Thursday, December 11, 2014

A top way to see Cape Town


Whether you are in Cape Town for weeks or just a few days you will find the double decker 'Hop on Hop off' buses one of the best ways to see the city and its surrounds. On a recent trip to the city my family and I joined the famous ‘red city tour’ topless bus for the day.

Staying at the V & A Waterfront allowed us to hop on the bus at the office near to Cape Town Aquarium, only moments from our hotel. The commentary on-board is via provided headphones and comes in several languages. A commentary channel designed exclusively for kids keeps young ones interested for the whole trip.

I chose to add a one hour walking tour of the CBD to my regular pass.  Our small group was hosted by our guide Rico who explained the colonial past, days of apartheid, release of Nelson Mandela and current Capetonian trends as we wandered through the centre of town. The tour was well paced and well presented. It showed us how the city’s story is intermingled with its inhabitant’s relationships throughout each era of its history.

The rest of the family chose to stick with the family tradition of climbing to the top of Table Mountain. It is best to do this in the early morning before the clouds, that often shroud the mountain, accumulate. The bus stop is across from the cable car station ticket booth for those preferring the ‘sane’ method of taking the rotating cars to the top. For those who enjoy more of a physical challenge there is a well-marked track to the top. Depending on your fitness levels the walk should take you between one and two hours with stops. The oddly sized stepping stones are pretty hard on your knees and it can be hard going in places so bring along plenty of water. The trip back down is via the cable car with tickets bought at the top station.


With the ascent of Table Mountain behind you it is the perfect time to hop on the bus again and enjoy the scenic drive over the lower slopes of the mountain to the coast. Camps Bay is my favourite place for lunch. This seaside suburb hugs the mountain leading down to the beach. As the home to many of the cities wealthiest inhabitants Camps Bay has plenty of great restaurants and cafes. Many have outdoor seating areas where you can enjoy the ocean views while you eat. Prices are around at least half that of Australia, due to exchange rates, which makes the fantastically fresh seafood an affordable treat.

Afternoon tea can be enjoyed at another hop off point at the popular beach suburb of Sea Point. A stroll along its famous boulevard offers a chance to walk off some calories.

There are plenty of stops on this journey which allow travellers to have a really good look around the city. Multi day passes, walking tours, canal cruises, sundowners taken at famous look out points and the Blue route, which takes you down towards the city’s southern peninsular, complement the red route. These buses are such great value with day passes starting at around $25.00 for adults and $10.00 or so for children.  You simply can’t pass up the chance to spend at least one day on them. 

Sally Anscombe – Product Manager This is Africa

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Migration monthly update - Nov 2014

It looks like the migration is reaching full circle this month as the rains have come early this year in Tanzania. New grass growth is covering the southern Serengeti and has already attracted huge herds of wildebeest, zebra and fellow grazers. They are heading south and are literally streaming onto the lower Serengeti plains. There is already standing room only and its takeaway time for the big cats who have moved in for the kill. 


Sunday, November 30, 2014

Zimbabwe & Zambia combined visa announced

Zimbabwe and Zambia announced the trial implementation of a new visa this week which will make access easier and cheaper for travellers visiting both countries. This saves travellers up to USD80.   

The two nations are partners in a new conservation area requiring only one visa for people travelling within the conservancy for up to 30 days. The new visa is USD50 and can be obtained upon arrival at the major international airports at Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Lusaka and Harare. Visitors travelling between the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of Victoria Falls, or on day trips to nearby Chobe National Park, Botswana, will also use the visa. Passport holders from 40 countries will be eligible to apply for the visa including Australia, New Zealand and the U.K. Those entering Zimbabwe or Zambia at any other border points will still be required to apply for the regular visas.