Bazz Bus
From their website: South Africa's Convenient hop-on hop-off door-to-door backpacker bus service
Designed for the independent traveller, Baz Bus is a fantastic way to explore South Africa. Baz Bus offers independent travellers and backpackers the opportunity to explore the most beautiful towns and cities in South Africa. All you need is one ticket to your final destination and you can hop on and off as often as you like along the route. We drop you off and pick you up from your backpacking hostel or lodge! There is an amazing variety of backpacker hostels and budget accommodation offered in South Africa and Baz Bus will drop you off at over 200 of them.
Baz Bus is for all backpackers and the young at heart. We strive to be an enjoyable and friendly bus company where you can meet great people on the buses and still have the independence to do whatever activities you wish to along the route. With over 40 towns/cities/villages for backpackers to choose from, there will never be a dull moment!! Baz Bus experience can help you become a better beach bum, adrenaline junkie, culture vulture, wildlife fundi, party animal or a bit of all."
website: http://www.bazbus.com/
Observatory Alternative Lifestyle Fair
This is a monthly fair which takes place in the bohemian suburb called Observatory (or Obs, to locals). Whether you are into New-Age Spirituality or not, it's worth a look!
One of the unique aspects of this fair is that it is not only products, but services, that are on offer - tarrot card readings, rei-chi (SPELLING), various types of massages, reflexology are all there.
The food's also good in a healthy kind of way, with items like chick pea samoosas and fudge, vegetarian dishes, etc.
Many of the stalls make their merchandise themselves, so it's not difficult to find something that is truly unique.
Best of all, this fair attracts an eclectic mix of Capetonians, which is always interesting to watch!
Township Tours
Currently compiling the low-down.. [2005-06-12]
Llandudno Beach
Situated about 10km further down the Atlantic Seaboard than Camps Bay, Llandudno is a small coastal village with one the most beautiful beaches in the peninsula. The village itself is built on the steep slopes above the beach. There are no shops, restaurants, clubs or bars in the area (not even a cafe to my knowledge). This means that you need to bring all your supplies along with you. Parking is sometimes a problem, especially during season, as there is only a small parking lot - come early. The beach is fairly small but usually not crowded, and somehow manages to avoid the somewhat pretentious atmosphere which some people experience at beaches like Camps Bay and Clifton.
To the right, the beach ends in an outcrop of huge granite boulders which is worth the short walk to get there. One can make ones way through the passages created between these rocks to a small point. This is an excellent place to watch the breakers crash onto the rugged coast.
Boulders Beach and the Penguins
Simon's Town is a small naval town best known as national headquarters of South Africa's navy - it also hosts Boulders Beach and a penguin colony!
Boulders is a well sheltered beach excellent for swimming and snorkling, where it can be totally calm while other beaches are unpleasantly windy (the South-Easter is regular visitor)
There is a nominal entrance fee to the beach (as it is also the penguin reserve!) You can see penguins at close range, swimming, sunning themselves, and doing other penguin activities!
The penguins make boulders a truly unique experience, for children especially.
Surfing
Currently compiling the low-down.. [2005-06-12]
Malay Quarter
On the slopes of Signal Hill, just above the CBD, is an area called Bokaap (meaning 'above cape town'), which has been the traditional Malay area since 18?? (GET DATE). Although it is relatively small, the area is rich in colour, architecture and contrast. In Chappini Street you will find an historic Mosque which is probably the finest example in Cape Town.
Caution: Bokaap is not safe after dark, and during the day it should be ok to drive through, but don't walk through unless you are in a large group, and don't have any obvious photographic equipment.
Full Moon on Lion's Head
An excellent experience is to climb Lion's Head in the afternoon of a full moon, have sundowners while you watch the sunset, and shortly thereafter, the moonrise. This is something of a Cape Town tradition, so don't expect to be the only ones up there. Most likely there will be at least 50 people, but the atmosphere is usually good and the people friendly. Bring a torch for the way down!
Free Birthday Ride on the Cableway
If it is your birthday, the Table Mountain Cableway will offer you a free ride both ways! This is an excellent way to spend your birthday and save some money while you are at it.
Gardens Restaurant
The Company Gardens are situated at the top end of Adderley Street, about a 15 minute walk from the train station. There is an outdoor restaurant under the oak trees, which has been there for at least 30 years, and still serves the same delicious Fish & Chips, Ice Cream and Hot Choc Sauce etc. that I remember as a young child.
Greenpoint Market
Greenpoint Market is probably the best place to get your souvenirs if they are to be the African variety! There are many traders from all parts of Africa. The atmosphere is good, the bargaining enthusiastic and generally there is a good vibe. As a local I usually pay around 60% of the asking price on anything I buy. As an international tourist, you will struggle to do that well, as traders are wise to the accent and clothes. Try to get a local to take you if you plan on bargaining, and let them do the talking.
Email : [email protected]
|
