Car Hire - Driving in Southern Africa
Posted by: warrentodhunter in: ● October 1, 2009
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With a wide range of national parks and open plains, the southern plateaus of Africa attract thousands of tourists eager to catch glimpses of rare and dangerous creatures on safari tours.
But there are also a variety of different routes for those looking to head off the beaten path and explore more of the continents’ picturesque and unpredictable landscape. Fly-drive and self-drive packages to countries such as Namibia, Botswana and South Africa are widely available. Flights and car rental are usually included in the price, but it’s always best to double check. Such tours can take you through national parks to scenic coastal drives.
Such tours usually fly to cities such as Cape Town and Windhoek, with a set itinerary for the journey - such trips are usually spread around a timescale - usually a fortnight - so you can make best use of your car hire service.
For those wanting to embark on fly-drive holidays, the time you are on the road varies depending on the itinerary you select - although such timescales are usually provided as guides, giving you the freedom to choose what to see and do along the way to your stop for the night.
As well as the vast countryside and variety of wildlife on the open plains and plateaus, safari tours can be included along the route - usually involving stopovers in national parks or game reserves.
Accommodation can vary from tour to tour, there are a number of reserves along the way which include basic hotel facilities, as well as the opportunity to camp under the night sky, listening to the sounds of the night wildlife passing through camp. Be wary however, for many of the stops along the way operate a camping-only basis, although many packages offer hire of equipment as well as car rental.
Looking for car hire? Compare a wide range of car rental companies to find a car hire deal that suits you.
Source: Ezine Articles
Cape Town Waterfront: the Fun Begins Here
Posted by: warrentodhunter in: ● September 16, 2009
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World-class is the best word to describe Cape Town Waterfront. The busy Victoria and Alfred harbors add to the hectic but fun pace in Cape Town. Situated Right between Robben Island and Table Mountain, the Waterfront pulsates with shoppers, tourists, holidaymakers, students, and business people getting into the groove of Cape Town’s beat.
Transformation
The Waterfront also known as the V&A Waterfront has always been the scene of harbor construction and land development since the 1850s. It is still undergoing development on land with the addition of buildings around the two basins—Victoria and Alfred.
The marvelous transformation made the place the no.1 tourist destination in this spot of the world, a perfect gateway to safari adventures, rock climbing, and other activities that make anybody’s holiday here spectacular and unforgettable.
Getting Around
There is no lack of Cape Town hotels in this busy port. There are old but grand hotels, apartments for groups and families, villas for romantic getaways, and cul-de-sacs for the budget-conscious backpackers.
If you plan to tour the city on foot, forget it. The place is so large, and you cannot see all the sights in a day. As a warning, do not venture out alone and use a belt bag instead of your usual shoulder bag or backpack. Go out in groups or get a local escort to stay safe. As much as the place is a tourist’s paradise, it is also teeming with undesirable elements.
There are sedan taxis and buses that will take you to the heartland of V&A. Car rentals are also available, but do not take a quaff of your favorite wine before driving because driving under the influence is strictly prohibited.
Places to See
There are many places to feast your eyes on but do not miss these two:
• Historic Clock Tower. You cannot miss the Victorian-Gothic-style tower that faces the old docks. The red and white building housed the Port Captain’s office. Inside, there is a decorative mirror room that provided a view of the harbor. The old tide-gauge mechanism on the bottom floor is a curiosity for tourists so do not forget your digicam when you go a visiting. Catch some seals resting in seal landing ground within the Historic Clock Tower grounds.
• Two Oceans Aquarium. if you are ready for a dive to get up close to the resident sharks the place is for you. You can go down in a cage or if you have a PADI Open Water Certificate, you can go and dive with the sharks. It is also here that you will see the Kelp Forest Exhibit. Get a kick from feeding the fishes and seeing real giant kelps waving in the 8000,000 liters of seawater.
Where to Eat
Baia Seafood Restaurant. The place is the best seafood restaurant around that tickles the adventurous taste buds. Dine at the balcony and enjoy the view. For R100 or R200 you enjoy a meal fit for a king sans the wine.
Salero Tapas Bar is in the hip part of V&A Waterfront. Indulge your Spanish Tapa appetite here with a glass of sparkling champagne.
There is much to see and do in Cape Town Waterfront and do not miss the best part of the holiday—great eats.
Source: Article Base
Cape Town Car Hire
Cape Town Car Rental Options - 6 Tips To Get You Started
Posted by: warrentodhunter in: ● August 31, 2009
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Why is a Cape Town car rental the most economical and convenient way to see the city, particularly if you are traveling together with a partner, family or group?
