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Cape Maclear

Cape Maclear (aka Chembe) is a small fishing village on Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) in Malawi. It has one dirt road leading into (and straight out of) town. Along this road, there are a few hostels, some dive shops, a handful of vendors selling curios and fruit and a few bars. The pace of life here is... very... slow.

Mumbo Island is about 4 km offshore, inside Cape Maclear National Park, to the southern end of Lake Malawi.

The camp, which is set around a small cove on the eastern shore, comprises just six rooms. The island is renowned for its freshwater diving, kayaking and hammocks.

This old hippy hangout has been transformed into a very cool little lodge, but still retains the same laid back atmosphere.

Understand
Cape Maclear is a fishing village of about 10,000. The fishermen live in the center of the town, while either end of the village caters to tourists. In order to get from Steven's Guest House, for example, to Fat Monkeys, you must go through the town. This is not a problem - in fact, it's a great way to see how the average Malawian lives. It can just be a bit surprising when the road opens up, and you see a village.

Get in
From the bus station in Lilongwe, take a minibus to Monkey Bay for a few bucks. Flag down a pick-up that will take you the rest of the way into Cape Maclear, for just a few more dollars. (If you get stuck, you can always stay in Monkey Bay.) Although the trip is fairly short, you should budget the entire day.

Get around
The drive to Cape Maclear from Monkey Bay is through beautiful sunlit forest, preserved Lake Malawi National Park, which extends into the Lake, including nine islands, and offers shelter to some of the most spectacular fish in Africa.

Cape Maclear is very small. A short stroll will get you wherever you need to go.

See

 * There is a beautiful beach to take in.
 * The missionary graves on the north end of town. These are the final resting places of the first missionaries to the area, who died in 1875.

Do

Frankly, doing as little as possible is the whole point of Cape Maclear, but there are actual activities, in case you get bored.
 * Hiking - an easy 80-minute trail starts near the Missionary Graves and takes you up to a viewing point above the village. There are other harder walks, which are not so easily marked, for these it is worthwhile finding a guide in town or at the Lake Malawi National Park. Alternatively, get a beach boy to take you up and tell you some stories.
 * A large catamaran provides sunset cruises and day-trips. The boat is beautiful, and a ride on it is lots of fun. There is no toilet on the boat, and if you're drinking during a trip, you might feel uncomfortable.
 * Pete's Aqualand at Fat Monkeys Lodge is another outfit offering day trips on the lake from Cape Maclear.
 * Danforth Lodge at Cape Maclear to the south of Lake Malawi. This 4-room lodge offers a reasonably high standard of accommodation and a wide range of activities including diving and sailing in a superb 12-m catamaran.
 * Danforth Lodge at Cape Maclear to the south of Lake Malawi. This 4-room lodge offers a reasonably high standard of accommodation and a wide range of activities including diving and sailing in a superb 12-m catamaran.

Buy

Curio vendors hawk their wares along the road, and prices are reasonable. Especially noteworthy are the hand-carved backgammon and mancala boards.

Beach boys stroll the beaches, selling anything they think you will buy, from canoe trips, to handmade reed cars, to chocolate cakes made by their mothers, to handmade jewellery. While these beach boys arrange interesting goods at reasonable prices, they can become aggressive; beware. Past visitors recommend asking for a beach boy called Simon, who is very helpful and offers reasonable prices.

One of the highlights of Cape Maclear is the surprisingly large number of dive shops.

Eat
There are several small Malawian restaurants along the main road. If you want a great, reasonably priced seafood dinner ($2 or so for a big Chambo fillet), try any of them. A reservation is a good idea, not because the restaurant is likely to be crowded, but rather, so the owner knows he's going to have some business.

Be sure to eat some of the chips (french fries) the boys sell along the main road. They'll fry them fresh, and they make a great snack. If you order them regular, be prepared for "soggy" fries. If you want them crispy, order them "brown." For lunch, grab some chips, buy some bread and tomatoes, and have tomato sandwiches and chips.

Don't forget to arrange with one of the beach boys for an evening fish dinner on the beach. It's a lot of fun. Be careful, though—they're likely to come back and ask for more money, for any number of reasons. Be firm but respectful.

For restaurants try:
 * Fat Monkeys is an open-air restaurant with a cool beach-vibe on the south end of the village. They have Western-styled food (try the pizza) and sometimes play host to lively parties at night.

Drink
Fat Monkeysis another place to go for drinks.

If you want a quiet night, buy some beers on the quiet side of the village and watch the moon rise over the Lake.

Budget

Malambe Camp, +265 9 258 959 ([malambe_camp@btinternet.com]) Malambe camp offers camping accommodation as well as accommodation in bamboo huts right on the lake front. There is also a large dorm available. There is a great bar and a kitchen for guests to use. There are boat trips to Otter Point and Thumbe Island and have snorkeling equipment for hire. We can also arrange airport transfers.

Stay healthy
Remember that Malawi suffers from malaria and in this part of Malawi there is a high risk all year round. Talk to your doctor before you go, wear insect repellent and cover your skin while it's dark, and sleep under a mosquito net.

Some parts of the lake are contaminated with flatworms, which can cause schistosomiasis (bilharzia). The parasites enter your body through the skin, so just getting your feet wet could make you sick. However, you are not guaranteed to acquire it, even if you swim daily. Among the symptoms (which might not appear for months after exposure) is painless, bloody urine. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, fatigue. Bilharzia is easily treated, but convincing a Western doctor that you have bilharzia can be tough; explain that you've been to Malawi and ask for a test. As a precaution, you should inquire with your travel doctor or pharmacist about treatment tablets, a single oral dose of the drug praziquantel, after potential exposure. Treatment is readily available at many pharmacies for a small cost in Malawi.

Don't drink the water from the taps: it comes straight from the lake.

Connect
Cape Maclear is covered by a Skyband hotspot. You are now able to browse the Internet at from any one of the lodges on the bay. Access is controlled by the purchase of access cards at a very reasonable price. For more information on the service and locations in Malawi log on to their website.

Go next
Cape Maclear has a reputation for being a sort of traveler's black hole. In other words, once you get there, you won't want to leave.

If you want more beach time, you might try Senga Bay, Monkey Bay, or Nkhata Bay.

 * Zomba - if you've got a little bit sunburnt, you can head south to the former capital of Malawi, and a beautiful, wooded mountain-town that feels very little like Africa.
 * Lake Malawi National Park

title: Cape Maclear


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Cape May

Cape May is in the state of New Jersey, in the United States. It lies at the southernmost point in New Jersey, on the Cape May Peninsula, on the Atlantic Coast. "Cape May" may refer to the small city at the tip of the peninsula, the peninsula itself, or the county which extends about 33 miles northeast of Cape May city to Ocean City. On the other side of the Delaware Bay lies the state of Delaware.

Understand
Cape May, located at the very southern tip of New Jersey, is a Victorian resort town. It was the country's first seaside resort and much of the original flavor still exists in the properties and other sites within the city. Settled by whalers and fishermen in colonial times, the town suffered a devastating fire in 1878 and was rebuilt during the Victorian period. As a result, Cape May is known for its concentration of Victorian era architecture. It was declared a national historic landmark in 1976.

A canal, dug from a natural shallow creek, runs from Cape May's harbor to the Delaware Bay, which makes Cape May an island. In fact, historically, it's known as Cape Island.

The two main industries within Cape May are tourism and fishing. Cape May is second to Atlantic City for tourism in the state of New Jersey. Being at the confluence of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean allows Cape May full access to many types of fishing opportunities.

Cape May is also home to the Coast Guard Training Station.

By plane
The nearest large airports to Cape May are Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Baltimore, Maryland, Philadelphia International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport  and Atlantic City. From there you can drive for about an hour from ACY, drive two hours from PHL, or approximately three hours from BWI or EWR. For those with private aircraft, there is a small airport (WWD) just a few miles out of town.

By train
The closet rail terminal is Atlantic City, NJ (about 45 minutes by car or two hours by bus to the North). This station is served by NJ Transit's Atlantic City Line from Philadelphia and is connected to Cape May by NJ Transit bus, see below.

By car
Drive time to Cape May is about three hours drive from the New York City metropolitan area and from Baltimore, Maryland.

If you fly into Philadelphia, it only takes about two hours (assuming you hit good traffic).

If you're able to fly into Atlantic City, you can make it down in about 45 minutes.

By bus
New Jersey Transit runs the 552 bus route from Atlantic City to Cape May.

From the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal, take New Jersey Transit bus route 319 to Atlantic City. A Few 319 buses will terminate and begin in Cape May, check the schedule.

Note: New Jersey Transit runs a summer schedule on these two routes when school is out for the summer. So pick up a printed schedule when in doubt. The Web site for New Jersey Transit publishes the normal schedule.

By boat
Cape May has complete harbor access from the Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean. It is on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, so it is accessible to boaters from Key West, Florida to Boston, Massachusetts. It is also possible to take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry from Lewes, Delaware to Cape May. Cars are allowed on this ferry as well, but make sure to book in advance, especially during the summer months.

Marinas

Get around
Cape May is a relatively small town, compared with other mid-atlantic and southern United States resort communities. While cars are allowed on the island, it's best to park it and walk or take a bike. The flat terrain makes biking ideal.

