The Ultimate Guide to South Africa

Cape Town Accommodation

2012-01-06T01:06:00.000-08:00

Unless you tie on a blindfold and lock yourself in your hotel room, there is absolutely no way you can get bored in Cape Town. There are so many things to do. If you're into shopping, the V&A Waterfront is just one of many shopoholic's dream venues but it stands out as it has so much more - boat trips, the embarkation point for the Robben Island ferry, the Two Oceans Aquarium, loads of interesting historical buildings and some of the city's best hotels with possibly the best views in the world. Cape town offers a whole range of exciting adventure activities, great birding, awesome whale watching, historical buildings, and dozens of museums outlining the city's fascinating history and its many cultures. Cape Town accommodation is plentiful and there’s something to suit every budget but it is highly advisable to book ahead, especially over the Christmas season (December to mid-February) and during the Argus Cycle Tour (usually mid-March).

Honeymoon Suite

2011-12-14T03:36:00.000-08:00

Spend your honeymoon weekend with spectacular sea views and sunsets over Hermanus village from your private patio, luxury spacious room, twin beds or king, TV, bath and shower. Whale watching from your bed. Rate : R 550 pp sharing / R800 single.

Villa Blu guest house offers Hermanus accommodation at its finest, enjoy supreme relaxation and comfort at this picturesque guest house b & b, situated in beautiful Hermanus, the whale watching capital of the world.

Guest Houses in Cape Town | David's

2011-12-09T01:19:00.000-08:00

David’s - Cape Town B&B accommodation - is an elegantly modernised Victorian terrace home situated in the heart of trendy Green Point. This unique B&B / Guest House close to the Cape Town city centre combines classic style ambience with modern chic making it one of the most stylish guest houses in Cape Town.

Some of the services and facilities offered at David's guest house:

Airport Transfers

Currently these can be arranged at a charge of R250.00 for either 1 or 2 pax sharing and then a further R20.00 per additional passenger. Flight numbers and arrival times should be quoted when making the relevant reservation. An additional R50.00 surcharge is applicable between the hours of midnight and 6.00am.

Daily Tours from Cape Town

We are able to arrange a selection of daily tours using a local tour operator. Guests may book these tours with us and will be collected from and delivered back to 'David's'. Most popular and recommended tours are the 1 Day Cape Peninsula including Cape Point Tour
(R 695.00 per person) & 1 Day Cape Winelands Tour (R 695.00 per person).

The Cape Town Topless Tour
The best way to see our City! Enjoy a 2 hour guided open top bus trip around the Mother City. The tour includes the Waterfront, City Centre in detail, then stops at Table Mountain for a panoramic view and includes a coastal drive back through Camps Bay. This is a "Hop on, Hop off" service, which allows you to use this tours as a convenient way to access all major highlights in Cape Town (including a visit to Camps Bay beach) during the day. Cost: R140.00 per adult. Vouchers entitling the holder to a complimentary bottle of ice cold water for guests of David's!

Health Club Facilities

We are very conveniently situated to the Greenpoint Virgin Active Health Club - considered being one of South Africa's best! Full Gym facilities, Aerobic Classes, Yoga, Indoor/Outdoor Swimming pools (Aqua Aerobics), Sauna, Steambath, Tennis, Squash & Volley Ball Courts are available. (The club also has a Health & Beauty Salon offering a full range of Beauty treatments - Sunbeds as well).

Massage

We offer the services of a fully qualified Masseur, who specialises in a combination of treatments geared towards total relaxation from his well equipped Studio in nearby Seapoint ! These therapies include, Swedish, Lymphatic, Acupressure, Magnetic, Holistic, Aromatherapy and Hot Stone Massages. Rates from R 350.00 per massage.

Restaurants

There are a variety of eating-places within the Green Point/Waterfront/Sea Point area and we will gladly assist in making the necessary table reservations for our guests. We are able to help them select the type of restaurant of their own taste from a comprehensive range of eating establishments in the Cape Town area and surrounds.

David's Guest House

Bayview Penthouses | Cape Town Accommodation

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Bayview Penthouses in Camps Bay, Cape Town has a selection of self-catering Cape Town accommodation. Our luxury apartments reflect the natural beauty of the bay and epitomize the lifestyle that has made Camps Bay synonymous with celebrity. The apartments and double bedrooms are situated high on the slopes of the rugged Twelve Apostles mountain range, giving panoramic views of Camps Bay, Cape Town. The guest house has been laid out so that no matter which apartment you choose or where you are within your private self-catering Cape Town accommodation you can enjoy the views that make Camps Bay famous.

Studio Room

The "STUDIO" is a ca.18 sqm large, terracotta tiled room. The King size double bed can be arranged as two single beds (twin). The room in Camps Bay South Africa Accommodation has a limited sea view (one small window to the sea-side and a sliding glass door to the mountain side) and an outside patio. It has an equipped mini-kitchenette for preparing your own breakfast and smaller meals with Marble bathroom with a bath and a shower above the bath.

Seaview Room

The "SEAVIEW ROOM" is ca. 20 sq. m large, carpeted double bedroom Camps Bay Guest house South Africa with stunning sea views, leading directly into the shared lounge and onto the pool deck, all with beautiful sea views. King size double bed can be arranged as two single beds (twin). This room also includes a separate kitchenette for preparing your own meals and a bathroom with a bath and shower above the bath.

Green Room

The "GREEN ROOM" is a carpeted double bedroom Camps Bay Guest house South Africa with beautiful sea views, leading directly into the garden and onto an outside patio with sea views. The King size double bed can be arranged as two single beds (twin) as well. There is also a lounge suite with an extendable sofa couch for a third person. This room also includes a "Tea tray" for preparing your own breakfast and smaller meals. Shower bathroom.

Bayview Penthouses

Cape Town City of Colour

2011-12-07T04:16:00.000-08:00

Voted Favourite Foreign City by the UK Telegraph in 2004, Cape Town is one of the places you just have to visit before you die. It's an awesome city. All the vibe you want - great parties, great shopping, great hotels and loads of galleries and other cultural attractions can't detract from the fact that what makes Cape Town special is the fact that it is set in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Even Sir Francis Drake, who'd pretty much seen it all, called Cape Point the 'fairest cape in all the circumference of the world'. It's a needle-sharp promontory, which - contrary to marketing hype - does not divide the Indian Ocean from the Atlantic. But Capetonians claim it does and you can often see a line of foam heading straight out from the point - possibly all the way to Antarctica - which certainly divides the False Bay Coastline on the east from the Atlantic Seaboard on the west.

Staying in Gansbaai | The Roundhouse

2011-11-26T07:11:00.000-08:00

The Roundhouse, a Gansbaai B&B situated in De Kelders, is a three stories high round building with a thatched roof. This Gansbaai accommodation has a very modern African feel to it and every care has been taken to assure your complete relaxation and comfort rated 4* but with many 5* finishes.

