Ask Angie: cape town as single female

bj1111

Angie,

Debating a very brief holiday to cape town the week before x-mas. What itinerary do you suggest and hiw safe is it for a single female traveller?

And most importantly, what should i wear?

12 years ago

Off Topic

13 replies

Latest reply was from Irene

claire

Active Member

Not Angie, but I've been to Capetown several times (DH is South African) and I would be perfectly comfortable traveling there alone. Of course you probably want to make sure of the area, some areas aren't great for a solo female, and being cautious at night. I think you'll find most people warm and welcoming and the beaches are beautiful! It might take a while to adjust to the different security measures such as electric fences and window bars, but Capetown is a great city to visit, and there is awesome shopping and restaurants. Outside Capetown is another story, I have to say I wouldn't be comfortable alone in Jo'berg or some other areas (no offense intended for the SA fabbers!).

Summer clothing for daytime, but nights can get cool enough for a light sweater or wrap.

12 years ago

L'Abeille

Veteran

Also not Angie! But my daughter now 28 recently spent 3 years in Cape Town doing a Master's degree. You certainly need to have your wits about you but it is a wonderful place to visit and I know she and her sister would go again in a heartbeat.

12 years ago

Angie

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(I'm popping this into OT).

Greg is South African and from Cape Town. We both lived there for years and have gone back on holiday many times.

bj11111, if you stick to the tourist areas and don't go off the beaten track, you should be okay. Like any urban city, you need to be cautious and take organized transport. Listen to the hotel staff. People are extremely friendly by nature.

Cape Town is the most beautiful city in the world. Nothing matches its natural beauty, and I've travelled a fair bit. Table Mountain and Devils Peak are right up against the whitest beaches and stunning Atlantic Ocean, and spectacular in the extreme. It still takes my breath away and I've seen it so many times.

You must stay on the Atlantic Seaboard, or at the Waterfront. And as for an itinerary and food - we can talk. Cape Malay cooking in a personal favourite. Dec is an excellent time to visit. Hot. Southern Hemisphere.

12 years ago

bj1111

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Angie,

Thamks for the reassurance. Will be booking tix in the next day or so and may be emailing for more advice.

Thanks again.

12 years ago

Hil

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Hi BJ1111

I live in Johannesburg, South Africa and I would be very comfortable travelling in CT on my own. As mentioned, you would need to be cautious and sensible as you would in any big city, but it is very tourism orientated. If you decide on a trip down to the Southern Cape - Knysna - give me a shout as I will be there before xmas.

12 years ago

Angie

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Hil is talking about the Garden Route, which is a very pretty drive. Knysna and Sedgefield are on that Route and I've visited a few times too. A totally different world out there. It's a long drive though - about 6 hrs from CT.

Cape Town is Wine Country. If you like to drink wine, you might like to visit Stellenbosch and Franschoek. Those are much closer. An hour or two away.

Also, Greg and I went to UCT (University of Cape Town), which was built by Cecil John Rhodes. He had the foresight to build the Campus right under Table Mountain. It is in the most stunning location because CT is so beautiful. It's worth a visit just to stand on the Jameson Hall steps and take in the views. You've never seen a campus like it I bet. You take these things for granted when you study there.

12 years ago

bj1111

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Thanks, angie and hil.

Looks like i will be in kruger for 5 days, then 7 days in cape town and environs. I am booked into the westin ct which looks like it is on the warerfront between the sail club and the v&a port.

Do you think i can do the ct to krysna /elephant park in an overnight round trip? Is the route safe for a single female driver?

12 years ago

Angie

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Ah. The Kruger National Park. It's larger than the state of Israel, you know. So you're off to what used to be called the Eastern Transvaal too. THAT's a whole different kettle of fish.

No. I would't recommend an overnight stay in Knysna. If you go, you need to go for at least a few nights. It's far away and the roads in SA are very busy in Dec.

Is this where you are staying?
http://www.westincapetown.com/

I vote stay in or closer to the Victoria and Alfred Water Front. Green Point is an option. The West In looks too far away from where you want to be at night - on your own.

12 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

I chose the westin because it's free. How is the cab/bus situation? The dodgiest city i've been to recently was manila, but we took buses and hotel cars.

12 years ago

Angie

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I've been to Manilla too.

I wouldn't suggest cabs. You need to make sure that there is a shuttle service provided by the hotel to take you to and from where you want to go. Hotels at the Water Front provide this facility, AND it's safe to walk around that area at night on your own.

Yes, I am very cautious for you since you will be on your own.

12 years ago

bj1111

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