Find cheap flights to Cape Town from $565

Cape Town, also called the Mother city, is the most cosmopolitan city in South Africa, where a myriad of cultures have met and meshed over the centuries. The Dutch influence is most obvious, but the French brought winemaking skills and gabled farmhouses, while the English left Georgian mansions and Victorian terraced homes. Africans from across the continent have added their distinct cultures into the melting pot that is Cape Town. The temperate climate produces warm, dry conditions from October – April, with temperatures peaking at 76 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit between December – February, making these months the most popular time for tourists. Flights and accommodation should be reserved well in advance if you want to visit during Cape Town’s busy summer. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall boast enviable weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. During winter, temperatures make a beach vacation less desirable, with daily highs ranging from 63 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit and frequent rainfall, but you can probably find the best deals online at this time, so consider visiting between June – August.

Cape Town is a sprawling city, but there are several neighborhoods that are compact enough to explore on foot, including the City Bowl (city center), the Bo Kaap, and the Waterfront. It’s also an easy city to drive around, with ample parking and relatively light traffic. Here are some details about other useful modes of transport:

Public Transportation

MyCiTi is Cape Town’s efficient bus service, and a cheap way to get around the city and see many of the major landmarks. You must purchase and load a myconnect card from MyCiTi stations or select retailers. Fares vary depending on the distance you are traveling. For a different experience, you can buy a ticket on the open-topped city Sightseeing bus, a hop-on, hop-off service visiting many of the city’s top attractions. A day pass costs R170.00 ZAR if purchased online.

Taxis

Taxis are available in Cape Town and fall under the jurisdiction of the city. All of the legitimate taxis are metered. They are not allowed to stop for customers on the streets, so you should call for a taxi, or you can find them at one of the city’s designated taxi ranks. You can opt for a Rikki taxi which will save you money. These London-style taxis have operated here since 1984, which makes them a ride-share transport option predating Uber. You can go just about anywhere in central Cape Town for around R20.00 ZAR – R25.00 ZAR.

U.S. citizens visiting the Republic of South Africa for 90 days or less for tourism / business purposes do not need visas. For foreign nationals, please check the Department of Home Affairs website.