BootsnAll Travel Community

Will be spending a week in Cape Town with my wife in September and I'm wondering whether anyone out there can help me decide as to which area I should stay in. We'd want to be in the middle of it all and will surely want to do the usual stuff e.g. hike Table Mountain, visit Robben Island, the Waterfront, the townships, the botanical gardens, some winelands etc Ideally the place where we're based is close to a nice and relatively safe area where we can go and enjoy a nice meal / drink at a nearby restaurant or bar. From my research it seems that Gardens and / or Tamboerskloof are the bets bet. Do you agree? Also, I was looking at the possibility of booking a room at Ashanti Lodge or The Backpack. Any experience of these? Or can you recommend any better alternative at around 50-60$ p/room?

thanks.

Hi there

Your research is right on target! Tamboerskloof and Gardens are great places to stay. Tamboerskloof, though, has the edge - it's much closer to all the action. The Backpack, meanwhile, is probably the top choice for budget travellers in the area: it's clean, friendly, secure, has an in-house travel center, and is Fair Trade-certified. Have a look at my accommodation review of The Backpack for more.

Cheers

Ben

the guesthouses on bootsnall are also visible on www.hostelworld.com
On this site they show the ratings other travellers have given the place.
Bantry Bay Guesthouse in Bantry Bay is the "hidden gem".
Safe, quiet and conveniently situated, windfree and lots of comforts included.Small scale, only 3 rooms.
Ideal location, you will see!I had a totally relaxed time here, and will definitely be back.
quality is still affordable.
So for me that is the best place to stay in

I have stayed at the backpack and totally recommend it.

backpaking

how is big bkuebackpackers that is where I am staying for three nights before I leave for my tour. Any suggestions on what to do I. The few days I have?

I'm thinkng robben island I think my trip does table mountain. I am going in winter so it won't be that warm. Maybe waterfront and some market shopping

Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by Eppyboy:
how is big bkuebackpackers that is where I am staying for three nights before I leave for my tour. Any suggestions on what to do I. The few days I have?

I'm thinkng robben island I think my trip does table mountain. I am going in winter so it won't be that warm. Maybe waterfront and some market shopping

Thanks

i've stayed at the Big Blue... very nice hostel and has a great bar!

Cos you will be there is winter, you're chances of getting up Table Mountain are slim, they close in bad weather... so keep that option open for the 3 days. Robben island is like that as well! Other than that, there is the Waterfront... and try see if you can get to Camp's Bay, it's a beautiful piece of beach! Otherwise the hostel will be able to help you out... they are very helpful!

when are you in SA?

I will be in Capetown from July 3rd through July 6th when my trip leaves heading up the west coast in to Namibia...I will also be in Joburg from July 31 through august 2nd when I leave to head back to New York. On suggestion on where to stay in Joburg...I know people say it is generally OK but I am a little weary of the safety...

Are you going to be in either place?

quote:

Are you going to be in either place?

not sure... i live in Durban, but might be around in July, if i am i'll try meet up with you, maybe we can try get some of the other SA boots together as well... i know you are out there!

I just stumbled onto this article ... so if you are keen to do a tour of Robben Island then you should look into pre-booking tickets!

Hi eppyboy

i recomend long street backpackers - i stayed there a couple of times cos i always had a great time there. the rooms are average but christine behind the bar is awesome and there was always a good party there (and afterwards at the local bars too - of which there are lots on long street).

If your going to Joburg could you maybe try to get to pretoria instead? I stayed at two hostels (blue chilli and 1322) and they are both pretty good - altho i think 1322 is better for facilities) but the main thing is that they are near a uni and therefore a good nightlife area in hatfield. where ever you stay you much get to the lion park - its doesnt cost much but they have white lions and also cubs which you can play with (prob one of my highlights!)

I have stayed at Big Blue Backpackers too and would have to say it in a perfect spot. We walked into the city as well as down to the V&A Waterfront. And hitched a ride to the beaches. It's a great place with a great bar and sets up good excursions. I would recommend it!!

Is it true the bar at bigblue closes at 10pm? Some of the reviews say that it was quite hard to meet people and seemed like a relatively quiet hostel? I have no problem with that, but I generally like to be in an environment where I can actively meet people

I'm not sure what time the bar closes but when we were there it had an awesome atmosphere and we struck up conversations with many new people... alcohol is pretty cheap as well!