Our Cape Town Travel Blog

Cape Town School Holidays Activities | What to Do with the Kids, Teens, whateva?!

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:58:14 GMT

My grab bag guide to school holidays activities in Cape town

Frost in Sutherland
Northern Cape, South Africa

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:25:24 GMT

In June 2009 we went for a stargazing weekend in Sutherland - the home of SALT - the huge telescope. The night skies were absolutely amazing. But as

Hout Bay at Sunset

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:18:52 GMT

My husband often takes our oldest daughter for a motorbike ride at sunset. They take pictures around Cape Point through to Hout Bay. This was one of

Happy Customers for CapeTown Accommodation

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:37:11 GMT

Comments from other real 'live' users of the booking service I recommend.

My consultant was an amazing help for a very last-minute enquiry. Thank you again!
Lyn 2010/03/16

Awesome service, thank you.
Gideon 2010/03/15

My consultant was friendly and sorted me out in a professional manner, thank you.
Daniel 2010/03/15

Hats off to my consultant.
Michael 2010/03/14

Excellent service. My consultant went to a lot of trouble to supply us with the necessary information. Thank you very much!
Carel 2010/03/12

Very fast and effective service. Thank you for making it easy.
Sean 2010/03/11

Excellent service. Very happy and will recommend you.
Matt 2010/03/10

Cape Town Events April 2010 | What's On in CapeTown | South Africa

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:27:12 GMT

Cape Town events for April 2010. Here's my list of familyfriendly days out, events and happenings in and near Cape town South Africa. Feel free to contact me to add new ones!

Cape Town tours - Independent travelers perpsective...

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:50:41 GMT

I do not benefit financially from my Cape Town tour operator recommendations. Mine are totally independent of any remuneration. Why is that great for you? Because I only point out those I have discovered in 4 years of travel writing, who I see as the passionate best of Cape Town.

New Cape Town car rental search engine!
Compare the top companies :)

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:25:34 GMT

I've just found a car rental rate comparison online tool that allows:

one-way journeys i.e. different collection and drop-off locations
18 year old drivers!

This is a first! I feel like shouting "Eureka!" but I know you will be grateful that I am NOT running through the streets naked ;)

Cape Town Waterfront - 12 things to do - Hmm, what shall it be?

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:02:32 GMT

Cape Town Waterfront is a hive of assorted activities... A is for... Aquarium visits
B is for... Boat trips
C is for... Craft markets
What will Z be for?! Here is a selection of high value, low expenditure things we love to do around the V & A Waterfront. Enjoy!

Do you have a favourite Kirstenbosch photo? Send it to us!

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:23:14 GMT

We love Kirstenbosch. Every member of the family has their own special spot, we have to take turns as to whose bit we visit. Send us your favourite Kirstenbosch pic, we'll be proud to publish it for you! I highly recommend annual membership of Bot Soc for Capetown residents - it's a real value way of using the Gardens often and supports the advocates of our precious fynbossies!

Hermanus Map - a special little Overberg town

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:40:59 GMT

April marks the gradual return to Hermanus of the Southern Right whales. And of course there are always those mums and babies which elected to stay in sheltered waters rather than do the long commute back towards Antarctica! Don't forget a visit to the Hemel en Aarde valley for wine and delicious dishes :)

Namaqualand Flower Route from Cape Town

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:04:42 GMT

Yes, yes, I know we are sweating through a heat wave. Winter seems but a pimple on the horizon, and spring just an excuse to dread the return summer. Don't be fooled! It'll be flower season before you can blink! For years I woke up too late in the year to make it up the West Coast (or further) in late August/September. So consider me your friendly dig-in-the ribs. I'm planting the seed of inspiration, hoping it will germinate before the flowers do!

Accommodation in Cape town - World Cup or Not - my trusted web resources

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:05:09 GMT

I am continually encouraged by the feedback of happy customers to the accommodation service that I partner. I use it myself to book our family holidays too because it saves me time and eye strain :)
(latest destination for us - the Kalahari!) Latest satisfied customers include:

The system works well and responds quickly.
Mike 2010/03/04
The response was quick and my consultant was very helpful. Thank you so much.
Refilwe 2010/03/04
Thanks for the great follow-up on acceptance or expiry of quotes.
Puneet 2010/03/03
I am very impressed with your service. Have booked a room with you in Bloemfontein and because of your prompt, efficient service via the net, I have selected your company again to try and book a room in Johannesburg. Thank you.
Alta 2010/03/01

Take a look at the link below, you could save yourself hours of research.

