suburbia - including the Southern Suburbs and Constantia.
• The South Peninsula has some attractive towns and scenery and False Bay has warmer water. The Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point lie at the southern tip of the Peninsula.

By Taxi

• There are two types of taxi: ordinary and black. Ordinary taxis are metered and you can hail them from the street. You will do better if you go to a taxi rank. Taxi ranks are situated in Greenmarket Square and the Tourist Rendezvous Travel Center in Adderley Street.

  Black taxis, which are usually not black and are usually minibuses, in general follow major bus routes and pick up and set down at bus stops. Buses are somewhat cheaper but also somewhat slower.

• Around Town on Foot - Central Cape Town is quite small and you can get around perfectly well on foot. It is hard to get lost since you should always be able to see Table Mountain from which to take your bearings.
• Cape Town's public transport system is limited and not a good way to see the Cape. Alternatively, hire a vehicle. Cape Town's many car rental agencies offer a wide selection of vehicles including 4x4s. Most agencies require the driver to be 23 or 25 years old. The peninsula's curvaceous scenic roads are ideal for motorbike enthusiasts. Most major rental car companies operate out of Cape Town International Airport. Remember: All vehicles MUST drive on the LEFT side of a public road. It is also expected that vehicles keep to the left or center lane if possible (when there are 3 lanes one-way) for emergency vehicles to pass on the right. On a 2-lane road (one-way or dual-way), overtaking is always done on the right. The only thing that is on the right hand side is the steering wheel of the vehicle.) In South Africa you will cause a head-on collision if you drive on the right as done in the United States Of America. You also have to stop at all red traffic lights - there is no right turn if safe as you have it in the States. BUT, don't expect the 'black' taxis do respect this - they drive according to their own rules ? and are not safe most of the times.

Things to see

Beaches are plentiful and stunning, both in themselves and in their users! The main beaches are at Clifton and are numbered 1,2,3 and 4, with 3 and 4 being the most popular. For the more adventurous there is also Sandy Bay where you can go nude though don't go on a windy day or you'll get whip lashed. Be warned, the sea on the Atlantic side will give all but the most thick skinned "blue balls" - it's freezing.

Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities and is filled with many reminders of its historical importance on the trade route from Europe to Asia. Three hundred years have left their mark in the impressive architecture and layout of the city. In the surrounding area are many superb vineyards, originally established by the early settlers, producing some of the country's most exquisite wines. A cruise around the harbor allows visitors to experience the Cape as seen by its early settlers, of mountains dissolving into clear blue ocean or golden sand with the stunning spectacle of Table Mountain in the distance.

The city center is surprisingly small and is best explored on foot. Walk up St George's Mall from Thibault Square. Stop at Greenmarket Square, the colorful heart of the City, which overflows with African crafts, funky clothes, eccentric characters and good vibes.

At the top of the Mall visit the Cathedral and continue up the tree-lined Government Avenue, past the Houses of Parliament, S.A. National Gallery and the peaceful Company Gardens. These beautiful gardens are the oldest in South Africa and house the S.A. Museum and Planetarium, as well as a large number of friendly squirrels. Return down Long Street, the liveliest street in town, which is lined with restaurants, bars and cafes.

Other areas of interest include the Grand Parade, bordered by The Castle and City Hall as well as the suburb of Bo-Kaap, with its steep cobbled streets and brightly colored homes.

A few minutes from town is the lively suburb of Sea Point. The suburb's bustling nerve center - main road - is lined with a great array of cafes, restaurants and shops. The seaside park and promenade, popular with dog walkers, roller blades and joggers, are ideal for a pleasant sunset stroll.

The Atlantic Seaboard boasts a spectacular selection of unspoiled beaches. Take a drive along Victoria Road, the beautiful coastal road set against steep mountain slopes, and enjoy the white sands of Clifton, Camps Bay, Llundudno and Hout Bay. The picturesque Hout Bay valley has a busy fishing harbor and Mariner's Wharf where fish are sold fresh from the boats. Kids and adults will love the boat trip to Duiker Island to see the seals. Other places worth visiting include the World of Birds and the spectacular, cliff hugging Chapman's Peak Drive (currently closed for reconstruction).

