Honeymoon! - March 2010

(Johannesburg)

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

It would be really appreciated if you could assist me, with regards to planning a trip to Cape Town.

We have had to rethink our honeymoon plans and arrange something within the confines of RSA. I feel that Cape Town & its surrounds would be the ideal location, especially taking into account that both my fiance and I haven't holidayed in the region for many years.

As such, I have no clue on where to start planning for our honeymoon. We would like to see all of the main attractions which CT has to offer while at the same time have some relaxation time overlooking the sea.

Main attractions we would want to see:

Robben Island
Table Mountain
Waterfront
Cape Point
Simonstown
Wine route / Stellenbosch.

Given our limited time, I would appreciate it if you could give us some guidance on which areas to stay (and which not). I understand from a friend of mine that Paternoster on the West Coast is also a definite must! As we would be flying in to CT from Joburg, I would also need to plan our trip so as not to much waste to much time travelling back and forth.

Your advice for "newbies" to Cape Town would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks very much!

Regards
Malcolm

Alison's Reply

Apologies for the delay - my little boy has been in hospital having his appendix out :(

If it's not too late already, here are a few suggestions.


7 days is pretty tight, given that you definitely need time to wind down after your wedding!
Budget is also a factor obviously.
And I am not sure whether you prefer hotels or guest houses?

Say 3 nights in Cape town, a night in Franschhoek and then 2/3 nights in Paternoster?

My recommendation would be for you to hire a car and do the sights independently, it gives you much more flexibility.

Camps Bay would be a good base for all your city stuff, even Cape Point and Simonstown. Maybe a guest house like Auberge du Cap, or one of the boutique hotels? It will obviously depend what's available.

I would spend a night in Franschhoek before heading up to Paternoster. Lots of romantic places in Franschhoek here. If your budget runs to it, The Franschhoek is *stunning*.

For your few days relaxing by the beach, Paternoster is certainly glorious. It's about a 2 hour drive up the West Coast (150km, but the road can be slow in places) so do factor that into your plans.

There are mostly self catering beach houses there, but Baywatch is lovely and right next to the sea. The water will be cold!!

If you decide Paternoster is too far off, I recommend Kommetjie and the Long Beach boutique hotel for a very pampering time with less driving.

I hope this helps. Without a budget the suggestions are a shot in the dark but I have tried to give you a range of options :)

Enjoy the day and the honeymoon!