Travel with trivago

Kuifkopvisvanger

2010-03-26T20:58:00.003+02:00

I've recently spent a weekend at the Kuifkopvisvanger near Velddrift in the Western Cape and thoroughly enjoyed getting back to nature on the banks of the Berg River. Visiting nearby Port Owen and the splendid beach at Dwarskersbos was a pleasure and, as usual, there isn't much which beats the hospitality on the Cape West Coast. Here are some photographs:

South Africa : Country Roads

2009-12-29T08:53:00.000+02:00

Explore South Africa with me!

Do you love to travel? trivago.co.uk is a great website to meet likeminded people from around the world. I have been writing reviews and adding photos of the places I have been to; been using reviews and recommendations on trivago to plan my next holiday and, besides helping other members, I have been earning money for all content that I've added.

Take this opportunity to promote your corner of the World, mingle with a vibrant community and be paid for the privilege - if you think that it might be something for you, take a look at my profile and register for free.

I'm looking forward to seeing you at trivago and reading about your travel experiences!

Bizarre hotels

2009-05-02T21:51:00.004+02:00

Ever got tired of the usual, humdrum hotel options and wished for something unusual & extraordinary on vacation? The options have run amok and now you have the choice to spend your nights in a drainpipe, a school, underwater, in a luxury treehouse and much more...

Harlingen is located at the Wadden Sea in the Netherland and is putting its naval traditions to good use ... visitors have the option to sleep aboard a lifeboat which was fully operational until 1979, spend the night in the lighthouse or have a romantic break far above it all in a harbour crane.

Ariaú Amazon Towers by Claus Brabrand

Going to Brazil?

Located 35 miles from Manuas, the Ariaú Amazon Towers offers accommodation in the treetops, affording visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature without disturbing the ecology.

According to the New York Times the Ariaú Amazon Towers is "one of the oldest and by far the largest of the jungle lodges, it has been visited by celebrities like Bill Gates and the King and Queen of Spain. Responding to the international boom in ecological and adventure tourism, lodgings have sprung up all over the region in the past four or five years. Travelers with a yen for the exotic and a tolerance for the unpredictable can now book a stay in the jungle with an expectation of, if not luxury, then at least a reasonable degree of comfort"

Kerela, India also offers treetop accommodations which "come complete with running water in private baths, telephones, and if you're feeling extra adventurous - access to a hanging bridge"

For the budget-traveler, a night in an Australian jail might be just the thing. No, I am not recommending that you get arrested, but rather that you book into Mount Gambier Jail

South Africa has its own (supposedly haunted) prison backpackers in Grahamstown, so if you're in the region do try out the Old Gaol which dates from 1840.

Too posh for prison? Then how about splashing-out and taking a dive at one of the undersea resorts? One option is the Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Florida, another is to head out to Fiji and stay at the Poseidon Resort
You can also try out The Tower at Hippo Point Private Estate and Wildlife Sanctuary (Lake Naivasha, Kenya); spend a night "inside the World's Biggest Beagle" at the Dog Bark Park Inn or go underground in Sweden at the Sala Silvermine.

Woodlyn Park in Waitomo, New Zealand and the Winvian in Litchfield Hills, Connecticut both offer a range of unusual accommodations. Other alternatives to explore include the ElquiDomos Astro Lodge in Chile; the rice barges at the Imperial Boat House in Koh Samui and the Capsule Inn Akihabara in Tokyo.

Pods & Planes

Weird Hotels | Weirdomatic

20 Bizarre Hotels by Luggage Online

Unusual Hotels of the World : Online Guide of the World's most Unusual & Unique Hotels!

Images of Durban

2009-03-21T14:16:00.003+02:00

Discover Durban

2009-02-25T11:27:00.000+02:00

Durban, also known as eThekwini in Zulu, is the gateway to the Drakensberg and Zululand and one of the most dynamic South African cities. This multicultural metropolis combines culture, entertainment and nature with a sub-tropical climate and rich heritage which ensures that its reputation as a prime holiday destination and the top beach resort in South Africa remains unrivalled.

