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CAPE TOWN HOTEL

Cape Town Hotel – The One and Only 

There are a handful of up market hotels in Cape Town, here’s why we think you should choose to stay at the One and Only Cape Town.

One and Only Cape town DoinDubai bar view

Location in Cape Town

The One and Only hotel Cape Town is situated a few minutes walk away from the iconic Waterfront area of town. We felt completely safe walking around this area of Cape Town. There are also a number of very smart apartment blocks in the vicinity, not high rise buildings like Dubai, but low rise style flats set in palm lined avenues and streets. It’s an easy 25-minute car journey from the One and Only hotel. We took the hotel private shuttle service from the airport.

Rooms at the One and Only Hotel

We stayed in a Mountain View King room that overlooked Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain. Our room had a balcony with 2 chairs and a table and was my favourite place to have a cup of rooisbush tea in the morning. Cape Town is 2 hours behind Dubai so you will wake up early, that’s a good thing in Cape Town as there is so much you’ll want to do! Get some Cape Town ideas and facts if you’re planning a visit.

I honestly couldn’t fault my room. It was a very good size, it had a large balcony window so there was a great deal of natural light. There was a sofa in front of the very comfortable bed. The linen I think felt as if it was at least 600 thread count!

The kettle for making hot drinks was filled with water for us and wasn’t hidden away in a cupboard with a difficult to reach plug! The bathroom was particularly well laid out with separate areas for showering, dressing, make up etc

Facilities at the One and Only Hotel – Cape Town

I only used the pool at the hotel, which was filled with natural water and almost seemed like a lake pool. Cape Town can get quite cool in the evenings so despite the pool being heated, us Dubaians may find it a bit cold! So swim in the middle of the day when it’s warm if your schedule permits. I loved all the birds that settled on the pillars at one end of the pool and the backdrop was very natural. The hotel also has a full service spa that I didn’t get time to try.

One and Only Cape Town Swimming Pool DoinDubai

Restaurants at the One and Only Hotel – Cape Town

We ate dinner at Reubens, then later that night joined some friends for dessert at Nobu. Both restaurants are on the ground floor.

Visit Cape Town DoinDubai One and Only Cape Town outdoor table at Reubens

My favourite meal was definitely breakfast at Reubens on the terrace in front of the lake with the agapanthus dotted around the edges. The setting was perfect but do be warned, these tables are very sought after! I loved the proteas (Cape Town’s national flowers) set in bud vases on our table too.

Dubai folks listen up, these flowers are real even though they look artificial. So I haven’t even started seeing what’s on offer for food, but I’m already delighted! If you’d like to buy some proteas to take home then I recommend Caroline Fine Flowers in the Waterfront Mall.

The breakfast spread is outstanding. I particularly liked all the local fresh fruits on offer from Cape gooseberries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. There is an emphasis on everything being freshly made. It almost seems like things taste “home made” despite us being at a hotel buffet!

I ordered a decaffeinated soya milk cappuccino thinking that may present an issue, but that wasn’t a problem at all! In fact Cape Town is filled with healthy cafes and restaurants. The breakfast set up reminded me a little of the Broadmoor hotel in Colerado in the States, especially with the mountains at the back.

While Reubens was superb for breakfast, I felt our dinner there could have been improved upon. I don’t eat beef so all the steak options were out for me, but there were too many deep fried items on the dinner menu at Reubens.

One and Only Cape Town Reubens Dinner DoinDubai

Having said that the wine list at Reubens is outstanding. They have 3 areas or wine lofts on different floors of the restaurant that house some incredibly good reds, whites and rosees. We let our sommelier Musa select for us based on our food, and we were very impressed.

One and Only Cape Town Red Wine at Reubens DoinDubai

Check if you NEED A VISA for visiting Cape Town

We tried dessert and after dinner drinks at Nobu with some friends much later that night. Dessert was very good and our friends (some of whom are strict vegetarians!) were very happy with their food. It was fairly late, around 11pm or so on a week night, and the restaurant was quite quiet, but unlike Dubai, I don’t think Cape Town is a very late night place mid week.

Stand Outs at the One and Only Hotel – Cape Town

I’d definitely stay at this hotel again if I was visiting Cape Town. It’s not cheap, but we found most hotels in Cape Town to be expensive. There were a few stand outs that made this hotel worth it.

  • Location and safety
  • Room size and views of Table mountain
  • Linen quality
  • Breakfast at Reubens

Find out MORE about Cape Town 

  •  Find out more about what to do in Cape Town as far as eating and drinking goes.  You MUST make time to go to Babylonstoren too.
  •  Share this with travellers who need an honest view before booking.
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Check if you need a visa for visiting Cape Town using the finder below: best to know exactly what you need. 