See

 * Sunset Beach Flag Ceremony -- There is a poignant flag lowering ceremony in honor of servicemembers, daily at sunset, at Sunset Beach, just outside of Cape May Point.
 * Dolphin and Whale watching -- some of the boat owners guarantee aquatic mammal sightings on every trip. Dolphins seem to be the normal sighting, as hundreds of dolphins summer around Cape May. Whales? Bottle-nosed dolphins are part of the whale family, but are not the only whales in New Jersey. Humpback and Fin back Whales are sighted with frequency throughout the year. Two- or three-hour boat rides are common. For example, aboard the Cape May Whale Watcher, tel: (check out the whale videos on the website) you can enjoy a two-hour dolphin watch and history cruise or sunset cruise around the island of Cape May. The "Cape May Whale Watcher" is the original whale and dolphin watcher in New Jersey. Tickets are available through the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts or on the website.
 * The Famous "Painted Ladies" of Cape May -- Victorian home tours. Stop as the Washington Mall kiosk and check out the walking tours of the area that cover the history, ghosts and stories about some of the most beautiful homes in the area.
 * THE BEACH! -- Cape May and Cape May Point beach tags are sold seasonally. Or head to Sunset Beach to look for Cape May Diamonds.
 * The Famous "Painted Ladies" of Cape May -- Victorian home tours. Stop as the Washington Mall kiosk and check out the walking tours of the area that cover the history, ghosts and stories about some of the most beautiful homes in the area.
 * THE BEACH! -- Cape May and Cape May Point beach tags are sold seasonally. Or head to Sunset Beach to look for Cape May Diamonds.
 * The Famous "Painted Ladies" of Cape May -- Victorian home tours. Stop as the Washington Mall kiosk and check out the walking tours of the area that cover the history, ghosts and stories about some of the most beautiful homes in the area.
 * THE BEACH! -- Cape May and Cape May Point beach tags are sold seasonally. Or head to Sunset Beach to look for Cape May Diamonds.
 * THE BEACH! -- Cape May and Cape May Point beach tags are sold seasonally. Or head to Sunset Beach to look for Cape May Diamonds.

Do

 * Parasail -- See Cape May from the air. It is extremely safe and fun. Try East Cost Parasail located in Cape May New Jersey 1121 Rt 109, 609-898-UFLY email at eastcoastparasail@yahoo.com or Hang Loose Parasail, (609) 522-WILD, in Wildwood. You'll love the relaxing view of the whole island from 500' in the air.
 * Jet Ski & Waverunner Rentals -- Retals are a great way to live life to the fullest this summer without breaking your budget. Try East Coast Jet Ski & Waverunner Rentals located in Cape May New Jersey 1121 Rt 109, 609-898-USKI
 * Bike -- Cape May is still a relatively small town (in diameter) so biking is a very practical way of getting around. There are a number of bicycle rental places within Cape May, where you can rent everything from the average one-speed two-wheeler to a four-wheeler that seats four and includes a basket for your beach toys or shopping bags.
 * Fish fresh water fishing can be had in several small lakes located around the area. The back bays, surf, Delaware Bay and open Atlantic Ocean allow for many more (surf and deep sea) fishing opportunities. The Miss Chris Marina tel:(609)884-3351 offers Daily Deep Sea Fishing Opportunities aboard the so-called "Head Boats, or Party Boats" for four, six or eight hour fishing trips, as well as Kayaking and boat rentals and a nice tackle shop. At the Miss Chris Marina they also offer Whale and Dolphin Watching Trips, Sightseeing, and Dinner Cruises.
 * Kayak -- take a sea kayak on a ride, and explore the many nooks and crannies of the salt marsh.
 * Surf -- Wildwood, just to the north, is known for big surf. Ocean City, about 45 minutes north, has a section of beach reserved for surfing.
 * Swim -- in the ocean along the long Cape May beaches
 * Walk -- the boardwalk, or throughout town. Lots of Cape May can be reached by foot. Walking is the preferred method of travel for many Cape May residents and visitors.
 * Cape May Seashore Lines
 * Cape May Seashore Lines
 * Cape May Seashore Lines
 * Cape May Seashore Lines

Work
Restaurants, bars & hotels are undeniably the largest employers on the island. Much work available here is seasonal only.

Buy
One of the shopping areas in Cape May is the Washington Street Mall, located in the heart of the town. This three-block outdoor mall features a variety of family-owned shops unlike any others, although many are not open during the week in the off season. Call ahead.

There are also many one of a kind shops throughout Cape May and West Cape May. Among them:

Eat
There is a wide variety of dining available in Cape May, from family and elegant to seafood and pancakes. However, many restaurants operate on a seasonal basis. Most restaurants are open seven days a week from Late May through early October. After that, it's best to call ahead.

Lunch and Casual Dining
There are good places to eat on nearly every corner. Good pizza and lots of good Italian food. Seafood and burgers are easily found at budget prices, though it might be wise to search for seafood at mid-range prices and above.

 * Carney's
 * The Mad Batter (excellent breakfasts)
 * The Pilot House
 * The Ugly Mug
 * George's Place Restaurant +1 609 884-6088
 * Hot Dog Tommies

Mid-range
There are many places where it is possible to get very good food (esp. sea food) at reasonable prices. One can buy fish right off the boats coming in from the day's fishing.

 * The Lobster House
 * Gecko's
 * McGlade's Backstreet Cafe
 * Gecko's
 * McGlade's Backstreet Cafe

Splurge
Cape May is known for its many fine restaurants. The town's been dubbed the Restaurant Capital of New Jersey.

Drink

 * Merion Inn, Decatur Street. Adult atmosphere with piano music.
 * The Schooner Bar, at the Lobster House.
 * Lucky Bones Backwater Grill, across from the Lobster House.
 *  Cabanas & Martini Beach, corner of Decatur and Beach, are casual & fun. Martini Beach  is located on the second floor and has a quieter, more intimate feel. Cabanas features a club atmosphere with live music.
 * The Schooner Bar, at the Lobster House.
 * Lucky Bones Backwater Grill, across from the Lobster House.
 *  Cabanas & Martini Beach, corner of Decatur and Beach, are casual & fun. Martini Beach  is located on the second floor and has a quieter, more intimate feel. Cabanas features a club atmosphere with live music.
 *  Cabanas & Martini Beach, corner of Decatur and Beach, are casual & fun. Martini Beach  is located on the second floor and has a quieter, more intimate feel. Cabanas features a club atmosphere with live music.

Go next

 * Allentown
 * Atlantic City
 * Philadelphia
 * Wildwood. This town on the other side of Cape May Harbor (up the peninsula) has a long boardwalk and several large areas with amusement park rides.  There are at least four roller coasters.  It all gets busy later in the evenings, especially on Friday.
 * The Cape May-Lewes Ferry takes about 75 minutes to go back and forth from Cape May and Lewes, Delaware. From there, you can drive or take a shuttle (check for availability) to Rehoboth Beach
 * Hereford Inlet Lighthouse - Head across the bridge to North Wildwood to tour this mid 19th century lighthouse and learn a little about the shore's history. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, and only a short distance from the...
 * Wetlands Institute of Stone Harbor - Learn about the important residents of Cape May, like the Horseshoe Crab, the Red Knot or the Terrapin. Great for the kids.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Cape May


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Cape May County

Cape May County is in the Southern Shore region of New Jersey.

Cities

 * — The county seat of Cape May County, with a zoo, the county museum and a few breweries.
 * — a popular family resort on the same island as Stone Harbor, just south of Sea Isle City
 * — a popular beach resort on the tip of southeastern NJ.
 * — a popular family resort on the Southern Shore just south of Atlantic City
 * — a popular family resort south of Ocean City
 * — a popular family resort just north of Wildwood
 * — beautiful beaches, one of New Jersey's largest boardwalks, and a vibrant nightlife

By bus
There is a NJ Transit bus station located in Ocean City at 9th Street and West Avenue.

By boat
The county can be accessed by traveling on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry on a seventy minute ride across the Delaware Bay.

Do

 * Wetlands Institute — "The Natural Place to have fun." They promote the conservation and preservation of coastal ecosystems by providing a fun and educational experience for families, school groups and vacationers of all ages.
 * Laura's Fudge Shop — Ocean City.
 * Cape May Bird Observatory — They are dedicated to research in bird conservation and education.
 * Cape May County Park & Zoo — It has 200 different species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles totaling nearly 550 animals.
 * Elaine's Victorian Inn & Dinner Theatre — located to other attractions in Cape May
 * Morey's Piers — Three amusement parks along the boardwalk of Wildwood
 * Sunset Hydrofest — Hydroplanes and flat bottoms compete on the beautiful bay area of Wildwood Crest.
 * Delaware River & Bay Authority — A way of traveling between Delaware and New Jersey
 * Original Fudge Kitchen — They make home-made fudge for centuries now with a variety of 18 different flavors. It is found along many of the boardwalks in New Jersey.
 * Sensia Therapy — A store that specializes in aromatherapy, independent music and arts & crafts.
 * Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts — Authorities in charge of events, tours and activities
 * NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum — They want to restore Hangar #1 at the Cape May County Airport, Lower Township, New Jersey, into an aircraft museum honoring the 42 Naval airmen who perished while training there during World War II.
 * Splash Zone Waterpark — A family-friendly water park with the biggest and intense water rides in the East Coast. It's steps away from the boardwalk.
 * Cape May Jazz Festival — Cape May Jazz Inc, a non-profit organization, develops and implements a jazz event to show great appreciation for this genre of music. It is scheduled annually in the spring and fall.
 * Cape May County Culture & Heritage — They promote public interest in the arts and history and help create an environment that appreciate arts and history.
 * Cape May Beach — A more quieter beach for the residences in the area. It has a promenade filled with food vendors, gift shops, and restaurants.
 * Wildwood Beach — A more hip beach with a boardwalk including games, amusement parks, food, and restaurants.

title: Cape May County


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Capena

Capena, Italy (Capena in Italian)

See

 * Via Fausto Cecconi
 * Palace of the Monks
 * Church of San Leone
 * Medieval clock tower

title: Capena


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Cape Panwa

Cape Panwa (แหลมพันวา Laem Phanwa or หาดพันวา Hat Phanwa) is a region in southern Phuket, extending into the Andaman sea.

Understand
Panwa is some 10 kilometres from Phuket Town. The southernmost tip of this cape is home to a Marine Biological Research Centre and Phuket's Aquarium where visitors may inspect several hundred exotic, grotesque, and flamboyantly colourful marine species found in the waters of Phuket and elsewhere.

