A First Timer’s Travel Guide to Cape Town, South Africa

Admin December 19, 2024Adventure Tours

For the first time ever, I traveled to Cape Town, South Africa this February and had the most incredible time. As a first-timer, I wasn’t fully sure what to expect. Yes, photos online looked magical, but was it really that stunning in person? A resounding yes.

From the breathtaking landscapes to the vibrant culture, Cape Town is a city that truly captures the heart. In this post, I’ll be sharing my top recommendations for things to see, do, and eat in Cape Town, based on my personal experiences. If you’re planning your first trip to Cape Town, here is a first-timer’s travel guide to Cape Town, South Africa. I hope this guide will be a helpful and inspiring resource for you.

Cape Town’s culinary scene does not disappoint, and I was truly impressed by how great the food is. I got to try a lot of restaurants during my stay there and here are some of the ones I can confidently recommend.

Michel Clarck

A little about Cape Town, South Africa

Located on the southwestern coast of the African continent, Cape Town is a city of incredible diversity and natural beauty. It’s home to iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Cape Point, as well as a rich history and culture that reflects the country’s complex past. From the bustling streets of the city center to the picturesque beaches and vineyards of the surrounding areas, Cape Town has something for everyone. As the legislative capital of South Africa, it’s also an important hub for politics, business, and tourism, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.

Getting to Cape Town, South Africa

Depending on where you are traveling from, there are a lot of airlines that travel to Cape Town, although you may need to do a few connections. Coming from Toronto, Canada, I flew using Ethiopian Airlines and had a short layover in Addis Ababa. I upgraded to business class for a more comfortable flight at a fraction of the cost so it worked out well. The journey was smooth and I liked the selection of food they offered. If you’re coming from the US, Delta and KLM are some of the best flights to take down there.

Traveling to Cape Town, South Africa in 2023 – Entry Requirements

If you’re planning to visit Cape Town in 2023, it’s important to be aware of any entry requirements for South Africa. As of March 2023, there are no COVID-19-related restrictions or requirements for travelers visiting Cape Town, regardless of their vaccination status. However, you should still check with your airline and the South African government website for any updates or changes to entry requirements.

It’s also important to note that if you’re visiting from a West African country or have recently traveled to a country where yellow fever is endemic, you may be required to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival in South Africa. While I have one, I did not need to show it as I was traveling from Canada.

Things to know before visiting Cape Town, South Africa

Before you pack your bags and head off to Cape Town, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Make sure to have travel insurance before you go. In general, don’t travel anywhere without travel insurance, including on your trip to Cape Town. Here’s the travel insurance I use.

Rent a car or use Uber: Cape Town is a sprawling city with plenty to see and do beyond the city center, so it’s recommended to rent a car or use Uber to get around. Uber is a popular and convenient option as it is cheaper, safer, and more reliable than traditional taxis. It’s also easy to use, and you can pay through the app.

English is widely spoken: While South Africa has 11 official languages, English is widely spoken and you will have no issues with language barriers when visiting Cape Town. Many people also speak Afrikaans, and you may hear Xhosa or Zulu spoken in certain areas.

Check if you need a visa: US, UK, and Canadian passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, it’s always a good idea to check the latest visa requirements with the South African embassy or consulate in your home country. Also, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

Be aware of load shedding: Load shedding is a term used in South Africa for scheduled power outages. These outages are planned to reduce the demand on the power grid and prevent blackouts. If you’re visiting Cape Town during load shedding, it’s important to come prepared with a portable charger for your phone or other devices. You can check the schedule for load shedding on the website of the local utility company, Eskom.

The best time to visit: The best time to visit Cape Town is between November and March when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds during this time. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the shoulder season from April to May or September to October. The winter months from June to August are also a good time to visit if you don’t mind cooler temperatures and occasional rain.