City Guides - Cape Town
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It has had a long and turbulent history and the effects of Apartheid still linger in the minds and hearts of the people. Transformation however has led to a feeling of hope in this new 'Rainbow Nation', which can be experienced in the cosmopolitan city centre of Cape Town. Flower sellers, business executives, parking attendants, office workers and shoppers all rub shoulders in a setting of both historical and modern buildings, backed by the city's most famous landmark, Table Mountain. The colourful Malay Quarter, the remains of District Six, St George's Cathedral, Government Avenue and the old Castle are historically significant, while world-class African and international restaurants tempt travellers with their culinary delights. Although an African city, Cape Town has a marked European influence and visitors can experience the excitement of Africa from the comforts of First World surroundings.
Cape Town's unique setting means that it can be enjoyed from various vantage points: Table Mountain and Lion's Head provide breathtaking vistas over the city bowl and the Cape peninsula with its beautiful beaches; trips to Robben Island offer a dramatic sweep of scenery across to Table Bay; and harbour tours and old buildings await exploration at the cosmopolitan Waterfront. Many scenic routes meander along magnificent stretches of coastline and inland terrain leading to special places like Cape Point, the meeting place of the cold Benguela and warm Mozambique currents, and Chapman's Peak boasts one of the most picturesque drives in the country.
It is a city with four distinct seasons, each working its particular magic on Cape Town and bringing with it a flood of associations - summer and white sandy beaches, autumn's crisp colours, the ferocity of stormy seas in winter, and spring's show of Cape 'fynbos' flowers.
From culture, history and scenery - to an unforgettable experience. This is a special place with much to contribute towards its growing reputation as a favoured travel destination.
Getting around: Cape Town and its suburbs sprawl for miles, but
with the ocean and the dramatic landmarks of Table Mountain and
Lions Head the city is fairly easy to navigate. Most of the hotels
are situated along the Atlantic Seaboard. Public transport is poor
and often unsafe, so most visitors hire a car, particularly if
planning excursions from the city. To rent a car, drivers need to
be over 23 years old and have a credit card and a full driving
license (the license must have a photo and be in English, otherwise
an International Driving Permit is required). Driving can be a
harrowing experience in Cape Town and lane changes confusing, with
signage often easy to miss, and the same road can change names
several times. For trips within the city or to the Atlantic beaches
minibus taxis are cheap and convenient and can be hailed by
adventurous travellers anywhere along their route, but the vehicles
are often in very bad condition and the driving can be appalling.
Passengers should expect to pay around R5 for most journeys within
the city, but are cautioned against getting into an empty minibus.
Golden Arrow buses leave from the main bus terminal to destinations
around the city; although timings can be erratic they can be a good
option for those on a budget. Tourists are advised to avoid the
trains, with the exception of the Simon's Town line, which runs
through the residential Southern Suburbs, past Muizenberg and along
the stunning False Bay coast. Pick pocketing is rife, however, and
there have been several attacks on passengers. Rikkis, or small,
open rickshaw type vehicles, are a novel way to explore the city
centre and Simon's Town and are usually safe and reliable. Taxis
are expensive but are a good option at night for those without a
car. Public transport should not be taken after dark and the
outlying township areas should be avoided at all costs unless on an
organised tour.
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