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WATAMU KENYA

Welcome to Watamu Kenya a perfect short break destination from Dubai  

We’ve been holidaying in Watamu Kenya off and on for 20 years now, even staying at the same hotel. Despite travelling to more luxurious places the world over since moving to Dubai, I’d still go back to Watamu on the Kenyan coast and choose to stay at the same hotel! Around 5 hours away and SO MUCH cheaper than the Seychelles or the Maldives.

We stayed there most recently for 5 days over the Christmas break in 2015 and loved it. Find out why I think you would too.

Watamu Kenya DoinDubai copy

Where exactly is Watamu Kenya

Watamu is located on Kenya’s coast about 100 km north of Mombasa and the nearest airport is Malindi. The signs now say Malindi is an International Airport, but I don’t think international flights have started just yet (January 2016) We flew from Nairobi airport direct to Malindi and it’s about a 50 minute flight.

There are a number of internal airlines that fly to Malindi, we flew on Kenya Airways from the domestic terminal at the International airport Jomo Kenyatta.

Where to stay in Watamu Kenya

We’ve always stayed and still recommend you stay at Hemingways in Watamu and opt for rooms in the North Wing right in front of the sea (and next to the bar!) They have also just launched a scheme of apartments you can buy or rent, but won’t be ready for at least a year. Hemingways isn’t a posh resort but is perfect for a family holiday and the standard of food is good.

The staff are very professional and it’s a real treat to have any fresh fish that you’ve caught made into sashimi for your lunch – at no extra charge.

There is another hotel almost next door called Medina Palms, well worth having a look at and a completely different style to Hemingways. I prefer the wide ocean front set up of Hemingways despite it being an older hotel.  You could also investigate renting a house in Watamu in the 7 Islands area (30 mins walk from Hemingways through 2 sandy bays)

We visited friends who were on a long diving holiday staying at a rented house in this area. A very upmarket house (we didn’t visit this time) called Bahari House.

What is Watamu known for

Watamu Kenya is known for it’s wide, powder soft, white sandy beaches which are great to take long walks on. But it’s also well known the world over for it’s incredible Deep Sea Fishing opportunities. It’s easy to hire a boat from Hemingways, I suggest a half day session to begin with, 4 people in our party went and it cost around USD 500. That included everything even our freshly caught fish being made into lunch! The boat leaves around 7 am (from the gantry which is 2 minutes walk from your door) and returns around 12pm. A series of flags indicates which fish have been caught and there is a standard protocol of which have to be tagged and released.

Gantry Board Watamu Kenya DoinDubai 800

More and more  people are also kite surfing in Watamu and it’s easy to book lessons either from the hotel or a school very nearby. Watamu also has a turtle conservation program, a yoga scene and some very good Italian food!

Watamu Kenya DoinDubai 800

Eating and drinking in Watamu

Watamu village (5 minutes by taxi from Hemingways) is a simple couple of roads filled with interesting cafes, restaurants as well as arts and crafts shops. We loved Hosteria Romana that serves authentic pizzas and Italian dishes, perfectly washed down with a glass of cold Tusker beer. Try the Malindi sailfish carpaccio too. This is a basic cafe run by an Italian couple who moved to Watamu in 2006 from Rome.

The gelato shop next door – Bahati – run by Andrea, is good too but so is the one run by his now ex partner Anna,  called Non Solo round the corner! They were delivering proper Italian gelato and desserts all over the Christmas holidays to regulars in Watamu!

We had lunch at Kobe one day about 15 minutes drive from the hotel, I suggest you have drinks and take in the view here. Affogatos were nice but overpriced at USD 5.00! It has a gorgeous setting.

Watamu Kenya DoinDubai Try Tusker

Worth leaving the hotel for

Obviously try the local eateries in Watamu village as mentioned above but do a half day trip to Malindi as well. The hotel can organise for you, take in Malindi town, buy some kikois for souvenirs and eat wherever you like the look of.

Check out Flavio Briattore’s Lion and the Sea – once a favourite haunt of Naomi Campbell. Apparently there is a branch of this establishment opening soon in Dubai under the name of The Billionaires Club!

You could also take a cruise on the Mida Creek on a dhow and enjoy sundowners and deliciously grilled seafood on the boat. You must take a ride on the snorkelling boat even if you don’t snorkel! It’s a 2 hour trip into the Marine Park and crew on the glass bottomed boat have all the equipment you need. The sea is glorious to swim in and the fish are spectacular to watch. The trip is free if you’re staying at the hotel but you do have to pay the USD 10 for Marine park fees

Watamu Kenya DoinDubai snorkelling

When is the best time to go to Watamu

Between November and April is what we’ve been told. Else you’ll get lots of seaweed washed up on the beach.

