Useful Tips
This section is mainly meant for visitors to Cape Town, but also for locals who are looking for some useful tips to guide them through the jungle of information offered. The information provided here is meant as a guidance only, and will develop as we see the response from visitors on the site. So let us hear what YOU would like to know more about!
IMPORTANT NUMBERS AND WEBSITES
- Emergency number: Cape Town has a central number which will route emergency calls to the right service. Call 107 from a landline or (021) 480-7715 from a cell phone.
- www.capetown.travel Cape Town Tourism, Cnr. Burg and Castle Street (City Bowl) Tel: +27 (0) 21 487 6800, Fax: +27 (0) 21 487 6899, email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
- www.capetown.gov.za - the official website of the City of Cape Town
- www.botanicalsociety.org.za Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain Table Mountain National Park (TMNP): Tel 021 7018692 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
- www.friendsoflionshead.co.za
HANDY CARDS AND MEMBERSHIPS
The WILD Card (smart card) offers locals and visitors interested in South Africa’s nature a number of options:
- The All Clusters Card offers unlimited entry for a year to all National Parks in South Africa.
- For more local users there is a selection of “cluster cards” offering unlimited access to National Parks and partner reserves in a certain region.
- Cape Town’s WILD Card offers affordable limited (= selected pay points only) entry to the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).
- Recreational permits for a number of activities available in the TMNP can also be loaded onto the card.
For more information on purchasing and using the card,contact the WILD Team on 086 123 4002 or log on to www.wildinafrica.com. (Source: www.sanparks.org)
THE CAPE TOWN PASS
Free entry to over 50 of the best attractions and activities, a number of special offers and discounts in Cape Town and surroundings and a free 160 page guide book with all attractions and maps.
The Cape Town Pass can be purchased for 1, 2, 3 or 6 days. Validity starts and ends with the date and times shown on the front of your personal Pass. For information on prices and where to purchase the pass, log on to www.thecapetownpass.com
TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM “SOLEMATES” MEMBERSHIP
A ‘Sole Mate’ membership gives you benefits that really make sense, just read on to be convinced:
Unlimited visits all year (if you visit more than twice in a year, you have already won!); no waiting at the ticket office; access to special events and seawater for your home aquarium, as well as discounts at the shop and restaurant. Go to www.aquarium.co.za for more information!
WEATHER
The weather in Cape Town is worth its own chapter of any guide book. Even though Capetonians will tell you that it’s great and that winters are very short, take some advise from someone who knows the term “four seasons in one day” and come prepared! This applies whether you’re local or a visitor, and means: take sun cream AND a wind proof jacket, an umbrella as well as your picnic blanket, and try to get an idea of what it means when the South-Easter blows… and always have a backup plan! Watch this space for more insider information on wind and weather conditions!
For detailed weather forecasts, visit www.mycapetowninfo.com
MOUNTAINWISE HIKING
Cape Town and surroundings offer endless opportunities for great hiking. As long as you follow a few friendly but very important pieces of advise, your biggest problem will be to choose which route to take!
- Be prepared for all kinds of weather, and turn around if the weather turns on you!
- Know your route and stick to it, and make sure that someone else knows where you plan to go. It is advisable to bring a cell phone, but keep other valuables to an absolute minimum.
- Follow the marked trails and paths, they are there for a reason - both to protect you from getting lost and the nature from overexposure.
- Bring water, as natural sources are scarce and not always safe to drink from.
- Anything you take to the mountain, you must also bring back. Help us keep our nature clean. And remember - smoking is a severe fire hazard and fynbos is extremely flammable!
- Choose a trail that suits the fitness level and pace of the slowest person in the group.
Note that some of the hikes are non-circular and require that you prepare your return by having two vehicles, one at the start and one at the end of the hike. Otherwise, the hike could end up being a double pleasure…
BEACHES
Some important facts about Cape Town’s beaches, other than that they are absolutely beautiful:
- Water temperatures are strongly affected by the location of the beach (Indian or Atlantic Ocean), and generally range from 13 to a maximum of 20 degrees centigrade. Yes, you read correctly - but on hot summer days it can be quite refreshing…
- South Africa is located under a “weak” spot in the ozone layer, which means UV radiation is dangerously high. Enjoy responsibly by using sun protection, hat and sun glasses at all times. For children, it is advisable to dress them in beach wear with UV factor, available in various shops from R50 upwards.
Many beaches in Cape Town offer an umbrella hiring service, some also offer sun chairs and you’ll find friendly, but persistent ice cream and soft drink vendors patrolling the beaches. Not all beaches have life savers on duty, and watch out - and respect - tidal and shark warnings.
GETTING AROUND
- In South Africa, driving happens on the left hand side. Public taxis (minibuses) are very common and tend to “own” the road so be careful when driving as a visitor. Having your own rental car is probably the best option for getting around, especially if you want to see the areas surrounding Cape Town. There are the international rental car companies and smaller, local ones who often offer seemingly cheap day rates. Just be aware that this often involves very limited mileage and no excess. It’s usually a better idea to go for the full insurance option and rather be safe than sorry. Ask upfront for car seats or contact Tiny Tourists for equipment hire.
- Conventional taxis are available, and there has been a recent boost of this industry, which is visible in better taxis and an increased variety of service providers. Many restaurants and hotels have direct lines to their preferred taxi company, but unless this is provided, it’s good to have a few numbers that are recommended at hand. Cape Town Tourism is a good reference point.
- For getting around the city bowl, there are very reasonable and fairly safe public minibus taxis going between the train station (Adderley street) and the Waterfront, and also along Main road to Sea Point and the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. Another option and a fun experience for a shorter ride is taking a Rikki taxi!
2010
The upcoming FIFA World Cup in winter 2010 is going to bring a few changes to Cape Town and the way things work - hopefully for the better! The ‘Fan mile’ from the City Centre to Green Point is in the making, safety measures are being upgraded and lots of fun activities are being planned so watch this space for more information on 2010.
