Cape Town

Cape Town Overview

Dominated by majestic Table Mountain, and surrounded by rugged coastlines, sublime beaches and fertile valleys, Cape Town offers spectacular natural landscapes, which are easily explored in the mild Mediterranean climate. As the oldest city in South Africa, it also has an intriguing history that is reflected in the Cape’s unique cuisine, culture, people and architecture. The global influence too is evident in its top-class restaurants, luxury hotels and glitzy shopping malls.

It is this diverse mixture of attractions that make Cape Town an instantly captivating destination. There are few places in the world where you can hike through a nature reserve, watch whales frolic in the waves, taste wine at a historic vineyard, and enjoy a gourmet meal in a vibrant nightlife district; all in one day. 

Highlights & Places in Cape Town

With an unbeatable backdrop of Table Mountain with its famous tablecloth of white clouds, the grandiose colonial buildings and leafy parks of central Cape Town can be leisurely explored on foot.

Overlooking Table Bay, where the first European seafarers arrived in the 17th century, the V & A Waterfront is still a working harbour and now Cape Town’s premier shopping, eating and entertainment hotspot. From here, you can catch a ferry to Robben Island to learn about Nelson Mandela’s former prison home.

The Cape Peninsula is characterised by a mountainous spine that runs to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Highlights are the spectacular coastal scenery, pretty fishing villages, pristine beaches at Clifton and Camps Bay, the famous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and the historic Constantia vineyards where wine has been produced for more than 300 years.

Best Time to Visit Cape Town

Cape Town Weather

Cape Town weather is moderate and pleasant. Similar to many Mediterranean cities, San Diego and Sydney. Cape Town average temperatures range from 17°C to 27°C. Minimum temperatures range from 7°C to 16°C.

Winters (May-Sept) experience the majority of rainfall. Summers (Nov-Mar) can experience strong South Easterly winds (also known as the ‘Cape Doctor’) especially in December and January.

When to Go

The best time to visit Cape Town is during the warm and dry summer months from November to March, when sunny days are ideal for outdoor exploration.

Autumn is also typically warm, with little rainfall, while the colder winter months that run from June to August can be chilly and wet.

Spring, especially during September and October, brings a carpet of wildflowers across the countryside, along with whales that can be seen along the coastline.

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Cape Town

Cape Town International Airport is 22 kilometres east of the city centre. There are airport shuttle services, taxis and a public bus. All accommodation establishments can arrange transport.

South African Airways (SAA) and some major European airlines fly directly to Cape Town; others fly via Johannesburg which is a two-hour connection from Cape Town. From the USA, SAA has a direct flight, or travellers can connect to Cape Town via Europe or the Middle East. There are regional flights from Cape Town to other southern African cities.

Getting Around Cape Town

There are a number of ways to get around Cape Town. The city has recently introduced a rapid transit bus, which has routes all over the city. Mini-bus taxis are and private taxis are also options, as is self-drive.

Scooters are very prolific in Cape Town, with many scooter or bike hire outlets in the city. Cycling is also popular, but the roads can be busy so it is best to be careful. 

Cape Town Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
ATMs can be found across the city. Major banks include Absa, FNB and Standard Bank.

Forex / Money:
Foreign exchange facilities are available at shopping malls, the airport, hotels and banks.

Credit / Debit cards:
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most large hotels, restaurants, stores and other outlets.

Internet availability:
The airport and almost all accommodation offers WiFi. Internet cafes can be found in the shopping malls and tourist hubs.

Drinking water:
Water is safe to drink in most cities and towns, straight out of the tap.

Hospitals & Medical:
Cape Town has excellent private hospitals, doctors and pharmacies, along with many alternative health stores and practitioners. There are no major health risks to be found in Cape Town.

Cape Town Map