holiday – Helpful Haz

Tempest car hire

February 19, 2019February 11, 2019 h4rri3t

This will be brief.

Car Hire is simple in South Africa. I hired one through Aroundabout cars who then gave my rental to Tempest. I turned up a little early but no dramas, on the start date of my rental. Please note Tempest Car hire are on 26 Chippani Street not what google maps says.

The paper work was fairly standard, driving license, passport the usual. Blocking so much on the card in case of any issues, the standard walk around the car to make a note of all the ‘damage’ already done etc etc. They were every welcoming and easy to talk to. I took a video of the guy going over the car and made sure I had copies of everything – naturally.

The one thing I would advice, Tyre and Winscreen Cover, try and get it included it is worth the extra R70 just in case. Hub caps being stolen so driving on a rough road. just better to have the cover.

Andrew walked me through everything, explaining everything to the n’th degree. Even with others asking questions around me, he was still attentive. My little Kia Rio and I were on our way with relative ease and speed.

R85 admin fee payable regardless. Full to Full policy, with R23 if they have to fill up the car – Gas stations are plentiful in Cape Town, however I made the conscious decision to just leave it.

The drop off was just as simple, a walk around the car and giving the keys in and all is well. Super Easy these guys I would recommend. Just don’t forget we drive on the left here.

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Hermanus

February 18, 2019February 14, 2019 h4rri3t

There is a lovely beautiful drive down to Hermanus, please do it, and do it slowly. You can look over the city up on the mountains. The roads are easy to drive, and well kept.

This is a small town, a perfect day out of the city. There is a charm to it. A few boutique shops and stalls as well as other general shops. Plenty of food places, most of them overlooking the sea. Fish is done very well here. See my review of Fusion if you are looking for something to eat.

Mainly this place is a good stop during the Whale Watching season from June to December. There are plenty of places to stay in this little town as well, so don’t worry about accommodation.

Hermanus is well signposted coming out of Cape Town. Parking is easy, my advice would be to always park where there is an attendant, they can keep an eye on the car for you whilst you go around the shops. I parked for an hour or so and paid R6.

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Cape Agulhas Backpackers

February 14, 2019February 14, 2019 h4rri3t

This is one of the most welcoming places I have ever been. Welcomed with open arms.

The communal areas are very comfortable, games, pool, a fire every night, sofas and a bar. Cash bar only, beer is R20. The bar tender is always happy to chat and help in anyway.

You sign up for breakfast the night before out of 5 options and can opt in for extra proper coffee rather than the instant stuff. The prices of breakfast range depending on what you want. I had yoghurt, granola and fruit one morning and scrambled egg and bacon the next. All come with toast and jam, more toast – no problem just ask.

There is mini shop in reception with some unique things as well as some usual souvenirs. There are so many tours available to choice is unbelievable almost.
Braai is available if you provide the meat.

There is a pool area in the centre of the hostel, which has the sun almost all day around. Most of the rooms connect to the pool which is lovely. Patio doors in each of the rooms, these either connect to the front of the hostel or the pool area.

Beds are so comfortable, I slept very well. There is a ceiling fan in the room which with the window open was lovely and cool.

It is a very colourful hostel, the rooms are very comfortable. There are ensuite and shared bathroom rooms.

The location of the hostel is amazing. It is 5 mins to a 14km long white sand beach and 15 mins to the Harbour along a wooden boardwalk. It is a small harbour with a restaurant and a place to hire kayaks. You can, if you come at the right time feed the Stingrays in the Harbour!!

At the beach – the warm is warm enough to get it. It is not Caribbean however it is warm.

There is a OK Grocer down the road should you want to cook a meal for yourself, there is no Ubereats down there, but there are a few restaurants near by.
Such a lovely place and people to be involved with. I would stay here again if i was stopping by.

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Camps Bay

February 12, 2019February 11, 2019 h4rri3t

Now you may think this is just an excuse to show off my beach pics…

Ok. It is a little.

Camps Bay is the first of the beach places in Cape Town. Clifton 1 -4 is another area, but that is for another time.

Camps Bay has views of Lions Head at the top of this blog and the 12 Apostles as below. White sand beach – plenty of bars and restaurants down the front.

It is always busy with people, whenever or wherever you join the beach there are people on hand to get you a sun bed and an umbrella, very polite. Likewise there are people walking down the beach with ice cream and water and cold drinks for you throughout the day. So you need not move from your sun worshipper state.

A warning – the water is cold. Wonderful if you have been walking all day, or led down in the sun. But regardless it is cold. It is a lovely long beach so it is perfect for walking down and back again.

I found a spot and was quite happy, a few people came up selling their wares but a quick thank you very much but no and they soon move on.

There is a place to get a massage as well, R140 for 20 mins on your neck, shoulders and back. R240 to include your arms and head. There is an option for your feet as well. It was perfect, it is under shade. They check the pressure with you throughout the process. It was lovely. Then I returned to my sun-worshipping position and continued with my book.