WEATHER
Jan -March:
Average 61-83F,
warm, dry, clear
April -June:
Average 53-76F,
wetter
July -Sept:
Average 53-69F,
wetter
Oct -Dec:
Average 58-81,
mostly sunny
May and June are the wettest months of the year for Cape Town. Since June-August is winter, these are also the coldest months. December. January is the hottest month of the year, and also our favorite.
Colorful, cultural, electrifying Cape Town. If I had to "Eat, Pray, Love" you and pick one word to describe this city... it would easily be: adventurous Cape Town. A port city on the edge of the world, there are endless adventures to be had on land and sea. It will inspire you and make you feel like Magellan setting out on a maiden voyage. Safari, skydiving, sailing, shark diving... whatever the word "adventure" makes you think of, you will find it in Cape Town. If you prefer learning about history and culture, there is plenty of that too. Cape Town has a vivid history, and one that is not always pleasant.
The affectionately nicknamed "Mother City" was established through colonialism first by the Portuguese, then the Dutch and English, a gain that came by taking the motherland from its natural children, the Khoi. Apartheid reigned until 1994, separating races and removing thousands of South Africans from their native homes. Nelson Mandela ushered the country into a new era after his release from Robben Island.
Today, you will find Cape Town thriving and full of kind people, though it is not without its problems still. South Africa remains number one in income inequality worldwide and it is impossible not to notice rampant poverty juxtaposed against exorbitant wealth.
The South African flag represents a blending of all its cultures that hopefully serves as a harbinger of prosperity for all.
Cape is a sprawling metropolis that runs North to South, perfectly situated between the Atlantic sea and gargantuan mountains and cliffs. To the North, you can find the heart of Cape Town with its iconic World Cup stadium (repurposed for rugby today) and accumulating skyscrapers. Turn around Signal Hill to find Sea Point lying below, an affluential and robust neighborhood with restaurants and activities galore. Next door you will find Camp's Bay (my personal favorite) where the young and rowdy thrive. This is the best spot for those seeking late nights and early mornings. This neighborhood was our headquarters for food, coffee, and excursions. It is also the beginning of the famous and stunning Clifton Beaches (1st-4th), all of which attract different crowds. 4th is known for teenagers, 3rd for its gay community, 2nd for influencers and those seeking the perfect picture, and 1st for its slower pace and furry friends. Before going too far south, make sure you visit South Africa's famous Wineland regions of Franschoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl.
A little further south you will find Llandudno, a high-end and quiet residential neighborhood where we stayed. We highly recommend this area for travelers seeking luxury and a less touristy stay. Air BnBs are plentiful in this area and you can snag mansions reminiscent of California estates for half the price. Llandudno Beach is, in my opinion, the most beautiful all these beaches and so quiet you will think you own it.
Lastly, before hitting the famous Chapman's Peak Lookout, you will hit Hout Bay, a suburb town with much to do and see, just 30 minutes from Cape's city center. In Simon's Town, you will find penguins, boardwalks, and local cafes, and we suggest driving down even further to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point to see the Southwesternmost point of Africa.
Safety
Cape Town is generally safer than other South African cities, but petty crime is still common. Make sure to keep belongings secured to your body when walking around. Always lock your doors and keep windows up at intersections.
Transportation
For Americans planning to drive, be aware that everything is opposite. You can get a temporary driving permit and rental cars are abundant, along with Ubers and scooter rental. Gas stations have attendants that fill up your tank so always have cash for tip and tolls.
Currency
The Rand is about 6 US pennies. It is the preferred method of payment with most vendors. The Rand has been in use in South Africa since 1961. The name comes from "wit waters rand" which is Afrikaans for "white waters edge.
Power
South Africa has been in an energy crisis since 2007, so the main energy generator, Eskom, conducts daily rolling energy outages for conservation. Your lodging should tell you when to expect them, but be prepared for downed stoplights and other minor inconveniences. Google this topic to learn more about how corruption can affect an entire country.
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A truly authentic and immersive South African experience. Enjoy live music, great cocktails, Mali puppets, and a 14-course South African dinner. Beware - you might get asked to dance on stage!
A breezy and beautiful all-day cafe with eclectic eats, Cafe Caprice is right on the beach. If you go on a Sunday, be prepared to party.
A wine estate in Paarl, Fairview was founded in 1693 and specializes in artisanal cheese and wine. The estate is beautiful and the tasting is a must-do, but the goats that call Fairview home are who really steal your heart.