There are some great beaches along the South Peninsula including Noordhoek Beach and a magnificent coastal drive via Scarborough. The Cape Point Nature Reserve has a wide variety of indigenous flora and fauna including baboon, springbok and ostrich. The views from the high sea cliffs at the tip of the reserve are breathtaking.

Don't miss the colony of penguins at Boulders Beach, or the interesting coastal towns of Simonstown and Kalk Bay. There are magnificent views over Muizenberg beach from Boyes Drive.

The lush Constantia Valley is home to the most historic wine farm in South Africa, Groot Constantia, as well as other award-winning estates such as Klein Constantia and Buitenverwachting. The forested mountain slopes have extensive hiking and horse riding trails.

Kirstenbosch Gardens boasts a dazzling diversity of Cape flora, set amongst rolling green lawns. There is also an impressive collection of sculptures. Definitely worth a long, leisurely visit.

Sports fans should head for Newlands, home to two world famous sporting venues; the Newlands Cricket Field and Newlands Rugby Stadium.

Above Rondebosch, on the slopes of Devil's Peak are the beautiful ivy-covered buildings of the University of Cape Town. Nearby is the neoclassical Rhodes Memorial built in memory of Cecil Rhodes and guarded by eight large granite lions.

• Castle of Good Hope Castle Street, Cape Town. Tel: +27 21 408 7911. The Castle is South Africa's oldest building (1679). Inside this pentagonal fort are the old Governor's House and the excellent William Fehr collection of Cape art and ceramics dating from the 17th century. Inquires: tel. (021) 469 1060; fax. (021) 469 1076). Built in the 1600's, the castle contains several museums and painting exhibitions. Daily tours at: 10:00, 11:00, noon, 14:00 and 15:00.
• Table Mountain, Cape Town. A must. If you have not been to Table Mountain then you have not been to Cape Town. You can either walk to the top, a considerable hike, or take the cableway.
• Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve - 7995 Cape Town, (Take the M65 or M4 south from Cape Town.) A breathtaking reserve, with fabulous beaches, picnic spots and wide variety of local fauna and flora.
• Company's Gardens Between Government Avenue and Queen Victoria Street. Contains an excellent collection of botanical species from around South Africa and the rest of the world.
• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens Rhodes Drive, Newlands, 7735 Cape Town. Tel: +27 21 762 1166. Open all year with opening times varying according to the season.
• Mitchell's Waterfront Brewery Dock Road, Waterfront, Cape Town. Tel: +27 21 419 5074. Tours: Weekdays at noon.
• Rhodes Memorial Off Rhodes Drive, Rodenbosch, Cape Town. Tel: +27 21 689 9151. Granite memorial built to commemorate Cecil Rhodes.
• Simon's Town - On the M4 25 miles south of Cape Town. A naval port that possesses a number of interesting museums that trace the history of the town.
• Slave Lodge - This is the second oldest building in South Africa, originally a 'slave lodge' and later the Supreme Court. It is now a cultural history museum with artifacts not only from Cape Town's history, but also ancient and global civilizations.

