Addo Elephant National Park

An elephant project on a National Park ... You get the opportunity to contribute to conservation on the most exciting National Park in South Africa! This is a lifetime experience!

You will spend your time working with the trackers and researchers monitoring elephant herds consisting of up to 120 elephants. Addo have had a problem with the elephant population the past few years, with over 400 elephants in the park, studies where carried out on how to maintain reasonable numbers. The park has also increased in size to be the only Big 7 park in South Africa. This makes the experience different, exciting and jam packed with action.

With lion just recently being introduced you will be on a Big 5 National Park also allowing volunteers to get involved in local community upliftment as well as the conservation experience on the park. The project is ongoing and offered to volunteers for 4, 8 & 12 weeks throughout the year.

Additional Interesting Information

Addo Elephant National Park is one of 22 national parks spread throughout the country, managed by South African National Parks (SANParks). Addo received the SANParks Kudu Award for Best Park due to excellent performance in the three core business areas of SANParks: tourism, conservation and people & conservation.

SANParks as the country?s premier conservation organisation, has been mandated by the South African government to expand South Africa?s protected areas from the present 6% to 8% of the country?s surface area and up to 20% from 2% of the coastline by 2010. Addo?s expansion process aims to see the park cover 236 000 hectares of land by 2010, with an associated 120 000-hectare Marine Protected Area.

Conservation at Addo Elephant National Park is focused on conserving the unique fauna, flora and ecological process that characterise the Eastern Cape.

Natural processes are restored and conserved. Part of the commitment of the park is to reintroduce only naturally-occurring fauna and flora, drawing on historical distribution patterns of wildlife to create an authentic representation of biodiversity.

Expansion of the park is ongoing, creating an exciting backdrop to conservation management. Wildlife introductions and translocations occur throughout certain months of the year, employing some of the latest technology and research methods.s

As a conservation volunteer at Addo Elephant National Park you will have the chance to assist with many ongoing short and long term projects. As your placement will cover only a relatively short time there is no guarantee that you will be involved in all projects during your placement.

In a large and expanding national park, conservation priorities may change at short notice or in response to emergencies. It is vital that you are flexible in your response to these priorities, and be able to work on your own initiative in order to gain the most out of your experience.

For those who have the drive, interest, and are self motivated, much can be learned at Addo.

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Addo Guest House

The Benefits Of Online English Courses

Online English courses аrе one οf thе best learning tools fοr thе English language thаt уου wіll find. Services аrе available fοr everyone wіth a need fοr mastery οf thе language, аnd therefore уου саn find a fаntаѕtіс amount οf diversity within thе classes. Fοr English аѕ a second language уου wіll find аn appropriate class. Of course, thе same сουld bе rіght fοr those whο need tο improve thеіr communication skills fοr business аnd students thаt аrе falling behind аnd scoring poorly οn tests.

One οf thе greater benefits οf online English courses іѕ thе scheduling freedom thаt уου hаνе. It’s nοt uncommon fοr structured classes tο interfere wіth ουr work life οr οthеr commitments аnd therefore wе саn’t attend thеm regularly. Missing classes сеrtаіnlу doesn’t hеlр υѕ reach ουr goals. Online scheduling usually wіll give уου thе freedom tο commit tο a specific time frame thаt works fοr уου οn a daily basis.

Nοt everyone learns іn thе exact same manner. Thеrе аrе those thаt work better through audio whіlе others аrе fаntаѕtіс аt retaining information аѕ thе see іt. Thе courses thаt аrе offered online generally come wіth age appropriate games, streaming audio οr video hеlр, аnd іn ѕοmе cases уου′ll even find a tutor οn thе website. Whеn tackling a language аѕ hard аѕ thіѕ one саn bе, being аblе tο learn through уουr οwn strengths саn bе very beneficial.

Many people find taking English аѕ a second language tο bе hard experience аt first. Sіnсе mοѕt οthеr languages іn thе world structure thеіr phrases аnd sentences much differently, іt’s nοt uncommon fοr early learners tο switch thе placement οf verbs аnd adverbs. Thеrе аrе classes online thаt аrе directly targeted аt helping thе early ESL learner gеt a firm grip οn thе basic structure.

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English Courses Cape Town

Tips for finding Accommodation in Green Point

Green Point is possibly one of the most vibrant parts of Cape Town and unfortunately often over looked by tourists when looking for accommodation. Green Point sits on the slopes of signal hill and spills down to the coast at Mouille Point. It is hemmed in on its eastern side by the City bowl and the V&A Waterfront and its western side by Sea Point. It has a vibrant night life popular with the gay community and is host to some of the finest dining establishments in the country. Accommodation in Green Point is plentiful since the world cup and ranges from backpackers to boutique hotels.

Choosing accommodation in Green Point is an obvious choice for anyone wishing to be close to the city without having to put up with the noise that comes with staying in any city centre. It’s a short bus or shared taxi ride or even a walk on a sunny day and you are out of the city and onto the café lined Main Road of Green Point. The steep lanes that lead you off the main road up onto the slopes of signal hill are often lined with trees providing shade and in some of the older area around the Cape Quarter are even cobbled. This is where you’ll find some the best accommodation Green Point has to offer.

The proximity to the CBD is ideal for business travellers, the international convention centre is only a short taxi drive away and the choice of restaurants provide excellent opportunities to host business meetings. Almost all the accommodation in Green Point provides internet access but if this is a necessity it is best to check before hand to ensure that it will be available. After a long day of meetings however you’ll find it hard to stay away from the famous night life of Green Point main road.

Green Point is perhaps most famous for the stadium that was recently built to host the Cape Town games of the 2010 world cup. The tournament was largely responsible for turning the area around. It was always a place of natural beauty and popular with locals, its many charms though were often missed or ignored by tourists. It became infamous for its prostitutes and drug dealers, as well as its vagrant population. With the advent of the world cup the local council set about cleaning up the area, sometimes controversially. A result of this was the many guesthouses and boutique hotels which opened up as home owners and local entrepreneurs realised that accommodation in Green Point was sorely lacking.

It would be wrong to say that Green Point is growing as it doesn’t really have anywhere to grow unless it starts spilling out into the sea. There is however an aspect of it that is growing and that’s the accommodation. Green Point is becoming an increasingly attractive option for overseas visitors. Its proximity to the city and the ocean, its vibrant night life, world class restaurants and above all its excellent accommodation are all helping it become one more popular stop on the Cape Town tourist map.

Source: Green Point Accommodation

Cape Town- The Fun South African Holiday Spot

Sure, safaris are fun, but there are many other things you can do while visiting Africa. South Africa is a favorite holiday spot because of the sights, food and shopping. It’s the perfect stop before you head off on your safari.

Which are the best beaches, restaurants, shopping districts and nightlife in Cape Town, one of South Africa’s top bustling, fascinating cities?

Your South African holiday can begin in Cape Town with a kind of day trip that takes in a little bit of all the best stuff. Start with a visit to the Kirstenbosch Gardens. These sprawling gardens are filled with spectacular landscaping touches and cozy coves all through, and the beauty can be somewhat preternatural. When you see families sitting about on their checkered picnic cloths enjoying themselves with great spreads, and children tossing Frisbees around with playful dogs, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a picture book. While you’re there, make sure that you make your way to Signal Hill for the sunset; there are few more beautiful experiences you could hope to have in life. And while on the subject of sunsets, try one of the most beautiful white sand beaches you’ll ever see this side of the Fiji, at Camps Bay. Wherever you go, you can be sure that you will have a good bit of pantomime and music to entertain you; street entertainment is really big in South Africa.

Shopping

Most people would go to the shopping district for shopping; in Cape Town, you certainly have a sparkling shopping experience in store for you, but the street entertainment is not to be missed - the street jazz bands, the clowns, the tightrope walkers, you name it, are all here working up a commotion. Kloof Street has lots of great Bohemian eateries and stores for little souvenirs and odds and ends. Somehow, Cape Town seems to have the lock on really cool little Bohemian stores all around. Try the Baobab mall on Long Street and the Canal Walk mall too on the waterfront. There are vintage African clothing, wonderful secondhand buys and books, jewelry and everything you could want for great shopping expedition.

Food

All this shopping is bound to put you in a mind for a good old South African culinary experience; and you’re certainly in the right place. Cape Town’s cuisine is so famous people actually fly in from all over the rest of the country to eat at some of Cape Town’s best restaurants. Curiously, one of the best restaurants of this kind, Mzoli’s, is right next to a ghetto near Klipfontaine Road. The restaurant gets pretty crowded, so get there early. If you want something less formal, try the Royale on Long Street for great burgers or Texies Seafoods for unbeatable fish and chips.

Night Life

At the end of the day, you’re bound to be of the mind to celebrate, if you just finished a burger at the Royale on Long Street, you’re in for a treat; you’ll find there is the famous Zula Sound right next door with South African ethnic music, and the Waiting Room for dancing. If you are the karaoke kind person, try the Dubliner; it’s like the Philippines in here. Everyone loves karaoke.

That should put a wrap on a rollicking South African holiday in Cape Town. The town has a long history, and it reflects in the thousands of tiny little undiscovered attractions there are all around. All you need to do is to explore. Why not add a few days to your schedule and take in the sights, sounds, food and people in one of South Africa’s premier cities?

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Boat Cruises in Cape Town

Cape Town Travel Safety Tips

Cape Town is as safe as any other large metropolitan area as long as visitors use their heads and follow a couple of basic Cape Town safety travel tips.

Hotspots have been identified and security has been upgraded with a successful partnership between the city, Cape Town accommodation establishments, business and other interested parties. CCTV cameras have been erected to monitor dodgy areas and there is a strong security presence on the streets, with both foot patrols and mounted policemen.

Travel safety do's and don'ts

To ensure your travel safety, do not walk around the city and surrounds with large amounts of cash and other valuables on you. Keep cameras, mobile phones and other equipment out of sight and make sure you have made copies of crucial legal documents to stow in a safe place.

Avoid walking alone, especially after dark, in lonely and poorly lit areas and be aware that there are some areas of the city that are best avoided. Ask the advice of your Cape Town accommodation establishment concierge or pop in at a Cape Town tourism office for more information.

If travelling by car, ensure your doors are locked and windows closed and do not leave valuables exposed, rather lock them in the boot. Be aware that car hijackings do occur, so be careful and observant at traffic lights or stop streets. Do not pick up hitch hikers.

Street scams

Remember there are predators on the streets, so avoid assistance at an ATM and do not fall prey to popular street scams which include:

    * 'Foreigners' asking for taxi fare to an important meeting as they've locked their keys in the car and only have foreign currency on them.
    * Kids carrying letters asking for financial contributions for their education.
    * People claiming they needed money to get to hospital.

Although the city has a plan in place to assist street kids and beggars, there are still many of them on the streets. Please do not give them money - it'll simply feed either a drug or alcohol habit. Rather donate funds to the vast array of NGO's and government agencies dealing with the problem.

Cape Town travel emergency numbers

Please make a note of the following emergency numbers:

    * 112 - for all emergencies from your mobile phone
    * 107 - for all emergencies from a landline
    * 10111 - Western Cape South African Police Services Flying Squad
    * 10177 - Western Cape Ambulance service
    * 107 - Western Cape Fire Brigade

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Cape Town Tour Operator

Self Catering Cottages are Favored for Cape Town Holidays

Self-catering cottages are proving more popular than ever with those looking for affordable family accommodation. This is because of the freedom and relaxation that is not offered by a hotel, as well as the lower cost.

Cape Town has more non- hotel accommodation than any other South African city, because it is a popular holiday destination with tourists both from within South Africa and from overseas. Its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and outdoor attractions attract millions of visitors annually.

Self-catering cottages are proving more popular than ever with those looking for affordable family accommodation. Business travelers may still choose the hotel option, presumably because the cost is covered by their company, but self-catering accommodation is preferred, not only by local visitors, but by those from the UK and Europe, South Africa’s traditional tourist markets. Initially the Bed and Breakfast option was a popular, economical choice, not just because it offered cheap accommodation, but because most offer a personalized and individual service that is seldom found in a hotel. Families, however, often find that B&B accommodation can be restrictive when traveling with children, while self-catering cottages are usually designed to be family and child friendly.