History:

Discovered on Christmas Day (1497) by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama and named Rio de Natal (Christmas River), this region has a rich history of pirates, slave traders, shipwrecks and Zulu warriors. In 1823 the first settlers from the Cape arrived and by 1844 Britain annexed Natal, prompting a steady influx of Europeans who, seeing the potential for sugar cane, obtained a workforce from India. The descendants of these Indian labourers, Zulus from the Nguni tribe and Europeans of English colonial extraction have formed the unique cultural mix of the region.

In 1835 Durban was established as a township and named after the governor of the Cape Colony, Sir Benjamin D’Urban. 100 years later it would become a city (having become a municipality in 1854) and also a major holiday resort. Port Natal, as the harbour was initially known, was accessible only to small craft but in the late 19th century a protective sea wall was built and it has since developed into one of the biggest and busiest harbours on the African continent. South Africa ranks as one of the top five global producers of sugar and the coasts either side of Durban are lined with cane plantations, subsequently the Port of Durban processes millions of tons of cargo each year.

Orientation:

The Bay itself is virtually landlocked by the Bluff in the south and the Point in the north. South of the CBD you will encounter the bustling Indian community, to the north there is Berea and to the west are the suburbs of Kloof, Hillcrest and Westville as well as the Valley of a Thousand Hills, which is a mere 30 minutes drive inland from Durban via the N3 and is the setting for two of the most popular sporting events in South Africa, the annual Dusi Canoe Marathon and the well-known Comrades Marathon. There are also opportunities to visit authentic Zulu villages, view traditional dances, experience African cooking and gain an insight into crafts such as spear-making, beading and thatching. A visit to the Phezulu Safari Park is highly recommended.

The southern shores are divided into the Sunshine Coast which stretches from Amanzimtoti (25km south of Durban) to Mtwalume and the Hibiscus Coast, which stretches from Hibberdene (97km from Durban) to Port Edward and includes a number of excellent golf courses. To the north is the 90km long Dolphin Coast which stretches from Umhlanga Rocks (18km north of Durban) to the Tugela River. Recommended itineraries include Dundee for exploring historical battlefields, Margate for its superb beaches and Howick to view the Falls and discover the Natal Midlands. Umdloti, Ballito and the Shaka’s Rock area (approximately 52km from Durban) are also well-worth exploring.

Transport:

Durban is well served by rail links and has an International Airport which is located roughly 15 minutes south of the CBD. There are ample buses and taxis which, as is common in South Africa, do not rove the streets but are stationed at taxi ranks near the hotels. The topless Ricksha bus is a popular method of sightseeing and air-conditioned "People Movers" provide transport between the city and beach at roughly one Euro per day pass.

Most international car rental agencies are represented and a number of bus tours are available, including intercity coaches which link Durban to other major cities. Regular services to Cape Town (38 hours) and Johannesburg (14 hours) are available aboard the ShosholozaMeyl and Premier Classe trains. Between November and May boat cruises from Durban to Maputo and Bazaruto are also popular and options range from a 2 night cruise-to-nowhere to a 3-week cruise via Port Louis and the Suez Canal to Genoa.

Activities:

There are a number of popular beaches and the Golden Mile, which extends from Rutherford Street to Playfair Road at North Beach, boasts theme parks, nightspots, entertainment centres and pavilions. Attractions include Waterworld with its landscaped gardens, swimming pools and chutes, Funworld which has a variety of rides for both adults and children and Mini Town which displays replicas of local landmark buildings and is adjacent to the Fitzsimmons Snake Park. To the south is the very popular uShaka Marine World which features dolphins, sharks and stingrays, seals, penguins and a varied selection of marine life including colourful corals and anemones. The Natal Sharks Board is the only shark research centre worldwide and is well worth a visit. Educational material including a shark dissection is presented and replicas of various species are on display.

Durban Ice offers various extravaganzas during the holiday season and there is a paint ball arena on Tara Road as well as bowling alleys at the Pavilion and Gateway. The latter also offers an amusement arcade, go-carts, mini-golf and a science centre. Hiking trails are available at many of the nearby parks and nature reserves and helicopter flips over the city, various boat cruises and a trip with the Umgeni Steam Railway ensure that visitors don't get bored. Numerous tours are also available, including an eleven-day itinerary which offers game reserve accommodations and visits to the battlefields at Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift as well as the annual Zulu Kings Reed Dance at Nongoma in the heart of Zululand.

