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Exploring Cape Town

Travel Essentials

Before you go

  • Visas & Passports – must be valid for 6 months. Visas are not necessary for EU passport holders. Other nationalities should check with the South African embassy
  • Electricity – is 240v but the standard travel adapters don’t work – you need specific SA-UK adapters which are readily available at the airport and you can get them in SA as well
  • Health – whilst insects aren’t a big problem it’s worth taking mosquito repellents particularly if you are spending time inland. If you are planning a safari trip check on vaccinations needed for the area you are visiting.
  • Currency – South African Rand are easy to get in the UK and worth shopping around for to avoid airport rates. If you are very organised you can get a current account that specialises in good value exchange rates (eg Nationwide) and then just use your cashpoint card.
  • Clothing – the temperature varies enormously depending on time of year and location. It can be cool in the mountains or on the coast even in mid-summer so it is worth taking an extra layer.
  • Driving Licence – photocard type UK driving licence is accepted by car rental companies. If taking a photocard it is imperative that supporting documentation is taken as well.

While you are there

  • Laws & Customs – South Africa has a hugely diverse ethnicity and numerous languages but the values and customs are mainly European. A stronger religious influence means off-licences are shut on Sundays – you have been warned!
  • Time difference – 2 hours ahead of GMT (ie in UK winter) and 1 hour ahead during the UK summer
  • Telephone – code dial 0044 or +44 for a UK number. The South African international code in +27
  • Dining out – there are fantastic restaurants of all different budgets and generally enormous portions. Seafood is of course fantastic and before going make sure you have our latest restaurant list.
  • Vegetarian food – well catered for
  • Phones – We highly recommend obtaining an SA sim card for your phone to ease booking restaurants and avoid the obscene roaming charges if you are using your UK phone account. R200 should last a week and there is a shop immediately you clear customs. Topping up credit on a sim card is very straightforward, most supermarkets, fuel stations and newsagents sell credit at the till even when not advertised.

Camps Bay
The perfect place to stay for beaches, great restaurants and stunning views More
Table Mountain
Hout Bay
Family friendly fishing village with a wonderful beach More
Llandudno
Renowned for its beaches and fabulous wow properties More
Big Bay
Good value accommodation, wide open spaces and the classic picture postcard view of Table Mountain More
Bloubergstrand
Long open beach and amazing views over the bay to Cape Town and Table Mountain More
Milnerton
Closest beach to the city up the north coastline enabling good access to the city and the highways out and about More
Franschhoek
Charming small old historical town reputed to be the best town in the southern hemisphere to dine out More
Constantia
Set in the mountains Constantia is Cape Towns original wine region More
Noordhoek
Rural atmosphere and rustic charm, known of its superb beach and vast wetlands More
Kommetjie
A small village offering beach and mountains in a very relaxed chilled environment More
V&A Waterfront
Trendy central upmarket location on the doorstep of the city offering smart accommodation in 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments More
De Waterkant
The original settlement area of the city, gaily coloured terraced houses line cobbled streets along with cafes and galleries More
Gardens
On the slopes of Table Mountain with good easy walking access into the city More
Sea Point
Well known for the ocean side promenade and the public swimming pools on the ocean edge More
Bantry Bay
Desirable upmarket location claims to be wind free renowned for its boutique hotels More
Clifton
Trendy desirable location well known for its for 4 picturesque beaches More
Simon's Town
One of the original settlements on The Cape best know for Boulders Beach where the Penguins can be enjoyed and the Cape of Good Hope More
Fish Hoek
Popular for its Indian Ocean beaches More
Gordon's Bay
Popular for its Indian Ocean beaches especially Blue Flag status Bikini Beach More
Stellenbosch
Historical Wineslands town well known for its dining out and university

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