The house has unique features such as a big projector screen television in the bar area and wireless hotspot internet connectivity throughout the house. This is excellent for anyone from conferences to movie buffs! The suites, which consist of a bedroom, living room and bathroom, have all the little extras such as microwave, toaster, coffee / tea facilities, bar fridge, Television, DVD player, Stereo, Hairdryer, Sewing Kit, First Aid kit, Toiletries and more.

The Roundhouse

Parker Cottage | Cape Town City Bowl

2011-10-24T07:16:00.001-07:00

Parker Cottage, a grand Victorian bed & breakfast in the Cape Town City Bowl, strive to combine charming hospitality and luxurious Cape Town guest house accommodation with an active concern for society and the environment. With ‘off-grid’ water heating, electricity, water and sewage and by recycling 90% of their waste they want to show that a city bed & breakfast does not have to cost the earth its precious resources. For a more detailed look at this Cape Town City Bowl accommodation and its ‘green’ practices visit the Parker Cottage website.

Novawes Import (Pty) Ltd

2011-10-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

Novawes Import, a Johannesburg based food ingredient and pharmaceutical products supplier, supply a range of global products to the food, beverage, hygiene and pharmaceutical markets in all major cities and surrounding areas. Examination items, empty gelatin/vegetable/fish/bovine capsules, vital wheat gluten, tapioca starch, potato starch, PET cold smoothie cups and hot beverage paper cups make up their main products. To discover more about these pharmaceutical product and food ingredient suppliers visit the Novawes Import website.

Villa Blu

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Villa Blu guest house, situated in Hermanus, offers guests relaxed and comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation in the whale watching capital of the world. This charming Hermanus accommodation combines warm hospitality, picturesque views and comfortable rooms to ensure guests receive the best possible service and Hermanus guest house experience. For an intimate look at this delightful bed & breakfast’s rooms and facilities navigate to the Villa Blu website.

Information on Route Cape Town to Cape Point

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Tips on routes from Cape Town to Cape Point and information on road works and visiting times

Specifically during the high season the traffic and queues to get to Cape Point can be fairly busy.

It is a fact that a full day tour of Cape Point will bring the majority of people though the gates between 10h00 and 14h00, so if you have the choice for more flexibility try getting in earlier or later.

In both cases you will be able to experience the point in a quieter period, take time to enjoy a great breakfast at the Two Oceans Restaurant, visit the shops or relax before the amazing sunset.

From Cape Point take The Flying Dutchman Funicular up, or take a leisurely walk.

There are plenty of routes to get to Cape Point from Cape Town, from the beautiful Chapmans Peak from Hout Bay, along the coast to Noordhoek, Kommetjie and Scarborough (M65).

Other alternative roads are from Tokai and up Ou Kaapse Weg or from Lakeside (M4) along the coast or via Boyes Drive and Red Hill.

There will be extensive road works in Muizenberg and Fish Hoek early 2008, so remember to check with your tourism office, hotel or tour operator before getting on the road.

Surfing In The Cape

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Cape Town will always have great surf. It is in the unique position in having two coasts, east and west, providing very different waves. From the big waves of the Atlantic coast at places like Crayfish Factory, Sentinel and Misty Cliffs, to the small fun waves at Muizenberg on the opposite Indian coast. Whether you're a short board shredder or a serious soul longboarder, you will definitely find a wave to your liking.

The variety of beautiful, very surfable spots in this area is amazing. Take a place like Llandudno. With its sky blue crystal clear water and pristine beach. Make a day out of it, sit on the beach with the hundreds of stunning women that seem to tan for a living they're there so often, have a surf and then later go to La Med for sundowners.

Another amazing place to surf is Koeï¿½l Bay. Situated on the Indian Ocean coast with its warm water, Koeï¿½l Bay rates as one of the most popular spots on this side of the coast.

Guys like Glen Row of Explocean Surf Boards (021 - 4392944), and Dean Geraghty of Town and Country (021 5105495) have earned the right to shape for Capetonians, indulge yourself, instead of bringing your stick here and risk dinging it on the plane, have one custom made.

The Peninsula is also host to a number of board shapers, so if you are coming from abroad to surf our coast, it will be quite a good idea to check out some of our local shapers.

Cape Town does not have a shark problem. Some oversize Johnny Boys have been spotted from airplanes and helicopters, but as far as attacks go, Cape Town is probably the safest surfing destination in South Africa. The only price that you pay for this comfort is the fairly low water temperature. It's a fact; Lurkers do not like cold water.ï¿½ What I mean by cold, is about 13 C or 57 F.So bring your suit along, on the odd occasion, you will however get a baggy surf at places like Muizenberg, Strand and Koeï¿½l Bay on the Indian Coast, but these days are few and far between.

There are many surf reports in this area. Just phone up one of them and you will get a full update of what the waves are doing all around the coast. One of the most useful reports is one done by Tich Paul of Lifestyles Surf Shop which covers the entire peninsula. He updates his report every time the waves change enough to en - discourage you from going to a certain place. The number is 082- 2346340. We are also in the process of instituting a surf report on our web site, Southern Africa Places, which will enable you to find out what the surf is doing before you leave.

There are regular wind reports and swell reports supplied by the Weather Bureau for those of you who like to make your own deductions about the surfability of certain spots.

Picking up surf gear and clothing is not a problem. We have shops that stock all the well-known brand names, local and imported. There is a wetsuit factory in Town, which produces one of South Africa's foremost wetsuits. Shapers I have already mentioned.

Those of you who are not stand-ups need not feel left out. Many of the surf spots in and around Cape Town are actually more suited to bodyboarding than to surfing. A lot of the waves are really steep and fast, which makes the take-off for surfers extremely tricky. These spots are mostly surfed by bodyboarders as well as the odd really hot surfer that is willing to give the closeout sections a go.

Capetonians are not particularly hung up with the bickering between surfers and bodyboarders. On the odd occasion, you will find a jerk giving a bodyboarder some grief, but in general, we are pretty mature about that sort of crap. If you surf like a lemon and get in the way, you will be bitched no matter what your wave craft.

All in all, surfing in the Peninsula is good. No matter what your skill level or what you ride, you will find a wave that is ideally suited to you. Make a day out of it and sit on the beach or pop in for a quickie. No matter what your decision, Cape Town is a great place to play.