This brewery is named for the peak that towers over it and can be seen while enjoying a beer on the balcony. They also host live music on Friday nights. Be sure to try Vannie Hout for an amazing ale.
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An all-day bistro and brunchery located right in the center of Seat Point. Come to brunch hungry with extra room for delicious cocktails.
A beachy seafood and sushi joint that feels upscale and casual at the same time. Stay long enough to find the club at the back of the restaurant, but make sure you try with the Vegan 7 Spice Tofu Steak first!
South Africa has some of the best food markets in the world. Stop by the Old Biscuit Mill on a weekend to try various cuisines and drinks, listen to music, and maybe make some local friends.
Grab your daily cup o' Joe at this incredible instagrammable and very steampunk coffee shop. The interior will make your jaw drop.
TOP TO DO'S
VB Tip: Vegan's Delight!
Cape Town might be the most vegan/vegetarian-friendly city that I have ever been to outside of Miami, NY, and Southern California. There were options at every restaurant we visited. My non-veggie friends even started ordering vegan plates because they were so delicious.
Get the full dine guide map with our downloadable travel itinerary!
Winery or fancy dinner dresses that still give beachy and, breezy.
Active clothes are a must for hiking and getting around!
Click the picture to purchase!
A dress that can be worn throughout the day with tennis shoes or sandals, but repurposed for a night out in heels!
Safari pointer: light colors to stay cool but long sleeves and pants in natural colors to keep bugs away.
Bring light jackets because it can get cold at night.
VB Tip: A Land of Many Tongues
South Africa has 11 official languages, with the 4 most common being Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English. Mlilinguanism is beyond common is South Africa - the average South African is practically trilingual according to 2001 Census data. Zulu is the native language of more than 12 million people, and it is a Southeastern Bantu language like Xhosa. Afrikaans is derived from Dutch colonialism when they originally arrived on the Cape of Good Hope. English came to Cape Town with its native-speaking settlers in the 19th century.
as the locals say...
Howzit:
How's it going?
All good, everything is great
Friend
Is it? Really? For real?
An exclamation if you're tired or surprised
Shap Shap/Sharp Sharp:
Bra/Bru:
Is it:
Eish:
To party, have fun
Jol:
WATCH
Invictus
My Octopus Teacher
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Blood Diamond
You Laugh But It's True
Wild Safari
The Lion King
READ
Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
A Beautiful Place To Die by Malla Nunn
Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton
The Capetown Book by Nechama Brodie
Coconut by Kopano Matlwa
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Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Scientific Name: Panthera pardus pardus
IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Scientific Name: Panthera leo
IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable
Yoh:
To express shock
Yes in Zulu and used affirmatively
Yebo:
Braai:
Afrikaans for barbeque
Ethical Tourism
Protect Our Planet And Its People
Class: Mammalia
Order: Proboscidea
Family: Elephantidae
Scientific Name: Loxodonta africana
IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable
Class: Mammalia
Order: Perissodactyla
Family: Rhinocerotidae
Scientific Name: Diceros bicornis michaeli
IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artifactyla
Family: Bovidae
Scientific Name: Syncerus cafe
IUCN Red List status: Near threatened
POP QUIZ!
It is universally agreed amongst scientists and conservationists that humans have had a negative effect on wildlife. From decimating natural habitats to poaching, we each have a responsibility to make sure we are expereincing and learning from the world, but positively not negatively. Lack of research or turning a blind eye is no longer acceptable in a world where information is abundant. Here are our suggestions:
1. Research your safari. Many safaris keep animals in small enclosures so tourists have a better chance of seeing them but this is not ethical or natural. You should also never touch an animal because they can contract human illnesses. Some companies still offer hunting opportunities which is abominable. We recommend Aquila Private Reserve for an educational and fulfilling experience.
2. Consider donating to Rhino conservation. Travelers get so much bang for their buck that each of us can gift the region that gives so much. Poaching is still rampant in South Africa, and the near-extinct rhinos are brutally murdered everyday for their ivory.
3. Choose black-owned wineries: In South Africa's winery country, choose black-owned wineries that don't always get the recognition they deserve on winery tours. Check out this blog for a list of great choices.
4. Educate yourself on township tours: If you opt to take a tour of some of the world's most destitue communitiies, make sure you're asking the right questions about if your guide is from the community and where your money goes. Done correctly, these tours can be a great opportunity for communities to share their culture and history, but choosing the wrong tour means these communities take the loss.
VAGABLOG
Simon's Town
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VAGABLOG
Ethical Safaris
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VAGABLOG
Township Tours
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