A Very Warm Welcome
Amenities
Appliance manuals can be found in the cupboards.
Important Safety Read
Power Outages do not affect ZenCapeTown Holiday House
Currently we are not having Load Shedding in South Africa, or at least not in Cape Town. When this is underway we are fortunate enough to have solar installed on the property and guests will not experience any blackouts. About Load Shedding; South Africa has had nationwide planned power outages lasting between 2 – 4 hours. To keep up to date with the power cuts please download Eskom se Push App on the app store.
Can I Cook during Load shedding?
Yes you can cook on the gas stove top. As the stove normally ignites with electricity, you will need to light the gas manually. There is a click lighter next to the stove. Light the lighter first and hold close to the gas hob you wish to use, then depress the gas nob and turn as you would normally when lighting, the gas will ignite.
There is also a gas BBQ braai outside.
What can I do for lighting?
There are several battery powered lamps around the house, next to the beds and in the kitchen. Its a good idea to charge any devices before load shedding so you can use them when the power goes out. There are also candles and you can enjoy a romantic atmosphere. Several of the light bulbs also are battery powered and will work during power outages.
Is there Wifi
Yes the wifi routers have backup power banks and will run during load shedding, however, be sure to power up your devices if you wish to watch movies.
Does the hot water work during load shedding?
The Geysers at the Forest Retreat are run on gas and battery power and are not affected by load shedding. If you dont have hot water this is unrelated to loadshedding and please notify us straight away.
The Holiday House geysers run on electricity, if you experience that the water is not heating up in time during the power outages please let us know so we can adjust the settings.
Is there heating during load shedding?
There is a gas heater. If that gas runs out you will find a spare gas bottle
at the BBQ.
The Holiday House has a lovely fireplace as well.
Warning! If the power goes off while the hair dryer is on, remember to switch it off!!! This is easy to forget during load shedding and could be a fire hazard when the power goes back on.
Hiking and Safety
As your hosts, we urge you to read and follow our recommendations here:
Please download the Buzzer app mentioned in the Safety Manual on this page.
Never go hiking in the mountains in areas that are deserted. Choose popular busy hiking trails. Walk during daylight hours and always let someone know where you are going and when you are back. Carry water, sunscreen and a sunhat.
Please ask us if you are unsure. Crime is serious in Cape Town so just ensure you keep an eye on your possessions from snatch and grab thieves, especially in street cafes. Do not leave anything on your car seats. Do not walk the streets at night. Always go in areas that are well lit and busy with other nightlife.
Please exert extra caution on the mountain trails and do your research beforehand. We wish you a safe stay and return to your home and families.
House Rules
Cape Town Wind!
Please always use hooks and locks on open doors and windows. Please keep closed when you are out as the winds can pick up suddenly in Cape Town and blow windows and doors off their hinges.
Umbrellas
Please close and use covers when not in use.
Out-door Couches
If not under a cover, please use the cover provided at all times if not using the couches to prolong the cushion fabric thank you.
Fire and Safety
Only use designated Fire places and extinquish the fire after use. Do NOT leave embers to burn as the wind will carry them and cause a fire.
Fire Extinguishers
Please make a mental note of where these are. There are fire extinguishers near the BBQ Braai area and inside the house should you need them, remove the pin in the handle and spray toward the base of the fire.
Swimming Pools
Please always lock the garden gates for child safety.
No pets or unregistered guests allowed.
Please only play music or radios inside the house. There are other guests on the adjacent properties so music and media should not be played outside or at the pool where it can be heard by our neighbours/other guests/us.