Plan your trip to Cape Town, South Africa
Guide Hotels Attractions Restaurants Shops
Regional Population: 3,433,441
Elevation: 7 meters
Time Zone: Africa/Johannesburg
Local Currency: ZAR
Latitude: -33.9166667
Longitude: 18.4166667
Nearby Airports: CPT
Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa and is the capital of the Western Cape Province, as well as being the legislative capital of South Africa (the Houses of Parliament are here). It is located in the southwest corner of the country near the Cape of Good Hope and is the most southern city in Africa. It is a stone’s throw from South Africa’s world-famous Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. It is a World Cup 2010 host city with games to be played at the new African Renaissance Stadium.
Robben Island, located just off the coast from Cape Town, was the location used during the apartheid days to hold political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela. It is now a tourist site. Some of the guides were themselves political prisoners, and they offer plenty of insight about what went on there.
There are many hiking trails in and around the city, from short walks to multi-day hikes, as well as a number of small nature reserves in and around Cape Town. The city also is a great place to surf. Muizenberg is a good place for beginners. If you’re an experienced surfer, try the reef break at Kalk Bay, Outer Kom near Kommetjie or Misty Cliffs on the coast road near Scarborough.
Top Trips: road trips to Cape Town
How Far Is It: distance to Cape Town
One family’s visit to Langa, a black township in Cape Town, offered an education in cultural exchange.
Our expert surf bum selects six sweet surfari destinations around the world—from San Diego to Bali—to check out for fitness and fun on your next family vacation.
Visit key sites in Nelson Mandela life, from his youth to his freedom from jail.
Check out these packages aimed at giving Mom and Dad some time to relax before their first, or next, baby arrives.
