OT: South Africa - anyone been there?

[saab2000]

So a buddy of mine who is part Swiss and part South African sends me an e-mail and said, "Come'on over in March. Cycling's great at that time of year".

He is a super cyclist BTW, not that that matters.

Anyway, it might be a good time to think about an exotic (for me at least) trip.

I would fly from Washington direct to Johannesburg and then to Cape Town, where he lives.

I am kind of excited about trying this out.

Anyone ever been there?

[Cinci Jim]

Haven't been, always wanted to go...

I hear the wine country in SA is really fab.

I think we're going to need a report out on this one :banana:

[JMerring]

I'm from there, but I started cycling here so can't comment on the cycling there.

One word of caution: South Africa - Johannesburg in particular - is a very dangerous place, both in terms of the drivers (very reckless, very fast, and very little regard for people on bicycles) and the crime (many many muggings, carjackings and bikejackings).

Your friend in SA probably is more in tune with the situation, but I'd recommend you don't take any of your good stuff, never ride alone, and make sure you are in as big a group of riders as possible.

I'm sure the cycling itself, especially in Cape Town and its environs, is spectacular.

[andy mac]

mrs and i were there about 4 years ago mainly in the cape town region and loved it. esp the wine region. stunning scenery, cheap, great food + wine.

http://www.franschhoek.org.za/

we stayed here. beautiful and reasonably priced:

http://www.lapetiteferme.co.za/accomm_montmartre.html

then we headed up to botswana for a 10 day safari. possibly the best trip we have ever done. you can also go on safari in SA. kruger seems popular - do it!

there's a huge bike ride around march in cape town every year. didn't do it but drove the road and it was stunning.

http://www.bikebiz.co.uk/news/19543/Big-bike-ride-is-key-to-Cape-Town-expo-attendance

:beer: