South African Seagulls or anyone been to Cape Town.....

[Northstander]

About to fly out on holiday and need advice:

1. I have a DSLR camera and rather large zoom lens, what's the best/safest way to carry this around?

2. Carrying cash, storing passports etc - general advice?

I think or understand that as long I use common sense all should be good!

Cheers

:thumbsup

 

[grummitts gloves]

Cape Town is probably one of safest places in SA. V&A Waterfront etc is pretty safe. Only carry what cash you need, don't wear flashy jewellry etc. Store the rest in a hotel safe. As for the camera, try a small rucsac or similar, not round your neck. Just keep your wits about you. If you're hiring a car from the airport and you are driving to Cape Town you will pass by a shanty town right next to the airport. Keep you doors and windows locked, stick to the main roads. Otherwise it's a fantastic place. I'd go bac tomorrow.

 

[KZNSeagull]

About to fly out on holiday and need advice:

1. I have a DSLR camera and rather large zoom lens, what's the best/safest way to carry this around?

2. Carrying cash, storing passports etc - general advice?

I think or understand that as long I use common sense all should be good!

Cheers

:thumbsup

What would you do in other countries? I would carry the camera in a bag (not slung around your neck) and keep your cash and passport on you.

My main advice would be don't swim in the sea when there is a Shark warning or arrange with a taxi driver to bump off your wife!!

 

[Surf's Up]

1. Use your common sense with all valuables as already stated
2. Keep yr camera in a bag
3. Be careful going out at night
4. The sea is f**kin' freezing (current from antarctica!)

Otherwise an amazing place and you'll have a fantastic time

 

[trueblue]

Don't walk anywhere at night other than down on the waterfront, but during the day it's mostly fine as long as you have your wits about you. And take an organised trip to the township to meet people there and see how they live. You'll realise how lucky you are and that not everyone wants to rob you. I went with a small company called Cape Capers and it was by the far the most interesting and rewarding day of my holiday.. likewise a day spent cycling around Soweto when I was in Jo'burg.

 

[Gully]

Go to the district six museum, which tells of the history of appartheid, it is usually possible to do this as part of a tour. I love the aquarium, on the waterfront, still rates as one of the best places I have ever been on my travels...and that is in the face of some pretty serious competition. Go to Robben Island, but beware that restrictions were placed on the number of people they allowed out there so it might be necessary to book a considerable time in advance.

Advice about the waterfront is good, even at night it feels safer than most British towns and cities, but don't be lulled into a false sense of security, once you travel away from there (at night) it really is worth shelling out for a taxi even if you are just travelling a short distance. For authentic African food, not just South African, try Mama Africa (not located on the waterfront but in the back-packing area) for amazing food, again it is very popular and you will need to book ahead.

Cape Town is one of my favourite cities, I really am envious as I will definitely go back someday, have a wonderful time.

 

[Tummy Burger]

My favourite place on the planet. Would echo what others have said. I was concerned about hiring a BMW rental car but a friend who used to live there said it was a good shout because people would think I was a local and therefore likely to have a gun. Lol.

If you get the chance and have the time drive down the garden route. I went as far as port elizebeth. U should be able to a spot of whale watching at this time of year down in hermanus and other places. I went out on a whale watching boat in knysna which was fantastic. Get the lonely planet guide or similar, they always have little tips for certain roads and routes that you wouldn't otherwise know about. I also would go back tomorrow. Beautiful part of the world.

 

[patchamalbion]

Went last summer during the world cup,stayed for 2 weeks! obviously during the WC it was different but easily my most favourite city in the world!!

 

[KZNSeagull]

Can I just point out that Cape Town has once again been voted the best Tourist Destination in Africa and was also voted No1 in the Travelers Choice Destination awards earlier this year. You don't get that sort of award if every tourist going there gets mugged/raped/murdered. And if you like it, you can also vote for Table Mountain in the New 7 Wonders of the World voting!

*** End of SA Tourism blurb ****

Lots of good info above. Just use common sense. Have a great time!!

 

[leigull]

Second recommendation for going across to Hermanus. Amazing whale watching, not sure if it's currently in season though, plus good base to head off for a shark dive.