MUSEUMS

• The Bo-Kaap Museum recreates a typical 19th century Cape Muslim family home and portrays aspects of Cape Muslim culture. Inquires: tel. (021) 461 8280; fax. (021) 9592.
• The District Six Museum commemorates the area of District Six that was destroyed under the Apartheid Group Areas Act from 1966. The poignant displays provide excellent insight into the trauma experienced by people forcibly removed from their homes in the old South Africa. Inquires: tel. (021) 461 4735; fax. (021) 461 8745. Address Lower Buitenkant Street, opposite Caledon Square Police Station.
• IZIKO MUSEUMS OF CAPE TOWN49 Adderley Street, Cape Town. Tel: +27 21 461 8280. Open Mon to Sat, 09:30 - 16:30. The S. A. Museum set in the beautiful Company Gardens is definitely worth a visit. Highlights include the huge Whale Well filled with real whale skeletons, the dinosaur and rock art displays and the fascinating shows at the Planetarium. Inquires: tel. (021) 424 3330; fax. (021) 424 6716.
• South African National Gallery Government Avenue, 8000 Cape Town. Tel: +27 21 451 628. Holds both permanent and temporary exhibits of South African paintings. Open: Tues to Sun 10:00 - 17:00, Mon 13:00 - 17:00.
• Robben Island Museum 11 kilometers off Cape Town in False Bay. Tel: +27 21 411 1006. The island is now a museum and nature reserve. Unfortunately, the organization and quality of tours on the island is sometimes poor. The prison island where Nelson Mandela was once held.

The Scene

If South Africa is the world's "rainbow nation", then the Mother City is its reigning queen!

Rest assured that Cape Town is without reserve a Gay Friendly City, home to a thriving community network and host to a range of dazzling events glam enough to have put us firmly on the international Gay Culture Map.

The beach life is of course one of the most important aspects of Cape Town when it comes to booking a holiday there. The weather gets very hot and the beaches packed with boys. Its like you are a kid loose in a sweet shop and compared to some European destinations the average age seems younger. Clifton Beach (Camps Bay) is where it all happens, just a 20-minute drive from the city. It is split into four sections by large boulders. Beaches 1 and 2 are quieter for couples and families, Beach 3 where everyone who is anyone goes to tan at Clifton. All the Gym boys draped in designer swim wear, speedo's and body hugging shorts. Some girls topless. One of the few beaches in the Cape Town area completely sheltered from the wind. Favorite boys beach is Clifton 3rd... and the fourth is most popular with the young straight crowd. It is also home to the lifeguard station with many pumped muscle boys hanging out there. Sandy Bay The only Nudist Beach in the Cape. Sandy Bay lies about 18 kilometers from the center of Cape Town and can be reached by a winding, scenic road that follows the Cape Peninsula mountains through a number of upmarket coastal suburbs that cling to the side of the mountain and run down to the soft, white, sandy beach below. Once beyond the fancy houses and Hotels that crowd this sought-after portion of Cape Town, one opens out into a magnificent vista that takes in the wooded slopes of Table Mountain on the one side and the wide expanse of the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

We recommend you check GayNet Cape Town for the latest in gay life in Cape Town.

Publications & Organizations

• AIDS Foundation of South Africa P. O Box 50582, Musgrave 4062 South Africa. Tel: +27-31-2029520. Email
• Cape Town Pride 24 Mount Nelson Road, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8006 South Africa. Tel: 083 274 3579 (Ian). Email
• Exit Newspaper Johannesburg paper. Tel: (011) 622 2275. Email
• Galacttic
• GayNet Cape Town now also publishes the monthly Gay Guide in association with Cape Town's biggest daily newspaper, the Cape Argus. The Gay Guide appears the last Thursday of every month in the Argus Tonight.
• Gay & Lesbian & Bisexual Helpline TEL: 4222 50. Mon to Fri 13h00 to 17h00. Sat & Sun 13h00 to 21h00.
• Mamba on line Email
• Out in South Africa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival 1st Floor, 27 Caledon Street, Cape Town, 8000. Tel: + 27 21 461 4027. Email
• Q Magazine Tel: +27 11 727-7000
• Rent 'n Ride Cycle & Blade Hire. Blades for R25 to R30 for 2 hours, bicycles at R30 for half a day, R50 for a full day. Also skateboards and snake boards. 1 Park Rd, Mouille Point Tel 434 1122.
• Triangle Project Health information, counseling & support. TEL: 448 3812/3. Email Gay & Lesbian Helpline (021) 4 222 500

Dining

The South Africans overall are casual dressers, however there are some occasions where smart clothing is expected. A few of the more expensive restaurants request that men wear a jacket and trousers, also businessmen and woman in Cape Town tend to wear suits.

