Cape Town


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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.

This is a World Cup 2010 host city with games to be played at the new African Renaissance Stadium.


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 and Table Bay.

[edit] History

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

Cape Town International Airport is the second largest airport in South Africa (the largest being 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

Cape Town has a few train connections to other cities in South Africa. Cape Town's main train station is located in the city centre, at the corner of Adderley Street and Strand Street. Please take care of your belongings!

A daily train departs for Kimberley (16.5 hours), Johannesburg (25 hours) and Pretoria (27 hours).

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] 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 and Glencairn. Be careful when travelling by train, especially at night. Use the most crowded first class car and don't stay alone. Make sure to ride first class (called Metro Plus) to get at least some comfort and to enjoy the presence of safety guards.

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).

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

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.

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

  • <listing name="RMS St Helena" url="http://www.rms-st-helena.com/" phone"+44 0207 575 6480" >This passenger/cargo ship is the last working Royal Mail Ship and stops at Cape Town on it's way to St Helena.</listing>

[edit] Get around

[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

  • <listing name="Avis" phone="+27 (0)21 934-0330" address="Cape Town International Airport" url="http://www.avis.co.za" hours="Always open"></listing>
  • <listing name="Cruise Table Bay Car Hire" url="http://www.cruisetablebay.com/" phone="+27 (0)21 386-7699" address="25 Aviation Crescent, Airport City" email="info@cruisetablebay.com"></listing>
  • <listing name="Hertz" phone="+27 (0)21 935-3000" address="Cape Town International Airport" url="http://www.hertz.co.za" hours="Always open"></listing>
  • <listing name="Drive Africa" phone="+27 (0)21 447 11 44" address="370 Main Road, Observatory" url="http://www.driveafrica.co.za" email"drive@driveafrica.de"></listing>

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!

  • <listing name="Rikkis Taxis" url="http://www.rikkis.co.za" email="info@rikkis.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 418-6713" address="43 New Church Street">The safe and legal taxi service</listing>

[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.

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

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

  • <listing name="Harley Davidson Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 424-3990" email="rentals@harley-davidson-capetown.com" url="http://www.harley-davidson-capetown.com" price="From R650 per day">Explore the cape on the back of a Harley.</listing>

[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 visable jewellery are not recommended as these can be ripped (rather painfully) from ones person by an enterprising thief. Keep your wits about you and the journey will be pleasant.

[edit] See

  • <see name="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).</see>
  • <see name="The Castle of Good Hope" address="Buitenkant Street" phone="+27 (0)21 464-1260" price="R20 entrance free" url="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.</see>
  • <see name="Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens" url="http://www.nbi.ac.za/kirstenbosch/mainpage.htm" address="Rhodes Drive, Newlands" phone="+27 (0)21 799-8899" email="" price="R27" hours="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.</see>
  • <see name="Robben Island" phone="+27 (0)21 413-4200" url="http://www.robben-island.org.za/" price="R150"> 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. </see>
  • <see name="Rhodes Memorial" url="http://www.rhodesmemorial.co.za/memorial.html" email="roy@rhodesmemorial.co.za" phone="+27 21 689 9151">Build in recognition of the contributions of Cecil John Rhodes to the Southern African region.</see>
  • <see name="South African Parliament" url="http://www.parliament.gov.za/" price="Free entrance and tours">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.</see>
  • <see name="Two Oceans Aquarium" url="http://www.aquarium.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 418-3823" email="aquarium@aquarium.co.za" address="V&A Waterfront" price="R70 entrance fee" hours="Open 9:30AM to 6PM">An excellent modern aquarium.</see>
  • <see name="Victoria and Alfred Waterfront" url="http://www.waterfront.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 408-7600" >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 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.</see>

[edit] Museums and Galleries

  • <see name="Bo-Kaap Museum" url="http://www.iziko.org.za/bokaap/" address="71 Wale Street, Bo-Kaap" hours="Open 9:30AM to 4:30PM Monday to Saturday" price="R5 entrance fee" phone="+27 (0)21 481-3939" email="info@iziko.org.za"></see>
  • <see name="District Six Museum" address="25A Buitenkant Str" phone="+27 (0)21 461-8745" email="info@districtsix.co.za" url="http://www.d6.co.za/" hour="Open 9AM to 4PM Monday to Saturday" price="Admission is free">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.</see>
  • <see name="Groot Constantia" url="http://www.iziko.org.za/grootcon" email="info@iziko.org.za" phone="+27 (0)21 795-5140" address="Groot Constantia Estate, Constantia" hours="Open daily 10AM to 5PM" price="R8 entrance fee">One of the oldest wine estates in South Africa</see>
  • <see name="Slave Lodge" url="http://www.iziko.org.za/slavelodge" email="info@iziko.org.za" phone="+27 (0)21 460-8240" address="cnr Adderley and Wale Streets" hours="open 8:30AM to 4:30PM Monday to Friday and 9AM to 1PM on Sunday" price="R7 entrance fee">One of the oldest building in Cape Town</see>
  • <see name="South African Jewish Museum" url="http://www.sajewishmuseum.co.za/" email="info@sajewishmuseum.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 464-1267" address="88 Hatfield Street" hours="Open Sunday-Thursday 10AM to 5PM and Friday 10AM to 2PM. Closed Saturday" price="R35 adults, R15 students">The Museum is interactive and hi-tech, using different media to present highlights of South African history, and examining the Jewish community's[14] story of individual and organisational roles and contributions.</see>
  • <see name="South African Maritime Museum" url="http://www.iziko.org.za/maritime/" email="jboshoff@iziko.org.za" phone="+27 21 465 1546" address="Union Castle Building, V&A Waterfront"></see>
  • <see name="South African National Gallery" url="http://www.iziko.org.za/sang" email="info@iziko.org.za" phone="+27 (0)21 467-4660" address="Government Avenue, Gardens" hours="10AM to 5PM Tuesday to Sunday" price="R10 entrance fee">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</see>

