Mousie,

Unless it's unseasonably hot I don't think airconditioning is necessary in a house - not many are airconditioned in any event. The nice thing about the Cape is that the evenings are generally quite cool and the humidity levels low (80% of the time).

Accom is expensive at the villa end of things - if you give me a day or two I'll see if the rellies out there know of anybody renting a holiday home and I'll get back to you.

If you need to contact any of us go to the top of the page - click on contact another talker and the rest is self explanatory.

Dejags

Hi Mousie.

We too are arranging a trip to SA this coming October. I did have plans to do all the arranging myself, but I just don't seem to have the time to deal with hours of trawling through the internet nowadays. I ended up using a very helpful travel agent (Cate McKenzie) at Audley Travel. They won a "Wonderlust" travel magazine award last year and I must admist she's been very good. I set her my budget and criteria for timings, places etc and she did all the leg work. She called me back 3/4 times to clarify a few things and then came up with an intinery to suit, exactly in budget. They are in the Independent Tour Operators brochure and are fully bonded etc.
On another note - everone else, we are staying with friends for a couple of days (nr J'burg) before flying to Port Elizabeth where we pick up a hire car (with a car seat) and do some travelling around. I'm a bit concerned about the comments about car seats though. Also, as we will be travelling in our friends car for a few days, I'm not sure that they'll have a car seat. We don't have a seat booked (on the flights) for our 15mth old dd. How would we go about taking our own car seat? Is this going to be too much hassle with dd, luggage, buggy etc? HELP!! Don't know what to do for the best.

Bunnymum,

We always just check our carseat in as luggage and have never had a problem. If the cover is removable take it off and store in your luggage then cover the shell in plastic - this is the best way to protect it.

I wouldn't rely on carseats coming from car-hire companys, you can't guarantee they haven't been in an accident and they are often not very clean and of a low standard. You may also find your friends have a pretty lax attitude to car seats as they are not considered a priority by many in SA.

HTH
dejags

Hi Mousie

We spent 6 weeks in Cape Town in November/Dec last year with our 3&4 year old. It was fantastic. We stayed in Constancia in a B&B....more like a self contained cottage with huge garden . We made that our base and had several day trips and then drove for 2 weeks. We didn't book anywhere just took pot luck and despite being a busy time we always ended up with sensational places. Even the caravan park was stunning! We had tried from Storms River, the National Park cabins and they have to be pre bookd well in advance (you should look into the nat. Park accom.) and this was just near by. The beaches and river mouths were great for our kids and it was easy to find simple places to stay. Great food wine etc and we used the maid/nanny where we were staying to babysit. She had been with the family for 22 yrs.Personally I would not use a nanny and have always been reluctant to use hotel maids/nanny services.
I know that the cottage we used is booked when you are going but I was aware that many people have this set up and operate a cash business. Maybe advertise in theh local paper? We paid approx US$75 for 4 of us incl a stocked fridge, maid service and telephone and garden plus pool.
Our major expense was car hire. We used avis and they supplied the car seats which we booked ahead and collected at the airport.
Hope this helps.

meant to say would not use a nanny agency, would always go for personal recommendation.

Mousie - did you go ? How was it?

We are thinking of going next easter - we have a five year old DD who adores animals - would it be suitable for her?

Anybody else got any experiences/ opinions? All contributions gratefully received.

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