Cape Town Car Hire

Cape Town the mother city, land of peace harmony and loads of fun but what few people realize is that Cape Town and the Western Cape Province have quite a few strategically placed reserves where you can discover all types of wondrous fauna, animal life and exquisite beauty. Things such as Poisonous snakes and the none lethal variety, different types of antelope, reptiles and bird life are abound in these reserves where the delicate eco balance is harmoniously at work to balance out life in these secluded areas.
This article is a list of the different reserves and the type of animal and plant life available within. I will also try to supply a link to each reserve where-ever one is available.

The Table mountain National park, is a beautiful reserve set almost entirely in the greater Cape Town Metropolitan area, incidentally it is the only reserve in the world of its type that has such a richness of beauty and biodiversity. Here you can find the world renowned fynbos, Jackass penguins and breathtaking whale sittings and breaching. If you are lucky then you will also spot some of the smaller antelope, reptile and bird species that inhabit the area. For information of this go to

The west coast national park is famous for its spectacular scenery and incredible variety of seabirds. Situated just inland from the secluded harbor of Saldanah the park boast the azure waters of Langebaan lagoon as its focal point. Species to look out for are the Cape Gannet, Jackass (African) penguin, Flamingo’s, Waders, and Black Harrier. Go to http://www.sanparks.org/parks/west_coast/ for more information.

The Cederberg wilderness area is named after the rare Clanwilliam Cedar tree and encompasses 71000 Ha or mountainous terrain. Fynbos is the main type of fauna to be found here with a diverse amount of animal species such as Baboons, dassies, grey rhebok, klipspringers, duiker and grysbok which are common. You also may be lucky enough to find porcupine, honey badger, Cape clawless otter and aardvark but these are rare and not easily spotted. The main predator in the reserve is the leopard but you can also find the African wild cat, lynx, bat-eared fox, aardwolf and Cape fox wondering around. For more information go to http://www.capenature.org.za/reserves.htm?reserve=Cederberg+Wilderness+Area

Groot Winterhoek Wilderness area covers about 30608 ha and has many endangered fauna and animal species within its borders. The main vegetation type is fynbos and the reserve has the threatened Sorocephalus scabridus, a member of the protea family, growing at Kliphuisvlakte. A variety of animals abide here including the more commonly seen Klipspringers, grey rhebok and grysbok and the lesser seen Leopard, Caracal, wild cat, mongoose, genet. There are 100 different types of bird species including Cape rockjumper and numerous raptors like black eagle, goshawk and jackal buzzard. For any needs go to http://www.capenature.org.za/reserves.htm?reserve=Groot+Winterhoek+Wilderness+Area&PHPSESSID=c614b909887ae2843b70d24e67809a9c#reserve_tabs

Anysberg Nature Reserve occurs within the Cape Fold Mountains and comprises an area of 62500 ha. The terrain runs from gentle plains to rugged mountain scenery, it has a variety of plant life from succulents to proteas and some amazing animal life such as steenbok, duiker, gemsbok, red hartebeest, Leopard, black-backed jackal and caracal. The Reptile species include tortoise, boomslang, Cape cobra and puff adder. To find out more go to http://www.capenature.org.za/reserves.htm?reserve=Anysberg+Nature+Reserve#reserve_tabs

Hottentot Holland nature reserve is a 42000 ha nature reserve set in the Hottentots Holland mountain range. The reserve is there to protect the indigenous mountain fynbos and a few animals such as Grey Rhebok, klipspringer, common duiker, grysbok and Leopard can be found there. Go to http://www.capenature.org.za/reserves.htm?reserve=Hottentots+Holland+Nature+Reserve#reserve_tabs to find out more about this rugged reserve.