Combine with a trip to Nairobi

If you’re in Kenya and you have time, try and combine your trip to Watamu with a look around Nairobi, plenty of information on that trip in these earlier posts on Visiting Nairobi and a Nairobi Safari. The deal for the safari still applies. This December we went for the first time to a restaurant called Taisman in Karen (of Out of Africa fame) and highly recommend it for lunch with a visit to Karen Blixen’s house.

Want to organise a trip to Kenya and take in Watamu Kenya 

Then contact Rahul at Merlin Safaris, he can help you organise your whole trip. Mention you came from DoinDubai for a 10% discount. Link to Rahul via his Facebook page or email him on:

merlinsafaris@gmail.com

Thanks and enjoy the beach! Lots more on Watamu on DoinDubai’s Instagram and DoinDubai’s twitter list Kenya Confidential.

P.S Local sims with companies like AirTel are FANTASTIC value!

Monica

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SAFARI PACKAGES TO KENYA

Fabulous Savings on Safari Packages to Kenya with Gamewatchers

DoinDubai has managed to secure a set of special safari packages to Kenya with Gamewatchers  offering subscribers to DoinDubai savings of around 30 % on list prices.

Find out more about the safari we actually experienced at the Nairobi Tented Camp in August 2015. Visit Nairobi while you’re there.

Safari packages Kenya Zebra family friends

The Safari Package Savings

A one night safari at the Nairobi Tented Camp in the Nairobi National Park would cost USD 290 per person as opposed to a rack rate of USD 370 per person, saving you, our subscribers a substantial USD 80 per person.

Safari Packages Kenya Glamping

Here’s a breakdown for a stay at the Nairobi Tented Camp property for September (per person sharing a 2 person ensuite tent)

Do in DubaiRack Rates
Accommodation

Bed n Breakfast

       $92$130
KWS Park Entry and camping fees

This fee goes direct to the Kenya Wildlife Service and cannot be discounted.

       $85$85
Full Board Package

Lunch & dinner, drinks, 2 game drives or one drive plus Elephant orphanage visit plus 2 airport transfers

       $98$140
Flying Doc       $15$15
       $290$370

Safari Packages Kenya Baby Baboon DoinDubai

A much more affordable way to experience a safari without the extra hassle and EXPENSE of flying to the Masaai Mara!

Similar Discounts on Packages

Similar discounts available at the gorgeous Porini Lion Camp.  Here’s the DO IN DUBAI SHORT PACKAGES pdf that explains all the details you need to book your safari.

In order to book you need to be an EMAIL SUBSCRIBER TO DOINDUBAI  (it’s free) and contact Gamewatchers using the CONTACT FORM below.

You will receive the UNIQUE OFFER CODE in your DoinDubai newsletter that is sent directly to all email subscribers.

Gamewatchers will then reply back to you with any queries you have about visiting Kenya and going on safari directly. Please note this offer is only valid for people who are residents of the GCC.

Please note that the posts reflect DoinDubai’s experience of Nairobi and the Nairobi Tented Camp in the national park. Please remember to do all your research regarding visas, personal safety, medical and any other needs specific to you and your families before you go.

DoinDubai cannot accept responsibility beyond introducing you to the very reputable and well established Gamewatchers Safaris company.

Gamewatchers Contact Form

[contact-form-7 id=”17182″title=”NAIROBI TENTED CAMP”]

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NAIROBI TENTED CAMP

Nairobi Tented Camp

DoinDubai has personally spent time with GameWatchers staff, visited their offices in Nairobi and experienced  one of the packages on offer from start to finish to ensure what you are getting is exactly what is offered. I have every confidence in the integrity and organization of Gamewatchers and so should you.

DoinDubai is delighted to offer our subscribers 30% off rack rates for some of the best safaris around including this brilliant safari at the Nairobi Tented Camp.  Have a look at the OFFER. Our subscribers will be sent a newsletter with the unique offer code they can use to avail the discounts.

Safari in the City within Nairobi National Park

with Gamewatchers and Nairobi Tented Camp. 

You don’t have to buy an expensive flying package to the Masaai Mara to experience a Kenyan wildlife safari. Nairobi – under 5 hours direct flight time away from Dubai – has it’s very own National Park that is home to Lions, Hyenas, Giraffe, Buffalos, Rhinos, Ostrich, Hippos and of course all manner of gazelles and plains game. The park is 117 square kilometers in size and entry to and from the park’s 2 official gates is strictly controlled by the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Safari Collage Nairobi Tented

Getting to the Nairobi Tented Camp

in Nairobi National Park

Our family chose to do an overnight stay at the only camp in the park – Nairobi Tented Camp – with Gamewatchers Safaris who organized everything very smoothly for us from start to finish. Gamewatchers can either pick you up with an English speaking driver and vehicle from your accommodation in Nairobi at an allocated time or collect you straight from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta international airport. That way you can travel direct to the park on arrival in Nairobi. If you arrive any time during the day, it’s possible for Gamewatchers to take you through to the park using the East gate on the Mombasa road resulting in a smooth 20 minute journey to start your safari (traffic permitting) If you arrive at night, you go through the main gate that’s still only around 45 minutes or so away.

