"South Africa - Top 3 Cities" a South Africa Travel Page by emmet7

was gorgeous!

The surrounding area even more beautiful.

Certain areas of the city are exceedingly dodgy and no-go areas for tourists. But the road leading up to Table Mountain was nice, good cafes and restaurants.

I drove to Hermanus to see the whales and was not disappointed, plenty of whales that seemed to be playing out by zillions of whitecaps as it was quite windy.

I then did a circle through the wine area (did not have time for Garden Route) I was amazed by the number of wineries. There were also huge farms growing other crops, roads were in great condition but most of the towns I passed through had very little tourist infrastructure and seemed to have a high rate of crime with all the electric fences and high walls.

I made it around to the West Coast and then continued back down to Capetown where I visited the Waterfront area to hear some good jazz and eat some fresh seafood.

Made it up to Mount Nelson Hotel for drinks which was cool, a classy place. I stayed at a boutique Hotel on Long Street which was a mistake as it is a noisy backpacker area and not my scene.

I moved up the road to a more modest place near Table Mountain which was a much better value.

was a little scary if you left the airport of Sandton areas but was interesting all the same.

I initially had several business meetings and stayed out in the huge casino complex near the airport so I am sure I did not get a good feel for the city.

After my return from Durban I stayed in Sandton which was much more fun in my opinion, I saw a cool rock in the local music pub and sat on Nelson Mandela Square enjoying a glass of wine and bite to eat.

I would like to see more of the city centre, the area I drove through looked extremely rough and I have been in the Bronx, Rio, LA and Chicago in quite bad areas.

The area north of the city on the coast was gorgeous but the city centre was crap, I think I was the only white person for 5 square miles as it was a weekend.

I did not let it bother me, I saw a great jazz band near the yacht club at BAT Centre and had a good meal.

Like Capetown, my hotel selection was weak, I stayed at the Royal, the first 5 star hotel in South Africa, though now it is 2 star at best.

I was shocked how industrialised (and dirty) the southern area of the city is and the port being so huge, I say all this living in China!

An interesting place I would like to see more of all the same.