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e Trip Tips and Travel Advice > eTripTips Wiki > Cape Town

Cape Town

From eTripTips Wiki

Cape Town and Table Mountain viewed from Bloubergstrand across Table Bay.
Cape Town and Table Mountain viewed from Bloubergstrand across Table Bay.

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Cape Town [1] is the second largest city in South Africa and is the capital of the Western Cape Province, as well as being the legislative capital of South Africa (the Houses of Parliament are here). It is located in the south-west corner of the country near the Cape of Good Hope, and is the most southern city in Africa. It is a stone's throw from South Africa's world-famous Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.

Contents

[edit] Understand

Cape Town is also known as the Mother City in South Africa.

The Cape Town metropolitan area covers a large area, from Durbanville and Somerset West in the east to Cape Point in the south and Atlantis in the north. The city center itself is located in a relatively small area between Table Mountain (Table Mountain Webcam) and Table Bay.

[edit] History

Heart Transplant

The first human heart transplant was performed on the 3rd December 1967 by Dr. Christiaan Barnard at the Groote Schuur hospital in Cape Town

For thousands of years Cape Town was inhabited by the Khoi. Cape Town's European history began in 1652, when Jan van Riebeeck established a trading post there on behalf of the VOC (Dutch East Indies Company). The first European settlers were mainly Dutch and German, with some French Huguenots that had to flee from their home country. The first settlers soon explored the inland and founded the cities of Stellenbosch and Paarl in today's Cape Winelands. The Voortrekkers (Pioneers of European descent) started from here to explore and settle the rest of South Africa's inland.

Today Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa. It is a world-class cosmopolitan city with numerous sites of historical significance, and a lively nightlife, as well as a big gay community.

[edit] Climate

Climate Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High(°C) 25 26 25 22 20 18 17 17 18 21 23 24
Low(°C) 15 15 14 12 10 9 9 8 9 11 13 14



  • The summer is long and lasts from November right through to March or April. Days are usually very hot, but the humidity is low, so it is not uncomfortable. You should stay inside or in the shade during the midday heat and use sufficient sunblock. You will fight for space on the beach around New Year's with all the local tourists but it is still a great time to visit as lots is happening.
  • The winter months of June and July are a bit rainy, which does not mean rain every day. Often you will have one or two days of rain and a week of total sunshine, but it can rain for two weeks straight on occasion. It can also get very cold at night, with temperatures as low as 6 or 7C (this is the temperature of the ocean so it will not get colder unless you go far inland) but 10-12C normal. It will become warmer during the day, with temperatures between 14-20C typical. Sunrises and sunsets are best in the winter, as is the seafood!
  • Best times to visit are:
    • October and November: The weather is getting good. Spring is in the air, but it is not as hot as mid-Summer yet. These months can be windy months. The South-Easter is known as the Cape Doctor as it blows away a great deal of pollution!
    • December to March: These are the prime summer months, of long hot days. The sun sets late in the evening (it stays light up until about 8:30PM in December) and there is generally a lot going on. February is the most reliable month for weather, with week after week of hot days and very little wind.
    • April and May: This can change from year to year, but generally speaking although it starts raining, it is still warm. There are much fewer visitors around, and you can get excellent deals on accommodation, food and most tourism services.

[edit] Fire

During the dry summer months (even more so when there is strong wind) fire poses a serious threat to the flora and fauna of the region, especially the National Parks. The fynbos in particular can become very dry and burn easily. Over the last couple of years a number of fires have almost devastated the slopes of Table Mountain. Please take care not to be the cause of any runaway fire and report any fires that you might see to Table Mountain National Park Fire Management on +27 (0)21 689-7438 or +27 (0)21 957-4700 outside office hours.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

International Terminal of CPT.
International Terminal of CPT.

Cape Town International Airport is the second largest airport in South Africa (the largest being the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg). There are several flights daily to Johannesburg, Durban and all other major South African cities, as well as the Namibian cities of Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and other destinations, including Gaborone, Maun and Nairobi. The most used airlines for international flights from Europe, the US and Asia include South African Airways, Lufthansa [2], British Airways [3], Singapore Airlines [4] and Malaysian [5].

