Drive me Around

If you’re in the planning stages of your next vacation and they include a rental car, you may want to talk with your insurance agent about the rental car insurance options that you may have.

When it comes to traveling and more specifically rental car insurance, the market is extremely competitive for your dollar. This is because not only do the insurance companies compete for your dollar, but so too do the rental car agencies, and your credit card companies as well. And while all this competition may sound as though it works to your advantage as a consumer, all the marketing hype may change if you have an accident.

Start by contacting your insurance agent and see if your policy includes rental car insurance. Most auto insurance policies do including covering you in a rental car as well. Of course, verify this with your agent. Make sure it includes collision and liability insurance (damage to your car and to the other vehicle). Make sure your current coverage doesn’t fall short of the type of car you may be planning on renting. For instance, if you drive an older car with minimal coverage, you may be putting yourself at risk if you’re going to rent a top level newer car. So, check on any limitations that your policy may have. Find out what the conditionals are ahead of time so you don’t get caught short.

If you are considering getting your rental car insurance through one of your credits cards, then you should shop carefully. Call your credit car company and ask them to fax or mail the details to you. Either way get their coverage in writing. Again, ask specifically about collision and liability coverage and if there are any limitations or stipulations or complete exclusions. Don’t assume that just because they offer you ‘insurance’ that you will have the coverage completely protects you.

Thinking about getting your coverage directly from the rental car company? You’ve got some more investigating to do. Insurance coverages from rental car companies are all over the place and generally can be fraught with all kinds of stipulations and exclusions and certainly not all rental car companies are not on equal ground.

Don’t base parts of your decision to go with insurance from the rental car company thinking that if you are at fault in an accident that you can avoid a potential rate hike from your home insurance company. Your regular insurance company can raise your rates no matter who cuts the check. If you are involved in an accident make sure that you report this to your insurance company back home because if the credit card insurance or the rental car company insurance doesn’t pay… and you haven’t reported it to your insurance company, you could paying out of your own pocket.

Make sure you ask a lot of questions and get them answered well before you go on vacation. And as a side note, you may want ask your agent with whom you have your homeowner’s policy about what is the coverage in the event you have personal belongings stolen from a rental car. It may sound like a bunch to get done before you go on vacation, but getting yourself the proper insurance can literally save you financially.

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It’s not just the unique location and beautiful year-round weather, that make Cape Town a wonderful place to explore by rental car. The city is also home to a range of fantastic attractions. Hiring a car in Cape Town allows you to explore the many and varied landscapes of this beautiful city as well as the vast array of cultural draws at a pace that is completely up to you. From traditional Townships to natural attractions such as Table Mountain, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to see and do in Cape Town. All you need is a map and a healthy sense of adventure. The following is a guide to how best to spend your time in Cape Town with a rental car.

Cape Town Airport Mini Guide:

Cape Town International Airport is the second largest airport in South Africa and serves as a base for a number of international and regional carriers including Qatar Airways, KLM Dutch Airlines, South African Airways and Lufthansa.

Things To See/Do in Cape Town:

Cape Town is a modern, cosmopolitan city set in a beautiful landscape that offers excellent scope for both car hire touring and recreational pursuits. Cape Town is a thrill seekers paradise, offering all the raw materials for exciting outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking and kayaking. If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s even possible to take a cable car to the summit of Table Mountain.

In order to get an insight into the city’s fascinating cultural heritage, it’s a good idea to explore some of the city’s museums and galleries. Must-sees include the vibrant South Africa National Gallery, District Six Museum and South Africa Maritime Museum. Meanwhile, the poignant Robben Island serves as a chilling reminder of the city’s turbulent Apartheid era.

Eating Out in Cape Town:

Dining out in Cape Town is a treat for all-whatever your budget or craving. The city offers excellent variety in terms of eateries. Given its coastal location, seafood is always a good choice choice in Cape Town. Local catch worth sampling includes yellowtail, cape salmon, kingklip and kabeljou. A drive to the Cape Winelands allows you to sample both first class wine and top-notch fare. Generally speaking, food in Cape Town is high quality, portions are generous and prices are reasonable.

