Cape Town: UK News Profile, Ideas, Tips

[shans]

Can you comment to safety issues please.

We've been told that you should not go out after dark?

We are looking at staying in the waterfront or greenpoint area.

Thanks!

[Arizona Sunshine]

We visited in January 2023. 

 

Around dusk, safety officers appear at intersections. They seem to an amalgam of a security guard and a police officer. We felt safe walking but I would exercise caution, particularly late at night.

 

We stayed at the Westin, highly recommended. The Club lounge (access by Marriott Bonvoy status or room rate) includes an excellent cooked-to-order breakfast and evening happy hour.

 

Our guide (mentioned and endorsed a few posts above) cautioned us against using public transportation, particularly regional trains. He said if you have a cell phone at the beginning of your journey you won't have it at the end.

 

This is anecdotal, but we found that South Africa got a little grittier as we travelled east from Cape Town.

 

AS

[TLCOhio]

On 6/13/2023 at 1:00 PM, rubyclaret said:

Stunning Photographs.

 

Appreciate this kind comment and follow-up about the South Africa visuals.  Lots to see and love there, making great memories kept alive in the photographs.    

 

From the London/UK Sunday Times this weekend, they had this headline: “New Zealand vs South Africa — which is best?" with this sub-headline:  "Ahead of this weekend’s rugby World Cup final we’ve put the two countries head-to-head to find out which scores highest for holidaymakers — there’s a clear winner.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights related to South Africa: “South Africa’s foodie scene is concentrated in the Western Cape, which makes sense because that’s where the nation’s wine industry is based. Fyn in downtown Cape Town is ranked 75th in the world’s 100 best restaurants list and describes itself as a 'neoteric Japanese-African experience'. Pretentious? Maybe, but great value: the eight-course, neoteric tasting menu is £80 (fynrestaurant.com).  Elsewhere, Pier at the V&A Waterfront was recently voted Africa’s Best Restaurant 2023 in the World Culinary Awards, with another bargain: 11 courses for £86 (pier.restaurant). Out of town, Chorus at the Waterkloof Wine Estate in Somerset West serves a gorgeous four-course lunch with wines for £53 (bertusbasson.com); and Darren Badenhorst’s Le Coin Français still owns the fantasy Franschhoek feast: six exquisite courses with local wines for £103 (lecoinfrancais.co.za).”

 

Full story at:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/new-zealand-vs-south-africa-which-is-best-snhj5rnrm

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit.  Now at 33,985 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[TLCOhio]

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine two days ago, they had this headline: “10 Friendliest Cities in the World" with this sub-headline: "The bustling metropolises you loved most this year, from Oceania to Mexico.”

 

They asked questions about: Did an outgoing local go out of their way to give you directions? Easy to navigate? Get good vibes from the people around you?  They picked ten best cities in the world.  

 

Here are their reporting highlights: “Complex, diverse, and steeped in history: Cape Town has all of South Africa’s best personality traits. The city lures travelers in with its scenic coastline (one of the best in the world), then invites them to stay with world-class restaurants and culturally rich museums—not to mention the stunning parks, beaches, and wineries that are just a quick drive away. Wander down Long and Bree streets for friendly, reliable eateries where you can mingle with local Cape Towners and drink excellent wine.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/2015-08-14the-2015-friendliest-and-unfriendliest-cities-in-the-world?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_PM_112223&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE&utm_term=CNT_Daily

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 32,518 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Daily Mail this morning, they had this headline: “The best cities in the world for culture in 2023 named” with these background highlights: “Time Out's ranking was drawn up via a survey of 21,000 city-dwellers across the globe who were asked about the 'quality' and 'affordability' of their city's cultural scene.”

