Cape Town is South Africa’s 2nd largest city, known as the “Mother City” by its locals. It is also South Africa’s legislative capital and the largest city in the Western Province.
Cape Town is a favourite among tourists and home to the world-famous landmark, Table Mountain. In 2014 it was voted the best place in the world to visit by The New York Times.
Weather in Cape Town
Many tourists visit Cape Town during its summer months, which are between October and March. The weather in Cape Town is ideal for outdoor activities, with mild temperatures and clear skies, and very little rain during the summer months.
The weather during the winter months is characterised by cold temperatures, strong wind and rain. This is not to say that Cape Town is not beautiful during the winter months. The winter season of 2020 saw various mountain ranges covered in snow, and even Table Mountain’s top was covered in a white blanket of snow. A rare sighting indeed.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is Cape Town’s most popular attraction. In 2011 it was voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature by over 1 million voters. Its most distinctive feature is its flat table top which was formed millions of years ago during an ice age.
There is something for everyone to enjoy at Table Mountain, from guided walks to adrenaline-inducing hikes and abseiling. The cable car is a fan-favourite and every year thousands of tourists take this spectacular 5-minute ride to the top of Table Mountain.
The V&A Waterfront
Apart from Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront is a very popular destination with more than 24 million visitors per year.
Situated in Cape Town’s oldest working harbour, this popular destination has something for everyone to enjoy. From world-class restaurants, retail stores, museums to live entertainment.
It is home to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa which is home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary art from Africa.
There is also something for the kids to enjoy, from themed boat rides to holiday programmes.
Robben Island
Robben Island is a small island north of Cape Town. It is famous for being home to the maximum security prison in which former South African president and Noble Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, was held captive for 18 years.
You can take one of the 3 ferry tours that depart each day, and visit the various historical sites on the island. This includes the Robben Island Museum, Robert Sobukwe’s house, the Bluestone quarry, and of course, the maximum security prison.
Beaches in Cape Town
Cape Town has no shortage of pristine beaches. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic picnic, or if you want to brave the icy waters, there is a beach to suit your mood.
Some of the most popular beaches include Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno. Boulders Beach is also a favourite among visitors. It is home to a large colony of endangered penguins who, in their own right, have become celebrities as many visitors include this beach in their itineraries.
Muizenberg beach is Cape Town’s most family-friendly beach. It is also popular among the surfing community and a great choice if you are keen to catch a wave. If you don’t have your own surfing gear, you can rent from the various surf shops and you can also get a surfing lesson if you’ve never surfed before.
Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town’s International Airport is South Africa’s 2nd busiest airport and the main international gateway to Cape Town. It handles flights to and from various destinations in Africa, Europe, and Asia.
In 2019, 11 million visitors passed through the gates of this state-of-the-art airport which is only 20km from Cape Town’s city centre. It offers visitors various transportation options to their destinations including bus, taxi, train, and car hire.
Accommodation in Cape Town
Cape Town has no shortage of places to stay. From 5-star hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts. Due to the influx of visitors, especially during the summer months, it is essential to book your stay in advance. The sheer variety of accommodation option in Cape Town caters for every need and every type of budget.
No matter where you stay, you don’t have to travel far to experience Cape Town beauty and rich heritage.
Transportation
There are various ways to get from A to B in Cape Town. Take care though, it is generally not recommended to hail a taxi from the street. Ordering an Uber is a much safer option.
A great way to discover the sights and sounds of Cape Town is to take a Hop-On Hop-Off tour on a red City Sightseeing bus. This double-decker bus will take you on a ride on the 4 official tour routes and you can enjoy commentary in various languages.
Click here to book your ticket now.
Load shedding
South Africa is currently experiencing an electricity supply crisis. Due to this, certain areas in Cape Town may experience electricity outages when the demand for electricity is high.
Eskom, South Africa’s electricity utility, has implemented a load shedding schedule where they limit the supply of electricity to certain areas when the demand is high. It is always a good idea to check the loadshedding schedule and be prepared for when the power is out.
Luckily though, there is always something to enjoy in Cape Town that requires no electricity. Why not go for a hike, or even brave the cold waters of the Atlantic?
Safety in Cape Town
Cape Town is generally considered to be safe. That said, you always need to be cautious.
When you’re using your own transportation, always lock your car when parking it and don’t leave any valuables inside.
When enjoying the many hiking trails, try to hike in a group and avoid isolated areas. You should also refrain from wandering around urban areas during the night.
You won’t be targeted as a visitor, but try not to wear fancy clothes. Refrain from carrying large amounts of cash with you and keep your valuables close.