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Cape Letting

Boutique Hotels of Cape Town

2009-03-19T01:11:00.000-07:00

As you start to plan your holiday in Cape Town, we would like to make one suggestion: Make your accommodation booking at one of Cape Town’s boutique hotels. No other accommodation can offer you a more real and enchanting experience of the Cape. Known for their friendly hospitality, the intimate detail with which each guest is cared and catered for would just add so much more to your experience of Cape Town. Size does matterThe most important factor that set boutique hotels apart from other luxury hotels is the amount of rooms. Usually consisting of no more than a hundred rooms, the attention of the staff towards the guests creates the intimate feeling that has been longed for by many a tourist. This gives the staff and/or owner the chance to see to their guests personally instead of being treated as just another room number.LocationWhere most luxurious hotels are generally located in the city’s business districts, Cape Town’s boutique hotels has the privilege of being mostly situated in the suburban areas. You get to live the life of a Capetonian, with a few benefits of course. All the while having more opportunities to mingle with the locals, you have the benefit of finding what is happening in the current of things.Uniqueness of styleCape Town is known for its diversity. The same could be said for Cape Town’s boutique hotels, for not one is like another. Not only is the architecture of each boutique hotel unique, but also the style of its interior designs. Ranging from local Old Dutch farm-styles to the more cosmopolitan feel, this gives you as guest the chance to choose according to your own personal taste.The personal touchFrom the very first moment you book into your choice of boutique hotel, the quality of service is incomparable to that of luxury branded hotel. You can just feel the welcoming warmth and intimate atmosphere with which you as a guest are cared for. You are recognised as an individual and that reflects in the service that is given by all employees at any boutique hotel towards their guests. The pursuit of each staff member is to personally see to the every want and need of their guest, a customized service if you must give it a name. PriceConsidering the amount of personal attention with which each guest is treated, you would assume that that would reflect in price. But this is a common misconception. All things considered, the price paid to be able to stay at any boutique hotel would be worth more than a penny.AmbienceImagining sitting in a big lounge in front of a warm comforting fire while sipping on a good quality wine and chatting about your day’s adventure. That is the ambience that can be expected at any boutique hotel in Cape Town. In some boutique hotels you even get to sit around a big dining room table and socialize (a tradition in a lot of South African cultures). If anything, it would have to be the ambience of a Cape Town boutique hotel that makes it a must to experience. It would be a serene sanctuary in a bustling world.Cape TownCape Town is one of South Africa’s biggest tourist destinations. When you see Cape Town first hand you will know why. Surrounded with majestic mountains, stretched out golden beaches and cultures so diverse, Cape Town is a wonder of nature all on its own. The amount of activities to venture into is infinite. If it’s culture you seek, a tour through the world renowned Cape Winelands is a must. The three best known wine districts in the Winelands are: Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl. Each little town has its own unique story to tell, combined with a price winning wine and an unbelievable world class gourmet meal. For the adventurer a seaside escapade would be perfect. Cape Town also has Shark cage diving for the adrenalin junkie, for this is not for the faint of heart. Than, the people of Cape Town, for in no other place would you find such an array of cultures thrown together in one big beautiful city. Cape Town is all-in-all an absolutely miraculous city.So when you start to plan for your holiday destination, remember this: Boutique hotels of Cape Town. For no other holiday would offer you such an intimate experience of a country known for its history, diverse cultures and overall natural beauty. You would find that when you’ve arrived at the end of your adventure that South Africa, and specifically Cape Town, would leave you yearning for more.

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Cape Town: Hiking and Walking Trails

2009-03-13T00:14:00.000-07:00

Table Mountain National Park

Covering an area of 221 km², or some three quarters of the peninsular in four broadly separate zones, the park was established in May 1998 in order to protect the unique landscapes and ecology of the Table Mountain chain (Hoerikwaggo in the Koisan).

Map

The Table Mountain Section of the park receives the vast majority of visitors. It is this area that covers the iconic feature of 1086m flat top Table Mountain itself, which is buttressed on either side by Signal Hill, Lions Head and Devil’s Peak. The summit of Table Mountain is accessible by foot trail or cable car, the latter offering a spectacular ride and superb views from the summit on arrival. The summit is not infrequently blanketed by a static cloud formation known as the tablecloth at which times it is pointless to make the journey. The best opportunities for clear weather are in the morning or evening.

The Silver Mine/Tokai Section sits midway down the length of the peninsular along the Atlantic seaboard, and along the east facing coast of False Bay. Along the western edge of the peninsular it looks down on Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak and Noordhoek.

The Cape Point Section is the area at the extremity of the peninsular stretching from the Cape of Good Hope to Cape Point, and including Scarborough and Simon’s Town.

For hikers and climbers 300 separate routes up the mountain have been identified allowing for amble opportunity to get lost or run into trouble. A number of these are technical and others not, and although none are easy, some can be accomplished in a day, while others provide several different multi-day options. Three Hoerikwaggo Trails were launched in 2005 for the purpose of facilitating multi-day hikes from the City Bowl side of the park in the north to Cape Point.

It is advisable to seek advice from your lodge or hotel before setting out. The cableway tends not to operate during high winds or bad weather, but for general information log on to tablemountain.net or telephone 021 428 5148

For guided hikes and climbs contact Kabbo African Adventures or Venture Forth.

City & Surrounds Walks/Hikes

There are a variety of other options for recreational walks within the urban boundaries of Cape Town.

Signal Hill

Forming the north western Boundary of the City Bowl, Signal Hill is a promontory off Table Mountain that slopes in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a stiff walk to the top, but worth it for views of the city, and the Noon Gun, a cannon that is fired at noon, traditionally to allow the citizens of the city below to coordinate their time. To get there follow Longmarket Street through the Bo-Kaap until it meets a trail head.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Situated on the east slopes of the Berg (Table Mountain), Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is just another of the superbly appointed features of this city, that after a while one might be forgiven for finding tedious in the apparently endless repetition of sublimely beautiful places.

The Cape plant ecology is defined largely by the Fynbos phenomenon. The signature feature of Fynbos is the sheer diversity of associated plant life, and in particular of floral species. Meaning Fine Bush in the Afrikaans, Fynbos is essentially shrub or heath land, occurring mainly in those areas of the Cape that experience winter rainfall and that can be described as having a Mediterranean climate. The three main floral elements are Proteas, Ericas and Restios, the first being perhaps the most prominent, with many species, some commercially produced, and all with a unique, hard leafed structure and tubular flowers.

Kirtsenbosch is arguably the premier showcase of Cape flora, although of course the entire region is replete with public and private gardens that compete in glorious displays. It is extensive in its reach, providing a superb backdrop for a recreational stroll as well as those interested in the in depth study of local garden culture.

It almost goes without saying that this explosion of colour and vivacity attracts large numbers of local birds, some endemic, and many closely associate with the Fynbos landscapes. Coupled with this, summer evening concerts are held on the expansive lawns of the gardens from November until April.

An absolute must for the Cape Town visitor.

