Archive for the Cape Town category
On our third and final day for hostel visits we started with the delightful Lighthouse Farm Lodge. Situated within the Oude Molen Eco Village. This property also has a special interest in our environment and protecting it.
I met with the lovely Helen who is running the place. She described to me the plans for the future of the place and also the ways in which they are striving to keep this eco friendly.
With a number of light and airy and clean rooms it’s a lovely choice for those seeking budget accommodation, although if I am honest on my arrival I was put off by the rough appearance of the neighbourhood I quickly found that my preconceived ideas of the place had no grounds. The area appears this way because it is a slightly poorer part of the Cape. This does not however have any bearing on the actual quality and safety of the lovely accommodation at the Lighthouse Farm Lodge.
From there we made our way to SaltyCrax Backpackers which is situated in walking distance to Blouberg Beach and Kite Beach. Also in close proximity are a variety of shops, restaurants and bars as well as good transport links.
This property was undergoing some construction so it wasn’t entirely possible to get a proper feel for the place but I can say that the staff and the general easy going atmosphere make it a great choice.
From Blouberg we ventured back to the Table View area. I had organised to meet with Esther Mattle and her partner who own and run the Elements Hostel. This beautiful home is in an idyllic spot and run by the loveliest and most helpful couple.
The house is big and airy and tastefully decorated throughout. The rooms are lovely and clean and bright and there is even a four poster bed situated by the side of the pool to lounge on during those long, hot summer days.
This property is situated just 15kms from the north of Cape Towns City Centre in a safe and quiet area of the Cape but its only minutes away from plenty of fun sporting activities.
With only three hostels left to visit we headed to Somerset West to visit the Lourens River Guesthouse. A family run business this guesthouse caters for any kind of traveller. The owners Elke and Thomas are delightful characters who are more than happy to help with planning your activities whilst in the cape. With all the necessary facilities it’s a lovely choice.
Following that visit we went on to meet with Mario who owns and runs the Le Bay Guest House. This property is just gorgeous, with lovely wooden floors and great little balconies overlooking the street as well as a view of Gordon’s Bay second to none it’s a beautiful property. The guest house also has a lovely restaurant just next to it and a delightful bar.
This is a truly beautiful guest house, one which I will be sure to visit again. The owners are lovely and easy going and dead set on making sure you have a pleasant visit.
The final property due for a visit was the Tip Top Waterfront Lodge. Sadly due to an error in communication I didn’t get to speak to the owners but I did get to have a good look around at what was on offer.
This property boasts lovely clean facilities and lots of space as well as the fact that it’s only a minute walk from the world famous V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
From there we decided to head to Hermanus in the hope that we would spot some Southern Right Whales in the bay. Whale spotting season is generally between July and October however this year even when the festival was on in Hermanus there were very few whales to be seen so I wasn’t going to get my hopes up.
We parked the car and walked up the bay to the best look out point when we heard the crier sound his horn. This signals that whales have been spotted. To my delight when I got around the corner there where a number of these giant beasts playing splashing about.
What a delightful end to a wonderful trip to the Cape. Later that evening I caught a flight to Johannesburg where I would continue my visits to properties in and around the city.
Not such an early start for us on the Thursday morning thankfully. Feeling a little worn out from too much sun earlier on in the week we needed to sleep in a little. Having covered a large part of the Cape the previous day we were a little more confident of where we were headed for day two.
Out the door at 8:30 we drove to the Zebra Crossing Lodge. I met with Karen who gave me the lo-down on the property. A nice quiet hostel that is a little more family orientated than others in the area it’s a perfect choice if you are looking for peace and quiet while enjoying a communal way of living.
With lovely clean and tidy rooms and situated near plenty of shops, bars, restaurants and clubs along with the fact that it’s at the foot of Table Mountain it’s a top choice if you are looking for a peaceful stay.
Next up situated just around the corner is The Backpack. Among my favourite places to stay in the Cape this property boasts the most incredible view of Table Mountain.
Situated in the most beautiful of areas and along with the amazing atmosphere and lively and sometimes crazy staff it’s a very cool place to stay. It’s important to note that at The Backpack they do not accept groups in high season. Groups are accepted only between the months of May and July.
The Backpackers @ 147 on Main is situated in Green Point. This hostel is only 10 minute walk from the V&A waterfront and on route to Camps Bay.
Set in a very old house that is incredibly homely and cosy with lovely clean rooms and right near the bus route is yet another great choice.
This unassuming house looks much like any other house along the road when you drive past however, get through the metal gate and you will find yourself welcomed into the warmest of homes. I met with Sandy who is a family member of the owner of the property. She mans reception and deals with the bookings. She was a delightful character who briefed me on the history of the family run Sunflower Stop hostel.
All rooms are very well kept and remarkably clean. With a lovely pool that greets you at the entrance and a thatched bar area where you can enjoy a good old South African braai it’s a lovely choice for the social backpacker.
Sadly the next property I went to visit is actually closing in February of next year. Aardvark Backpackers has been running for several years however its elderly owners have decided to close up shop in search of new adventures. The property is set to become a language school. Booking can only be made up to and including the 14th of February 2007 when they officially close their doors.
Cape Town Deco Lodge is situated in Woodstock. Here you can enjoy a typically Capetonian atmosphere where plenty of both local and foreign backpackers choose to stay. Set at the family home of Hannes and Robin you are immediately made to feel most welcome when you make it through the massive big gates.