Further international flights arrive from Buenos Aires, Doha, Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, London, Atlanta and Singapore. In the summer (October-March) several charter airlines operate direct flights from all over Europe to Cape Town. Spare seats are sold with substantial discounts but during Christmas time and New Year prices rises significantly.

Major local airlines include South African Airways [6], Nationwide [7], British Airways (Comair) [8] and low-cost airlines Kulula.com [9] and 1Time [10].

See also Discount airlines in Africa and Air travel in South Africa for further information.

[edit] By train

The Muizenberg to Simon's Town Metrorail tracks run right along the ocean. Great views.
The Muizenberg to Simon's Town Metrorail tracks run right along the ocean. Great views.


Cape Town's main train station is located in the city centre, on the corner of Adderley Street and Strand Street. Please take care of your belongings!

A daily train departs for Kimberley (16.5 hours) and Johannesburg (25 hours). From Johannesburg there are onward connections north to Pretoria, Polokwane and Musina (near the border with Zimbabwe), and east to Nelspruit (near the Kruger National Park).

Weekly trains leave every Monday for Durban (36.5 hours) via Kimberley (18 hours), Bloemfontein (21 hours) and Pietermaritzburg (34 hours).

Weekly trains leave every Sunday for East London (28 hours).

MetroRail [11] commuter trains are a great way to get between Cape Town and neighbouring towns such as Stellenbosch, Simon's Town, Strand, Paarl and through the Southern Suburbs (Claremont, Wynberg, Retreat) or to the beaches at Fish Hoek, Muizenberg, Glencairn and Simon's Town. MetroRail trains are generally safe, but be careful when travelling at night. At night use the most crowded first class (MetroPlus) car and don't stay alone.

The train line from Cape Town to Simon's Town is fabulous ; from Muizenberg south to Simon's Town it runs right next to the sea. You can often see whales, and if it's windy you may have sea spray hitting the train windows. For the best views make sure you sit on the east side of the train (the left side as you face away from Cape Town and towards Simon's Town). This route also boasts a moving restaurant coach (called Biggsy's [12]) that does the return trip from Cape Town to Simon's Town between 2 and 4 times a day (every day except Monday). Note that Biggsy's restaurant car was temporarily withdrawn from service on 31 July 2007 for renovations.

Trains to Stellenbosch run every two hours (more or less), but this journey might take a while. Ask at the ticket counter if there is an earlier train you could use, as there are also trains to Stellenbosch starting in Bellville and Eerste River.

[edit] By car

Be aware of pedestrians on highways and National Roads, too!
Be aware of pedestrians on highways and National Roads, too!

The vast majority of roads in and around Cape Town are in a very good condition, making travelling by car an easy issue. However, please be aware of hijackers at night or at traffic lights. The danger is not as high as often emphasized by the media, but a good portion of precaution should be taken. Please ask your hotel staff or anyone familiar with the area about where it is safe and where it is not safe.

Several major highways start in Cape Town:

Hiring a car in South Africa is not as expensive as in Europe or many other countries. Petrol is also cheap compared to Europe, but might be a bit more expensive than in the US.

[edit] By bus

All major bus companies have Intercity connections from Cape Town, taking you to all bigger cities in South Africa and to Windhoek in Namibia. There might be up to 6 buses a day to certain cities.

The starting point is next to the train station at the corner of Adderley and Strand Street, near the Golden Acre building. Please ask at the nearby tourist information or in your hotel for connections and where your bus is going to leave, as finding your bus can become difficult.

Over and above, there are a few bus services available while traveling from eastern africa, notebly Tanzania and Kenya. The general route followed is Nairboi (Kenya), Dar-es-salaam (Tanzania), Lusaka (Zambia)and Harare(Zimbabwe)in order top reach Jo' Berg. The journey from Nairobi takes about two to three days.

Bus tickets can also be obtained from Computicket.

Cape Town is also on the Baz Bus route.

[edit] By boat

Most of the larger cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises offer Cape Town as one of their destinations, but you can also try something different

  • RMS St Helena, Website: http://www.rms-st-helena.com/. This passenger/cargo ship is the last working Royal Mail Ship and stops at [[Cape Town]] on its way to [[Saint Helena (island)|St Helena]].

[edit] Get around

Map of Cape Town
Map of Cape Town

[edit] By foot

Public transport in Cape Town (and South Africa in general) is not very good. Unless you are staying within walking distance of the beach in Camps Bay (or some other area where everything you want is close by) then you will find it very frustrating not to have your own transport.

[edit] By car

Please note that you can't pay for Petrol or Diesel with a credit card, only with cash or a South African bank issued 'Garage' card.

[edit] By metered taxi

Metered taxis are controlled by the city council and can be considered safe and reliable. The price per kilometer is around R8-R10 and can often be read at the taxis side door. You can also set a fixed price with the driver, especially when going to a far away destination.

Please note that there is only one official taxi company at the airport. But you might as well ask your hotel to pick you up, as pick up service are provided by nearly all hotels, guesthouses and so on.

[edit] By minibus taxi

Minibus taxis are used widely by locals but tourists are usually discouraged from using them. They cover most of the Cape Town Metropolitan Area and are very cheap, however they can get very crowded and are definitely less safe than metered taxis due to their dangerous driver behavior.

Some minibus taxi operators have seen the value in the tourist market and are starting to provide safe and legal alternatives to the traditional minibus taxis. They are more expensive than the traditional minibus taxis, but still far cheaper than metered taxis. No guarantee you'll get to your destination directly, but it is safe, fun, and all the drivers are characters. Meet supermodels going to their photoshoots or artists going to their studios. During busy times of day (or year) you may have to wait a while and there is no booking ahead!

[edit] By bus

There is a network of public buses (Golden Arrow buses) that offer cheap connections for example from the city centre to the Waterfront. They run mostly during the day. It is better to ask the driver where the bus is going, to make sure you wont end up somewhere else.

[edit] By scooter or cycle

You can also hire a scooter or a small motorbike. A number of places in the city offer this service and it is a great way to be mobile and save over hiring a car.

  • LDV Biking, : 13D Kloof Nek Road, : +27 (0)83 528-0897, : mail@ldvbiking.co.za, Website: http://www.ldvbiking.co.za. The recommended place to rent a scooter or motorbike. From about R100 to R170 per day depending on how many days you are renting for and the time of year

Unless you love the pain of cycling up and down mountains while dodging city traffic on narrow streets, cycling for transportation is not recommended. However, cycling in the area is very popular.

[edit] By motorbike

[edit] By train

There is a system of public train transport, although it is mainly used by locals. Operator Metrorail [13] has done a lot to increase safety and comfort on board the trains, but they still do not live up to European standards. So make sure to buy a first-class ticket. Cape Town station is situated in the city centre on the corner of Adderley Street and Strand Street and there is a reasonable suburban network of lines with more than 80 stations. A nice scenic ride can be done south to Simon's Town, all along the east coast of the Cape Peninsula. Stick to the Simon's Town line and make sure you are not on the train after 18h30 or when it is dark.

Make sure you do not carry anything expensive on the train as this is an invitation to thieves. If you must carry a camera, make sure it is well out of sight (preferably a small wallet sized camera). Ear rings, necklaces and any form of visible jewellery are not recommended as these can be ripped (rather painfully) from one's person by an enterprising thief. Keep your wits about you and the journey will be pleasant.