Lion’s Head

Between the Berg and Signal hill lies Lions head, although Lion’s Tooth might have been a better name for this abrupt peak rising almost directly out of the west of the city. It is a stiff 2.2km walk to the summit, but worth it, particularly on a full moon when a regular congregation of lunar freaks will greet you with a variety of herbal enhancements and some interesting celestial philosophies. Accessible via Kloof Nek, a road running between Lion’s Head and the Berg.

The Cape of Good Hope Trail

This is a two day one night trip that covers the 40km circular route through the reserve. It is necessary to book in advance for this one, usually through the Buffelsfontein Visitors Center on (021) 780 9204.

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Cape Letting

The Classic Tour of South Africa

2009-02-09T02:16:00.000-08:00

South Africa`s scenic and cultural diversity, coupled with its sheer size, makes it an ideal destination for touring holidays. The question facing visitors, first-timers in particular, is just what to include on the itinerary.
Those with three weeks to spare might like to consider following this "Classic Tour". For travellers with less time, it can be broken down into stages of one week at a time.

Even for those who are already familiar with South Africa, this route planner might provide holiday touring ideas.

The distances outlined can easily be accomplished in one day. Nobody, particularly youngsters, wants to spend long stretches in a car - so daily journeys of 400 km (250 miles) are an exception.
Take the opportunity to take in the sights en-route, look out for the �Suggested side-trip� ideas.

Many UK tour operators will tailor-make an itinerary to suit your wishes. This "Classic Tour" may give you some thoughts to help you outline your requirements. Alternatively tour operators� own itineraries might match sections of this tour.

Days Eight & Nine St Lucia Wetland Reserve

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park/ St Lucia Wetland/ Hlhluwe-Umfolozi Park.

Only an hour�s drive from the Park is the greater St.Lucia Wetland Reserve. Take a boat trip on Lake St Lucia, combining this with a visit to the Mkuzi Game Reserve, where game can be viewed from a hide.

Another worthwhile excursion is to cruise along the False Bay of Lake St Lucia - simply drive along the N2 a few kilometres to the north and then take the turn off to Charters Creek. Further on (approx 30km) and you�ll come to Dumazulu, a cultural village, demonstrating the cultural traditions and daily life of the Zulu people.

Suggested side-trip: The nearby Itala Game Reserve offers enthusiasts a rich game-viewing experience.

Day Ten Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park-Umhlanga Rocks/Durban

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park - Nyalazi Gate (R618) - Mtubatuba - (N2) - Umhlanga Rocks/Durban (approx 260km).

Driving south from Hilltop Lodge through the park you once again have the opportunity of viewing the wonderful landscape and wildlife. From the Nyalazi gate (37km) take the R618 in the direction of Mtubatuba (30km) and then the N2 to the south all the way through to Umhlanga Rocks (187km), an attractive, modern seaside-resort just north of Durban, with lots of good hotels. Overnight Umhlanga Rocks or Durban.

Suggested side-trip: If you make an early start there may be time to visit Shakaland, a replica Zulu village. Near Eshowe, turn off the N2 at Gingindlovu onto the R66 to Shakaland. You can stay the night in a typical Zulu bee-hive shaped hut, fitted out with all modern amenities.

Days Eleven & Twelve

Umhlanga Rocks - Durban
There�s time to relax on the wide, sandy beaches of Umhlanga Rocks. But a trip to Durban, only 18km to the south, is a must. South Africa�s holiday playground is known as �the place where the fun never sets�.

The Indian influence, in particular, is unique to this city. Wander round the frenetic Victoria Street Market with stalls selling a fascinating variety of spices, fruit, jewellery, wooden carvings and many other goods of the Orient and Africa. Durban is also the place to enjoy an authentic Indian meal.

More than 1,000 species of fish, including sharks, can be seen at the Sea World Aquarium while shows featuring dolphins and seals are the attraction at Sea World.

The Botanical Gardens are famous for their orchid house, in which over 3,000 different types of this flower are exhibited from all over the world. For something completely different, why not visit the sugar terminal on the harbour-front - one of the world�s largest.

There are several interesting museums as well as the African Arts and Culture Centre.

Suggested side-trips: A trip through the charming area known as "Valley of 1,000 Hills" inland from Durban is a scenic treat.

Day Fourteen Port St John�s - King William�s Town

Port St. John�s (R61) - Umtata (N2) - Butterworth - Komga (R63) - King William�s Town (365km)

From Port St. John�s you drive through the Xhosa hill settlements on a charming route (R61) to Umtata. Onwards in westerly direction on the N2, until you reach the Komga turnoff to the R63, which takes you into King William�s Town. This alluring little town used to be a missionary station.

Look in at the Kaffrarian Museum with its exhibits on cultural history plus a huge collection of dissected and stuffed animals and the Missionary Museum, which highlights the work of a South African missionary station. The Xhosa Gallery, housed in the former Post Office, illustrates the culture of the Xhosa people.

Day Fifteen King William�s Town Grahamstown Port Elizabeth

King William�s Town (N2) - Grahamstown - Port Elizabeth (255km)
Grahamstown, located at the centre of the so-called "Settlers� Country", was established as a British military post in 1812, playing a major role in the "Xhosa Frontier Wars". Today this quaint town is an important cultural centre with a university, many schools and more than 40 churches. The annual National Festival of Arts, the most important cultural event in South Africa, takes place here in July.

You can see an authentic Camera Obscura at the Observatory Museum, while the International Library of African Music, part of the university, has a very large collection of African music instruments (visits arranged by appointment).
Suggested side-trip: On leaving King William�s Town take the R63 to Alice. On the outskirts is Fort Hare, home of South Africa�s first university for the country�s black students. Formerly a British fort, this is where Nelson Mandela and many other of today�s black leaders studied. The university owns a fantastic collection of Modern African Art, exhibited in the "De Beers Gallery". Continue along the R63 to Fort Beaufort, then take the R67 to Grahamstown.

From Grahamstown the fastest route to Port Elizabeth follows the N2 (128km.). More interesting is the route that follows the Indian Ocean coastline, known as the "Sunshine Coast". Take the R67 to Port Alfred on the coast, then follow the R72 which passes beautiful beaches and resorts like Kenton on Sea. Return to the N2 at Ncanaha and head for Port Elizabeth.

Port Elizabeth, on Algoa Bay, was established in 1799 as a British garrison. Today this city is one of South Africa�s largest commercial and industrial centres with an important harbour and university. Thanks to broad, sandy beaches and warm water (21-25�C) throughout the year, this is also a popular seaside resort. The city retains strong British influences, with many interesting buildings and museums. Special attractions include the Port Elizabeth Museum, with its exhibits of nature and cultural history, the Snake Park and the Oceanarium, with aquatic shows featuring seals and dolphins.
In Port Elizabeth you have the possibility to end this journey, return your rented car, and fly back to Johannesburg.