Similar to other resort areas in Phuket, the high season is November-March; options of hotels may be limited in that period unless you book one or more months ahead.

Get in
A Taxi Meter service (found on the right at the exit of the Phuket International Airport) will take you from the airport to Cape Panwa in 1 hour with a rate around 800 baht. Other fixed-rate taxis are available, too.

Some hotels provide airport transfers at your request. If you are travelling with friends or family members, hiring one could reduce the cost and risks.

Get around
Local taxis are found standing around hotels, ready to take you anywhere on Phuket. Most don't use meters but rather have set prices for every destination on the island. You will find no tuk-tuks in this area.

Since it is a small region, you might enjoy exploring around on foot. You should be prepared for little but steep hills along the roads in the region.

title: Cape Panwa


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Cape Peninsula

The Cape Peninsula (Afrikaans: Kaapse Skiereiland) is in Western Cape of South Africa, encompassing the Cape Town metro area, Cape Point and the False Bay area.

Cities

 * — South Africa's "Mother City", on the slopes of Table Mountain, is known for its relaxed and leisurely atmosphere. It has lots of museums, art galleries, cafes, and trendy neighbourhoods

Other destinations

 * — a 221-km² park that includes the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern extremity of Africa
 * — a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site that was used as a prison, primarily to house those opposed to the Apartheid government, notably Nelson Mandela

Language
The primary languages are English and Afrikaans, varying from suburb to suburb, although both will be understood in most areas. German and French are available in some tourist-oriented stores, and will usually have a sign to this effect on the street front.

By plane
Cape Town International Airport

By train
Train service is only available between Simon's Town and Cape Town and won't bring you to the Cape of Good Hope, so the best option is a car. Another option is one of the tours offered everywhere in Cape Town.

By car

 * Take the roads from Cape Town southward, passing Simon's Town and the Boulders to go to the Cape of Good Hope. You will always be on the peninsula, when you are south from Table Mountain.
 * The Table Mountain National Park offers visitors some indigenous vegetation and stunning views at Cape Point.

Car rental

You can't pay for petrol or diesel with a credit card, only with cash or a South African bank issued 'Garage' card.

Do

 * Dive the waters of Cape Town on the Atlantic or False Bay coastline of the Peninsula
 * Drive the scenic drives along the east and west coast of the Peninsula. Chapman's Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world. It begins in Hout Bay on the west coast of the peninsula and ends 9 km later in Noordhoek. It is a toll road.
 * Visit the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point in the Table Mountain National Park.
 * Take a look at the penguins at Boulders Beach.
 * Climb Table Mountain, starting from Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden. Admire the incredible diversity of plants of the Cape Region Floristic Province, the world's richest.
 * Swim, surf and paddleski in the warm water and safe beaches at Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and Simon's Town on the east coast of the peninsula.
 * Walk for miles along the beaches of Hout Bay, Noordhoek and Kommetjie on the west coast of the peninsula. The water on this side is very cold, so you'll need a wetsuit if you want to surf.
 * Suntan and people-watch on the trendy beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno.
 * Visit Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Eat
Several cafes and restaurants line the beach in Simon's Town and the other villages of the Cape Peninsula. Prominent among these is Kalk Bay with several famous eating houses, including various levels of fine fish restaurants in the famous picturesque fishing harbour.

Drink
The famous Stellenbosch wine route is about 45 minutes away from the Peninsula. But there are several famous wine estates close to Cape Town. These include Groot Constantia, Buitenverwagting, Klein Constantia, Constantia Glen and right down south, in Noordhoek, is Cape Point vineyards.

Go next
Go to Cape Town, visit the Cape Winelands, drive up to the north along the West Coast or to the east onto the Garden Route.

title: Cape Peninsula


text:
Cape Range National Park

Cape Range National Park is in the coastal hills 50 km from Exmouth in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. It is one of the main ways to access Ningaloo Marine Park.

Understand
Some 3 to 5 million years ago, this area of Australia lay under a shallow sea, and built up calcareous deposits – billions upon squillions of sea shells. Then it uplifted to form a limestone plateau, which became dissected by canyons, while underground down to the water table became riddled with caves. The high point on the plateau now stands at 314 m / 1030 ft, and the ridge forms a peninsula. Limestone continued to build offshore, creating Ningaloo Reef almost 300 km long. This was a major barrier to European exploration, let alone colonisation, so early arrivals hunted whales offshore but kept clear of the dangerous coast.

In the early 19th century Captain Phillip Parker King made a series of explorations around Australia, mapping, cataloguing minerals and wildlife, and repairing the ship after occasional lost battles with the reefs and rocks. In 1818 he named the North West Cape, which had been "Warnangura" to the Aboriginal Yinikutira people. You could just about manoevre a small vessel in at the places now called Maud's Landing and Exmouth, but there were better landings at Dampier further east. Tracts of land were gradually taken for cattle and sheep farming, and land conflict spelt the end of the Yinikutira.

Farming was little joy in this hot arid landscape and in the 1960s the leases were sold back to the government. Cape Range National Park was established in 1964 - referring to the range of hills forming the North West Cape, there isn't a promontory called "Cape Range". In 1987 some 260 km of the reef were designated as Ningaloo Marine Park, with the landward park being one of many places where it's easily accessible from shore.

Wildlife commonly seen on land includes white-bellied sea eagles, rock wallabies, emus, kangaroos and echidnas.

Offshore are turtles, octopus, sting rays, manta rays, whale sharks, tiger sharks and reef sharks. Plus corals, which of course are animals: true vegetation is as sparse underwater here as it is on the baking land.

Deep underground are weird troglodyte creatures that have evolved in the caves in isolation. Their survival depends upon keeping their habitat unsullied, so you'll only see them in displays in the Visitor Centre.

Climate is hot and dry almost all year round - a cool day means 30°C. Nov to April the temperature routinely exceeds 40°C and cyclone downpours are possible. There is no shade in the arid treeless scrub, and no fresh water supply. You need about 5 litres of water per person per day, which of course is heavy, and carrying it raises a thirst.

Visitor information

 * Park website

Get in
The only approach is by the 50 km coast road from, which is the nearest place with public transport. Most visitors simply day-trip from there. There's no fuel in the park so think about the getting back.

The boat trips along Yardie Creek have a connecting minibus from Exmouth, see below.

Fees and permits
Fees are standard for all of Western Australia's parks. In 2022 you pay $15 on entry per car with up to 12 occupants, and $8 for a motorbike. There's no fee to enter by bicycle or on foot. See below for camping charges: campers pay for their first park entry then can come and go throughout their booked stay.

Park passes are also available for 5 days ($25), 14 days ($40), 4 weeks ($60) or a year ($120).

Get around
The access road along the coast of the Cape is sealed and suitable for all vehicles including mobile homes. It's called Yardie Creek Road from the point it leaves Murat Road at the entrance to the Naval Comms Station. It continues good all the way through the park to Yardie Creek itself. The side roads to campgrounds and beaches are of variable quality: most are unsealed but suitable for 2WD in dry weather. But a few are rough, so take a careful look at the surface before venturing onto them.

Yardie Creek itself always has water, great for scenery and wildlife but bad news for vehicles. Only 4WD should attempt to cross the soft sand bar at its outlet to pick up the track continuing south. It's impassable at the highest tides or after wet weather when the creek is running high.

A couple of canyons on the east edge of the park are accessed by unsealed roads off the main highway towards Exmouth; 4WD is advised for these.

Check your rental agreement, which may restrict your use of unsealed roads.

See

 * is the first area reached after the park entrance. Walk to the hide to watch the bird life on the mangrove mud. The mozzies will be waiting so dress accordingly. There's a campground.
 * has raw untreated water rated unfit for human drinking (see Drink). Turn down to the coast here for Ned's Camp and Mesa Camp. Ned's Camp has a boat launch area, and there's a navigable gap in the reef here. Only camp at the north end, the south has day-use but has been closed to camping since floods in 2014. Mesa has camping, toilets and hard standing for motor homes.
 * Kori Bay and Lakeside beaches are accessed via the Discovery Centre side road. (Also T-Bone South, but it's closed by flood damage.) Lakeside has excellent snorkelling.
 * Varanus and Trealla beach access is closed.
 * Tulki is the nearest campground to Turquoise Bay 2 km further south.
 * has good snorkelling at any tide. The south point has currents, either avoid them at Bay Loop at the north end, or make a northward drift from Drift Loop carpark.
 * is a scenic gorge with a 3 km return hiking trail. North Mandu and Sal Sallis campgrounds are by the beach here.
 * Oyster Stacks are five islets on the reef, teeming with molluscs. Access is from the beach near North Mandu campground, but only snorkel at high tide, and beware sharp rocks and shells.
 * Kurralong and North Kurralong are beach campgrounds among the dunes 3 km south of Mandu Mandu. From Bloodwood Creek lookout you may spot migratory whales.
 * Pilgramunna just south is a creek outlet suitable at high tide for snorkelling and launching small boats.
 * has an idyllic sandy beach. It's usually free of currents, and on windy days is popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers. Osprey Bay is its continuation south and has a campground. Bungarra campground another 1 km south only has five pitches.
 * is end of the road for most vehicles. Park up and hike into the scenic gorge - the creek has water year-round and can also be explored by boat. The campground is just north of the road turnaround. The track south crosses the soft wet sandbar across the creek outflow - at your own risk, and expense if you bog down. One K Camp is well named, 1 km south of the creek.
 * is a boat launch area and small campground 3 km south of the creek.
 * and Charles Knife Canyon are east edge of the park and accessed by dirt roads off the main highway, not via Yardie Creek Road, see Exmouth. In 2022 this area is closed after a wildfire.
 * and Charles Knife Canyon are east edge of the park and accessed by dirt roads off the main highway, not via Yardie Creek Road, see Exmouth. In 2022 this area is closed after a wildfire.

