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Old Jun 19, 2016, 3:15 pm
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Help me plan a day in JNB and CPT

Only have a full day in both the cities next month and would like to spend it well. Can someone guide me on what are the must see's? First time in both places.
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Old Jun 19, 2016, 7:53 pm
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There's actually not much to see in JNB (I'm from there). Some people fine the apartheid museum interesting; a substitute I prefer (if you have some background) is the Constitutional Court complex (which used to be a prison).

In CPT, there's a lot. Table Mountain is a must-see, specially if you can go up for sunset. You might also visit Robben Island, if you're interested (where Mandela and others were imprisoned; boat ride, great views). A lot of people like the waterfront, which is nice but touristy. I prefer the central city, especially the company gardens area, where parliament/art gallery etc. are.

Alternative is a full-day trip round the peninsula, including Cape Point (the fairest Cape of all).
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Old Jun 20, 2016, 3:13 am
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Originally Posted by Alpha Golf
There's actually not much to see in JNB (I'm from there). Some people fine the apartheid museum interesting; a substitute I prefer (if you have some background) is the Constitutional Court complex (which used to be a prison).

In CPT, there's a lot. Table Mountain is a must-see, specially if you can go up for sunset. You might also visit Robben Island, if you're interested (where Mandela and others were imprisoned; boat ride, great views). A lot of people like the waterfront, which is nice but touristy. I prefer the central city, especially the company gardens area, where parliament/art gallery etc. are.

Alternative is a full-day trip round the peninsula, including Cape Point (the fairest Cape of all).
How long should I plan for the table top sunset?
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Old Jun 20, 2016, 3:28 am
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The hop on hop off bus in CPT is a good way to see a lot of the city. It stops at Table Mountain where you can take the gondola up to the top.

https://www.citysightseeing.co.za/
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Old Jun 20, 2016, 9:11 am
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Originally Posted by onlysuites
How long should I plan for the table top sunset?
Make sure to check online if the cablecar is running, it can be closed due to bad weather - http://www.tablemountain.net/
Also, it might be that the last car down is before sunset, so check the opening times and plan accordingly, it shouldn't take more than an hour to go up, have some decent time to look around and go down again.

Originally Posted by Doc Savage
The hop on hop off bus in CPT is a good way to see a lot of the city. It stops at Table Mountain where you can take the gondola up to the top.

https://www.citysightseeing.co.za/
+1 on that.
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Old Jun 20, 2016, 11:07 am
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Originally Posted by Doc Savage
The hop on hop off bus in CPT is a good way to see a lot of the city. It stops at Table Mountain where you can take the gondola up to the top.

https://www.citysightseeing.co.za/
+2

It's also a very good way to spend limited time in Johannesburg.
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Old Jun 20, 2016, 11:10 am
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Originally Posted by onlysuites
Only have a full day in both the cities next month and would like to spend it well. Can someone guide me on what are the must see's? First time in both places.
Something you can do in JNB is visit the Lion and Rhino park (http://rhinolion.co.za) it's pretty cool for someone who doesn't have time to go to a real game reserve. Just rent a car from the airport and go there.
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Old Jun 20, 2016, 4:32 pm
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Thank you for all the suggestions.

Originally Posted by BigWilly
Something you can do in JNB is visit the Lion and Rhino park (http://rhinolion.co.za) it's pretty cool for someone who doesn't have time to go to a real game reserve. Just rent a car from the airport and go there.
This sounds good. ^
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Old Jun 21, 2016, 5:03 am
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Originally Posted by Doc Savage
The hop on hop off bus in CPT is a good way to see a lot of the city. It stops at Table Mountain where you can take the gondola up to the top.

https://www.citysightseeing.co.za/
Bookmarked in anticipation of our 4-5 days in Cape Town in Dec. Thanks, Doc Savage ^
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Old Jun 21, 2016, 11:39 am
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Is it safe to drive around JNB? Is there any areas that we need to avoid?
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Old Jun 22, 2016, 2:03 pm
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Originally Posted by onlysuites
Is it safe to drive around JNB? Is there any areas that we need to avoid?
Hillbrow.
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Old Jun 22, 2016, 4:40 pm
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Originally Posted by ironmanjt
Hillbrow.
Will I cross this on my way from Sun City to Melrose Arch.
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Old Jun 29, 2016, 1:31 pm
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Originally Posted by onlysuites
Is it safe to drive around JNB? Is there any areas that we need to avoid?
It's not great. Know your route in advance, keep your windows closed and doors locked, and be specially vigilant when stopped at lights.

Also, be especially careful of minibuses, whose drivers are generally unlicensed and who drive like crazy.

Personally, I wouldn't want to drive in the city.
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Old Jun 29, 2016, 1:55 pm
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Cool

Originally Posted by Doc Savage
The hop on hop off bus in CPT is a good way to see a lot of the city. It stops at Table Mountain where you can take the gondola up to the top.

https://www.citysightseeing.co.za/
Originally Posted by T8191
Bookmarked in anticipation of our 4-5 days in Cape Town in Dec. Thanks, Doc Savage ^

If you are there for several days, get the two day pass and explore nearby areas on the Blue bus; it visits a winery or two and Hout Bay before driving back up the coast.

I really enjoyed the walking tour of the BoKaap portion of Capetown offered by this same company, free but you tip the guide.

https://www.citysightseeing.co.za/ca...-walking-tours

I suspect their other walking tours would be good as well.

I took the free Historic City walking tour with these folks. Again, free but tip the guide, again very pleasant.

http://www.nielsentours.co.za/capetown/

Otherwise, the boat trip to Robben Island Prison was a highlight of my visit, too.

Have a nice visit!
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Old Jun 29, 2016, 2:26 pm
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If I get a sim card in CPT will that work in Sun City, Madikwe and JNB too?
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