Visitor Information

Airport

Cape Town International Airport, an award-winning airport, is the primary airport servicing the city and the second largest airport in the country. Located 20km from the city centre it is conveniently located, efficient and offers world class facilities including coffee shops, restaurants, duty free shopping, lounges and travel services.

Car hire, metered taxi or MyCiti Bus can arrange airport transfers, to your accommodation. A metered taxi into the city area will cost between R300-R400, some charge a flat rate and some per kilometre. Ensure to confirm this before departing. If you choose MyCiti Bus every passenger will need to purchase a My Connect Card, which requires a pin and you will need to load money for travel. A bus departs the airport every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour from 5:30am. More information can be located on the MyCiti Bus website.

Car Hire

There are various options for getting around Cape Town but I believe the best option is to hire a car as the road infrastructure is of a high standard and it is reasonably easy to navigate with excellent road signs. There are freeways leading into and out of the city providing easy access to the different parts of the city and tourist attractions. This way you will be able to visit all the attractions that appeal to you at your own pace. I can assist in creating an itinerary for you holiday to Cape Town to suit your interests and timeframe. Select Services to complete a request form or email me at natalie@lovemycapetown.com

Taxi

There are various companies offering metered Taxi services that are generally safe and reliable. Confirm the rate before departing. It is generally around R10/km. They can be located at most tourist landmarks. I recommend you save your preferred company’s number for use on your holiday if you choose this method of transport. Uber operates in Cape Town and is effiienct and well priced but you need to have their app downloaded and be registered.

MyCitiBus

If you prefer to navigate the city and surrounds by bus, MyCiti Bus services the V&A Waterfront, City Bowl, Woodstock and a number of tourist attractions. Check their website for full details

City Sightseeing Bus

The City Sightseeing Bus is a fantastic option for seeing all the city’s attractions, Kirstenbosch, Constantia Wine Valley and Cape Peninsula. This is especially ideal if you have limited time. Click here to read more

Metrorail

If you are interested in using the Metrorail I can recommend the route between the CBD and Simon’s Town. This is a very picturesque route to a wonderful historic town. I can recommend a beach stop at St. James or a visit to retro Kalk Bay for shopping or lunch at the fabulous Harbour House. Please ensure safety of your valuables at all times. More information can be located on their website.

Safety

Although Cape Town presents a laid back atmosphere, like most cities in the world, you need to be vigilant with you valuable belongings at all times, especially in the City and tourist locations. When dealing with money transactions be cautions of your surroundings. Try to avoid ATM machines in secluded locations and at night. Credit cards are accepted in most locations and are recommended as a safe form of payment.

Emergency Contact Numbers:

For a complete list of all Emergency Contact Numbers in the Western Cape please click here.

Medical services are of a high standard in Cape Town. If you require such services contact one of the numbers listed above for assistance to locate the closest hospital.

Weather

Cape Town is said to have a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and wet, rainy winters. December to April is the best time to travel to Cape Town, as you will experience comfortable temperatures and pleasant weather.

Cape Town comes alive in summer as locals and tourists explore the Mother City with its many wonderful attractions and beaches. You can experience four seasons in one day so always be prepared with a light jumper as we have a prevalent south easterly wind which can be chilly and the Peninsula creates microclimates where it can be hot and sunny on one side and pouring with rain on the other.

December and January is the peak tourist season with school holidays lasting 6 weeks this is the most popular and most expensive time to travel to Cape Town. If you want to travel during these months you will need to book all travel services required in advance. The weather is glorious and hot.

February is one of the hottest months in Cape Town and the weather is superb. This is a great time to travel as the school holiday is over and crowds are less.

Autumn, March to April, is my favourite time of the year in Cape Town as the temperatures are warm and pleasant and the vineyards turn a beautiful orange, red colour. March is a perfect time to travel if you are looking to avoid the crowds, peak season prices and summer heat but can still enjoy lovely weather.

Cape Town winter is from June to September and it is generally rainy and cold but we do enjoy the occasional sunny day between the rainfalls. They only advantage of travelling during these months are the low prices. If you plan to travel during these months make sure you are not looking for a sunny beach holiday and happy to rug up. A perfect time to wine taste next to a cosy fire.

October and November can be unpredictable. You can experience a mixture of the end of winter and the start of summer so some days are sunny and some days are cold. It is less expensive to travel at this time due to out of season rates and less crowded. Depends if you are willing to take the gamble.

Money

The currency is Rand and only this is accepted in restaurants and shops. There are many places to exchange foreign currency at the airport, commercial banks, hotels and in shopping malls. Shop the exchange rate and commission around. There is abundance of ATM’s. The safest place is inside banks and shopping malls. Plan not to draw money at night.

VAT Refunds

Non-resident foreign passport holders and South African passport holders who permanently reside in an export country can claim their VAT, value added tax, back at the airport on departure on some items purchased if you have the receipt and a tax invoice for each purchase. Ensure the following details are on the tax invoice:

It is important to remember the following: