Half Hour Seal and Harbour Cruise from Cape Town

November to March for beach weather and long days. February to April is the sweet spot: still warm, slightly calmer, fewer crowds. Winter (June to August) is cheaper and moodier.

Four to five covers the highlights without rushing. Three works if you stick to the city and one day trip. A week lets you add the winelands and the coast properly.

Layers, always. Mornings can be cool even in summer, and the wind can drop the temperature fast. Bring a light jacket, comfy walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat.

Summer brings the southeaster, which can be strong. It can shut the cable car and cancel boat trips, so plan flexible days.

Yes, but know that the Atlantic side (Clifton, Camps Bay) is cold even in summer. The False Bay side (Muizenberg, Boulders) is noticeably warmer. Always check for lifeguards and flags.

For Robben Island and sunset cruises, book early in peak season, December to February. For most other things, a few days ahead is plenty.

Wind and swell are the usual reasons. Operators normally offer a reschedule or refund. Don’t schedule your must-do on your last day.

Uber and Bolt are the easiest in the city. Rental cars suit the peninsula and winelands. Hop-on hop-off buses and organised tours cover the main sights if you’d rather not drive.

Yes, with the usual care. They drive on the left. Lock doors, keep valuables out of sight and park in busy or guarded spots.

Millions visit without trouble. Stick to busy, well-lit areas, don’t flash phones or jewellery, and use a ride app instead of walking at night. Ask your accommodation which areas to avoid.

In busy areas like the V&A Waterfront and parts of Long Street, usually yes. Elsewhere, take a ride-hail even for short trips.

Yes, if you prepare. Go in a group, tell someone your route, carry water, check the weather and start early. Don’t hike alone on remote trails.

Safe to drink across Cape Town, so bring a refillable bottle.

South African rand. Cards work almost everywhere, but carry a little cash for tips, parking attendants and small vendors.

About 10 to 15% in restaurants, and a small tip for guides, drivers and car guards. Check whether a service charge is already included.

South Africa uses its own three-pin plug (Type M, with some Type N). Bring an adapter.

It depends on your passport. Many nationalities can visit visa-free for a set period. Check the official government site before you book flights.

Usually not for Cape Town, which is outside the malaria zone. Requirements depend on where you’ve travelled from, so check official health advice for your own situation.

Yes, signal is good in the city and on most main routes. Local SIM cards and eSIMs are cheap if you want data. Cafés and accommodation usually have wifi.

It has been far less of a problem recently, but it can still happen. Many hotels and cafés have backup power, so charge your phone and power bank whenever you can.

Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek) if you like food and wine. The Cape Peninsula (Boulders Penguins, Cape Point) if you want scenery and wildlife. Both are easy from the city.

Roughly June to November, peaking around September and October. Hermanus and the coast near Gansbaai are popular spots, and you can sometimes spot whales from shore too.

Yes, at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, year-round. Go early to avoid crowds, and don’t touch them, because they bite.

Very. Beaches, penguins, easy hikes, the aquarium and plenty of family-friendly restaurants. Kids’ prices and age limits vary by activity, so check each booking page.

Yes. It’s easy to meet people on group tours, in hostels and on day trips. Use common sense after dark, as you would anywhere.

Seafood on the coast, braai (barbecue) if you’re invited, and Cape Malay dishes in the Bo-Kaap. Ask locals where they actually eat.

Aim for three hours before an international flight and two for domestic. Allow extra time for traffic on the N2, especially at rush hour.