Do

 * Snorkelling: Ningaloo Reef lies a few hundred metres offshore, enclosing a warm tranquil lagoon. It has good coral, with a food-chain of fish swirling around. It's all relatively shallow, too shallow for scuba diving, and at low tide some parts are too shallow to snorkel.
 * Fishing is permitted by line from the beach; spear-fishing is not allowed. Check with the park website for areas where boat-fishing is permitted.
 * Bushwalking: Popular trails are Yardie Creek Gorge and Mandu Mandu Gorge, see above. See Exmouth for the Shothole Canyon trail.
 * Caving in these karstic hills is only for those suitably trained and equipped, there are no show-caves. Several systems are below the water table, involving diving, and are still being explored.
 * Caving in these karstic hills is only for those suitably trained and equipped, there are no show-caves. Several systems are below the water table, involving diving, and are still being explored.

Buy
There is a gift and souvenir shop at the visitors centre, open until 3:30PM daily. They hire snorkels and fins (which must be returned before closing time), but you're better buying your own. You need a good comfortable fit of mask, which can have corrective lenses if you wear specs - see Scuba diving.

Eat
Bring your own food. The gift shop at the Visitor Centre sells microwaved pies, sausage rolls and pasties.

Drink
Bring your own. The visitor centre has drinking water but it's unreasonable to refill a big container.

Ned's Bore a few kilometres north is natural untreated spring water. It's coming out of unpolluted limestone strata, bacteriologically low risk but its mineral content fails the spec for a human drinking supply. The park are therefore obliged to declare it unfit, else everyone could sue for their every subsequent ailment, though if it was frankly harmful the park would cap the spring and remove the tap. The wildlife will appreciate you drawing water here as they lap up the spills, and you don't see a heap of roos nearby writhing in their death-throes.

Sleep
Fees are standard for all the park campgrounds. In 2022 you pay $11 per night adult, $7 concession, $3 child. You also pay the park entry fee once on arrival, but then can re-enter free during your booked stay. Capacity is limited, deliberately so, so booking is essential. The larger sites have toilets, and that's about all. Dogs are not permitted.

 * Yardie Creek is the largest park-run campground. It's at the end of the sealed road, right by the beach and gorge entrance.

Stay safe

 * Take it very, very slowly if driving in the park at dusk or at night. Wallabies, kangaroos and emus regard this as their passeggiata, thronging the roads, and you can only go at the pace of the slowest beast. Their eyes are not reflective, unlike sheep, so you get virtually no warning of one in front of you.
 * Be mindful of the sun. Plan to avoid activity and skin exposure at the hottest times of day, and drink plenty of water.
 * In Feb 2022 a bushfire ravaged the east side of the park and threatened Exmouth. The main park was unaffected, indeed it's been several years since it had a major fire. That means the scrub has grown to a point where it would burn furiously in a future dry season - take great care that your activities don't spark this.

Connect
As of April 2022, there is no mobile signal within the park, except for a Telstra hotspot at the Discovery Centre. The road from Exmouth has patchy coverage from Telstra, which gives out at the park gate.

Go next
You have to return to Exmouth along the only road.

title: Cape Range National Park


text:
Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua

Cape Reinga (Te Reinga or Te Rerenga Wairua in Māori) is the northwesternmost tip of the Aupouri Peninsula, at the northern end of the North Island of New Zealand. It is 110 km north of the town of Kaitaia. State Highway 1 extends all the way to the Cape and suitable vehicles can alternatively travel much of the way via Ninety Mile Beach and Te Paki stream bed.

The name of the cape comes from the Māori word Reinga, meaning the Underworld. Another Māori name is Te Rerenga Wairua, meaning the "leaping-off place of spirits"'. Both refer to the Māori belief that the cape is the point where the spirits of the dead enter the underworld.

Māori mythology
According to mythology, the spirits of the dead travel to Cape Reinga on their journey to the afterlife to leap off the headland and climb the roots of the 800-year-old tree and descend to the underworld to return to their traditional homeland of Hawaiiki-a-nui, using the Te Ara Wairua (the Spirits' Pathway). They turn briefly at the Three Kings Islands for one last look back towards the land, then continue on their journey.

A spring in the hillside, Te Waiora-a-Tāne (the 'Living waters of Tāne'), also played an important role in Māori ceremonial burials, representing a spiritual cleansing of the spirits, with water of the same name used in burial rites all over New Zealand. This significance lasted until the local population mostly converted to Christianity, and the spring was capped with a reservoir, with little protest from the mostly converted population of the area. However, the spring soon disappeared and only reappeared at the bottom of the cliff, making the reservoir useless.

Landscape
Cape Reinga is generally considered the separation marker between the Tasman Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. From the lighthouse it is possible to watch the tidal race, as the two seas clash to create unsettled waters just off the coast. The Māori refer to this as the meeting of Te Moana-a-Rehua, 'the sea of Rehua' with Te Tai-o-Whitirea, 'the sea of Whitirea', Rehua and Whitirea being a male and a female respectively.

The cape is often mistakenly thought of as being the northernmost point of the North Island, and thus, of mainland New Zealand. However, North Cape's Surville Cliffs, 30 km east of Cape Reinga, are slightly further north. Another headland just to the west of Cape Reinga is Cape Maria van Diemen, which was discovered and named by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman during his journey in 1642 and thought of by him to be the northernmost point of the newly-discovered country he named 'Staten Landt'.

Get in
The cape is at the end (or start) of SH1.

The cape is included on many coach tours along Ninety Mile Beach.

Fees and permits
No permits are required for an ordinary day visit.

Get around
State Highway 1 runs the length of the peninsula from Kaitaia to Cape Reinga. Ninety Mile Beach is also used as a road, but it is only viable for 4WD vehicles.

Fuel outlets on the peninsula are limited so it is best to fuel up in Kaitaia or at Awanui, 7 km north of Kaitaia. If you get caught short, there is petrol at Waitiki Landing, 20 km before the cape, and a self-service pump at the Pukenui wharf.

Eat
The cape area beyond the carpark is sacred to Māori because it is on the pathway of the spirits, and you are requested not to eat or drink there. Have your nourishment at the carpark before or after your walk to the lighthouse. Or, for a more scenic spot than the cape carpark, eat at the picnic area at Tapotupotu Bay, 5 km before you reach Cape Reinga, where you can swim as well.

Drink
There is a drinking water fountain at the carpark.

Go next

 * Ninety Mile Beach
 * Taipa-Mangonui

title: Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua


text:
Cape Sata

Cape Sata (佐多岬)  is the southernmost point on the island of Kyushu on the mainland of Kagoshima (prefecture) in Japan.

Understand
Cape Sata has undergone some changes, and there is far less tourism infrastructure in this beautiful location than there once was. The cape is just south of 31 degrees latitude.

Cape Sata is home to a lighthouse built in 1871, designed by the Scotsman Richard Henry Brunton.

The land is under the jurisdiction of a private company, and costs ¥300 (¥150 for children) to enter with open hours between 8AM and 5PM. The second floor of the observation tower costs an additional ¥200.

Get in and around
As there are no train lines running through almost all of the eastern, or Osumi (大隅), peninsula of Kagoshima prefecture, traveling by car is practically the only option. From the parking lot, it's a short walk to the cape.

See
The cape presents some magnificent coastal views and a lighthouse. There is also an observation tower that provides a panorama of the area from behind glass. A nearby shrine is also a great place to take in the sub-tropical plant life.

Do
A glass-bottom boat tour provides a chance to see some coral and underwater life, invigorated by the ”kuroshio” (黒潮), or "black current," a warm water current flowing up the eastern coast of Kyushu from the south.

Go next

 * Kinko
 * Kimotsuki
 * Kanoya
 * Osaki
 * Tarumizu
 * Shibushi
 * Soo
 * Kirishima
 * Kushima

title: Cape Sata


text:
Cape Town

Cape Town (Afrikaans: Kaapstad, Xhosa: iKapa) is the second most populous city in South Africa. The capital of Western Cape Province, it is also the legislative capital of the nation. Cape Town is on South Africa's southwestern coast close to the Cape of Good Hope, and is the southernmost city on the African continent. It is the gateway to the globally renowned Cape Winelands which includes the towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl.

Understand
Cape Town is nicknamed the Mother City within South Africa. Compared to the more business oriented Johannesburg it is known for its relaxed and leisurely atmosphere. Compared to other parts of South Africa, Cape Town is also distinctly more "western".

Geography

The metropolis of Cape Town is spread over a wide area, from Somerset West and Durbanville in the east to Atlantis in the north and Cape Point in the south. The city centre is situated in a fairly small area between Table Bay and Table Mountain.

The original Dutch settlement, and the heart of the current city, is southwest of Strand St, "Beach street" in Afrikaans, since it followed the original waterfront during the 17th century. Since then, centuries of landfills have successively moved the shoreline some northeast to its current position. The old city centre is intersected by avenues like Long St, St Georges Mall and Adderley St, and is approximately bounded by the Company Gardens in the southwest, the Castle of Good Hope in the east, and the slopes of Signal Hill in the northwest. During the 19th century, these slopes were settled by Cape Town's Malay Muslim population, creating the area Bo-Kaap, which translates into "Above the Cape" or "Upper Cape".

History
Before the European colonial era what is now the Western Cape was inhabited by Khoikhoi and San groups, whom the Dutch called "Hottentots", "Strandlopers" and "Bushmen" (terms that are now considered racist and offensive). From the late 15th century, European ships (primarily Portuguese) started to visit the area, firstly for fresh food and water, then later for whaling and trading with the locals. Cape Town's colonial history started in 1652, when founder Jan van Riebeeck established a trading post there for the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC), as a stopping point on the Cape Route. Even though South Africa is the part of Africa located furthest from Europe, it was the first, and up until the 19th century, only place which was substantially colonized by Europeans since the Roman Empire in North Africa. The reason is that the Cape, while being furthest from Europe, also is relatively far from the equator. The Europeans therefore found the climate temperate enough to grow European crops, and the Cape was in a strategically important position for intercontinental trade.

