Travelling to/in South Africa

[UniFoxOs]

I'm intending to buy SWMBO a holiday in SA as a birthday present. I will probably book a tour rather than try to travel independently. Middle/end January is the favourite time in our calendar.

Anybody got any suggestions as to what I should look for - what is a "must see" and what's not worth bothering with? I'd particularly like to know if gold/diamond mines are a) worth a visit and b) relatively easy access - we can't do climbs/steps/very rough ground.

Not too bothered about game parks/drives as we have done that in Tanzania where one of the other pax reckoned that the experience we had there was better than SA.

Thanks in advance
UFO

[pzu]

Exchange rate

At some 14 ZAR to £1 it's certainly affordable

Only been once, back in 2007 and rate was about the same, did Tembe Safari Park on Mozambique border in KZN and then Margate(???) about 1ooK S of Durban - enjoyed it

PZU - Out of Africa (retired)

[LondonPax]

Don't bother with Jo'burg. Go to Cape Town and from there do a tour of the nearby wine regions.

[Smeagol]

Concur with London Pax.

Stick with Cape Town and environs, most beautiful place in the world (or it was in the 1970's when I lived there)!

[Lance Murdoch]

The Drakensberg Mountains are worth seeing as is the Wild Coast which is the area between Durban and East London.

[PAXboy]

Agreed that starting/returning to CPT is a VERY good idea. The Garden Route has a LOT to see and you can drive, take a coach and there are trains for part of it - if you wish.

CPT itself has tons and there are also things to see up the West coast. I cannot say just how much there is to see and a combination of city, desert, wine lands, coast and mountains will be the business.

If you have friends in Gauteng (used to be the cemtral Traansvaal) then perhaps see if they want to come down to meet you!

Use the SA tourist board - so much to see. I also agree that a tour, or several small tours, is better as they will keep you away from the tricky areas.

[LondonPax]

Also, whale watching. I haven't done that in SA, but I know you can. I have done whale watching in Sydney and it is well worth doing.

[ExXB]

... Surprised no one has mentioned the wine ...., that alone justifies the garden route. Lots of B&Bs cater to the vin-tourist, (hic)

[Metro man]

Cape Town for sure, drive out to Cape Point where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. Table Mountain would be worth a look as well. Give JHB a miss, I used to live there and can think of no reason worth going back for.

[JEM60]

Cape Town and it's environs are delightful. Cape Point is great, but don't forget to go to Cape Agulhas, the southern most tip of the African continent. Not too far away, but 40 odd miles south of Cape Point, and THAT is where the two oceans meet. You could take in whale watching in Hermanus along the way. Have had two holidays in SA. Totally memorable, 'tho, like most countries in the world, there is still a lot that is not 'right'

[fincastle84]

We've been visiting SA annually for the past 15 years, it's our favourite winter holiday destination.

The main diamond centre is Kimberley which is on the high veldt, is in the middle of nowhere & in January will be hotter than hell. My advice is to forget it!

I agree that for a first visit Cape Town is your best destination. It's peak season so be prepared for high airfares. We booked our flights for next February in March this year! I would also recommend late January as the time to visit, once the SA school children are back at school!

I recommend a minimum of 5 days in Cape Town to allow visits up Table Mountain, to Robben island, Cape Point etc. Forget whale watching, you're out of season.

Aim to spend at least 3 days visiting the winelands, Stellenbosch is our favourite town. It's not just the wine which fascinates but the beautiful scenery, world class food & yes, superb wines.

From there it's an easy week driving the Garden Route. If you're short of time drop the car in either George or PE (Port Elizabeth) & start your return journey from there, either via CPT or JNB.

Finally, I strongly recommend that you stay in B&Bs rather than hotels. They are of an exceedingly high standard & excellent value for money.

If you require a more detailed itinerary or suggestions for B&Bs & restaurants then by all means PM me.

[twinboom]

Concur Fincastle - go to the Cape and stay in B&Bs / private hotels and for at least 2 (pref 3) nights in any one place - can give steers. Possibility of very hot in Jan but only inland. Top Tip §1: At the first opportunity - even if on first morning and feeling jaded - when Table Mountain is NOT cloud covered go straight to the Cable Car and Up. §2. Pre-book Robben Island, either thro' your tour operator or CPT hotel. §3 Not only Stellenbosch but also Franschhoek = shangri la. Independent travel is practicable, hire cars v. affordable - if need more info please do PM - I'm not a "swallow" but do spend 3/4 weeks/yr there, based in Stellenbosch with excursions far and wide.

[Persia]

Try to fly to Durban and go to Umhlanga Rocks where you will not be disappointed if you are looking for time to relax in great hotels.

January in Durban is extremely humid though so you have been warned.

[Persia]

If you find Durban too humid then you can head for the cool and scenic hills outside Durban called Valley of a 1000 Hills. Stay at the Rob Roy Hotel which has fantastic views, or the Chantecler.

[Persia]

I recommend you may need to hire a car and go with Satnav. Following on from the Valley of a 1000 Hills, I also recommend an overnight stay in the wonderful Hilton Hotel outside Pietermaritzburg, and then a MUST! Head up to Rawdons Hotel, Balgowan ,for a couple of nights. You will not be disappointed whatsoever.

In between Hilton and Rawdons is Midmar Dam. A nice day out if you like walking.

[Persia]

Once done there, head up to the Drakensberg. Anywhere there really i.e. Giant's Castle.

[Persia]

My favourite place in the Drakensberg is Little Switzerland. It is stunning, but that might be a bit too far.

[Persia]

However, on your flight down or up, I would also highly recommend you visit Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. It is a must and you will find the Zambian i.e. Bemba tribe very friendly and delightful compared to the Zulu who are arrogant and surly imho.

[Persia]

Trust me, I think you would enjoy my recommendations 100%!

[Persia]

I would leave the Wild Coast out completely.

I would also leave any visit to gold mines out. So boring and you want to enjoy yourselves. It might also mean a visit to Joburg which is a no no.