Flying to Cape Town really soon? Whatever you do, don’t get on a cab! Don’t do it. Don’t even think about it. Do yourself a favor and get a cheap car rental in Cape Town instead. I flew to the Cape recently, and was dumbfounded by how much their cabbies charge–and that’s not even the worst of it. Here are three EXCELLENT reasons to avoid cabs at all costs in Cape Town.

1. They Charge Very High Rates.
The rates for cabs in the Cape are among the highest I’ve seen, and I travel around the world regularly! Rates start at 11 rand per kilometer. That’s a whooping 2.37 USD per mile or 1.16 Euros per kilometer! We’re not even talking of legally metered cabs here. It’s up to the cab company to decide how much to charge you per kilometer, so long as this rate is listed on the body of the cab itself. Don’t pony up the cash; you will get more mileage out of your cash if you pay for getting your own car while in Cape Town.

2. They Are Very Inconvenient.
If you’re thinking you can flag a cab anytime you want, you have obviously never been to Cape Town. In the Cape, taxis cannot be stopped in the middle of the street. You have to get your ride from a taxi stand, or call for one to pick you up. This is a very serious inconvenience, especially if you need to go somewhere really fast. With your own car on the other hand, you can zip to any part of town anytime you want!

3. They Can Be Dangerous.
Ever heard stories about the black taxis of South Africa? Be warned that when people talk about the black taxis of South Africa, they certainly do not mean to compare it to the black cabs of London. The black cabs of London are reputable; the black taxis in South Africa are just dangerous. The truth is, many of these taxis are no more than beat-up mini-buses. These mini-buses are meant to hold 12 people at most. But the Cape being the Cape, don’t be surprised if your driver tries to cram at least 20 people inside. There are even stories of drivers steering their taxis with lead pipes!

The first time I rode one of these mini-buses in the Cape, I was shocked. There was this guy who yelled out the destinations while hanging from the sliding door! Later on, I learned that they call this guy the conductor, and that this practice is not at all unusual in the Cape. Not at all usual in the Cape, yes, but it was unusual enough for me to go for a cheap car rental in Cape Town on my next visit!

So yes, if you want a hassle-free stay, please don’t get on a cab. Don’t even go near one. Book a car instead. Driving is a joy in the Cape; having to deal with unscrupulous cabbies, very high rates, and dangerous vehicles is not.

For more of these money saving as well as insightful tips on how to go about booking cheap Car Rental in Cape Town, do visit the huge information inventory at Car Rental in Cape Town. The website not only lets you know the tricks to save money on car rentals but can help you book some of the hottest deals as well.

Article Source

Car Rental Cape Town

“Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder”

Cape Town is internationally known as one of the most picturesque travel destinations. Its trendy beaches and the iconic Table Mountain, together with the impressive floral surrounds, wine route travel and the majestic Cape Peninsula justify this perception. It isn’t surprising then that it has been rated the most popular tourist destination in Africa, even outshining Cairo in the popularity polls. Part of its fame can be attributed to its favourable climate, natural splendour and first-rate infrastructure which make visiting the city a pleasure.

A Clash of Cultures

The history of the city is multifaceted and the reason for its cosmopolitan nature today. Everywhere you look there is evidence of its worldly identity: the Victorian architecture, traditional mosques, and upmarket, sophisticated boutiques and eateries point out the different cultural influences. This amalgamation resulted from the occupation of the region by the Indonesian, French, British, Dutch, and German settlers, as well as local Bushmen and the arrival of Hottentot and Bantu tribes over the years.

Top 5 Tourist Attractions

Cape Town City Travel is guaranteed to satisfy every taste – no matter how quirky or conventional. The list of to-dos is endless and will keep you and your fellow travellers enthralled for days. The variety of attractions range from the historical and architectural, to those orientated towards the outdoors and adventure.

* Table Mountain

Undeniably the city’s most breathtaking sight, Table Mountain recently made it into the final round of the New 7 Wonders of Nature contest. You can choose to either take a cable car up to the top or can enjoy a challenging walk through the Skeleton Gorge trail. Once you have completed the climb, the unbeatable views of the city will make the experience worthwhile.

* Robben Island

Located in Table Bay just below Table Mountain, Robben Island is a major symbol of South Africa’s segregated past. It is famously known for the isolated prison it hosted during the Apartheid years when political opposition figures such as former President and Nobel Laureate Nelson Mandela were forced to stay there for many years.

* Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, the magnificient Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens hold more than 20’ 000 native plant species that can be observed at your own leisure. You will need at least an hour to stroll around the lower part of the gardens, or you can enjoy a shorter walk along the pathways of the slopes. Must-see attractions include the scented, protea, herb, and rock gardens. Don’t forget to stop off at the Bird Bath, a pool that occupies the centre of a shady area inhabited by 70-year-old yellowwood trees.

* Victoria and Albert Waterfront

Built in 1860 the V & A Waterfront is first and foremost an entertainment quarter that attracts over 13 million visitors annually. Its eclectic array of shops, restaurants, hotels and theatres attract crowds all year round – especially in the cold winter months. Named after Queen Victoria and her second son Alfred, this continues to be one of the liveliest locations in Cape Town.

* Chapman’s Peak Drive

This scenic meandering drive will take you from Hout Bay around Chapman’s Peak to Noordhoek on the Atlantic Coast, where you will experience the most impressive marine drive in the world. This 9km route has a total of 114 curves and offers travelers a marvelous 180° view of the surrounds. Stop off along the way at any one of the several picnic spots to absorb the natural beauty.

Source: Car Hire Cape Town

1. Book online.

If you want to have both convenience and savings at the same time, then you might want to book and reserve online. The best car rental companies often have websites where you can get not only useful rental information but also a means to book and make a reservation. Bigger companies even have online car galleries where you can choose your preferred rental car. Booking online gives you this convenience plus savings on the amount or rental money you have to pay. By booking online, you can make use of coupon codes and discounts. You can shave off 5% to 15% of the rental charge instantly if you enter a valid coupon code upon booking.

2. Book early but return the rented car on time.

Some of the best car rental companies often offer the early bird or early booking promo to all customers. If you book well in advance then you can shave off a neat amount from the car rental fee. However, it is also important to know that you must return the car on time to avoid late return charges. Booking your reservation early can also help you choose the car you prefer. This is applicable especially to smaller rental companies which often have limited car options. Booking early can also help you avoid the rental rush during peak seasons.

3. Avail of Loyalty or VIP memberships.

Car rental agencies usually offer loyalty programs as well as VIP memberships. These are meant to encourage return customers. If you are the type of person who rents cars often then it would be more practical to avail of these promos. As a loyalty program member, you can get discounts upon car rental bookings. Also, some companies which often get the services of car rental agencies are given automatic VIP membership for their employees. Check with your company so you can get the best car rental price or package for business or personal use.

4. Understand the rental terms.

Reading the terms and conditions of car rental agreements seem to be pretty obvious but not all of us take the time to actually understand them. Sometimes, we are surprised by hidden costs or surprise charges. The best way to avoid them is to carefully understand the agreement or car rental contract. That way, you will never have to pay more than what you expect and get the best car rental experience in return.

5. Opt for long term bookings.

You can also get a discounted car rental rate if you book for longer periods. If you know that you will need a rental service for a number of days, then you should already book the desired car for the entire duration. Booking by the day can lead you to a more expensive accumulated car lease amount.

Article Source

Car Hire Cape Town

The Ease of Shopping online

Probably the most obvious advantages of internet shopping which cannot be overlooked is convenience. One of the most enjoyable conveniences of internet shopping which is enjoyed by many is to be able to look for services or products during a period which can be convenient for the consumer. Online stores accept orders twenty four hours every day while consumers who would like to shop at traditional stores must be available to go to the store during normal business hours. This is sometimes a major inconvenience specifically shoppers who work hard or shoppers who work odd hours. Shopping on the web eliminates this concern because shoppers can just access online retailers using their computer if he or she have free time available.

Another simplicity of shopping online is the opportunity to order products from all over the world. Shoppers will limited to products provided by local retailers because the vast majority of online stores offer shipping to many different locations. This makes it possible for online shoppers to obtain difficult to find items or items which can be a regional specialty of your particular area.

Price comparisons when Shopping on the web

Another new benefit of shopping online is a chance to comparison shop easily. As an alternative to playing around to many different traditional stores and seeking to remember or write down details such as prices and features, the shopper can simply open two or more browsers to simply compare multiple item. Additionally, there are numerous websites and internet based retailers which can make price comparisons easier still. Websites like these might provide charts which compare features for similar products make it possible for the net shopper to make a definative comparison of two or more items before making an acquisition.