[edit] See

Seals at the Waterfront.
Seals at the Waterfront.
Cape Town City Hall near the Castle is an example of Victorian architecture.
Cape Town City Hall near the Castle is an example of Victorian architecture.
Rhodes Memorial
Rhodes Memorial
  • Bo-Kaap. . This neighborhood, located on a hill south-west of downtown is the area historically inhabited by mainly Muslim descendants of slaves from South-East Asia (hence an older term for the area - 'Malay Quarter'. It's a common location for film shoots, as there are some very colourful buildings, quaint streets, mosques. views over Cape Town and some great food sold on the side of the street. It's well worth wandering around for an hour or so, as well as visiting the Bo-Kaap Museum (a view of a prosperous Muslim family from the 19th Century).
  • The Castle of Good Hope, : Buitenkant Street, : +27 (0)21 464-1260, Website: http://www.iziko.org.za/castle/. Popularly called 'The Castle' by locals, it has extensive displays of historical military paraphernalia, a history of the castle, an art collection and the William Fehr Collection (including old Cape Dutch furniture). You can eat inside the Castle at the restaurant or café, as well as buy wine. R20 entrance free
  • Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, : Rhodes Drive, Newlands, : +27 (0)21 799-8899, Website: http://www.nbi.ac.za/kirstenbosch/mainpage.htm. Open daily 8AM to 6PM (7PM September to March). View the hugely diverse and beautiful plants and flowers of the Cape flora in one of the most stunning botanical gardens in the world. Plants from all of the regions of South Africa are on display, including rare succulents from the Richtersveld, a giant baobob tree, and interesting medicinal plants. Numerous paths wander through the grounds situated on the back side of Table Mountain. Several restaurants, a gift shop and indigenous nursery are also available. At various times of the year concerts are performed in the open air amphitheater. Art is frequently on display, including large Shona stone sculptures from Zimbabwe. The gardens are also home to the National Biodiversity Institute. R27
  • Robben Island, : +27 (0)21 413-4200, Website: http://www.robben-island.org.za/. [[Robben Island]] is located just off the coast from Cape Town, this was the location used during the apartheid days to hold political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela and the late Walter Sisulu. Some of the tour guides were themselves political prisoners so they have plenty of insight about what went on there. Tours run several times per days, seven days a week from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. R150
  • Rhodes Memorial, : +27 21 689 9151, : roy@rhodesmemorial.co.za, Website: http://www.rhodesmemorial.co.za/memorial.html. Build in recognition of the contributions of Cecil John Rhodes to the Southern African region.
  • South African Parliament, Website: http://www.parliament.gov.za/. Cape Town is the legislative seat of South Africa (the Presidential seat is in [[Pretoria]] and the Supreme Court is at [[Bloemfontein]]). A tour of this compound will acquaint you with South Africa's recent history and its political system. The tour includes visits to the National Assembly, the National Council of Provinces and the old apartheid-era assembly which is now only used for caucus and committee meetings. Tours are offered a few times per day in various languages. Free entrance and tours
  • Two Oceans Aquarium, : V&A Waterfront, : +27 (0)21 418-3823, : aquarium@aquarium.co.za, Website: http://www.aquarium.co.za/. Open 9:30AM to 6PM. An excellent modern aquarium. R70 entrance fee
  • Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, : +27 (0)21 408-7600, Website: http://www.waterfront.co.za/. A huge shopping and entertainment area at the slopes of Table Mountain, next to the harbour. It is very popular with tourists, because of the high density of shops, restaurants and amusement possibilities, like the [http://www.aquarium.co.za/ Aquarium] or the Marine Museum. Harbour tours and trips to Robben Island start from here, as well as helicopter flights to the Cape Peninsula. The V&A Waterfront has more or less full wheelchair access.