Rhodes Memorial - iconic Cape Town breakfast al fresco!

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:06:45 GMT

My first visit to the Rhodes Mem was in my first year at UCT - I won't tell you how long ago that was! A room-mate and I from residence made the pilgrimage

Public Holiday Season 2010 coming up in South Africa!

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:51:19 GMT

April marks the start of public holiday 'season' in SA - between Easter, the school hols and many days of remembrance it can be a month of madness. It's good news for corporate employees, and bad news for business owners - but hey, let's all make the most of it! Check up which days you can be officially 'out of the office' via the link below...

Cape Town safaris - thanks for your bookings!

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:41:09 GMT

Those of you who booked Aquila, Botlierskop and Garden Route Game Lodge through the site - you know who you are ;) - thanks for your support! Don't forget to come and report back for us, under the "Have YOUR Say" heading on the left of any site page. We're counting on you! For those who still want to investigate and book... click on the link below.

Weekend Getaway In Paarl - If You Are Not Riding the Argus!

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:31:44 GMT

I have a great, relaxing suggestion for you. Next weekend is Ommiberg - a fab fun-filled event organised by the Paarl wine routers! If you're not riding the Argus, why not escape the influx of cyclists and book now to spend a family weekend away in Paarl?

More about Ommiberg

"... Paarl Wine Route offers this unique opportunity to taste the first of the 2010 vintage across the route - unfiltered and straight from the tank in the middle of harvest time! Enjoy wines with creative adaptations of the traditional onion tart; along with other unusual gourmet offerings. Children can enjoy pony rides, slip-n-slides, tractor and trailer rides; while cooking demonstrations, art exhibitions and glass blowing entertain moms. Traditional harvest activities, such as cellar tours, grape stomping - yeah! and grape tastings will keep dads occupied; while the young at heart zip around the Paarl Rock in a Cessna or Helicopter; or chill to the tunes of Zinkplaat, Pieter Smith and other live bands..." Find the full details in my March events listing by clicking on the link below.

Coping with the Heat? Summer in Cape Town - whew!

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:49:29 GMT

The weather in Cape Town has been so hot and humid! I am pretty sure I have never had such a clammy summer before. Check out the forecast here while you are planning your weekend diversions - it's gonna be another hottie!

Cape Town Events March 2010 | What's On in CapeTown | South Africa

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:17:26 GMT

Cape Town events for March 2010. Here's mylist of familyfriendly days out, events and happenings in and near Cape town South Africa. Feel free to contact me to add new ones!

World Cup Weather in Cape town?

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:30:36 GMT

Coming over for the World Cup 2010? Are you wondering what the weather in Cape Town is like in June and July? Changeable. Wondering what you should pack? Layers. And weather proof boots. Be sure of a waterproof outer layer, plus beanie and gloves particularly for evening games. It never freezes at ground level in Cape Town: 10 deg C (that's about 50 deg F) is an average minimum. But the wind can be strong so the windchill factor takes off a couple of additional degrees :) It's gonna be good... !

Honeymoon! - March 2010

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:50:23 GMT

Firstly I must thank for your most informative website! I stumbled upon the website by chance this afternoon and have thoroughly enjoyed its content.

Build a Niche Website - Learn How to Build a Website Yourself

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:55:19 GMT

When you build a niche website it gives you two things - an opportunity to do something you enjoy and a way to make a living out of your interests.

Cape Town Accomodation is flying off the shelves :)

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:43:19 GMT

And I am not the only supporter of reputable online booking companies. Lots of happy clients here:

Fast & friendly service, thank you.
Claus 2010/02/15
Great service, website is easy to navigate with quick responses to enquires for rate quotes. Glad I found your site.
Phil 2010/02/12
Many thanks for super service.
Elizabeth 2010/02/12
Your response via e-mail and telephone were outstandingly quick. Thank you.
Hannes 2010/02/11
Thank you for all your help with the booking. It has been such a pleasure to work with your company and will definitely use it in the future and tell all my friends about it too!!!
Heather 2010/02/09

Cape Town Crime and Safety - Tourist Forum 2009/2010 Update

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:31:44 GMT

Cape Town crime and safety statistics are a continual source of questions in the tourist forums online. To give you more than my opinion and experience, here are all the asnwers posted in a recent thread I came across.