Been to Cape Town 3 times and not had any trouble. Keep your wits about you. Don't flash wallet, jewellry, phones etc and don't go out on your own at night. Same as London really

 

[Northstander]

thanks everyone for the useful tips!

Cant wait even more now!!

Going to be doing a shark dive, visit Robben Island and go up Table Mountain!

Just a bit concerned getting camera out my bag (its quite a tasty Nikon) but I spose common sense comes into play!

Looking forward to the two weeks in ZA!!

 

[leigull]

thanks everyone for the useful tips!

Cant wait even more now!!

Going to be doing a shark dive, visit Robben Island and go up Table Mountain!

Just a bit concerned getting camera out my bag (its quite a tasty Nikon) but I spose common sense comes into play!

Looking forward to the two weeks in ZA!!

Great stuff. Buy a cheap disposable underwater camera for the shark dive (and sea sickness tablets!), it's difficult to take the photos under the water but I've ended up with some great close ups of the sharks.

Delay going up Table Mountain if the weather is bad, you won't see anything at the top, always go on a clear day and if you're feeling fit, try walking up and/or down.

A trip down to Cape Point is good, usually see some baboons and ostriches around there, and stop in Simonstown on the way down to see the penguins at Boulders Beach.

Best beaches are over in Camps Bay and Clifton.

Lots of other tourists with big cameras around so don't worry too much, just be more careful at night or if away from the main areas on your own.

Going to SA myself in December for a month, not going to Cape Town this time though. I can't bloody wait!!

 

[Gus is god]

My dad used to go there an awful lot for work, and never had any issues but its all common sense, you do hear about some disasters over there, but tbh your going to the safest town in South Africa.

 

[Northstander]

Great stuff. Buy a cheap disposable underwater camera for the shark dive (and sea sickness tablets!), it's difficult to take the photos under the water but I've ended up with some great close ups of the sharks.

Delay going up Table Mountain if the weather is bad, you won't see anything at the top, always go on a clear day and if you're feeling fit, try walking up and/or down.

A trip down to Cape Point is good, usually see some baboons and ostriches around there, and stop in Simonstown on the way down to see the penguins at Boulders Beach.

Best beaches are over in Camps Bay and Clifton.

Lots of other tourists with big cameras around so don't worry too much, just be more careful at night or if away from the main areas on your own.

Going to SA myself in December for a month, not going to Cape Town this time though. I can't bloody wait!!

Yeah, Im doing Cape Point, apparently you can see the two oceans meet!! Im hoping the Summer weather starts to kick in, will be wearing the Seagulls blue and white with pride to let them know the Gus Bus is in town!!!

14 Days and counting!!

 

[fleet]

Take great care - especially in roads near the shanty towns, but Cape Town and the area around it are fantastic. Start off at V and A waterfront to get used to it in the safest possible environment and spread out from there.

 

[leigull]

Make sure you post some of your pics up on here!

 

[Northstander]

Photos to follow

 

[The Sock of Poskett]

Fantastic city - always worth having a moneybelt just to be extra safe, and keep to the main streets at night. The cathedral where Tutu and others led the fight against apartheid, and the museum are also well worth a visit.

 

[farawaysaint]

I live in CT, you can keep your money in your wallet pick pockets aren't really an issue but if you're planning on doing a "township tour," do not! I repeat, do not! Take any valuables including your cellphone and keep your camera on a short leash. Passport should be stored in the hotel safe but theft can be a problem in S.A hotels so don't leave anything valuable in the room in your luggage either, be sure to pop it in the safe. If you have any questions about the city I'd be happy to answer.

 

[essbee]

Here's two things to do that we did and loved every second.

Afternoon tea in the Mount Nelson Hotel. Check times.
Sounds poncy and pretentious - but it isn't and you can stuff
your face with as many sandwiches and cakes as you can handle.

Go on a wine tour. I'm not a wine drinker myself - but I was
hooked after the day (and merry as Father Christmas). We had a lady
who was doing an Msc in wine-tasting at Univ. Cape Town - her
tour picks you up at 9.30 and by 10am you're boozing. You
can book down on the waterfront. Amazing.