 

For South Africa, here is the highlight: "Third in the ranking is Cape Town, which was praised for its 'diverse' cultural scene. Cape Town's multiculturalism has 'lent the city an enviable offering when it comes to art and culture', Time Out says.  It adds: 'From the lively annual Kaapse Klopse street parade, to cabaret and comedy at mega-institutions Baxter Theatre and Artscape, every corner of South Africa's sprawling seaside has something to offer culture-seekers.'  Time Out notes that in the survey 'the city ranked highest overall for the quality of its cultural offerings', and locals praised its 'diverse' atmosphere."

 

Full story at:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-12779565/The-best-cities-world-culture-2023-named-Time-Edinburgh-beating-New-York-Melbourne-trumping-Paris-none-make-five.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 22,209 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[TLCOhio]

Need to consider winter escapes?  From Condé Nast Traveler magazine earlier this month, they had this headline: “19 Warm Places to Visit" with this sub-headline:  "The only ice you’ll see is in your cocktail.”

 

Here are some of the highlights: “Cape Town:   Average winter temperatures: High of 83 degrees, low of 59 degrees.  Our winter is the best time to experience Cape Town, with pretty much perfect weather in terms of both temperatures and rainfall. While December and January mark the city’s high season—which means crowds and premium prices—it’s worth it to experience those incredible beaches, mountains, and vineyards in their absolute best light.  Make the trek up Lion’s Head for the best views in town. And when you need a break from the sun, just pick a restaurant out of a hat—it’s almost guaranteed to be delicious.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-04-30/places-winter-nonexistent?redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cntraveler.com%2Fgalleries%2F2014-04-30%2Fplaces-winter-nonexistent

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas!  Now at 20,160 views. Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the Lonely Planet website, they have just released their top, must-see lists for 2024.  Ranked at the top for countries deserving attention based on sustainability, they cited South Africa.

 

With the headline: “Best in Travel 2024”, they had these highlights for South Africa: “With Earth's biodiversity at a precarious juncture and an impressive crop of ecolodges committed to its protection, now is the time to take in South Africa's wild beauty. Spend star-studded nights glamping and if you're lucky, walk among giraffes and zebras like the humans of yore once did. This place is an ode to natural grandeur – penguins gather in droves along the coast and the fynbos shrub breathes life into the hills of the Western Cape."

 

Full story at:

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel#south-africa

 

For more background on South Africa, see: 

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-africa

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 73,449 views:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

[TLCOhio]

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine last month, they had this headline: “Best Places to Spend Christmas Around the World" with this sub-headline: "Some celebrations are worth the price of a plane ticket.”

 

Here are their reporting highlights for Cape Town: “Why we go: If you’re looking to escape winter during Christmas, you can't do much better than Cape Town—it’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere, after all. You can even visit one (or several) of the South African city’s holiday markets without having to wear a coat and scarf.   The one thing to get you in the spirit: They’re not exactly Santa’s elves, but the estimated 2,000 to 3,000 African penguins at Boulders Beach—where you can get close enough to take portrait-mode photos of them—are sure to warm your heart just the same.” 

 

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-12-08/copenhagen-to-quebec-14-cities-that-do-christmas-best?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_AM_122523&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE&utm_term=CNT_Daily

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 247,560 views. 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

[TLCOhio]

From Forbes magazine in the past week, they had this headline: “Best Destination” with these highlights by Jon Nickel-D’Andrea: “Stellenbosch, South Africas: Situated less than an hour’s drive outside of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is one of the many wine-producing regions in South Africa. Wine lovers and foodies alike will find a haven here, with some of the top restaurants in the country nestled next to some of the best wineries.  Wine tastings operate a little bit differently in South Africa compared to what you might be used to elsewhere. Expect to sit down and be attended to by one of the winemakers or owners of the vineyard, as many of these wineries are still family-run.   It’s no one’s fault but your own if you leave thirsty or hungry, as wine-pour portion sizes are equally generous."