Another benefit to shopping around on the internet is it provides the consumer the ability to compare items which will not be accessible in his location. This is very important because some items may be around in a few places. This may make comparing items difficult for traditional shoppers. However, online shoppers are easily capable of making these comparisons and find out about similar products which supports these phones take advantage possible decision.

Using Express Shipping Options while shopping Online

One of several distinct advantages of shopping online is the shipping methods which one can find. These options are specifically best for online shoppers who’re responsible for often waiting until the last minute to buy items as gifts or items which are required for other reasons. For these online shoppers express shipping is probably the most appropriate features. Although shopper can pay now more for express shipping options the shopper could have the benefit of having the capacity to purchase an item the day before it is crucial and also have the item delivered directly to the mandatory party.

Other beneficial shipping options can lead you to the inclusion of gift receipts along with gift wrapping options. Many of the essential for online shoppers who are interested in sending gifts to family and friends members. This will save the online shopper significant amounts of time because they can have the gift shipped directly to the friend or family member instead of getting the gift shipped to themselves first and being forced to wrap the gift and re-ship it towards the recipient. A chance to send gift receipts are also important because it enables the recipient of the gift to come back or exchange the item but does not divulge the purchase price taken care of the gift.

Article Source

Online Shopping South Africa

Many tourists also visit Cape Town’s beaches, which are popular with local residents. Due to the city’s unique geography, it is possible to visit several different beaches in the same day, each with a different setting and atmosphere. Though the Cape’s water ranges from cold to mild, the difference between the two sides of the city is dramatic. While the Atlantic Seaboard averages annual water temperatures barely above that of coastal California around 13 °C (55 °F), the False Bay coast is very much warmer, averaging between 16 and 17 °C (61 and 63 °F) annually. This is similar to water temperatures in much of the Northern Mediterranean (for example Nice). In Summer, False bay water averages slightly over 20 °C (68 °F), with 22 °C (72 °F) a common high. Beaches located on the Atlantic Coast tend to have very cold water due to the Benguela current which originates from the Southern Ocean, whilst the water at False Bay beaches may be warmer by up to 10°C at the same moment due to the influence of the warm Agulhas current, and the surface warming effects of the South Easter wind.

Both coasts are equally popular, although the beaches in affluent Clifton and elsewhere on the Atlantic Coast are better developed with restaurants and cafés, with a particularly vibrant strip of restaurants and bars accessible to the beach at Camps Bay. Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town is known for its colony of African penguins.Surfing is popular and the city hosts the Red Bull Big Wave Africa surfing competition every year.

The city has several notable cultural attractions. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, built on top of part of the docks of the Port of Cape Town, is the city’s most visited tourist attraction. It is also one of the city’s most popular shopping venues, with several hundred shops and the Two Oceans Aquarium.[26][27] Part of the charm of the V&A, as it is locally known, is that the Port continues to operate and visitors can watch ships enter and leave. The V&A also hosts the Nelson Mandela Gateway, through which ferries depart for Robben Island.It is possible to take a ferry from the V&A to Hout Bay, Simon’s Town and the Cape Fur Seal colonies on Seal and Duiker Islands. Several companies offer tours of the Cape Flats, a mostly Coloured township, and Khayelitsha, a mostly black township. An option is to sleep overnight in Cape Town’s townships. There are several B&Bs where you can spend a safe and real African night.

Cape Town is noted for its architectural heritage, with the highest density of Cape Dutch style buildings in the world. Cape Dutch style, which combines the architectural traditions of the Netherlands, Germany and France, is most visible in Constantia, the old government buildings in the Central Business District, and along Long Street. The annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, also known by its Afrikaans name of Kaapse Klopse, is a large minstrel festival held annually on January 2 or “Tweede Nuwe Jaar” (Afrikaans: Second New Year). Competing teams of minstrels parade in brightly coloured costumes, either carrying colourful umbrellas or playing an array of musical instruments. The Artscape Theatre Centre is the main performing arts venue in Cape Town.

Cape Town’s transport system links it to the rest of South Africa; it serves as the gateway to other destinations within the province. The Cape Winelands and in particular the towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek are popular day trips from the city for sightseeing and wine tasting. Whale watching is popular amongst tourists: Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales are seen off the coast during the breeding season (August to November) and Bryde’s Whales and Killer Whale can be seen any time of the year.The nearby town of Hermanus is known for its Whale Festival, but whales can also be seen in False Bay.Heaviside’s dolphins are endemic to the area and can be seen from the coast north of Cape Town; Dusky dolphins live along the same coast and can occasionally be seen from the ferry to Robben Island.

