Cape Town
Geography, climate, and a relaxed way of life combine to create a place that few can resist -- whether they are seeking the treasures of the city or the pleasures of the mountain, beaches, and wine country.
HideWhen to go
The best time to be in Cape Town is from February to April -- in late summer and early autumn. In October and November, the spring weather can be perfect. In May and September, you're rolling the dice. It's not worth gambling on June, July, and August when the cold rains come -- sometimes for days without end. During the Christmas holidays -- which extend into January -- Cape Town is overrun with visitors, and subject to strong winds and grey skies.
Details
HideHow to get there
Airlines
- British Airways (from London)
- Emirates (from Dubai)
- Lufthansa German Airlines (from Frankfurt)(business class only) (seasonal)
- Singapore Airlines (from Singapore) (business class only)
- Virgin Atlantic Airways (from London) (business class only) (seasonal)
Cruise ships
Trains
- Rovos Rail (from Victoria Falls and Pretoria/Johannesburg)
- The Blue Train (from Pretoria/Johannesburg)
HideWhere to stay
HideWhere to dine
HideHow to get around
HideWhat to do that's out of the ordinary
Take a helicopter tour which circles the Cape Peninsula
Charter a yacht, sail to the Cape of Good Hope, and, on the way back to Cape Town, watch the sun set from Table Bay
Join great white sharks in the Atlantic Ocean with Great White Shark Tours
Arrange a private dinner on a hidden beach beneath The Twelve Apostles
Spend an evening at Madam Zingara
HideWhat you can do to help
Great White Shark Research and Penguin Rescue
www.greenforce.orgBorn To Be Wild Lion Project
www.globalcrossroad.comSouth African Cheetah Rehabilitation Programme
www.africanimpact.comAfrican Wildlife Photography and Conservation
www.africanimpact.comBlack Rhino Research Programme
www.enkosiniecoexperience.comAssist at a township preschool
Planeterra
www.planeterra.org