Cape

Find the best accomodation in Cape Town

Click here to find out more about the best deals for accomodation in Cape Town

Your destination is Cape Town — the most scenic, sophisticated and well-run city in Africa (some of us would say the southern hemisphere) — and your experience of this beautiful city will hinge almost entirely on your choice of accomodation in Cape Town.

Natural beauty, convenience and full functionality, good value and privacy are all inherent in the quality accomodation in Cape Town.

Most holidaymakers and businessmen have often overlooked Green Point in the past with regards to accomodation in Cape Town.

This area which is located on the western border of Cape Town city and close to the Waterfront is continously being upgraded.

The 2010 Soccer World Cup will be hosted at the Green Point stadium which is currently in it’s completion stages and has helped invigorate this increasingly fashionable area.

There weren’t many reasons to frequent Green Point up until quite recently.

There was the Cape Town traffic department, known as Gallows Hill (the penalties for parking transgressions were severe and final), still there, still uncharming yet necessary.

If you were feeling a little gay or a lot gay then The Bronx bar was a reliable meeting place for gentlefolk.

And ladies would stand on display on the corners of streets with staid names such as St George’s and Vesperdene.

All these factors made Green Point quite an unsavoury place – at least for tourists when choosing accomodation in Cape Town.

Green Point has always had character but now as a result of development and modernisation the suburb has become fashionable as an area to live and play in.

This has opened up a large choice of accomodation in Cape Town for the holiday and business traveller.

As one moves west of Cape Town, along Somerset Road, the influence of the aflluent V&A Waterfront cannot be ignored.

There is no more room for expansion in the Waterfront Marina where the exclusive location and setting has resulted in a high demand for this type of accomodation in Cape Town.

This has resulted in a similiar quality of development in Greenpoint which lies on the V&A Waterfront’s southern boundary.

And so the Green Point stretch alongside this has responded with a swathe of glossy and modern apartment blocks and luxury all-suite hotels.

The reason Green Point apartments are an excellent choice for accomodation in Cape Town is that while delivering better value for money they have easy access to all the V&A Waterfont’s attrations & facilities.

And of course Green Point scores points for its street credibility which the more tourist-orientated V&A Waterfront lacks.

Good food outlets, trendy restaurants, delicatessens, coffee shops, a few first floor balcony lounge bars and the massive liquor and wine warehouse, Ultra Liquors, pepper the pavements and add to the unpretentious groove of Green Point.

Cape

My favourite accomodation in Cape Town

You’re coming to Cape Town – which some of us in the Southern Hemisphere would say is the most beautiful, efficient and sophisticated city in Africa. Your choice of accomodation in Cape Town will play an important part of your experience of this lovely city.

Things to look for in good quality accomodation in Cape Town are clean and modern furnishings, privacy and a good location.

Green Point has not always been popular with tourists as an area with regards to accomodation in Cape Town.

This area which is located on the western border of Cape Town city and close to the Waterfront is continously being upgraded.

The 2010 Soccer World Cup will be hosted at the Green Point stadium which is currently in it’s completion stages and has helped invigorate this increasingly fashionable area.

Not so very long ago this Cape Town city precinct was the kind of place that offered you few reasons to visit it.

A visit to the Traffic Department (which is still located here) to settle parking fines did not endear Green Point to people.

If you were feeling a little gay or a lot gay then The Bronx bar was a reliable meeting place for gentlefolk.

And ladies would also be readily available on street corners down the main road of Green Point.

All these factors made Green Point quite an unsavoury place – at least for tourists when choosing accomodation in Cape Town.

As a result of recent changes Green Point has become more slick and modernised while retaining its character.

Lots of new modern well located apartments in Green Point means there is a much better choice of accomodation in Cape Town.

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Development is the very affluent neighbour of Green Point.

There is no more room for expansion in the Waterfront Marina where the exclusive location and setting has resulted in a high demand for this type of accomodation in Cape Town.

This has resulted in a similiar quality of development in Greenpoint which lies on the V&A Waterfront’s southern boundary.

And so the Green Point stretch alongside this has responded with a swathe of glossy and modern apartment blocks and luxury all-suite hotels. Apartments in the Greenpoint area have become popular accomodation in Cape Town as a result of its excellent location.

These are excellent choices for accomodation in Cape Town as they offer better value than the Waterfront Marina by being on the outer edge of the Waterfront perimeter yet having fast direct access to all the Waterfront attractions.

And of course the security-conscious and high-tech V and A Waterfront lacks the aura of street-cred evident in Green Point.