Approximately 1.5 million tourists visited in Cape Town during 2004, bringing in a total of R10 billion in revenue.[citation needed] The forecasts for 2006 anticipate 1.6 million tourists spending a total of R12 billion.[who?] The most popular areas for visitors to stay include Camps Bay, Sea Point, the V&A Waterfront, the City Bowl, Hout Bay, Constantia, Rondebosch, Newlands, Somerset West, Hermanus and Stellenbosch, as well.

The total accommodation capacity in Cape Town currently stands at close to 60,000 beds(29, 800 rooms)in 2690 establishments, the highest of all South African cities.

While the Mother City is an obvious choice for many a holiday, finding the most suited holiday apartments in Cape Town can be a daunting task. In many cases the variety is just overwhelming.

Start your search by writing down exactly what your needs are. What type of holiday apartment do you need? Which places in Cape Town will you probably visit most often during your stay? Where are these places located? How many people will be staying over? How many bedrooms do you need? Do you prefer self-catering facilities or do you continuously need assistance? Would you prefer holiday apartments in Cape Town with a view of the ocean or are you happy to wake up with the inner city buzz in your ears? Do you want to be close to main routes and the airport or do you want to be quietly hiding away somewhere where traffic noises are just a faint memory? These questions will give you a basic idea of the kind of apartment you should be looking for.

The days when you needed a travel agent to book a holiday are long gone. With the internet at your finger tips, you are now your own best travel agent. After all, no one understands your needs better than you do.

If you have a broad idea of what you are looking for, start with an internet search. Without having to phone several hotels and guest houses, the internet can get you in touch with some of the best holiday apartments in Cape Town. Some of the sites available on the internet offer booking facilities and in most cases you can even take a look at the rooms and facilities. Always ensure that you take a good hard look into each picture you see. Is the decor to your liking?  Does it look clean?  Ask yourself if it has a “bare bones” look or does it have fine decor and feel welcoming?  The ideal situation is to arrive and have your holiday apartment look better than you expected it to! Check the star grading, too, as this is a good indicator of the quality standards and service levels you can expect.

Article Source

Gardens Holiday Apartment

Part of your experience is the ideal Cape Town Accommodation to make your stay in Cape Town that much more special.

Some of the great places that may make your trip even more special when you visit Cape Town is to find more of the places that the locals frequent.

Select your Cape Town Accommodation to best accommodate the purpose of your trip as well as the things you would ideally like to do and see.

Whilst a major atttraction to ascent Table Mountain, try your hand at biking in the many reserves. Walk alond the sea promenade. If you are feeling fitter, try running along the promenade.

Your Cape Town Accommodation establishment will be able to guide you to go bar hopping. Ideal areas for this are Simons Town and Kommetjie.

Other exciting adventures when you visit Cape Town include walking in a bubble on the sea or a fun activity similar to snow boarding.

Every where along the coast you will find people kite surfing. It is great entertainment to either watch or learn.

Visit the local areas where you can have the best fresh fish and chips whilst enjoying the scenic view of the seagulls and taking in the amazing sea scent.

Frequent the local markets – where you merely need a few Rand to have a day of fun, fresh air, locals and entertainment.

If you are still not sure, ask your Cape Town Accommodation host what they would do in free time. You are guaranteed to get the best advice.

Visit Guest Files to find Cape Town Accommodation and Accommodation in Cape Town as well as all your other Southern African tourism needs.

It is encouraged to visit Cape Town to see some of the world’s greatest offerings.

Guest Files supports responsible and respectful tourism as well as conservation. Find South African Accommodation, including Cape West Coast Accommodation, Overberg Accommodation, Cape Winelands Accommodation, Garden Route Accommodation, as well as all your South African Accommodation.

Also subscribe to our free newsletter distributed every two weeks containing interesting tourism attractions in Southern Africa, South African Accommodation specials, tourism specials and more.

Article Source

Car Rental Cape Town

But with the right packing tips, the only emotion you’ll feel in the weeks, days, and seconds prior to your trip to Africa is sheer excitement!

Rest assured that with the below packing tips, you’ll be relaxed and ready for your trip of a lifetime in the few weeks leading up to your departure.

Packing tips

1. Know the climate: Because you don’t want to over-stuff your bag with unnecessary items, ask your safari travel agent what the climate will be like in the country(s) you’ll be visiting in Africa.

Ask the following:

* Is it winter time or summer time?
* Is it the dry season or the wet season?