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Romantic things to do in Cape Town on Valentine's Day

2009-02-06T00:39:00.000-08:00

Romance is in the air so best get your act together with some ideas on how to impress your lady

Valentine’s Day is not about the expensive gifts, that was Hallmark’s invention. But we bet you if you don’t do something on Valentines Day for your special someone, you’ll most likely end up in the dog box.

Read more on all the Valentines Day Parties as well as romantic Valentines Day Restaurants in Cape Town.

Here are some tips on ways to sweet talk your way into your lady’s heart: from ZERO to HERO…

Active on Valentine’s
Wake your lady up early in the morning and go for a walk up Lion’s Head. With it’s beautiful view, sunrise promises to be spectacular and this is a great way to enjoy a private, romantic Valentine’s breakfast.

Valentine’s High
In the afternoon take her up Table Mountain for a sunset picnic. This will cost R130 per person and the sun sets at approximately 19h50. She’ll possibly feel like she is dancing with the revolving cable car’s views of the city, mountains and ocean all the way to the top of Table Mountain.

Valentine’s a Beach
It’s summer time so the best way to indulge in the sunset is by going on a picnic on the beach. Take a blanket, candles, and your lady. Great beaches to go to are Clifton and Llandudno.

Sexy Grapes on Valentine’s
Drive to the winelands with its comfortable grass slopes under trees and views of picturesque wine estates like Zevenwacht, Boschendal or perhaps Groot Constantia. Many of these wine estates sell a variety of picnic hampers.

Some romantic and affordable restaurants:
Limoncello – Gardens: Simple yet stylish.
Polana – Kalk Bay: Great view, rustic style.
Divas Observatory: Romantic, cosy pizza.
The Wild Fig – Mowbray: Authentic culture.
Cape to Cuba – Kalk Bay: Authentic and unique.
Carlyles – Vredehoek: Comfortable and casual.
Magica Roma – Pinelands: Casual and delicious.
Onewaterfront - Waterfront: Stylish award winning.
Paranga - Camps Bay: Posh & lush Camps Bay.

For a special dinner, pull some strings for a Wine Cellar Dinner for Two at the Five Flies, indulge at Constantia Uitsig, or Executive Suite (formerly The Towers) restaurant at the Westin (formerly the Arabella Sheraton).

The ever relaxed Fork Restaurant on Long street with its excellent tapas has 3 intimate cubicles upstairs, or perhaps see if you can book their balcony for a double date.

The revolving restaurant at the Ritz Hotel is a long forgotten place that still has the best views of a Cape Town sunset. Don’t worry – it goes really slowly, so you will be able to enjoy the view and your food.

Now for those of you who are hopeless romantics, and feel that your loved one deserves to be treated like a princess in the lap of luxury, here are some ideas.

A scenic helicopter flight at sunset for two. Tell your girlfriend you are taking her for lunch at the V&A Waterfront and surprise her with a winelands lunch in a helicopter to Lanzerac or Grand Roche.

Other options this Valentine's: Romantic Overnight Safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve, a Chocolate and Wine Tasting.

Whatever it is you decide to do on Valentines…whether it’s going on a picnic, for a hike (God forbid you actually do this), or having a romantic dinner in any of Cape Town’s best restaurants….be sure to do it with a big heart and lots of love.

Learn About Cape Town

2009-01-15T02:50:00.000-08:00

Situated on the southwestern tip of Africa, Cape Town and the Western Cape is recognised as one of the most beautiful places on earth. Offering a range of attractions, breathtaking sights and endless activities, it is a year-round holiday destination with friendly people, a mild climate and rich cultural heritage.

Regions The province is made up of six tourism regions: Cape Town, Cape Overberg, Cape Winelands, Cape Garden Route & Klein Karoo, Cape West Coast and Cape Karoo each offering a variety of activities and a great diversity of natural beauty and attractions.

Natural Wonders The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where at Cape Point giant waves crash into some of the tallest sea cliffs in the World, making it one of the most dangerous sea passages of all and ancient mariners mapped it as being the meeting point of two oceans. Table Mountain named by the Khoisan people Hoerikwaggo meaning mountains of the sea and the most well known natural landmark in maritime history. Hikers paradise of the Cedarberg, Swartberg and other nature areas and National Parks The majesty of the spring flowers in bloom along the West Coast. The beauty and splendour of the Garden Route. A vista of sea, beach, mountains and flora. Southern Right Whales visiting from July to November to mate and give birth before returnig south to feed. Home to the most diverse floral kingdom on our planet containing about 8500 species, known also as the Fynbos(fine bush)biome. With a host of activities on offer, you’re spoilt for choice. From nature reserves, scenic drives and hiking trails to adrenaline rushes in the form of the highest commercial bungee jump in the world at Bloukrans Bridge or world-class shark cage diving. In addition, we’re a golf lovers paradise sporting some of the best golf courses in the world! These are but a small sample of what is available to do. Sailing, flying, balooning, helicopter flights, climing, absailing, sport, birdwatching are other activities that spring to mind.

Activities

Culture and Heritage If Culture and Heritage is what you’re after, then there’s no shortage either. Take the ferry to Robben Island to visit liberation icon and former South Africa president, Nelson Mandela’s prison cell. Learn about apartheid. Take a township tour and experience Cape Flats and African Culture, food and way of life. Travel to the Karoo and discover the ancient rock art of the peoples who inhabited the area for thousands of years before being overwhelmed by modern history. Explore the preserved mission stations where many of these people settled and learned the Western ways of life. Join in the Cape Minstrel Carnival, a tradition of music and colour dating back to the American Cival War and kept alive by troups of locals in parade through the streets of Cape Town. The Carnival now has a regular date in early January.

Business If it’s business as usual for you then Cape Town and the Western Cape, winner of the 2008 Travel Awards for Africa’s leading destination, answers all your business needs. A convention, conference and investment hub, the destination consistently wins 90% of all conferences it bids for. Still looking for a reason to visit us? How about joining us for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in just over two years. Share in and celebrate this historic event with us as South Africa plays host to Africa’s first ever football world cup.

Article Source

Things You Must Know About Cape Town South Africa by Glenda Capman

2008-11-24T01:47:00.000-08:00

Cape Town is the capital of the Western Cape of South Africa. It is the second most populated city in all of South Africa and is its legislative capital. The city is governed by a large city council that reports to a smaller executive council that is headed by a city manager and an executive mayor. This area of the Western Cape of South Africa has a rich history, varied geography, and a booming economy.

The Beginning of Cape Town

The Western Cape of South Africa now known as Cape Town has a human history that dates back twelve thousand years. The area was first settled by Europeans in 1652 when employees of the Dutch East India Company were sent to help increase the trading empire of the company. Because of the extensive amount of labor needed by the company slaves were imported from Indonesia and Madagascar.