Consider what a great start it will be to your holiday to enter into the spacious living room which is exclusively for the use of your family, providing plenty of space while on holiday to relax, pursue their hobbies and interests or just watch a movie. Meals in a hotel or B&B can be a nightmare for families with kids, who feel restricted by the formal dining room option where they have to be on their best behavior in order not to disturb other guests. Self-catering holiday cottages usually include a fully equipped kitchen, making meals a flexible, relaxed and participative process. If the family wants to have breakfast in their pajamas, no one will frown. Imagine the pleasure of taking your breakfast out in the garden of your own private country cottage where you can enjoy good weather in natural surroundings, and get a great start to the day. When one stays in a hotel or B&B, the choice of food soon becomes monotonous even in the best, while the self catering option not only allows plenty of scope for variety, but is far more economical because your meals are provided at your cost whereas most restaurants have a mark up 300% as standard in the catering industry. This may leave the guest with enough of the holiday budget to enjoy a few treats, dining out at a local restaurant. Families from foreign cultures seem particularly to appreciate the ability to prepare meals to their own taste that may not be available from any local restaurants. Not only is the cost of a family holiday significantly reduced, but there are no wasted meals either because what is not eaten can easily saved for another day.

With the great weather of holiday destinations, such Cape Town, a self-catering holiday is made that much more enjoyable when the family can help father prepare a barbecue meal outside in the garden, and everyone can enjoy it in the great outdoors. Another advantage is that you are economically able to prepare a picnic with gourmet ingredients to take to the beach for the whole family to enjoy without great expense. Refreshments are often an expensive item in a formal holiday accommodation option, but are always at hand at supermarket prices when one rents a self-catering holiday accommodation, which can be a really important cost saver for families on holiday in sunny South Africa. Most importantly, a vacation rental is generally far cheaper than a hotel, particularly for families and even friends sharing a cottage because the rates are usually levied for the accommodation unit unlike a hotel or a B&B which charges a rate per person; so the more people in your group or family, the cheaper it becomes per person, and usually every couple or every person has their own private bedroom in addition to sharing a living and dining room.

Self-catering accommodation requires special city zoning permissions and therefore most cottages of this type of found outside the city and are located in the coastal villages and towns where a holiday can be far more peaceful and will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Finally one of the major advantages is the fact that your family or your group of friends will enjoy affordable Cape Town holiday accommodation to yourself; giving much more privacy than is available in a hotel or a B&B with the freedom to come and go as you please.

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Century City Holiday Apartments

Learn English In Beautiful Cape Town, South Africa

There's no escaping the fact that learning to communicate in English is almost imperative in the modern world today. English IS, for better or worse, the international business language. For young school-leavers in countries where it is not the first language, studying English is often a major step towards becoming employed - either in their own countries in companies that work online with international clientele, or abroad if they wish to travel and work globally.

While there are numerous English Language schools all over the world, Cape Town has become one of the most popular locations for learning English.

It isn't difficult to figure out why.

If you have to learn a new language, why not make the experience more exciting by traveling somewhere new? And Cape Town is a young person's dream destination.

With glistening beaches and awe-inspiring mountains, Cape Town nestles at the foot of the famous landmark, Table Mountain. This is really one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

In between hitting the books you can explore the whole city and the surrounding regions with the new friends you'll make from all over the world - your class mates!

There are great shops, plenty of fun and funky restaurants, cafes and bars, and a thumping nightlife.

You will enjoy wandering around the city streets, experiencing a true African city yet always able to access the latest fashion, movies and entertainment.

The multicultural society makes Cape Town a unique place, and we guarantee it will steal your heart!

Due to the ever increasing demand of foreign English Language students, more and more
Language Schools have opened up in and around the city. It is wise to compare the costs and the quality of the various institutes to make sure you're getting the right course for your requirements. For the most part the quality of both lecturers and facilities in the various Language Schools in Cape Town is exceptional. You should have fully equipped classrooms, breakaway areas for socializing, Internet access for staying in touch with home, and assistance with accommodation and transport.

So come to Cape Town and combine the holiday of a life-time with learning to communicate in the language that will help you get your career off to a great start!

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Cape Town English Tuition

Cape Town Boat Charter Boat Trips

Let's get together

Every year we have at least one big team-building adventure, where our entire company joins in, in a day of fun. Because our company is still rather small, it means that we can enjoy a bigger variety of adventures, and this year we opted for a Cape Town boat charter adventure along the Cape coastline.

Ready, aim, shoot!

Our day was planned with a couple of activities for the day, starting off with a boat based clay shoot. I've never done clay shooting, but I thought "how difficult can it be, right?" Turns out, it is much harder than I anticipated. We were separated into two teams: at work it's usually the creatives and suits (otherwise known as marketers) working in groups, but on this day it was creatives and marketers working together against a team of a similar setup.

There are some people just shouldn't be allowed to handle a weapon and Lisa, our receptionist, is one of them. After missing her clay target, Lisa swung the shotgun around, holding it with only one hand, her finger still on the trigger. Now if it was a single shot gun this would be ok, but it was a two shot semi-automatic and Lisa fired a second shot, missing her teammate Craig, by mere millimetres and hitting the water bottle standing next to him instead. Craig wasn't the only one to get a massive fright as the bottle exploded. Sadly, my team came second and although I could claim nothing more than to blame the wind for blowing our chances at winning this, I know that in all honesty it came down to the other team being better shots, and not having Lisa on their team.

Something a little faster he said...

While unwinding on the boat, getting lunch ready and some of the guys' busy fishing, another boat joined us. This one is a little bit faster the skipper said. At speeds exceeding 120 km/ph, I would say that boat was a lot more than a little faster. It was an exhilarating experience moving at such a pace over the water! I absolutely loved it. Unfortunately can't say the same for Ryno, he was more than happy to embark when we got back to the other boat.

Lunch was ready when we got back on the boat, although Ryno looked rather green around the edges and said he would just like a glass of water. The food was divine, including some of the best cheeses I've tasted in a while. We were chatting about work, mocking some people about the funny stuff they've done during the past year (without being mean), and celebrating the fact that this has been our company's most successful year yet.

Desert...

Of course every meal should follow with a desert, and today it was a doughnut, but this was no ordinary doughnut. This was a large inflatable doughnut shaped rubber tube that was towed behind our favourite High Speed Rubber Duck. Luckily the doughnut ride only happened an hour or so after our lunch; otherwise it might have turned out messier than it already was. Most of us ended up in the water, me included. As the boat pulled away, my feet went over my head and I hit the water like a sack of potatoes. Yes of course everybody laughed, including me. You can't help but laugh, since it is quite a sight to see. The only two who managed to stay on was Quinton and Derrick. How on earth they managed that, I wouldn't know, but they seemed to know what they were doing.

Nobody got injured, except for the odd bruise here and there, but nothing serious. Our team building day came to an end after the doughnut rides and we continued on our way back to the V&A Waterfront where the Tigger2Charters base was. It was a most successful team building day and a good example of how good our working relationships were. It wasn't a case of just getting there, doing whatever needed to be done, but enjoying a few laughs with friends.

Source: Cape Town Team Building

Secure Your Cape Town Accommodation The Easy Way

As the year speeds to a close, 2010 FIFA World Cup fever has soccer fans around the world clamouring to secure Cape Town accommodation, and with good reason - the Mother City, as she is affectionately known to her inhabitants, has recently been voted one of the top tourist destinations in the world and is set to be a major host city for World Cup proceedings. And you have to ask yourself - where else would you be able to abseil down a cliff, take a helicopter trip to the Winelands for lunch and to sample wines from historical estates, venture into the deep to come fin to face with one of the ocean's most fierce predators, take part in a Cape Town hot air balloon flight that affords you 720 degree views of our magnificent countryside; and still be back in time for dinner?

Once merely a stopover on the East Indian spice route, Cape Town today is a bustling metropolis that draws visitors from around the globe who venture here to experience the very best the African continent has to offer in terms of tourist attractions. The city is supplied with a robust infrastructure that serves to accommodate discerning travellers in the manner to which they are accustomed, all the while retaining its unique South African flavour and dishing it up with aplomb. A visit to this delightful location is more than just an amusing outing; it is an experience that will make you see Africa in a different light all together.

However, holidays- and even planning can be extremely complicated, especially if you are doing so remotely. Visitors from abroad often find the sheer wealth of online information pertaining to Cape Town accommodation, -events, -attractions and -travelling options overwhelming; which is where Book Cape Town steps in. The brainchild of ROI Media, a trusted name in the online media sector, Book Cape Town comprises a comprehensive travelling portal of Cape Town hotels, transport and activities that has smoothed the way for visitors to South Africa since 2007. Here you will find literally hundreds of listings for all manner of service providers in and around our fair city. With such a varied landscape, the Mother City has the unique distinction of offering visitors leisure activities on land, in water and in the sky - count in our hot air balloon trips and you'll see that we endeavour to pay homage to all four of the elements.

We also realise that while you are here you will need to get around; which is why we have compiled a database of reputable transportation providers that will get you from point A to B with as little, or as much, fanfare as you prefer. Keen to hire a limo for your night out on the town? No problem. Interested in zipping along in a side-cart with the ocean breeze fluttering in your hair? Sure, we'll sort that out in two ticks. Simply looking for a sturdy little car to cart you to and from places of interest around Cape Town? Budget car hire it is.

Already well-known among local travellers and tourism agencies, the team at Book Cape Town recently spent months building a larger, more efficient website that now includes hundreds of accredited accommodation establishments and activity providers. With maximum efficiency as our main goal, the site has been designed in a way allows you to put together your holiday in mere minutes from the comfort of your own home. We have spent long months testing hundreds of suppliers to find the finest selection of things to do in Cape Town, places to stay and ways of getting around. Name an activity, accommodation- or transportation type, we list it!

The new site gives the user the option of securing all Cape Town travel-related services in one place. This includes everything from flights, airport transfers, Cape Town accommodation bookings, trips, outings and more. Each and every supplier that has been listed on the site has been carefully and methodically sourced in order to ensure that Book Cape Town's reputation for good value remains intact. The company's ethos is underpinned by 'a no hidden costs' credo and you will find that this remains true even after the website has been upgraded.

Innovative new features you will encounter on the site include:

* A one-stop enquiry basket that has been integrated in a way that allows users to direct several enquiries to multiple service providers in one effortless step.
* A Google Maps application that gives a visual representation of where accommodation- and safari venues are located within Cape Town and South Africa.
* A map- and destination search function that allows users to narrow down search options geographically.
* Options that allow users to search in terms of cost, SA Tourism Board ratings, accommodation type and/or destination.
* A larger amount of listings that have been categorised in a way that makes the process of finding the ideal accommodation establishment or activity provider far easier than before.
* Unbiased user-generated reviews that allow prospective customers to view previous users' experiences.
* A live chat function that allows you to interact on a personal level.

And should you require assistance of a more personal nature, you can always call our dedicated booking centre where one of our friendly Book Cape Town representatives will take care of your query.

You will be truly hard pressed to find a more comprehensive, user-friendly travel porthole pertaining to Cape Town accommodation venues and activity providers. We are waiting to help make your Cape Town trip unforgettable.

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Holiday Accommodation Century City

Boat Cruises in Cape Town Harbour - Fantastic Day Tour

One of the best ways to experience the rugged splendor of Cape Town’s coast is to spend a day aboard one of the many boats which offer day tours from Cape Town’s harbor or other surrounding landing points. In this way you can get as close as possible to the amazing rocky cliffs of the Cape Peninsula where the waters of the Atlantic Ocean swirl and crash against this rocky outcrop. Only 200 km southeast of the Cape Peninsula (also known as the Cape of Good Hope) lies Cape Agulhas – the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

There is a lot to see around the coast of Cape Town which will no doubt add to your experience as you enjoy the gentle lapping of the waves against the side of your boat. For one thing you can enjoy the many beaches around the coast from a different perspective. You can also view attractions such as Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Table Mountain and Cape Point from a whole new angle. You may be fortunate enough to see whales, dolphins, Great White Sharks and other marine animals in the waters beside you as you relax and enjoy the fresh sea breeze against your skin. You might also choose to take a trip past Seal Island – the only place in the world where the Great White Sharks breach the water in order to dive-bomb their prey. It makes for a truly unforgettable experience. Other wildlife you might expect to see in abundance includes penguins and seagulls.

Of course, the best aspect of going on a boat cruise in Cape Town is the unforgettable scenery that you will enjoy along the way. Being a coastal town that was largely built up around harbor activities, Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most scenic cities. Despite the frigid waters, it is a very water-orientated city and you will find that large numbers of its inhabitants head out to sea on a variety of vessels every weekend. Others take to the beaches and either swim, surf or body board. However, many would argue that the best way to enjoy the sea is to get in a boat and head away from land where the sounds of the city cease and the gentle lapping of waves is the only sound that remains constant. Book your boat cruise in Cape Town today and look forward to enjoying a great day trip.

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Cape Town Sunset Cruises

Greenpoint Market

Though a large variety of items are available in Greenpoint Market, the popular ones on sale are the African curios. The range of the items available in Greenpoint Market is quite diverse catering to the interests of individual visitors to the market. Available for sale the items include African artworks, traditional handicrafts, African curios, books, CDs and a wide range of such other articles.