The Jumma Musjid, which is sometimes called the Grey Street Mosque and dates from the 1880’s, is the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere. Durban also has a number of Hindu temples and a visit to the Hare Krishna Temple at Chatsworth is recommended. The Mariannhill Monastery just outside Durban was built in 1882 by Trappist monks and boasts carved wooden interiors, frescoes and sculptures. It is also home to St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

A wide variety of ballet, theatre, opera and orchestral music shows are regularly presented and there are plenty of galleries, exhibition centres and museums such as the Killie Campbell Museum which is located at the original home of Sir Marshall Campbell in Muckleneuk and includes an Africana library, a selection of Zulu crafts and period furniture. Both the Natural Science Museum, which features exhibits on wildlife and natural history, and the Kwa-Muhle Museum which is dedicated to 20th-century African urban life, are also noteworthy.

A collection of Indian jewellery, icons and costumes can be viewed at the Cultural and Documentation Centre and exhibits include a photographic display relating to the two decades Mahatma Gandhi lived in South Africa from 1893. Other places of particular interest include:

* Warriors’ Gate

* Port Natal Maritime Museum

* Elizabeth Sneddon Theater

* Alayam Hindu Temple

* Emanuel Cathedral

Shopping:

Gateway Theatre of Shopping is the largest shopping complex in South Africa and one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. Facilities include the Barnyard Theatre and the Wave House which features a skate park, artificial waves and live entertainment. Other places of interest to shoppers include the Workshop with Victorian-style barrow stalls, the Pavilion and the Musgrave Centre. There is also the Wheel, which is a large shopping and entertainment complex with speciality shops, cinemas, bars and restaurants and the Victoria Street Market which is a great place to haggle for bargains and features numerous spice stalls as well as meat, fish and fresh produce markets. A variety of flea markets can be found along the beach-front and at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Dining & Nightlife:

For an unusual dining experience book aboard the Allen Gardiner and enjoy a cruise of Durban Harbour whilst dining. Other popular options are The Cargo Hold Restaurant and the Roma Revolving Restaurant. Morningside is also particularly well-known for its dining options and includes venues such as the Quarters Brasserie and the eclectic Bean Bag Bohemia.

There are many nightclubs, discos, dinner-dance and cabaret venues throughout Durban. Options include favourites such as the Casablanca, China White and Joe Cool's, as well as Blue Bottles at the Point Waterfront. A popular choice is the Suncoast Casino, which also houses the Cafe Vacca Matta theme bar.

Art & Culture:

A notable collection of local art is displayed at the African Art Centre which is housed in the Old Station Building. This is also home to the KZN tourist information bureau and the starting point of various walkabouts, including an Oriental walkabout and an architectural tour to view historically significant buildings. Sunday afternoon Jazz recitals are presented at the City Hall and tours of the building, which houses a library as well as the Natural History Museum and Art Gallery, are available and offer visitors the chance to enjoy its 1910 architecture. Various Art Deco buildings such as the Colonial Mutual Building and Adams Building are located in West Street, which is also the main commercial street where many African crafts are sold by street vendors. Nearby Smith Street boasts Hollywood Court, which was the highest building in Durban when it was completed in 1939.

Adjacent to the Hilton Hotel you will find the Durban International Conference Centre and the Durban Exhibition Centre, which is one of the largest in South Africa and offers a venue for various shows, sports events and annual festivities. The Durban International Film Festival (July) and a Contemporary Dance Festival are only some of the highlights on a full calendar of events. The Playhouse offers lunchtime concerts, exhibitions and a variety of theatrical performances. The BAT Centre (Bartle Arts Trust) is located near the Maritime Museum and provides studios for artists, sculptors and musicians. Evening theatrical productions are presented and facilities include shops, galleries and a bar which overlooks the harbour. The nearby Wilson's Wharf also houses the Catalina Theatre and is the starting point for NSB boat tours.