Cape cuisine owes much to the area's Dutch, French and English settlers, but most to the aromatic dishes introduced by Malay slaves in the seventeenth century. The city is home to a great number of South Africa's best restaurants, serving a wide range of international as well as local specialties. There are also a few seafood restaurants serving fresh locally caught fish such as yellowtail,kabeljou, kingklip, snoek and crayfish.

Shopping

Cape Town is best known for its wine and African crafts from all over the continent. Visitors often enjoy local art and ceramics too.

Since the days of the Kimberley Diamond Rush, Cape Town has been a major center for diamonds. People find that gemstones and jewelry are of a high quality and excellent prices are to be found.

Cape Town also has a large textile industry and the children's clothes, in particular, are worth finding in the shopping centers (shops like 'Naartjie').

The relative weakness of the Rand makes shopping in Cape Town attractive. All credit cards are accepted and curio shops are used to mailing overseas. VAT is reclaimable at the airport, currently at 12.5%.

Cape Town shopping is concentrated in three major shopping malls, all of a very high standard - the V&A Waterfront, Cavendish Square in Claremont, and Canal Walk is a new center - the largest in Africa - and is located at Century City on the N1 highway.

The Gardens Center, Constantia Village and Tygervalley are smaller, but are up-market and often preferred by Capetonians. These centers are dominated by franchises and it is hard to find shops of real character. There are some exclusive shops but most focus on the mass market.

Especially at the weekend and in the evenings these centers can be overly busy. On the plus side they are well designed and fitted, and they feature leisure facilities such as cinemas, coffee shops and restaurants. These malls are very much part of Cape Town life - take some time to sit, drink coffee and watch the diverse population go by.

There are some markets of note. Greenmarket Square is the quintessential Cape Town market, and by far the oldest. Once it was a market for farm produce, today it features mainly African crafts and textiles. Catch the vibe Monday to Saturday - but get there before early afternoon closing.

There are two markets in the Waterfront complex, which are aimed at tourists, but worth a look.

On Sundays, there are excellent markets, selling a variety of goods, in Hout Bay; another opposite Kirstenbosch Gardens entrance; one in Constantia near the shopping center and an antique fair at Groot Constantia.

Interesting local craft centers well worth a visit include the Montebello on Newlands Avenue; the Red Herring in Noordhoek and Noordhoek Village. Some curio shops also have local crafts and ceramics.

One of the best curio shops is African Souvenir at 5 Greenmarket Square. Others can be found on St George's Mall and Church Street, close to Greenmarket Square. Curios are available at several points along the roadside on the route to Cape Point. There are invariably curio shops at tourist attractions and shopping centers, especially the Waterfront; here you will find everything from tourist trinkets and T-shirts to genuine masks, drums and skins

Art, Sculpture, Book and Antique shops can be found in and around Church Street, near Greenmarket Square. For books alone go to upper Long Street. You will find more art dealers in the shopping malls.

On the way to Cape Point, the Main Road in Kalk Bay and St James is well known for antique and art shops. In addition, the Kirstenbosch Gardens shop has superb Shona sculptures from Zimbabwe, and there are often art exhibitions too.

If you are in the Winelands, Stellenbosch has several galleries, often with coffee shops.

Surprisingly, gold is not much cheaper in South Africa than elsewhere, but diamonds are cut to a very high standard and well priced in Cape Town. Beware of tourist traps - particularly the Waterfront. The quality will probably be good, but the price will certainly be inflated. Try St George's Mall in the center of town ('Diamond World' of Winhall and Holmes can be recommended) or go to a shopping center frequented more by locals.