[edit] Performing arts

  • <see name="Artscape Theatre" url="http://www.artscape.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 421 7695" address="D F Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town" email="artscape@artscape.co.za"></see>
  • <see name="Armchair Theatre" url="http://www.armchairtheatre.co.za/" address="135 Lower Main Road, Observatory" phone="+27 (0)21 447 1514"></see>
  • <see name="Baxter Theatre" url="http://www.baxter.co.za" address="Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch" phone="+27 (0)21 685 7880" email="linda.louw@uct.ac.za">Theatre performances, comedy, jazz and others</see>
  • <see name="Labia Screen" url="http://www.labia.co.za" address="68 Orange Street, Gardens" phone="+27 (0)21 424 5927" email="labiatheatre@labia.co.za">Has an African Screen showing African-made and African-oriented films all year round.</see>
  • <see name="On Broadway" url="https://www.onbroadway.co.za" address="88 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 424 1194" email="info@onbroadway.co.za"></see>

[edit] Do

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).

  • <do name="Cable Car to the the top of Table Mountain" url="http://www.tablemountain.net" phone="+27 (0)21 424 8181" price="R120 return ticket" hours="Open 8AM to 10PM, last car down is at 9PM" address=" Lower Cable Station, Tafelberg Road">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 is not the same as at the bottom.</do>


  • <do name="Ratanga Junction" phone="+27 (0)21 550-8504" email="info@ratanga.co.za" url="http://www.ratanga.co.za" price="R25 to R100 depending on what rides you want to do" hours="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.</do>
  • <do name="Sandy Bay">Swim nude in the freezing water of this isolated and breathtaking nudist beach. Major spot for gay tourists as well.</do>
  • 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. Go to some of the vineyards for wine-tastings and enjoy a break at the beautiful old cities.

[edit] Deep Sea Fishing

  • <do name="Ama Feesh Charters" url="http://www.amafeesh.co.za/" price="Per charter, R4500 for inshore fishing, R6500 for offshore fishing, 1 to 6 people" phone="+27 (0)21 788-9689" email="info@amafeesh.co.za"></do>
  • <do name="Cape Charters" url="http://www.capecharters.co.za/" price="" address="31 Antigua, The Water Club, Granger Bay" phone="+27 (0)21 418-0782" email="info@capecharters.co.za"></do>
  • <do name="Hooked on Africa" url="http://www.hookedonafrica.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 790-5332" address="" price="" email="sean@hookedonafrica.co.za"></do>

[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 calender of events is available from Cape Town Tourism

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

  • <do name="Cape Argus Cycle Tour" url="http://www.cycletour.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 685-6551" email="info@cycletour.co.za" price="Entrance fee is R250 for entrants on the African continent or the equivalent of 50 Euro's every one else" hours="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.</do>
  • <do name="Two Oceans Marathon" url="http://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za" phone="+27 (0)21 671-9407" email="entries@twooceansmarathon.org.za" price="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" hours="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).</do>
  • <do name="Cape Town Jazz Festival" "http://www.capetownjazzfest.com/" phone="+27 (0)21 422-5651" address="Cape Town International Convention Centre" hours="Normally held during late March"></do>
  • <do name="Cape Town Minstrel Carnival" hours="Usually new years day and a couple of days later during January" address="Marches throughout the city ending at Green Point Stadium">Also known as the Kaapse Klopse, these brightly dressed singers and dancers (mostly from the coloured community) spend months preparing for this annual event.</do>
  • <do name="Mother City Queer Project" url="http://www.mcqp.co.za/" email="info@mcqp.co.za" hours="Sometime during December each year" price="R100 to R350. The sooner you buy a ticket the cheaper it is">Biggest gay and lesbian party of the year</do>
  • <do name="Spiers Summer Arts Festival" url="http://www.spierarts.org.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 809-1111" email="boxoffice@spierarts.org.za" hours="From October to March"></do>
  • <do name="City Harvest Festival" phone="+27 (0)21 422-1418" email="angela@phoenixpartnership.co.za" hours="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."></do>

[edit] Hiking

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

  • <do name="The Cape of Good Hope Trail" address="Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 780-9204" email="reservations@sanparks.org" url="http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/overnight_hikes.php#goodhopetrail" price="R88">Cape of Good Hope in the Table Mountain National Park, 34km, 2 Days.</do>
  • <do name="Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail" address="Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 465-8515" url="http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/ht/" email="reservations@sanparks.org" price="R635 per day">3 Day, non-strenuous, luxury trail through the city, botanical gardens and Table Mountain National Park</do>
  • <do name="The Orangekloof Hiking Trail" address="Cape Town" phone="+27 (0)21 465-8515" url="http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/ht/" email="reservations@sanparks.org" price="R420">6 Days, Cape Point to Table Mountain.</do>
  • <do name="Table Mountain" directions="Starting point is 1.5km past the Lower Cable Station on Tafelberg Road" price="No fees are charged" hours="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.</do>
  • For those seeking less strenuous hiking, numerous other paths trace the contours of the mountain and wander through the protea bushes and fynbos, with breathtaking views.