Sport:

The Mr Price Pro surfing championship is part of the annual Durban Beach Africa Festival which is held along the Golden Mile in July and includes activities such as jet skiing, body-boarding, volleyball and night surfing events. Indoor board-sport can be found at the Wave House and other options include cricket at Kingsmead, rugby at King’s Park, various squash courts, fitness studios, hang-gliding and skydiving for adrenalin junkies. There is also racing at Greyville and the July Handicap is an annual highlight on the social calendar. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the Durban Country Club or Royal Durban Golf Club.

Nature:

The Umgeni River Bird Park is highly rated and boasts roughly 300 exotic and local species in a setting which features gigantic walk-through aviaries and waterfalls. There is also a small zoo at Mitchell Park and both the Botanic Gardens which were founded in 1849 and the Japanese Gardens with its pagodas and wooden bridges are of particular interest.

A selection of small reserves and conservation areas such as the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve which protects a number of estuarine species, the Bluff Nature Reserve with its many pathways and hides for bird-watching enthusiasts and the Silverglen Nature Reserve with its angling and sailing options, ensure that visitors can relax in natural surroundings.

The Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Trail is a hour-and-a-half trail with picnic sites and offers visitors the opportunity to explore dunes, swamps and forest and to view the remnants of an early Iron Age midden circa AD 600. A 25-minute drive from Durban leads to the Shongweni Resource Reserve, which offers game drives to view the buffalo, buck, wildebeest and more than 200 species of birds. This Natural Heritage Site includes picnic options, 15km of hiking trails and a dam for fishing and canoeing.

Accommodation:

Situated in KwaZulu-Natal Province, Durban is the third largest metropolis in South Africa and, in keeping with its status as a top vacation destination, offers a wide selection of accommodation options which ranges from B&Bs and Guest Houses to upmarket establishments such as The Royal. For visitors who wish to gamble and enjoy a range of entertainment options the SunCoast Hotel & Towers is particularly recommended.

The Southern Sun Garden Court South Beach is a pleasant mid-range hotel, whilst a slightly more upmarket option with equally stunning sea views and good business facilities is the Southern Sun Elangeni. Convention attendees and businessmen would be well served at the Durban Hilton which is in very close proximity to the ICC. The Golden Mile offers some of Durban's most elegant hotels such as the Edward, Balmoral and Tropicana, where there is a number of rickshaws bedecked with beads and furs.

Due to its great climate, vibrant community, golden beaches and proximity to a number of marine resorts and game reserves, Durban remains a top destination for both tourists and South Africans from inland. Washed by the warm currents of the Indian Ocean, winter temperatures rarely drop below 15 degrees Celsius and Durban beaches are popular all year long. Our recommended websites includes links to overviews and further details of regional activities, attractions and events.

Scenes from Port St Johns

2009-02-25T11:20:00.002+02:00

More at Flickr

Discover the Garden Route

2008-12-09T11:45:00.001+02:00

Regardless of whether you are a nature lover or history enthusiast, for sheer variety there is probably very little which beats a trip from Cape Town to Durban via the famous Garden Route. The scenery is amazing and there are ample opportunities to enjoy splendid beaches along the way (such as at Jeffrey's Bay, which is a renowned site for surfers) and also to take in natural indigenous forests. Indeed, one of the highlights of any such trip must be the Tsitsikamma and Storm's River region of the Eastern Cape. Adventurous travellers are sure to enjoy doing the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour or, for the brave, there is the Bloukrans Bridge Bungy Jump which is listed by Guinness World Records as "the highest commercially operated Bungy Jump in the world".

For the more laid-back traveller a visit to the Addo Elephant National Park is very highly recommended, as is a visit to the Cango Wildlife Ranch and, of course, the Cango Caves in the Oudtshoorn vicinity. The opportunity to visit an Ostrich Farm and ride one of these feathered beauties is also available.

Further north you will pass through what was formerly known as the Transkei and encounter rural habitats and relaxed coastal villages such as Coffee Bay and Port St. Johns. The latter is a small, typical Third World town which attracts many European tourists due to its spectacular natural surroundings and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. PSJ is also the (unofficial) South African capital of "ganja" (marijuana), which probably accounts for the myriads of backpackers who pass through the region. And, of course, home to the eccentric and much publicized Ben Decker (artist/actor and ex-politician wannabee) who lives in a cave with a stunning 180 degree sea view.