In addition to African traditional items, people visiting this market can also buy arts and crafts from other countries like Zimbabwe, Kenya and other regions in South and West Africa. Paintings, variety of fabrics, food items as well as toiletries and many more products are put up for sale at Greenpoint Market of Cape Town.

Besides shopping, people visiting Greenpoint Market can also get a taste of local entertainment. Tired of shopping, you can relax and enjoy the live performances staged by street artists. Providing the shoppers in Cape Town a vast array of items, the Greenpoint Market showcases the traditional essence of South Africa.

For tourists in Cape Town, the city features one of its largest crafts market, the Greenpoint Market. It is an open-air market situated outside the Green Point Stadium and remains open on all Sundays and public holidays from 9 am to 5 pm. Special items available in this market include African curios and artworks from various African countries.

A large crafts market, Greenpoint Market offers a wonderful shopping experience to all its visitors. Located at the car park just outside the Green Point Stadium, Greenpoint Market is open from 9 am to 5 pm, every Sunday and every public holiday.
Shopping for Crafts
Greenpoint Market in Cape Town is an open-air market and features among the largest handicrafts market in the city. The market is always bustling with crowd of local people as well as foreigners. It represents a vibrant scene marked by people buying clothes, local handicrafts and artifacts.

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Self Catering Green Point

Reasons to visit Eastern Cape

When to visit and How to get there
The Eastern Cape is in the transitional climate zone ie. it doesn’t have a distinct winter or summer rainfall pattern (though the rain falls mainly at night). As such it stays fairly lush and green year round. Generally the best time to visit is from August to early May. The winter months in the interior game reserves can get very cold, though the coast stays warmer.

The Eastern Cape is often combined with the Garden Route as you simply continue east from the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth and the malaria-free game reserves beyond (3 to 3½ hours drive). You can drive directly to the game lodges or you can be transferred from Port Elizabeth. You can also fly direct to Port Elizabeth from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.

The Safari Experience at a private game reserve

So what is the pattern of a safari when staying at a private game reserve? This varies slightly from lodge to lodge but each aims to build their safari experience around the behaviour of the wildlife. You head out early in the moning on a open 4x4 game vehicle as this is the time when the animals are most active and often on the hunt. Your ranger is a font of knowledge about animal behaviour and so can help you interpret what you are seeing. You return in time for a late, and keenly awaited breakfast. Sometimes this takes the form of a brunch. The pattern of morning and evening game drives allows time in the middle of the day for relaxation in the comfort and luxury of the lodge. The 'chase' begins again in the late afternoon, with another game drive, which continues after dark. This just gives you time to swap safari tales over an excellent dinner, before you get an early night - in preparation for more pre-dawn excitement! At least one, if not all of your evening meals are likely to be taken in an open 'boma', under the stars around an open fire. Particularly informative are the guided bush walks with a tracker, which enable you to get closer to some of the smaller creatures and flora of the bush.

Eastern Cape Family Safaris

The Eastern Cape has made quite a speciality of Family-friendly safaris given its proximity to the Garden Route, its malaria-free status and its adjacent Indian Ocean beaches. However be aware that there’s a knack to choosing which family-friendly game lodge is right for your family. Some of them have a very set children’s programme with kiddie game drives for younger children (usually 7 and under) and earlier meal times. This suits some, but not all, families. Other want to go on game drives as a family and spend quality time with each other. We have visited very lodge in the Eastern Cape and so are adept at being able to discuss the nuances with you.

Malaria-free Game Reserves

If you have young children, or you don’t wish, or cannot, take anti-malaria medication, South Africa is unique in offering a number of malaria-free Game Reserves. It used to be that you had a make a trade-off between the quality of the game-viewing and the absence of malaria, but this is increasingly not the case as a number of the non-malaria reserves, Madikwe Game Reserve, the Waterberg, the Pilanesberg and the Eastern Cape game reserves, offer the Big Five (elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard) as well as plenty of general game. All of these area have witnessed a heart-warming return to wildlife conservation with a number of farms restored to natural bushveld, and the largest restocking of wildlife that Africa has ever seen. What is fair to say is that the Eastern Cape and the Pilanesberg are more accessible than the traditional safari areas. This means reduced travelling time but the greater accessibility can also translate into less of an ‘African safari’ feel. However this is not the case with Madikwe Private Game reserve and the Waterberg which lie in the far North-West of South Africa. We have visited most of the game lodges and can discuss the relative merits of each one.

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Private Game Drives Eastern Cape

The Real Estate Market in South Africa

Any foreigner can buy real estate in South Africa. This includes - unlike Namibia - farms and agricultural land. Due to the favorable exchange rate, property in South Africa is affordable. For example, a house in a good area of Cape Town, with a swimming pool and a big garden, costs hardly more than $US 250,000.

Apartments are offered for less than $US100,000. In other areas, such as the province of KwaZulu-Natal., it is even cheaper. The Cape region is the safest place for an investment in property, as there is still a strong influx of buyers from the Johannesburg area, which keeps the prices up. The Garden Route is a growth area as well.

Real Estate Agents

The property market in the whole country is firmly in the hands of a few estate agencies. Private sales are relatively rare. In South Africa the agent is paid by the seller, so you can readily turn to an agency (see the real estate info page), if you are interested in buying property. When it comes to signing a contract or an offer to purchase, the agent will look after the required legal proceedings.

Market Survey

To get an idea of the market situation, one has to have a critical look at the available properties in the preferred area. The big newspapers (e.g. Cape Argus) publish a big property section every weekend, where you can find almost all the places for sale, advertised with photos. Many houses are "on show" on Sundays, which means you can view them without a previous appointment.

Real Estate Prices

Property is usually advertised at a price which lies 10 to 15 above the price the seller expects to achieve. You must keep that in mind and make an offer accordingly, if you are interested in buying something. If the seller accepts your offer, a down-payment of 10 per cent is typically required.

The transfer of the property is handled by an attorney, who also secures the transfer of the payment. Registration at the "Deeds Office" takes 6 to 8 weeks. At that time, a transfer duty is charged, which falls between 5 and 8 per cent of the purchase sum, depending on the value of the property. The attorney receives about 1 per cent.

Financing of Property

Be very careful if you are considering financing a house purchase with a bank-loan. The local interest rate stands at approx. 13 per cent at the moment. European banks are very reluctant to finance properties in South Africa, so that cash payment is usually the only option.

Buying a African Farm

Many people dream of owning a farm in Africa. This dream can be fulfilled, but one - particularly a non-farmer - should not underestimate the problems that go with owning an agricultural estate. Without the proper know-how, such a possession can become very costly. In the Cape area, agricultural estates, specially the lucrative wine and fruit farms, have become very expensive.

An affordable option is still an estate in the Natal Midlands, below the Drakensberg, where one can acquire a true paradise with forest, river, streams and lakes on hundreds of hectares for less than $US 300,000. Game farms, especially in Mpumalanga, are interesting investment prospects as well.

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Cape Town Home Search

Seasons for safari travel

All over the world whenever people get together the subject of the weather is a much discussed topic.

Undoubtedly there can be many serious economic and human survival issues at the heart of many weather conversations, but fortunately the weather also brings about discussions on what is the best time to go on safari in Africa. Such questions posed to tour operator’s organising luxury safaris might be, ‘when is the wildebeest migration in Tanzania?’, ‘How hot is Namibia in November?’, or what is the best time to travel along South Africa’s Garden Route?’

When planning a luxury safari trip the list of criteria may be a long one - amount of vacation time available and when, budget, needs of participants (crucial when travelling on a family safari), expectations of experience and the most comfortable time of year weather wise. Expectations may need to be managed and travellers often need to be flexible.

Of course there are outside influences that cannot be moved such as the annual migration in East Africa which is totally dictated and driven by the need for water. This event is spectacular to witness with the wildlife following the rains from the birthing grounds on the short grass plains of the Southern Serengeti during the months of January to March, moving up the western corridor crossing the Mara River from Northern Tanzania into Kenya by August. After enjoying the lushness of the Masai Mara they begin their southward journey once more sometime during the month of September to start the cycle all over again spending each year travelling in a clockwise direction.

For many visitors to Africa, to bear witness to this event will be a dream come true and the main focus of their trip, therefore it is essential to use the skills of a good African safari tour operator to match their criteria and “wants” to the right month of travel to ensure success and fulfilment.

The Okavango Delta in Botswana, one of the world’s largest inland water systems, originates in Angola with the floodwaters crossing into Botswana and Namibia in December reaching the end of the delta in July. With the water comes the returning wildlife making the best game viewing months May to October, however, the most productive time for birdwatchers is during the rainy season November to April.

The Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – are often stated as desired game viewing and available to the wildlife viewer in many different locations throughout Africa. Therefore with more choice of where and when, higher on the list may be other considerations such as comfort of luxury safari lodge, ease of travel (again of higher importance when travelling on a family safari) and the availability of additional activities such as guided walking safaris, walking with camels or horseback safaris.

As a sole destination or as an addition to a luxury safari vacation South Africa with its vibrant, stylish city of Cape Town and sumptuously luxurious hotels of the Winelands region is a year round destination although perhaps more comfortable for travellers in the spring/early summer months of August to October.

There is a season and activity to suit every traveller and given the right guidance a trip of satisfaction, enjoyment and memories is available to all.

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Southern African Safari

Giving and Getting Meaningful Critique on Photography Forums

Having spent many years on Photography forums, I’ve delivered my fair share of critique to budding photographers and received an equal amount myself. I’ve personally always taken extensive time out when critiquing an image to make my critique meaningful to the photographer and doing my utmost best to not break their spirit but instead to boost them to try even harder. Giving critique on images is not an easy job by any means and formulating your words so as not to cause offence is a skill that only a few possess. Quite simply, if you do not have the time to deliver a meaningful critique then rather say nothing at all.

I’ve seen so many photographers with oodles of potential sign up on a photography forum and have their spirits broken by people who do not know how to say things nicely or in some cases say things to deliberately break someone’s spirit. There are so many great photographers out there on forums who are more than eager to give of their time and help someone grow and improve, but there are also (quite sadly) some not so nice people who cannot stand the slightest hint of competition and will dig into their toolboxes of nasty comments to try and break someone’s progress.

You need some thick skin to be a photographer and to display your work online but not everybody possesses this. You need to be able to take a meaningful comment and use it to improve yourself and you need to know when someone is simply trying to get under your skin and simply delete their comment or just ignore it.

Now when I say meaningful critique, I mean a lot more than what I call the 3-H-Salute (Three H Salute). The three H salute is simply Halo – Hotspot – Horizon. This is a common tool in the arsenal of forumites who live, eat and breathe forum life, mostly on their employer’s time. Seldom do these type of critiquers ever deliver meaningful comment other than pointing out the blatantly obvious stuff like a) your horizon is slightly off level b) you have a hot spot in the sky or c) you have a halo in your image caused by oversharpening the image or something else that caused a halo effect. Make no mistake, these 3 elements of a photograph are essential to and often unseen by beginners as it is easy to miss these problems in an image when you’re just starting out. But these are not the be-all and end-all of a great image. In fact most great images have some type of flaw in them and most people would never notice that your horizon is slightly off level when there is enough wow factor in the image to keep your eyes peeled elsewhere. Some of the greatest photographers in history could post their work online today and have their work ripped to shreds by intermediate photographers.

Cape Town wedding photographers

Addo Elephant National Park - Best Elephant Photo Ever - South Africa

The Addo Elephant National Park was proclaimed in 1931, the park was formed to protect the remaining elephants in the Addo area, there were less than 15. At one time the Addo herd was one of the largest in the Eastern Cape with some 140 elephants, but hunting decimated these numbers over the space of around 200 years.

Not only were the elephants hunted but also black rhino and lions where made extinct in the area. The remaining elephants were 'rescued' by a land owner at Barkly Bridge - Mr J T Harvey, who allowed the elephants onto his land, preventing them from being hunted.

Elephants had to be chased to the area which had been set aside for the Addo Elephant National Park, but the fence was not strong enough to contain elephants, and they escaped and continued to be killed by farmers and by trains which travelled along the nearby line. In 1933 the manager of the park started to feed the elephants in an attempt to contain them.

In 1954 an elephant proof fence was developed by Graham Armstrong, tram rails and lift cable were used and an area of 2270 hectares was fenced off. The fence proved successful and can still be seen in the park today. Flood light were erected around the feeding areas and visitors would come to see the elephants, however the feeding caused more problems as the elephants came to expect the food and would stay in the feeding area. The plant life in the area was destroyed and the elephants became aggressive to the feeding truck and to each other, many elephants were injured, so this feeding was stopped in 1979.