Bazbus beyond Cape Town - need Garden Route advice

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:43:32 GMT

Hello there! My name is Marion, I am 32yrs old and I will be working in Midrand for a few days at the end of Feb. Then, on Feb 26th in the morning I will

Nelson Mandela Memories

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:35:30 GMT

We parked at Hiddingh Hall and wandered down the Gardens to wait to see Madiba, freshly released. He took forever to arrive. The waiting crowd became

Nelson Mandela Biography | Authorized Biography of Nelson Mandela | Apartheid History

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:11:51 GMT

The official Nelson Mandela biography came out after his autobiography but both offer amazing insights and are good reads. What better way to learn about Aparthed History than through 'living books'? I loved Long Walk to Freedom, it seemed so personal and conversational...

Nelson Mandela's First Appearance, February 1990

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 07:55:15 GMT

The streets around the City Hall were jam packed with people. This was history-in-the-making and we all knew it! It was a long, hot wait that day but

Nelson Mandela Biographies for Kids | Biography of Nelson Mandela

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 07:34:33 GMT

Nelson Mandela biographies for kids are a great way to introduce your children to our favourite statesman of all time.

Nelson Mandelas Release - 11 February 1990

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 07:33:02 GMT

This collage is the first in a series of photos I took of the Grand Parade outside City Hall (Darling Street, Cape Town, South Africa) on February 11,

Cape Town Airport | CPT | Car Hire | Shuttle, Transit, Transfers | South Africa |

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:18:13 GMT

My user-friendly guide to the Cape Town Airport CPT - hotels, shuttle, transfers, car hire - the whole lot!

Nelson Mandela's Release - 20 years on

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:38:43 GMT

This Thursday, February 11 2010, marks the 20 year anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from Victor Verster prison and his historic address from the balcony of Cape Town City Hall! Were you part of the crowd massed on the Parade, listening? My brother was - and I am hoping to get him to share his photos of that day here on the site! Share yours, too... we'd love to see and hear your memory of the day Mandela was released.

Accommodation Booking Cape Town - don't take my word for it!

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:54:16 GMT

It's not just me who is a fan of the online booking service I use for the family. Here are some February comments so far:

Excellent, friendly, efficient, without hounding you, very easy to deal with. Thank you to all and I may have more accommodation needs soon!
Pete 2010/02/07
So far your website is fantastic. I am so glad I stumbled upon it! Thank you.
Kelly 2010/02/05
It was a real pleasure and I will use the service again.
Markus 2010/02/04
I am very impressed with the service received and the quick response to my query. Well done, not many organizations have this level of service.
Carin 2010/02/04
Our consultant was great to deal with, she really kept in contact.
Denise 2010/02/04

Refer your friends to CapeTownMagic.com

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:41:25 GMT

Believe me, I know this site name is a heck of a long one to pass on to friends easily! So I've made it easier to spread the word. Tell friends to type www.CapeTownMagic.com into their browsers. That'll bring them right HERE! Or Facebook/Tweet/Stumble us to your friends.
Scroll to the bottom of any page on the site and choose your button. Spread the word. Help make CapeTownMagic.com famous :)

Cape town Luxury Hotels - Wanna Go Boutique?

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:22:54 GMT

It's no secret that Cape town has some of the finest luxury hotels in the world. Standards are high, so it can be hard to make a choice. The main thing is to decide on LOCATION. Do you want seafront glitz and glam at the heart of the action, or something a little more old world and understated? Whether you want an uber-trendy city location or a discreet wine valley hideaway, I can point you in the right direction.

Need a Western Cape weekend getaway?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:29:57 GMT

Do you like blue cranes, the great outdoors, good food and great wine? Does it seem as though the Christmas hols were so long ago they might as well never have existed... ? How about a vigour-enhancing a weekend in Hermanus or one of its fab Overberg neighbours :) ? This is your chance for a timely pick-me-up snatched from the jaws of the deadly routine. When will you go?

Quad biking Cape Town - CapeTown Team Building

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:29:09 GMT

After five year break we decided to go quad biking again, this time near Cape Town, and we had a ball!