[edit] In the air

  • <do name="See the cape from above with a scenic helicopter flight" url="http://www.nacmakana.com" phone="+ 27 (0)21 425-3868" email="info@nacmakana.com" address="East Pier Road, V&A Waterfront" price="From R400 per person per 15 minutes"></do>
  • <do name="Sport Helicopters" url="http://sporthelicopters.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 434-4444" address="" email="info@sport-helicopters.co.za">For scenic flights or the quick way to get to Robben Island.</do>
  • <do name="ThunderCity" address="Cape Town international Airport" phone="+27 (0)21 934-8007" email="info@thundercity.com" url="http://www.thundercity.com" price="You need very deep pockets">Go supersonic in a fighter jet.</do>
  • <do name="Skydive Cape Town" url="http://www.skydivecapetown.za.net/" address="Cape Town" email=" bookings@skydivecapetown.za.net" phone="+27 (0)82 800-6290"></do>
  • <do name="Tandem Paraglide with Para Taxi" url="http://www.para-taxi.com/" phone="+27 (0)82 966-2047" price="R850 for a tandem flight" email="info@para-taxi.com" address="16 Pebbles Crescent, Coral Grove, Royal Ascott, Milnerton"></do>

[edit] Kayaking

  • <listing name="Cape Whitewater Club" url="http://www.cwwc.co.za/">Arranges kayaking outings on the rivers in and around Cape Town.</listing>
  • <listing name="Gravity Adventure Group" url="http://www.gravity.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 683-3698" email="adventure@gravity.co.za">Provides training (African Paddling Association approved) as well sea kayaking in the West Coast National Park.</listing>

[edit] Shark diving

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

  • <do name="Shark Watch South Africa" phone="+27 (0)28 384-1005" email="dive@sharkwatchsouthafrica.com" price="R1100" address="The Great White House, Perlemoen Str, Kleinbaai">Cage diving off Dyer Island.</do>
  • <do name="White Shark EcoVentures" url="http://www.white-shark-diving.com/" price="From R1375" phone="+27 (0)21 532-0470" address="V&A Waterfront" email="sharkdive@iafrica.com"></do>

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

  • <do name="Diving at Two Oceans Aquarium" url="http://www.aquarium.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 418-3823" email="info@aquarium.co.za" price="R400 (R325 if you bring your own diving gear), this includes the R70 aquarium entrance fee" hours="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.</do>

[edit] Sunset cruises

  • <do name="Waterfront Boat Company" url="http://www.waterfrontboats.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 418-5806" address="Quay 4, V&A Waterfront" email=" glynis@waterfrontboats.co.za" price="R90 to R190">Take a relaxing sunset cruise on the Condor to Greenpoint and back or do the champagne cruise. One to one and a half hours.</do>
  • <do name="Tigger 2 Charters" url="http://www.tiggertoo.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 790-5256" email="tigger@netactive.co.za" price="From R180 to R720 per person depending on cruise"></do>

[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

  • <do name="Sam's Cultural Tours" phone="+27 (0)21 694-6370" address="45 Mshumpela Way, Langa" email="ntimba@telkomsa.net"></do>
  • <do name="African Experience" phone="+27 (0)21 889-5562" address="70 Loyolo Street, Kayamandi" email="awaa@webmail.co.za"></do>
  • <do name="Langa Heritage Walk" phone="+27 (0)21 695-0093" address="Lenotholi Avenue, Langa" email="khanyisok@yahoo.com"></do>
  • <do name="Sipunzi's Black Cultural Township Tours" phone="+27 (0)82 769-7072" address="1818 Makhaza Khayelitsha" email="khayelitsha@tourismcapetown.co.za"></do>

[edit] Wildlife

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

[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

  • <do name="Waterfront Boat Company" url="http://www.waterfrontboats.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 418-5806" address="Shop 5 Quay, V&A Waterfront" email=" glynis@waterfrontboats.co.za" price="R350">3 to 4 hour cruise in the bay and you are almost guaranteed to spot whales.</do>
  • <do name="Dyer Island Cruises" url="http://www.dyer-island-cruises.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)28 384-0406" address="Gansbaai" price="R450 to R720" email="info@adventureticket.co.za"></do>

[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

  • <listing name="University of Cape Town" url="http://www.uct.ac.za" phone="+27 (0)21 650-2128" fax="+27 (0)21 650-5189" email="admissions@bremner.uct.ac.za" address="Rhodes Drive, Rondebosch"></listing>
  • <listing name="University of the Western Cape" url="http://www.uwc.ac.za" phone="+27 (0)21 959-3900" address="Modderdam Road, Bellville"></listing>
  • <listing name="Cape Peninsula University Technikon" url="http://www.cput.ac.za" phone="+ 27 (0)21 959-6121" email="info@cput.ac.za" address="Keizergracht Road, Cape Town"></listing>

and others nearby

  • <listing name="Stellenbosch University (Maties)" url="http://www.sun.ac.za" phone="+27 (0)21 808-4514" fax="+27 (0)21 808-3822" email="beo1@sun.ac.za" address="Stellenbosch"></listing>

[edit] Learn to sail

Cape Town is an excellent place to learn to sail, with courses completed here recognised internationally and costs far lower than what you can expect to pay in more developed countries.

