CAPE TOWN GETTING AND STAYING HERE
A picture of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town

Getting to Cape Town is as easy as travelling to any other major city in the world

A picture depicting street life in Cape Town A picture depicting streetlife in Cape Town Detail A picture depicting streetlife in Cape Town Detail

Getting to Cape Town

Getting to Cape Town

Direct flights are offered by virtually all the major carriers from Europe, the US, Australasia, the Far East and Asia. Flights also go via Johannesburg, though there is an extra two hours flying time and a wait in the airport there to add to your journey duration.

The taxi ride into town takes 25 minutes out of the rush hour – which is very early in the morning – and gives you time to acclimatise to this part of the African continent. As you climb the rise that takes you to the heart of the city, look out for the zebra in the savannah on your left.

Local carriers offer plenty of flight connections within South Africa or the continent, but there is also a small but “interesting” rail system and an even more fascinating bus system for long distances. Greyhound and Intercape busses start from the central bus station in Adderley Street to basically any major town in the country. The service is acceptable and the prices are good. For all but the most adventurous, however, flying is the best option.

For travelling around Cape Town, or South Africa for that matter, it is best to rent a car. To get about with public transport is a hassle. There are no tubes or trams, the only exception being the Metro, a city train between the Main Station and Simonstown. The town busses go almost everywhere, but just not frequently enough. Their furnishings are anything but comfortable, and during rush hour they are crammed.

The minibus-taxis cover the whole area of Cape Town. These nine-seater busses usually transport 12 persons. Many of the minibuses are old sometimes rickety, but a great way to meet the population.

In town, taxis are the preferred means of transport, though there are busses running in all areas.

Follow this link for further travel information. 

The road along the shore is lined with apartments offering stunning sea views and sunsets to die for

Camps Bay in Cape Town in the summer

Accomodation

Accomodation

Everything from the very best five, four and three star hotels close to the race Village site, to the international chains, via wonderful self catering apartments, guest houses, bed and breakfasts and small family run hotels, ending up with camp sites - Cape Town and its environs has it all.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, where the Volvo Ocean Race is based for its stay, offers hotels right on the wharves of this historic harbour, or just a short walk away there is a similar array of hotels, even small guest houses. Down the road towards Camps Bay the road along the shore is lined with apartments offering stunning sea views and sunsets to die for.

A dedicated travel service has been set up in Cape Town to make booking easy. The Cape Town Stopover Travel Solution provided by TRAVEL @ IAFRICA will find your ideal place to stay and arrange other matters such as car hire, tours and visits to other places in the region.

For further information follow the link below, or contact our travel desk.

Cape Town time is GMT +2. Currency: Rand (ZAR) (UK£1=15.2003 US$1=7.62592 EUR€1=12.1684 approx.) International dialling code +27, regional code 21. Voltage 220/230, 50hz.

Follow this link for a good place to start a Cape Town accommodation web quest.