Useful Cape Town Travel Guidelines
Whether you are visiting the city on business or pleasure, ComeToCapeTown.com gives you all the Cape Town travel information you need to plan your trip simply and quickly. From booking procedures to getting around the city, weather and other tips, this is where you can find all the guidelines you need to prepare for your travels.
Cape Town Accommodation Bookings
Accommodation bookings can be done online or via our hotline 0213000777 from within South Africa, or +27213000777 from International. There are no set arrival or departure dates when making your booking, however you will need to specify your own dates to make sure that your chosen villa or accommodation is available during this time. The average minimum for rental periods is 2 nights, but over the busy peak period 15 December – 10 January, owners wants a minimum of 10 – 14 nights.
Bookings are charged on a per day basis unless you have booked for a full month or longer. Larger accommodation venues such as villas are charged for the entire villa, with rates often dependent on the number of guests and the duration of your stay, as well as the season. Apartments, guest houses and some other accommodation options may be charged on a per person basis. Rates do not include travel fares or other costs – only the accommodation itself. Rates will generally include VAT, and booking fees, so you will have no nasty surprises, dont worry!
Most of the apartments and villas we offer are available throughout the year for short-term stays. Certain properties can be booked for long-term stays during the off-peak season.
Cape Town Accommodation Seasons
Travel seasons in Cape Town include peak season, low (green) season and high season. These seasons typically run according to the weather seasons, and are based on the volume of visitors during each time of the year. Seasons affect the rates of accommodation, as well as availability. Knowing which season you plan to visit is therefore very important to make sure that you get the accommodation you want. Information to note about the various seasons includes the following:
Peak Season: 15th December – 15th January | Summer
Most self catering accommodation in Cape Town is booked for a minimum period of 12 to 14 days during the peak season. As the busiest time of year, and also the time when local schools close for the year, accommodation is in high demand during this season. Rates are at their highest during this season, while the glorious summer weather makes it very popular for those wanting to hit the beach and enjoy the festive season in true African style.
High Season: 16th January – 30th April; 1st October – 14th December | Summer and Spring
Accommodation rental periods during the high season have a minimum of 2 – 4 nights. This time of year is still very hot with great weather, but it is a lot quieter compared to the peak season. It is also often easier to secure bookings in this season as there is less demand.
Low Season: 1st May – 30th September | Autumn and Winter
Bookings during the low season have a typical minimum period of about 2 nights. As the quietest time of year, rates are at their most affordable during this season, with a number of specials running for accommodation and even local restaurants and travel packages. The weather can be a bit unpredictable, but there are many highlights such as the start of the whale season, wine farms, festivals and other activities to be enjoyed during the cooler months.
General Accommodation Tips
Not sure how the booking process works? Here are some things to keep in mind when making your booking and planning your holiday…
Check-in and Check-out
Generally speaking, most villas are available from 14h00 PM on the day of your arrival. Check-out time is usually 10h00 AM on the day of your departure. While these are the general times, it is sometimes possible to adjust these times according to your travel plans as long as you make these arrangements with ComeToCapeTown.com well beforehand.
Reservation Agreement
Once you have chosen your villa and made your booking online, a representative from ComeToCapeTown.com will send you the documents you need to return by email or fax. The Reservation Agreement is a legally binding document between you and the property owner, which helps to protect both of you from last-minute changes, cancellations or other potential issues. Once you have sent this back to us, you will then pay your booking deposit and your booking will be confirmed.
Deposits
Deposits include a non-refundable booking deposit, which is typically 50% of the total rental cost and a breakages and security deposit that will be returned provided there are no damages during your stay at your Cape Town villa.
The booking deposit must be paid within a few days of booking and returning the Reservation Agreement, and your credit card details need to be provided in order to secure your booking if you have not paid by the time of your arrival. The security deposit covers any potential damages and breakages, as well as telephone bills and other charges that may arise during your stay.
Cape Town Villa Facilities, Services and Staff
Most villas and other accommodation venues offer a wide range of facilities, and in most cases, they are fully staffed for your housekeeping and maintenance needs. Working hours and services vary according to the type of accommodation, as well as the size and how long you stay. These costs are included in the villa rental unless otherwise stipulated.
Additional services are also available at added cost, such as personal chefs, cleaning services and other specialised services. We can also assist with babysitters, chauffeurs and even tour guides for your stay, along with additional items such as cots & prams if you let us known in advance.
Travelling to Cape Town and Getting Around
Cape Town International Airport services flights from all over the world as well as neighbouring destinations across South Africa. The airport is modern and user-friendly, with a range of duty-free shops, restaurants, WiFi spots, banking facilities and shuttle services.
It is always a good idea to book your flights to Cape Town as soon as possible to avoid high fees – especially if you are travelling during peak season. Often there are extra flights available during this time, but to make sure that you arrive at your destination and get seats, make sure that you book well in advance.
Customs Guidelines
- 400 cigarettes
- 250 grams of tobacco
- 50 cigars
- One litre of spirit
- Two litres of wine
- 50 ml perfume
- 250 ml of eau de toilette
- Gifts, souvenirs and other goods to the value of R500 (duty is levied at 20% thereafter)
Car Hire and Airport Transfers
ComeToCapeTown.com can assist with airport transfers to and from your chosen Cape Town accommodation venue. We can also help you with car hire if you wish to get around at your own leisure during your holiday. Like accommodation and flights, it is best to book your hire car as early as possible. There are a number of car rental agencies that have branches conveniently situated at the airport, which makes it easy to collect and return the car once your booking has been made.
Driving in Cape Town
Once you have organised your car hire for your holiday in Cape Town, you will need to note a few things about driving in the city. South African road rules are much like the UK in many ways – you drive on the left-hand side of the road. Speeding is a major offence in Cape Town, as is drunk driving and driving while talking on a mobile phone. The speed limit on freeways is 120km per hour, on major roads it is 100km per hour and in residential areas it is 60km per hour. You will notice signs advising of the speed limit – make sure you follow these at all times.
Seat belts must be worn, and children should be buckled in or placed in a car seat. For safety, you should also keep doors locked and windows closed. Don’t leave any valuables in your car either – smash and grabs do sometimes occur and you do not want a break-in to ruin your holiday. The city has a number of petrol stations (or gas stations for US holidaymakers), which are open 24-7. If you are driving longer distances, remember to check your oil and water after you fill up.
Staying Safe on Holidays in Cape Town
One of the biggest concerns that any visitor has when travelling to a new destination is the safety aspect. Cape Town is generally a safe place to visit, with no more crime than any other city in the world. There are no major risks for security or healthcare, with safe drinking water, excellent hospitals and medical facilities, plenty of police stations, tourist information centres, neighbourhood watch groups, private security firms, city police and other facilities that enhance your safety and well-being during your stay.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential to protect yourself against cancellation, injury, theft, weather, damages, natural disasters, medical expenses and any other issue that could arise during your stay. Make sure that you and the other people in your travel group have comprehensive cover to give peace of mind against any and all risks.
Safety
Modern villas may not always be child-friendly, so make sure that kids are supervised at all times or consider our additional babysitter or staff services to keep children safe. It is also a good idea to adhere to basic safety tips – don’t walk around with cameras and valuables in plain sight, be careful when driving, avoid dangerous areas on your own and/or after dark and use common sense when dealing with strangers.
If you have any other questions or concerns about Cape Town travel, be sure to check out our handy Visitors Info guide.