With a lovely garden and swimming pool and plenty of areas to sit around and take in the relaxed atmosphere and mingle with the other visitors it’s the perfect place for the easy going and chilled out traveller.
Last up for the day was the Green Elephant Backpackers, this property is situated in the Observitory area of the Cape. I had a meeting with Jackie who gave me a run down on the property.
There was something really special about this property. To me there was a real “South Africaness” to it. Even more so than any other I had visited so far. Perhaps not the only hostel to do so but the first to advertise the fact that they are very eco friendly I was pleasantly surprised to see the efforts the staff and visitors make to look after the environment. With specially marked dustbins for different litter and special eco friendly washing detergent for their washing machines and the use of washing machine water for all toilets I was amazed at the efforts. The use of solar panels also helps them to keep costs down and take better care of our environment.
All rooms were very individual and tidy and privacy was there should you need it but there is always something going on should you wish to mingle and socialize with other like minded travellers.
Another day of visiting hostels under out belts and I was beginning to get the feeling that Cape Town hostels are among some of the best in the world. The over all standard was incredible and the people of Cape Town incredibly friendly and warm hearted.
That evening we visited a restaurant at the Spier winery which is along the wine route. Another incredible South African experience the Moyo restaurant is well worth a visit.
The day began at six in the morning. Struggling to get out of bed when my alarm sounded I managed to get myself showered and dressed and out the front door by seven. The first property we had to visit was a good two hours drive away from home so we prepared for a beautiful scenic drive from Kleinmond to Simon’s Town. The weather was just perfect for such a journey, not a cloud in the sky and not too hot.
Arriving in Simon’s Town filled me with a great sense of nostalgia, reason for this being that as kids we spent a fair few summer holidays there. The hostel in question was only a few hundred metres from the home we used to frequent so this was familiar territory. The main street is filled with quirky little antique shops as well as lovely places to grab a bit to eat so it’s a really good spot to spend a bit of time shopping and eating and the main street also runs along the beach front so a beautiful view is always on hand.
The Simon’s Town Backpackers is in a beautiful spot. The front entrance is nestled in and amongst all the antique shop windows and at the entrance overlooks the sea.
The hostel itself boasts fantastic views of the ocean on the upper floors and it’s very clean and tidy. The greatest attraction to this property is by far its location. Simon’s Town is steeped in tradition with lots of great things to see, including the likes of Just Nuisance the Navy dog as well as the old Naval Base. This area is best known as the “historical mile”.
Following on from Simon’s Town we made our way to the city centre.
Hostelbookers have a number of properties within Long Street alone so we found ourselves spending the rest of the day there.
Long Street is a must to visit in Cape Town. With a variety of weird and wonderful shops to visit along with some beautiful and unusual restaurants there is plenty to keen one busy for a couple of days. I would highly recommend spending a day or two staying in one of our properties along this street. If you are inclined to enjoy a bit of clubbing or bar hopping again this is the perfect spot.
First up for a visit was the Daddy Long Legs Boutique Hotel, situated at number 134 Long Street is the first property you will find along the road. From all the properties I visited this was by far my favourite. The reason for this being that each room is uniquely decorated. Photographers, artists and designers have decorated previously sterile hotel rooms and transformed each into a unique work of art.
The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and there is a good fun and friendly vibe about the place.
Closely situated just a little further up the road are the Daddy Long Legs Apartments, these apartments are again a great choice for any traveller. The option of having ones own apartment makes it possible to experience complete privacy while still being in a lovely and lively area of the city. These apartments come with everything you may need as well as lovely balconies that overlook the street below.
A little further down Long Street you can find Cat and Moose Backpackers. This property is an 18th Century building which gives it incredible character. With friendly staff and wonderful clean facilities again this property comes highly recommended.
Having met with John is not surprising to know that their slogan is something along the lines of “arrive as a guest – and leave as a friend”.
Blue Mountain Backpackers is at no 208 Long Street. Another beautiful property both because of its location and because of its character it’s a fine choice for anyone wishing to visit the city centre. With very clean rooms and excellent staff and like most other properties along this famous street a view of Table Mountain this is another excellent choice for budget accommodation.
The last property along this stretch of road is Carnival Court, situated at number 255 Long Street. This place had a special feeling about it. A beautifully restored building with its original and restored woodwork it has a majestic feel.
With balconies that boast views of Signal Hill and the ocean it’s a fantastic choice. This property also has a very lively and character filled bar where you will be sure to meet many fellow travellers.
Rooms are clean and tidy and there are many activities offered to keep you busy day and night. Also on hand is a travel desk where staff will help you plan activities throughout your stay in Cape Town.
Cape Town Backpackers is situated on Church Street in the trendy Kloof Street area. This area is buzzing with trendy bars and café’s and many a delightful restaurant.
Rooms range from dorms to honeymoon suites all of which are incredibly clean and tidy. Staff are really fun and social and most importantly very keen on making your stay in the Cape as memorable as possible. With a laid back atmosphere and plenty of activities to keep you occupied within the building it’s a fine choice of accommodation.
After a day of meetings with the hostels it was time to head back to Kleinmond for a traditional South African braai. The sun only sets at around 7:30 so there was the perfect opportunity to watch is disappear behind the majestic mountains that that surround the lovely little town of Kleinmond.
