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Original poster

South Africa - safari and road trip from Cape Town

73 replies

Bananajam · 01/09/2022 15:56

Hi, we are finally going on our trip to Cape Town after several delays, cancelled flights and various changes in our itinerary. I cannot wait!
We've never been before and I would really appreciate any advice, recommendations and information you can give to make sure this trip is all I hoped for when I booked in 2019!
Thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
Bananajam · 15/10/2022 21:04

cathyandclare · 13/10/2022 11:15

How's the holiday going, any tips? We're heading to Cape Town on the train tomorrow having just finished a safari. Hope you're having a great time!

As above! I hope you had an amazing safari and got to see the big 5!

We are planning the botanical Gardens and possibly a trip to Llandudno on Monday as we got a glimpse of it but the bus doesn't go through there, we pick up our rental car Tuesday and head to Hermanus.

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cathyandclare · 16/10/2022 05:11

Sounds fantastic! We've bought all of the layers and it's been 36 degrees so far, so all ready for Cape Town!

Safari far exceeded our expectations, totally incredible. Saw the big 5 and more. We were meant to be on Rovos Rail to Cape Town now, but the rail strikes stopped that, so we're near Vic falls now, which is a bit of a bonus.

Thanks so much for the Cape Town tips, your day looks great- I think I'm going to shamelessly copy your itinerary! Have fun :)

MyBeloved · 18/10/2022 00:10

Following. We are going in December.

Original poster
Bananajam · 18/10/2022 18:15

MyBeloved · 18/10/2022 00:10

Following. We are going in December.

I am sure you will love it! Weve only been here 5 days (staying for 16 nights in total) but so far its been incredible and we still have the safari trip coming up! Food is absolutely delicious and excellent value as is alcohol so if you like steak and a cocktail you will be very happy!
The days are getting hotter but the nights are cool, I'm sitting watching the sunset over Hermanus beach with long trousers and a blanket, whereas earlier I was seriously worried about having to reapply the sunscreen although it was close to 5pm as we wandered along the sand.
Our South Africa trip has been a long waited for holiday but its been absolutely worth it!

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Schulte · 18/10/2022 18:32

Place marking as we’ve booked a Garden route trip for next year!

Does it feel safe? Any tips for what to do and not to do? A friend with family in SA has told me to not stop at traffic lights after dark… is that true?

isthismylifenow · 18/10/2022 19:40

A friend with family in SA has told me to not stop at traffic lights after dark… is that true?

Yes and no. It really depends on a few things. Like if you are in a not so great area and you are the only vehicle at the robots, I would go if it's all clear. Or if you feel uneasy and it's safe to go, then I would.

If you are in a busy built up area, then you sit and wait for the green light.

Remember if the lights are out due to loadshedding, it's treated as a 4 way stop. They can get a bit hectic at a busy intersection. They may deploy pointsmen to the busier spots, but not always.

Glad to hear you are having a good time @Bananajam . Were you lucky enough to spot some whales?

cathyandclare · 18/10/2022 19:53

We saw Whales on the way to Robben Island today- saving money on whale cruises. We've been told to drive in the day and then stay at our hotel but have felt safe everywhere so far.

Ame45 · 18/10/2022 21:24

Hi. Booking a table for Den Anker after you recommendation- Can you suggest whether to sit Mountain side or the raised area please?

Original poster
Bananajam · 19/10/2022 07:50

Ame45 · 18/10/2022 21:24

Hi. Booking a table for Den Anker after you recommendation- Can you suggest whether to sit Mountain side or the raised area please?

I don't think it matters, we were inside by the waterfront but the whole place was lovely inside, great atmosphere! I hope you enjoy it 😊

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Original poster
Bananajam · 19/10/2022 08:01

No whales as yet! Off kayaking today so we'll see..

We haven't driven at night, we've walked one night from the V&A on the Saturday,
busy, lots of people out and about and we felt safe. Sunday was quiet and we didn't go out after dark. Monday we got an uber back from the restaurant but walked there. We didn't pick up our car until the day we were leaving Cape Town.

We had two hours of a blackout last night from 8-10. We knew it was happening but it was still a little odd! We stayed in our room, watched the sunset from our balcony then read until the lights came back on. We could have stayed in the town where I assume in the restaurants etc. everything would have continued as usual.

@cathyandclare - great spot for the whales! We didn't get to Robbin Island which was my only regret. Just not enough time!

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Ame45 · 19/10/2022 08:30

Can’t wait! Thank you

cooldarkroom · 19/10/2022 10:31

My H & I had a private tour guide for the day.
She collected us from our airb&b, She drove us round, told us about, politics, history, life in Afirca/RSA. Took us to a great place for lunch. Accompanied us up the cable car, etc.
Found her by googling/TripAdvisor
Very reasonablle, no map reading, no wasted time. Worth every penny.

MyBeloved · 19/10/2022 19:38

isthismylifenow · 18/10/2022 19:40

A friend with family in SA has told me to not stop at traffic lights after dark… is that true?

Yes and no. It really depends on a few things. Like if you are in a not so great area and you are the only vehicle at the robots, I would go if it's all clear. Or if you feel uneasy and it's safe to go, then I would.

If you are in a busy built up area, then you sit and wait for the green light.

Remember if the lights are out due to loadshedding, it's treated as a 4 way stop. They can get a bit hectic at a busy intersection. They may deploy pointsmen to the busier spots, but not always.