De Hoop nature reserve forms as a part of one of the worlds most threatened plant kingdoms. The cape floral kingdom has fynbos as its main vegetation group and is largely confined to nutrient poor soils in the winter rainfall areas of the Western Cape. It is the largest reserve for this type of fauna having approximately 1500 of the 9000 species in the kingdom. For more information go to http://www.capenature.org.za/reserves.htm?reserve=De+Hoop+Nature+Reserve#reserve_tabs

Bontebok national park is an amazing park all round. Named after the Bontebok that inhabits it, the species were on a brink of extension numbering only 17 and have been bought back to life, so to say, numbering 3000 today. Bontebok isn’t all you can find in the park though it is home to over 200 bird species, has Renoster veld (grows in nutrient rich soil types) and fynbos (grows in nutrient poor soil types) within its kingdom and a wide variety of animal species. The 5 major sites to see are Bontebok, Cape Mountain Zebra, Stanley’s Bustard Breede River, and Lang Elsie’s Kraal. For more information go to http://www.sanparks.org/parks/bontebok/

Sanbona wildlife reserve is a wild game reserve in the heart of the Little Karoo. It is a 54000 ha reserve with rock art and big cats, it is incidentally the first private reserve in the Western Cape to have free roaming big cats roaming around its interior. It has a good variety of big game and is also home to the rare ravine rabbit. To find out more about specials and visiting the spectacular reserve then go to http://www.sanbona.com/properties/?MicroSiteID=3

Swartberg nature reserve can be found in the Oudtshoorn district and is bordered by the Gamkapoort nature reserve to the north and the Towerkop nature reserve to the south; these two reserves are incidentally not open to the public but run in conjunction with Swartberg nature reserve. The entire conservation area together is a staggering 180000ha large and is critical to the management of mountain catchments and water yields in the area. The area has an amazing diversity of plant life and some of the classifications are featuring Renosterveld, mountain fynbos, Karoo-veld, spekboom veld, and numerous geophyte species. It is also home to many animal species including klipspringer, grey Rhebok, kudu, baboon, dassies, springbok, Leopard and caracal. For more info go to http://www.capenature.org.za/reserves.htm?reserve=Swartberg+Nature+Reserve#reserve_tabs

Karoo national Park is a harsh environment where many species have adapted to living in the harshest of areas. Many species of animal to be found in the park have always been naturally found there but a few species have been reintroduced into the eco system such as black rhino and buffalo, and Cape mountain zebra. There are also over 20 breeding pairs of black eagle who have found sanctuary within the park. For more information go to http://www.sanparks.org/parks/karoo/

These diverse areas in the Western Cape show the amazing beauty that this area does have to offer. So next time you come to the Cape don’t only think sun sea sand and fun since there is so much more to do. Plan your trip carefully and if you want to get around come and hire a car from us at www.wisewheels.co.za

Labels: Cape Town - General, Cape Town Holiday

Cape Town is a beautiful city with rich cultural events and the top 5 attractions in all of South Africa. When you visit Cape Town, South Africa, you will need to make sure you are prepared, so your trip will be more enjoyable. The more preparation you do before you leave, the less you have to worry about once you get there. Then you will be free to relax and enjoy your visit.

1. Sun Protection
The sun in South Africa can be harsh, so you’ll need to wear sun protective lotion, as well as protective clothing like hats or visors to keep the sun out of your eyes and face.

2. Copies of Passport and Travel Documents
You always want to make sure you have more than one copy of your passport and travel documents in case you are to lose them or have them stolen. These are the only means by which you can return to your country, so protect them well.

3. Proper Clothing
Light cotton clothing is advised in the summer. The evenings get cooler so pack warmer clothing as well. Dress is typically casual in Cape Town even for evenings at the theater or restaurants.

4. Good Accommodations
My favorite place to stay in Cape Town South Africa is the Commodore Hotel. This is a 5-star hotel on the waterfront near the center of Cape Town. While, the room rate is a bit pricey, a hot breakfast buffet and world class service certainly makes up for it.

5. Money for Tipping
South African currency is called the Rand (R). The Rand is split into 100 cents, similar to the US Dollar and cents. You will need to carry money with you to tip people for service such as wait staff, taxi drivers, hotel staff, etc. 10% is a fair tip in Cape Town.

6. Safety Precautions
Never walk unpopulated streets of South Africa alone. Do not wear excessive jewelry or watches and keep the amount of cash you carry to a minimum. The Police emergency number is 10111.

7. Immunizations
While there are no international immunizations needed to enter South Africa, you should be aware that Malaria is a risk throughout the year. So protect yourself from diseases as you feel necessary. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

8. Local Driving Rules
In Cape Town everyone drives on the left side of the road. Many of the National roadways have tolls so always bring money with you if you are planning on traveling by car. Seat belts are required and if you have a young child with you, you should reserve a car set in advance.