The park was first opened to tourists in 1981, when they entered the park they could view the elephants easily as the numbers had grown significantly. Disease free Cape Buffalos were also protected bt the Addo Elephant National Park as were the flightless Dung Beetle. Eland, zebras, warthogs, black rhino and hippos were all introduced to the park over the following years.

Lions were reintroduced to the area in 2003 as well as spotted hyenas in 2003/2004. These are only some of the animals which can be seen jackals, kudu, red hartebeest and duikers are also found in the Addo Elephant National Park .

The Addo Elephant National Park itself has no natural waterholes; the water is supplied from boreholes. These manmade waterholes have the advantage that they are by the roads and can produce some excellent photo opportunities, with many different animals going to the waterholes at any one time.

The Spekboom waterhole and hide is fantastic for photographers. Hapoor waterhole is named after a bull elephant that was the dominant bull of the Addo herd for some 24 years, after being ousted from his herd by Lanky - an upcoming bull - Hapoor escaped through the fence developed by Graham Armstrong, he was the only elephant ever to do so. He was found grazing by Coerney Station and had to be shot as he was an aggressive animal - a cast of this giant elephants head can be seen in the restaurant at the main rest camp in Addo Elephant Park .

The main camp offers good quality accommodation from chalets to camp sites, there are also safari tents which look out directly over the park and it is not unusual to have an elephant or a herd of buffalo pass you by! Horse riding safaris are available, these tours go through the game area and can be quite nerve raking, a bit of experience is required.

Mornings, sunset and night drives are also offered from the main camp and are good value for money as well as very informative. Prior booking is essential, especially during the holidays. The park is relatively small and can be driven around comfortably in a day.

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Addo Accommodation

8 Reasons to Use a Tour Operator

Are you in the planning stages of a private vacation for you, your family, and some close friends? Perhaps you work with an organization or agency and are in the beginning phase of putting together a group vacation? Or maybe you are getting married and are looking for the perfect honeymoon getaway? Regardless of the reason, your research has led you to consider a vacation in Africa where exciting safaris, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant cultures await. Now, for the difficult part: where to begin? The truth is, many travelers do not know that much about Africa, let alone what it takes to plan a vacation in this region of the world. Faced with such a daunting task, you are probably considering other options, such as using a tour operator. But why use a tour operator to plan your Africa vacation? Here are eight reasons to consider:

1. Expertise: If you search the term “africa vacation” on Google you will see that it returns a stunning 36,900,000 results. There are thousands and thousands of different options varying by country, city, hotel, game reserve, safari, and so on. Once you whittle your list of possibilities down, how will you determine which options are the best? This is where the expertise of a tour operator is invaluable. At Lark Tours we have delved deep into Africa, we have a great deal of first-hand experience, and everybody who works for us has extensive personal knowledge, either from having lived or traveled in Africa. We know which restaurants in Cape Town are hidden gems, we know where to find the best safari experiences, and we can tell you exactly why Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is better than Kruger National Park. We can tell you where to go, the best time to go, and why this particular destination is perfect for your group. Extensive knowledge, coupled with the ability to offer suggestions that match your groups’ preferences, is one of the major benefits of using a tour operator.

2. Connections: As a tour operator, we have a vast network of connections and relationships within Africa. This allows us to offer unique outings, activities, and events that you as an individual would have a hard time arranging on your own. For example, are you interested in visiting a family in a village in Zimbabwe? Or perhaps you like the idea of making your own wine at a vineyard outside of Cape Town? Or maybe you are looking for your own private safari excursion into the backcountry of Botswana? We have the ability to make all these experiences, and many others, a reality for you and your group.

3. Save Time: The real question is, do you have the time and energy it takes to plan a vacation in Africa? Though it may come as a cliché, time is certainly one of our most valuable commodities, since we are all so busy. As a tour operator, we have spent years compiling information about destinations and activities all across Africa. For you to gather information and then figure out the best experiences and the ideal places to stay is a daunting task that could take weeks or more to complete. Using a tour operator means you save time.

4. Details: As an experienced traveler, you probably know by now that the tiny details are what make or break a vacation. Travel in Africa is full of small, yet highly important, details. For example, depending on what safari lodge you visit or what country you are flying within the luggage weight limits vary. In much of East Africa the limit is 32lbs per person while regions in southern Africa vary from 20lbs to 44lbs per person. Moreover, some flights require that all luggage be packed in a soft-sided duffel bag. Here are some more examples: in Kenya and Tanzania you cannot use US Dollar bills printed before 2002. In Zimbabwe you must bring cash with you since you cannot withdraw money within the country and cannot use credit cards at most places. If visiting Tanzania you need a yellow fever vaccination but you do not need one for South Africa (though this can vary depending on what countries you have visited recently). Some safari camps do not have running water or flush toilets. The list goes on and on. As a tour operator, we pay special attention to the details and we provide you with all necessary information about what to expect and how to prepare.

5. Trip Operation: Whether we are creating a custom itinerary for you, or booking you on one of our existing itineraries, rest assured that we are actually the company planning and operating your vacation. We are not booking you on another company’s trip. We have our own staff on the ground and we deal directly with all hotel and safari providers. This means we have direct oversight of each and every trip in order to ensure that it operates according to our high quality standards and meets all your expectations.

6. Logistics: Africa is not like the rest of the world. For the most part, it is far behind the technology curve and often very inaccessible via phone and email. Add to this the fact that business operation hours are very short in most of Africa, there are regular electrical blackouts in many regions, and there is a significant time difference between Africa and the U.S. Calling late at night is a necessity if you want to get a hold of someone first thing in the morning in Africa. If calling at odd hours does not bother you, then the next hurdle is trying to figure out how to correctly dial the telephone numbers. Each country is different and the telephone systems are not necessarily intuitive. Using email is even more frustrating since response time is slow and email servers in Africa are often down. You will have lots and lots of questions to resolve throughout the planning process, which means you need to be able to communicate effectively. Working around the logistics of arranging a vacation in Africa is enough to make you age prematurely. As a tour operator, we take care of all of these logistics, saving you time and hassle. Furthermore, our head office is located in the US, making it very easy for you to call or email us any time.

7. Accountability: Dealing directly with companies overseas, such as safari lodges and hotels, has its own set of unique challenges. Trying to find information about a company and its credentials is often difficult. What are the standards that they are held to? Is there a Better Business Bureau of sorts in Africa? Are companies located in Africa bound by the same laws and regulations as companies in America? What happens in the event of a dispute? When you deal with a tour operator based in the U.S, you completely bypass having to worry about any of these accountability issues. With Lark Tours, we are bound by U.S. rules and regulations and we are here to resolve anything that may go wrong along the way.

8. Safety: Security and safety in Africa is a major concern. There are many countries that are in the middle of war or civil unrest. These are easy to avoid because of publicity and news. But do you know which parts of Cape Town to stay away from? Or what roads in Zimbabwe to avoid? Or what safari destinations are dangerous? These are important issues that we as a tour operator take very seriously. We know exactly which areas pose threats to your safety and we take the necessary precautions to keep you safe.

While planning a vacation is difficult to begin with, planning a vacation in Africa is even more difficult and not for the faint of heart. This part of the world offers so many unique challenges that are tough to overcome. Using a tour operator means you have full access to a wealth of expertise, you save time, you do not have to worry about any of the important details or the planning logistics, you will be traveling as safely as possible, and you are dealing with just one company that is fully accountable for your vacation. What could be better? Most agree that Africa can offer the experience of a lifetime. So call Lark Tours today and let us create this experience for you without any headaches, hassle, or worry.

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Private Tours Cape Town

Cape Town Car Rental Options – 6 Tips to Get You Started

Why is a car rental in Cape Town the most economical and convenient way to visit the city, especially if you travel with a partner, family or group?

To begin with, public transport around Cape Town and the environment is at best time consuming and at worst, dangerous. The cost of taxi or private tour through the broker to quickly add large parties. In addition, the calendar does not fit their program of trips.

For allFor these reasons it makes more sense Cape Town car for a holiday in Cape Town.

Six Tips to Get You Started

License

Any person who is driving the rental car will need an international driving license if not a South African one. Moreover, the international driving license must be written in English. Request for additional authorized drivers may incur additional charges.

Insurance

Read the fine print carefully. Thirdliability insurance is compulsory. Complete insurance costs extra, and there was still responsible for any "excess" with respect to politics. Accidents on gravel roads usually with a surplus greater. If you already have an insurance company a written test, must be for car rental.

Restrictive conditions

The cheapest cars often have restrictive conditions attached to them. For example, some companies can no longer travel150 km on the outskirts of the city, without written consent. Others will not allow you to become an international border, or at least not through with their vehicles more affordable. Furthermore, crossing the border may incur additional charges.

Pick up and return

Earn your car will be in town, and returned to another, probably extra cost. For car rental companies in the smallest market in Cape Town fire, may be impossible. Select your landlord with caution as it may be usefulA higher rate of pay in order to achieve greater flexibility.

Unlimited mileage

Most car hire companies offer a Cape Town deal includes up to 200 km "free" led by a day. If you are a tourist and a plan to have the car for more than a couple of days use, it is usually the cheapest option. If, as many visitors your travel plans Touring the Garden Route, offers are almost always the best option.

Air conditioning

Inthe hot summer months, air conditioning is essential for comfort. A vehicle air conditioning also sense from a security perspective, because you can travel comfortably with the windows closed while driving through the city.

Search for the car hire company just takes a long time. Prices and small print varies from company to company and season to season. Choose your time wisely and reap the benefits during your stay in Cape Town.

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Cheap Car Rental in Cape Town

Tamboerskloof Holiday Apartments

Tamboerskloof Holiday Accommodation, is central and within walking distance of Cape Town City Centre and close to major tourist attraction such as the V&A Waterfront and Atlantic Seaboard.

Our Tamboerskloof Self Catering with a mix between Stately Edwardian, Funky Art Deco and African-influence architectural and also one of the oldest residential places in Cape Town, has something to suit all tastes.

With stunning views of the bay, Lion’s head and the mountain, making this Suburb indeed very popular to live as well as visit.
There is a Museum situated only a mile of Cape Town with all that’s fascinating to see, and a must for all Art lovers.

Holiday Rental in Tamboerskloof

Granger Bay Holiday Apartment Rentals

Set virtually next door to the V&A Waterfront in its own bay, the fashionable suburb of Granger Bay lies on the Atlantic Ocean with some of the most stunning views of Table Bay and Robben Island - providing some of the most worthwhile sunsets in Cape Town.

Granger Bay’s major draw card is its accessibility. The suburb lies only 20 minutes’ from the airport, is minutes from the city or Cape Town's International Conference Centre - providing the business traveller with a number of options - and yet also lies within easy reach of Cape Town’s most trendy beaches and suburbs. Granger Bay Holiday Accommodation is adjacent to the Metropolitan Golf Club, which lies within the Green Point Common - an inner-city greenbelt that is also home to the Green Point Stadium and the site of heated debate in the face of the 2010 World Cup as local residents fought to safeguard the common.

The Green Point Market, held every Sunday in the car park outside the stadium, is one of the largest markets in Cape Town and well worth a visit, with music and crafts and loads of traditional African art pieces and curios. And the Sea Point promenade can be accessed from Granger Bay and provides a wonderful walk that takes in ships in the bay, seagulls and locals and their dogs.

Self Catering Granger Bay

Exclusive Winelands Tour

By no means is this your typical run of the Mill tour. Half of this tour is done on horseback where we journey through the beautiful winelands of Franchhoek to visit two of South Africa's best Wine farms. We also visit the historic town of Franschhoek wine tour which is world renowned for hospitality and award winning restaurants.

You will get a true taste of the Cape Winelands in all her splendor. We visit the Huguenot Monument which was erected to mark the 250 year of the French Huguenots arrival in the valley, which stands in a lovely garden, notable for roses that bloom during the summer months.

Join us on this Exclusive Winelands Tour

Travel, Tours, Hotel Accommodation South Africa

Find Luxury Accommodation by area, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, Garden Route, Kruger National Park, Pilanesburg National Park, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, Sun City, Victoria Falls, Windhoek and Bazaruto Island.

For Southern African accommodation establishments including 3-5 star hotels, game lodges, villas, apartments, self catering cottages, guest houses. Customers can make reservations and receive email confirmation within a short period of time. Includes cage diving, helicopter rides and safari booking.

Whatever your heart's desire - or the limitations of your budget - we'll help you to find the perfect place to stay wherever your visit to the Western Cape may take you.