Day Trips/Events in Cape Town:

Let Cape Town act as a base from which to explore the wonderfully diverse cultures and landscapes of the surrounding area. For the ultimate Cape Town car hire experience, be sure to make an excursion to Cape Peninsula, the home of the stunning Boulders Beach, famous for its penguin colony. Meanwhile, Chapman’s Peak boasts dramatic views over Hout Bay. For an extra special drive, be sure to follow the Garden Route, which begins at Mossel Bay and continues to the Tsitsikamma National Park on the south coast.

Cape Town is a lively, vibrant city and is the venue for a number of colourful festivals and events throughout the year. Calendar highlights include March’s International Jazz Festival, January’s Cape to Rio Yacht Race and October’s Stellenbosch Food and Wine Festival.

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North, East, South and West; South Africa’s Western Cape Region really has it all…

As long as you have the time and the inclination to explore…

‘The fairest Cape in all the world’ has been a magnet for visitors for several hundred years, but there’s never been a better time to go beyond the Waterfront, Table Mountain, Cape Point and Robben Island…

With just a little careful planning and forethought, you can unpack the very best of the entire region. There’s a host of fabulous little towns, stunning destinations, amazing attractions and superb activities waiting for you across the region. All you’ll need is a friendly tour guide or information office, a good map, a relaxed attitude, and a healthy curiosity to discover all its hidden gems and secrets.

The Western Cape Region is an incredibly diverse area encompassing the Winelands, the Overberg, the Garden Route and little Karoo, as well as the Cape Karoo proper, and lest we forget, the magnificent West Coast and Cedarberg. Each area has its own uniqueness and charm to the point where you are literally spoilt for choice.

The Cape Winelands (head north-east)

Most Capetonian visitors are keen to discover the rich and fertile green valleys that are collectively known as the Cape Winelands, situated just a short drive east of the Mother City itself. Home to over 200 estates nestled amongst towering mountain ranges, the Winelands is a laid-back delight of towns and villages stuffed with historic homesteads, monuments, taverns and cellars. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate the area produces some of the best South African wines, sherries, ports and brandies, as well as olives, cheeses and plenty of good old-fashioned farm stall products. In short, it’s tourist heaven.

Start along the Helderberg route, the area that incorporates Somerset West and Gordon’s Bay. A short drive east along the N2 out of the city of Cape Town sees you ensconced in wine country in just on half an hour. The ‘hottest’ estate here? It has to be Vergelegen, with its wine tasting, fabulous coffee shop and superb old fashioned gardens.

Next, drive the Stellenbosch wine route, which again begins less than 45 minutes drive from central Cape Town. Established as a settlement in the mid-1600s, this town and surrounding area is now the area for some fabulous tourist attractions – and an excess of great wines! Crammed with period buildings, such as the Rembrandt van Rijn Art Museum and the Old Parsonage, as well as being home to some magnificent shopping opportunities, you’ll want to spend hours exploring.

From here, if you can drag yourself away, it’s just a short hop into the Franschhoek valley. This original French Huguenot 17th century settlement is also the home of the world-famous Boschendal estate, and has become a Mecca for lovers of haute cuisine and fine wines.

After all this wine tasting you’ll need a designated driver, as from Franschhoek you must head for Paarl, a town named after the enormous mountain it nestles under, that shines in the sun like solid Mother of Pearl. Laborie is to be found here, another world-class wine estate with a legendary reputation. This is also KWV country, and the famous KWV cellar complex is reputed to be the largest in the world, covering some 22 hectares. In particular, the magnificent Cathedral Cellar, with its barrel-vaulted roof is a must-see.

If there’s enough time on your trip, you won’t want to miss the little town of Wellington, with its own intimate wine route that will in turn lead you on to the Bain’s Kloof Pass built in the 1850s, and the link to the beautiful fruit-growing regions of Ceres and Worcester. But that’s another story.

