Tag: holiday stuff

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Tempest car hire

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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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Kirstenbosch botanical Gardens

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Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. A beautiful set of gardens a well worth a walk around if you are every in Cape Town. It costs around 70R to get in, you can get their on the blue route City sightseeing bus, Uber or drive. There is parking on site, it is mostly shaded parking a few sun spots.

There are many hiking routes through the gardens, and there is a map you can buy for R10 at the same place as the ticket which gives you everything you might want to see in the gardens, as well as giving you an idea of the space.

There are a few statues and plaques throughout describing what was going on, the plants, the people involved. It is such a lovely space, you can just wander, relax. It is on the side of the mountain so it is quite steep at times, so please make sure you are in good shoes. There are plenty of places to sit in the shade, and a few places to walk in the shade. A few water fountains throughout, so just make sure you have a bottle to fill up. On a hot day it can be quite tiring walking around, so just an awareness point there.

There are walking tours that go through the gardens with someone who knows the flora they go at certain times.

Kirstenbosch holds summer concerts, on a sunday around R250, you can bring your own picnic and a few beers or wine and sit and enjoy the music. It is quite popular so make sure you book tickets in advance if there is a band going you like. There is a range of bands through the season.

The major reason people go to Kirstenbosch, is for the tree canopy. The gardens are gorgeous and if you are a botantist or into your gardening then this may be untrue, I apologise. But The following photo is the picture people want. The tree canopy is not as long as you think it is, the views are breathtaking though. I took so many photos, I wish I could share them all.

Kirstenbosch Gardens is a lovely place for a day out. It does everything it says on the tin. It has two places to eat, plenty of places to walk or to picnic. A large shop if you want to buy yourself a little something.

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MyCiti Bus

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MyCiti Bus – an alternative to Uber.

Cost: R35 initial cost and then your top up.

Bus system in Cape Town is extensive, you can get most places. With two major hubs in the city centre it is not hard to navigate.

You buy at MyCiti card at any vendor, handy map on the website to find the nearest vendor to you. Be warned sometimes they do not have them in stock. Best to go to one of the hubs rather than a store like Spar.

There is an initial cost of R35 to buy the card and set up a PIN for the card. You load the card with money that transfers into credits on the card.

Once you get on the bus, there is screen to tap in and a screen to tap out. Very similar to contactless card payments, if you know these, or for those Londoners who can see this and Oyster Card.

There are so many buses be sure to know what bus you are looking for, all have different numbers or combo or letters and numbers. The generally stop around 7pm but always check the time tables, an you can call a number at the stops to find out where the next one is too.

The MyCiti Bus gets you all from Hout Bay up to Century City and Blouberg and to Khayelitsha as well. It is very safe and easy to use.

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Camps Bay

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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.

Catching some rays!