For starters, public transportation around Cape Town and the surrounding area is at best time-consuming and at worst, downright dangerous. The costs of taking private taxis or arranging guided tours quickly mount up for larger parties. In addition, tour company timetables may not fit your schedule.
For all these reasons, Cape Town car rentals make the most sense for a Cape Town vacation.
6 Tips to Get You Started
Drivers license
Any person who will be driving the rental car will need an international driver’s license if they do not have a South African one. In addition, the international license must be written in English. Requesting additional authorized drivers may incur extra charges.
Insurance
Read the small print carefully. Third party insurance is compulsory. Comprehensive insurance will cost extra and you will still be liable for any ‘excess’ in terms of the policy. Accidents on gravel roads usually involve a larger excess amount. If you already have insurance you must provide written proof of it for the car rental company.
Restrictive conditions
The cheapest car rentals often have restrictive conditions attached to them. For example, some companies will not allow you to travel more than 150km beyond the city limits without written consent. Others will not allow you to cross an international border, or at least not with their cheapest vehicles. In addition, border crossing may incur additional costs.
Collection and return
Collecting your car in one city and handing it back in another is likely to cost you extra. With smaller car hire companies focused on the Cape Town market it may be impossible. Choose your rental company with care as it may be worth paying a higher rate to obtain greater flexibility.
Free mileage
Most Cape Town car rental companies offer a deal which includes up to 200km of ‘free’ mileage per day. If you are a leisure traveler and plan to use the car for more than a few days, this will generally be your most cost effective option. If, like many visitors, your travel plans include touring the Garden Route, these deals are almost invariably the best option.
Air conditioning
In the hot summer months, air conditioning is essential for comfort. An air-conditioned vehicle also makes sense from a safety point of view as it enables you to travel comfortably with your windows closed while driving around the city.
Searching for the right car rental company is time consuming. The rates and small print vary from company to company and season to season. Take the time to choose wisely and reap the benefit throughout your stay in Cape Town.
Source: Ezine Articles
Car Rental Cape Town
Traveling in South Africa: Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban
Posted by: warrentodhunter in: ● August 17, 2009
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Johannesburg
Jo’burg, as it’s known, is the largest city in South Africa, its busy bustling streets lack real beauty. But you’ll be rewarded with wonderful experiences of the real South Africa and the climate is glorious.
Transport: how to get there and around
There is an international airport in Johannesburg which serves domestic as well as international destinations. There is also a bus service that connects with nearby countries.
Weather
The climate in South Africa has great regional variations. Generally hot though it depends on altitude. Summer tends to be very hot in the low lands; upper lands are pleasantly warm but subject to rain and mist. Winters are mild all over the country except at the highest altitudes which are subject to frosts and occasional snowfalls.
Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Johannesburg .
Attractions & Events
*To experience the rich cultures of South Africa that were oppressed for so long, be in Johannesburg throughout September and October for the Arts Alive Festival.
*In April the National Exhibition Centre holds the Rand Easter Show.
*September brings the Jazz Festival and also the Gay Pride march is on the last Saturday of the month.
Cape Town
Cape Town is relaxed and laid back, especially in comparison to Johannesburg. The stunning Table Mountain overlooks the city of beautiful landscapes and beaches. It’s a welcoming place, too, with a vibrant cultural life especially for music.
Transport: how to get there and around
Cape Town International airport has many direct flights from around the world. The city has a main train station where you can board both trains and buses. For help getting around town, ‘Rikki’ transporters, Taxis and buses are available.
Weather
The best time to visit is during the summer months December to March. It can be around 26 C in the city but this is cooled off a by the Cape Doctor – also known as the wind!
Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Cape Town .
Attractions & Events
*The Cape Town Arts Festival is an outdoor event during the summer month of January.
*The Good Food and Wine Festival is held in June.
*There are a few events taking place in December. In the Company’s Garden you can experience Carols by Candlelight. A more flamboyant event with outrageous costumes is the Cape Town Queer Event.
Durban
Durban is a modern city with a lively night scene and plenty to keep you entertained from taverns, discos, theatres and clubs. The proud Zulu culture can be felt throughout Durban which boasts tropical beaches and jungle.
Transport: how to get there and around
International and domestic flights are served by Durban International Airport. You can reach the main South African cities with by train such as Cape Town and Johannesburg. Rickshaws, Taxi’s and minibuses will get you around the city itself.
Weather
Overall the climate is fairly mild all year round. During May and October there is more chance of rain and the winters bring an evening chill.
Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Durban.
Attractions & Events
*Durban has a literature festival in March at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
*Natal holds a Marathon in June which goes through the valley of a thousand hills.
*The Centre for Creative Arts holds the International Film Festival in June.
Source: Article Base
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