[edit] Museums and Galleries

  • Bo-Kaap Museum, : 71 Wale Street, Bo-Kaap, : +27 (0)21 481-3939, : info@iziko.org.za, Website: http://www.iziko.org.za/bokaap/. Open 9:30AM to 4:30PM Monday to Saturday R5 entrance fee
  • District Six Museum, : 25A Buitenkant Str, : +27 (0)21 461-8745, : info@districtsix.co.za, Website: http://www.d6.co.za/. District Six is an area near downtown Cape Town which remained multiracial well into the 1960s against all attempts by the government to declare it a "white only" area. Eventually the residents were all evicted and the buildings were bulldozed. The area remains uninhabited. The museum provides information about the area, the eviction, the Group Areas Act, and the people who used to live there. The director of the museum is a former resident. There is a small bookstore with an excellent selection of books on South Africa's history, District Six and apartheid. Admission is free
  • Groot Constantia, : Groot Constantia Estate, Constantia, : +27 (0)21 795-5140, : info@iziko.org.za, Website: http://www.iziko.org.za/grootcon. Open daily 10AM to 5PM. One of the oldest wine estates in [[South Africa]] R8 entrance fee
  • Slave Lodge, : cnr Adderley and Wale Streets, : +27 (0)21 460-8240, : info@iziko.org.za, Website: http://www.iziko.org.za/slavelodge. open 8:30AM to 4:30PM Monday to Friday and 9AM to 1PM on Sunday. One of the oldest building in Cape Town R7 entrance fee
  • South African Jewish Museum, : 88 Hatfield Street, : +27 (0)21 464-1267, : info@sajewishmuseum.co.za, Website: http://www.sajewishmuseum.co.za/. Open Sunday-Thursday 10AM to 5PM and Friday 10AM to 2PM. Closed Saturday. The Museum is interactive and hi-tech, using different media to present highlights of South African history, and examining the Jewish community's[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews_in_South_Africa] story of individual and organisational roles and contributions. R35 adults, R15 students
  • South African Maritime Museum, : Union Castle Building, V&A Waterfront, : +27 21 465 1546, : jboshoff@iziko.org.za, Website: http://www.iziko.org.za/maritime/
  • South African National Gallery, : Government Avenue, Gardens, : +27 (0)21 467-4660, : info@iziko.org.za, Website: http://www.iziko.org.za/sang. 10AM to 5PM Tuesday to Sunday. Located in the Gardens area of Cape Town off Government Ave (about a 20 minute walk from downtown). Contains extensive displays of South African art, as well as information on the history of censorship of art during apartheid R10 entrance fee

[edit] Performing arts

[edit] Do

V&A Waterfront
V&A Waterfront
Table Mountain cable car
Table Mountain cable car
St James, between Muizenberg and Simon's Town is famous for these dressing rooms.
St James, between Muizenberg and Simon's Town is famous for these dressing rooms.
Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay
West coast of the Cape Peninsula.
West coast of the Cape Peninsula.

Almost everything is possible in Cape Town, from a nice guided city tour through a adrenaline kick in old fighter jets. The easiest way to get an overview on things to do, nice restaurants, clubs, tours etc is to walk in the visitors centres which are in almost every area (V&A Waterfront, City Bowl, Greenpoint etc).

  • Cable Car to the the top of Table Mountain, : Lower Cable Station, Tafelberg Road, : +27 (0)21 424 8181, Website: http://www.tablemountain.net. Open 8AM to 10PM, last car down is at 9PM. Both the cable car and the pathways on top of the mountain are wheelchair accessible. Always take something warm to wear when going up the mountain, even if it is a nice toasty 30C at the bottom of the mountain. Weather conditions at the top of the mountain are not the same as at the bottom. If you're feeling fit, try climbing the shortest route to the top [[Platteklip George]]. It's a steep 2 hours but well worth the effort and you can jump in the cable car back down to spare your knees. Table Mountain is the home of a small animal, the 'Dassie,' whose closest relative, DNA-wise, is the elephant. Take water, sunblock, hat and jacket. The cloud comes down unannounced and the temperature could plummet. Poorly equipped hikers often have to be rescued. R150 return ticket


  • Ratanga Junction, : +27 (0)21 550-8504, : info@ratanga.co.za, Website: http://www.ratanga.co.za. Open 10AM to 5PM, but not open all year round. Usually open during summer, easter and winter holiday periods. Enjoy a day with your kids at this theme park. R25 to R100 depending on what rides you want to do
  • Swimming. Beaches on the warmer [[False Bay]] side of the peninsula are the most popular with swimmers for obvious reasons. [[St James]] has the most picturesque tidal pool on the stretch between [[Muizenberg]] and [[Kalk Bay]], while [[Clovelly]] and [[Fish Hoek]] beaches wrap around a sheltered bay with soft, white sands. Fishing boats, hobie cats and kayaks launch from here too. Bravehearts can sun-worship and swim naked in the freezing water of this isolated and breathtaking nudist beach [[Sandy Bay]] near [[Llandudno]]. Major spot for gay tourists as well. There's a 1.5km walk down from the parking lot.
  • Surfing. Cape Town is one of the best places to surf. Muizenberg is a good place for beginners to learn to surf, Gary offers reasonably priced lessons from a shop facing the beach. If you're an experienced surfer, try the reef break at Kalk Bay, Outer Kom near Kommetjie or Misty Cliffs on the coast road near Scarborough. You could head up the west coast and sample Milnerton, Table View or Big Bay, although Big Bay is often crowded with people Kite Surfing due to the windy conditions.
  • Winelands. Tour the Constantia Valley wine estates Groot Constantia, Buitenverwagting, Klein Constantia and Constantia Uitsig before checking out the Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Stellenbosch has the added attraction of being an historical university town and Franschhoek, well established as the food capital of the Cape, is home to three of the country's top ten restaurants. The views are extraordinary. Have a drink and a snack at Dieu Donne estate for an unsurpassable vista of the entire valley, or take your own picnic to the top of a little hill they have by the parking area. Most wineries charge for a tasting session, but usually refund it on a purchase.

