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Penguins at Boulders, South Africa
Eggman Cape Town South Africa. Mobile: 0737507923
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I have heard bad things about wildlife reserves which are accessable by driving from Cape Town we would like to go to one but now I am reluctant because most are described as big ZOOs we dont mind driving for a few hours any suggestions we are also going east to Knysna for 4 days so if one was on the way that would help, Thanks and see you on weds
All elephant, lion, rhino & buffalo that you see in reserves west of Port Elizabeth have been placed there in the last 10 years or so. None of them would be self-sustaining without the assistance of humans.
If you are not looking for "big 5" reserves, there are quite a few near to Cape Town or Knysna with antelope, zebra, ostriches, sea-life, etc.
Hi,
I can't speak specifically to the wildlife refuges in and around Capetown, but one of the things that surprised me when we went to South Africa (and we traveled around to many different areas) was that the animals are not free-roaming - they are enclosed in either private or public reserves. At least, that is what we were told and what we experienced - if that's incorrect, I will definitely bow to wiser souls :-)
What I observed, was that the behavior of the animals was much different than the behavior of the animals we saw in Kenya, where they are free to migrate and follow their natural patterns. Just an interesting phenomenon that we noted.
But if you were expecting to find free-ranging wild animals anywhere in South Africa, I fear you may be disappointed.
Free-ranging implies lack of fences. The only areas of unfenced reserves are Kruger and Kalahari, but even with them there are some fences to keep the animals out of farmlands or away from the humans.
Can you be more specific as to a) what you want to see and b) what you would define of as a Zoo? There is a private game reserve outside of Mossel Bay (on the way to Knysna, but I don't know what it is called or what animals they have).
Kim, you must be referring to www.grgamelodge.co.za.
The ad on their site says it all: "Free roaming cheetah just released - First and only free roaming predators along the Garden Route" Bet you anything that those are hand-reared cheetah which are about as wild as domestic cats. . . .
In my book, a zoo is an artificially maintained environment where the predators are confined to separate enclosures. . . . where Mr Lion is not allowed to help himself to dinner. A true nature reserve will have hyena - these "ugly" animals are generally not purchased for the boutique reserves/(zoos).
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ANSWERS I WILL LOOK INTO THE ONE ON ROUTE TO KNYSNA OFF TO AIRPORT SOON THX AGAIN
I would suggest you go to Addo Park. I was there yesterday and spent an enjoyable few hours watching elephant, kudu, warthogs, cape buffalo and so on. There are some good viewing areas near water holes. The roads are good and there are clean washrooms, picnic areas, and a nice restaurant.
I spent the first 24 years of my life in Cape Town - we lived in Mouille Point right accross from the beach, which was a fantastic place to grow up. Lots of sunshine and the outdoor life was great! As I live in Canada now, the best memory of Cape Town is the weather - long summer days and warm nights.
Take Suntan Lotion - I can stress enough if you have a fair skin , take SUNTAN Lotion. The African sun is a killer.
Capetown will have everything else you might need or run out of. They are VERY westernized... Always take a wind breaker. The Weather can change VERY quickly and when that wind picks up from off the Atlanic ocean , you can almost freeze to death. I had a habbit of taking a small cary bag with a wind dreaker in , no matter hot hot it was going to be. They cater for almost everything in Capetown. Loads of places to get equipment from , might be even cheaper to get yoru photos developed in SA. Justconvert thru from yoru Curency. Take warm cloths .... Capetown can get windy and cold. If Camping , Make sure everything is secure. The Wind can be gale fource. Above all. TAKE a SMILE :-) , No one loves a Unhappy person. Listen to people talk in the streets , even the english has a certain strange quality and ring to it. Capetownians have the most awsome expressions.
(photo taken of the Castle of Good Hope )
I loved the 45 Min walk / Hike up Lions Head. Its that Smalish hill next to table mountain. Its easy to get to (Follow the Road up to the Cable car and go along teh signal hill road)The Walk up is stunning . Great range of Proteas to be seen , and the view from the top is almost better than Table mountain itself.
Also don't forget to go along the coast to Hemanus . Go whale watching in False bay. When driving (Either in Tour bus or car) Don't go up Sir Lowerys Pass , At Gordons Bay take the Coastal route to Hermanus. The Views are AWSOME. Just outside Gordons bay (as soon as you get just outside the town itself ) Look out for the Pump Station road that goes up into the Mountains. The view from the top of this Road is REALY Worth while . you can see all the way across False bay on a clear bay. Look out for Whales from Oct- Dec ) In Hemanus they say your Blind or facing the wrong way if you don't see a whale during this time. You might be VERY lucky and spot some GREAT WHITE SHARKS. Flase bay is the only place in the world were the Sharks launch out the water like Dolphins. Never forget there is LOADS to do outside the city itself. The Wine routes are a BIG must as well.
(Photo taken from the top of Lions Head )
Public transport in Cape Town is basically non-existent. You can use metered taxis/cabs, but you might pay a lot. So the best way of getting around is by using Rikkis- basically a cab that you can phone up, but you share it with other people. Check it out at http://www.rikkis.co.za/index.htm. They fetch you quickly and the prices are very reasonable. Alternatively people might also recommend 'black taxis', which are very cheap to use, but often the drivers don't have drivers' licences and their vehicles aren't roadworthy. Best other bet: rent a car. Just be warned, throughout the city, you have informal 'car guards' who look after your car if you park on the street- they're an absolute nuisance, but the easiest thing to do is just give them R2 when you come back to your car- never pay anyone upfront!
Chinese seafood, we were looking for Abalonese but we were told by a local dealer that a buyer from Hong Kong signed an agreement with them, they were not allowed to sell these on the local market as they were all meant for Exports to Asia.
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