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Cape Town Holidays
Talked up by many as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and located in one of the most visited countries in all of Africa, Cape Town offers stunning mountain scenery, UNESCO World Heritage sites, incredible hikes along the Cape of Good Hope, as well as picturesque neighbourhoods with cobbled streets and colourful architecture. Let’s not forget the vineyards surrounding the city, which are some of the oldest, and best, outside Europe.
Book Cape Town holiday packages with Brightsun Travel, so that you can explore everything that this amazing city has to offer on your next holiday to Africa. Cape Town sits beneath the majestic Table Mountain, and you can hike, or take a cable car up to the top of the mountain and enjoy incredible views of the city and its surrounding natural landscapes.
Map of Cape Town
Cape Heritage Hotel
Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Bed and Breakfast
5 Nights
The Cape Milner
2 Milner Rd, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Room Only
7 Nights
From £1239 per person
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Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
1 Alma Rd, Wendywood, Sandton, 2052, South Africa
Bed and Breakfast
7 Nights
From £1779 per person
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Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Victoria Street, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Bed and Breakfast
7 Nights
From £1959 per person
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Local Information & Travel Tips
Transportation
Car Rental
Renting a car is a convenient way to explore Cape Town and its surrounding areas, especially if you want the freedom to travel at your own pace. Many international car rental companies operate in Cape Town, and there are local options as well. Just be mindful of traffic and parking when using car hire in Cape Town, especially in the city centre.
Taxis
Metered taxis are widely available in Cape Town. Additionally, Uber and Bolt operate in the city, providing a convenient and often more affordable alternative to traditional taxis.
Bus
Cape Town's MyCiTi Bus service offers an extensive network of routes covering much of the city and surrounding areas. The buses are modern, safe, and relatively affordable.
Golden Arrow is another bus service operating in Cape Town. While not as tourist-friendly as the MyCiTi Bus, it can be a budget-friendly option for getting around.
There are also tourist-oriented buses offering hop-on-hop-off tours of Cape Town's major attractions. They typically follow set routes and provide commentary in multiple languages.
Train
Metrorail operates a train service in Cape Town, connecting the city centre with its surrounding suburbs and towns. While trains can be a cost-effective way to travel, the service is known for reliability issues and safety concerns, so it's advisable to exercise caution, particularly if travelling at night.
Walking & Cycling
Many areas of Cape Town, particularly the city centre and waterfront, are pedestrian-friendly, making walking a pleasant option for short distances. Additionally, the city has dedicated cycling lanes in certain areas, and you can rent bicycles.
Local Culture & Traditions
Cuisine
Cape Town boasts a diverse culinary scene influenced by its multicultural population. You can find traditional South African dishes like bobotie (a savory minced meat dish), bunny chow (a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry), and braai (barbecue). Additionally, Cape Malay cuisine, a fusion of South African, Indonesian, and Malaysian flavors, is prominent.
Cultural Festivals
Throughout the year, Cape Town hosts a variety of cultural festivals celebrating its diverse heritage. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the Cape Town Carnival, and the Cape Town International Kite Festival are just a few examples of events where you can experience the city's cultural scene.
Traditional Attire
Western clothing is common in Cape Town, though you'll also see people wearing traditional attire, particularly during cultural events and ceremonies. This includes items like the Xhosa umqhele (headwrap) and isishweshwe fabric, as well as the colourful outfits worn during Cape Malay celebrations.
Things to Do and See in Cape Town
Must-Visit Attractions
V&A Waterfront
Explore this bustling harbour area filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. This is definitely one of the top things to do in Cape Town.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Spend an afternoon wandering through these beautiful gardens, which showcase the diverse flora of South Africa.
Boulders Beach
Visit this unique beach to see the famous colony of African penguins up close. You can also swim and relax on the sandy shores of Boulders Beach Cape Town.
Bo-Kaap
Explore this colourful neighbourhood known for its brightly painted houses and Cape Malay heritage. Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum to learn more about the area's history and culture.
Castle of Good Hope
This historic fortress dates back to the 17th century and is the oldest surviving building in South Africa.
Clifton & Camps Bay Beaches
Relax on the golden sands of these popular beaches, which are surrounded by trendy cafes and restaurants.
Daytrip Opportunities
Cape Town is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, historic towns, and cultural attractions, making it an excellent base for day trips.
Cape Winelands
Just a short drive from Cape Town is the Cape Winelands, offering picturesque vineyards, historic towns, and award-winning wine estates. Visit Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Paarl for wine tastings, cellar tours, and gourmet dining experiences.
Robben Island
Take a ferry from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Tour the former prison facilities, visit Mandela's cell, and learn about South Africa's struggle for freedom.
Hermanus
Known as one of the best places for land-based whale watching, Hermanus is about a 2-hour drive from Cape Town. Visit between June and December to see southern right whales in the waters of Walker Bay.
Hout Bay
Drive along the scenic Chapman's Peak Drive to reach the charming coastal town of Hout Bay. Enjoy fresh seafood at the harbour, take a boat trip to Seal Island, and visit the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary.
West Coast National Park
Discover the natural beauty of the West Coast National Park, around a 1.5-hour drive from Cape Town. The park is particularly vibrant during spring when the landscape bursts into bloom with wildflowers. Enjoy birdwatching, hiking trails, and scenic drives.
Weather in Cape Town
Cape Town experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers between December-February, seeing temperatures range between 20-30°C, and cool, wet winters between June-August, with temperatures ranging from 7-18°C.
It's important to note that Cape Town weather can be unpredictable at times, with rapid changes in temperature and conditions. Additionally, microclimates exist within the city and its surrounding areas, influenced by factors such as altitude and proximity to the ocean or mountains.
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