We will fly from Atlanta to Cape Town arriving 6pm. Want to spend at least 2 nights before going on to Victoria Falls. I always value the information I receive here so any thoughts you have are appreciated but I have 2 specific questions. We want to acclimate to our new time while seeing a beautiful city. Cape Town is not the focus of our trip. What are your thoughts 1) staying near airport (we will fly out mid morning) and 2) can we get an overview of Cape Town with one day.
Posted by
Reno, NV, USA
2684 posts
Hi,
I would recommend staying at the Victoria and Albert harbor front and taking the HOHO bus (a short walk away from the harbor front) which will give you a good overview of the city and environs. You can make a stop at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden along the way which is well worth a stop.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1766 posts
I would stay in town since there is so much to see and do in Cape Town. An Uber seems to be about $15 and takes about 30 mins into the central part of town.
I will be doing my 2nd visit to Cape Town next May and have planned for 4-5 nights with 3 in the central part of town and 1 around Simon’s town while exploring the Cape peninsula all the way to the cape of Good Hope. The last night may be closer to the airport or I may fly on to either Durban or Joburg late depending on the fligh schedules.
Places to visit would include Table Mountain (if the weather is good), Robbin Island, V&A waterfront, the wineyards if wine is your thing and a trip to the towns and places on the way to Cape Point.
Even though Cape Town is not the focus of your trip, I would urge you to consider spending more time there. It happens to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world with lots to keep you busy.
What time of the year is your trip?
Posted by
OP
Meridian MS
256 posts
Thank you, Mary. I was thinking HOHO would serve the overview purpose. I would be tempted to rent a car and drive but we’ll still be jet lag “fuzzy” so the opposite side driving may be too stressful
Arnold, we’ll be there last week of August. We’ll stay V&A and try to add another night there.
Appreciate the responses
Posted by
Reno, NV, USA
2684 posts
Susan, if you have an extra day and can find a tour, go to the wine lands. I loved the Cape Dutch architecture, the gorgeous scenery and the wine was really good, too.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1766 posts
My recommendation if you have an extra day is to rent a car and drive down the peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope - lots to see with neat little towns and even some penguins. Alternatively, if you don’t want to drive, it will be easy enough to find a driver and car.
My reason for asking about your timing was to see what the volume of water coming over Vic falls will be. I believe, I saw the falls towards the end of June and the flow was great. I’m assuming in May it would be too heavy with a lot of mist and spray that will impede your view. I’m guessing you should be good in August and would assume that later in the year the flow will be quite low but more knowledgeable folks can chime in.
- my recommendation is to see the falls from both sides (Zambia and Zimbabwe)