How To Have A Great Holiday In South Africa Staying In Self-catering Accommodation
A holiday in South Africa could be loads of fun. Especially when the Northern half of the world is suffering under a thick layer of snow, South Africans are relaxing on wide open beaches enjoying the African sun. South Africa is also one of the most affordable tourist destinations in the world and perhaps the only one offering first world facilities at third world prices.
Self-catering holidays are excellent if you enjoy the great outdoors and they’re also much more affordable than hotel holidays – especially for the family man. South Africa has a large number of very good quality resorts with self-catering accommodation. All of them are fully equipped. We recently rented one near Hermanus where there even was a top of the range delonghi oven in the kitchen.
There are a number of car rental agencies at Cape Town International airport. You will need a credit card to rent a car from virtually all of them. Check the car with the attendant before the time – you don’t want to end up with being charged for scratches or bumps that wasn’t caused by you.
Should you be traveling with your baby, make sure to rent a car that comes fitted with a britax car seat This won’t only ensure baby’s safety, but also provide him with a comfortable trip. The extra cost is nothing compared to the advantages.
Then head out of town with the N2. On the way you will pass the seaside towns of Strand and Gordon’s Bay on your right, before ascending Sir Lowry’s pass. There’s a lookout point at the top of the pass from where you have a magnificent view of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay right below you. On the other side of the mountain you will enter corn and apple country. There are many apple farms producing for the export market near the town of Grabouw.
After more or less an hour’s drive you will enter the lovely seaside town of Hermanus. There’s a couple of good quality self-catering resorts in and around town. Once you’ve found a nice place to stay, it’s time to start exploring the vicinity. In and around the town center are a large number of restaurants, many with beautiful sea views. There’s a flea market as well, where you can purchase all kinds of local crafts and arts. Watch out for the hawkers selling watches – my son bought a men’s sport watch there last time and it only lasted three days!
All in all you will have a wonderful time in the Hermanus area. The scenery is magnificent, the people are friendly and there are numerous restaurants where you can eat local and international dishes. You can also go on boat trips and visit the small towns in the area.