 

During our five days in Cape Town in 2016, we super enjoyed visiting Stellenbosch and the nearby wine areas.  Fun, exciting areas.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/travel-rewards/best-places-to-travel/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 249,792 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Sunday Times this weekend, they have this headline: “Swap Stellenbosch for this underrated South African wine region" with this sub-headline:  "The Hemel-en-Aarde valley, 90 minutes from Cape Town, is one of the country’s most beautiful areas with fewer crowds and stays that are half the price of the more touristy wine routes.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Hemel-en-Aarde means 'heaven and earth' in Afrikaans, and the title is justified — the hills that hug the valley are so high you can see nothing but sky beyond. This lesser-known wine region is southeast of Cape Town, behind the historic seaside town of Hermanus, between the Klein river and Babilonstoring mountain range, surrounded by nature reserves, with distant views of Walker Bay. The best bit? Unlike the busy wine routes of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl, it’s mostly empty of cars and people.  The drive alone is worth it. We take the scenic route from Cape Town along Clarence Drive, also known as the start of the Overberg whale route, with frequent viewpoints where you can spot marine wildlife, including southern right whales and humpbacks from June to November, when they come into shallow waters to give birth.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/travel/destinations/africa-travel/south-africa/hemel-en-aarde-underrated-wine-route-n9r0nxj93

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

India to Singaore 2024: Live/Blog with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

 

Or, as an alternative use this five-term Google search

Live Terry/Ohio India Silver Moon

to find it with the full title of “Live, Terry/Ohio, India to Signapore, Silver Moon Rising, Pix’s!”

[Lonedaddy]

On 6/13/2023 at 6:53 AM, TLCOhio said:

 

Appreciate this good question and follow-up.  While we did not do hot air ballooning over the Winelands, we did experience a "close cousin".  What was it?

 

Helicopter adventure!!!  From the V&A area of Cape Town, we did a helicopter flight over the scenic coastal areas, over part of the wine country region, etc.  How was it?  Wonderful!!  See a couple of visuals samples below.  

 

Getting up high allows a much greater appreciation for the drama and scenic beauty in this region of South Africa.  If possible, DO IT!!

 

BUT, weather can be a factor.  Sunny weather makes things much better and so much more fun. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 54,198 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

 

Here are just three of my visual "evidence" to prove that getting up HIGH in and around Cape Town can be fun and amazing.  Need more proof?  The third shot shows a couple of the famed sporting event sites in the Cape Town area.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

which helicopter flight did you do a short one or down to the cape

[TLCOhio]

On 3/30/2024 at 7:07 PM, Lonedaddy said:

which helicopter flight did you do a short one or down to the cape

 

Appreciate this great question and follow-up.  Sorry for my delay in responding.  

 

Which Cape?  Cape of Good Hope?  As I recall, we flew down the dramatic coastal areas, saw near/around False Bay, then over part of Wine Country to the east, etc.   Do not think we went far enough by helicopter south to go over the actual Cape of Good Hope.  

 

We had visited the Cape of Good Hope with our ground/land touring when we also saw the fun and interesting Boulder Beach with their free-roaming colony of African penguins.

 

Does this help?  Need more?

 

Here is another visual that I captured of this scenic coast south of Cape Town that had not previously been posted.  Look interesting and exciting?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 249,855 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3

[Lonedaddy]

1 hour ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Appreciate this great question and follow-up.  Sorry for my delay in responding.  

 

Which Cape?  Cape of Good Hope?  As I recall, we flew down the dramatic coastal areas, saw near/around False Bay, then over part of Wine Country to the east, etc.   Do not think we went far enough by helicopter south to go over the actual Cape of Good Hope.  

 

We had visited the Cape of Good Hope with our ground/land touring when we also saw the fun and interesting Boulder Beach with their free-roaming colony of African penguins.

 

Does this help?  Need more?

 

Here is another visual that I captured of this scenic coast south of Cape Town that had not previously been posted.  Look interesting and exciting?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 249,855 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3

Was just trying to figure out which tours is best for seeing stuff without going over the top $$$.  Sounds like you saw alot and we have a tour going to the cape and seals and penguins with the ship.  Thanks good insight.

Edited April 7 by Lonedaddy