Cape Town is a city geared towards tourism. As a tourist in Cape Town you will find it easy to get around and enjoy the sights and sounds the city has to offer. In order to get the most out of your stay in Cape Town, we've compiled a list of travel tips to help you out.
Seasons
Cape Town's peak tourism season is during late spring to late summer, this is from October to March. During this time, Cape Town can often feel very crowded, and locals often seek quieter pastures during peak season. If you prefer a less busy time of year, but still want to enjoy the good Cape Town weather, we recommend March, April and even into May.
Safety
Travellers and tourists to South Africa are often warned about safety issues. While these warnings are not without substance, South Africa, and Cape Town in particular is no different to other popular tourism destinations around the world. Cape Town's political and tourist authorities have gone to great lengths to ensure that visitors’ safety gets top priority.
Just follow the same precautions as you would do anywhere else:
- Keep valuables secure and hidden
- Don't flash cash around in public
- Stick to well know tourist areas, don't wander too far off the beaten track
Transportation
Cape Town has a well-developed and well-connected road network. There is a wide choice of car hire companies, including well known international brands. You won't struggle to find one that suits your need and budget.
Public transport in Cape Town is somewhat of a hit and miss affair. The inner city and immediate surrounds is serviced by the Myciti bus network. MyCiti is an efficient and cost effective means of getting around Cape Town, though unfortunately its network is limited if you wish to get outside of the city.
Cape Town's two mass transit systems, the trains and minibus taxis are unfortunately not recommended for visitors.
Cape Town is well serviced by ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Taxify, as well as independent metered-taxis. A number of private companies also offer airport transfers from Cape Town International Airport to almost any destination around Cape Town.
Eating Out
With Cape Town restaurants often appearing in “Top 10 in the world lists”, it’s no surprise Cape Town is world renowned for its restaurants and foodie culture. From fine dining establishments to trendy fusion and authentic traditional offerings, there is something here for everyone's tastes.
Water and Electricity
Water
Cape Town has been making headlines internationally due to the water shortages driven by unprecedented growth of the city and three years of drought. Capetonians and visitors were asked to cut down their water usage dramatically to ensure the water supplies did not run out, a prospect termed "Day Zero".
Thankfully, due to this diligence and a wet winter in 2018, it appears as if the bulk of the crisis is over, however Cape Town is not out of the woods just yet. If you do plan to visit, please be aware and conscious of how much of this precious resource you use.
Electricity
Here is some info on the electricity supply in Cape Town:
- Electricity is supplied at 220/230 volts AC50Hz
- 3 and 2 prong plugs are used, rated at 15 amp and 5 amp respectively
- Visitors using their own appliances are advised to bring a transformer or adaptor.
Currency
The Rand is the currency of South Africa. There are foreign exchange outlets available at Cape Town International Airport and major shopping centres and Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted at nearly all shops and restaurants. You may need to check if the merchant accepts Amex and Diners Club.
Travelling and Distance
Travelling
Cape Town, compared to other major cities, is not big (although it's growing fast!). However, what makes Cape Town so beautiful, the sea and the mountain, also constraints its road network. What this means is that there are very few straight roads in Cape Town, often having to weave around mountain buttresses, sea coves and the like. This often leads to traffic congestion especially on weekday mornings and afternoons.
We suggest planning your trips outside of peak hour times.
Distances
To give you an idea of the distance from Cape Town to various attractions, see our handy guide below:
|
Destination
|
Distance from Cape Town
|
Approx. Travel time
|
|
Cape Point
|
64 km / 40 mi
|
1h15min
|
|
Camps Bay Beach
|
6,4 km / 4mi
|
15 mins
|
|
Kalk Bay
|
30 km / 18 mi
|
30 mins
|
|
Hout Bay
|
20km / 12mi
|
25 mins
|
|
Kommetjie
|
41 km / 25 mi
|
40 mins
|
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