Glad to hear you are having a good time @Bananajam . Were you lucky enough to spot some whales?

This is very interesting.

We are being told different things by our travel agent to anecdotes from friends.

Are we OK to drive the Garden Route alone? Are we OK to walk around cape town alone?

isthismylifenow · 19/10/2022 19:53

What were you advised by your travel agent? And where are they based?

I have driven the Garden Route many times, and many of those times as a single woman with children. I assume you will be stopping off at various places along the way.

You just have to be aware of your surroundings, as you would in any country really.

Some parts of CT I wouldn't walk around alone at night (ie the CBD) , but places like the V&A and the likes are fine. Along the beachfront in the evening in costal suburbs I woud also do. But if I was going anywhere fairly far, I'd Uber or take the car. There is a good bus service in CT if your TA hasn't already mentioned it. It's a hop on hop off type, really great for getting around and good for the budget. Again, just be aware of your surroundings if you use it.

MyBeloved · 19/10/2022 20:11

@isthismylifenow , TA telling us all is fine, no safety issues over and above anywhere else in the world - pretty much as you have described. Anecdotes from friends who have been there in the past few months relate to being beaten up, robbed...!

TA is uk based.

Original poster
Bananajam · 19/10/2022 20:48

I was more than a little anxious about spending time in Cape Town and SA in general having read the TripAdvisor forums and threads on Mumsnet about what to expect, how to behave etc. I was fully prepared to call an uber wheneverI left the hotel, never set foot outside without all my wits about me, ready to be scammed,taken to an ATM and have someone forcibly make me withdraw all funds.

It has been fine! Similar I felt to NYC, I am aware of my surroundings, I am not planning walking through the town after dark and I don't have lots of cash on me or flashy jewellery and a handbag. I have felt generally safe and people have been friendly and helpful. My husband had his phone in his back pocket and someone commented that it wasn't a good idea! That's as threatening as its got, advice from a local to be safe! Although I appreciate that people may have had very different experiences, we have been fine.

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TizerorFizz · 20/10/2022 09:02

@MyBeloved
My Dc went to a boarding school in SA for a term and we’ve had several holidays there. Their SA “parents” were very safety conscious. So we also understood their dos and donts. Staying in well lit public areas is key. If you don’t stop at lights the Police will stop you! As DH found out! Stop but don’t open windows and make sure car is locked. Never have a handbag on show in your car. Don’t wear bling.

South Africans have so many security concerns (and talk about it endlessly) you do have to accept razor wire snd glass topped walls everywhere. Never go into a township unless on a tour. The tours won’t take you to many of them. The Garden route towns are much more laid back. Pay for a parking minder if available. When driving, don’t stop if you don’t need to. Don’t get waved down or ask for directions. Be careful in atms. Preferably use a card.

The safari areas mentioned around the Garden Route are rewilded farmlands with imported animals. Go up to Kruger for a better wild experience. The big 5 is a leftover from hunting.The Garden route isn’t really a safari area. Hluhluwe Imfolozi in KwaZulu Natal is wonderful.

MotherofPearl · 20/10/2022 10:57

Another vote for Kruger if anyone is looking for a proper taste of the bush. It's absolutely incomparable. The Eastern Cape also has some amazing game reserves - Addo or Kwandwe, amongst others - which give a much more authentic safari experience. The Eastern Cape beaches are also far nicer than anywhere else - warmer than the freezing Atlantic ones around CT, but minus the sharks that can be an issue around KZN.

MyBeloved · 20/10/2022 15:42

We are visiting 2 safaris on the Eastern Cape. One in Port Alfred, one in Dreikoppen

TizerorFizz · 20/10/2022 17:23

Dreikoppen is a game farm. A hunting farm in other words. Did you know that? It’s not a true wildlife area. The other one might be Oceana which is really a theme park. Why not do the real thing in Kruger or the concessions nearby?

isthismylifenow · 20/10/2022 19:11

I think you are referring to Driekoppen Game Lodge which is in Vrede in the Free State.

The place Driekoppen is a little town in the Eastern Cape.

isthismylifenow · 20/10/2022 19:22

MyBeloved · 20/10/2022 15:42

We are visiting 2 safaris on the Eastern Cape. One in Port Alfred, one in Dreikoppen

If you are travelling to Port Elizabeth after these stops, you will pass a farm stall called Nanaga. Do yourself a favour and stop off there, and buy some of their pies (if you eat pies that is). They are pretty famous. And when you get to PE and someone found out you drove that route, there is 90% chance someone will ask you if you stopped off at Nanaga 😀

Pronounced Na-na-ggga. Omw that is a difficult one to try to spell the pronunciation. 😂

isthismylifenow · 20/10/2022 19:30

MyBeloved · 20/10/2022 15:42

We are visiting 2 safaris on the Eastern Cape. One in Port Alfred, one in Dreikoppen

If you are going to Lalibela, you won't be disappointed. Enjoy your trip. You will be in the area of my home turf ☺️

MyBeloved · 20/10/2022 22:34

Thank you all. It is all booked and paid for. Very, very VERY excited. There for 6 weeks.

Schulte · 21/10/2022 07:27

We chose two game reserves just off the garden route precisely because they’re not wild and remote. DD has asthma so want to be near hospitals if needed. Still looking forward to it, I know it will be safari light but a good compromise for us!

Thank you for the safety tips too, keep them coming.

when you have a longer drive between CT and the garden route, where can you stop for a loo break? Are there safe service stations or is it best to drive into a town?