A Bit Difficult To Find Accommodation Without Pre-Booking In Cape Town
For six weeks we traveled in South Africa and flew by the seat of our pants. We would show up at a destination and have no issues finding accommodation. That was until we reached Cape Town. We were informed that Cape Town is busy with tourism all year round. The only time of the year that is a bit slower is the month of May, this would be the peak of their winter season. We were having issues finding a place that had vacancy for more than a few nights. We decided we would break up our time in Cape Town. We booked a few nights stay and then ventured off to the nearby towns of Hermanus and Simons Town. We returned to Cape Town for another week until prior to our departure flight.
Big Blue Backpackers
The first place we stayed at in Cape Town was called Big Blue Backpackers. It has a restaurant that serves breakfast and a kitchen for self catering. There is a bar, sundeck and a pool. The location is within easy walking distance to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and the Green Point Stadium Market. The staff were very friendly and helpful with any information we needed. Our room was a private double, they have dorm style accommodation as well. We couldn’t have asked for a more inviting and comfortable space.
Backpacking Accommodation Can Provide Some Entertaining Evenings
We had some great social evenings in the bar at Big Blue Backpackers. One night we had a group that everyone was calling the United Nations. There were Canadian, Swiss, Dutch, Irish, English, American, German and Brazil travelers in the house. We felt somewhat left out. Many of the travelers were able to communicate in more than one language mostly in German. We got our first experience partying with the Irish travelers. They pretty much took over the bar, drinks were being ordered four at a time. We were here for five nights and so were the Irish. You would think they would slow down after a few days, but not this group. They were back at it every night. It seems they can pound back the drinks, but as far as longevity goes they would all be in bed before midnight. Maybe that’s their secret to being able to keep going night after night.
Cape Town Backpackers
The second place we stayed at was called Capetown Backpackers. There are two sections to this property that sit across the street from each other. The section we were in has all private rooms. There was a bar in the upstairs area with televisions and seating to sit and socialize at a bar. Downstairs there is fully equipped kitchen to prepare your own meals. The other section on the other side of the street is where the dorm style rooms are. It also has a bar and the atmoshphere is a little more upbeat and lively. Guests are welcome to go back and forth to the amenities at both properties. We enjoyed our stay here, the staff were very helpful and friendly. The location is in walking distance to a shopping mall and popular Long Street. We cooked most of our own meals during our stay. One of our favorite places to shop for food was at the Woolworth’s foods at the nearby mall. It has a great selection of items, even some products for gourmet cooking.
Apparently It Takes Two To Drive A Car Here, One Of The Funniest Travel Stories We’ve Heard
We met two guys at the Cape Town Backpackers. The countries they were from drive on the left side of the road. They were managing to drive on the right side of the road here in a very unique way. They had rented a manual transmission car. The guy doing the driving could not master the technique of shifting with his left hand. So he did the steering and worked the brakes, gas and clutch while instructing his travel mate in the passenger’s seat when to do the shifting!
A Delicious Xhosa Dinner Prepared By Mama Fefe
One of the staff at the backpackers who is referred to as Mama Fefe cooked a traditional dinner for everyone to enjoy. She is a Xhosa lady with an energetic personality that keeps everyone entertained. She also has a beautiful singing voice. The meal consisted of a bean dish and a green salad. She also baked traditional Xhosa bread. It was about 20 inches in diameter and at least a foot high! The entire meal was delicious.