DAY TRIPS & Safari

• Cape of Good Hope Take M4 south to False Bay. Our first stop was at the Boulders after Simons Town to see the Penguin Colony. You have to drive through a residential area to find the parking lot. Continue south on M4 all the way to M65 where you enter the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (where you need to keep your windows closed because the babboons love to visit). After paying R25 per person drive to the Light House at the very bottom of the Peninsula. Take the Funicular to the top for the best view. We recommend lunch at the Two Oceans restaurant where we enjoyed ostrich and springbok.

  On return, you have to back track on M65 to leave the reserve and continue heading north. After leaving the park, you'll notice a sign for Cape Point Ostrich Farm (open 9:30a - 5:30p). Have coffee and shop for ostrich leather goods. There is also a friendly antelope who'll give you a big wet kiss if you blow smoke in his face.

  Continue on M65 to Bokram Beach and the Light house. Great view of Hout Bay. Continue east to M6 north for a few kilometers where you are forced to detour to M64 because M6 is closed further north. Heading north on M64 back to M3 and then back to town. There are many interconnecting routes you can take to see the countryside that don't take you too far out of the way.

• The Winelands are forty-five minutes from Cape Town by the N1 or N2. Head for Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Maps and booklets are freely available from hotels and information offices. If you are in Cape Town for more than 24 hours do not miss the wine lands. 45 minutes from the city, they have great charm, terrific natural beauty and fine wine.
• Stellenbosch is the oldest and by far the most attractive town in South Africa. Walk down Dorp Street; visit the Stellenbosch Museum and Botanical Garden; stand on Die Braak (central square). Drive up the Idas Valley (R44) towards Paarl. Stop at the farms along the way for tastings. Paarl Main Street is very historic; take a slow drive past the fine architecture. The Backsberg and Fairview wine estates are popular for tasting.
• Franschhoek is set in a lovely valley and has excellent restaurants. Take a drive up the pass or on the back roads beyond the town. Boschendal is an historic estate and the journey back to Stellenbosch via Helshoogte is most magnificent.
• Another wine region which is much closer is the Constantia region. Just on the other side of the mountains and easily reached by M3 to M63. We visited several nice wineries including Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Constantia Uitsig and Buitenverwachting. The people are friendly and encourage you to try their wines. This region specializes in whites as opposed to reds. It is possible to get a car or van with a driver to take you around to the winers and then drive you back home if you're wanting to do some serious drinking (er, I mean tasting).
• Robben Island is 20 minutes by ferry from the Waterfront. You are required to join a guided tour of the island and museum. Robben Island Museum 11 kilometers off Cape Town in False Bay. Tel: +27 21 411 1006. The island is now a museum and nature reserve. Unfortunately, the organization and quality of tours on the island is sometimes poor. The prison island where Nelson Mandela was once held.
• Safari - Londolozi Private Game Reserve is an unashamedly exclusive and luxurious safari destination covering 14 000 hectares (34 580 acres) in the heart of the game-rich 56 000 hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Londolozi is a Zulu word meaning "protector of all living things" - an ambitious conservation ethic that Londolozi embraces in its sensitivity to the natural world. This is why the Londolozi Model is the blueprint of CC Africa's founding principles: "Care of the land, care of the wildlife and care of the people". Londolozi offers four private camps and one lodge - Bateleur Camp (previously known as Main Camp), Tree Camp, Safari Lodge and Bush Camps: Founders and Pioneer. Each has a riverside location. The reserve is internationally recognized for its far-sighted and progressive management of land and wildlife rehabilitation as well as productive community involvement. Londolozi is regarded as the flagship of CC Africa's vision. The Londolozi story and model is explored in greater detail in our Vision section.
• Londolozi Bateleur Camp, Bush Camps (Founders & Pioneer) and Tree Camp are accessible by self-drive or by scheduled flight from Johannesburg, followed by a short road or light aircraft transfer. We can pre-book and package all of your regional/internal flights and transfers.