  • <listing name="Good Hope Sailing Academy" "http://www.goodhopesailingacademy.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 424-4665" email="ghsa@iafrica.com" price="From R2650 for a 5 day Competent crew course, R3350 for a 5 day Day skipper course"Based at Royal Cape Yacht Club and Saldanha Bay>SAS and RYA accredited courses</listing>
  • <listing name="Yachtmaster Sailing School" url="http://www.yachtmaster.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 788-1009" email="skipper@yachtmaster.co.za" address="Based at Royal Cape Yacht Club, Langebaan and Saldanha Bay">RYA accredited</listing>

[edit] Buy

The V&A Waterfront is the prime tourist destination for souvenirs, though these tend to be typically touristy (i.e. expensive and not necessarily authentic). More authentic curios for better prices can be found every Sunday at the Green Point market outside the Green Point Stadium on Sundays, in walking distance from the V & A Waterfront. Many of these same curios can be purchased during the week in the several multi-story shops at the lower end of Long Street. For the real deal with authentic artifacts complete with provenance and ethnographic background, go to Church Street where there are a couple of shops but be prepared for sticker shock. When buying African Curio, the price at open markets are almost always very negotiable and seldom does the item have a price sticker attached. People with foreign accents are often quoted twice to three times the price they sell to locals, so do negotiate.

[edit] Wine

If you like South African wine, buy it here (or anywhere in South Africa) before you leave, because it is much cheaper and there is more availability than overseas. Top guide to wines is the John Platter's Guide, with a few others around too, and with thousands of wines available from the region, you will need a guide (see below for shops that have knowledgeable staff). Read Wine magazine (or the iconoclastic Grape) for the latest information.

  • <buy name="Vaughan Johnson's Wine Shop" url="http://www.vaughanjohnson.com/" address="Dock Road, V&A Waterfront" phone="+27 (0)21 419-2121" email="vjohnson@mweb.co.za">Quality selection but not exhaustive. Knowledgeable staff. Generally substantial (10-20%) markup over winery prices but of course more convenient.</buy>
  • <buy name="Caroline's Fine Wines" address="V&A Waterfront and 15 Long Street in the City Centre" phone="+27 (0)21 419-8984">Better selection and more knowledgeable staff. City Centre location recommended, but both are excellent. Foam inserts and boxes for international shipping or for checking with your luggage (safe!). Not cheap either, compared to supermarkets and wineries.</buy>
  • <buy name="Wine Concepts" url="http://www.wineconcepts.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 671-9030" address="Cardiff Castle Building, cnr Main Street & Kildare Road, Newlands (Southern Suburbs)" email="sales@wineconcepts.co.za">Another great wine shop, certainly the best outside the City Bowl. A franchised location is on Kloof Street in the Lifestyle Centre.</buy>
  • <buy name="Ultra" url="http://www.ultraliquors.co.za/">A large South African liquor chain. Several locations around the city, the one in Green Point is the most accessible to tourists. A warehouse bottle store but with a remarkable wine selection across all price ranges. Case discount (even on mixed cases). Good if you want to stock up for a road trip. Stash a bottle of Amarula Cream in your backpack while you're at it. Great prices -- in fact, often cheaper than at the wine farms themselves.</buy>

[edit] Arts and Crafts

Distinctively Capetonian in character -- are everywhere, from chickens made of plastic bags to bead and wire work to pottery, glass and embroidery. If you don't buy a chicken from a Rastafarian at a street corner (the authentic experience -- about 30 rand depending on the size), then try Heartworks (Kloof Street or in Gardens Centre mall) or the Red Shed at the V & A Waterfront. There is also a high-end craft boutique in the Cape Quarter in De Waterkant.

Contemporary South African art has been riding a big wave in the international art world. It is on par with the best in the world and undervalued (unless you buy a William Kentridge). If you like real art as opposed to curios, crafts or posters, and you have the budget for it, there are several serious galleries in town. Try Michael Stevenson Gallery first, then Joao Ferreira Gallery, AVA Gallery or Bell-Roberts Gallery, and there are several others worth seeing. Art South Africa is the art magazine to read if you want to know about the artists, and the adverts list the shows and the galleries.

[edit] Shopping Malls

As in any large city you will find a number of major shopping malls:

  • <buy name="Bayside Centre" url="http://www.baysidecentre.com/" address="cnr Blaauwberg Road and Otto Du Plessis Drive, Tableview" phone="+27 (0)21 557-4350" email="info@baysidecentre.com" hours="Shops are open 9AM to 7PM Monday to Friday, 10AM to 5PM on Saturday and 10AM to 2PM on Sunday"></buy>
  • <buy name="Canal Walk" url="http://www.canalwalk.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 555-3600" address="Century Boulevard, Century City" email="visitorinfo@canalwalk.co.za" hours="Open 10AM to 9PM Monday to Friday, 9AM to 9PM on Saturday and 10AM to 9PM on Sunday></buy>
  • <buy name="Cavendish Square" url="http://www.cavendish.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 657-5620" address="Vineyard Road, Claremont" email="information@cavendish.co.za" hours="Shops are open 9AM to 7PM Monday to Saturday and 10AM to 5PM on Sunday"></buy>
  • <buy name="Constantia Village" url="http://www.constantiavillage.com/" phone="+27 (0)21 794-5065" email="info@constantiavillage.com" address="cnr Constantia Main and Spaanschemacht, Constantia"></buy>
  • <buy name="Tyger Valley" url="http://www.tygervalley.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 914-1822" address="Cnr. Bill Bezuidenhout and Willie van Schoor Avenues, Bellville" hours="shops are open 9AM to 7PM Monday to Saturday and 9AM to 5PM on Sunday"></buy>
  • <buy name="Victoria & Alfred Watefront" url="http://www.waterfront.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)21 408-7600" hours="Shops are open 10AM to 9PM daily></buy>

[edit] Eat

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget Under R60
Mid-range R60 to R120
Splurge Over R120

Food in Cape Town is generally of high quality. The wines are much celebrated, but the surrounding region is also a major fruit producer, and the Karoo lamb is widely regarded. Seafood caught locally is superlative, but ironically much of it goes internationally (e.g., tuna for sushi) because of the prices that can be gotten. Ask about the local linefish -- yellowtail, cape salmon, kingklip, kabeljou and others are great eating. Oysters in season are also exceptional, farmed and wild from Knysna or wild flown in from Namibia.