Nairobi National Park Main Gate

Entry fees to the Nairobi National Park

Entry fees to the park are completely independent of any safari or game drive package as this money goes directly to the Kenya Wildlife Service. Expect to pay USD 85 for an adult and USD 50 for children aged between 3 and 18 years old if you are not Kenya citizens and are planning on spending the night in the park. We paid in cash. They have change in US dollars if you don’t have the exact money. Local Kenya citizens pay only USD 5!

Game drives and excursions within

the Nairobi Tented Camp

Upon arriving at the park, Gamewatchers transferred us and our over night bags to a real safari style open topped vehicle that would take us on all our game drives and deliver us to the Nairobi Tented Camp. Andrew Saruni, our guide who was also our driver was extremely competent and knowledgeable. There are some obvious but sensible rules you have to obey while in the park to ensure your safety and an enjoyable time. Do listen carefully to the driver and take the rules seriously to avoid any mishaps.

Gamewatchers Vehicle DoinDubai Nairobi Tented Camp

Your game drive starts as soon as you enter the park and some animals we saw at first were not what we expected! We first saw a very well camouflaged tortoise and plenty of different safari birds. There is a real atmosphere of excitement at spotting the animals and even adults become very competitive and eagle eyed from the moment they enter the park! There is nothing quite as majestic as when you see your first giraffe walking slowly down the road to meet you! Hyenas that cackle in the night are not so friendly!

Safari Tortoise Nairobi Tented Camp

It is incredible to see rhinos and buffalos against the backdrop of a developed city. This is one reason visiting this park is so special. It’s also remarkable how so many species literally live side by side in such harmony! I didn’t realize that the park is open from the South side so animals can wander into the grounds of the park from Amboseli.

Buffalos and gazelles

Nairobi Tented Camp in the park

Game drives can last from between 2 to 3 hours and you will be incredibly relieved at the site of the camp where you can unwind and relax for a while. Nairobi Tented Camp has been open for the 6 years and has been managed by Gamewatchers for the last 4. It has 9 sleeping tents and I would class them as comfortable more than luxurious, but the hot water bottles in your bed under soft duvets on a cold night are getting pretty close to luxury in the bush! Tents have their own en suite washroom facilities and safari style showers. It’s very atmospheric to be woken up with a tray or coffee, tea or hot chocolate before dawn being slipped into your tent! We felt completely safe throughout our stay. Meals and snacks are taken in the dining or the Mess tents which are a minute or so walk from the accommodation tents. Food is of a very good standard and there is a generous drinks allowance included in the package. We all loved sitting round the fire after dinner but do bring your own marshmallows for toasting though!

Mess and Dining room tents Nairobi Tented Camp

What to expect at Nairobi Tented Camp

Good quality, comfortable accommodation with meals and excellent game drives. If you have any special dietary requirements then do inform Gamewatchers before hand and they will do their best to cater to your needs. Expect to experience bush life without the inconveniences of roughing it out in the wild. I was very impressed with our guide’s knowledge of the animals and the park. Although there are 135 lions in the park, you are not guaranteed to see them especially if you only do one game drive. You will however be guaranteed to see plenty of other animals. Running water is available in all tents. Gamewatchers also provide you with a very thoughtful flask of drinking water. Remember roads are very rough and rugged so you will feel a little like washing does in a machine at times!

Visit Nairobi Tented Camp

 

Water bottle Nairobi Tented Camp

What to take with you to

the Nairobi Tented Camp

A small overnight bag with a change of clothes and basic toiletries, that way if you do go from the airport, you don’t have to unpack your main suitcase. Good, comfortable walking shoes are essential. I suggest you bring hiking boots or at least trainers and a few good pairs of thick, cotton socks. Do bring layers with you, it’s cold in the mornings so we needed warm fleeces and jackets, but as it warms up, you need to de layer quite a bit. Do bring all your camera equipment, binoculars and a good pair of sunglasses with a string around them. I also suggest bringing some mosquito repellent to have handy.  Gamewatchers also own and manage a number of other camps in different conservancies outside the Mara, the most luxurious of which is Porini Lion Camp.

Want to know more about Nairobi ?

Then link to the Visiting Nairobi post. You’ll read about off the beaten track places to eat and stay as well as ideas for the best bits of Kenya’s coast.

 

Have a super city Safari and Nairobi break!

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