[edit] Deep Sea Fishing

[edit] Events

In some circles Cape Town is also known as the Cape of Great Events since there are many organized events in Cape Town throughout the year. An official calendar of events is available from Cape Town Tourism

You can get tickets online at Computicket for most major events that occur in South Africa.

  • Cape Town Flower and Garden Show. This annual show (''now in it's 14th year'') will be hosted at the Lourensford Wine Estate in [[Somerset West]] between the 25<sup>th</sup> and 28<sup>th</sup> October 2007.
  • Cape Argus Cycle Tour, : +27 (0)21 685-6551, : info@cycletour.co.za, Website: http://www.cycletour.co.za. March every year. Total distance is 109km. Start in downtown, cycle down the eastern side of the peninsula, past [[Simon's Town]] and back up the western side of the peninsula. Entrance fee is R250 for entrants on the African continent or the equivalent of 50 Euro's every one else
  • Two Oceans Marathon, : +27 (0)21 671-9407, : entries@twooceansmarathon.org.za, Website: http://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za. On Easter Saturday each year. An Ultra marathon (''56km''), a half marathon (''21km'') and a number of fun runs ranging from a 56m ''Nappy Dash'' to a 8km walk or run. Maximum 10 000 entrance accepted per year per race distance (fun runs excluded). There is a pricing scale for each of the runs. The Ultra Marathon, R190 for South African residents, R300 for the rest of Africa and R555 for the rest of the world. The Half Marathon, R125 of South African residents, R215 for the rest of Africa and R335 for the rest of the world. The Fun Runs are priced from R10 to R20
  • Cape Town Jazz Festival, : Cape Town International Convention Centre, : +27 (0)21 422-5651. Normally held during late March
  • Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, : Marches throughout the city ending at Green Point Stadium. Usually new years day and a couple of days later during January. Also known as the ''Kaapse Klopse'', these brightly dressed singers and dancers (''mostly from the coloured community'') spend months preparing for this annual event.
  • Mother City Queer Project, : info@mcqp.co.za, Website: http://www.mcqp.co.za/. Sometime during December each year. Biggest gay and lesbian party of the year R100 to R350. The sooner you buy a ticket the cheaper it is
  • Spiers Summer Arts Festival, : +27 (0)21 809-1111, : boxoffice@spierarts.org.za, Website: http://www.spierarts.org.za/. From October to March
  • City Harvest Festival, : +27 (0)21 422-1418, : angela@phoenixpartnership.co.za. April 20th 12pm to 10pm and 21st 9am to 6pm. To celebrate the glorious abundance of food, wine and lifestyle experiences available in Cape Town, Mandela Rhodes Place will be hosting the inaugural City Harvest Festival on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st April 2007. The City Harvest Festival is set to showcase the Cape’s finest wines, fabulous food offerings, vibrant lifestyle and amazing entertainment making it more than just another wine festival, but a harvest celebration! The season’s final harvest grapes will be delivered by horse and cart to South Africa’s only inner city winery, Signal Hill Winery for pressing. Visitors can then feast and indulge on a wide variety of the Cape’s most renowned wine estates whilst enjoying the musical talents of local vocal, jazz and live entertainment bands including Julia Mabika and The Mix. Pete Goffe-Wood of Kitchen Cowboys fame, will along with a host of other popular Cape Town-based chefs showcase their culinary talents using glorious harvest produce. The more serious connoisseur can attend talks by some of the Cape’s well known winemakers on the joys and sorrows of the winemaking process. Chocolate lovers are encouraged to visit as well, with a special chocolate feature planned for the weekend’s festivities. Host venues such as Signal Hill Winery, Café Mao, Riboville, WineSense and Sundance Café will go live with an array of gastronomic gourmet experiences and for those who simply want to enjoy the good things in life, lifestyle retail offerings will also be available.

