Cape Town

Orientation

Located on the south-west corner of South Africa, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Heavily influenced by its vital role as a part of the trade route between Europe and Asia for 300 years, the city's architecture and layout is simply stunning. Surrounding Cape Town are the vineyards that produce some of the best wines in South Africa.

City Facts

• Cape Town Population: 3,092,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• South Africa Population: 46,257,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
• Time Zone: GMT +2
• Languages: Afrikaans, English and assorted African language
  

Weather

Weather Forecast

Climate

The weather in Cape Town is generally mild and pleasant all-year-round. Situated in the Southern Hemisphere, the Cape Town summer is between December and February, with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 27°C (81°F), while average temperatures are between 7°C (45°F) and 20°C (68°F) in winter (from June to August). Located between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, Cape Town enjoys refreshing see breezes and moderate rainfall all through the year.

Travel Tips

Arts and Events

The South African culture is a melting pot of many different cultures and sub-cultures, all with their individual customs. This rich diversity, became more evident when Nelson Mandela was elected into power in 1994, also contributes to the nation's thriving arts and entertainment scene.

Dining

The early Dutch, English and French settlers have heavily influenced the fine cuisines in Cape Town, while the Malay slaves of the 17th Century have brought to the mix some of the most aromatic dishes. Some of South Africa's best international restaurants for local and international cuisines can be found in Cape Town. The city is also renowned for its fresh and locally caught seafood.

Tipping Advice

Tipping is generally expected in South Africa. Hotel porters and gas station attendants would expect a ZAR 2.00 to ZAR 3.00 tip, while waiters, bartenders, hairdressers, taxi drivers and tour guides should be tipped around 10%.

Transportation

Cape Town International Airport connects the city to the world, while road and rail links provide reliable access to other major South African cities.

Arriving by Air

Cape Town and its surrounding areas are served by Cape Town International Airport.

Getting Around Cape Town

Two types of taxis serve Cape Town. The ordinary taxis are metered and available from the taxi ranks in the Greenmarket Square and the Tourist Rendezvous Travel Centre; and the black taxis, which are actually minibuses that are generally not black, follow major bus routes and pick up and set off passengers at bus stops. The Cape Town downtown area is quite small, and visitors should get around perfectly well on foot.

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