←South Africa travel guide
Western Cape, South Africa
Cape Town
Table Mountain, two oceans, and world-class wine on your doorstep.
BeachesFood & DrinkNature & OutdoorsScenic Views
Cape Town sits at the foot of the iconic flat-topped Table Mountain, with the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meeting just beyond its shores. Wander the vibrant V&A Waterfront, explore the colourful houses of Bo-Kaap, and day-trip into the Winelands for cellar tastings against a backdrop of dramatic mountain scenery.
Check South Africa visa requirements →
Best time to visit
October to April (summer)
Region
Western Cape
Main airport
Cape Town (CPT)
Discover
Top Things to Do in Cape Town
UNESCO World HeritageCultureNature
Table Mountain
Table Mountain rises 1,086 metres above Cape Town and is one of the world's most recognisable natural landmarks, forming part of the Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A rotating cable car carries visitors to the flat summit, which offers panoramic views stretching across the Cape Peninsula and both flanking oceans. The mountain hosts an extraordinarily rich diversity of fynbos vegetation found nowhere else on earth.
UNESCO World HeritageCulture
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Cape Town
Nature
The Garden Route
The Garden Route is a 300-kilometre coastal stretch between Mossel Bay and Storms River in the Western and Eastern Cape, celebrated for its dramatic scenery of forest, lagoon, and sea. Key highlights include the turquoise Knysna Lagoon with its iconic Heads rock formations, the beaches of Plettenberg Bay, and the ancient yellowwood forests of Tsitsikamma National Park. Whale watching in nearby Hermanus extends the natural spectacle for visitors travelling between July and November.
UNESCO World HeritageNature
Cape Floral Region
Across the southwestern Cape, a network of reserves protects the fynbos shrublands of the Cape Floral Region, one of the planet's richest and most distinctive plant kingdoms. This biodiversity hotspot harbours thousands of species found nowhere else on Earth.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Cape Town
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting South Africa
Entry requirements vary by passport; check your specific requirements on the South Africa destination page at Yoogo.
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger towns, though it is worth carrying some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are widely available and generally offer competitive exchange rates.
South Africa has high levels of petty crime and violent crime in certain areas, so travellers should take sensible precautions. Avoid displaying expensive items in public, use reputable transport, and stay aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night and research the neighbourhoods of your accommodation before arrival.
Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore South Africa, and the road network between major cities is generally good. Intercity buses and the Gautrain rail service in Johannesburg are reliable options. Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt operate in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Public minibus taxis are widely used by locals but can be unpredictable for unfamiliar visitors.
South Africa is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on your plans. May to September (the dry winter) is ideal for wildlife viewing in parks like Kruger, as vegetation thins and animals gather at water sources. October to April (the wet summer) is better for birdwatching and seeing newborn animals, and the Western Cape has its best weather from November to February.
South Africa has twelve official languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English, Sotho, Tswana, Tsonga, Swazi, Venda, Sepedi, Ndebele, and South African Sign Language. English is widely spoken in cities, tourist areas, and government services, making it the most practical language for visitors.
No vaccinations are required to enter South Africa unless you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country, in which case a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations such as tetanus are generally recommended. Malaria is present in low-lying areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, including near Kruger National Park, so consult a travel health clinic at least four weeks before departure.
Tipping is customary and appreciated in South Africa. In restaurants, 10 to 15 per cent of the bill is standard for good service. It is also customary to tip safari guides, hotel porters, car guards, and petrol station attendants. Keep small denomination Rand notes on hand for these everyday gratuities.