Tips for our travellers

Jan Engelbrecht : September 2013

 

• Trips on Table Mountain Aerial Cableway start at 8am and end as late as 9.30pm, but these times vary seasonally and are weather-dependent. Check on the day by calling the information line on +27 (0)21 424 8181.

• Whale watching: For the best land-based whale watching in the world, get a guide to accompany you along your trip and try the Cape Overberg coast from Betty’s Bay, along the Kleinmond cliffs, and at Onrus and Hermanus between June and November.

• The best way to see Cape Town is by taking a guided trip that includes the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain and Camps Bay, among many other landmarks.

• Langebaan on the West Coast has a tidal lagoon that attracts thousands of migratory birds and is also covered in flowers in spring (late August and September).

• If you decide to hike up Table Mountain, go in a group and always let someone know which route you intend taking or go with an experienced guide

• If you take the cableway to the top of Table Mountain, take a warm jacket because the weather is prone to change unexpectedly, with sudden drops in temperature common.

• Beautiful as they are, Western Cape beaches sometimes have strong undertows, so always swim in designated areas, never swim alone, and listen to lifeguards’ instructions.

• Through interaction with humans, some baboons in the Cape have become opportunistic thieves and scavengers. Keep all food hidden and never feed these animals as they can be treacherous.