Cape Town, a city at the southern tip of Africa, is known for its stunning Table Mountain, beautiful forests, lakes, and sandy beaches. It’s more than just a pretty place and is perfect for many exciting activities like hiking, surfing, and exploring art and food in the Cape Town Tours.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for adventure or culture, our Cape Town Tours aims to serve you with the best experience. With our Cape Town Tour Packages, your visit can be filled with the popular parts of the city. But, it’s good to know a few important things before you start your trip. This blog will give you essential tips to help make your Cape Town experience enjoyable and memorable.
Time – A Cape Town Paradox
No matter how long you plan to stay in Cape Town, you’ll likely find it’s not enough. Travellers often allocate four to five days for Cape Town Tours, which is just enough to enjoy some of the city’s highlights.
- During this time, you can conquer the summit of Table Mountain, enjoy a close encounter with the penguins, and perhaps indulge in a surfing lesson or a Cape Malay cooking class.
- These days also offer the chance to indulge in some shopping, savour the local cuisine, and enjoy a glass of wine while admiring the beauty of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
However, we suggest that a week would allow for deeper exploration, but even then, you might leave wishing for more time. We say this as we believe in about a week, depending on the unpredictable Cape Town Weather, you can cover the major attractions, dine at renowned restaurants (booking ahead is recommended), and get a sense of the city’s lively spirit with our Cape Town Multi-Day Tours.
From Airport to City-Your Ride Awaits
When you land at Cape Town International Airport, figuring out How to Get Around Cape Town is straightforward. The airport no longer offers bus services to the city centre. For those who prefer driving, numerous car rental agencies are available right at the airport.
- If driving isn’t your preference, you can easily find authorized taxi services within the arrivals area.
- Another popular and budget-friendly option is to use Uber, which is both affordable and considered safe.
To ensure your safety and convenience, it’s recommended to avoid accepting rides from unofficial providers outside the airport as you start your Cape Town Tours.
Dress for Four Seasons in a Day
When planning What to Wear in Cape Town, prepare for its famously changeable weather. Locals often say you can experience all four seasons in a single day.
- Mornings might start cool, requiring a jersey and trousers, but by noon, you’ll need sunscreen and a hat for the sun’s intensity.
- As the day progresses, an umbrella might become necessary due to unexpected rain showers.
- In winter, despite the rain, don’t forget your sunblock.
- Summer afternoons can turn windy, making a light jacket essential. It’s best to pack a day bag with layers, sunscreen, and sunglasses, especially if you’re starting on Cape Town Day Tours.
Wise Advice- Pack Some Comfortable Walking Shoes - Exploring Cape Town on foot is ideal, as many attractions are close to central hotels. Wander from the Company's Garden to vibrant streets like Long and Kloof, but be ready for uphill walks. For those less inclined to walk, the MyCiti bus system is an excellent alternative for city exploration and accessing starting points for Township Tours in Cape Town. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for either option.
Staying Safe in Cape Town
In Cape Town, most visits are safe, but it’s smart to ask your host about areas to avoid.
- The city center is usually safe, but be careful walking alone at night and on quiet Sundays and Mondays.
- For areas like Cape Flats, known for its daytime activities and nightlife, it’s safer to go with Cape Town Guided Tours for a better and more secure experience.
Respect the Majesty of Table Mountain
Table Mountain is visible from almost everywhere in Cape Town, and is more than just a city symbol. It’s a real mountain with its climate.
- Despite its closeness to the city, the summit can be cool and windy. Hence, dress appropriately, even on sunny days.
- For hikers, it’s crucial to hike in groups, inform someone of your route, stick to known trails, and heed local advice.
Each year, there are stories of visitors getting lost on Table Mountain and needing help from search and rescue teams. It’s important to listen to local recommendations about which paths to take.Top of Form So, for a safer experience, we would recommend opting for a guided Cape Town Table Mountain Tour.
Beware of Baboons in Cape Peninsula
In the Cape Peninsula, baboons are a common sight. While it’s interesting to see these primates on the beaches or in parking areas, it’s important to be cautious.
- You should never feed them, as they are known to boldly snatch food, sometimes even entering open cars to grab a tourist’s picnic.
- They can also search through bags left unattended on beaches.
To avoid such encounters, keep your car windows up and your food stored away, especially during Cape Peninsula Tours or when enjoying the natural settings around Cape Town.
Drinking Water Safety in Cape Town
In Cape Town, you can safely drink the tap water. Restaurants might offer you the choice of still or sparkling water, but tap water is completely fine for consumption.
- When venturing out of the city into smaller towns, it’s a good practice to ask locals about the drinkability of the water there.
- However, generally speaking, the water throughout the Western Cape region is safe to drink.
This is reassuring to know, especially when you’re on various Cape Town Touror exploring the area’s diverse attractions.
Shopping at Cape Town’s Traffic Lights
In Cape Town, ‘robots’ is the local term for traffic lights and they are more than just signals for vehicles.
- These spots bustle with activity, where you can often find vendors selling items ranging from sunglasses to unique souvenirs, right from your car window.
- It’s an interesting aspect of local culture, where you can even pick up fresh produce or replace a forgotten phone charger.
For tourists on Cape Town Tours, it’s a convenient way to experience local street commerce. Remember to have cash ready and be quick, as the city’s drivers expect prompt moves once the lights turn green.
Tipping Etiquette in Cape Town
Tipping is a common practice in South Africa. When dining out in restaurants and bars, a tip of 10% is generally acceptable, but 12-15% is appreciated for excellent service.
- You should understand that self-service is not an option in South Africa. So, remember to tip everyone who has served you on your journey.
- For instance, a small gratuity of R5-10 is customary for the petrol station attendants.
- Similarly, for parking attendants who assist you, especially in tighter spots, a tip of R5-10, depending on how helpful they’ve been, is a good practice.
This etiquette is handy to follow during Tours to Cape Town South Africa, ensuring a smooth and respectful experience with local services.
Discover Cape Town with Curiosity and Confidence! Top of Form
As you prepare for your Cape Town adventure, these essential tips are your key to unlocking an everlasting experience in this vibrant city. With Wow Travels and Tours, your journey through Cape Town, from the majestic Table Mountain to the lively street markets will transform into delightful memories.
Start your adventure with us, where our Cape Town Tours will not only let you experience expansive menus of attractions but also take you through many outdoor adventures. Let’s begin!