The Overberg (this time South East)

Just another 45-minute-drive from Cape Town lies the Overberg, a region that takes you into the apple and grain-laden valleys of Elgin and Grabouw. The coastline here forms the main breeding grounds of the Southern Right Whale between June and November, and both the coastal village of Hermanus, along with nearby Walker Bay, have become world renowned as the epicentre of the new ecological whale-watching experience.
Caledon is the Overberg’s ‘capital’ and hosts a Wild Flower Show in September that is quite simply delightful. Further along this route one can discover the colonial town of Swellendam at the foot of the Langeberg, offering a picture-postcard glimpse of life in bygone times. Witsand, a water-sport resort, and the charming village of Bredasdorp lie even further beyond. This is shipwreck country, heading towards Arniston, a 200-year-old fishing village that is a legendary modern aquatic playground, and home to a phenomenal fish market. Two-and-a-half-hours out, Gansbaai has recently built its reputation on cage-diving with the Great White Shark. (Whilst not the prettiest town in the region, this is an adrenaline-pumping paradise, and not recommended for the faint hearted).

This region is also the beginning of The Garden Route (due east) that stretches all along the Indian Ocean coastline to Port Elizabeth, several hundred kilometres away, encompassing some arid semi-desert conditions in the Klein (little) Karoo – and a journey in its own right that should be undertaken at least once in a lifetime. George, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna are just some of the coastal jewels in its crown.

This is also home, on a slightly different journey due north of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo, to the area known as the Cape Karoo proper. The Cape Karoo covers some 400 000 square kilometres that, some 250 million years ago, was a vast inland sea. It ultimately became a vast amphibian and reptilian swamp, then later a huge dry arid area, and is today both a geological and paleontological delight.

The heart of the San tribe with a mystical, magical set of landscapes, the region bears witness to some 40 000 years of ancient and tribal human settlement. Too large to cover in one article, specialist tours abound in the region, but for now we must swing our attention several hundred kilometres back to Cape Town, and start to think about

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Article Source:  http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+’Cape+Olive+Route’-a01073812546

If you thought Cape Town was all about wine and wine only, here’’s a well-kept secret ? the Cape Olive Route! Yes, the Cape produces many of the world’’s finest wines, and has a rich heritage of viticulture dating back to the French Huguenots” arrival in South Africa. And yes, olives are a new-comer to the area, having only been introduced here 80 years ago. But with the change in South Africans” diet including the increasing popularity of Mediterranean foods, fuelled by television’’s international celebrity chef programmes and the mushrooming of delicatessens all over South Africa, the demand for locally grown olives and their by-products has soared.

To date there is not an official Cape Olive Route, but with delightfully appointed farms dotted all around the Western Cape we”ve taken the liberty of drawing up our own itinerary ? a culinary meander if you like, for olive-lovers who live in or are visiting Cape Town.

Stellenbosch is a good place to begin your excursion. This historic town is home to the Universtity of Stellenbosch and is brim-full of students during the term time, lending it a lively air. Plenty of good pubs are to be found here, while culture vultures can enjoy visiting galleries. But the main aim of this trip is to find olives, so before you get stuck in ”Stellies”, head for the Eikendal Vineyards - your your first olive stop. Next drive across to Saxenberg Wine Farm near Kuils River, then back to Somerset West where the famous Morgenster Estate, specialising in olives and related products, is situated. These three establishments can be woven in to a trip around the wine route, and really, there can be few combinations to delight a foodie’’s heart more than fruit of the vine and fruit of the grove…

If you want to make a day of it, try the following route: Head off to Riebeek Kasteel and visit the Olive Boutique in the town and the Kloovenburg Estate ? home of one of the top 15 olive oils in the world. Their selection of olive-based products will amaze you! The town itself is delightfully bohemian with a winning blend of artists, eccentrics and excellent chefs calling this village home. The vineyards grow between the houses and the church and pub co-habit side by side quite comfortably. At a mere one hours drive out of Cape Town this makes a good day trip.

To become completely steeped in the atmosphere of a Cape olive farm, however, you can stay at the Wild Olive Farm between Tulbagh and Ceres. This working wine and olive farm has delightful self catering accommodation in a sprinkling of charming cottages, as well as a lovely camping site. Not only will you enjoy seeing the olive groves being farmed and harvested, you can also fish, swim and canoe on any of the three dams. The views of vines and mountains are exquisite.

If you love olives but don”t want to venture too far out of town, Melissa’’s Food Shop is a great deli with branches all over Cape Town. The Olive Station in Muizenberg serves Lebanese dishes and sells olives and olive produce on site.

