Is a car really necessary for Cape Town?
Mar 28, 2016, 3:12 am
#31
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What I didn't mention was that I'm still recovering from a (non-auto) accident last year and am not yet 100% fit. The Boss is quietly panicking at the thought of driving herself or being a passenger with me.
I admit I'm inclined to rent. The good weather, the food and wine and an automatic car are conducive to recovery and persuasion. We'll see.
I admit I'm inclined to rent. The good weather, the food and wine and an automatic car are conducive to recovery and persuasion. We'll see.
We stayed in 3 CT hotels - Hilton City Centre (upgraded to a King suite), DoubleTree (upgraded to a Loft Suite) and Protea Sea Point Arthur's Road, the choices being decided by the wish to use up some Hilton and Marriott points. We made use of shuttle buses to the V&A Waterfront from/to the first two, complemented by Uber and taxis.
As fairly regular visitors to CT, we pretty much knew what we wanted to do and did it, including a Constantia wine tour with tasting visits to 4 wineries and lunch. I could enjoy without worrying about driving back.
I was a little disappointed that using the local MyCiTi bus network was difficult for us. Unlike most cities I travel to, you can't just jump on and travel. You need first to buy a smartcard, normally direct from MyCiTi. This means turning up at their office, filling in a form (of course), presenting your passport, then topping up with value. We didn't bother, as our hotel lent us a couple of cards. Unfortunately, one was defective, so it was back to taxis.
I have to say that people everywhere were very helpful to this (hopefully temporary) user of a walking stick. In busy places like the Waterfront and Canal Walk, the stick seemed to act like a hot knife in butter to free up some sitting space.
We enjoyed our stay and look forward to next time. Thanks for all the helpful comments from FTers above.
Mar 28, 2016, 6:53 am
#32
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We didn't rent. Reporting back as the OP, I can say that a car is not essential but is immensely helpful in making the best of a visit.
I was a little disappointed that using the local MyCiTi bus network was difficult for us. Unlike most cities I travel to, you can't just jump on and travel. You need first to buy a smartcard, normally direct from MyCiTi. This means turning up at their office, filling in a form (of course), presenting your passport, then topping up with value. We didn't bother, as our hotel lent us a couple of cards. Unfortunately, one was defective, so it was back to taxis.
I was a little disappointed that using the local MyCiTi bus network was difficult for us. Unlike most cities I travel to, you can't just jump on and travel. You need first to buy a smartcard, normally direct from MyCiTi. This means turning up at their office, filling in a form (of course), presenting your passport, then topping up with value. We didn't bother, as our hotel lent us a couple of cards. Unfortunately, one was defective, so it was back to taxis.
Thanks for the feedback ^
Mar 29, 2016, 6:08 am
#33
Join Date: Mar 2005
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if this is not your first visit to cape town
you should rent a car and see the surrounding areas like northern cape, karoo, citrusdaal.
capetown is aiet but there's so much more (and better) out of ct.
otherwise if you just want to stay in the city bowl and go to the beach then myciti and uber suffice.
even worse for the 90 percent who would have issues coughing up 30 rand just for the card.
you should rent a car and see the surrounding areas like northern cape, karoo, citrusdaal.
capetown is aiet but there's so much more (and better) out of ct.
otherwise if you just want to stay in the city bowl and go to the beach then myciti and uber suffice.
even worse for the 90 percent who would have issues coughing up 30 rand just for the card.
Mar 31, 2016, 9:32 am
#37
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The only exception is in flower season - but you still need to like a lot of driving. Calling it a "surrounding region" gives completely the wrong idea IMO.
Mar 31, 2016, 10:13 am
#38
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But back to the main point, with a car you can see and enjoy the actual surrounding region of the southern Cape.
Mar 31, 2016, 12:39 pm
#39
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I'm certainly going to rent. Not spending 2 weeks walking around Cape Town!
Apr 2, 2016, 3:49 am
#41
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And, noting your location, if you're at all into sea bathing, you may as well forget the fine but cold Atlantic beaches and drive over to the Indian Ocean beaches for less of a shock.
Apr 2, 2016, 3:54 am
#42
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Lots of clues upthread, and we haven't even got round to reading the Tourism and other websites!