Nuts-and-bolts information to plan your trip, plus checklist of essentials to include when you pack.
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Planning:
Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens need a valid passport, sufficient funds for length of stay, and a return or onward ticket to enter South Africa and can stay up to 90 days. Yellow fever certificates are required for visitors traveling through the yellow fever belt of Africa.
Time: Cape Town is seven hours ahead of U.S. eastern standard time.
Security: “Street crime is a problem, but not a major threat if you apply the simple rules for any big city in the world. Don’t take back streets at night. Don’t go into the townships alone. Leave valuables in the hotel safe. Keep cameras close and bear in mind the hoary old advice about not looking too much like a tourist (ditch the safari clothes!).”—Marc Zandhuis, editor in chief, CapeTownMagazine.com.
Money: Cape Town’s currency is the South African rand. For current conversion rates go to OANDA Currency Converter: www.oanda.com/convert/classic
Phone Calls: Cape Town’s area code is 021. For phone calls to Cape Town from within South Africa, dial 021 + seven-digit phone number. For phone calls to Cape Town from outside South Africa, dial your country’s international access code + 27 + 21 + seven-digit phone number.
When to Go: Peak season is between October and January. Temperatures average 64-80°F (18-27°C) with a cooling wind most days. The coldest months are June to August, when you can expect plenty of rain, usually in the morning and clearing by afternoon. The Cape’s spectacular displays of wildflowers are at their best from late August to September, also the start of whale-watching season.
Getting There: Ten major airlines fly to Cape Town International Airport (CPT), which is located about 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) east of the city center off the N2 highway. A shared taxi costs between $13 and $17, a private taxi around $30.
Getting Around: Hiring a car or using taxis, both private and the shared minibus variety, are the best ways to get around the city. The roads are excellent and outside rush hours (7-9 a.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.) generally traffic free. Safe, on-street parking is available for a small fee paid either to an official parking marshal or unofficial minder. For weekday visits outside the city, use metro commuter trains (www.capemetrorail.co.za). Keep in mind that there are few (or no) trains after 8 p.m. Monday-Friday or after 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Checklist:
Tips: “Don’t worry too much about what to pack as Cape Town is not a particularly formal place and most items of clothing are cheap enough for you to afford to buy here if need be.”—Patrick Farrell, editor, Cape-I magazine.
On Table Mountain: “The easier trails can be done in trainers [sneakers] but ankle-high boots are the best for serious walking. Remember to take a hat and a warm (preferably windproof) jacket. It’s very important to stick to recognized paths and to make your way down long before nightfall. The mountain has a harsh reputation for sudden changes of weather.”—Patrick Farrell.
Swimming: “The sea looks inviting but can be freezing cold, especially on the Atlantic coast. Remember to swim only at beaches where lifeguards are on duty.”—Marc Zandhuis, editor in chief, CapeTownMagazine.com.
Sunscreen and Hat: “Never go anywhere without them or else the African sun will burn you within an hour.”—Marc Zandhuis.
Tap Water: “South Africa reportedly has the best tap water in the world. It’s perfectly safe to drink it.”—Patrick Farrell.