Trendy shopping centres, good restaurants, lounge bars and coffee shops pepper the sidewalks and add to the unpretentious groove of Green Point.

Cape

Cape Town Magic: The Comprehensive Visitors Guide.

Western Cape Locals Reveal Amazing Cape Town Secrets, Including The Top Wine Estates, Restaurants And Hotels, Game Viewing, Top 10 Golf Courses, Whale Watching Secret Spots, Adventure Sports, And Much More…

Cape Town Magic: The Comprehensive Visitors Guide.

Cape

Veteran Voortrekkers to the Eastern Cape

This month we take in the Overberg region, mountains, country rivers and vast tracks of open space, a little west from Cape Town then onward onto the Garden Route culminating with a private wildlife reserve 80 kilometers inland from Port Elizabeth. As we strive to bring you updated and useful properties of exceptional added value and beauty, we close off this months reviews in the heart of our culinary & wine offerings, Franschhoek.

Colin compiled this seven night itinerary for a return English client traveling with her American travel companion Penny. Camilla has visited southern Africa five times through Centre Stage Travel over the last nine years and this time asked if Colin was able to accompany her along with Penny. In true “ yes “ style, Colin agreed on the basis of being the unofficial chauffeur and wine taster for dinner. Armed with a group B Budget hire car, loads of luggage, cordial banter and a warm African sun overhead, they set off.

Over to you Colin:

Cape Town is as much a cosmopolitan city as the majority worldwide. However once outside the city limits, passed Cape Town International airport heading east, the vista is transformed into regal mountains, world class roads and coastal beauty. Our route took on the coastal road through Gordons Bay, Pringle Bay passed the Harold Porter Botanical Reserve and onward for lunch at the Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa. Positioned overlooking the largest inland lagoon in Africa and in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, it offers impeccable service, huge inviting lounge sofas combined with a vista and calm enhanced a lunch of beautifully presented rare roast beef sandwiches and percolated coffee.

Our destination this evening was Blue Gum Country Estate outside Stanford. Country style living, vast expanses of space and true country hospitality awaited our arrival. Andrew and his two Labradors Odi & Herbanna, fresh from their afternoon run across the vlei & local dam, greeted us with gusto. An excellent choice for either overnighting en route to the Garden Route or to use as a base for discovering the Overberg, Blue Gum Country Estate combines their surrounding elements so well. Mountain bikes are available & I did attempt this art of mobility but after 4 kilometers reverted to Hobson’s Choice.

Deep in the countryside, surrounded by 130 acres of wheat fields, vineyards and pastures – far from roads and highways – it’s hard to believe that we were close to 20 nature reserves and botanical gardens, 16 museums, 20 art shops and galleries, 24 beaches and over 100 restaurants.

We took pre dinner drinks with our hosts on their viewing deck and meandered into the dining room. Dinner was a lazy affair under the watchful eye of Renny & Cynthia our waitrons. In true country style, the portions were quite adequate, presentation quite superb and for our two clients, our wine selection was well received. As we went our separate ways, the night sky was alive with constellations, shooting stars amidst our better known stars.

Moving further along the N2, we traveled close to Mossel Bay, drove passed the historical and golf famous George to our next stop over at Point Lodge in the heart of our Garden Route, Knysna. Ryk & Amanda have owned & run this well positioned bed & breakfast for eight years now. On the lagoon overlooking the Knysna Heads and only two kilometers for the town centre, their inimitable style of hospitality is well recognised through their many repeat clients from around the globe. The weather was being a little hard on us with a grey canopy overhead and strong winds, we however toured the town centre taking in some of the eclectic art shops along the main street.

The following day saw our African sun back with a vengeance. Penny & I decided to take a paddle cruise plying the lagoon offering great views of the Knysna Heads. Our captain today was none other than Mr. Knysna, William Smith. We chatted about some of the major developments coming through to Knysna and how the recent floods had effected the planning phases for property owners. The Paddle Cruiser caters for cruises on the lagoon as well as a great dinner venue. In fact Knysna has a very divergent offering to dinner goers. Along the Waterfront and Thesen’s Island is an array of restaurants, cafes and eateries. Knysna is an excellent base from which to view some of the places of interest.

Onward now to the aptly named city of Port Elizabeth or to use today’s correct name, Nelson Mandela Bay. This stop over was used to facilitate a coming together of family friends who are based here. Our accommodation was The Protea Hotel Edward in the centre of this bustling metropolitan city. She has seen better days and the general condition of the surrounding residential properties was in line with the overall degradation of the area. We would not recommend this hotel for a number of practical reasons.

