Cape Town, South Africa - December 1999

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Cape Town has all gone a bit crazy of late. Maybe it's the usual summer madness, or perhaps because Christmas is coming, but I suspect its just a bad case of Millennium fever. Not surprising as Cape Town is predicted to be one of the most popular destinations for the party of a lifetime. One thing is for certain, Cape Town will be packed with a truly international vibe.

Just where will be the party to end all parties? I've no idea, but here are the official listings!

Table Mountain
Now this is one beautiful setting for a party and the choice for just about every traveller I have spoken to. I can't help but envisage the mountain crammed to beyond ridiculous with all these tourists falling off the edge. The Star Bar will be open 24 hours and there will be several food outlets open, no doubt charging ridiculous prices. Bring your own! Apparently there will be all manner of surprises for the first sunrise of the new Millennium. The cable car staying at the usual price is going to be packed. With this in mind, I highly recommend walking!

Robben Island
The Official National Millennium Celebration will be held here. Nelson Mandela's former prison seems something of an odd choice for a party, but each to his own. Both President Mbeki and Madiba himself will be there and rumours abound that the Dalai Lama will be visiting too.

Synergy 1999/2000
This annual party is the choice of note for those who wish for a huge big celebration. Set in Observatory, this indoor and outdoor event will feature both local and international DJs and bands and all sorts of other entertainment. It's going to be HUGE.

Vortex 2000 - Alien Safari
Another Cape Town summer institution - the all night outdoor Alien Safari Party is always a huge success. With my limited knowledge of this kind of music (it all sounds the same to us old folks), I can best describe it a a sort of trancey, ambient, funky kind of vibe. I expect that's a very bad description, but I hope you get my point. A definate good choice.

Judgement Day
Not the most popular option, due to the price, which is just silly at R1500-R2500. Set onboard a boat, the party will have 25 hours of non-stop music and a free survival kit of lots of arbitrary bits and pieces including a collectors life jacket and...fizz pops. Whoopie-doo.

Dunhill Fireworks Exhibition
Set at the world famous tourist spot, the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, there will be a 20 minute fireworks display, which you could probably see from across the entire city so why bother?!

These listings are 'courtesy' (OK, blatantly plagerized) from Jungle Magazine - the definative free travellers guide to Southern Africa!!

As for the CapeTonians?
As half the world and its dog is predicted to descend upon the Mother City, the locals seem to choosing the somewhat more sane option and getting as far away as possible. The most popular idea seems to be a theoretical solitary party with a group of mates on a deserted beach in Mozambique. Not so sure about the potential success of this idea as one must wonder just how much deserted beach there can be in one country. I considered doing the same thing, till I decided to give up and join in the madness.

Events this Month
Before we even get to New Year's, there is still the rest of the month to get through first and there are some fantastic summer parties planned.

The highlight of these must surely be the 6th Annual Mother City Queer Project. The definitive queer costume party will attract some 8000 bizarrely attired party-goers and promises to be as good, if not better than last years. This year's theme is 'Heavenly Bodies' - interpret that as you will and check out the web page for more details.

The first week also sees another chance to play dress up, with another of the infamous Cheese parties planned for Friday the 3rd at Rhythm Divine, Long Street. Alanis Morissette has finally made it to South Africa and will be playing on Sunday 5th, which is incidentally also my birthday!

Listings will be added for the rest of the month as they become available.

One Last Thing
I highly recommend that if you haven't done so already, then book your accommodation NOW. Please check out Coast to Coast for hostel listings or pick up a copy of Jungle Magazine - the definitive free travellers guide to Southern Africa, available free from any hostel etc, etc.

Although I'm somewhat cynical and more than a little bored of the subject, if you're seeking the ultimate Millennium party, Cape Town has got to be a good bet. It's a beautiful city full of beautiful and diverse people, thousands of party animals and more than its share of internationals, giving it one of the most vibrant atmospheres of any city in the world. And the sun will be shining too. What more could you ask for?

Happy Christmas!!!
General Info
Cape Town is beautiful, vibrant and cosmopolitan. Take your time and do it justice....just don't stay too long!

Geography
Right at the furthest South-Western point of Africa. You'll recognise it by the big flat mountain in the middle of it all.

Accommodation
Abundant and reasonably priced. Depending on your budget, try:
Just backpacking, or
Hotelogue
Coast to Coast

Travel info
Abundant and everywhere. A good place to start is:
2000.travel

Transport
From the airport - a lot of hostels will do free pick ups or call the lovely Andre (082) 809 9185 for the shuttle bus.

Around town, Rikki cabs are cute, reasonable and go everywhere. If you can figure out the network then the local minibus taxis go every where and are cheap.
Be warned - the drivers must be buying their licenses.

Good cheap food
Mr Pickwitts on Long St - good food, great vibe and open very late.
Naked (on Kloof, on the square, at the Shack) - wraps, juices, good coffee, nice vibe.
Lolas on Long St - nice food, nice people, late license.

Bars and Clubs
Just a couple of my favourite hang outs:

The Jam - De Villiers St
live music, relaxed student vibe.

Also, next door:
The Shack pool hall & bar,
206 DJ Bar and
The Blue Lizard internet cafe.
You'll find me propping up the bar here most nights. Sadly.

Jo'burg - Long St
Very cool and funky bar, open late

Rhythm Divine - Love/Hate this place - but it is just about the only place open at 7am in the morning. Well, the only place without blatant prostitution.

Recommended
Buy a copy of the Cape Review (R4.95) - monthly what's on guide.

Or check out the Gig Guide.

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