The earliest European settlers were predominantly Dutch along with some Protestant Huguenots from northern France fleeing from being persecuted by the Catholics. These settlers over time explored the adjacent hinterland and founded the cities of Paarl and Stellenbosch in what is today the Cape Winelands. They were known as Voortrekkers ("Pioneers") when they ventured from the Cape region to explore, conquer and settle other parts of Southern Africa. The first people from Asia to arrive in Cape Town were the Malays from Java and other islands of the Dutch East Indies, brought in by the Dutch as slaves in 1654. Their descendants are today known as the Cape Malays. Soon the various ethnic groups intermingled leading to the emergence of the unique, mixed-race Cape Coloured community.

Political control of Cape Town ping ponged between the Dutch and British during the late 18th and early 19th centuries until 1814 when it was ceded to the British. South Africa became a self-governing dominion of the British Empire (as the Union of South Africa) in 1910, and became a republic in 1961.

Cape Town, as the seat of parliament, is South Africa's legislative capital. The city was ahead of its time as it developed into a global, multicultural metropolis much earlier than most other major cities of the world. Cape Town has many fascinating points of interest, a thriving nightlife, and a sizable LGBT presence.

Climate

 * The months of summer are from December to February. The days are mostly hot but low in humidity, so you shouldn't feel uncomfortable. Stay indoors or at least in the shade during the midday heat and use adequate sunblock. International tourists jostle for space on the beach with the domestic beach-goers around the peak holiday period (16 December - 16 January). However, it is still an exciting and eventful time to be in Cape Town.
 * The months of winter from June to August are rather wet. It does not rain every single day though it can sometimes rain for two weeks straight. It can also get very chilly at night, with the mercury dropping to as low as (this temperature is colder than the sea so it should not get any colder unless you head inland) but  is more typical. It warms during the day, with typical temperatures between . The winters tend to be overcast with not as much sunshine.
 * The ideal times to see the city are:
 * October and November: Winter is over and the temperature is warming up. Spring has arrived, but it is not yet as warm as the middle of summer. This period is often windy too. The Southeaster is also called the Cape Doctor because a significant amount of air pollution gets blown away.
 * December to February: These are the prime summer months with long, sunny and hot days. The sun sets late in the evening (staying bright up til 20:30 in December) with a lot usually happening. February is the most reliable month for weather, with day after day of warmth and sunshine.
 * March to May: While this varies every year, it generally starts raining during April or May and the temperature starts to become cooler. March is often still quite warm. The number of tourists around the city drops, giving you an opportunity to get great deals on travel services, including accommodation, activities and food.

Wildfire
During the dry summer months, especially when the winds are strong, wildfires pose a grave threat to the animals and vegetation of the Cape region. In particular, the fynbos in the national parks can become very dry and burn rapidly. Wildfires are a serious concern, and previous fires have damaged the slopes of Table Mountain. If you notice any fires in the Cape area please report them to the Western Cape Umbrella Fire Protection Association on, or the after-hours emergency hotline on.

Visitor information

 * capetown.travel

Cape Town International Airport

The MyCiti rapid transit bus operates from 04:30 to 22:00 between the airport and the centre of Cape Town with connections to the Atlantic coastal suburbs and to the MetroRail commuter train service. Buy tickets from the kiosk attached to the dedicated MyCiti bus shelter, outside the airport terminal.

There are people in the Official Airport Taxi vests waiting as you exit the customs. They are not official, and they are more expensive than a taxi requested via an app. They are unmetered, so if you choose to use them, make sure to ask for the rate before you get in the car, otherwise you risk paying considerably more than the fair price. (An Uber costs only R150 from the airport to the city centre).

There are several daily direct flights to Johannesburg, Durban and all other major South African cities, as well as Windhoek and Walvis Bay in Namibia, and Gaborone and Maun in Botswana.

The main airlines locally and internationally as of 2022 are South African Airways (albeit with a diminshed network), Airlink (now the largest regional airline), and FlySafair.

International airlines operating routes to Cape Town include:

 * Air Botswana - Gaborone (both direct)
 * Air France - Paris Charles de Gaulle (direct - seasonal)
 * Airlink - Saint Helena (sometimes a stop in Walvis Bay depending on weather conditions)
 * Air Mauritius - Mauritius (direct)
 * Austrian Airlines - Vienna (direct-seasonal)
 * British Airways - London-Heathrow and London-Gatwick (direct-seasonal)
 * Cathay Pacific - Hong Kong (direct - seasonal)
 * Condor - Frankfurt (direct - seasonal)
 * Delta Air Lines - Atlanta (sometimes may stop in Johannesburg)
 * Edelweiss Air - Zurich (direct - seasonal)
 * Emirates - Dubai Airport (direct)
 * Ethiopian Airlines - Addis Ababa (direct)
 * FlyWestair - Oranjemund and Windhoek–Eros (direct)
 * Kenya Airways - Nairobi 3 times a week. (stops in Victoria Falls/Livingstone)
 * KLM - Amsterdam Schiphol (direct)
 * Lufthansa - Munich Airport and Frankfurt (direct - seasonal)
 * Qatar Airways - Doha
 * Rwandair - Kigali and Harare (flight from Kigali stops in Harare; you can fly solely between on Rwandair between Harare and Cape Town).
 * Singapore Airlines - Singapore (stops in Johannesburg)
 * TAAG Angola Airlines - Luanda (direct)
 * TAP Air Portugal - Lisbon - (direct - seasonal)
 * Turkish Airlines - Istanbul
 * United Airlines - Newark (nonstop - seasonal)
 * Virgin Atlantic - London-Heathrow (direct - seasonal)

South African Airways no longer operates inter-continental routes. From October to March, many charter airlines fly directly from all across Europe to Cape Town. Many airlines sell spare seats at discounted rates though during the summer holiday period prices rise significantly.

Connect

For further information see Discount airlines in Africa.

By train

Travel by train should be approached with some caution and research. It is advised to consult with locals on whether the line you intend to use is operating and considered safe.

All scheduled South African passenger trains are run by PRASA (the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa), which has different divisions for long distance (intercity) trains and commuter (suburban) trains. Shosholoza Meyl operates intercity trains and MetroRail commuter trains in major cities.

Shosholoza Meyl has three classes of intercity trains: Economy Class, Tourist Class and Premier Classe. In economy class there are seats only (no bunk beds). Tourist class provides bunk beds for overnight trips (bring a sleeping bed or buy bedding on the train). Premier class is luxurious and comfortable, providing all necessary bedding and meals. The economy and tourist class trains have a buffet car for food. Prices on the three classes vary accordingly.

There are intercity trains from:

 * Johannesburg via Kimberley every day of the week. Economy seat R440. and Tourist Class sleeper R690.;
 * the fare from Capetown to Kimberley Economy seat R300. and Tourist Class sleeper R470.
 * Cape Town to East London once a week Sunday (Economy seat Class only). R400);

MetroRail has two classes on commuter trains in and around Cape Town: MetroPlus (also called First Class) and Metro (called Third Class). MetroPlus is more comfortable and less crowded but also more expensive. Every trainset has MetroPlus and Metro coaches; the MetroPlus coaches are always on the end of the train nearest Cape Town. The tickets are cheap so it is better to be more comfortable and use MetroPlus. There are steep fines if you are caught in a MetroPlus coach with a Metro ticket (but vice versa is allowed).

MetroRail commuter trains are a great way to travel between Cape Town and neighbouring towns such as Stellenbosch, Strand, Paarl, Somerset West, Malmesbury, Worcester and through the Southern Suburbs (Claremont, Wynberg, Retreat) or to the beaches at Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, Glencairn and Simon's Town. Contrary to popular opinion, MetroRail trains are safe, but it is wise to avoid travelling during the night if possible. If you need to use trains during the night, go on the most crowded first-class (MetroPlus) car and try to travel with a companion. MetroRail is rather difficult to navigate for an unprepared tourist. As of January 2023, the timetables at the Cape Town station do not work, and staff may give you inaccurate information on the train times, varying from 10 minutes before to 5 minutes after the actual departure time. There are several official websites, none of which have any authoritative information on the service. There are also several unofficial websites/apps with outdated or unreliable information. The operator's website appears to have accurate. Ticket offices at the Cape Town station only accept cash.

The train line from Cape Town to Simon's Town is fantastic. From Muizenberg south to Simon's Town, the line runs right next to the sea. You can often see whales, and if it is windy you may have sea spray hitting the train windows. For the best views make sure you sit on the east side of the train (the left side as you face away from Cape Town and towards Simon's Town). You can buy a Tourist "hop on, hop off" ticket for the Cape Town to Simon's Town route that allows you to get on and off any train for the entire day. As of January 2023, there's no direct train between Cape Town and Simon's Town. You have to change at Fish Hoek, and the train schedules are not aligned, so this change may take up to an hour.

Trains to Stellenbosch run about every two hours or so, but this journey takes a long time. Ask at the ticket counter if there is an earlier train you could hop on, since there are also trains to Stellenbosch starting from Bellville and Eerste River.

By car
Most roads in Cape Town and its surroundings are in excellent condition, which makes getting around in a car a straightforward task. However, there is a risk of getting carjacked when it is dark or while you stop at the traffic lights. It is not quite as dangerous as the media will make you believe, but you should take care. Ask the staff in your hotel or anyone who knows the city well about the safe and unsafe areas of Cape Town. Check the route that you intend to take and avoid unnecessary detours off the highways into areas with which you are not familiar.

