There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Cape Town each year. The main ones are listed below.
January 1: New Year's Day (national holiday) March 21: Human Rights Day (national holiday)Commemorates the fight against racial segregation and in particular the Sharpeville massacre on this day in 1960, when policemen opened fire on a group of peaceful protesters demonstrating against the regime's “pass laws”, which restricted black South Africans from entering certain areas.
April 27: Freedom Day (national holiday)Commemorates the day in 1994 that millions of black South Africans were allowed to vote in an election and the Constitution that followed thereafter.
May 1: Workers' Day (national holiday)The equivalent of Labour Day elsewhere in the world, this day has been a public holiday in South Africa only since 1994, celebrating in particular the role played by trade unions, the Communist Party and other labour movements in the struggle against the country's apartheid system.
June 16: Youth Day (national holiday)Honours the memory of the black South African high school students in Soweto township killed by police during protests beginning on this day in 1976. Commemorations include solemn processions, ceremonies, music and dance performances, etc.
August 9: National Women's Day (national holiday)Commemorates the demonstration by some 20,000 black South African women in Pretoria on this day in 1956, to protest the extension of the pass laws to women.
September 24: Heritage Day (national holiday)On this day, South Africans recognize and celebrate the cultural wealth of their nation, with ceremonies and events remembering the living heritage of the many cultures that make up the population of South Africa. Aspects of living heritage include singing, dancing and concerts.
December 25: Christmas (national holiday)| Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16/61 | 26/79 | 15/0.6 | Not the best period to go |
| February | 16/61 | 26/79 | 17/0.7 | Good period to go
|
| March | 14/57 | 25/77 | 20/0.8 | Good period to go
|
| April | 12/54 | 23/73 | 41/1.6 | Good period to go
|
| May | 9/48 | 20/68 | 69/2.7 | Not the best period to go |
| June | 8/46 | 18/64 | 93/3.7 | Not the best period to go |
| July | 7/45 | 17/63 | 82/3.2 | Not the best period to go |
| August | 7/45 | 18/64 | 77/3.0 | Not the best period to go |
| September | 9/48 | 19/66 | 40/1.6 | Not the best period to go |
| October | 11/52 | 21/70 | 30/1.2 | Not the best period to go |
| November | 13/55 | 23/73 | 14/0.6 | Good period to go
|
| December | 15/59 | 24/75 | 17/0.7 | Good period to go
|
The Cape Town International Airport is located about 20 kilometres (12 miles) south-east of the city centre. It is the second busiest in the country after Johannesburg's airport and the third busiest in Africa.
Cape Town is a very pleasant city and not at all difficult to get around. The public transport system is limited, but satisfactory. In addition, there is very little traffic congestion and drivers respect traffic rules.
Buses are certainly the most convenient way to discover Cape Town: 31 regular routes serve all areas of the city using dedicated lanes. Service is limited on the weekends. About ZAR 10 for a one-way ticket.
As in Johannesburg, many minibus taxis operate in Cape Town and will drop you off wherever you wish along their set routes. Minibus taxis are a very popular mode of transport in the city because they are not expensive (about ZAR 5 for a trip within the city).
Given the lack of traffic congestion, renting your own car is a solution definitely worth considering for getting around Cape Town. It is a good way to travel within areas not served by the main bus routes. Daily rental rates run about ZAR 200. An international driver's licence is required. For security reasons, keep the windows closed and the doors locked at all times.
There are relatively few sedan taxis in Cape Town. Fares run about ZAR 8-10 per kilometre.
Upon your arrival in Cape Town, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organize your stay.
Cape Town TourismOffers sightseeing recommendations, tourist information and brochures.
The currency used in South Africa is the Rand (ZAR).
1 € = 20,51 ZAR
1 ZAR = 0,05 €
The above exchange rate is given for information because is variable.
See your doctor before you travel. It is recommended that you obtain insurance covering health care expenses as well as medical evacuation or repatriation before you leave home. Cape Town counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
VaccinationsThere are no vaccination requirements for visitors to South Africa.
However, the following vaccines are recommended:
For more information, contact Air France's international vaccination centre:
It is recommended to drink from sealed bottles in Cape Town.
As a French citizen, you do not need to obtain a visa in advance if you will be visiting South Africa for less than 90 days. A short-stay visa will be issued to you when you enter the country. There must be at least two blank pages remaining in your passport and it must be valid for 30 days beyond the period of your stay.
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Cape Town and South Africa, be sure to check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country for the latest travel information and recommendations. Comprehensive information that may be helpful for international visitors is also provided on the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website:
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/south-africa/
Here are a few basic Zulu phrases that may be useful during your stay in Cape Town:
Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon: Sawubona (one person) / Sanobonani (several people)
Good evening: Sawubona (one person) / Sanobonani (several peoples)
Goodbye: Sala kahle
Yes: Yebo
No: Cha
No, thank you: Cha, ngiyabonga
Thank you very much: Ngiyabonga kakhulu
Please: Ngiyacela
I don't understand: Angizwisisi
Could you repeat ?: Phinda futhi ?
What time is it ?: Iskhathi bani manje?
Sorry: phinda futhi
Excuse me: phinda futhi
Airport: isikhumulo sezindiza
Train station: isiteshi sezitimela
Taxi: Itekisi
Hotel: Ihhotela
Hospital: Isibhedlela
Bank: Ibhange
Telephone: Ucingo
I'm (…): Mina (…)
I'm looking for (…): Ngifuna (…)
How much is (…)?: Imalini (…) ?
Do you have (…)?: Unayo (…) ?
Where can I find (…)?: Ngingatholakuphi (…) ?
Where can I buy (…)?: Ngingathengaphi (…) ?
I'd like (…): Ngithanda (…) ?
Tipping
In Cape Town and throughout South Africa, tipping is not necessarily required, although always appreciated if you are satisfied with the service. It is customary to tip between 10 and 15 percent of the bill in restaurants and bars. Parking facilities are usually monitored by attendants. The latter often ask if you would like them to keep an eye on your car. If you accept, be sure to leave a few rands as a tip, depending on how long your vehicle has been parked.