Buy Online South Africa

Self Drive Tours in South Africa

Get around on the ground - Self Drive Holidays in South Africa.

South Africa is a vast country with endless natural beauty and a Self Drive holiday is the ultimate and most rewarding way to explore this diverse country. Unlike many European cities, the main form of transport in South Africa is by road. There are some forms of public transport however they are limited to travel within the main cities and between them.

Most tourists fly to South Africa and land at one of the three international airports. Johannesburg International, Durban International or Cape Town International Airport.

Once you land your holiday has begun. Self drive car tours offers almost unlimited freedom for the tourist to South Africa. Excellent road infrastructure opens up a country away from the main cities that is filled with natural splendour: completely unspoilt beaches, wine farms, magnificent mountains and wildlife parks

The self drive holiday allow you to discover the unexpected and experience the heady mix of third and first world cultures in South Africa away from the set tourist routes.

South Africa is a huge country and not to be traversed in a day, take your time, break up your journey. You'll often find that the best memories are made once you are off the beaten track!

Airport Car Hire South Africa

Bantry Bay Holiday Apartments

Find quality Bantry Bay holiday accommodation on the coastal road between Sea Point and Clifton and the area offers fabulous views over the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island. Bantry Bay has world class shopping centres, restaurants and also entertainment venues.

Bantry Bay is only 30 minutes away from Cape Town International Airport and close to the V&A Waterfront and Clifton beaches.

You will only find a handful of shops here as well as a popular delicatessen, pharmacy and doctors. For all other shopping you’ll need to head to Sea Point or Camps Bay and for a wider choice of restaurants the closest areas would be Camps Bay or Sea Point otherwise the Islands restaurant in the President Hotel or even Ambassador Hotel.

Holiday Rentals Bantry Bay

Immigration South Africa

Moving to a foreign country to establish a business, to work, or to retire can be a daunting experience.

Whilst you are in the process of uprooting your life and moving to South Africa, the last thing you want to face is a complex web of immigration rules and procedures. Some people opt to handle the application on their own because they are in no hurry and are confident that they will be accepted. They believe they know which is the best visa to apply for given their particular circumstances.

However, the law is changing quite frequently and the barriers to entry are becoming more strict. Using the services of a highly qualified specialist means that you will receive advice on the best route to take to ensure your application is successful.

Which Visa?

There are three types of permits:

Visitors permit:

Passport holders from the following countries will be awarded a three month visitor visa on arrival: UK, Ireland, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA.
Visitors planning to stay long-term can apply for a three-year version of this visa if they are undertaking one of the following: an academic sabbatical, voluntary or charity work, internship, training or research.

Temporary Residents Permit

Valid for up to four years. To apply successfully the applicant must fall into one of the following categories:

Student/Intern (Interns get Visitors Permit)
Business Person (Self-employed) and Investors. Requirements are:

Business investment of 2.5 million Rand into the book value of the business within the first 2 years of the running concern*
A business plan and a business track record to prove entrepreneurial skill
Employment of 5 South Africans or holders of Permanent Residency Permits
Registration with the SA tax office

Employees:

A general work permit is granted based on a conditional job offer (if other requirements are met.)
A quota work permit is also granted to people with specific skills which are needed in South Africa.
Exceptional Skills work permit
International Transfer – work permit

Pensioners and Senior Citizens

Four years is granted for people able to prove income of R20,000 per month per person

Spouses or Life Partners of SA citizens or holders or Permanent Residency Permits.
Corperate Permit – issued to those wanting to employ a number of foreigners
Other – there are some additional temporary permits issued on grounds such as asylum seekers or permits for seasonal work.

Permanent Residents

To qualify, the foreigner must comply with one of the following:

Self-Employed/Investor
Employees (those who have already worked for five plus years in SA; those who have received a permanent job offer; those with extraordinary skills.)
Pensioners and Senior Citizens (Criteria as above – Temporary Residents – the only difference is that the R20,000 is just for the main applicant not per person)
Spouses or Life Partners can apply after five years relationship.
Family Members – those of 1st step of kinship.
Financially Independent Applicants (funds in excess of R7.5 million)
Applicants with asylum status (after five years of having the asylum seekers permit).

South Africa Immigration

Cape Winelands Tour

Load up your camera, and charge your batteries, the Cape Winelands are one of the most beautiful places you will ever photograph. On this tour we visit the historical towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl.

Stellenbosch is situated in an exceptionally beautiful area dominated by the soaring peaks of the Hottenstot-Holland mountain range and is the largest and most established of all the Cape Winelands.

Stellenbosch is also known as Die Eike Stad (The town of Oaks) with its Oak lined streets and historical Cape Dutch buildings. We visit the most photogenic best kept secrets in the whole of Stellenbosch for a wine tasting, and then spend some time photographing the historical farm buildings and beautiful gardens. You may even just prefer a quiet stroll or some time to sit alone contemplating...

The town of Franschhoek has an atmosphere of its own. Meaning French Corner it is just that: a little corner in the Cape with strong French influences due to the French Huguenots of old. Franschhoek has earned the reputation for itself as the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, and for this reason we have lunch here, at one of my favourite restaurants.

Paarl is South Africas third oldest town, and derives its name from the massive, rounded granite rocks directly to the west of town, which were witnessed by an early explorer as they glistened like pearls after a rainstorm, paarl being Dutch for pearl.

We enjoy the day visiting and photographing a variety of wine farms, and concentrate on the elements that make a good landscape photograph, and the elements that make a good wine, off course!

There are a selection of wine farms to visit in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, and the itinerary of the tour may be adapted to suit your interests. Please let me know what sort of photography you enjoy, and I will customize a tour especially for you.

Dates of Cape Winelands Tours
Please visit our Calendar page to see dates of tours.

Tour Cape Winelands

West Coast Tour

Another side of the Cape is the West Coast with it's wide open spaces the sea and it's long outstretch beaches. It has unique a fishing village atmosphere, rich in culture and its exquisite seafood cuisine. We offer West Coast Cape Tours that are affordable and divine!

From the pickup we will make our way to the R27 also known as the lobster route. The Cape Lobster is a rock lobster also known as 'kreef' in Afrikaans and is considered by many as the ultimate in seafood. We continue our journey via Milnerton and Rietvlei a freshwater vlei which is popular for windsurfing, kite surfing and waterskiing. We pass Blouberg and Melkbos strand where we have a picture stop of Table mountain.

We visit Yzerfontein the first town on the "West coast", with its long, out stretched beaches, surf and sunshine. We continue on our way to Langebaan the jewel of the West Coast. We visit the West Coast national park, view the lagoon and visit the Fossil park where paleontological remains were found that dates back to between five and seven million years back. On our way back we drive thru darling and return back to Cape Town.

Cape West Coast Tours

Eastern Cape

Few places in the world boast with such a combination of unrivalled splendour & stark contrast as this second largest province of South Africa. Whether you choose to bask in the highest amount of sunshine hours on 800km of sub-tropical coastline, ski down the mountain slopes of 'Little Switzerland', jump off a 216m-high bridge or catch the 'perfect surfing wave' - this province will not fall short of your wildest expectations. Not forgetting why it's called 'Naturally, South Africa's best', with a million hectares of malaria-free Big 5 game viewing, dramatic beauty and endless beaches. They say you can search forever for an area that defines the South African Experience - unless you discover the Eastern Cape.

The people - they are warm, generous, forgiving, hospitable, driven and hard working. Diversity - a world in one province. The province's nin tour routes offer every experience from lush wilderness, semi-arid plains, unspoilt beaches to snow covered mountains, bushveld and wildlife to the splendour of rural Wild Coast.

Holiday Accommodation South Africa

Chapman’s peak drive

If you are using Cape Town car hire as a travelling option, then driving around Chapman’s peak is a must. It is one of the most scenic drives in the world, with fantastic sea and mountain views. Cut directly into the mountainside it follows the coastline from Hout Bay to Noordhoek and has several places where you can stop the car to enjoy the view, have a picnic or watch the sun set.

Explore the Cape Town Winelands

If the Cape Town car hire company you are using does not limit the number of kilometres you can drive then consider taking the car and exploring the various wine routs just outside of Cape Town for the day. The Cape Winelands are world renown for their fine wine and you will find dozens of vineyards, offering wine tasting, cellar tours and more, along several different wine routs.

Car Hire Cape Town

South Africa Car Hire Tips

Navigation

Plan your self-drive routes beforehand
Most areas are well signposted. The AA can provide excellent maps and information on accommodation en route
When you hire a car opt of GPS, the cost is negligible and it will often have information on nearby attractions
Watch out for animals in rural areas (particularly sheep and cows and goats as well as wild animals
Keep left, use your seatbelt and do not talk on your mobile phone whilst driving

Speed limit

Distances are all in Kilometres and not miles. The general speed limit on national highways urban freeways and other major routes is 120km/h (75mph). On secondary (rural) roads it is 100km/h (60mph). In built-up areas it is usually 60km/h (35mph) unless otherwise indicated. Check the road signs.

South Africa boasts excellent roads. well signposted areas within larger cities and towns, making it easy to navigate your way around South Africa. You may encounter gravel roads and some rugged terrain in the more mountainous or rural areas, but when you navigate through these areas you will discover untouched landscapes combined with interesting and unique cultures.

Filling up

Petrol stations in South Africa are not self-help an attendant will fill the car, check oil and water and tire pressure and, if necessary, clean the windscreen. Attendants will appreciate a tip of three or four rand ($0.40) If you are hiring from Cape Town Car Hire all our cars use unleaded petrol but check before you set off.

A variety of petrol (gas) stations are situated on both main and country roads. Most of them are open 24 hours a day, although some keep shorter hours. However, distances between towns (and therefore between petrol stations) are considerable in some parts of the country, so it is advisable to fill up your tank before it starts giving warning signals.

Safety and Security

Speak to the locals for tips and use commons sense like avoiding ostentatious displays of jewellery and electronic equipment.
When driving, keep car doors locked and wind the windows up;

South Africa can be hot and humid in certain areas. If you are traveling long distances, opt for a hire car that has air-conditioning.

If you are planning a long distance trip make sure that your car hire company offers you a generous daily free kilometre allowance

Airport Car Hire South Africa

Ceramic Transfers

Creating and applying transfers for ceramics is not a very difficult process. All you need is a strong design and the capacity to fulfil our minimum order requirements. Although McMasters is more than happy to handle the entire process of printing, applying and firing your transfers, should you wish to apply your own, this tutorial demonstrates how:

Things to know before you start

Ceramic transfers can be applied to ceramics that have already been glazed and fired.
Transfers can be made up in an almost limitless range of colours, including metallics.
Your artwork can be a simple one-colour design, or it can be full photographic half tone.

Step 1 - Get transfers made

After you've settled on a design, have your artwork made into colour separated silkscreen positives. Give the positive to J T McMaster, and select the colours you want to use.

Step 2 - Cut out and sort

Using a sharp knife or pair of scissors, carefully cut the images from each transfer sheet. Cut fairly close to the edges of the images, but not so close that the image becomes very flimsy.

Step 3 - Float transfers

When you're ready to place your transfers on ceramics, put each cut-out transfer into a dish of water. Keep tweezers handy to get them out again. It doesn't take long for the transfer to loosen from the backing paper. In fact, it's important that they don't soak too long, or they'll lose their backing glue.

Step 4 - Apply transfers to ceramics

Slide the transfer from the backing paper onto the plate. The transfer is still pretty slippery at this stage, so it's easy to slide around and place. However, don't do too much sliding around, as you'll lose the backing glue.

Step 5 - Remove water

It is important to remove all the water from the plate and get rid of any air or water bubbles behind the transfers. Use fingers to smooth out wrinkles, then sponge away water and air bubbles. This part of the process is fiddly, as it's very easy to shift the transfers at this stage.

Step 6 - Fixing the transfers

Before firing, allow the transfers to dry for a day. Different transfers require different firing temperatures, so be sure to check with J T McMaster to make sure what temperature you should fire at. As a rule, ceramic transfers fire at 780°C or cone 016 and glass at 580°C or cone 021.

Custom Silk Screen

Waterfront Roggebaai Canal Holiday Apartments

Roggebaai Canal Holiday Apartments brings together an exclusive set of advantages rarely found in one place.

Situated on the bustling Roggebaai Canal, it offers the luxury of marina living, combined with an urban connectivity to be envied.

Add to this the themed interior design, impeccable attention to detail and unexpected extras to discover and delight in, and Canal Quays is not only close to Cape Town's top attractions; it's a must-see in its own right.

