Thorn Tree travel forum

Cape Town to the Garden Route

My friend and I will be in Cape Town in early July for the World Cup, and then the plan is to head over to the Garden Route from there.

A couple stops that my friend and I are eager to make are at Hermanus (for whale watching) and Gansbaai (for great white shark cage diving). Does it make sense to do these trips as day trips from Cape Town, or should we do them as stops on the way between Cape Town and the Garden Route? Doing them as stops seems like it should save time and money, but are these spots nice places to stay, or would we be better off coming back to Cape Town for the nights? Are they easy to get to without renting a car?

That's the other big question is transportation from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth through the Garden Route. I know Baz Bus does this route but I don't think they're running any extra buses and I think it's gonna be difficult trying to get a bo... more »

Johannesburg train station

I would like to plan a train trip from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth on March 9, but I am hearing conflicting reports on safety at the station and in purchasing a ticket. I am in Australia. How is the world cup effecting the train travel? I hear the Johann station has been renovated? I will drive back from KNP to Johann to get this train. Is there a better route to take to Port Elizabeth? Any info on this train route is appreciated.

Where to stay on the way to Tofo from Joburg

We will leave Joburg April 1st and drive to Tofo (arriving) sometime on April 3rd. We re planning on staying in Maputo for two nights before hitting Tofo, but were wondering if there is somewhere either in Mozambique or South Africa that would be a better place to check out instead of Maputo.

Also if there are any places we should stop on our dive, either for food or sights, please do suggest.
Thanks,

Tara

Edited by: Taritta

Edited by: Taritta

Literature to get into mood for South Africa

I'll visit South Africa this summer (Kruger, Cape Town, Johannesburg) and I wonder wether you can recommend me some literature to get into the mood for my holidays...

Btw I'm talking about prose literature, not travel books... For example I'd recommend everybody visiting Vienna to read Stefan Zweig's "World of Yesterday"... And as my mother tongue is German I'd prefer books, which are translated into my language.

who to trust?

Can someone help me find a tour company/ safari company to do a capetown to vic falls trip in December? I see lots of names; acacia, jenman, nomad, gap, but don't know who will be the best?

I am from Canada and will be staying in Cape flats to take part in a nursing practicum for 6 weeks before doing a tour/safari.

For the tour I want to be active (but not exhausted) I'll stay in a tent, but would prefer not to have to set it up myself, want to have a great time but not spend a tonne of money; around $100/day is what i'm thinking. i will be traveling solo.

I really appreciate your input, I really want to make the best informed decision

THANK YOU

Kruger/Nelspruit airport to Berg-En-Dal in the Kruger Park....shuttle

Hey guys

I looked at CityBug, they have a shuttle from the airport to Berg-En-Dal, but they dont have any prices on their website. Now i have sent them a request but i have no idea what it costs because i havent gotten a reply yet. So i'll try to look around and see if there are any other shuttles from the airport to the Kruger Park. Yall know of any? i hope it isnt all too expensive...

Thanks

interesting mobile guide

preparing my travel to Southafrica for the soccer world championship, i found this pretty complete and fun guide, and thought i share it : http://2010.unlike.net/
very helpful tool ;)

One way ticket to South Africa

I am planning to fly into SA & then drive to Namibia. I have read & asked questions on the posts here & on other sites about the problems this pose. So I decided to go to the SA Embassy in Australia & ask their advice. This is the email correspondence, complete with spelling errors.

Me: "I am planning to buy a one way ticket Melbourne to Johannesburg & hire a car to drive to Namibia. I am concerned that I will have problems when I arrive as I will have no out bound ticket. Can you please advise on what to do with this issue."

Them: "Thank you for your email. You would have to show proof of your onwared/outward journey by air, travel by road is not recognised.
Kind regards
COUNSELLOR IMMIGRATION & CIVIC SERVICES SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION CANBERRA 2600

Me: "Thanks for the quick reply, someone said you can use a bus ticket as proof, is this not acceptable? I have also ... more »