In 1814 this area of the Western Cape of South Africa was given to the British government. From that point on the government experienced a great deal of turmoil. Changes have included the policy of apartheid and the eventual removal of this policy in the city.

Weather and Geography

One of the most populous cities in the Western Cape of South Africa, Cape Town, has a population of nearly three and a half million located within its nine hundred forty-seven square miles. The city is located at the end of the Cape Peninsula and is surrounded by cliffs. Some of the more than seventy cliffs are over one thousand feet high.

Cape Town has a large range of temperature fluctuations. This area of the Western Cape of South Africa has an average high of seventy-two degrees and an average low of fifty-two degrees. The record high for the area is one hundred six degrees and the record low is thirty degrees. The yearly average of precipitation is just over twenty inches. Most of the rain falls during the winter months.

The Economy of Cape Town

Cape Town is the center of economy for the Western Cape of South Africa and the regional center of manufacturing. Most of the agricultural goods grown in the area are processed in the industrial areas of the town. Other parts of the town are made up of business districts, which are responsible for a large portion of the job opportunities in the area.

Being the regional and national government seat has also helped the economy of this area of the Western Cape of South Africa. The city also has is host to the Port of Cape Town and the Cape Town International Airport. These large transportation hubs help export the goods of the area. The abundance of transportation options also helps deliver people to the town and helps make Cape Town the most popular tourist destination in South Africa

What to do in Cape Town

Built on top of the Port of Cape Town docks is the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. This is one of the most popular Western Cape of South Africa tourist destinations. The Two Oceans Aquarium as well as hundreds of shops are located within the complex. Other popular activities for locals and tourists alike are the various sports clubs located within the city. Rigby, cricket and football all have their own stadiums and loyal fans.

Your next visit to the Western Cape will be the best ever with one of our select Cape Town accommodation.

Article Source: http://www.articleferret.info

CAPE TOWN TOURISM INFORMATION

2008-10-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Cape Town Holiday Accommodation | Cape Letting

Visa Requirements:

Every person seeking to enter South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport for travel to South Africa and, where necessary, a visa. Enquiries can be directed to South African diplomatic representatives abroad or the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria . Visitors who intend travelling to South Africa 's neighbouring countries and back into South Africa are advised to apply for multiple entry visas. In terms of existing arrangements, passport holders of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means to support themselves during their stay, and that they are in possession of return or onward air tickets.
For more information about which countries need visas and which are exempt please visit the following site: http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/visa_detail.asp

Passport requirements:

Passports must be valid for at least 6 months and 1 month beyond the intended stay. An onward or return ticket is required, as well as sufficient funds and documents needed for further travel. Note that visitors to South Africa must have two consecutive blank pages in your passports for endorsements. South African holders of dual passports must use their South African passport to enter or leave the country.

Immunizations:

No international immunization is needed when entering South Africa .

The only innoculation requirement is a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers over one year of age entering South Africa within six days of leaving an infected country. Visitors who travel through or disembark in these areas are advised to be inoculated against the disease before visiting South Africa .

Malaria:

Regions that are affected are the Northern Province and Mpumalanga , northern Natal and Zululand . The risk of contracting the disease is negligible provided that you take the standard precautions. Malaria tablets, a good insect repellent particularly in the evening, long-sleeved shirts and mosquito coils are advisable precautions. Please consult a pharmacy or doctor for advice.

Phoning:

If you wish to make a call overseas, you must first dial 09, which is South Africa 's international access code. You then dial the country code, area code of the city or region and the number of the person you wish to call. For example, if you make a call to Sydney , Australia , telephone number 456 1234 you must dial 09 61 2 456 1234.

You can buy prepaid telephone cards to use from public telephones which are cheaper than using the direct calling facilities offered by the hotel.

Mobile phones:

You will need to apply for International coverage through your service provider or you will need to buy a conversion kit at a supermarket as well as pay as you go air time.

Electricity:

220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Three pronged plugs are used in South Africa , take an adapter along with you, or buy one at a supermarket in Cape Town . Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and small appliances.

Currency:

One Rand (R) = 100 cents (c). Notes issued R200, R100, R50, R20, R10; coins R5, R2, R1, 50c 20c, 10c, 5c. Currency exchange rates are available at banks and are published daily in the press.

You can cash travellers cheques and foreign currency at the airport when you arrive. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM’s) are available at the airport and cash can easily be drawn this way on arrival. Otherwise ATM’s are found all over Cape Town . Please be careful at ATM’s as this is a common way to trick the unsuspecting out of their money. Decline any offers of “help”.

Credit Cards Master, Visa, Diners and American Express are accepted almost everywhere.

Banks:

Banks open from 9h00 to 15h30 from Monday to Friday. On Saturday they open from 8h30 to 11h00

Postal Service:

Open Mon - Fri 08h00 - 16h30 & Sat 08h00 - 12h00. Mail may be addressed to you Post Restante. The main post offices have special counters for this purpose. Postage stamps are widely available (e.g. at some cafes and branches of the Central News Agency - CNA).

Tipping:

Tipping is expected in South Africa . A guideline for visitors is the following: Porters R2 per item, taxis 10%, waiters & waitresses in restaurants 10 - 15% of the bill. Petrol attendants R3- R5. An informal “car guard” tip R3.00 for watching your car.

Traveller's Cheques:

Most international traveller's cheques are accepted provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most banks. Many hotels provide this service.

VAT Refunds:

Foreign tourists visiting South Africa can have their value-added tax (VAT) refunded provided the value of the items purchased exceeds R250. VAT is refunded on departure at the point of departure.

VAT of 14% is levied on nearly all goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT paid on items that will be taken out of the country. Original tax invoices, foreign passport, plus all the items on which a refund is claimed, must be presented at the VAT refund administration office or an appointed RSA customs and excise official on departure, and the total VAT on these items will be refunded. Visitors will be requested to fill out a VAT Refund Control Sheet (VAT 255). Where a visitor does not export all the goods specified on a particular tax invoice, only the value of the goods and the tax paid on such goods exported must be declared on this form. VAT is not refundable for services or accommodation.

Driving:

Drive on the left and give way to traffic approaching from the right. The general speed limit is 120km/h on open roads and 60km/h in urban areas.

Car Hire:

Please note that it is advisable to book your car in advance if you plan to travel to Cape Town during December and January. You will need a credit card in order to be able to hire a car. All major car hire firms have depots at the airport such as AVIS, Imperial, Budget car hire.

Time:

South Africa is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 6 hours ahead of the USA Eastern Standard time.

Safety:

It is advisable not to walk about at night in Cape Town .
There are many reputable taxi firms whom you can phone to fetch you and drop you off again
Don’t walk around showing expensive cameras, jewelry or laptops when in town.
Don’t carry large amounts of money with you.

