the troubadour

Anyone done any long road trips in RSA in recent times? Will be over there for a time mostly based in CapeTown which I know quite well but need to drive up to The Free State.
Have never been up there before and how safe is it these days in that area.
Will also be doing the Garden Route which is still easy to PE.
Any one any comments on PE these days? May be there for awhile but if too much hassle will stay more time in CT.

ededed

I've done loads of drives from CT to Jo'burg, Durban, Garden Route etc. no problems.

Couple of things I would advise..

Make sure you have a reliable car. Breaking down will mean trouble. Breakdown services are sporadic, and because of distances can take a loooooong time to arrive. Make sure you have a decent spare, and a spare jerry can of petrol.

Always have a cellphone with you. Make sure it has airtime.

Plan the route, use a GPS - stay out of the townships. If you think you are heading into a dangerous area, turn round quickly. Don't do the typical guy think of just ploughing on, hoping for the best.

The highways are generally ok, potholes can be a problem, the standard of driving is awful (no keep left, pass right here) and tolls are numerous and expensive, and they don't take foreign cards. Only cash and SA cards.

That's all. Enjoy, have fun, take photos.

Alfresco

PE should be ok still. Can't think of any reason why it may have changed too much. Went there many times.

Have fun.

ededed

Windy! Take a warm jacket....

Alfresco

Yep, and don't fish on the rocks at high tide - EVER!

ededed

Excellent advice.

I am writing here from the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, looking at a very cloudy mountain. Just did the Robben Island trip for the first time - very good, enjoyable and a nice afternoon...worth the visit.

the troubadour

Went to Robben Island late 04 very nice day....Very nice spot by the bay. Will be staying in the Harbour Side Appts initially in Cape Town. Wonder if that German bar is still goind in the V&A?
A few beers in Long Street won't go amiss either. It was only up in The Free State that I wasn't sure about .....not saying you musn't let your guard down in other places either.
Thanks for the advice......

the troubadour

Thanks ..haven't been to PE since was a kid...so going back a bit. Still a pretty nice place but a few issues around Central from what I hear.

the troubadour

Prices in RSA still seem reasonable coming from Australia. Although I can see have increased naturally from 05. But then wages are far less as well for most folk living there. Rather hard to find work as well....as such I can understand it being expensive for the majority.