Over dinner with friends, we talked about the following three days to be spent at Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve. An African wildlife experience is very dependent on the ranger & tracker allocated to guests. Spending up to eight hours each day in their company, it is of paramount importance for these good folks to have the interpersonal, experience and knowledge skills to share Mother Nature with their guests.

We drove out from Port Elizabeth on excellent roads heading inland towards Graff Reinet. The scenery changed from industrial car assembly plants to much greener plants, trees and undulating mountains. One of the distinct advantages to staying at Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve is the close proximity to their access tarred road. Visiting other game lodges can require long distances of gravel roads of varying condition. This visit for Penny was to be her highlight of her first trip to Africa, for Camilla simply an extension to many other quality lodges she has visited in South Africa & Zimbabwe. We arrived at Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve to be greeted in the reception parking with a welcoming committee. Such a warm touch to be greeted by management and staff on entry.

With only seven luxuriously appointed chalets, each featuring all one would expect from a first rate property, our stay at Baauwbosch was destined to be a load of fun, educational and inspirational. We took lunch on the patio overlooking a vista of sheer magic. Distant mountains shimmering in the heat with an open valley in between. A simple lunch but beautifully presented with the staff making sure we received their full attention. An afternoon siesta is mandatory on safari. One of the key elements to taking in Mother Nature in the Eastern Cape is the fact that it is a malaria free area. It would remiss of me not to mention the topography at Blaauwbosch. Stark rocky mountains, deep walled valleys, open plains, dry river beds are all to be found here. Somewhat unique in my experience and made for some excellent driving by our ranger Siphwo who has been at Blaauwbosch since its inception some six years ago.

After an excellent afternoon tea of sweet and savory treats it was time to track wildlife. Imagine if you would a hot African afternoon moving into a cooler evening, shadows stretching longer, it is time for drinking, finding a place of shelter and for the predators, time to stretch their muscles for activities to come…… We saw a varied amount of large & small game on our first outing and as we gently fell under the spell of silence, smell and solitude, we spotted them ! A female cheetah and her five young cubs! So special! She was completely relaxed with our presence not more than 80 meters away. Her brood ever inquisitive, acknowledged our presence, eventually reverting to their playful antics as if we did not exist. There are three females here, two with five cubs each and the third one a little chasten by the other females. Two male cheetahs were killed by the lions some time ago. This is normal in the perennial fight for space and dominance between the predator species.

Over the next three days we experienced lion sightings, elephants up close a remarkable scenario of a wet & bedraggled male white rhino seeking out his mate and a myriad of antelope species from kudu across to the smaller duiker. Penny and Camilla felt that their experience was optimal as I am sure the majority of first time visitors would. I however felt that Siphwo could have shared more of his knowledge on the flora ( flowers, plant life, trees ), topography and general information on the importance of the Karoo with his guests. There was a great deal of time where animal sightings were sparse and this transfer of knowledge would have been well received and would have brought greater understanding of the importance of balance between Mother Nature & mankind.

Our meals and co guest interaction were excellent. Our hosts had with sensitivity, facilitated tables together to match the vehicle complement. This allowed for stimulating dialogue over dinner and opened up a key part of human interaction, sharing our life’s experience. On our second evening, we all sat around an open fire in their boma ( circular structure to offer protection from the elements and wild animals ). We absorbed the moment, drank in the night sky and for a few hours under a canopy of jet black velvet festooned with talking “ eyes “ we communed. Nothing of great significance was said, no, this is the beauty of Africa, it is not us humans that make the experience so meaningful, it is the serenity, largesse of unity and simply order that is to be found in our land, our sky and in her purpose.

We all flew back to Cape Town from a delightfully efficient and pretty Port Elizabeth airport. For my charges, it was time to close off this visit in Franschhoek. So named after being the “ French Quarters “ for the Huguenots, this village oozes charm, has more restaurants than churches and for the foodie in all of us, takes pole position. Our choice of accommodation is The Franschhoek. Part of the family run and managed The Last Word group of exquisite boutique styled retreats positioned at strategic venues throughout the Cape region. Our choice of The Franschhoek is based on the exclusivity of the property, close proximity of excellent restaurants and the centre of the Franschhoek village. Our host Sam effused a typical African welcome, took the ladies off to their room as I sat by the pool taking in the late afternoon rays along with a glass of excellent Sauvignon Blanc.

There is something a little different to be found within The Last Word properties. It may be the relaxed ambience, it could also be the quality and purpose of their furnishings, it is definitely their aim to be the best possible hosts though. This along with their extensive knowledge of all things local, ability to chauffeur their guests to local places of interest and provide the exclusivity we strive to offer our clients made these last few days a culmination of experiences, emotions and adventures for both Camilla & Penny.

