Not sure what's up with the South Africa bashing but I can say that as an American female I traveled by myself to South Africa this past March, drove all over the place, and had a great time with no problems. OP, if you can rent a car you'll be fine driving around.
SportsArtist, you'll discover that there are some posters who try to answer questions with as much detail as possible. I do so on the American board because I've traveled a lot in my country. I post on other boards where I've traveled as well. That, as far as I can determine, is one of the main reasons for the forum. When I'm deskbound it's nice to pop in and see where other people are going--it's a hobby and probably a habit, too. Plus I get to find out about places I wouldn't otherwise and can perhaps visit them at some point. If you're afraid of places such as South Africa, that's something you'll either work through or not. As far as I know there is no government agency that's going to force you to travel there or anywhere else.
Would someone please tell me what the word "troll" means in this context?
Rudik, if you feel it's safe to travel in SA, good luck and enjoy it! ...90% of my family left SA because they were victims of crime! (not once or twice, but many times) Maybe you're lucky?! It's your choice to stay there but not mine. I gave my opinion and I'll rest my case.
Good luck to all!
I just told somebody that the Thorntree SA branch is a friendly one and relatively "troll" free(compared to Mexico for example) and here it all gets ruined a bit - though I still think it is generally true. Well done you SA TT regulars!
Answering Dianne (#10) I see the word "troll" used on other branches more regularly and has a few variations but basically refers to posts that add nothing to the real discussion and trolls (like the mythical figures they got their name from) normally start ugly pointless fights. Troll posts are normally very extreme statements discrediting a place or another thorntree poster (often claiming ulterior motives for posts - quite ironic in many cases) and often hijack a thread that the OP´s real question gets lost. Sometimes they are reincarnations of previously banned posters, sometimes they are really new and some manage a lengthy tight-rope walk staying on the edge but just within the forum rules. An unfortunate and probably unavoidable byproduct of an open to all forums with limited moderation or participation identification requirements. Trolls are generally best ignored (thereby the phrase: don´t feed the troll) focusing rather on the real question(s) at hand.
Meanwhile Back to the Strand...I imagine the Strand Pavillion is one of those large buildings on the beachfront. Can´t say much about the Pavillion but the Strand in general is basically more a local beach - a long sand beach stretch - but if you are not looking for a particularly international beach scene with loads of upmarket restaurants etc. not a bad one to catch the September spring sun (though there can be a lot of wind at that time) - water will be a bit cold though. Nearby Gordon´s Bay has more scenic and protected beaches.
In spite of the option of the train, I agree with missalaska and RudiK recommending a rental car as Strand is actually very well-located from the airport (where car rental pick-up and drop-off is easiest) just down the N2 highway, and a very easy self-drive to Stellenbosch (Winelands and university town - definitely more diverse night-life than in Strand), or the Cape Peninsula (back via the N2) or Hermanus (September is part of whale season, especially good in that town further east).
The Strand Pavilion was built right next to the old jetty of yesteryear. It is built so that part, if not most, of it juts out over the sea, so that if you have one of the better rooms you will be completely over the sea with the waves breaking under or behind you. The views of many of the rooms must be outstanding - looking across the sea to the Hottentots Holland Mountains behind Gordon's Bay, or looking across False Bay and seeing the Peninsula or possibly even Table Mountain (although I doubt that) in the distance. The main swimming beach (Milk Bay beach) is (used to be) reached by walking along the beachfront (or on the beach) for a kilometre or so.
ah, ok, thanks RudiK, now I know which place it is. Haven´t visited Strand recently (while in the Western Cape earlier this year) but have seen it in the past and also vaguely remember driving past when it was being built several years ago, recalling that I wondered how it will do in a really strong South-Easter (wind). Since it is still there and obviously doing fine, I imagine it is well insulated.
Should have checked earlier on the website you mentioned. Here is the Link: Strand Pavilion
OP, As far as Strand goes, I don´t think there is a better location than that!
If in the Strand I would also recommend to do some hiking in the Hottentot Holland park or Helderberg nature reserve. Similar to Table Mountain but no muggings (Recently there have been quite frequent muggings on Table Mountain. The police wants to do something about it but I do not know how successfull they are.
For more support and some pictures look at:
Pictures of area around Sir Lowry's Pass 8 km off Strand
Strand does have a lovely beach, however i have always found the place to be rather dull..Gordons Bay (which is the town next to Strand) is far more pleasant IMHO. However it must be said that neither of them would be my first choice of places to stay at in the Cape. Sorry Rudi but is really is a place for retired Afrikaners!
It is worth hiring a vehicle and driving from Gordons Bay, to Rooiels, Bettys Bay etc - fab scenery and some great places to stop off at.
If you are into the outdoors then the Hottentots Holland mountains are at your doorstep. There is a place called Crystal Pools which is above Gordons Bay which is a beautiful place to spend some time. For the more adventurous Suicide Gorge is tops (and perhaps one of my personal faves in the Cape). Both require permits and guides would be preferable (certainly for Suicide Gorge - you need to go as part of a guided tour). I am sure that there are plenty places that will organise them for you.
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