History and Architectural Heritage of Cape Town

2008-09-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

Cape Town Accomodation

It is indeed fortunate that three men of outstanding architectural talents were brought together at the Cape. Anton Anreith, a young sculptor and woodcarver from Freiburg, arrived as a soldier in the Company's service in 1777. Four years later Louis Michel Thibault, a Parisian architect, appeared on the scene as an officer in the French garrison.

In 1789 they were joined by Hermann Schutte, a young architect and builder from Bremen. The trio settled at the Cape, and it is due to their influence that the period of prosperity and building activity in town and country, which marked the late 18th and early 19th century, has left us such a rich heritage of architectural beauty. British Rule

Gradually the little settlement in Table Valley began to assume the character of a town. No longer was it referred to as Cabo de Goede Hoop, De Caab or De Kaapse Vlek, but during the last quarter of the eighteenth century it acquired the name of De Kaap or Cape Town.

During the war between Britain and Holland (1780-1783) a British fleet sailed to take possession of the Cape, but was attacked and disabled by the French. The French then landed two regiments at the Cape to assist the Dutch in the defence of the Colony. Part of the large hospital on the outskirts of town was assigned to them as barracks. After 1795 the building was wholly occupied by troops and in time the adjoining Ziekenstraat became more appropriately known as Barrack Street, a name it still bears.

When the revolutionary armies of France invaded Holland, William of Orange escaped to England and issued instructions that the Cape should temporarily be handed over to the British for protection against the French. Accordingly, in 1795, a British force arrived at the Cape. The Dutch resisted and, after a brief battle (the Battle of Muizenberg), retired before superior forces.

The change of authority brought with it other changes that many felt were long overdue. Many of the monopolies and other restrictions on trade, by which the Company had promoted its own pecuniary interests at the expense of the colonists, were swept away. A large garrison again provided a ready market for farm produce and thirsty patrons for the houses that had already given Cape Town its reputation as The Tavern of the Seas.

The British remained in possession until 1803, when the Colony was relinquished to the Dutch by the terms of the Treaty of Amiens. Within three months of the restoration of the colony, war had again broken out between Britain and Holland. In 1806, a British fleet of sixty-one ships dropped anchor at Robben Island and landed 6 000 troops at Blaauwberg.

The Battle of Blaauwberg followed and Dutch resistance crumbled. In 1814 the Cape Colony was formally ceded to Britain by a convention under which Dutch vessels were to remain entitled to resort freely to the Cape of Good Hope for the purposes of refreshment and repairs.

In 1814, Lord Charles Somerset became Governor, and the following year he inaugurated the first mail-packet service between England and Cape Town. This was the beginning of the Union-Castle Company's connection with South Africa. The Union and Castle lines amalgamated in 1900.

Outside the town, satellite villages formed around churches and inns along the road to False Bay. At the eastern foot of Wynberg Hill was the village of Wynberg. With its white-walled thatched cottages set among gardens and fruit trees, it possessed at one time much of the atmosphere of an English country village and became for a while the favourite resort of officials of the British East India Company recuperating at the Cape.

At Simon's Bay, an extensive fishing village began to expand. A whaling station had been established, a Residency had been built, and the growing settlement had assumed the name of Simon's Town. The naval establishment had been transferred there from Table Bay in 1814 and it had acquired an atmosphere more reminiscent of Portsmouth or Plymouth than characteristic of the Cape.

In 1824, Cape Town's first newspaper, The Commercial Advertiser was published. It was printed in English and Dutch. In 1830, Sir Lowry Cole laid the foundation stone of St. George's Church, now called St. George's Cathedral, the first English Church in South Africa.

The first civil hospital in southern Africa was built on the western edge of the town, largely through the public-spirited action of Dr. Samuel S. Bailey, a naval surgeon who had served with Admiral Lord Nelson at Trafalgar. Subsequently enlarged, it became the old Somerset Hospital to a later generation.

Schools also appeared and in 1829 the South African College was opened in Long Street. In 1841 a site at the upper end of the gardens was ceded to the College.

One of the first duties of Sir Benjamin D'Urban, appointed Governor in 1834, was to give effect to the Act for the emancipation of slaves passed by the British Parliament in 1833. Some 39,000 slaves, mostly in the western districts of the Colony, were granted their freedom. The British Government provided inadequate compensation for slave-owners and many were reduced from affluence to bankruptcy.

News was brought to Governor D'Urban at a convivial New Year's Eve gathering of the irruption of the Bantu tribes over the eastern border of the Colony. He instructed Colonel Harry Smith (later Governor Sir Harry Smith) to make for Grahamstown to organise the border forces. Colonel Smith left, on horseback, at daybreak and arrived at Grahamstown six days later, having ridden one hundred miles each day, at fourteen miles an hour throughout, a wonderful equestrian feat.

The British Government made an attempt in 1849 to form a penal settlement at the Cape, but when the ship Neptune arrived at Simon's Bay, with 282 convicts aboard, the citizens declined to supply anything to persons having dealings with her. So strictly was this pledge observed that no food whatever was obtainable, either for the convicts or for the troops.

During the riots which ensued, Newspaper Editor John Fairbairn's house at Sea Point was wrecked by a crowd who had lost their employment through the boycott. In the end the colonists were victorious, and on 21 February 1850, the Neptune set sail for Tasmania. In recognition of the services of C. B. Adderley who had championed the colonists in this manner in the British House of Commons, the name of Cape Town's main street was changed to Adderley Street.

A New Age

Cape Town became a municipality in 1840. A liberal constitution was granted to the Cape Colony in 1853 and the first elected Parliament met on 30 June 1854. On 28 November 1872 a complete self-government for the Cape Colony was promulgated by a proclamation of Sir Henry Barkley, who laid the first foundation stone of the present Houses of Parliament in 1875.

Old Pier - Year 1900

In the second half of the century the building of railways, the opening of diamond and gold mines in the interior, and all their manifold and far-reaching economic consequences added enormously to the commercial importance of Cape Town. The sleepy settlement awoke and began to grow as never before. A railway was completed to Stellenbosch and Wellington in 1863. The discovery of diamonds in Griqualand West a few years later demanded its extension to the distant diamond fields. In 1885 it had barely reached Kimberley when the Witwatersrand goldfields presented a still more distant goal. Within the next decade the opening of gold mines in Southern Rhodesia lured the railhead still farther northward. Cape Town was transformed within a generation from a roadstead on Table Bay, to one of the major ports serving a rapidly developing sub-continent.
During the mid 19th century, harbour improvements were urgently needed. The port in Table Bay possessed only four jetties, and recurrent wrecks in the bay were grim reminders of its exposure to north-westerly gales. The storms of 1857 and 1865 accounted for 24 shipwrecks off the Cape coast. The work was started in 1860 and was completed in 1870 when the Alfred Dock was inaugurated by Prince Alfred. Completion of the Robinson Graving Dock twelve years later equipped the port to repair the largest vessels of the time, and the extension of the harbour works to form the outer Victoria Basin by the end of the century endowed Table Bay with a commodious modern harbour. The waterfront became increasingly cluttered with a miscellaneous collection of skin-drying, wool-processing, fish-smoking, soap making and boat-building establishments.