Scarecrows in Hout Bay -- Good Food Deli and Kids Cafe

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:15:46 GMT

Scarecrows has Funky Friends all around it and a great, healthy kid-friendly menu. There is also loads of space to play and even some shade!

Cape Town Waterfront Boat Trips...

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:29:14 GMT

... are best on a still, warm day! Yacht or powerboat makes no difference - if the Southeaster is blowing a gale you are in for a bumpy ride :) It's better by far to make the most of day like today, when the weather is dappled partly cloudy and the wind is gone, gone, gone. If the Waterfront doesn't catch your fancy, you can head for Simonstown instead...

Cape Town Weather in February

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:43:06 GMT

It's 2010, people! And not only has January already passed by, February is making itself felt. I'm looking forward to plenty of long summer evenings and lots to do outside - preferably without too much of the pesky Southeaster. So far I've been loving the hot weather with just a touch of gentle refreshing breezes - how about you?

Cape town Accommodation Finder

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:29:01 GMT

Other 'real client' feedback confirms my recommendation. I love that!

My consultant responded promptly to all my enquiries and followed up timeously.
Linda 2010/01/31

I am VERY impressed with your good service - thanks!
Sandra 2010/01/31

My consultant was absolutely great - very friendly, efficient, professional and helpful! She sorted me out with accommodation immediately and half an hour later my accommodation was booked and paid for!
Noleen 2010/01/29

Fast reply and a lot of choice in accommodation.
Mirjam 2010/01/28

Service was more than helpful and friendly, in one word great. Thanks!
Fanie 2010/01/27

Cape Town Prevailing Wind - Summer Southeaster and Winter Prevailing Westerlies!

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:22:05 GMT

Cape Town people are obsessed with the prevailing wind direction and speed. We have to be, it affects our outdoor lifestyles every day and has a great impact on our decision making!

CapeTown Trip Planning - Top Cape Town Attractions

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:33:32 GMT

Planning a trip to Cape Town - especially for the World Cup? Make sure you know what the must-see attractions are, even if you don't manage to visit them all. It's good to know what you're missing - so you can plan to return :)

Safari photos -- tips for taking great African wildlife photos

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:15:12 GMT

Ever wondered which digital camera is best for taking wildlife photos? Get tips for your African safari photos from an experienced enthusiast.

National Park Cape Town - Silvermine Nature Reserve | Table Mountain.

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:01:01 GMT

Silvermine is our favourite Cape Town Nature Reserve within the Table Mountain National Park. It is pristine and serene with wonderful views and walks.

Cape Town video collection my favourite great vids of my city - CapeTown South Africa

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:14:27 GMT

CapeTown is sooo video-genic, but there aren't that many really great video clips out there. Here is Cape Town video collection.

Cape Town Kids - Another Great Coffee Shop Find For Us! CapeTown South Africa

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:46:30 GMT

Cape town kids and parents are spolit for choice when it comes to great venues. Deer Park Cafe is worht putting on your must-visit list

Unique Cape Town Restaurants - Capetown Food with Attitude!

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:14:21 GMT

In a city where good food and great ambience are commonplace, we think this is one of the great Cape Town restaurants. It is so much more than food!

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, near Stellenbosch - Cape Town South Africa

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:35:04 GMT

Fab summer day but it turned out Jonkershoek Nature Reserve near Stellenbosch was NOT the place to picnic... at least, not the bit we ignorantly chose!

Cape town Accommodation - Great Service!

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:11:03 GMT

Yes, it's not just me who is a fan of the online booking service I use for the family holidays I book. Here are a few of the 'happy customer' comments over the last few days...

Thanks for all the very efficient service.
John 2010/01/25
Brilliant service. I never felt forgotten!
Adrian 2010/01/24
Thank you for your efficient service in assisting us to obtain accommodation!
Brahm 2010/01/22
Great service, very efficient and helpful.
Janine 2010/01/21
The response time was very fast - great service.
Sean 2010/01/20
Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it. What a pleasure to have someone be so friendly and efficient!
Branwen 2010/01/20
I found my consultant fantastic as I had many questions to ask - she always helped me understand better and was very helpful with sorting a payment plan. Thank you very much for all your help.
Shauna 2010/01/20

Waterfront restaurants at the V & A, Cape Town, South Africa

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:56:45 GMT

Waterfront restaurants that make us smile! Great food, fine wines, nautical ambience - or just a light something...