As one of the main tourist spots is the V&A waterfront, you will find a broad range of restaurants, but they are often crowded and expensive. Another highlight is the area around Long Street with its many cafés and restaurants (frequented by a multi-ethnic clientele), while the trendy area of De Waterkant between Bo Kaap and Green Point above Somerset Road also boasts good food and a great vibe. Dine with supermodels and other beautiful people in Camps Bay, which has many hip eateries and nightspots overlooking the beach along Victoria Road.

Farther afield, Hout Bay at the west side of the Cape Peninsula is very good for fresh crayfish (lobsters - they have become quite expensive, around R300, though). Kalk Bay on the east side of the peninsula offers a big variety of fresh fish, do check out The Brass Bell. The restaurants in nearby Simon's Town are also good.

Do not neglect the Cape Winelands for food if you have a car. In Stellenbosch, Spier has several restaurants, including the fun, afro-chic Moyo, and many wine estates offer food of different types and quality. The village of Franschhoek is the culinary navel of the wine region, with Le Quartier Francais a perennial five-star winner, but only one of many excellent restaurants. In the Constantia Valley, Constantia Uitsig has three great restaurants, The River Cafe, La Colombe and the Constantia Uitsig Restaurant, upmarket, but worth it.

Caveat Emptor: make sure you know what the price is before you order rare delicacies in restaurants as there have been a few rare but high-profile cases of heinous overcharging where the price is not on the menu, particularly for perlemoen (abalone) and crayfish (similar to lobster).

[edit] Budget

  • <eat name="Table Mountain Restaurant" address="On top of Table Mountain, close to the Upper Cable Station" price="From R20 for a simple breakfast" hours="Open 8:30AM to 6:30PM, with extended hours during December and January>A 120 seat, self service restaurant. No booking required.</eat>
  • Unnamed Restaurant, Company's Garden. Small; offers good refreshment in a quite atmosphere after a tour through the city. Basic local kitchen.

[edit] Midrange

  • <eat name="Africa Café" address="108 Shortmarket Street" phone="+27 (0)21 422-0221" url="http://www.africacafe.co.za/" email="africafe@iafrica.com">Affordable and very good. Maybe the best restaurant in Cape Town for African cuisine. Lower to medium price range. Serves fixed menu, all you can eat of 12 - 15 different dishes. Touristy.</eat>
  • <eat name="Bayfront Blu" address="Two Oceans Aquarium" phone="+27 (0)21 419-9086">Offers breakfast and coffee all day and also serves good seafood, like Swahili prawn curry. Tables offer view on water and Table Mountain</eat>
  • <eat name="Baxter Theatre Restaurant" phone="_+27 (0)21 689-5351" email="jlyon@baxter.uct.ac.za" address="Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch" hours="Open 9AM till late. Closed on Sundays"></eat>
  • <eat name="Biesmiellah" address="Corner Upper Wale/Pentz Street" phone="+27 (0)21 423-0850">One of the oldest restaurants around, known for its Malay kitchen. No alcoholic drinks available.</eat>
  • <eat name="Five Flies" address="14-16 Keerom Street" url="http://www.fiveflies.co.za">Enjoy a wonderful, multi-course meal in a stylish restaurant housed in one of Cape Town's oldest still-standing buildings. Favorite of local diplomats. Menu changes regularly; book reservations online.</eat>
  • <eat name="Hildebrands" address="V&A Waterfront">Offering Pizza and Pasta, but does not live up to the standard of Italian food.</eat>
  • <eat name="Jewel Tavern" address="Vanguard Road" directions="Near Duncan Docks" phone="+27 (0)21 448-1997">Increasingly popular Thai restaurant. Preferred destinations for Cape Town's bon viveurs. Guest can watch how their meals are prepared. </eat>
  • <eat name="95 Keerom" address="95 Keerom Street">A top class Italian restaurant with modern decor and a trendy atmosphere. Attached to the nightclub Rhodes House.</eat>
  • <eat name="Lolas" directions="Across from Long Street Café">Vegetarian food with local color and great karma. Good conversation and even better meals. Mingle with dreadlocks, artsy types and brooding poets.</eat>
  • <eat name="Long Street Café" address="259 Long Street">Very popular. Fresh European kitchen. Also good for a drink.</eat>
  • <eat name="Mama Africa" address="178 Long Street" phone="+27 (0)21 426-1017" hours="Open Monday to Saturday. Restaurant is open 7PM till late, the bar is open 4:30PM till late"> African style tourist restaurant offering local and African meals, like Bobotie and Potjiekos, but also springbok, kudu and crocodile steak. Good range of wines. Affordable. Live marimba music some nights.</eat>
  • <eat name="Rhodes Memorial Restaurant" phone="+27 (0)21 689-9151" email="roy@rhodesmemorial.co.za" address="Rhodes Memorial"></eat>
  • <eat name="The Ritz Hotel" address="cnr. Camberwell and Main Roads, Sea Point" phone="+27 (0)21 439-6010">Has a revolving restaurant on the top floor of the hotel. Good food, good views, soft background live piano. A bar and smoking room is available one floor below the restaurant. You do not have to be a resident at the hotel to get a booking at the restaurant. (The floor as a small non revolving ledge next to the wall. Do not put your valuables on it as your table will be half way around the building before you realize that you have been separated from your belongings.)</eat>
  • <eat name="Sunflower Health Café" address="111 Long Street">Vegetarian restaurant, with a limited range of warm meals.</eat>
  • <eat name="Tasca de Belem" address="Victoria Wharf, shop 154, Piazza Level, V&A Waterfront" phone="+27 (0)21 419-3009>A very good Portuguese restaurant that offers some exquisite meals.</eat>
  • <eat name="Willoughby's" address="Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront">Has some of the best seafood including excellent sushi at very good prices.</eat>

[edit] Splurge

[edit] Drink

Long Street, which can be easily reached from St. George's Cathedral and the Greenmarket Square, is famous for its bars, restaurants and clubs. This is the ideal place if you want to end the day with a drink. It is also one of the few truly multi-ethnic, multi-racial nightspots in the city. See the new South Africa, not just other tourists.