2. Clothing: Whether you plan on partaking in walking safaris, canoe safaris, or game drives during your stay in Africa, long-sleeve shirts and pants are essential to prevent bugs, small scratches (walking safaris), and sunburns.

If you are traveling to Africa in the summer months, a rule of thumb is to bring light-cotton clothing, and if you’re traveling to Africa in the winter, bring heavier items in addition to a few lighter items so that you can remove layers if necessary.

For each item you choose to put in your suitcase, ask yourself:

* Is it comfortable and semi-casual / casual?
* Is it a neutral color? (Bright colors and white alert the animals; therefore, stick to basic colors such as khaki, tan, brown, off-white, forest green, etc.).

Because it depends on the time of year you travel to Africa and the duration of your trip, here are a few suggestions / guidelines to keep in mind while packing clothing:

* 2 pairs of long, casual pants.
* 2 – 4 pairs of shorts.
* 7 – 10 shirts (a mixture of long-sleeve and short-sleeve).
* 2 sweaters for chilly evenings / mornings.
* Thick jacket (only if you are visiting in the winter months).
* Hiking boots for walking safaris and game drives.
* Flip flops or waterproof shoes for canoe safaris (only if you are traveling in the summer should you pack flip flops).
* 1 cocktail dress / light-weight suit ONLY if you have plans to attend an event that requires this attire.
* 1 – 2 bathing suits.
* 1 light rain jacket.
* Clean underwear, socks, and undershirts for each day. Some accommodations offer complimentary or non-complimentary laundry services. Check before packing.

3. Sun and Bug Protection:

In addition to wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants to prevent bug bites and sunburns, you will also need some other items for proper preventative measures:

For Bugs: One bottle of bug repellent and a bug repellent designed to treat clothing.

For the Sun: Sunglasses with high UV protection, sunscreen (SPF 15 or 30) for your face and body, and a wide brim hat.

4. Documents:

If you are a U.S. citizen, South Africa doesn’t require you to have a visa. It’s crucial for you to have at least two blank pages per entry into South Africa for entry stamping. It’s also a requirement that your passport be valid for six months after date of travel.

Before you leave for your trip to Africa, make two copies of your passport and driver’s license. Take your original documents and a copy of your passport and driver’s license and give the other copy of these items to a responsible and readily available individual at home. Also leave a copy of your itinerary with this person so that they can contact you if an emergency should arise.

5. Money / Credit Cards:

Most establishments accept international credit cards as a standard form of payment. Major international credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club are accepted throughout the region, with VISA being the most widely used. In addition, ATMs are easily accessible in all major cities.

The U.S. dollar is accepted at many safari accommodations.

6. Toiletries (pack all liquid / powder toiletries in a sturdy, plastic zip lock bag):

* Toothbrush and toothpaste.
* Shampoo and conditioner.
* Deodorant.
* Hair brush.
* Disposable shavers.
* Face / body lotions.
* Aloe (to soothe any sunburns).
* Tweezers.
* Body soap.
* Makeup.
* Hair ties.
* You may bring your hairdryer and appliance chargers, but be sure to bring appropriate adaptors. Check with your safari travel agent for a list of appropriate adaptors.

7. Additional Accessories:

* Pen and notebook.
* Camera, lenses (if needed), and extra batteries / charger.
* Reading glasses or any other type of glasses. Contacts can often get dry and can be irritating to your eyes.
* Reading materials or field guide books.
* Binoculars.
* Wet wipes.
* Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer for traveling.

8. Medications: If you are in a malaria-prone region, be sure to bring necessary antibiotics / medications to prevent against the disease. Your doctor can advise you on / prescribe you with malaria prevention medications.

For muscle soreness, headaches, and other small aches and pains, bring Tylenol / Advil, anti-diarrhea medicine, and bug bite soothing cream.

Article Source

Southern African Safari

The Waterfront and Sea Point are the closest for all shopping requirements and Green Point is dominated by a mix of restaurants, bars and lively pubs.

Green Point Accommodation, in one of Cape Town’s trendiest places to hang out in, and for those looking for entertainment; they have a huge variety of restaurants, delis and also coffee bars and most awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean and of Robben Island.

Staying in Green Point gives visitors easy access to some of the best attractions Cape Town has to offer.

Also the home of the new world class Green Point Stadium with its capacity of over 60 000 people which hosted 6 matches of the FIFA 2010 World Cup during June & July 2010.

Source: Holiday Accommodation Green Point