Getting There:
Ten major airlines fly to Cape Town International Airport (CPT), which is located about 12.5 miles (20 kilometres) east of the city centre off the N2 highway.
Sunscreen, Sunglasses and a Hat/Cap:
The sun is hot in Africa. We recommend at least SPF 30. And 50% if you have a fair complexion
Clothing:
Light coloured clothing that doesn’t absorb the sun as much as dark clothing. In winter, you will need a warm jersey and a waterproof and windproof jacket. Even in summer it is a good to have a warm jacket to put on as when the wind blows, it can get chilly and even in summer the evenings can be quite cool. It is always best to dress a bit like an onion, in layers so that you can take off and put on as the weather changes. The last thing you want is to spoil a romantic sunset because of goose bumps! Comfortable sandals and trainers/sneakers are a good idea when touring and sightseeing. Swimming costume is a must to enjoy all our beautiful beaches.
Plugs:
SA plugs are 3 pin round, 220-volt fittings although many places will have adapters for 2 pin plugs (i.e. shavers, electric toothbrush)
Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear:
Many of the more up market hotels supply beach towels although you could buy them for your trip in Cape Town cheaply & leave them behind afterwards.
Insect Repellent:
Summer in Cape Town unfortunately includes mosquito’s or other small biting insects, and many guest houses do not have screens. Insect repellent is vital for a comfortable night.
Security:
Street crime is a problem, but not a major threat if you apply the simple rules for any big city in the world. Always be aware of your surroundings, don’t wear a lot of jewellery or walk around with a lot of cash in the CBD, and avoid walking with your cell phone visible or in an easy spot for a pick pocketer to remove. Don’t take back streets at night. Don’t go into the townships alone. Leave valuables in the hotel safe. Don’t take advice from anyone offering you help at an ATM or pay anyone for a “permit” to walk down a certain road. Never accept a transfer from the airport from a person who approaches you at the airport purporting to be an Uber driver or being cheaper than Ube, they will take you for a ride in more ways than one. It is better to arrange a transfer before you get here, order an Uber on your App, or go to one of the kiosks at the airport offering transfers. Keep cameras close and bear in mind the hoary old advice about not looking too much like a tourist.
Money:
Cape Town’s currency is the South African Rand. It is always a good idea to carry a small amount on you, R200 or R300 in small denominations so you can gratuities to porters, car guards, waitrons etc.
Tipping
Our waitrons get very low wages and rely on tips to earn a decent income. The rule of thumb in South Africa is 10% of the bill. If you are delighted with the service, you can pay more, if underwhelmed, you can pay less. Each hotel has its own policy regarding the tipping of the staff, so it is best to ask the front desk staff what the policy is. Tour Guide tips fall into the same category as waitrons.
Phone Calls:
Cape Town’s area code is 021. For phone calls to Cape Town from within South Africa, dial 021 seven-digit phone number if it is a Land Line). For phone calls to Cape Town land lines from outside South Africa, dial your country’s international access code +27 21 seven-digit phone number. For cell numbers, when phoning from a foreign number, you dial the international access code - +27, drop the 0 from the cell number and type in the subsequent 9 digits.
Tap Water:
South Africa reportedly has safe drinking water, although I think that may not be the case in some more rural areas.
Camera and Binoculars:
Compulsory! You will use it a lot! Binoculars are useful if you do a Safari and on the Peninsula Tour. Cape Splendour carries binoculars for your use on board the vehicle.
