Cape Town City Tour South Africa

Cape Town and its suburbs sprawl for miles, but with the ocean and the dramatic landmarks of Table Mountain and Lions Head the city is fairly easy to navigate. Most of the hotels are situated along the Atlantic Seaboard, the five miles (eight km) of coast running from the central business district to Camps Bay, taking in Greenpoint, Seapoint and the Waterfront. Public transport is poor and often unsafe, so most visitors hire a car, particularly if planning excursions from the city. To rent a car, drivers need to be over 23 years old and have a credit card and a full driving license (the license must have a photo and be in English, otherwise an International Driving Permit is required). Minibus taxis are cheap and convenient and can be hailed if travelling short distances along a well-known route, but the vehicles are often in bad condition and the driving can be appalling. Passengers should expect to pay around R3 for most journeys within the city. Golden Arrow buses leave from the main bus terminal to destinations around the city; although timings can be erratic they can be a good option for those on a budget. Tourists are advised to avoid the trains, with the exception of the Simon’s Town line, which runs around Table Mountain, through the smart residential Southern Suburbs, past Muizenberg and along the stunning False Bay coast. Taxis are expensive but are a good option at night for those without a car. Public transport should not be taken after dark and the outlying township areas should be avoided at all costs unless on an organised tour.