Right next to Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)

Roggebaai Canal Holiday Accommodation

Kruger Park Car Hire

Aroundabout cars offers discount car rental Kruger Park. We have a wide range of cars in Kruger Park! Come and see the wild life up close, enjoy the african sunsets. Also, you can hire one of our cheap car rentals in Kruger Park from our Kruger Park Branch. Select one of our of cheap Kruger Park car rentals below by entering your rental dates.

Nelspruit Car Hire

Car hire Nelspruit is affordable but stocks are limited so book early. You also need to make sure that you head to Kruger Park when you are here! So come and enjoy this very warm destination and enjoy your car hire from our car rentals Nelspruit office. All car rentals vary so ask for the car that suits your needs! Enjoy South Africa and the wildlife at Kruger.

Stellenbosch Car Hire

Car hire Stellenbosch is affordable but stocks are limited so book early. You also need to make sure that you head to the many wine farms when you are here! So come and enjoy this very warm destination and enjoy your car hire from our Stellenbosch car rentals office. All car rentals vary so ask for the car that suits your needs! Enjoy a glass of wine and enjoy this historic little town.

Car Hire Rustenberg

Car rental Runstenberg is affordable but stocks are limited so book early. You also need to make sure that you head to Sun City when you are here! So come and enjoy this very warm destination and enjoy your car hire from our car hire Sun City office. All car rentals vary so ask for the car that suits your needs!

Bloemfontein Car Hire

Bloemfontein is the city of "mealies" or as the English say "corn". Car hire in Bloemfontein is what we do best! Our Bloemfontein car hire is limited so booking is essential! Enjoy Bloemfontein with one of our car rentals.

Car Hire Pretoria

Pretoria is the land of Rugby. Pretoria also has large amounts of car hire stocks but its also the land of the "Blou Bulle" a fanatic group of rugby supporters! Car hire Pretoria is simple and straight forward. At Aroundabout you will find a large selection of car rentals. Car hire Pretoria is what we do best! So come and visit us in the city of "Blue" organize your car hire in Pretoria at one of our many car rentals Pretoria branches and enjoy!

George Car Hire

George is a great little coastal town on the garden route. Arrange George car hire, South Africa and enjoy this little buzzing coastal town. Our car hire George branch offers a wide selection of car rental. We also offer car rental at George airport.

East London Car Hire

East london is a city that with lots of character. East London is a popular beach destination and is popular with bathers and surfers. Our East London car hire branch offers a wide selection of car rental.

Durban Car Hire

Welcome to Durban the city that boasts the warmest ocean in the world the Indian ocean! This is a surfers and bathers paradise. Durban car hire is a pleasure because roads are well maintained.

Port Elizabeth Car Hire

AroundAbout Cars offers personal local service and quality Port Elizabeth car hire in South Africa. We have a wide selection of cars and have a 99% availability rate year round for Port Elizabeth car rental.

Johannesburg Car Hire

AroundAbout Cars offers personal local service and quality Johannesburg car hire in South Africa. We have a wide selection of cars and have a 99% availability rate year round for Johannesburg car rental.

Cape Town School or Nursery Search

Moving with children of any age can be a worrying time for both parents and youngsters. Also, the location of the right school will be a key factor in determining where you want to live.

There is a distinct lack of information on the Internet about both the schooling system and the school options here in South Africa. Through research, past school searches and contacts within the Education system, Space have developed a school and nursery search service which removes the guess work from something as important as choosing the right school for your children. Many parents are not content with relying on scant information they find by chance, but want an impartial, human input on this big decision, not a load of statistics.

Real Estate Cape Town

Cheap Car Hire in Cape Town

Around About Cars offers quality cheap car hire in Cape Town, South Africa and a wide selection of quality rental cars. Around About Cars has a 99% availability rate year round for its cheap car hire in Cape Town and guarantees person local service.
Come and get cheap car hire in Cape Town and see Table Mountain, enjoy the scenic wine farms, jump into the Atlantic Ocean so that it can take your breath away! You can hire one of our cheap car rentals in Cape Town from our car hire Cape Town Branch. Select one of our of cheap Cape Town car rentals below by entering your rental dates.

Car Rental South Africa

South Africa is a vast country with many thousands of kilometers between cities. Compared with the USA, Europe or the UK, getting around on public transport, either inter-city or within one of the larger cities, is not a practical or 100% safe option. Although improvements are being made in the taxi and rail sectors, most public transport is often unreliable and even dangerous.

Most visitors to the country therefore opt for car hire for general transportation as well as self-drive touring.

With the big cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban being sprawling urban developments, South African car hire is the ideal way to enjoy the often scattered tourist sites, beaches, shopping venues, golf courses and other attractions these cities offer. In fact, distances and lack of alternatives make access by car the only genuinely viable option.

Imagine trying to organize a day at the Vaal Dam, Gauteng or enjoying the beautiful Cape Wine Route without your own reliable, comfortable set of wheels. Of course there are the tour group options for some popular regions, but your freedom is restricted and you cannot decide, on a whim, to linger an extra hour over lunch or head back early if you so wish. Many travelers prefer getting about under their own steam so that they can come and go at leisure, rather than be herded on and off a coach by an officious guide with a strictly adhered to agenda.

Cape Town car hire is particularly popular among visitors to South Africa. There is so much to experience in this vibrant, beautiful city. In Cape Town you can drive in your hired car right around the Peninsular and experience the unique thrill of standing at the very tip of the great African continent. From the comfort and safety of a hire car you can really enjoy the coastal roads and the unsurpassed views of Chapman’s Peak. You may then stop off at any of the numerous spots along the way and enjoy exploring at your pace.

Drive Africa, based in Cape Town, offers two car hire options across all their fleets – short term and long term rentals to bonafide international travellers. We also have the fabulous buy back guarantee option for stays of 3 months or longer.

South Africa Car Rental

6 things you should do if you hire a car in Cape Town

If you are travelling to Cape Town car hire is definitely your best option for getting around. In Cape Town car hire will better equip you to take full advantage of everything that Cape Town has to offer. In Cape Town car hire will also mean that you don’t have to rely on the Cape Town public transportation network which is not particularly reliable or extensive. If you take advantage of the Cape Town car hire option, ensure that you make the most of it by checking out these Cape Town must sees.

1. Chapman’s peak drive

2. Explore the Cape Town Winelands

3. Check out the Atlantic seaboard

Victoria road, which stretches along the Atlantic seaboard from Llandudno to Bantry Bay, is one of the most beautiful drives you can do in your hire car while in Cape Town. It also gives you the opportunity to stop at Clifton 4th beach where you can hire a deck chair and people watch Cape Town’s rich and pretty. Or alternatively you can stop for sundowners at one of the top restaurants on the Camps Bay beachfront.

4. Go to Hout Bay

Why not take advantage of your Cape Town car hire and go for a drive over Constantia Nek, a beautiful road which winds through the mountain and forest, and spent the day in Hout Bay. There you can hire horses and go for a ride on the beach or go explore the harbour where you can buy fish fresh off the boat or have lunch in one of the great restaurants.

5. Experience the city’s nightlife

TThe Cape Town CBD might be a hive of commerce during the day but at night it really comes alive and offers a variety of nightlife to suit every taste. For the glitzy and sophisticated there is hemisphere, Cape Town’s premier nightclub. Situated at the top of the ABSA building it offers unparalleled views of the city lights. For a more chilled vibe go to the Labia Theatre for dinner and a movie or if you really want to feel the vibe of the city just head to Long Street and explore the many restaurants, clubs and bars. Just make sure that you park your Cape Town car hire somewhere safe.

6. Watch the sun set from signal hill

Signal hill is part of Lion’s Head which flanks Table Mountain. It was historically used as a point from which to signal ships coming into Cape Town harbour and it is where the Noon Gun is still fired from every day. It is possible to drive your Cape Town car hire right to the top of the hill where there is a car park and picnic area providing fantastic views of the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean.

Car Hire Cape Town

Is fractional ownership for you?

Fractional ownership is one of the fastest growing leisure real estate trends in the world and has
been catching on in Southern Africa over the past year or two.

According to figures released by Pam Golding, VIP fractional interest sales totalled the
equivalent of R7.250-million worldwide during 2004, which constitutes a substantial increase
over estimated fractional interest sales of R3.445-million during 2003.

With the number of local fractional ownership destinations fast approaching the 30 mark and an
estimated 13 players currently active in South Africa, local role-players have recently formed the
SA Association of Fractional Intermediaries (SAAFI) to promote the regulation of the industry.

Timeshare vs. Fractional ownership

While fractional ownership has a focus on leisure destinations in common with timeshare
ownership, it is important that potential investors understand that there are vital differences
between the two forms of ownership, says Thys Geyser, MD of Staytus, an agency specialising
in fractional ownership with 12 properties in its growing portfolio.

Geyser says the main reason why timeshare owners have difficulty in recouping their initial
investment when they want to resell their timeshare, is because the hidden marketing cost
included in the timeshare ticket price can be as high as 60 percent, whereas fractional sales carry
normal brokerage fees like all other real estate transactions. Furthermore, timeshare is a usage
right whereas fractional ownership is a real property ownership right.

"Fractional ownership value is underpinned by an identifiable property and has a true reflection
of market value of a luxury real estate asset shared between a limited number of owners, ranging
from four to a maximum of 13."

Fractional real estate ownership has its origins in co-ownership or "fractional ownership" of
aeroplanes, explains Geyser. It started in the US and international investment guru Warren
Buffet has acquired substantial interests in it over the past few years.

"He saw great investment potential in this concept of a number of owners occasionally requiring
the use of a private aeroplane, co-owning one and making full use of the asset at a fraction of the
cost of each buying their own and not being able to fully utilise the asset," says Geyser.

A strong investment option

Fractional real estate title avails a limited number of shareholders the opportunity of access to an
exclusive, upmarket residence, apartment or private hotel suite for three to four weeks each year
at a fraction of the cost of each buying an individual property.

"In a market where secondary home values are fast reaching values that compete with primary
residences, the investment logic in owning such under-utilised properties is under threat, opening
the option to rather invest in real esate with the right profile and to limit exposure to pure
lifestyle or emotional investments."

The prime locations, exclusivity, and added service benefits of fractional title products ensures
strong resale demand, making them a strong investment option, says Geyser.

The recently announced fractional ownership option at the exclusive Pezula Private Estate on the
eastern head above the Knysna lagoon, is a case in point. The Pezula Private Residence Club
offers limited fractional ownership at a share price starting from R650 000, including VAT, to
only 70 owners.

This will give them three weeks per year access to five of the 250 exclusive residences in the
resort, situated in a private fynbos nature reserve bordered by indigenous forest, as well as access
to all the exclusive sporting and other facilities and services at the estate. The share can also be
exchanged for usage of residences in luxury resorts in other parts of the world.

While most fractional real estate is situated in leisure destination areas such as coastal and
bushveld regions, Geyser says some are situated in urban centres such as Melrose Arch in
Rosebank, Johannesburg, where fractional ownership in a number of apartments are being taken
up by local business people for use on their business trips to Johannesburg.

Be a cautious investor

Geyser cautions that potential investors should avoid pitfalls by ensuring that they deal with
reputable intermediaries that are members of SAAFI. Not every luxury residence is going to be a
good fractional investment, no matter how beautiful its surroundings might be.

“Part of the underlying value of fractional ownership is the number of luxury amenities
associated with it. We’ve had to turn away well-situated, luxury residences because they simply
did not have the surrounding infrastructure to ensure the required maintenance and service
delivery.”

Seasonality is another important issue, says Geyser. Places like Zimbali on the KwaZulu-Natal
north coast and Oubaai on the Garden Route coast have all-year round demand, whereas
products in exotic locations with no demand out of season are a no-no!

He advises that there are also important differences in fractional title ownership options. Some
provide one block of long-term access, which is ideal for 'swallows' — investors who like to
follow the sun — while others provide scattered shorter access slots of three separate weeks or
even shorter periods. Some provide usage exchange with other fractional title properties and
others don’t. Investors have to ensure that the product on offer meets their needs.

Fractional Ownership Property Investment

Backpacker South Africa Tour Information

Cape Town on a budget

If you are thinking of travelling to Cape Town but are not sure if you can afford it do not despair. Here are some tips on how to get the best out of a trip to Cape Town without breaking the bank.

Transport

If you are travelling to Cape Town one of the top tips would be Cape Town car hire. Public transport in Cape Town is not particularly reliable or extensive and metered taxies in Cape Town are fairly expensive and hard to find. Depending on how long you are planning to stay in Cape Town and how much sightseeing you want to do car hire will often work out cheaper and is a lot more convenient. Car hire will also give you the freedom to explore the city and its surrounds at your own pace and make sure you really experience all the great sights and sounds that Cape Town has to offer.

