Expert: Ruard Ganzevoort - 9/1/2007

Question
Dear, Mr/Ms
I'm planning for my honeymoon by next November, most probably from 1st to 7th of November, 2007.
I'd prefer to have a midrange hotel, the idea is to stay and sleep in a moderate place (but still a good one) so that we'd be able to go many places to have fun and shop for nice souvenirs , i'd like to stay in a place with nice weather, beautiful scenery, nice beach, diving and water sports also would be nice, we'd like also to explore new places. A place where we can go here and there not just sitting in a hotel or a resort.  We also would love to move from one city/ island to another. We need a Safe and Secure place should also be guaranteed and please we'd like to know about food, and weather during that time, also if we have got to have any vaccination prior our visit. We're alocating about 450$ per person execluding international airfares and other expenses like meals, and shoppings.

Thanka alot for your time and consideration,
Best regards


Answer
It is a bit difficult to answer your question, because I don't know what standard you like. What I suggest is, focus on the Garden route in South Africa. It on the coast and tourist friendly. There is lots of things to do like Bungee jumping, diving(really good spots),hiking,Whalewatching. A must is stormrivermouth ( http://www.sanparks.co.za/parks/tsitsikamma/
Places to stay.... even at stormriver... very nice...
Town to visit ... Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Mosselbay.  Check these places on the internet.The weather that time of year is warm (30 degrees). Nights are colder (15 degrees) ... South africa = southern hempishere = summer = November. If you interested in seeing game (elephants etc)... Better go to Kruger National Park. Although there is a couple of small ones on the coast it is not so good quality gaming. For ex. Small gameparks have maybe 2 - 15 elephants, whereas Kruger have 10 000 ele's.

Food is everywhere available, in summer the South Africans like to BBQ (Braai). Restuarants are everywhere and of international standard.

Safety: Be aware of this. Due to the high unemployment and rate and bad policing, crime is a problem. Never, but never leave your creditcard with anybody or send it for payment.(for example restuarant. Always check your change.
I don't know where you are from, but normally you don't need any vaccinations. Malaria is only a problem in the northern part of the country.

If you need more information. Please state where you are from.