  • <drink name="Blushlounge" url="http://www.blushlounge.co.za/" address="43 Somerset Road, Greenpoint" open="Open Tuesday to Sunday from 5PM to late">Blush Lounge is a bar lounge and nightclub that caters for the young professional woman and man who have a need for consistency when wanting to relieve the tensions of everyday life. Knowing what to expect in the line of quality service by well trained bar staff and efficient and stylish door and security staff, patrons can relax into an evening of wellness brought on by a socially accessible environment.</drink>
  • <drink name="Caveau Wine Bar & Deli" url="http://www.caveau.co.za/" address="92 Bree Street, Heritage Square" phone="+27 (0)21 422-1367" email="info@caveau.co.za">Has over 300 wines by the glass and an award-winning wine list at that. In Heritage Square, city centre.</drink>
  • <drink name="The Nose Wine Bar" url="http://www.thenose.co.za/" address="Cape Quarter, 72 Waterkant Street, Green Point" phone="+27 (0)21 425-2200" email="info@thenose.co.za">Has many wines by the glass, but pricey.</drink>
  • <drink name="The Leopard Room Bar & Lounge @ The Twelve Apostles Hotel" url="http://www.12apostleshotel.com/" address="Camps Bay" phone="+27 (0)21 437-9000" email="">A high-end hotel, but you can go to their bar for a drink overlooking the sea for a stunning sunset and a glimpse of whales if you are lucky.</drink>

You will have live entertainment (normally something like jazz or kwaito music) in many bars and sometimes you will have to pay to get in.

  • <drink name="Mannenbergs Jazz Café" address="Shop 102, Clock Tower Centre, Clock Tower Precinct, V&A Waterfront" phone="+27 (0)21 421-5639" email="manenberg@mynet.co.za " url="http://www.manenbergsjazzcafe.co.za/">Popular jazz café specializing in distinctive Cape Jazz. Snacks and coffee during the day and live jazz every evening. Bookings/reservations essential. Many famous jazz musicians have already played here.</drink>
  • <drink name="Club Georgia" address="30 Georgia Street" directions="offside the Buitensingel" phone="+27 (0)21 422-0261" hour="9:30PM till late"> Popular with over 25-year olds. Music from all over Africa is played, especially Kwassa-kwassa, Kwaito, Ndombolo and Rai. </drink>
  • <drink name="The Fez" address="38 Hout Street, Greenmarket Square" hours="Open till late">Popular, stylish night club popular with the under-30 crowd. Defined by lively, varied house music and a North African decor that manages to avoid kitsch, but the line for admission can be long if you arrive after 11pm (and the bouncers are straight out of a bad movie). Still, it's worth it.</drink>
  • <drink name="Kennedy's" phone="+27 (0)21 424-1212" address="251 Longstreet"></drink>
  • <drink name="The Green Dolphin" url="http://www.greendolphin.co.za/" address="Shop 2A, Alfred Mall, Pierhead, V&A Waterfront" phone="+27 (0)21 421-7471" email="green-dolphin@mweb.co.za"></drink>
  • <drink name="Marco's African Café" phone="+27 (0)21 423-5412" address="15 Rose Street, Bo Kaap">Popular Gay Bar.</drink>

Observatory or better known as Obz is just north of Rondebosch (Southern Suburbs). There are several student residences of the UCT and Obz main street (Lower Main Road) has a vibrant nightlife with restaurants, bar, pool halls and pubs. Almost daily there is something going on. Famous is the bar Cool Runnings which pretends to be a cheap beach bar. Check out Archmchair Theatre for electronic venues and Stones to play pool...

A popular destination with locals is Camps Bay, which offers a vibrant nightlife and many bars, restaurants and clubs.

[edit] Sleep

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget Under R500
Mid-range R500 to R1000
Splurge Over R1000

Accommodation in Cape Town ranges from hostels (of which there are many) to luxury accommodation. Actually, there are so many hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses that it can be difficult to decide where to stay!

Consider sleeping in one of the suburbs. It is normally much quieter and there is less traffic than in Central Cape Town. The suburbs in the south, like Camps Bay or Simon's Town or near the winelands (see Cape Winelands) may offer better quality for a lower price.

Many guesthouses and backpacker's accommodation are along Long Street. As rates and services change quickly take a look before checking-in.