Accommodation

When looking for accommodation in Cape Town there are a lot of different options which one can choose from. Cape Town offers a myriad of guest houses and hotels to suit every taste and budget but if you really want to experience the best of Cape Town on a budget then a backpackers may be the best choice for you.
In South Africa backpackers are the equivalent of the hostels you find in Europe. They offer cheap no frills accommodation to travellers on a budget. Cape Town backpackers are perfect for the traveller who is planning to go out and experience the city and simply needs a place to rest their head at night.

The great thing about Cape Town backpackers is that many of them are centrally located, on or around Long Street, right in the middle of town. This means that not only will you be close to many of Cape Town’s top attractions such as the V & A Waterfront and the Table Mountain cable car but you will also be ideally located too experience the best of the city’s nightlife as many of Cape Town’s best restaurants clubs and bars are situated on Long Street.
If you are not interested in the city’s nightlife and are instead after a quiet beach holiday Cape Town backpackers are also located all throughout the quieter suburbs and along the coast.

Food

Another bonus of staying at a Cape Town backpackers is that they are generally self catering. This means you are in complete control of when, where and what you eat which makes it much easier to stay within a smaller budget. Cape Town offers a wide variety of dining options with hundreds of restaurants all over the city. For more reasonable meals try exploring the suburbs or simply head to the local supermarket and prepare your own meals.
So if you are heading to Cape Town and want to stay within your budget just remember these easy tips: opt for car hire, stay in a Cape Town backpackers and prepare your own food and don’t forget to have a fabulous time!

Backpackers Cape Town

Things to see and do when you hire a car in Bellville

If you are travelling to Bellville, whether it is for work or pleasure, car hire in Bellville is definitely your best option for getting around. If you do opt for car hire in Bellville make sure you check out these great things to see and do.

Bellville is situated in the beautiful Tygerberg hills and provides fantastic views of the surrounding winelands and mountains. While Bellville is well known for being a business district you won’t have to spend hours in the car to experience some natural beauty. Just take your Bellville car hire and find the Tygerberg Nature Reserve. It covers 278 ha and is one of the best examples of the endangered renosterveld vegetation.

The reserve also contains many hiking trails so you can park your Bellville car hire and enjoy a scenic walk through the hills. Or why not hire a mountain bike and go for a ride.

Bellville also has the only zoo in the Cape Town area. The Tygerberg zoo in Bellville specialises in the breeding of rare and endangered animals and gives you the opportunity to see animals you would not easily see in the wild.

If you enjoy wine then it is just a short ride in your Bellville car hire to the Durbanville wine valley. Most of the vineyards offer cellar tours and wine tasting and some even hire out horse and cart rides.

If you are a keen golfer why not hire a set of clubs and head to the Bellville golf club in your Bellville car hire. It has beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding hills. You can also hire golf cars, pull carts or caddies.

Bellville is also home to the Tygervally Shopping Centre which is one of Cape Town’s most impressive shopping centres. There is plenty of safe parking for your Bellville car hire and hundreds of shops and activities to entertain you.

Art enthusiasts can check out the gallery run by the Arts Association of Bellville. Promising local artists can hire out space in the gallery to showcase their work and it is a great place to see what’s new on the art scene.

If you are looking for a good evening out the barnyard theatre in Bellville provides quality entertainment and a lively atmosphere. Or if you are looking for something more relaxed get in your Bellville car hire and head over to Villa Pascal Theatre in neighbouring Durbanville. It is the Cape’s only theatre in a house.

So when you next come to Bellville make sure you look into Bellville car hire and check out all the amazing sights and sounds it has to offer.

Cheap Car Hire Bellville

Self Drive Tours in South Africa

Get around on the ground - Self Drive Holidays in South Africa

Most tourists fly to South Africa and land at one of the three international airports. Johannesburg International, Durban International or Cape Town International Airport. Capital Car Hire offers convenient car hire solutions from all of these national airports. Additionally, Capital Car Hire will deliver your hire car to you at the Durban International Arrivals Hall, Johannesburg International Arrivals Hall or Cape Town International Arrivals Hall.

The self drive holiday allow you to discover the unexpected and experience the heady mix of third and first world cultures in South Africa away from the set tourist routes.

South Africa is a huge country and not to be traversed in a day, take your time, break up your journey. You'll often find that the best memories are made once you are off the beaten track!

Car Rental South Africahttp://sitebuilder.yola.com/ide/index.jsp?siteid=8a4986cc1b4f2a59011b5973147f3e43

Western Cape

Welcome to the Western Cape, an area considered one of the most beautiful in Africa, and whose character results from the cultural melting pot of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British & German settlers, the local Khoisan (Bushman & Hottentot) tribes and the Bantu tribes from the north.

Western Cape has something for everyone: golden wheat fields, fragrant orchards, vineyards, endless beaches, great waves for surfers to ride, and even some great line fishing. Mountain peaks beckon climbers and hikers, while rivers lure canoeists and anglers.

The paternal presence of Table Mountain, the pristine coastline with its white sandy beaches, the magnificent countryside with its bountiful rivers, vleis and dams, and the unique flora kingdom, together with the warm summer climate and friendly community, makes the Western Cape perfect for any vacation.

Accommodation South Africa

High Tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town’s Favourite Afternoon Treat is Good Value for Tourists

Situated at the top end of Cape Town's Company Gardens, the Mount Nelson’s central location makes it an easy outing for visitors looking to experience the luxuries of old world colonial style.

Things To Do in Cape Town

Tourists to Cape Town looking for a value for money afternoon in beautiful surroundings should not miss High Tea at the historic Mount Nelson Hotel in Gardens.

The Mount Nelson Hotel was Built to Service Luxury Liners

Back in 1899, shipping magnate Sir Donald Currie built the Mount Nelson to accommodate wealthy travellers who sailed to the Cape on luxury liners. He ordered everything to equal – or even surpass - the luxurious standards of London’s finest hotels.

Favourite Haunt of Celebrities and Movie Stars

Bought in 1988 by the Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises, the Mount Nelson has retained its discreet and elegant colonial atmosphere. It’s the favourite place to stay for movie stars and celebrities visiting Cape Town, with its luxury suites, and beautiful gardens set on the slopes of Table Mountain.

Conde Nast Europe’s ‘Best High Tea in the World’

Afternoon tea is open to the public. Booking is essential as the High Tea is very popular with hotel guests, tourists and locals celebrating special birthdays or anniversaries. It is served every afternoon from 2.30–5.30 in the formal lounge, terrace, or in the garden around the Lord Kitchener fountain. A pianist provides background music while waitresses hover discreetly, waiting to whisk away dirty plates and refill cups.

Forty Different Kinds of Tea

The beverage menu contains a range of 40 different kinds of loose-leaf tea, from Earl Grey and Lapsang Souchong to South African speciality Rooibos, known for its anti oxidant properties.

Best Restaurants in Cape Town

The Mount Nelson boasts one of the best restaurants in Cape Town, and the pastry chefs excel at the tea menu. An enormous table is laid out with a help-yourself buffet of salmon and cucumber sandwiches, mini quiches, cheeses, scones - and that’s just the savoury side.

Round the corner, and a range of delicious cakes is laid out on cake stands, silver trays carry rows of bite size tea cakes for those who want to try a bit of everything, and, in winter, traditional Cape puddings wait for those who want something warm. Homemade fudges, coconut ice, and meringues tempt the sweet tooth, and chocolate profiteroles spiral in creamy towers, begging visitors to spoil their symmetry.

Good Value for Tourists

Because the rand is weak in relation to overseas currencies, the High Tea is exceptionally good value for tourists. Visitors are advised to arrive early. Once settled in the comfortable linen sofas and armchairs, enjoying the three times awarded Conde Nast Europe ‘Best High Tea in the World,’ it is very hard to leave behind the relaxed and pampered world of the super-rich.

Source: Suite101.com
South Africa Accommodation

Traveling In Cape Town: What To Do And Where To Go On Your Cape Town Vacation

Overview
As South Africa’s most popular tourist destination, Cape Town lives up to its reputation. Cape Town is seated on the outskirts of Table Mountain, a flattop mountain that divides the city into distinct regions. On the north side of Table Mountain lies Cape Town’s downtown district where you’ll find the bulk of the city’s shopping, nightlife, and theater attractions. To the west are the Twelve Apostles mountain region and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the hotspot for outdoor adventures. In southern Cape Town, you’ll find stretches of vineyards and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, known for its diversity and richness of plant species. Finally, in the east lies Cape Town’s industrial district.

Outdoor Recreation
Tabletop Mountain is a prime destination for hikers and thrill-seekers alike. Hike up one of the 350 trails that lead to the mountain’s summit, or ride to the summit in a cable car, an exhilarating experience. Once you’re at the top, you can abseil back down. Visitors can mountain bike to Cape Point, the southernmost peak of the Cape Peninsula, swim with the penguins at Boulders Beach, scuba dive off the coast of False Bay, or kayak the waters around the Cape Peninsula.

Nightlife
Music is big in Cape Town. Throughout the city’s many bars and dance clubs, you’ll likely find a wealth of live music. Theater is also making a comeback in Cape Town. Some of the more popular theaters include Artscape for opera and ballet, Baxter Theater Centre for an eclectic variety of performances that include comedy shows and jazz concerts, Maynardville Open Air Theatre for a summer outdoor Shakespeare performance, and The Warehouse for mainstream dramas that cater to a young adult crowd. For shopping, there are a few choice destinations. The most popular is the V&A Waterfront with its variety of shops and restaurants. However, for a less expensive yet more original shopping experience, visit the street markets that make up the Gardens Shopping Centre.

Family Attractions
There are plenty of family attractions in Cape Town to appease both parents and children. For a day of fun at the theme park, visit Ratanga Junction and ride its 24 rides that range from steam trains to roller coasters to boats. Bird-watching kids and adults won’t want to miss World of Birds, a collection of more than 3000 birds housed in walk-through aviaries. Boulders Beach is the prime beach destination for children because of its calm waters and viewable penguin reserve. Finally, there are many museums in Cape Town, the most notable being the Two Oceans Aquarium. There, kids and parents can view an immense collection of marine life, and there’s even a “petting zoo” where kids can handle select species.

Source: Article Dashboard
Cape Town Accommodation

Horse Trails in Southern Africa

There are loads of places in South Africa and southern Africa where you can do a gentle day ride on the outskirts of cities or in popular tourist spots, but there are also some excellent multi-day horse trails and pony treks.

If you've always wanted to canter along a beach with the wind in your hair you could do a short day ride in Cape Town, at Buffalo Bay near Knysna, near Port Elizabeth, or in Maputaland in KwaZulu-Natal. For a real beach fix, you could do a multi-day horse trail in the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal, or a fabulous community run multi-day trek along the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape.

Horse riding into a Gauteng sunset

In Cape Town, you can amble from cellar to cellar doing a horseback wine tasting tour and, in KZN, you can relive historical battles by riding across the fields of action.

The mountains offer fabulous riding. You can do short rides or multi-day trails in the Porterville and Cederberg Mountains near Cape Town, a wonderful trail in the Kaapsehoop Mountains in Mpumalanga, where you often hook up with feral horses, and there is some great riding in the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal. But the ultimate mountain riding is in the small Kingdom of Lesotho. Here you can do a community run pony trek where you ride across the high mountains from village to village on scruffy, hardy mountain ponies. Not a glamorous option but a real adventure.

Drakensberg horse trail

Horseback safaris, in which you ride through real big game territory, are virtually exclusive to Africa. You just don't get this kind of game anywhere else. You can do a short ride on a game farm near Pretoria, or a great day ride in the Greater Addo Elephant National Park, near Port Elizabeth. There are fabulous multi-day horseback safaris in the Waterberg and the Lowveld of Limpopo Province, in the Kalahari in the Northern Cape, in the Okavango Delta and the Tuli Block of Botswana, in the Mavuradona Wilderness of Zimbabwe, and near Livingstone in Zambia. A fabulous trail in the high lying Nyika Plateau of Malawi does offer sightings of game but it is primarily about scenery.

Probably the most unusual, most taxing and most mind-blowing horse trails in southern Africa, though, are those through the deserts of Namibia.

Source: Horse Trails in Southern Africa

Safaris South Africa: When is the Best Time to Go?

Author: Vikram Kumar

A lot of information about South Africa has already been written. That shouldn’t be surprising with the accommodation South Africa that one gets. And wildlife, the country’s main attraction, has proven throughout the years to be an effective invite for people to travel South Africa. And when we say travel South Africa, nothing comes as close to our minds as game drives South Africa or the famous safaris South Africa.

Like any other peak seasons, safaris South Africa boast in having accommodation establishments fully booked in advance. With accommodation South Africa smaller than the high-class hotels in the Western cities, you may want to be first in line to get reservations if you plan to enjoy some safaris South Africa with your buddies.