Located at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River, the town combines virgin forests with stunning ocean views and is pure paradise for any nature lover who wishes to explore its many hiking trails, discover secluded waterfalls and awesome views from the top of Mount Thesiger. I've been privileged to spend a few years as a "local" (before returning to my Cape Town roots) and can highly recommend a stay at the Umzimvubu Retreat Guest House.

For those who prefer to add some bright lights to their itinerary, major cities en route such as East London, Port Elizabeth and, of course, both Durban and Cape Town offer everything you may desire. In brief, no matter whether you are seeking natural splendor, historical highlights, an adrenalin rush or sophisticated city life, the Garden Route combines it all in a breathtakingly beautiful package.

trivago - travel reviews

2008-10-19T10:21:00.001+02:00

trivago - travel reviews

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Recommended tourist sights and attractions worldwide

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A selection of travel photographs

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Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

The cheapest and most expensive European cities

2008-09-04T10:26:00.000+02:00

The European internet media business based in Düsseldorf, Germany, was founded in April 2005. trivago operates one of the largest user driven travel portals in Europe, issuing high quality travel information and ‘insider’ tips for perfect travel planning. It combines its social networking platform's travel tips and reviews with price search and comparison for hotels and package holidays. This allows users to find and book great deals with the benefit of other travellers' experiences and advice. Therefore, trivago is the internet starting point for many price-conscious travel enthusiasts across Europe. As well as in the United Kingdom trivago has sites in Germany,Spain, France, Sweden, Poland and Italy. In the fourth quarter of 2007, trivago attracted more than 2.5 million visitors per month throughout Europe taking advantage of trivago’s Community tips and its price search function

During the holiday peak season, travellers have to pay more than usual for their hotel accommodation. The trivago Hotel Price (tHPI) Index indicates which cities in Europe have had the highest and lowest hotel rates this summer. The sources for the tHPI are the 40,000 daily queries for hotel room prices on the website.

Among the list of the top major European cities, London and Edinburgh are the places where tourists had to pay most for their overnight stay: on average 126 Pounds in London and 123 Pounds in Edinburgh between June and August. In comparison to that, Manchester (94 Pounds) and Birmingham (95 Pounds) had cheap hotel rooms on offer. Granada turned out to be the top deal of all European cities: tourists who stayed in this Andalusian city only had to pay an average rate of 67 Pounds for a double room during the summer months.

In Geneva travellers were charged an average hotel price of 144 Euro per night in the last summer months. High prices in Switzerland and Austria were not surprising bearing in mind the European Football Championships in June. After Geneva, Copenhagen (132 Pounds) comes second in the ranking of the most expensive cities. The tourist hotspot Barcelona was also among the high-priced cities: a double room cost 126 Pounds on average.

Hotel rates in August have proved to be cheaper than in the months before. Vacationers, who are planning their holidays in August and September, should compare hotel prices on trivago. Travellers are able to save nearly 142 Pounds for two nights in the Four Star Designer Hotel As Janelas Verdes in Lisbon during the last weekend of August. The double room costs 104 Pounds with the cheapest provider, while the most expensive provider charges 175 Pounds.

Muiderslot Castle

2008-07-30T14:16:00.001+02:00

The name Muiden is derived from the Old German word mui, meaning mouth. Muiden is situated at the mouth of the river Vecht, which flows into the IJmeer, part of what used to be the Zuiderzee.

The Muiderslot castle was built in 1280 by count Floris V. His objective was to take control of the trade route to Utrecht. From then on all traders using this trade route were forced to pay tolls at the Muiderslot castle.

In 1296 he was imprisoned in his own castle by Geeraerdt van Velsen, because Floris V had ordered the execution of Van Velsen's brother on false charges. Floris V managed to escape from the castle but was killed while fleeing.