Many major highways begin in Cape Town:

 * N1 goes northeast, passing Paarl, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg on its way from Cape Town to the Zimbabwean capital Harare. The N1 is a good option if you are heading up to Kimberley and the northern Drakensberg.
 * N2 goes along the east coast to the Garden Route, George and Port Elizabeth town in the Eastern Cape, across the Wild Coast, Durban and Eswatini (Swaziland), and finally ending up at Ermelo. Note that the N2 is a toll road through the Tsitsikamma National Park.
 * N7 runs north along the west coast to the Northern Cape city of Springbok up to Namibia. Continue on it to get to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Upington.

Car rental in South Africa is more affordable than most Western nations. Petrol is cheaper than much of Europe too but is slightly more pricey than the USA. Local residents will say that the drivers in Cape Town are among the politest in the country and normally drive slower than drivers in other South African cities.

By bus
Every major bus company has intercity connections to Cape Town, taking you there from other areas in South Africa and from Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Every day up to six buses run from particular cities.

International bus lines
Baileys Reo Liner has a bus to Cape Town from Namibia three times a week: on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Munenzwal Luxury Coaches and Chihwa bus lines have buses to Cape Town from Zimbabwe three times a week.

The starting point for the buses is the bus station next to the main train station near the Golden Acre building.

Low cost bus lines

 * IIulabus. Cape Town from Johannesburg from R500.
 * Nobles Transport. Cape Town from Johannesburg from R500.
 * Delta Coaches. Cape Town from Johannesburg from R500.
 * Eagle Liner. Cape Town from Johannesburg from R500.
 * City to City. Cape Town from Plettenberg Bay from R250. Cape Town from Knysna R230

Bus tickets can also be obtained from Computicket.

By boat
Most of the larger cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, offer Cape Town as one of their destinations, but you can also try something different:

By foot
Cape Town is not the most pedestrian-friendly city in the world. There are areas that are ideal for walking, such as the St George's Mall and Greenmarket Square areas in the city centre, the V&A Waterfront or some beach areas.

Care needs to be taken when walking in other parts of the city, as the roads can be busy, and having pedestrian right of way does not necessarily mean that vehicles will cede to you. Pedestrians normally cross when the road is clear, regardless of red pedestrian lights.

Outside of a few areas, there is very little pedestrian signage.

By bicycle
It is possible to get around by bicycle. There are some bike lanes in the center. More information about cycling in and near the city.

By car
Many car hire companies are based in the airport as well being found all over town. Note that South Africa is a left-hand traffic country. Visitors from countries where traffic moves on the right-hand side may need to take some time to get familiar with the different road rules. Getting a car with automatic transmission at some rental services is not always easy so try to reserve a car in advance if you prefer an automatic.

Cape Town has some of the worst traffic jams in South Africa. During peak-hours traffic can grind to a total stand-still. Use an app like Waze or Google Maps to guide you around the worst spots.

All fuel stations accept international credit and debit cards using chip and PIN. US and other card holders not yet converted to chip cards may find their cards not accepted.

When you refuel your car you need to let the station attendants do it for you. You can just stay inside your car and they will ask you which type and how much fuel you want to put in your car. They will probably also wash your windscreen for you whether you need it or not, and it is also common to ask petrol attendants to check tyres and oil. In return a small tip is appreciated (around R5 is common) so it is advisable to collect a few of the low denomination coins you will receive elsewhere during your trip as change.

Cape Town has several luxury chauffeur companies that do a variety of services including transfer to and from the airport, taking you to exclusive events and becoming VIP bodyguards.

By metered taxi
Metered taxis are controlled by the city council and can be considered safe and reliable. The price per kilometer is around R8-R10 and can often be read at the taxis side door. You can also set a fixed price with the driver, especially when going to a far away destination such as the airport which is about 21 km from city center and the fare can be bargained down to R150.

There is only one official taxi company at the airport: Touchdown Taxis and to avoid the touts walk through the terminal until you find their specific desk. You can also ask your hotel to pick you up, as pick up service are provided by many hotels, guest houses and so on.

Elsewhere look for the specific taxi ranks which usually have a marshall who will ask where you want to go and then instruct one of the taxis for you - always ask up front how much and they will either indicate that it is on the meter or advise a fixed amount on which you can haggle. Compared with European and American prices they are cheap even if you also include a tip.

By ride-hailing service
Ride hailing services are widely available across Cape Town, in particular Uber and Bolt. Bolt's prices are comparable to Uber's, but they pay their drivers slightly more.

By minibus taxi
Minibus taxis are used widely by locals but tourists are usually discouraged from using them, except for the Green Point - Sea Point - Clifton - Camps Bay route that is frequently used by tourists. They cover most of the Cape Town Metropolitan Area and are very cheap, however they can become very crowded and are definitely less safe than metered taxis due to their dangerous driver behavior.

Some minibus taxi operators have noticed the upsurge in the tourist market and are starting to provide safe and legal alternatives to the traditional minibus taxis. They are more expensive than traditional minibus taxis, but still far cheaper than metered taxis. No guarantee you'll get to your destination directly, but it is safe, fun, and all the drivers are characters. You may even meet supermodels going to their photo shoots or artists going to their studios, though statistically this is extremely unlikely. During the busy season you may have to wait a while and unfortunately, they do not take reservations.

By bus
An international standard rapid transit service in Cape Town, known as MyCiTi, runs from Cape Town Airport to the Cape Town CBD (City Bowl) and the Atlantic coastal suburbs.

By motorcycle or scooter
There are a number of motorbike and scooter hire services throughout Cape Town. Motorbikes and scooters are agile forms of transportation and will save you some coin compared to renting a car. However, unless you enjoy cycling on very mountainous terrain, tiny alleys and roads with high levels of traffic, it is not advisable to ride a bicycle to get around.

By train
Cape Town has a commuter rail system called Metrorail, though it is the locals that primarily use it. They have put in a lot of work to improve comfort and safety on the trains though it doesn't match up with the best in the world. As such, it is advisable to go on first-class (MetroPlus). Cape Town's main station is located in the city centre on the corner of Strand and Adderley Street. The suburban network of lines is fairly good with over 120 stations. You can go on a picturesque ride to Simon's Town along the Cape Peninsula's east coast. Stay on the Simon's Town line and plan your itinerary so that you stop using the train after 18:30 or any time after it becomes dark.

Try to avoid carrying valuables during your train ride as they will be magnet for thieves. If it is necessary to bring a camera, stick to one that is small in size and well hidden. Wearing any type of jewellery visible to others is not a good idea as it can be snatched or ripped off you by a cunning thief. For your safety remember to always stay alert.

See
Although the legislative capital of South Africa, Cape Town doesn't seem like part of Africa, in fact, the city provides a natural backdrop and Cape Dutch architecture.

Museums and galleries

Do

The easiest way to get an overview on things to do, nice restaurants, clubs, tours etc. is to walk into one of the visitors centres which are in several areas (V&A Waterfront, City Bowl, Green Point, etc.)

 * Rugby Union: Stormers play in the United Rugby Championship, the European professional league, with a playing season Oct-March. Their home ground is Cape Town Stadium, capacity 58,300.
 * Cricket:
 * Golf: there's over a dozen courses around the city. Two notable examples are Steenberg GC in Tokai to the south, and Clovelly in Fish Hoek further south.
 * Rugby Union: Stormers play in the United Rugby Championship, the European professional league, with a playing season Oct-March. Their home ground is Cape Town Stadium, capacity 58,300.
 * Cricket:
 * Golf: there's over a dozen courses around the city. Two notable examples are Steenberg GC in Tokai to the south, and Clovelly in Fish Hoek further south.

Diving
Cape Town is at the meeting spot of the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. Because of the Benguela Current the Atlantic Ocean is relatively cold (about 8°C to 14°C). The Indian Ocean is warmer (12°C to 17°C), and here you can see more colourful fish. The official border between the two oceans is at Cape Agulhas, but currents and eddies take the warmer water further west and these waters can reach the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula in False Bay, so from a diving point of view, the Cape Peninsula may be considered the interface between the two marine biological regions, and there is a notable difference in character between the waters of the two coasts of the peninsula. This manifests itself in the different range of marine life found on the two coasts. These regions are the South Western Cape inshore bioregion to the west of Cape Point, and the Agulhas inshore bioregion to the east of Cape Point.

Permits:

The waters around the Cape Peninsula have been declared a Marine Protected Area (MPA). Permits are required to Scuba dive in any Marine Protected Area. This is a politically controversial issue due to disputes on whether due process was followed and whether the government department exceeded its authority, but the consequence is that a tax is imposed on all Scuba divers who dive in an MPA. The permit (valid for 1 year) may be purchased for R75 (2009) at some branches of the Post Office, or a temporary permit valid for 1 month may be purchased at most dive shops.

Failure to present this permit when requested by an official of MCM may lead to harassment and possible arrest.

Dive sites:

Detailed information and suggestions on local conditions, service providers and more than 250 local dive sites is provided in the guide to Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay.

If the open ocean does not appeal to you, the Two Oceans Aquarium also offer diving opportunities in their 2.2 million-litre tank.

Events
There are many organized events in Cape Town throughout the year. An official calendar of events is available from Cape Town Tourism.

 * If you are not involved in or interested in cycling, avoid Cape Town on this weekend, as it is almost impossible to go anywhere as so many roads are closed.

Safari
Big Five Cape Town safaris are becoming increasingly popular. There are many safari game reserves with in 2 hours drive from Cape Town which is a great option if you don’t want to venture too far from the city.