[edit] Hiking

There are many hiking trails in and around the city, from short walks to multi day hikes.

  • The Cape of Good Hope Trail, : Cape Town, : +27 (0)21 780-9204, : reservations@sanparks.org, Website: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/overnight_hikes.php#goodhopetrail. Cape of Good Hope in the [[Table Mountain National Park]], 34km, 2 Days. R88
  • Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail, : Cape Town, : +27 (0)21 465-8515, : reservations@sanparks.org, Website: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/ht/. 3 Day, non-strenuous, luxury trail through the city, botanical gardens and [[Table Mountain National Park]] R635 per day
  • The Orangekloof Hiking Trail, : Cape Town, : +27 (0)21 465-8515, : reservations@sanparks.org, Website: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/ht/. 6 Days, Cape Point to Table Mountain. R420
  • Table Mountain (Starting point is 1.5km past the Lower Cable Station on Tafelberg Road). Always open, but you might want to start early enough to catch the last cable car down. 3km (''all uphill''), 1 to 3 hours, Platteklip Gorge to the Upper Cable Station. No fees are charged
  • Chapman's Peak. 2-3 hours, non-strenuous with breathtaking views of Hout Bay and Noordhoek and rich flora, especially proteas. The trail begins on the Hout Bay side of the peak about 750m from the main view-point on scenic Chapman's Peak Drive. Park by the trail head and follow the path out of the picnic area. It soon forks but both routes take you to the same place. Turn right at the next junction, from where the path is clear. Return same route. No permit required.
  • The Amphitheatre in the Kalk Bay mountains. 3 hours. Start at the sign on scenic Boyes Drive and climb up towards the rocks above which are peppered with scores of caves, many of which are not recommended for novice cavers so be careful. Take a torch. Follow the right forks in the trail and you'll be rewarded with increasingly spectacular views of False Bay. Head straight up through Echo Valley and through an ancient milkwood grove. Come back the same way if you don't have detailed directions. No permit required.
  • Cape Town has a very good network of trails to suit every level of fitness. Many of these trace the contours of the mountain and wander through the protea bushes and fynbos, often with breathtaking views. Many require no permit, although most of Cape Town's reserves have entrance fees. Hiking in a group is strongly recommended. The outdoor store Cape Union Mart has a hiking club with organised group hikes most weekends. Pick up a programme at one of their stores. You must phone the hike-leader first and pay R10.
  • For guided walks up the mountain with a botanical guide, contact Paradise Touring on 021-7131020 or e-mail info@paratour.co.za. Cape Eco-Tours is a good one for twitchers to use and is a member of Bird Life South Africa 082-4604847 or email info@cape-ecotours.co.za.

[edit] In the air

[edit] Kayaking

  • Cape Whitewater Club, Website: http://www.cwwc.co.za/. Arranges kayaking outings on the rivers in and around [[Cape Town]].
  • Gravity Adventure Group, : +27 (0)21 683-3698, : adventure@gravity.co.za, Website: http://www.gravity.co.za. Provides training (''African Paddling Association approved'') as well sea kayaking in the [[West Coast National Park]].

[edit] Diving

The sharks at the Two Oceans Aquarium are being fed every day so it is relatively safe to dive with them.
The sharks at the Two Oceans Aquarium are being fed every day so it is relatively safe to dive with them.

Cape town is located near two oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. Because of the Benguela Current the Atlantic Ocean is very cold (about 10°C), you can see cold water corals and kelp, occupied by seals. The Indian Ocean is warmer, here you can see the more colorful fish.