[edit] Budget

  • <sleep name="Amblers Backpackers" url="http://www.amblers.com/" phone="+ 27 (0)21 424-2292" address="Ambler's Backpackers Lodge, 3 Upper Union Street, Gardens" email="amblers@gmx.net" price="From R70 in the dorm to R240 for a double ensuite cottage"></sleep>
  • <sleep name="Carnival Court Backpackers" url="http://www.carnivalcourt.co.za" address="255 Longstreet" price="From R70 in the dorm to R250 for a double room" email="info@carnivalcourt.co.za">Dorms and private rooms at reasonable rates. Linen provided, hostel is very clean and staff friendly and there is a bar and balcony to hang out.</sleep>
  • <sleep name="Green Elephant Backpakers" url="http://users.iafrica.com/g/gr/greenele/index.htm" email="greenele@iafrica.com" address="57 Milton road, Observatory" phone="+27 (0)21 448-6359" price="From R50 for camping to R350 for a double ensuite"></sleep>
  • <sleep name="Lenox Backpackers" url="http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Cabana/7844/" phone="+27 (0)21 465-3118" address="2 Mill Street, Gardens" price="From R105"></sleep>
  • <sleep name="Long Street Backpackers" address="209 Longstreet" phone="+27 (0)21 423-0615" fax="+27 (0)21 423-1842" url="http://www.longstreetbackpackers.co.za/" email="info@longstreetbackpackers.co.za" price="R90 in a dorm to R140 for a private room">Offers dorms as well as private accommodation and a good range of travel-services.</sleep>
  • <sleep name="NG Church Overnighthouse" address="cnr Lincoln and Allen Drive, Bellville" phone="+27 (0)21 931-3733" fax="+27 (0)21 931-3736"> Mostly for visitors of patients of the Karl Bremmer hospital, but anyone is welcome. Bring your own towel and food.</sleep>


[edit] Mid-range

  • <sleep name="Bayflowers Guest House" address="5 Scholtz Road" phone="+27 (0)72 640-1045" url="http://www.bayflowers.co.za/" email="info@bayflowers.co.za" price="R390 for a single room, R 320 pps for a double">Very central, walk to Waterfront & beach & town, helpful staff, rooms clean & tastefully equipped.</sleep>
  • <sleep name="Constantiaberg Villa" email="tmorrison3@toucansurf.com">Self catering 2 bedroom apartment. Beautiful secure complex, with views of Table Mountain, pool and leisure facilities</sleep>
  • <sleep name="An African Villa" address="19 Carstens Street, Tamboerkloof" url="http://capetowncity.co.za/villa/" phone="+27 (0)21 423-2162" email="villa@capetowncity.co.za" price="R445 per person sharing">Luxurious bed and breakfast, excellent service, has a 'dipping pool' in the back.</sleep>
  • <sleep name="Cactusberry Lodge" address="30 Breda Str" phone="+27 (0)21 461-9787" url="http://www.cactusberry.net.ms" price="R250">3 star. 200m from the Gardens Shopping Centre, is comfortable, central and quiet, very good value for money,excellent breakfast, very helpful in all itinery planning.</sleep>
  • <sleep name="City Lodge V & A Waterfront" phone="+27 (0)21 419-9450" url="http://www.citylodge.co.za/" email="clva.resv@citylodge.co.za" address="Cnr Dock and Alfred Roads" price="From R480 per person sharing">3 star.</sleep>
  • <sleep name="Grapevine-cottage guesthouse" url="http://www.grapevine-cottage.co.za" price="R650 per unit, max 4 people" address="13 Vierlanden road, Durbanville" email=">3 star. Great view over the Durbanville winelands. Surrounded by wine estates, excellent restaurants nearby. Self catering accommodation and Bed and breakfast; garden and pool invite you to relax.</sleep>
  • <sleep name="Nine Flowers Guest House" address="133-135 Hatfield Street" phone="+27 (0)21 462-1430" url="http://www.nineflowers.com/" email="infonineflowers@telkomsa.net" price="R480 for a single room to R850 for a tripple">Very central, helpful staff, nice rooms.</sleep>
  • <sleep name="Protea Hotel Sea Point" url="http://www.proteahotels.com" price="R350 pppn" email="seapoint@proteahotels.com" phone="+27 (0)21 434-3344" address="Arthur's Rd, Sea Point"></sleep>
  • <sleep name="Tudor Hotel" address=" 153 Longmarket Street, Greenmarket Square" url="http://www.tudorhotel.co.za/" email="info@tudorhotel.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 424-1335" price="R520 for single room, R740 for a double">In the city center, near the Waterfront, Parliaments Garden or the Malay Quarter Boo-Kap.</sleep>

[edit] Splurge

  • <sleep name="Cape Grace" url="http://www.capegrace.com/" phone="+27 (0)21 410-7100" address="West Quay Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront" price="From R16000 to R55000 for 5 nights, 2 people"></sleep>
  • <sleep name="Radisson Hotel" email="capetown.reservations@radissonsas.co.za" url="http://www.radissonsas.com" phone="+27 (0)21 441-3000" price="R2745 pppn">5 star.</sleep>

[edit] Township

  • <sleep name="Vicky's Bed and Breakfast" phone="+27 (0)21 387-7104" email="vickysbandb@yahoo.com" address="Kiyani Street, Site C, Khayelitsha">Township B&B</sleep>
  • <sleep name="Ma Neo's B&B" phone="+27 (0)21 694-2504" address="Langa">Township B&B</sleep>
  • <sleep name="Majoros B&B" phone="+27 (0)21 361-3412" email="sonke@telkomsa.net" address="Graceland, Khayelitsha">Township B&B</sleep>
  • <sleep name="Malebo's B&B" phone="+27 (0)21 361-2391" email="info@portfoliocollection.com" address="Khayelitsha">Township B&B</sleep>

[edit] Long-term

Some real estate agents may also offer furnished properties on 1 to 12 month lease agreements.

[edit] Contact

[edit] Telephone

If you have a cellphone get one of the cheap prepaid Sim cards from either Vodacom or MTN and save money on local calls.

[edit] Internet

The trendiest internet cafe is m@in internet cafe in kloof street. They are also very organised, have private booths, and offer wifi access for laptops.