Hiking
There are many hiking trails in and around the city, from short walks to multi day hikes.
 * Chapman's Peak Noordhoek, 2–3 hours non-strenuous with breathtaking views of Hout Bay and Noordhoek and rich flora, especially proteas.
 * Cape Town has a very good network of trails to suit every level of fitness. Many of these trace the contours of the mountain and wander through the protea bushes and fynbos, often with breathtaking views. Many require no permit, although most of Cape Town's reserves have entrance fees. Hiking in a group is strongly recommended. The outdoor store Cape Union Mart has a hiking club with organized group hikes most weekends. Pick up a programme at one of their stores. You must phone the hike-leader first and pay R10.
 * Chapman's Peak Noordhoek, 2–3 hours non-strenuous with breathtaking views of Hout Bay and Noordhoek and rich flora, especially proteas.
 * Cape Town has a very good network of trails to suit every level of fitness. Many of these trace the contours of the mountain and wander through the protea bushes and fynbos, often with breathtaking views. Many require no permit, although most of Cape Town's reserves have entrance fees. Hiking in a group is strongly recommended. The outdoor store Cape Union Mart has a hiking club with organized group hikes most weekends. Pick up a programme at one of their stores. You must phone the hike-leader first and pay R10.
 * Chapman's Peak Noordhoek, 2–3 hours non-strenuous with breathtaking views of Hout Bay and Noordhoek and rich flora, especially proteas.
 * Cape Town has a very good network of trails to suit every level of fitness. Many of these trace the contours of the mountain and wander through the protea bushes and fynbos, often with breathtaking views. Many require no permit, although most of Cape Town's reserves have entrance fees. Hiking in a group is strongly recommended. The outdoor store Cape Union Mart has a hiking club with organized group hikes most weekends. Pick up a programme at one of their stores. You must phone the hike-leader first and pay R10.
 * Cape Town has a very good network of trails to suit every level of fitness. Many of these trace the contours of the mountain and wander through the protea bushes and fynbos, often with breathtaking views. Many require no permit, although most of Cape Town's reserves have entrance fees. Hiking in a group is strongly recommended. The outdoor store Cape Union Mart has a hiking club with organized group hikes most weekends. Pick up a programme at one of their stores. You must phone the hike-leader first and pay R10.

Townships tours
The townships are the places where people were forced to live (based on race) under the apartheid regime. To some extent townships continue to retain their apartheid-era racial make-up, for a variety of reasons. Townships have also grown to cover far larger areas of land than in the apartheid days. This is a result of urbanization, especially over the past 10–15 years. Touring a township may seem strange, even inappropriate, but it is a good way to learn about South Africa's history, and the poverty that many people continue to live in. People in the townships are friendly and the children love visitors. Some townships however can be dangerous (see the warning on the South Africa page) so don't go alone unless you know what you're doing. The townships tours are safe. If you want to bring sweets or gifts for the children, it is best not to give it directly to them, but to give it to the tour guide who will distribute them later.

Tours can be booked directly or through one of Cape Town's many booking agencies. Tours run once or twice per day. Be aware that if you're given the chance to try some township food, that a 'walkie-talkie' is often made from the feet and beaks of poultry. The very best way to see a township is by foot and to stay overnight at one of the many township B&Bs.

There are several tour companies which offer tours.

Wildlife
There are a number of small nature reserves in and around Cape Town.

 * Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and Nature Reserve, Melkbos, consists of 3000-hectare buffer zone around the power station has been converted to a nature reserve with Bontebok, Genet, Steenbok and many other antelope.
 * Table Mountain National Park forms part of the Cape Floristic Region UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park covers a large area of the Cape and incorporates a number of park areas. Most of it is free access; the only places you need to pay are at the Cape of Good Hope, Silvermine and Boulders.

Wine tasting and tours
Cape Town has some of the world's best wine producing vineyards and maybe the world's most scenically stunning on its doorstep. The wine regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are all with in an easy hours drive, these historic and lush regions offer stunning views and world class wine tastings. You can self-drive but this come with limitations, often the best farms are closed to the public and then there is the drinking and driving issue. The best value and safest way to see the winelands is to trust your day to a dedicated wine tour company.

With South African wines becoming more and more popular worldwide, the number of tourists who visit Cape Town to learn more about the local wines is growing. The impressive variety of vineyards in Cape Town and the surrounding Cape Winelands make the choice which one to visit and which wine to taste very difficult. It is always a good idea to rely on one of the established wine tour operators. Guests should insist on a specialised guide with a thorough knowledge of South African wines.

Whale watching
Mostly you will see Southern right whales, but on occasion you might also spot humpback and killer whales. Bottlenose and dusky dolphins also frequent False Bay. The Southern Right whales visit each year between June & November to mate and calve.

From viewpoints next to the coastal road between Fish Hoek- Sunny Cove railway station through Glen Cairn to Simon's Town one can often spot whales less than 100 m from shore. At Cape Point whales can often be seen passing below.

A number of operators also offer Whale Watching Cruises.

Learn
Cape Town's medical research is world-renowned, and Groote Schuur hospital is where Christiaan Barnard and Hamilton Naki performed the world's first heart transplant.

Schools
There are several language schools in the greater Cape Town area. Schools provide a very rigorous schedule of intense study (typically 20 lessons per week or more). Shop around before you make your choice. Choose a school which is part of accreditation associations like IALC (International Association of Language Centres) or other certificate that ensure quality.

Learn to sail
Cape Town is an excellent place to learn to sail, with courses completed here recognized internationally and costs far lower than what you can expect to pay in more developed countries. Also check out nearby towns such as Hout Bay

Learn to dance
Cape Town is a hub for all forms of dancing, from African dance to ballroom & Latin American to modern dancing, ballet and swing. There is a school of dance at the University of Cape Town, where you can obtain an international dance qualification at a relatively affordable price.

Buy

The V&A Waterfront is the prime tourist destination for souvenirs, though these tend to be typically touristy (i.e. expensive and not necessarily authentic). More authentic curios for better prices can be found every Sunday at the Green Point market outside the Green Point Stadium on Sundays, in walking distance from the V&A Waterfront. Many of these same curios can be purchased during the week in the several multi-story shops at the lower end of Long Street. For the real deal with authentic artifacts complete with provenance and ethnographic background, go to Church Street where there are a couple of shops but be prepared for sticker shock. When buying African Curio, the price at open markets are almost always very negotiable and seldom does the item have a price sticker attached. People with foreign accents are often quoted twice to three times the price they sell to locals, so do negotiate.

Wine
If you like South African wine, buy it here (or anywhere in South Africa) before you leave, because it is much cheaper and there is more availability than overseas. Top guide to wines is the John Platter's Guide, with a few others around too, and with thousands of wines available from the region, you will need a guide (see below for shops that have knowledgeable staff). Read Wine magazine (or the iconoclastic Grape) for the latest information.

Arts and crafts
Distinctively Capetonian in character—are everywhere, from chickens made of plastic bags to bead and wire work to pottery, glass and embroidery. If you don't buy a chicken from a Rastafarian at a street corner (the authentic experience—about R30 depending on the size), then try Heartworks (Kloof Street or in Gardens Centre mall) or the Red Shed at the V&A Waterfront. There is also a high-end craft boutique in the Cape Quarter in De Waterkant.

Contemporary South African art has been riding a big wave in the international art world. It is on par with the best in the world and undervalued (unless you buy a William Kentridge). If you like real art as opposed to curios, crafts or posters, and you have the budget for it, there are several serious galleries in town. Try Michael Stevenson Gallery first, then Joao Ferreira Gallery, AVA Gallery or Bell-Roberts Gallery, and there are several others worth seeing. Artvark in Kalkbay is a treasure trove of modern local art at a variety of price points. Art South Africa is the art magazine to read if you want to know about the artists, and the adverts list the shows and the galleries.

Shopping malls
As in any large city you will find a number of major shopping malls with the requisite department sized stores and chain labels:

Eat

Food in Cape Town is generally of high quality. The wines are much celebrated, but the surrounding region is also a major fruit producer, and the Karoo lamb is widely regarded. Seafood caught locally is superlative, but ironically much of it goes internationally (e.g., tuna for sushi) because of the prices that can be achieved. Ask about the local linefish—yellowtail, cape salmon, kingklip, cod and others are great eating. Oysters in season are also exceptional, farmed and wild from Knysna or wild flown in from Namibia.

As one of the main tourist spots is the V&A Waterfront, you will find a broad range of restaurants, but they are often crowded and expensive. The area around Kloof St has many cafés and restaurants, as well as Long Street (frequented by a multi-ethnic clientèle), while the trendy area of De Waterkant between Bo Kaap and Green Point above Somerset Road also boasts good food and a great vibe. Dine with supermodels and other beautiful people in Camps Bay, which has many hip eateries and nightspots overlooking the beach along Victoria Road.

Farther afield, Hout Bay on the west side of the Cape Peninsula is very good for fresh crayfish (lobsters - they have become quite expensive, around R300, though). Kalk Bay on the east side of the peninsula offers a big variety of fresh fish, do check out The Brass Bell. The restaurants in nearby Simon's Town are also good.

Do not neglect the Cape Winelands for food if you have a car. In Stellenbosch, Spier has several restaurants, including the fun, afro-chic Moyo, and many wine estates offer food of different types and quality. The village of Franschhoek is the culinary navel of the wine region, with Le Quartier Francais a perennial five-star winner, but only one of many excellent restaurants. In the Constantia Valley there are a number of great restaurants including Pastis Brasserie, Wasabi, The River Cafe, La Colombe and the Constantia Uitsig Restaurant.

Make sure you know what the price is before you order rare delicacies in restaurants as there have been a few rare but high-profile cases of heinous overcharging where the price is not on the menu, particularly for perlemoen (abalone) and crayfish (similar to lobster).

Cape Town is a notably vegan and vegetarian friendly city. Most restaurants in Cape Town have some vegetarian item on the menu, meny of them also offering vegan options. Even those without vegan options on the menu are usually happy to serve something vegan if you ask the waiter.

Naturally, Cape Town is a great place to sample the unique Cape Malay cuisine. There a few restaurants in Bo Kaap serving this cuisine; a must-try dish is bobotie, the signature dish of the community.

Drink
Long Street, which can be easily reached from St. George's Cathedral and the Greenmarket Square, is famous for its bars, restaurants and clubs. This is the ideal place if you want to end the day with a drink. It is also one of the few truly multi-ethnic, multi-racial nightspots in the city. See the new South Africa, not just other tourists.

