Travel guide – cape town

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Overview

The lure of Cape Town lies in its spectacular setting and the beauty of its natural environment, as well as the rich cultural diversity of its people. 

It has had a long and turbulent history and the effects of Apartheid still linger in the minds and hearts of the people. Transformation however has led to a feeling of hope in this new ‘Rainbow Nation’, which can be experienced in the cosmopolitan city centre of Cape Town. Flower sellers, business executives, parking attendants, office workers and shoppers all rub shoulders in a setting of both historical and modern buildings, backed by the city’s most famous landmark, Table Mountain. The colourful Malay Quarter, the remains of District Six, St George's Cathedral, Government Avenue and the old Castle are historically significant, while world-class African and international restaurants tempt travellers with their culinary delights. Although an African city, Cape Town has a marked European influence and visitors can experience the excitement of Africa from the comforts of First World surroundings.

Cape Town's unique setting means that it can be enjoyed from various vantage points: Table Mountain and Lion's Head provide breathtaking vistas over the city bowl and the Cape peninsula with its beautiful beaches; trips to Robben Island offer a dramatic sweep of scenery across to Table Bay; and harbour tours and old buildings await exploration at the cosmopolitan Waterfront. Many scenic routes meander along magnificent stretches of coastline and inland terrain leading to special places like Cape Point, the meeting place of the cold Benguela and warm Mozambique currents, and Chapman’s Peak boasts one of the most picturesque drives in the country.

It is a city with four distinct seasons, each working its particular magic on Cape Town and bringing with it a flood of associations - summer and white sandy beaches, autumn's crisp colours, the ferocity of stormy seas in winter, and spring's show of Cape ‘fynbos’ flowers.  

From culture, history and scenery - to an unforgettable experience. This is a special place with much to contribute towards its growing reputation as a favoured travel destination.

Climate

South Africa is a large country and has diverse climactic regions, but in general the weather is sunny and hot in the summer months (December to April), and mild during winter (May to November). Gauteng and the northern areas of the country experience thunderstorms regularly during evenings in the summer months, and winters are usually warm during the day and cold at night. Winters in the Cape are cold and wet, and snow can fall on the mountain ranges. The weather is likely to be good in Cape Town between November and May, though strong winds, known as the South Easter, hits some areas including Camps Bay, in December and January.

Health

Travellers arriving in South Africa from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise no vaccinations are required. There is a malaria risk in the low-lying areas of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park) and northeastern Kwa-Zulu Natal, and precautions are advised when travelling to these areas. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Tap water is safe in urban areas but sterilisation is advisable elsewhere, as there are periodic outbreaks of cholera in the poor communities of rural South Africa, particularly in Northern KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provinces. Food poisoning is rare. Medical facilities in South Africa are good, but medical insurance is strongly advised as private hospitals expect cash upfront and public hospitals are best avoided.

The basics

Tourist Office

Cape Town Tourist Board, The Pinacle Building, Corner Burg and Castle Street, Cape Town. Tel: 021 426 4260; Website: www.capetourism.org.

Getting Around

Cape Town and its suburbs sprawl for miles, but with the ocean and the dramatic landmarks of Table Mountain and Lions Head the city is fairly easy to navigate. Most of the hotels are situated along the Atlantic Seaboard, the five miles (eight km) of coast running from the central business district to Camps Bay, taking in Greenpoint, Seapoint and the Waterfront. Public transport is poor and often unsafe, so most visitors hire a car, particularly if planning excursions from the city. To rent a car, drivers need to be over 23 years old and have a credit card and a full driving license (the license must have a photo and be in English, otherwise an International Driving Permit is required). Minibus taxis are cheap and convenient and can be hailed if travelling short distances along a well-known route, but the vehicles are often in bad condition and the driving can be appalling. Passengers should expect to pay around R3 for most journeys within the city. Golden Arrow buses leave from the main bus terminal to destinations around the city; although timings can be erratic they can be a good option for those on a budget. Tourists are advised to avoid the trains, with the exception of the Simon's Town line, which runs around Table Mountain, through the smart residential Southern Suburbs, past Muizenberg and along the stunning False Bay coast. Taxis are expensive but are a good option at night for those without a car. Public transport should not be taken after dark and the outlying township areas should be avoided at all costs unless on an organised tour.

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