For those of you who have yet to experience an African safari, start planning now. Claire & I grow in our experiences in order to share these with you. Whether you come with family, friends or as a group, its time to come and share our Africa.

Cape

A Big 5 Safari Adventure in the Western Cape, South Africa

The Western Cape offers a number of Private Game Reserves and exclusive Wilderness experiences to choose from, Colin & I chose two well-established properties to share with you this month, Aquila Private Game Reserve and Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve, both within a three-hour drive of Cape Town. 

 

The four star Aquila Private Game Reserve offers game drives within a malaria free, Big 5 game territory only 2 hours drive from Cape Town. Surrounded by a semi desert rolling landscape of the Little Karoo, the scenery is spectacular.

 

Aquila Private Game Reserve actively supports the previously disadvantaged community from the nearby town of Touws River. Under the aegis of the team at Aquila, they employ over 120 people, sponsoring a full time teacher and the local cricket team amongst other generous sustainable development programs so vital within our responsible tourism gambit. They have made strong inroads to eradicate exotic tree and invasive plant species from the area. This ongoing program assists in water preservation in an area that receives only 400 millilitres of rainfall per year! Throughout their bathrooms they use natural biodegradable bath products supporting their environmental responsibilities. Very positive and laudable actions!

 

Our experience at Aquila Private Game Reserve left us with mixed feelings though. Having spent time at numerous other African Safari properties in various parts of southern African, we felt that Aquila is over sold as what they term as “Real Africa”, a statement on their website. The cheetah and the lions are in enclosures and you can see them pacing up and down the fence line of their respective enclosures, the crocodiles are in a small water camp at the lodge for all to see and all the game is fed every evening, not quite the Real Africa we feel is authentic and what we could market as “ Real Africa “. However, Aquila Private Game Reserve does have the advantage that you can get really good, close up photos of wildlife which may rate you well with your friends back home when you share your African experience. You do have the opportunity to see four of the Big 5! Even the well-informed rangers very rarely see the mountain leopards, the 5th of the Big 5.

 

Colin and I met with the General Manager, Leon and the Conservation manager, Patrick. Two fine young gentlemen with passion, knowledge & a commitment for both the environment and guest experience. Aquila is a custom designed day visit product and we both felt it to be very much a “work in progress”. Aquila may well offer a fine safari option in time to come. Right now though, we feel that it is pricey for the overall input for overnight guests staying for a night or two. The accommodation offered is standard and the meals provided, were pedestrian but well presented. Overall service is good and the game rangers are knowledgeable within their scope of responsibility. It was a disappointment being offered bottom end quality semi sweet South African sparkling wine, marshmallows and biltong on the afternoon game drive at sundown. An opportunity missed to captivate the heart & mind of the twelve guests on our vehicle…….    

 

Aquila offers two adventurous and fun activities at the lodge being a horseback safari and a quad biking safari. Both offer a unique experience. The big advantage of visiting this property is found in their comprehensive day trip. For folks staying in Cape Town & surrounds with limited time to take in African wildlife, valuable photo and close animal encounters abound. Overall thoughts, come for a day! For the future, their conference facilities to be developed over the next six months would make a wise choice of venue.   

 

A hop, skip and a jump took us north from Aquila through some more spectacular scenery, climbing an undulating mountain pass and along some rough gravel roads towards the southern Cederberg region. The four star, 15 000 hectare Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve was our selected destination. The final 16km to the lodge showed unique similarities to the mesmerising sandstone rock formations found within the Cederberg area. Hot ( 36 degrees  Centigrade ), dry and  almost moonlike in character and feel.

 

Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve offers a wilderness experience with a cultural twist. The general Cederberg area is renowned for it’s Bushmen paintings and Kagga Kamma offers an informative cultural safari guided by a greatly knowledgeable and experienced field guide, Jaco, who is also the General Manager. Jaco is a great host, passionate about Mother Nature and has an expansive knowledge of the Bushmen. Time spent in the Sabi Sands at the inimitable Mala Mala Game Reserve in conjunction with his Namibian heritage made time in his company utterly compelling! The game that roams their reserve is plains game only, bontebok, eland, burchells zebra, red hartebeest, klipspringer and some of the smaller species like the antbear and jackal.

 

One of the salient selling points here is that being situated so far from town & city light pollution, star gazing is magnificent, has depth and really is exceptional ( almost as good as Sutherland, see our Travel Advisory for September 2007 ). Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve offers a unique, well-positioned mini observatory with a 10-inch telescope. Close up views of our moon, certain planets, constellations and other fascinating objects in far-flung space can be observed. A worthwhile experience!