[edit] WiFi

Always-On, +27 (0)11 575-2505, provides prepaid WiFi access in a number of locations in Cape Town. Simply connect to the access point and you will be given the opportunity to pay for access by credit card. Pricing starts at around R15 for 10 minutes or R60 for 100MB.

Coverage areas include:

  • <listing name="ArabellaSheraton Grand Hotel"></listing>
  • <listing name="The Cape Diamond Hotel"></listing>
  • <listing name="Cape Town International Airport">Restaurants and Coffee shops, in Domestic and International Departures, boarding gates, airline lounges and at the Road Lodge.</listing>
  • <listing name="City Lodge">GrandWest, Pinelands and V&A Waterfront.</listing>
  • <listing name="Dulce Cafe">Bayside Centre and Durbanville.</listing>
  • <listing name="Mugg&Bean">Just about all of them.</listing>
  • <listing name="Nando's">Camps Bay</listing>
  • <listing name="Sundance Coffee Co">Adderley Str, Buitengragt Str and Mouille Point.</listing>

[edit] Stay Safe

Although Cape Town has its fair share of violent crimes, you are safe if you keep your wits about you. As a visitor, you are less likely to encounter problems while visiting the townships if you are escorted by a township resident - although, you shouldn't really venture into the townships without a fairly large group of accompaniment. Official township tours for visitors to Cape Town are your safest bet; revealing a very interesting lifestyle to the more curious tourists. Pickpockets and bag snatchers are abound in the CBD (Central Business District), as are conmen and cholos, although, during daylight police make themselves known. Simply put, leave everything you value - especially your papers and tickets - in your hotel room safe if you plan to stroll through Cape Town.

At night, make sure you stay on well-lit and crowded streets. Crime is especially high in Cape Town's CBD, Seapoint, Greenpoint, Salt River, Observatory, Mowbray, and the Cape Flats.

Glue sniffing children and junkies are a minor problem, called 'strollers' by the locals - these ragamuffins will strip you bare if you do not stay alert.

You should try not to appear to be a tourist, and you will not be targeted. Targeted tourists are generally spotted wearing cameras, shorts and golf hats - try not to do this. Do what you can to blend in, and if anything happens - don't try to be a hero, rather give them what they want, and keep your life.

[edit] Important telephone numbers

[edit] From a fixed line

[edit] From a mobile phone

[edit] Cope

[edit] Embassies and Consulates

  • <listing name="Argentinian Embassy" phone="+ 27 (0)21 439-0403" fax="+27 (0)21 439-5918" address="8 Brittany Avenue, Bantry Bay">Only located in Cape Town when the South African parliament sits in Cape Town. When parliament moves to Pretoria, so does this embassy</listing>
  • <listing name="Austria Consulate General" address="3rd Floor, 1 Thibault Square" phone="+27 (0)21 421-1440" fax="+27 (0)21 425-3489" email=" kapstadt-gk@bmaa.gv.at"></listing>
  • <listing name="Belgium Consulate General" address="4th Floor, Vogue House, Thibault Square, Foreshore" phone="+27 (0)1 419-4690"></listing>
  • <listing name="German Consulate General" phone="+27 (0)21 405-3000" fax="+27 (0)21 421-0400" address="19th Floor, Safmarine House, 22 Riebeek Street" email="honkon@beiersa.co.za"></listing>
  • <listing name="Greece Embassy" address="19th Floor, Reserve Bank Building, 30 Hout Street" phone="+27 (0)21 424-8160" fax="+27 (0)21 424-9421" email="embgrsaf@global.co.za">Only located in Cape Town when the South African parliament sits in Cape Town. When parliament moves to Pretoria, so does this embassy</listing>

[edit] Get out

Cape Town is positively located for many day or two day trips, offering a variety in landscapes and cultures. Choose self drive or guided tours.

[edit] Cape Peninsula

  • Boulders beach is famous for its penguin colony and you can watch penguins in their natural habitat. September is the breeding season and you can see penguins hatching out of their eggs.
  • Cape of Good Hope to experience the wildness of the natural habitat preserved here. Stunning views and for sure you will meet one of the local baboons or ostriches. Be sure to stop in Simon's Town on your way back to relax with a wonderful view on the False Bay.
  • Hout Bay also known as the "Republic" of Hout Bay by its locals is a beautiful calm bay on the Atlantic Ocean. It has a quaint fishing harbour and boat trips to Seal Island. While you're there try the fish and chips at the Café on the Rocks at the end of the harbour road - a local secret.
  • Chapmans Peak experience one of the most scenic drives in the world, as you drive up the Chapmans Peak Drive and look north over Hout Bay the view of the bay and the fishing boats is awesome.

[edit] Cape Winelands

  • Major towns are Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. All of them are ideal for a stroll around to pick up the unique Cape Wineland atmosphere. Be sure to do some wine testing at the wine estates in the region.

[edit] Along the south coast

[edit] Garden Route and further on

[edit] Up north

Go up north along the West Coast to Saldanha Bay and all the other hidden spots. Further on are Namaqualand and finally Namibia.

  • <listing name="West Coast Fossil Park" url="http://www.iziko.org.za/wcfp" phone="+27 (0)22 766-1606" email="info@iziko.org.za" address="Langebaan" Directions="120km north of Cape Town on the R27" price="R25 entrance fee" hours="10AM to 4PM on weekdays, 9AM to 12PM on weekends"></listing>
  • Visit Melkbos to surf, windsurf, kitesurf and sunbathe on its wide sandy beach and also see the only working Nuclear Power Station in Africa.
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