Image from Wikipedia. Read the full article about Muiderslot Castle. Additional information, photographs and reviews are also available at trivago

Nomao Maps

2008-04-22T01:16:00.001+02:00

Pricked by pierrejacques with Nomao

Travel Videos

2008-04-14T23:09:00.001+02:00

Videos provided by compulsivetraveler.tv

Gustaf Vasa Church

2008-04-05T23:16:00.002+02:00

stockholm by pixels: Gustaf Vasa Church (4)
More pictures, reviews and contact details can be found at trivago

Travel Explorer

2008-04-05T19:44:00.001+02:00

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Afrikatourism

2008-04-05T19:41:00.000+02:00

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Headlines

2008-04-04T20:28:00.007+02:00

... in the News

Travolution, TravelWeekly and others have recently featured articles about the dynamic Germany-based company trivago. Not only has trivago been in the News , but it is also shortlisted as one of the top 100 finalists for the Red Herring Award in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa).

Meta price comparisons - quick, unique and saving you money

Have you ever booked a hotel room and then later found out that another offer from a different agency would have been cheaper? This would not be surprising, as the price differences are often great. Differences of up to one hundred Euros per room and night are not surprising. Online travel agencies on the other hand make a price search almost impossible, through a very large amount of offers. At trivago the customer can compare prices with one mouse click. With a unique meta price comparison for hotels, the client searching can find the cheapest deal from different well known booking platforms. Even people that prefer to book directly through hotels should also check out trivago first. Often intermediaries can offer better prices than the hotel itself. Those visitors who know exactly what they want, can use different criteria to narrow down the search to suit their individual needs.

What do visitors find at trivago?

Thanks to the trivago community, visitors can find personal travel reports, holiday photos, hotel, restaurant and destination evaluations, beyond compare. No sales driven travel agent has a say in this, only the travelers with their personal recommendations. Therefore, an honest impression of the next holiday destination develops because of the fact that trivago members write and judge only that information which they share between themselves.

Every member engaged in the community also benefits financially, as the community shares a large part of the commission from hotel recommendations. Active users can therefore contribute to their travel funds, and again use their newly gained travel information for the community. The Travel 2.0 portal trivago has added a Greek platform to its growing family which already includes English, German, French, Spanish, Swedish, Polish and Italian communities. Further expansion is already in planning.

Recently published in the Guardian:

"Germany-based Trivago combines reviews, stories and photos from travelers with e-commerce services like hotel booking. It's not the only service in the very busy and lucrative travel vertical, but it has a loyal 40,000 followers that spend 20,000 hours on the site each month because of the heavy user-content approach.
Founded in April 2005, the site employs 21 staff including 10 country managers for its localized European versions including the UK, France, Germany and Sweden. The Dusseldorf-based firm has already had one round of funding from investors including the Samwer Brothers, who recently invested more than $10m in Facebook, and raised second round from Howzat, run by the Cheapflights.co.uk entrepreneurs."

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SA Photographs

2008-03-21T01:13:00.009+02:00

A selection of South African photographs
for your enjoyment

Cape Point

Buitenverwachting

View my photos at Flickriver
and enjoy this splendid

Cape Town and surrounds

collection from Garlyn

Boegoeberg Dam

2008-02-05T22:05:00.000+02:00

Northern Cape Sunset

2008-02-05T22:02:00.000+02:00

World of Birds

2008-02-04T11:59:00.000+02:00

Located in Hout Bay, this is the largest bird park in Africa and well worth strolling through the many landscaped aviaries. Pure relaxation! More photographs and details of this super attraction can be found at trivago

Entertainment

2008-02-04T11:32:00.000+02:00

Free, live shows are often held at the open air amphitheatre of the V&A Waterfront

There are a number of cinemas, sports bars, an IMAX, theatre and other entertainment options. The V&A also offers numerous arts & crafts stalls and a multitude of shopping & dining opportunities.

And, off course, it is home to the Two Oceans Aquarium!

Sightseeing Cape Town

2008-02-03T23:40:00.001+02:00

Passing the main entrance of the Houses of Parliament during the Citysightseeing bus tour in Cape Town.