You will have live entertainment (normally something like jazz or kwaito music) in many bars and sometimes you will have to pay to get in.

Observatory or better known as Obz is just north of Rondebosch (Southern Suburbs). There are several student residences of the UCT and Obz main street (Lower Main Road) has a vibrant nightlife with restaurants, bar, pool halls and pubs. Almost daily there is something going on.

A popular destination with locals is Camps Bay, which offers a vibrant night-life and many bars, restaurants and clubs.

Sleep
Accommodation in Cape Town ranges from hostels (of which there are many) to luxury accommodation. Actually, there are so many hotels, B&Bs and guest houses that it can be difficult to decide where to stay!

Staying in the city centre often works out cheaper as all the attractions are nearby, but stick to one of the neighbourhoods next to the central area for better prices and a quieter night's sleep. The area around vibey Kloof Street in Gardens/Tamboerskloof with its young cafe culture and hip shopping is a good choice. You could consider sleeping in one of the suburbs. It is normally quieter and there is less traffic than in Central Cape Town. The suburbs in the south, like Muizenberg, Fish Hoek or Simon's Town, or near the winelands (see Cape Winelands) are ones to try. Areas along the western seaboard of the peninsula (such as Camps Bay) will be more expensive.

Several township bed & breakfasts started to pop up in places such as Khayelitsha to offer tourists the chance to experience this side of South Africa. They mostly are redecorated shacks to fit the basic norms of tourists.

Budget
Dorm beds under R500

Telephone
If you have a cell phone get one of the cheap prepaid sim cards from either Vodacom, MTN, Cell C or Telkom Mobile and save money on local calls. Vodacom and MTN have outlets at Cape Town airport, located near domestic arrivals. SIM cards cost the same as in town.

Calling Home
Overseas calls at local rates via the Celldial service. Call 087 940 6966 and follow the voice prompts. See www.celldial.co.za for supported countries.

Internet
Internet is available throughout Cape Town and the inner city cafes always a hub of activity. Charges per hour ranges from R5 (in town) to R50 (V&A waterfront)

Internet cafes can be found all over the city and suburbs, with many coffee shops offering internet access.

WiFi
Many Guesthouses in Cape Town provide WiFi free for their guests.

Coverage areas include:

Cafe Neo, opposite the lighthouse in Mouille Point, offers an open hotspot in addition to their excellent Greek food.

Stay safe
While Cape Town is not a dangerous place for tourists, South Africans are significantly more safety-conscious than people in most other parts of the world. While you should take some care as a tourist in any city, you should be more careful in South Africa than in many other places.

A large number of outdoor CCTV cameras have been installed by the municipality. These stretch from the city bowl, the suburbs, the townships and all the way to the outlying areas of the metropole. New cameras are installed in additional areas quite regularly as needed. The cameras are monitored 24/7, and police and emergency services respond quite quickly to any detected incidents.

Central Cape Town is generally safe to walk around by day, though you should not take valuables with you and should avoid dressing like a tourist. You may encounter beggars and con artists, but they will usually accept a "no". Avoid "dressing like a tourist", i.e. wearing an outfit involving cameras, backpacks, jewellery and golf hats. Leave valuables in the safe in your hotel room or with staff for safekeeping. (Do not leave anything valuable in your room outside of the safe, and do not leave anything in view of an open window. If you leave valuables out in your room you may find the hotel takes them into safekeeping and leaves you a note - this is to avoid their hotel getting a reputation as a place where thieves will find an easy target.) Stay on reasonably busy streets.

After sundown, you should take a taxi or ride-hailing service to and from your destination, rather than walking. Have the driver meet you outside the bar or restaurant (take a taxi card with you if needed). If walking at all, make sure you stay on well-lit and crowded streets. Pickpockets, persistent beggars and petty theft is rife.

If visiting a township, go with one or more people who live there or know it well. Official township tours are your safest bet; revealing a very interesting lifestyle to the more curious tourists.

Foreigners should avoid hitchhiking or using local commuter and metro trains. Be aware of automated teller machine (ATM) con artists. Under no circumstances allow a stranger to assist you in your transactions. Should your card become stuck in the ATM, call the helpline number on display at the teller machine for assistance and to cancel your card.

If driving in a car, smash-and-grab theft is a risk. Keep your doors locked, ensure your windows are wound up when you slow down (including at traffic lights) and keep an eye out for people approaching you. Keep valuables out of sight and locked away. If you are driving to or from the airport, plan your route and do not stop at unknown spots. The airport is surrounded by some very dangerous areas that should be avoided.

Watch out for the mini bus taxis. They often drive like hell disobeying many traffic rules, and are entirely unregulated except by organised crime. Watch out for pickpocketing.

Glue sniffing children and junkies are a minor problem, called 'strollers' by the locals: these ragamuffins will strip you bare if you do not stay alert.

Respect the mountains - dress correctly as temperatures can fall very quickly. Go in a group of at least 4 people, as robberies sometimes occur and accidents can happen. There are also robberies along the footpaths in Table Mountain. In particular, walking alone should be avoided.

From a fixed line
0800055555-childline
 * 107 - Emergency.
 * 10111 - Police.
 * 10177 - Ambulance.
 * 082911 - Netcare911.

Power supply
From Feb 2020 to September 2022, national electric power provider Eskom conducted power cuts on an almost daily basis. Depending on the location, electricity is cut off for 2½ hours per day or several times a day. Be energy-wise and switch off appliances that use a lot of power, when not in use. Your accommodation may or may not have a generator.

Embassies and consulates

 * 🇦🇷 Argentina
 * 🇦🇹 Austria
 * 🇧🇪 Belgium
 * 🇨🇳 China
 * the Czech Republic
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇮🇳 India
 * 🇮🇩 Indonesia
 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * 🇲🇿 Mozambique
 * 🇳🇦 Namibia
 * the Netherlands
 * 🇵🇹 Portugal
 * 🇷🇴 Romania
 * 🇪🇸 Spain
 * the United Kingdom
 * the United States

Go next
Cape Town is perfectly placed for many one or two day trips, which offer a variety in experiencing fresh landscapes and cultures.

Cape Peninsula

 * Robben Island is located just off the coast from Cape Town, this was the location used during the apartheid days to hold political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela and the late Walter Sisulu. The tour consists of a guided bus tour around the island, before meeting a former political prisoner for a tour of the prison area. The island itself is quite scenic, with African penguins usually seen on the tour. The bus tour stops to allow you to take in the view, and buy a snack. Tours run several times per day, seven days a week from the Nelson Mandela Gateway near the clock tower at the V&A Waterfront. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone. There are three trips a day at 09:00, 11:00, and 13:00. The tour takes 3½ hours including the ferry ride to and from the island.

 * Boulders beach is famous for its penguin colony and you can watch penguins in their natural habitat. September is the breeding season and if you are very lucky you can see penguins hatching out of their eggs. Note that if you go into one of the paid access parts (which is not expensive anyway) if you hang onto the ticket it is valid in the other part too. If you're lucky in addition to the penguins you may well see Dassies in the undergrowth beside the path or even sitting sunning themselves on the path.
 * Visit the Cape of Good Hope to experience the wildness of the natural habitat preserved here. Stunning views and for sure you will meet one of the local baboons or ostriches. Be sure to stop in Simon's Town on your way back to relax with a wonderful view on the False Bay.
 * Hout Bay — also known as the "Republic" of Hout Bay by its locals — is a beautiful bay on the Atlantic coast. The bay is protected from the north westerly and south easterly winds, but is open to the south westerly wind and prevailing swell which can produce some of the worlds biggest surf at "Dungeons" and "Tafelberg reef". It has a quaint fishing harbour, which provides protection from the south westerly swell. Boat trips to Seal Island (more accurately Duiker Island) operate from here. While you're there try the fish and chips at the Café on the Rocks at the end of the harbour road - a local secret.
 * Chapmans Peak— Experience one of the most scenic drives in the world. As you drive up the Chapmans Peak Drive and look north over Hout Bay, the view of the bay and the fishing boats is stunning.
 * Kalk Bay is a quirky seaside town. The Main Road is lined with interesting shops and cafes. The rocky shoreline is not swimming friendly except for the Dalebrook Tidal Pool.

Along the south coast

 * Only two hours from Cape Town are the Bontebok National Park and the De Hoop Nature Reserve, perfect for spotting bontebok and whales.
 * The southern tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas is not far away.
 * The Overberg region offers whale spotting and quiet towns to relax.

Garden Route and further on

 * The world-famous Garden Route ranges from about Mossel Bay, via George and Knysna to the Tsitsikamma National Park and the Addo Elephant National Park. Bungee from the highest bridge (216 m), at the Bloukrans bridge. This road will take you further on to Port Elizabeth, Durban. Do not forget to visit the Western Cape Karoo and visit an ostrich farm and the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn.

Route 62
Route 62 will take you inland to the Little Karoo for an authentic South African experience in the quaint farming towns of the Cape.

Up north
Go up north along the West Coast to Saldanha Bay and all the other hidden spots. Further on are Namaqualand and finally Namibia.

 * Visit Melkbos to surf, windsurf, kitesurf and sunbathe on its wide sandy beach and also visit the only working nuclear power station in Africa. There is a nature reserve surrounding the power station, with trails for walking or mountain bikes, where you'll see eland, zebra and springbok. Entrance is free, but you must show a photo ID.
 * Visit Melkbos to surf, windsurf, kitesurf and sunbathe on its wide sandy beach and also visit the only working nuclear power station in Africa. There is a nature reserve surrounding the power station, with trails for walking or mountain bikes, where you'll see eland, zebra and springbok. Entrance is free, but you must show a photo ID.

And down south

 * The White Desert Company operates strikingly expensive (minimum $15,000) 3-day excursions from Cape Town to Queen Maud Land in Antarctica.

title: Cape Town