Cape Town - need advice for accomm hotel/holiday home (security)

[Sandgroper]

Hi

My DH working out in SA and is flying us (me, DS 6 & 4) in to Cape Town for 2 week holiday in the next 3 or 4 weeks (short notice I know).

We may have to option to use a holiday home of his boss (Camps Bay), though not sure at the moment.

So as Plan B I am looking for other accommodation. Have looked at some of the hotels on the waterfront and also looked on Owners Direct for holiday homes. The thing that is worrying me is security e.g. holiday home over a hotel and also would prefer an apartment/holiday home so we can do some cooking ourselves and not be at the mercy of a hotel. Do they have such things an apartment hotels? We would like to be in walking distance to the beach or have a pool and maybe to cafes etc. We will have a hire car for the duration as well.

My DH mentions Hoek Bay (sorry it that is not correct) as a place to stay?

I have looked at the Bushbaby Travel website and it looks quite good, rather like the idea of someone else organising it for me, but DH thinks it will be quite expensive. He did want to take the boys on a safari, though not too sure about that one.

Really no idea where to start and would appreciate any advice you can give me.

I stayed at Hotel Protea President in Bantry Bay which is close to Camps Bay and felt really safe and it was family friendly. There are some good apartments at the waterfront I can't remember the name but they are on the virgin website. They were on a proper complex so seemed safe and secure.
We only paddled in the sea at Boulders Beach as felt the sea was far too choppy for the children. Hiring a car is a great idea as there are so many family friendly places to visit within an hours drive. You could google Cape Town excursions and see if any companies offer mini safaris. I didn't do this option as only had 9 days in Cape Town. Spiers in the winelands region is worth a visit as there is a Cheetah outreach centre there as well as a posh deli where you can choose bits for a picnic.
Eating out is very reasonably priced. My biggest tips would buy a good guide book, stick to touristy activities as you will feel safer and the first sunny day get yourself in that cable car and head to the top of Table Mountain.
Enjoy your holiday.

Hi Fluffy

Thanks for all your great tips. I will have a look at the hotel you mentioned and also on the Virgin website (might be able to use up some of DH's excess fflyer points) for apartments.

I have found a 3 day mini safari with Bushbaby but it is ££££. Will look into Spiers, the cheetah place sounds very interesting and I like the idea of a posh deli for a picnic, something to keep us all happy.

My kids will be happy to just paddle in the sea and build sandcastles. To be honest they probably prefer a pool for swimming anyway.

I am probably being over cautious on the "safety issue" (am well travelled) but heard differing things. DH working in Joburg and he said its not as dangerous as the media makes it out to be and if you are sensible about where you go and what you do then its fine. So Cape Town should be ok.

Am now starting to get excited about our holiday.

Thanks once again.

We went to the Aquila reserve. £££ but so so worth it.

No idea on appartments. I wanted to stay in a hotel!

Thanks for the recommendation Fraktal. Aquilla Reserve looks amazing.. As I said trying to convince my DH "you get what you pay for"!

I love the idea of a hotel, but hate having to get up and get fully dressed to go down to breakfast. Silly I know. I have a cunning plan however to eat out at restaurants most of the time to have a break from domesticity!

You do get what you pay for - Aquila is small so we saw most animals every day. The rooms are decent, the food amazing, a gorgeous infinity pool and great staff. Ask for Tammi to be your driver if you go.

my dad has a house out there in a small town called Clovelly near Fish Hoek which may be available if you're interested. Its empty most of the time and he charges very low rates - its 3 bedroom 2 bathrooms, has a pool and garage. About 5 - 10 mins walk to the beach. Our kids our 7 and 5 and we've been going out there for over 10 years on and off. There's loads to do with kids in Cape Town and we've never had any security problems - its no worse than London in my opinion, you just have to been sensible. PM me if you're interested.

Agree with becks, it's no worse than London. Johannesburg is where all the trouble is.

Just keep your wits about you - like you would at home anyway.

SA is great!

My inlaws have just stayed here and said it was fab www.waterfrontvillage.com/familyStays.htm

Go with the holiday home. Camps Bay is fantastic. We had no problems at all with security in Cape Town. As long as you don't go wandering the townships on your own at night (you won't) I really wouldn't worry.