As with any travel plans, you have to consider the seasonal trends that will definitely play a vital part in your safaris South Africa itinerary. But with the weather in the region being variable sometimes you will be surprised to have thundershowers during the dry season or some dry days even during the rainy season. Nevertheless it is still important to come prepared.

Game drives South Africa and even game viewing during the rainy or wet season may prove to be a difficult task to enjoy with the grass at their full lengths and the wildlife being dispersed. This is due to the fact that rain will provide ample water supply. On the contrary, the dry season is the ideal time to go and have game drives South Africa. With the vegetation all thinned out and the trees barely with leaves, game viewing is perfect and more enjoyable.

Safaris South Africa, however, are most enjoyable and exciting during the months of May to August where winter gives way to the hot spring months of September to October. Tourists and locals alike will attest to the comfortable climate of the dry winter months from May to August to be perfect for safaris South Africa. Mild daytime temperatures and cool night temperatures will be ideal for all your safaris South Africa activities and even just a touch of relaxation and resting.

The wet season of November to March in most parts of South Africa can be utilized for game drives South Africa but the peak season for safaris South Africa will be during the dry winter months. Although the summer months are productive for your gaming adventure, the dry winter months witness game typically getting around water sources. During the summer months, Okavango Delta, a breeding area for the migratory birds, is paradise for all game lovers.

Website on South Africa such as BuyAmazonProducts attests to the seasonal changes and the various activities that should go with every season of South Africa. Zambia, for example, has some regions or places that become impassable during the rainy seasons due to road problems, while the summer months in the Western Cape area prove to be the best season to travel South Africa or for safaris South Africa.

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The Kruger National Park, which measures a whopping two million hectares, is approximately the size of the whole of Wales. Although there are still fences between parts of the Kruger National Park and Mozambique and Zimbabwe, so the planned Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park is not quite yet a reality. When it is, it will be spectacular. Actually, Kruger already is. Most of the park is situated in the Lowveld. Restricted to broad valleys below 1 000m above sea level, the Lowveld is what many people consider to be the 'real' Africa. In this low-lying subtropical climate, broad-leaved trees and thorn trees co-exist happily in relatively open woodland, interspersed with long grass - and, of course, game. Wildlife abounds.

Alert Lionesses, Kruger National Park

In the far north, it gets hotter and the vegetation changes to mopane woodland and, right in the northern part of the country, huge baobab trees dominate the landscape. The rivers here tend to be broad and slow-moving and may consist of no more than a few unconnected pools at the end of the dry season but that's when the game congregates around the few known water sources - so it all evens out. You may have heard the cynical remark that Kruger is 'too developed' with loads of town-like camps and other infrastructure. Well, yes. The park does have a number of good accommodation options - more than 20 SANParks camps and a few private luxury lodges as well. That may sound like a lot - but remember that Kruger is the size of Wales - and in all that space there is one town - the main camp, Skukuza, is virtually a small town - about a dozen tiny hamlets with less than a hundred families and a few out of they way camps that would probably relate to a small farmstead. That leaves an awful lot of real wilderness.

Baobab sunset

You can do Kruger as a self-drive or as a guided tour. Other exciting options include walking safaris, mountain bike trails and a self-drive 4x4 trail. The nearest airport to the park is the Kruger-Mpumalanga International Airport, just outside Nelspruit. The southern, more popular, part of Kruger is about four hour's drive from Johannesburg, and a little less from Pretoria. The drive to the more remote, far less utilised, northern part, takes a few hours longer, but it's not on the same route. You could do a great circular tour if you had ten days or so to spare. Fly in to KMIA and enter the park in the south, drive very slowly to the north, spending a day or two at different camps en route, and then drive back to Johannesburg. (Or the other way round, of course.)

Hiking the Olifants Trail in Kruger Park

Strangely - and contrary to expectations - the northern part, which is truly wild, has less animals than the south so don't feel you're missing out if you've only got a few days in the more busy part of the park. As well as the Kruger National Park, the lowveld is well endowed with private nature reserves, most of which have luxury lodges, where guests are subjected to an outrageous level of pampering and taken on fantastic game drives and optional walks by very knowledgeable and attentive guides. Many lodges even have attached wellness centres where you can fill in the time between morning and evening game drives with a massage, facial or some other indulgent treatment.

Note: If you are planning to travel to the Kruger National Park or Lowveld please be aware that this is a malaria region. Consult your doctor or travel clinic for advice and refer to our article on malaria.

Check out some amazing video footage of a battle between lions and a herd of buffalo in Kruger National Park - Battle in Kruger Park.

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Chapmans Peak B & B

A bit about this place

Affordable, Comfortable and Luxurious Holiday Accommodation.

''Chapman's Peak B&B offers much more then only a Bed and Breakfast''

All our accommodations have their own Private Jacuzzi / SPA, Patio, Garden, Entrance, BRAAI facilities, Supervised off-street parking, DSTV Satellite TV, Water Filter system, HIFI MUSIC System....... and much more...

Entertainment area: Family JACUZZI / SPA, Heated POOL, LAPA as Undercover Braai Area + Outdoor Cooking Facilties, KIDS Corner, Jungle Gym (Play ground).....and much more

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Self-Catering....? No problem, all Self-Catering facilities more then available.

Are you looking for a Bed and Breakfast with an eye for privacy, excellent service and hospitality, up-market comfort and a place that is peaceful, clean, cosy and not crowded? A Bed and Breakfast with reasonable and affordable rates? Do you prefer to stay at a Bed and Breakfast where your breakfast is served in your own garden or in your Studio, Cottage or under the LAPA (thatch gazebo) at the swimming pool? When did you had your last 'breakfast in bed...''?

This luxurious, modern, family-run Bed and Breakfast is located in the heart of Hout Bay’s breathtaking scenery. It only takes a stone’s throw to find oneself in the mountains, the woods, shops, harbour, bars, restaurants or on the beaches of the glorious bay that has given its name to the little town.
Carpe Diem

Chapman’s Peak Bed & Breakfast is run by Kenneth and Angelique. This couple, originally from Holland, has a special gift for providing their guests with what it is they require. Car Rental (own Jeeps), Professional guided licensed tours and Massage/Reflexology and other Wellness-Health treatments can also be arranged.

‘’Chapman's Peak B&B offers much more then only a Bed and Breakfast’’

Check-In 02:00 PM Check-Out 11:00 AM

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Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Where	Cape Town
When	2009/04/03 to 2009/04/04
Venue	Cape Town International Convention Centre
Africa’s Grandest Gathering! Vibrant and smooth, multi-cultural and global, the Mother City will celebrate an explosion of Jazz during April. Kick-started by ESP Afrika with Rashid Lombard eight years ago, a passionate vision has turned into Africa’s grandest gathering of 2 nights, 5 stages and 40 international and African artists. The prestigious Cape Town International Jazz Festival has more than tuned in with its Dutch counterpart in Den Hague. The annual Jazz Festival is the culmination of world-renowned musicians providing a cohesive star-studded show. The line-up will be consistent with the oraniser's vision of the festival being a platform to showcase Africa’s best and the finest internationally. “We maintain the 50/50 split between African artists and musicians from the rest of the world. We have also stuck to our formula where the Cape Town International Jazz Festival brings together jazz and other jazz-related experimental genres”, says festival director Rashid Lombard. Need to know? Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre. The 2009 line-up of musicians is expected to be released in the next few months. Check out www.capetownjazzfest.com

Source

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice

Protea Hotels is proud to announce the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice in Cape Town is now the first hotel in the Extreme Hotels portfolio worldwide!

Sign

If you're looking for something different, you've definitely come to the right place. We'll have you climbing the walls ... no, really, there's a 5 storey climbing wall on the outside of the building. Hang around in our reception area (literally) ... we have a hanging chair for those who really like to "hang around".

Swim around our restaurant ... the glass walls between our restaurant and pool, along with the fantastic lighting, definitely draw a lot of interest. In short, stay with us and go with the flow. Whatever your heart desires, you'll find it here or we'll find it for you. Extreme Hotel Cape Town offers you a place to chill, a base from which to explore and a friendly place to call home at the end of each day.
Bed

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice boasts 130 hip and happening rooms, each with in-room shower (yup, that's right, forget the en-suite, in-suite is the new thing. Don't worry, the toilet is still en-suite and we hope that that never changes.) We know that not many people get too excited about rooms (except the honeymooners), because there are so many other places you want to be when you get to vibey Cape Town, but most people at least want to know what facilities the room has. So, here goes the boring info stuff:

Each of the 130 bedrooms has:

A King Size bed or two single beds
Bose Alarm clock radio
A large Executive Desk with international electrical points and wireless internet connections
An LCD flat screen television
Tea/Coffee facilities
Air conditioning
Telephone (you expected that one, didn't you?)
Laptop-friendly safe, with charger
Complimentary limited wireless internet
For those who really like to get into detail, 98 of our rooms are doubles (the ones with those King Size beds) and 32 are twins (not the fraternal kind, the ones with two single beds).

Rates

En-Suite Room (130)
A King Size bed or two single beds. Bose Alarm clock radio. A large Executive Desk with international electrical points and wireless internet connections . An LCD flat screen television. Tea/Coffee facilities. Air conditioning. Telephone (you expected that one, didn't you?) Laptop-friendly safe, with charger. Complimentary limited wireless internet.
Features in these Rooms/Units:
Beds	King, Single Beds
TV	DSTV (Satellite), Satellite TV
Bathroom Facilities	Ensuite shower over bath
Other	Upstairs, Radio, Tea and Coffee Facilities, WiFi, Air-Conditioning

* Please note: Rates are a guide and subject to change. Please re-confirm rates when booking

Nearby Attractions and Landmarks

Convention Centre under4.0 km

V & A Waterfront under4.0 km

Airport approx30.0 km

.0.0 km

Source: Safarinow

Travel Agents- Are They Needed?

Travel agents aren't going the way of the eight-track tape just yet. They are also increasingly expected to know about and be able to advise travelers about their destinations, such as the weather conditions, local ordinances and customs, attractions, and exhibitions.These agents are the critical connection between the customer and vendor of the service that the customer is wishing to book. Travel Agents are experts in helping tourist with how to move within the country, where to stay & what to do are are held to a high standard of care and are relied upon by consumers.

When traveling abroad to a new destination, having a travel agent who has actually been there is a huge plus. Face to face is still the best way to do business and it's sad that the Travel Agent is considered an obsolete commodity these days. I had an aunt and uncle who would tell their travel agent when they had a vacation coming up and the agent would find a great trip for them year after year.Some people are also inexperienced travelers and speaking/planning face to face with an expert would make them much less anxious.

Good travel agents focus on finding deals during nonpeak times, which is when you can score the cheapest rates and greatest selection. Because they book trips in volume and have longstanding relationships with travel providers, travel agents routinely get preferred rates and extra amenities that you and your favorite travel site will rarely match. Written off as dinosaurs not so long ago, agents are seeing a welcome bump in business, with the 2006 average weekly sales per agent location up 15% over the year before. Many agents have become a specialized bunch, some offering adrenaline-fueled adventure trips, others pricey safaris. Other agents go after even thinner slices of the travel pie, with specialties ranging from twins-only cruises to kosher dude ranches. Some agents charge anywhere from $150 to redeem a frequent-flier award to a $500 consulting fee for arranging customized trips. In the 1980s, agents were the gatekeepers of travel, booking nearly 80% of all airline tickets.

I am not defending all agents, as there isnâ€™t a standard, or requirement to become an agent,(other than basic computer skills) therefore, there are many agents that just wanted to get out of the house. I guess my point is: Lower your expectations, as many agents donâ€™t know much more than the general public, although they have access to the info. The same would be for a lawyer, a real estate agent, a hair dresser and I can go on and on. So why do people think you do not have to do your research or get a referral to find an excellent travel agent. There are MANY great travel agents out there and the value of having a good one is ten times better than booking on the internet.

Travel agents are agents of the travel providers, receiving commissions from the travel providers for sales they make. You will find travel agents are like doctors, accountants, book-keepers and any other service professional. They are in the business of selling advice and service, not commodity products. MOST travel agents are continually learning about destinations and suppliers; who to work with and who Not to work with.They are there, though, because they work for you. Whether times are good or not, these agents are your secret weapon, hiding in plain sight.

Source: GoArticles

Dream maker's Holiday Site

Addo Elephant National Park

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Check out some amazing video footage of a battle between lions and a herd of buffalo in Kruger National Park - Battle in Kruger Park.

A bit about this place

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Rates

Nearby Attractions and Landmarks

Travel Agents- Are They Needed?