Wildcliff Nature Reserve: Cape Town and Wildcliff

www.wildcliff.org: The Wild Cape Nature Trust

flora | fauna | geology | history | research opportunities

Wildcliff Nature Reserve

Dedicated to plant and wildlife conservation in the Cape Floral Kingdom

Cape Town and Wildcliff
If you are coming to South Africa for the first time, you will definitely want to see Cape Town, the "Mother City", and one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. If you can fly direct to Cape Town, well and good, otherwise, change planes in Johannesburg, and fly to Cape Town (see interactive map).

Wildcliff is in the Langeberg mountain range, east of Cape Town near Heidelberg in the Western Cape province. It is about half way between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay. From Cape Town, by car, it takes about 3.5 hours. By bus, about 4.5 hours from Cape Town to Heidelberg (arrange for someone to meet you in Heidelberg). See maps.

Below is a list of some backpacker hostels in the center of the city - I have looked at the websites of the first three, and they all seem terrific - I'd like to stay there! An airport shuttle bus is available to take you to the hostel of your choice (about $20).

Where to Stay

City Bowl Hostels - Cape Town

The oldest part of Cape Town, City Bowl has the most spectacular city centre location in the world – at the foot of Table Mountain. (3 Hostels)

Ashanti Lodge Backpackers Hostel - ASHANTI ROCKS. ALWAYS HAS, ALWAYS WILL

http://www.ashanti.co.za/index.htm
http://www.ashanti.co.za/rates.htm
(About $30 for a single room; dormitory room about $14)
Wow, this place looks great! and they have free airport pick-up - just call them when you arrive (between 8.30am and 4.30pm)

The Backpack Backpackers Hostel - BEST BACKPACKER SLEEP - LONELY PLANET 2005

http://www.backpackers.co.za/
Rates: http://www.backpackers.co.za/backpack/accommodation.php
Meet and greet service - arrange ahead of time, for a fee

Mountain Manor Backpackers Hostel - STUNNING LOCATION, STUNNING VIEWS

http://www.mountainmanor.co.za/index.htm
Accommodation for backpackers, and also self-catering apartments at reasonable rates.

Long Street Hostels - Cape Town

In the middle of the city and close to the action. Trendy shops sell exotic trinkets by day. By night, bars and clubs entice revellers. (3 Hostels)

Daddy Long Legs Apartments - THE LUXURY OF PRIVACY
Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel - ART HOTEL ADVENTURE
Inn Long Street Backpackers Hostel - REFRESHINGLY DIFFERENTL

Green Point & Sea Point Hostels - Cape Town

In a good location between the city and the Atlantic Seaboard beaches. Green Point is more gay-chic. Sea Point has a bustling main road with many restaurants. (6 Hostels)

A Sunflower Stop - SUPER CONVENIENT LOCATION
Afrique du Sud Backpackers - IN THE HEART OF COSMOPOLITAN SEA POINT
Big Blue Backpackers - PRICES ARE BORN HERE AND RAISED ELSEWHERE
House on the Hill - LUXURIOUS AFRICAN STYLE
Tip Top Waterfront Lodge - A PROUD HISTORY OF CLEANLINESS AND FRIENDLINESS

http://www.alternativeroute.net/capetownhostels.htm

Getting to Wildcliff
OK, now you've had a few days in Cape Town, swam in both oceans, been up Table Mountain, had a trip through history in the Castle, visited the library at UCT (my alma mater), and maybe even been on a wine tour in the Boland, you are ready to wend your way to Wildcliff, about four and a half hours from Cape Town, 20 km from the little town of Heidelberg in the Western Cape.

Recommendation for transport: the Intercape Bus. Depart From Cape Town - Intercape Office, Main Railway Station/Tourist Information. Arrive about 4.5 hours later at the Engen Garage in Heidelberg. About US$20. See schedule by entering your departure city and destination (Heidelberg Western Cape) at www.intercape.co.za. Bookings Tel 0861 287 287 or from abroad, +27 21 380 4400.

If coming by car, see the driving directions.

- Jenny Giddy