 

Kagga Kamma offers unique accommodation. Ten imitation sandstone cave like structures built up against the towering sandstone rock formations blend into their surroundings. Comfortable beds, fresh crisp, white linen and air conditioning are indeed welcomed.  Their “ Outcrop “ sleep out option is special! This simply is a Must Do for you! Imagine if you will, a natural rock outcrop, two shade trees and a vast expanse of an endless vista. Imagine the ingenuity of man adding all that is wanted in the way of luxury amenities needed for human entertainment from sunset to well after sunrise the following day. Well before sunset, we boarded quad bikes and were escorted the three kilometres between main camp and the Outcrop. Our arrival is breathtaking. A truly baronial bedroom equipped with a king sized bed, side tables, lounge area and coffee table festooned with all sorts of culinary delights. The African sun setting directly in front of us, our host prepares glasses, lights our paraffin lamps then discretely vanishes. We are alone to commune with Mother Nature!

 

For those of you yet to experience this, do so in a vast hurry, for those who have, come here and allow Her to regale you with a story of the setting sun, all the animal actors on the stage before you join in settling down. The evening sky was streaked a vivid pink, turning to crimson, then steel grey, the stars emerged with a brightness and depth. The Black Hole presented herself alongside the Southern Cross, shooting stars abounded. Utter silence roared, the black velvet night greeted our gentle burning fire. Peace, contentment and solitude pervaded. Our picnic dinner was adequate but lacking for imagination, cold meats, some excellent cheeses, chicken legs and a well prepared & presented green salad combined with a potato salad all conveniently boxed in plastic containers. Our African night sky talks to you. Allow the language to permeate your mind and you will hear the mélange of words, dreams, hopes and aspirations. Colin arose in the early hours of the morning to witness the rising moon illuminating everything in waxen white.

 

The sun arose from behind our rock casting colour, warmth and light on the distant hills, ethereal waking for the experienced traveller, for the first timer simply soul food. A superb honeymoon option if you’re looking to secure a piece of peace and for those wanting to experience fifteen hours of uninterrupted privacy. Due to the naturalness of this option, it is weather dependant. 

 

Overall our experience at Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve was a pleasant learning curve made special by the Outcrop experience. We would recommend the Outcrop without hesitation, however when gauged against similar focussed properties within the region, their rates in proportion to the overall value for the rest of the property are high.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cape

Cape Breton Real Estate

The old-world feel and a variety of tourist attractions bring more and more people to visit the Cape Breton Island. Some of the island’s top attractions are the Fortress of Louisbourg, Eddy Point Lighthouse and the Ceilidh Trail which is a picturesque 67-mile-long trail. This trail offers most spectacular views of the island’s dramatic inlets, bays and coastline. As a variety of choices are available, many people are keen to buy, sell, lease or rent property in Cape Breton.

Investing in a place like Cape Breton is sure to reap rich dividends as Cape Breton properties include vacation rentals and ready-to-purchase properties.

Why Cape Breton Real Estate?

The Condé Nast Traveler magazine rated the island of Cape Breton as the most beautiful and labeled its people as the friendliest. In 2006, Cape Breton topped the list of popular islands located in the US and Canada.

In addition, Cape Breton Island is also famous for its ecological stewardship contributed mainly by the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Activities like cross country skiing, hiking on the Cabot Trail, sight seeing and golf make the island more popular with travelers and tourists. It is also a popular hub of flourishing businesses.

Highlights of Cape Breton Nova Scotia Real Estate

When searching for investor friendly options in Cape Breton real estate, keep in mind that Sydney, Baddeck, Chéticamp and Louisbourg comprise the island’s four major cities. Whether you buy a recreational property, land, home or a building lot, public safety is taken care of by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Emergency services, health facilities and fire services are also easily available.

Cape Breton real estate is also a shopper’s paradise, where you can shop for clothes, browse in famous bookstores, dine at fine restaurants, buy your provisions from the grocery shops and leaf through the latest collections at nearby music stores. Famous restaurants include Auberge Gisele’s, Cranberry Cove and Fitzgerald’s Restaurant. Those who like activities can go hiking, boating, horseback riding, and scenic driving.

Island Real Estate is your best destination whether you want to lease, rent, sell or purchase Cape Breton properties. You can find a house as cheap as $150,000 or as expensive as $700,000. To grab the best Cape Breton properties, visit our site at www.islandrealestate.com.