| Who goes |
 Young
couples looking for something more exciting than the average Cape Town
guest house experience; sociable adventurous travellers keen to make the
villa their home from home; not really suitable for young families.
Children
Children from 12 years upwards
are welcome. Larger superior rooms can accommodate three easily if desired.
Two children may share a twin room at normal rate.
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| When to go |
All year round! High summer
is from late September until the end of February, and March is delightful.
April to September is referred to as the Green Season in the Cape (it sounds
better than the rainy season) but days can be as hot as British summertime,
without the fierce sunshine. |
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| How long for |
 You
could make yourself at home here for at least a week. There's heaps to
do in Cape Town and the surrounding region. Bear in mind that this is a
winter rainfall area and the winter lasts from May to October. This means
that rain and wind can blot out useful sight seeing (for example – Table
Mountain and Robben Island shut down in high wind and the mountain can
be completely hidden for days on end behind cloud. This means that you
should definitely plan to have several days in the city during the winter
to save yourself the disappointment of coming all that way and then not
seeing the main attraction! |
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| What to take |
 Cape
Town is rather trendy - but in a casual, ‘beachy’ way. You might want to
pack a couple of smartish outfits for eating out at certain restaurants,
and your best bikini/trunks for Clifton Beach!
A good pair of walking shoes
for treks up Table Mountain, while suncream, shades and a hat are a must.
In winter, of course, you
should come prepared with several layers of clothing. The rain is not torrential
and the cold is never fierce (never lower than around 6°C) so it is
a good idea to be able to add or subtract garments to get to a comfortable
temperature. |
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| Top sights with distances
from the Villa |
 Table
Mountain of course! (4km) (It does shut down for one month to allow
for maintenance – in 2009 this is happening 20 July – 16 August);
The V&A Waterfront (4km);
Robben Island Ferry (4km);
Atlantic Beaches – Clifton
and Camps Bay – (5km);
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
(10km);
The Cape of Good Hope Nature
Reserve (30km);
The Cape Winelands (40km);
Whale Watching in Hermanus
(60km);
West Coast Spring flowers
(50km).
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 There
are numerous golf courses within an easy drive of the Villa:
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Robben
Island Reservations (Tip:
when asked for a telephone number give the Villa’s mobile (082-920-5508)
in case there is a ferry cancellation while you are staying with us.)
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| Our Favourite Restaurants |
 You
are strongly advised to make advance reservations in the summer season
(September to May). Here are ten of our favourites – all within easy reach
of An African Villa: |
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| Safari? |
 Although
the Western Cape was populated with many wild animals in days past and
there are still baboons cheetah and other animals to be seen in these parts,
the best animal viewing in the region is a short aeroplane flight away
to one of the wonderful game parks of the Eastern Cape.
Jimmy undertook an exploratory
trip to the Addo Elephant Park last year and was totally blown away
by the wonderful job which wild life conservationists are doing in the
region. We would be happy to offer guidance to our guests about a worthwhile
3-day trip up to Port Elizabeth and environs where they will be able to
have an authentic Safari experience. One of the lasting memories left with
him was a memorable elephant back safari in the hills outside Grahamstown
when a thunderstorm broke. Stunning! |
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 There
are animal farms within a 3 hour drive of Cape Town and we often arrange
trips to these at guest’s request. They do offer a glimpse of ‘The Big
5’ but bear in mind that these farms are of a limited size and so although
you are guaranteed of seeing the animals, it does tend to feel a little
contrived.
With only a day to spare
this is your only option and it is a good one, but if at all possible,
you should try to make time for a three or 4 day excursion up the East
Coast of our lovely land.
We have excellent contacts
and will be happy to assist guests who are staying with us to arrange flights,
accommodation and tours at reasonable rates. |