Lastly, here are four more fabulous olive establishments you may wish to add to your own version of the Cape Olive Route!

? Drakenstein Olives, Paarl (on De Hoop Farm)
? Hildebrand Estate, Wellington
? The Cape Olive Trust (at the foot of the Drakenstein Mountains)
? Blackpear Olives, Paarl

Nicole Martin’’s passion is writing. She writes for various travel websites. For more of her articles visit car hire South Africa and Cape Town portal.

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The Western Cape Province only dates back to 1994, prior to this, since the Union of South Africa in 1910, it was part of the Cape Province. Today the province is home to around 4.5 million people, as well as some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery.

It’s made up of 6 Tourism Regions – Cape Town, Cape Overberg, Cape Winelands, Cape Garden Route and Klein Karoo, Cape West Coast and Cape Karoo.

Accommodation and tours of the area can be arranged.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden on the slopes of Table Mountain is also highly recommended as a day trip.

How to get to Table Mountain National Park…

To get to Simons Town, where the Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach is, take the M4 from Cape Town city centre. You can also get to Muizenberg, in the National Park through the M3 or M5, which will eliminate some city traffic hold ups! To get to Cape Point, take the M4.

Located in the Cape Winelands Region, Stellenbosch is another city in the Western Cape that is well worth exploring. Founded in 1679, it’s the 2nd oldest city in South Africa. Noted for its Cape Dutch architecture and the wine industry, it’s located in a fertile valley in an area of mountains, vineyards and plentiful orchards.

If you’re interested in the production of wine, and tasting, you should try the “Wine Route”! The Cape Winelands are divided into various different regions, each offering their own ‘wine route’. The most renowned wine routes are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington and Paarl routes.

To get to Stellenbosch, from Cape Town Airport, take the N2 towards Somerset West. Take a left onto the R310 and follow the road to Stellenbosch.

From Cape Town take the N1 in a northerly direction and get onto the R304 and follow through into Stellenbosch.

By: Mairead Foley

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Mairead Foley writes for www.Novacarhire.com/ where you can book car hire at airports, ferry ports, rail stations, cities and towns all over the world.

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Road Safety Advice for foreigners driving in South Africa

Overview /Background information South Africa has much to offer for international tourists and more and more is done to ensure an enjoyable and safe stay for our international visitors. Tourism authorities in South Africa would like to promote the beauty of tourism destinations across the country – and the arrive alive website would like to assist by providing road safety suggestions to all the international visitors.

Road infrastructure/ Toll roads Road infrastructure is mostly excellent with national roads maintained by the South African National Roads Agency [SANRAL]. Many of the national roads between the major centres are toll roads. Check the toll fees before you leave, and make sure that you have either a credit card or cash to pay. While most national roads are tarred and in good condition, the more rural the road, the more likely it is to be pot-holed and poorly surfaced. Driving is a viable option with careful planning advised as South Africa is a huge country not easily traversed in a day With a good map visitors should have little difficulty in finding their way around. Current information on the conditions of roads can be obtained through the Automobile Association of South Africa. The AA also provides invaluable guides for road users in the form of strip maps tailored for specific destinations and information for tourists on accommodation and routes. Plan your journey carefully. If you’re not used to driving long distances, rather break the journey, as fatigue is a major contributing factor in motor vehicle accidents. Tell your friends and family which routes you will follow and where you plan to overnight. All signposts are written in English. When asking for directions, you may be surprised to get the response “turn left at the next robot…” - a ‘robot’ is the South African term for traffic lights. Petrol/Fuel Stations are mostly open 24 hours and spread along all the routes. They are not self-help, but manned by attendants who can also check oil, water and tyre pressure if required. Gratuities for this service are at your own discretion. Many of these petrol stations have restaurants and restrooms - use them to freshen-up on the long drives. There are three types of fuel available, leaded, unleaded and ‘dual fuel’ which can be used in place of either. Petrol prices are fixed and controlled by the government – they are payable in cash. When traveling through South Africa’s neighboring countries, petrol-station are more scarce, so be prepared For more information, visit the AA Website.