The sightseeing bus tour offers two itineraries viz. the so-called Red Route and the Blue Route. Discounted tickets for persons taking both tours are available and, being reasonably priced at approximately 18 Euro for both itineraries, I consider this the most hassle free method of gaining a brief overview of the most popular tourist spots. Buses run at intervals of approximately 30 minutes and each route offers a selection of 13 stops. Being able to hop-on and hop-off, one can decide whether you wish to not explore a specific sight more closely or to remain behind and spend more time there until the next bus arrives. Please note that the tour price does not include entrance to the various attractions, although a booklet of coupons with discounts is provided.A word of caution: the Cape sun can be a scorcher and, if you' intend sitting on the open upper deck (which, I must admit, offers the very best views), come prepared with plenty of sunscreen. I didn't and, even being used to the climate as a local, ended up looking and feeling like a parboiled Xmas turkey!

The Red Route focuses on such sights as local museums, the Castle of Good Hope and naturally the Table Mountain Cableway. During my trip the queue at the Cableway would have meant a wait of at least two hours and I therefore opted not to disembark and visit the top cable station. Included in both routes is a trip through Camps Bay and Sea Point, with the final disembarkation point being at the Two Oceans Aquarium in the V&A Waterfront, which is also the starting point of the tours. This allows one ample opportunities to indulge in exploring the Waterfront either before or after the tour e.g visit the Aquarium, browse the mall or, as in my case, set off on a sunset champagne cruise to Clifton as the ultimate ending to a great day of sightseeing.

The Blue Route heads out of Cape Town proper and offers the chance to undertake a township tour in Kronendal near Hout Bay. This itinerary also includes a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens as well as the enchanting World of Birds, which is one of the stops I opted to explore more closely. As there are also a selection of kiosks and eateries at the World of Birds, it was possible to relax and have a beverage in its tranquil surroundings whilst waiting for the next bus to arrive. The next stop was the Mariners Wharf in Hout Bay which, being located directly at the beach, is ideal for those who want to take a quick splash in the sea. They also serve a variety of seafood and arguably the best fish & chips in the Cape, so I settled there for lunch with views of the beach and harbor. Time allowing, one can naturally also opt to rather disembark at Camps Bay beach and end the day by exploring its varied fine dining restaurants, quaint shops and the Theatre on the Bay.

2008-02-03T23:35:00.000+02:00

Scenic landscape at Clanwilliam

2008-02-03T23:32:00.000+02:00

Night falls at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront which, I've lately read, is the venue most visited by tourists to South Africa.

2008-02-03T23:29:00.000+02:00

The reflection of this old building in the mirrored back of the modern Cape Sun Hotel intrigued me ...
Cape Town is a marvellous place for those with an eye for architecture and, even better, is the fact that many of the old buildings are being lovingly restored and used as restaurants, pubs, clubs, galleries and upmarket apartments.

2008-02-03T23:19:00.000+02:00

Lions Head and Signal Hill silhouette with the harbour light in the foreground, photographed on returning from a sunset champagne cruise.

Chateau de Chantilly

2008-01-11T22:15:00.000+02:00

Cosmos: Chateau de Chantilly A marvellous read! More reviews and photographs can also be found at trivago

Marrakech

2008-01-10T22:20:00.000+02:00

Song of the Open Road Travel Blog: Impressions of Marrakech

I am very surprised by Marrakech. I can breathe peacefully here. I walk down the streets without being hustled or hassled. There seems to be less drug dealers and hotel runners here per capita than in most places in Morocco. I am rather impressed. Either the authorities in Marrakech have done a good job in keeping the hustlers away from tourists, the shop keepers have already earned so much money that they do not need to hire the services of touts and faux guides, or the tourist cloud is so think that poor little me can slip through the crowd undetected by barnacles, leeches, and touts- and I therefore do not really notice the hassles that other people are being put through. Maybe it is a little of all three.

published by Wade

2007-11-19T15:55:00.000+02:00

Considered to be one of the global hot spots, Cape Town offers the foreign traveller good value for money and, according to Frommers, "is regularly heralded as one of the most beautiful (cities) on earth" due to its unique scenery. Whether you are into sophistication or slumming it, searching for adventure or tranquility, Cape Town is sure to be a pleasant surprise. Pairing the natural beauty with a vibey and friendly culture, there are a variety of delights ranging from award winning French-style wines to Malay cuisine, fine art and architecture, a wealth of historical sights and much more on offer.

