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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LINKS
CAPE TOWN BRIEF HISTORY
CLIMATE
AIRPORT
DUTY FREE
MONEY
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
HEALTH CARE
SHOPPING HOURS
TIPPING
LINKS
. A. Associations, Government and Organizations
Bird Life S. A.
Cricket
S. A. Chamber of Buisiness
S. A. Rugby Football Union
S. A. Business, Commerce, Finance and Industry
Abacus Recruitment
American Express
Diners Club
Mastercard
Pam Golding Properties
Reuters
Visa
Master Currency
S. A. Computers and Internet
Golden Data Systems
Intekom
Net Florist
S. A. Councils, Foundations and Societies
S. A. Astronomical Observatory
S. A. Entertainment and Leisure
Ticketweb
S. A. Business Directory
S. A. Maps
S. A. Cape Wines
Paarl Wine Route
Wine.co.za
KWV
Spier
S. A. Travel and Tourism
Avis
Cape Car
Hertz
Intercape (Airport Transfer)
SAA
SATOUR
Western Cape Tourism
Guest House Association South Africa
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CAPE TOWN BRIEF HISTORY
The Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Dias, first rounded the Cape in 1488, and
named it the Cape of Storms due the stormy weather that was constantly experienced
off the tip of Africa. It was however, quickly renamed Cape of Good Hope by King John
II of Portugal. Africans in the region simply call it "Ikapa Lodumo" (Cape of Fame) due
to the attractions as a destination for tourists worldwide.
Sir Francis Drake named it "The Fairest Cape". It was also named the "Cape of
Storms" by Portuguese mariners who frequently visited the peninsula. "The Cape of
Good Hope", "The Tavern of the Seas" or simply "The Cape".
When Jan Van Riebeeck First landed in the Cape in 1652, one of his first
establishments was a refreshment station for passing ships. A settlement that grew and
became a colony in it's own right. The exploration and settlement of the interior of the
country started from here and the Western Cape played an important role in the history
of South and Southern Africa.
Jan van Riebeeck's statue, which stands on the Heerengracht, is approximately where
the commander and his party landed. Previously known as Roggebaai (Rocky Bay), it
later boasted an esplanade and a pier. In the 1940's these were demolished, the land
was reclaimed and became known as "The Foreshore".
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CLIMATE
The climate on the Southern Cape coastal region is Mediterranean, which becomes hot
and dry during the summers and cool and wet during the winters. The period between
December and March is the best time to visit the Cape when the days are pleasantly
warm and the evenings refreshingly cool. From August to October is also a good time to
visit the Cape, depending on the rains, the various nature reserves and veld areas are
alive and colourful with an abundance of wild flowers and whale season on the east
coast.
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AIRPORT
Cape Town International airport is located 22km (14 miles) east of the city (travel time is
about 25 minutes).
Airport facilities include outgoing duty-free shop, car hire and bank/bureau de change.
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DUTY FREE
If your age is over 18, you may import without incurring customs duty:
400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco;
1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine;
50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette;
gifts up to a value of R1250 per person.
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MONEY
Currency:
Rand (R) = 100 cents.
Notes are in denominations of R200, 100, 50, 20 and 10.
Coins are in denominations of R5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Credit cards:
MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Visa are widely accepted.
Travellers cheques: Valid at banks, hotels, restaurants and shops.
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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Jan 1 New Year's Day.
Mar 21 Human Rights Day.
Apr 2 Good Friday.
Apr 5 Family Day.
Apr 21 Good Friday.
Apr 24 Family Day.
Apr 27 Freedom Day.
May 1 Workers' Day.
Jun 16 Youth Day.
Aug 9 National Woman's Day.
Sep 24 Heritage Day.
Dec 16 Day of Reconciliation.
Dec 25 Christmas Day.
Dec 26 Day of Goodwill.
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HEALTH CARE
Medical facilities are very good. Health insurance is recommended (check at your
insurance company). A leaflet on health precautions is available from the South African
High Commission.
Tap water is considered safe to drink in urban areas but may be contaminated
elsewhere and sterilisation is advisable. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe
for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are of excellent
quality and exported to many parts of the world.
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SHOPPING HOURS
09:00-17:00 Monday to Friday
09:00-13:00 Saturday, although there is an increasing trend to open later and all
weekend in major tourist spots.
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TIPPING
It is customary to tip 10% where service is not included to waiters, taxi drivers, caddies
and room service.
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