The V&A Waterfront has to be one of the best designed waterfronts in the world as it offers such a very wide variety of entertainment. It is a working harbour with fishing boats, sightseeing catamarans and varying types of pleasure crafts – also helicopter rides. There are museums, excellent craft outlets – my favourite is the Watershed – and all accessible by mobility scooter or wheelchair. The V&A shopping mall is huge and is on three floors. There are disabled toilets signposted throughout this complex. Eating out in the many different restaurants has been a wonderful experience. The people are very friendly and helpful. Music can be heard everywhere. A truly colourful experience.
My absolute favourite past time however, was viewing the furry seals on their platforms around the harbour areas. They are dotted about swimming upside down, flippers in the air, just chilling, totally unfazed by the shipping going past them at very close quarters!
The current exchange rate is 100 Rand = £60 approx.(as at February 2017)
We stayed in the Portswood hotel, which was booked through Cunard as part of our cruise package. This hotel is ideally positioned just above the Waterfront and can be accessed via a long ramp or through the car park lifts.
The hotel has one disabled access or “paraplegic” room. The beds were very comfortable and there was adequate space in the room. A kettle, cups, glasses and biscuits plus a fridge were part of the daily service. The bathroom was ideal except for the very low toilet, despite the grabrail surround. The walk in shower was excellent and had a non slip floor and grab rails.
Whilst the Waterfront was completely safe during the daytime, caution should be exercised when venturing into the downtown area of Capetown at night. Security guards patrol the Waterfront continuously especially if you are taking money out of ATM machines. We were advised to ensure that handbags, cameras and items of any value were kept close to us and not to go out wearing flashy jewellery.