Dive shops:


A number of operators offer open ocean cage diving to get up close and personal to the great white in their own environment without ending up shark food

If the open ocean does not appeal to you, the Two Oceans Aquarium also offer diving opportunities in their 2.2 million liter tank.

  • Diving at Two Oceans Aquarium, : +27 (0)21 418-3823, : info@aquarium.co.za, Website: http://www.aquarium.co.za. 9AM, 11AM and 1PM daily. You need to be in possession of a valid diving license (PADI, CMAS, BASC et al). Swim along with the five ragged tooth sharks, several yellow tails, bull rays and a lonely turtle. The dive master Iain, a barrel shaped bearded little man with a distinct Scottish accent, is both nice and knowledgeable and accompanies you into the aquarium ready to fend off the sharks with his broomstick should they become cuddly. Dive time is around 30 minutes. R400 (R325 if you bring your own diving gear), this includes the R70 aquarium entrance fee

[edit] Sunset cruises

[edit] Townships tours

The townships are the places where people were forced to live (based on race) under the apartheid regime. To some extent townships continue to retain their apartheid-era racial makeup, for a variety of reasons. Townships have also grown to cover far larger areas of land than in the apartheid days. This is a result of urbanization, especially over the past 10-15 years. Touring a township may seem strange, even inappropriate, but it is a good way to learn about South Africa's history, and the poverty that many people continue to live in. People in the townships are friendly and the children love visitors. Some townships however can be dangerous (see the warning on the South Africa page) so don't go alone unless you know what you're doing. The townships tours are safe. If you want to bring sweets or gifts for the children, it is best not to give it directly to them, but to give it to the tour guide who will distribute them later.

Tours can be booked directly or through one of Cape Town's many booking agencies. Tours run once or twice per day. Be aware that if you're given the chance to try some township food, that a walkie-talkie is often made from the feet and beaks of poultry. The very best way to see a township is by foot and to stay overnight at one of the many township B&Bs.

There are several tour companies which offer tours

  • African Experience, : 70 Loyolo Street, Kayamandi, : +27 (0)21 889-5562, : awaa@webmail.co.za
  • Andulela Tours, : +27 (0)21-790-2592, : info@andulela.com, Website: http://www.andulela.com/. Offers a variety of different tours, including jazz, soccer, poetry, and culinary tours. Their emphasis is on meeting people, not looking at them.
  • Cape Fusion Tours, : Oranjezicht Cape Town, : +27 (0)21 461-2437, : info@capefusion.co.za. Offers hands-on African cooking experiences in Langa at a local cooking school. This gives you an insight into the culture, the people and their cuisine.

[edit] Wildlife

There are a number of small nature reserves in and around Cape Town

  • Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and Nature Reserve, : +27 (0)21 550-4667. The 3000 hectare buffer zone around the power station has been converted to a nature reserve with Bontebok, Genet, Steenbok and many other antilope.
  • Table Mountain National Park, : +27 (0)21 701-8692, : tablemountain@sanparks.org, Website: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/. [[Table Mountain National Park]] forms part of the Cape Floristic Region [[UNESCO_World_Heritage_List#South_Africa|UNESCO World Heritage Site]]. The park covers a large area of the Cape and incorporates a number of park areas. Most of it is free access; the only places you need to pay are at the Cape of Good Hope, Silvermine and [[Boulders]]

[edit] Whale watching

Mostly you will see Southern right whales, but on occasion you might also spot humpback and killer whales. Bottlenose and dusky dolphins also frequent False Bay.

From viewpoints next to the coastal road between Simon's Town and Cape Point one can often spot whales less than 100m from shore.

A number of operators also offer Whale Watching Cruises

[edit] Learn

Cape Town's medical research is world-renowned, and Groote Schuur hospital is where Christiaan Barnard and Hamilton Naki performed the world's first heart transplant.

There are several language schools in the greater Cape Town area. Shop around before you make your choice. Choose a school which is part of the e.g. IALC (International Association of Language Centres) or other certificate that ensure quality.

[edit] Universities