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The Cape is a sliver of Mediterranean climate at odds with the rest of southern Africa and two rather assertive ocean currents wrestle with the inland air to create a burly and unpredictable climate.
There is no bad time to visit Cape Town, provided you know what to expect and pack for it. Summer is hot and dry and best suited to the beach-and-bar holiday with the decadent pursuits of a tropical island. Winter is mostly cool and wet interspersed with clear and radiant spells; fewer tourists, lower rates and better seafood make winter best suited to languorous and intimate holidays.
Spring, from September to November, and autumn, from March to May combine the best of both seasons although you should be prepared for the odd spell of howling gales and horizontal rain – perfect for scuttling indoors or a cosy wine tasting tour. Whenever you go, pack for all seasons and wear layers to make the most of the changeable climate.
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Unless you are from one of the far flung outer perimeter galaxies with whom South Africa shares a frosty relationship, three-month holiday visas are issued at the door. If you are in any doubt, we will gladly advise and comprehensive visa information is available from www.safrica.info
No vaccinations or inoculations necessary but don’t bring any animal produce into the country. Neighbouring countries have different regulations so if you’re going on a multi-country tour, check the requirements for each country with your consultant.
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Every large city has its underbelly of crime and Cape Town is no exception. However, unless you’ve got it firsthand the scary stories you’ve heard are likely bunk and you will be delighted to hear that Cape Town is one of the safest cities in Africa.
That being said, there are areas to avoid and precautions to take. Unless on an organised tour, avoid the townships, which are impoverished shanty towns that sprawl across the Cape Flats taking in Khayelitsha, Langa, Nyanga and Guguletu. Don’t walk alone at night and stick to the well-lit tourist areas, keep your wallet and essentials out of sight and be on your guard for suspicious confidence tricksters and street peddlers.
HIV is prevalent in southern Africa and you should be wary at all times, regardless of where you are or who you’re with, and always take the necessary precautions.
The Cape is malaria-free but if you are going on safari in the low-lying tropics take suitable prophylactics. But don’t get sold out by an over-zealous law-suit jaded physician back home - some of the anti-malarial drugs out there have side-effects that make malaria seem preferable.
Doctors and hospitals are of the highest standard if you can afford to go private so ensure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies. The alternative does not bear consideration.
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The South African Rand (ZAR) has stabilised against all currencies - and you can see current exchange rates at www.xe.com.
Foreign Exchange services are available at the airport and larger shopping malls; you need your passport and airline ticket to exchange money. We recommend obtaining Travellers’ Cheques before departure; a bank or your hotel will be able to cash them for you.
Credit and Debit Cards are accepted in most outlets, banks, and cash machines but South African bank charges are staggering. Car hire companies require an imprint of your credit card but you don’t have to pay with it.
Keep your receipts for anything you want to take home and you can claim a 14% Tax Refund on the total. The V & A Waterfront has a booth where you can get all the information you need and process the refund before you leave.
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South Africa has the world’s newest constitution and in many ways the most enlightened with discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation outlawed. While Joburg has a larger gay population, Cape Town has a larger per capita population and is the gay centre of South Africa - and who could argue why not?
Events such as the Gay Pride Festival and the Mother City Queer Project along with a year-round calendar of gay-organised events signify not only the burgeoning enterprise of the gay community but the overall permissiveness of Cape Town’s baby-making residents.
While constitutionally enshrined, the gay man is by no means universally accepted in this country of staunch disparities of belief. Cape Town is a worldly-wise city but venture inland and you may experience a mini time-warp. It’s not all burning stakes and rampant preachers, and the cogs of change are cranking to life, but at times discretion may be required.
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Coffee – R8
Men’s Health – R30.95
Heineken – R12
Car Hire – R200/day |
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South Africa Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). This is ideal for European clients as the time difference is minimal. South Africa does not operate Daylight-Saving Time. International Dialling Code for South Africa is 0027.
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Cape Info Africa is a gay travel information centre in De Waterkant offering advice and information for the gay traveller; here you can pick up a copy of the latest Pink Map and South African gay periodicals including newspapers and magazines.
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Founded in 1652 as a trading post, Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest city
Robben Island is a World Heritage Site
With more species than the entire British Isles, the Cape peninsula is one of six floral kingdoms that cover the planet
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