• Morning and evening game drives in open Land Rovers, guided nature walks, stargazing, bird-watching, moonlit bush dinners (weather permitting) and private bush breakfasts. Regretfully, children five years and younger cannot participate in the regular game drives. Visits to the staff village encompassing the crèche, school, adult learning center, clinic and craft center. Bush presentations in orientation center. (both activities available to guests at Tree, Founders, Pioneer and Bateleur Camp)
• All CC Africa establishments serve Pan-African cuisine such as:
  • Lightly curried West African corn and coriander soup served with Naan bread
  • Spice rubbed chicken with grilled bananas and ginger chutney
  • Fire-roasted Botswana beef with caramelized onions and chilli served with sweet potatoes rubbed in cumin
  • Homemade vanilla bean ice cream with macadamia nut praline and slow-roasted rum-soaked pineapple
• Anti-malarial precautions are essential at all CC Africa lodges and camps except for Tau Game Lodge in South Africa. As there are various types of medication to help prevent malaria, we would advise that you contact your local doctor or general practitioner before departing on your trip. He or she can give you advice on the appropriate medication and prevention.
• If your booking is made through a travel agent, they are able to arrange payment details that are most comfortable for you such as fully pre-paid, only accommodation pre-paid or settle in full at the lodge by yourself.
• Rates: From R4,703.00 To R6,050.00/night
• Relais & Chateaux member. Courtesy Upgrades to American Express Platinum card members.
• For other Safari accommodations at more reasonable costs please refer to: CC Africa (Conservation Corporation Africa), one of Africa's most comprehensive eco-tourism companies.
• Safari - Singita Private Game Reserve James Fawcett Bailes acquired Castleton and Ravenscourt, two farms in the area between the Sabi and Sand Rivers, in 1925, as a Private Game Reserve. The Sabi Sand region was a remote corner of the lowveld, three days hard driving from the coast, teeming with game, a raw and beautiful landscape. In 1994, as South Africa was opening itself to the rest of the world, the Bailes family decided that the time had come to open Singita, their piece of Africa, to discerning visitors. As you touch down at the private airstrip, imbibe the silence and breathe the clean air for the first time. You will know that here you have discovered a place like no other - a place of vast and pristine wilderness, and the warmth of African hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you to Singita. Singita offers wonderful opportunities for big five sightings. The reserve is on the migration routes of many prey species, and sightings of lion, leopard and even the elusive Cape Hunting dog are common. Time spent at Singita is time spent at the very heart of the African wilderness, in a place that grew out of the bushveld. Your time at Singita is your own. While we offer game drives and walks, and the finest big five game viewing in Southern Africa, Singita is distinguished by the wide range of activities our guests are free to enjoy at the lodges. Clay pigeon shooting is available on request, or guests may try some seasonal fishing in the rivers. You may ask your ranger to requisition a private Land Rover, or you may choose to join one of the daily drives or group walks. Bush breakfasts and sunset cocktails may be arranged for you in some of the most scenic spots in the reserve, or you may dine on the privacy of your deck. A guided visit to Justitia Village, just outside the boundary of the reserve, will provide you with fascinating insights into the life of the local Shangaan community. In the reserve, highly trained and experienced rangers and trackers will introduce you to an Africa few have been privileged to see, while the lodge staff, headed up by internationally trained management and a highly sought-after executive chef will ensure that your stay is not simply pleasant but truly memorable.
• R6800 per person per night sharing - Single supplement only applies to 3 singles and more per booking - cost is equal to the sharing rate plus a surcharge of 20% per person
• Johannesburg International Airport / Singita Lodges (direct Federal Air flight) - R3950 per person return
• Relais & Chateaux member. Courtesy Upgrades to American Express Platinum card members.
• Anti-malarial precautions are essential at most Africa lodges and camps. We would advise that you contact your local doctor or general practitioner before departing on your trip. He or she can give you advice on the appropriate medication and prevention.

References

• Mamba on line
• Exit on line
• Gay Cape Town