Table Mountain Experience with Half-Day Private Chauffeur

Posted By : shopperdoc
We had JJ as our guide - and he gave us the best that Cape Town and the surrounding areas had to offer. We know a guide can make such a difference - and we can honestly say we felt like we’d hit the jackpot. he was warm, open and friendly - but smart and witty with it. He communicated with us all and let us decide various decisions as a group - it’s hard to please everyone - but JJ went out of his way to ensure we all get the best experience possible.
We were a small group, and had JJ as our guide for 31/2 days.
We arrived by train and were met at the station along with our driver, Rodney. We transferred to our hotel, and then we got a transfer over to the V&A area to explore at our leisure, as we had planned. Some of us had pre booked Robben Island - and enjoyed the tour there. JJ gave us a honest and realistic safety brief - that we know not everyone got, and unfortunately succumbed to scammers in the area. JJ had our happiness and safety as his priority.

!st full day tour - brought us to Table Mountain - We loved how our guide was both knowledgable and flexible and brought us when the clouds had cleared enough to get the best views. We also managed to visit Bo Kaap, and loved the buildings, and the local gallery’s displaying the art work - many of us chose to buy souvenirs here - I just wish I’d a Bigger suitcase!!! Some amazing pieces of work available.
We then travelled onto the Castle of Good hope and were able to walk around and view at our own leisure. I like not to be rushed, and have some free time to explore and enjoy. JJ knew exactly the right spot to stop for a light lunch, at the VOC gardens - knowing we had the Gold experience booked for dinner in the evening.

2nd Full day, was an early start as we went to Houtbay to take the boat to seal Island - JJ had told us it was early in the season, but it is a place where migrating whales are spotted - and to our delight we managed to see a right whale !!! We were so excited, we almost forgot about the seals.
Rodney drove us along the scenic route by Chapman’s Peak and then onto Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope. Several stops along the way to admire the coastal scenery, and see all the wild ostrich. We had another lunch stop and then onto Boulders Bay to see the Penguins - and an extra treat for a few of us brave souls was to actually get into the water and look to swim with them!!!! We found a few !!!!!! And the freezing cold water was forgotten about in our excitement!!

3rd full Day - Today was all about the wine. We visited two vineyards - stopping first in the beautiful village of Franschhoek - loved this place!!! A really different feel - I’d definitely stay a few nights around here on my next trip. We visited Haute Cabriere, and then went onto Stellenbosch for lunch and tasting at Middelvlei.
We got a few extra surprises with a visit to the most peculiar store - Ooni Sami se Winkel - to be seen to be believed!!!! A final stop at the oldest pub for another free refreshments.

Everyday, all along the route we were given lots of facts and locals information. JJ knows his stuff!!! We could see the various different townships from the roadside., all along our routes - and many of our questions were answered. Visiting a country its good to learn about lifestyle and cultures.
We packed a lot into our short stay here - but it really was an enjoyable experience.
Like any trip that is short, We know we missed many areas - but this was just part of our trip - we intend to return one day - and will definitely want JJ as our guide for the next adventure here.
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Posted On : 2024-03-24 12:35:24

Posted By : nandasekhon
Excellent service and our guide Nabeel was awesome. He went above and beyond in telling us the history of the city. He was on time and picked us up from the hotel. Table Mountain was beautiful and then he showed us the sites that were gorgeous. 5 star service all around.
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Posted On : 2023-03-07 15:52:01

Posted By : eyeman76
Driver never showed up. Called the office, and sent an email four hours before the tour. No answer. Waited from 1:00 to 1:30 for the driver at the cruise terminal, and no one showed up. Then called the tour office at 1:35 and again no answer. Also sent another email, with no answer. A refund needs to be issued.
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Posted On : 2020-02-11 06:42:47

Posted By : ronaldh182
My wife and I were delighted with our driver and our half-day outing. We were picked up on time at our hotel and very quickly arrived at the cable car station. We had little wait for the cable car even though it was a beautiful sunny weekend day. The walk around the top of Table Mountain is spectacular with lots of different flora. After we returned to the car, we were taken on a pleasant drive along the beaches, then back through the historic part of Cape Town. It was overall a worthwhile experience.
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Posted On : 2020-02-07 05:05:19

Posted By : krarnold84
We were scheduled for Thompsons Africa to have a private chauffeur pick us up from our hotel at 8A to tour Table Mountain. This was tour was booked and paid for June for our September trip. On the night prior I received an email saying that the tour company saying that they had moved our tour to 1p. We were scheduled to meet up with our group at 2pm and move to a different hotel. Turns out it rained so Table Mountain was closed. When I attempted to move our trip to another day I received the following message "I received communication from Viator Customer Care that you would like to move the tour to 02 Oct. I have attached the tickets. They are valid for 7 days from yesterday. You may make your own way to Table Mountain and can utilise the tickets at your convenience. There will no refund for yesterday's vehicle and guide."

Basically I paid $271 - for NO SERVICE - DO NOT USE this company - Because they get paid upfront their is no incentive for them to actually perform the service. It is not my fault it RAINED!
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Posted On : 2019-10-14 17:27:53

Posted By : Maratskiy
There should be an option to communicate with the service provider via messaging (as is the case with many others through Viator app). I prefer to not rely on phone calls only. Not to mention, important details can be lost in a verbal conversation.

Also, the skip the line option is not skipping the biggest line--one to board the cable car.
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Posted On : 2019-10-11 22:32:07

Posted By : strangebrew2018
We booked for a 1pm tour. However, because of winds the cable car was closed and nobody from the company bothered to tell us. As a result we wasted all morning waiting for the tour only to be told at 1pm that the cable car was closed. As it was our last day in Capetown we couldn't reschedule and got no refund of the ticket price. We did take a ride around the mountain but not the same as a trip to the top. My advice is don't pre-book this but wait until you are in Cape Town and hire a taxi on the day, when you know the cable car is working.
Booked through Viator and I cannot find an email address on their website to contact them about this.
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Posted On : 2019-02-12 09:48:33

Posted By : swanseanurse
Great cable car to table top mountain takes 65 people at a time and rotates cost 296 rand 18 pound each book on line to avoid the queue long walks at the top
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Posted On : 2018-05-06 16:34:39

Posted By : SaartjieRoos
Well worth the money if you are not in a hurry. Enjoy the stunning mountain view whilst going up with the cable car. Take your time to walk around on the mountain. Have something to drink or eat in the restaurant. Taking lots and lots of photo's. One can just stare in awe... one of God's greatest gifts the humankind.
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Posted On : 2018-01-27 15:57:44

Posted By : Nganesan J

Amazing tour to table mountain. We had awesome time at table mountain. Lucky we bought this package as we no need to line up so long to buy ticket. The food at the top restraurant was very yummy and delicious. The animals and flowers was lovely. A bit of walking.