Travel

Airlines from all five continents service South Africa and land at the Cape Town International Airport, which has been voted the "Leading Airport in Africa" at the World Travel Awards. ATMs, bars, restaurants and currency exchange facilities are available throughout the airport, as are a number of shops. Many of the flights also touch down at Johannesburg en-route, making it quite viable to experience the South African landscape by including a trip on the Blue Train or luxurious Rovos Rail between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

A number of cruise lines dock at Cape Town, including one of the few remaining old mail ships, the RMS St Helena, which sets sail from Southampton. Further options include overland journeys (such as Cape to Cairo) provided by a number of tour operators. Air travel to Durban and a three-day coastal cruise to Cape Town is also possible, as is travel on any of a number of coaches which interlink the major cities and provides economical access to some of the more remote destinations.

A flight from London lasts approximately 12 hours (usually overnight) and one can travel from the USA in about 15 hours. There are shuttle bus services and taxis from the airport which will whisk you into the CBD in less than half an hour and a number of car rental agencies are also represented. Sedan taxis are plentiful and charge between ZAR 8 – ZAR 11 per km. For the brave there are also numerous somewhat crowded and not-always-safe minibus taxis.

The citysightseeing bus is possibly one of the most convenient ways to explore the Mother City and includes stops at the Table Mountain cableway and various museums and attractions in the City in its Red Route.

The Blue Route includes a trip to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, as well as a township tour in Kronendal near Hout Bay, where you will also be able to visit the Mariner's Wharf and spend time on the beach. Included in the tour is a trip through Camps Bay and Sea Point, as well as a visit to the enchanting World of Birds. En route you will also pass the first lighthouse in South Africa, which is still fully functional. There are almost 50 popular surfing spots within an hours drive from Cape Town and you may very well opt for a stunningly scenic drive along Chapman's Peak to simply enjoy
windsurfing at Noordhoek or relaxing on the beach.

Approximately 10 km from Cape Town, towards the Northern suburbs, you will encounter Century City, which encompasses a residential area, business park and the Canal Walk shopping centre, as well as the Island Club hotel and Ratanga Junction theme park. Unusual architecture reminiscent of the heyday of Cape Town, complete with a replica of the original fort, can be seen at the nearby GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World. Cape Town sport options range from abseiling the highest commercial “long-drop” (112m) in the world, to shark diving (at approximately ZAR 1000 per person), rock angling, tennis, golf, horse-riding and a number of hiking trails such as the Contour Path between Rhodes Memorial and Kirstenbosch, Platteklip Gorge nearby the cableway and the relatively easy Pipetrack from Camps Bay.

A visit to the most southwesterly point of the African Continent at Cape Point affords marvellous views and an opportunity to enjoy the natural flora at this World Heritage Site. Visitors can also gain an understanding of local culture by participating in one of the available Township Tours.

Late November to early April sees a range of summer sunset concerts at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, with many visitors enjoying the sunset, music and picnics on the extended lawns. Another popular musical event is the Symphony of Fire fireworks at the Waterfront, as is the International Jazz Festival which occurs in March. Also of interest is the Cape Town World Cinema Festival which is held at various venues each November.

General information about Cape Town can be found at the gopassport website and also at the informative Love Cape Town website, which provides details of current events and much more. Selected reviews of the most popular attractions are also available and there is a collection of images which have descriptive commentaries regarding the sights in and around the Cape. You can also browse a selection of vacation photographs.

The infrastructure, numerous outdoor activities and its rich cultural heritage has led to Cape Town being described as a "must-see before I die" city. Major developments are already underway in preparation for the 2010 World Cup and a new ultra-luxurious hotel is being built at the V&A Waterfront with canals which would connect to Century City, effectively creating a mini-Venice.

Whether you're an eco-tourist, culture-vulture or simply looking for adventure and a great vacation, Cape Town is sure to exceed your expectations.

Northern Cape

2007-11-19T15:10:00.000+02:00

The Northern Cape is a somewhat harsh, arid landscape which features quaint villages and memories from days gone by... the ideal place to discover the very roots of the Afrikaner and the cultural heritage of these hardy, homely folk. Steeped in tradition, you will find many tales from a bygone era intermingled with great hospitality, "witblits", "biltong" and recipes which Grandma had inherited from her grandma...