At Simon's Town, new fortifications and the Selborne Dock were constructed and the little town was transformed into a modern naval base. The demand for fresh farm produce made potential farm land too valuable to be left idle. Farms were developed over the Cape Flats where dairy and poultry farming was most common, as well as vegetable and flower farming.

Before 1914 South Africa depended mainly upon overseas countries for most of the manufactured articles in daily use. As such imports were not so readily available in wartime, the First and Second World Wars provided powerful incentives to develop South African industries. Moreover, after 1918 and especially after 1945, many overseas manufacturers found it economically advantageous to establish branch factories in the Union. Expanding overseas trade necessitated the building of a new 200-acre basin in the harbour. But its inadequacy to meet the needs of the port was soon recognised and plans to modify and incorporate it in the basin now known as the Duncan Dock were being formulated even before the new basin was completed. The construction of the Duncan Dock, begun in 1938, proceeded and was practically completed by 1945 when the 1 200 foot long Sturrock Graving Dock was opened.

War & Apartheid

South Africans fought alongside the Allies in both world wars, but Afrikaner opposition to British support continued throughout. The opponents of involvement were very much in the minority and whites from both language groups volunteered in large numbers, as did those of mixed descent. South Africans fought in German South West Africa (now Namibia) during the First World War. Other areas of operation were East Africa and western Europe where, at Delville Wood, 3152 South Africans held their positions against massive bombardment and counter attack. 755 survived unwounded. During the Second World War, South Africans again fought against the Nazis in East Africa, in the Western Desert and in Europe, forging a path up the spine of Italy in one of the toughest campaigns of the war.

The years between the forming of the Union in 1910 and the historical parliamentary election of 1948 witnessed the growth of South Africa into a powerful industrial nation. The National Party won its first election under the leadership of D. F. Malan in 1948. Its rise to power marked the beginnings of the apartheid era. For the first time Afrikaners were in the driving seat and legal segregation on racial lines became the main thrust of policy.

Apartheid stunted the economic growth of the country. The world shunned it and sanctions brought South Africa to its knees. Cape Town suffered enormously as ships no longer docked at the port, and instead, by-passed the Cape. Many Capetonians emigrated to other parts of the world, taking with them the expertise so desperately needed in a growing economy.

During the last decade, violence and bloodshed have brought a nation to the turning-point of reconciliation. The 1994 election saw the inauguration of the first black State President, Nelson Mandela, who headed a government of national unity.

Bringing sexy back?

2008-07-28T02:12:00.000-07:00

Wed, 28 May 2008 07:10
www.iafrica.com

As house sales cool, demand for accommodation continues to grow. As a result, people are turning to renting — pushing up returns in the process.

The rentals market is buoyant and is set to strengthen further. In some centres, rental properties are snapped up within weeks of being put on the market. Returns are at last moving higher as tenants are prepared to pay more — a situation exacerbated by a shortage of stock.

FNB’s property barometer on rental markets states that 75 percent of rental properties are taken in under one month. In Cape Town, 93 percent of rental properties do not last even one month on the market — an indicator, says the barometer, of greater coastal market strength as well as strength in the middle-to-lower income end compared to the upper income segment.

Dexter Leite, director of Pam Golding Properties’ rentals division for the Western Cape Metro region, says however that the demand for quality properties is tempered by lack of stock.

“The past year has been marked by various influences, mainly the introduction of the National Credit Act (NCA) and of higher interest rates. The NCA does not assess a tenant’s affordability or ability to pay rent, but it has placed tighter restrictions on consumers’ borrowing ability.”

Potential home buyers are being restricted by the NCA and high interest mortgage bonds and so turn to renting. “Demand continues to come from a number of sources, including young professionals and first time home seekers who cannot afford to buy, as well as contract workers (foreign and local) and students,” explains Leite. “Renting is also a popular option for those moving into an area and wanting to get a feel for it before they buy.”

Rentals in short supply

Location, accessibility to the workplace, leisure opportunities, schools and security remain critical factors across all rental categories, while traffic congestion and increased travelling costs play an important role. “People prefer to live near work, with ease of access particularly during peak hours. This puts demand on certain areas, with rentals in specific categories being under pressure and in short supply,” adds Leite.

The FNB barometer, which is a survey of letting agents across the country, reports that we have a market far more upbeat than the home buying market. Gauteng is slightly weaker than the three main coastal regions and the lower down the income bands one goes the stronger the market is. The bank’s property strategist, John Loos, suggests that the mildly higher activity levels in coastal regions may reflect greater deterioration in housing affordability during the property boom compared to Gauteng, which didn’t enjoy extreme price inflation as did the coast.

Middle-to-lower income areas are in great demand, reflecting the apparent greater financial strain we are witnessing in the lower income brackets.

Estate agents claim that not only are lower income groups harder hit by the NCA, they are battling rampant price inflation of essential items such as food and transport.

Again, while the shortage of stock is acute and widespread (only three percent of respondents report any type of oversupply) this is more acute in the middle-to-lower income segments.

Interestingly, higher yields are to be found the lower down the price ladder one goes, says Loos. “This to a large extent should be reflective of relatively higher risk to the buy-to-let investor towards the lower-priced end of the market.

In spite of the high demand for rentals, yields are on the low side. “Given that government bonds 10 years and longer (a relatively risk-free investment) sit at a yield of around nine percent, an average national property yield of 8.1 percent and an even lower 6.5 percent in the R1.5-million plus house price category would appear somewhat low,” comments Loos.

Not an attractive proposition for a buy-to-let investor

Property economist Erwin Rode suggests that as a rule of thumb one subtracts two percentage points from gross yields to get the net income yield, which would be comparable with a long bond yield. This would put the average net income yield for houses priced above R1.5-million at around 4.5 percent and the national net income yield at around 6.1 percent, which is not an attractive proposition for a buy-to-let investor.

Looking to the future, South Africa is probably ripe for a far larger rental market, says Loos. A factor is an increasing lack of mobility in and around the country’s major metros driven by mounting congestion. Another is the fact that buying and selling property is a costly business (not only transfer and bond costs but removal and refitting costs). Yet in the modern world people change jobs frequently and, often, locations. Short term rental agreements could become an increasingly popular option for higher frequency movers.

“In addition,” he says, “I do believe that we will see radical changes in the way many people live and work as a result of mounting congestion and chaos in our cities. We may see increasing demand for rental property arising from weekly commuters who choose to have their main residences outside the hustle and bustle of the city.”