9. Local Prices
You should have some understanding of the local prices, so you don’t get surprised or taken advantage of while on holiday in Cape Town. The average McDonalds meal is R23.00, bottled water is R5.00, a ticket to the movies is R30.00 and dinner out is about R100.00 each person.

10. Travel Insurance
Medical services are available at private hospitals and doctors in private practice. You should have some form of travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Again, it’s better to be safe than sorry in case something does happen during the trip away.

By: E Cho -Article from http://www.articledashboard.com
Car Hire in Cape Town available from www.wisewheels.co.za, email: info@wisewheels.co.za , phone number 021 551 9515

Labels: Cape Town - General

Rin Simpson, Western Mail

For anyone who thinks Africa is all about mud huts, lions and endless miles of desert, Cape Town must come as something of a surprise.

The thriving, modern city is packed with designer boutiques and bustling craft markets, upmarket clubs and top-class restaurants, not to mention one of the most successful business districts in the whole of the continent.

Yet its natural beauty is second to none, situated as it is on the coast with miles of sandy white beaches and world-renowned mountain ranges, surrounded by the South African veldt.

It is tourist heaven, a place where you can do as much or as little as you like, where you'd be hard-pressed to see everything on offer even if you moved there permanently.

If you've only got a couple of weeks, there are some 'must-see' destinations. Table Mountain makes a great half-day trip and gives you the opportunity for a bird's-eye view of the city, as well as trying out the incredible revolving cable car.
Article from http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/
We love Cape Town too, and offer world class car hire at www.wisewheels.co.za

Labels: Cape Town - General

Visit Budget Travel Online at http://www.budgettravelonline.com/

Cape Town has a warm climate, gorgeous untouched beaches, and steep hills that overlook a busy bay and streets lined with Victoriana. The dazzling city is made even more dramatic with the massive flat-topped Table Mountain as a backdrop. It's the most European of African cities, although over the course of its troubled history, the Old World blended first with indigenous Khoisan and imported Malay slaves, then more recently Xhosa (pronounced ko-za) culture. It's crammed with sites of great historic and moral importance. And, as if that isn't enough, its fruitful vineyards have inspired a fledgling culinary revolution. Re-energized since democracy came to South Africa in 1994, and soaking in its newfound status as a favorite tourist destination, Cape Town is riding high.

Interesting links:
Cape Town Tourism
ACSA - South Africa Airports
Cape Town Webcam
South Africa National Parks
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Winelands information
Cycle Tour information
Two Oceans Marathon Information
Mother City Queer Project (MCQ)
Cape Town Car Hire

Labels: Cape Town - General

Cape Town - First National Bank CEO Paul Harris said on Sunday: "Crime in South Africa is not out of control, and there's not a crisis in the land."

"Some crimes have actually decreased, although crimes involving violence are still a cause for concern," he said.

The bank last week cancelled its planned R20m broad-front advertising campaign against crime.

The campaign, which would have consisted of open letters to President Thabo Mbeki, apparently was scotched at the weekend after a visit to FNB offices in Johannesburg by highly placed staff in the presidency.

Can't hide such a meeting

Presidency spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitanga said he was not aware of such a meeting.

"It's difficult to hide a meeting of this nature, and we would not want to lie to the public."

"As far as I'm concerned, there was no such meeting."

Despite the comments by Harris, FNB officials at a briefing of Sunday newspaper editors referred to the crime situation as "a crisis" and "a pandemic".

The aim of the ad campaign, according to an information brochure, was to call on President Mbeki to make crime his first priority, to clearly take the lead and get rid of any misconceptions.

It's not yet clear if the aggressive campaign, which was also to have included a call on the president "to show his true colours, and accept responsibility in bringing about a dramatic improvement in the crime situation", will be replaced by another one.

Harris told Beeld that although FNB still supported the government "1 000%", it (the government) would have to admit there was a problem in South Africa, and that it was important to talk about it".

Article from http://www.news24.co.za
We agree that crime must be sorted out, but isnt it a crime how high bank charges are?
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Labels: Cape Town - General