Cape Town Travel Guide
Safety and Overall Experience Safety Concerns: Before my trip, I heard a lot about the safety issues in South Africa and was quite worried about being robbed as soon as I left the airport. However, my overall experience in South Africa was quite pleasant. The tourist areas are generally safe, and the locals are quite friendly. South Africa's infrastructure is top-notch in Africa, comparable to Southeast Asia, but the wealth gap is significant, and townships still exist. It's winter in South Africa now, and it's freezing with strong winds. No wonder South Africa is known for its beautiful women, fine wines, and strong winds! 😂 Visa and Entry/Exit 📍Visa Process: The visa application process for South Africa can be quite frustrating with many peculiar requirements. I've written a detailed guide on this before. Although there is an e-visa option, the requirements are quite odd and the rejection rate is high. I recommend applying for a paper visa. Once you have the visa, entry is very smooth. Itinerary 📍Cape Town Duration: Many guides suggest spending at least 3 days in Cape Town, but I found that if you don't plan to visit the Garden Route, one day is enough. I booked 2.5 days and ended up being bored in the hotel for two rainy days. 😂 Transportation 📍Garden Route: If you plan to visit the Garden Route, renting a car is highly recommended. For getting around Cape Town, Uber is very convenient. For trips to the Cape of Good Hope, joining a day tour is a good option. I booked a day tour on Viator that included all the major attractions. The itinerary was not rushed, and we managed to see everything in one day. Must-Visit Attractions 📍Table Mountain: The most famous landmark in Cape Town, known as "God's Table" due to its flat top. Most people take the cable car to the top, but you can also hike or even go rock climbing. 📍Bo-Kaap: Meaning "Above Cape Town," this is the Malay Quarter of Cape Town, famous for its colorful houses. 📍Camps Bay: One of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town, with the Twelve Apostles mountains nearby. This area is a wealthy neighborhood with many luxury homes. 📍Cape of Good Hope: The famous southernmost point of Africa, a must-visit location. 📍Boulders Beach: A great place to see African Penguins. These cute little creatures are quite adorable. You might also spot the local dassies, which look like chubby gas cylinders. 📍Simon's Town: A charming town with a New Orleans-style atmosphere, home to the penguin beach. 📍V&A Waterfront: A popular waterfront commercial area, but it's quite ordinary, similar to a typical American mall. There's not much to explore here. 😂 Dining Recommendations 📍Knysna Oyster Company: A highly recommended seafood restaurant near the V&A Waterfront. Try the oyster platter and the seafood platter. The food is quite good. #TravelToSeeTheWorld #SouthAfricaTravel #CapeTown #CapeTownTravelGuide #TravelTips #TravelWithLittleRedBook #HiddenTravelDestinations #TravelSnapshots #AfricanTravel