Cape Town Information Guide

Contents Page

General Information 02 - 05

 Weather
 Closest Shopping Centres and Restaurant options
 Weather
 For your safety
 VAT | Tax Refunds
 Language
 Banks
 Time
 Currency

LEISURE ACTIVITY OPTIONS 06 - 09

 Table Mountain Tours

 ROBBEN ISLAND TOUR
 WINELANDS TOUR
 HALF DAY TOWNSHIP TOUR

CAPE TOWN DAY TOURS PACKAGES 10 - 15

 FULL DAY GREAT WHITE SHARK CAGE DIVING

 FULL DAY SAFARI
 FULL DAY HERMANUS TOUR
 FULL DAY WINELANDS TOUR
 FULL DAY CAPE HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
 HALF DAY WINELANDS TOUR
 HALF DAY CITY AND TABLE MOUNTAIN TOUR
 HALF DAY CAPE POINT
 FULL DAY CAPE PENINSULA TOUR

1
General Information

Time
South Africa is two hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), one hour ahead of
central European Winter Time and seven hours ahead of American Eastern Standard Winter
Time throughout the year.

Currency
The unit of currency in South Africa is the Rand (R).
Denominations: coins - 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5; notes - R10, R20, R50, R100, R200.
Traveller’s Cheques and Credit Cards: Traveller’s cheques can be changed at all major banks,
hotels and available foreign exchange offices in major shopping centres. International credit
cards are accepted.

Banks
Most banks are open from 09h00-15h30 Monday to Friday and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays.
Banks at all international airports are open two hours either side of international arrival and
departures. ATM’s are numerous and available all over the country.

Language
South Africa has eleven different official languages but English is widely spoken and the
generally accepted means of communication.

VAT | Tax Refunds

VAT of 14% is levied on nearly all goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT
paid on items that will be taken out of the country. Original tax invoices, foreign passport,
plus all the items on which a refund is claimed, must be presented at the VAT Refund
Administration Office or an appointed RSA Customs and Excise Official on departure, and the
total VAT on these items will be refunded.

For your safety

We urge you to keep all your personal belongings safe and to make use of the hotel safe in
your room. If you have any concerns in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact the
Hotel Front Desk or one of our staff members.

2
Weather

Cape Town enjoys a long summer from mid October to March. Temperatures vary from mid
20's to mid 30's with little rain over this period. Due to its coastal position, Cape Town enjoys
a temperate Mediterranean type climate for most of the year. Summers can be very hot,
although often moderated with a cool sea breeze. However, please note that Cape Town is
known to have all four seasons all in one day.

October weather in Cape Town -- What to pack?

 Long sleeves and trousers for the evenings
 Light layers, plus T-shirts, shorts, sandals, swimming costumes
 Sun block, sunglasses, hats

Below please find your weather forecast during this period. Remember to pack light summer
clothes as well as fairly warm clothes for the evenings.

Day Description High Temp Low Temp

26 October 17°C 4 °C

27 October 17°C 4 °C

28 October

29 October

30 October

3
Closest Shopping Centres and Restaurant options

 Golden Acre Shopping Centre - 9 Adderley Street, Cape Town

 Green Market Square - 10 Greenmarket Square Road
 Cape Quarter Lifestyle Shopping Centre - 27 Somerset Road, Cape Town
 Gardens Shopping Centre - Mill Street, Cape Town
 Canal Walk Shopping Centre - Century Boulevard, Century City, Milnerton,, Cape Town

Restaurant name Location Cuisine Telephone

La Colombe Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate Fusion, Asian, French 021-7942390

Savoy Cabbage City Centre: Hout Street Vegetarian, Game 021 424 2626

The Greenhouse Brommersvlei RD, Constantia International 021-7942137

Tasting Room at Le 16 Huguenot Road Contemporary 021-8762151

Quartier Français Franschhoek
Terroir Strand Road (R44) Cuisine: French, South 021-8808167
Stellenbosch African
Overture Annandale Road Contemporary, 0218802721
Stellenbosch
Jardine 185 Bree Street, Continental, South 021-4245640
African
Beluga Prestwich Street Grills, Sushi, 021-4182948
Green Point Contemporary
Pigalle 57 Somerset Road Seafood, Portuguese 021-4214848
Green Point
Famous Butcher's Grill Park Inn Hotel Grills 021-4261651
(Greenmarket Square) Greenmarket Square
Millers Thumb 10b Kloof Nek Road Seafood, Grills, Fusion, 021-4243838
Tamboerskloof International
The Kove Shop 2A, The Promenade Live Band ,Seafood, 021 438 0012
Victoria Road Grills, Light Meals

Azure Restaurant Victoria Road, Cape Malay, 021 437 9029

Camps Bay Continental, Fusion,
Game, Grills,
Baia Waterfront Seafood, International 021 421 0935
Haiku 33 Church Street, Cape Town Light meals, Asian, 021-4247000/
Chinese
95 Keerom 95 Keerom Street, Cape Town Italian 021 422 0765
Cbd,
Five Flies 14 Keerom Street, Cape Town Contemporary 021-4244442
Cbd
Reuben's Restaurant & 19 Huguenot Street, Contemporary 021-8763772
Bar Franschhoek
NB: Please note that a 10% of the bill is an accepted gratuity

4
Weather

Cape Town enjoys a long summer from mid October to March. Temperatures vary from mid
20's to mid 30's with little rain over the period. Due to its coastal position, Cape Town enjoys
a temperate Mediterranean type climate for most of the year. Summers can be very hot,
although often moderated with a cool sea breeze. However, please note that Cape Town is
known to have all four seasons all in one day.

October weather in Cape Town -- What to pack?

 Long sleeves and trousers for the evenings
 Light layers, plus T-shirts, shorts, sandals, swimming costumes
 Sun block, sunglasses, hats

Below please find your weather forecast during this period. Remember to pack light summer
clothes as well as fairly warm clothes for the evenings.

Day Description High Low

Temp Temp

26 17°C 4 °C
October

27 17°C 4 °C
October

28
October

29
October

30
October

5
LEISURE ACTIVITY OPTIONS

TABLE MOUNT AIN TOUR

HALF DAY TABLE MOUNTAIN AND CITY TOUR

Sense the spirit of Cape Town and trace the city's rich history on this exciting sightseeing tour.

This Table Mountain & City Tour gives you the opportunity to sense the spirit of Cape Town and
traces the history of the City from 1652 when the first Dutch Governor set foot on a beach nearby.
The Table Mountain & City Tour also includes a boat trip at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

You may choose to have lunch here (not included) and then join one of the other half day tours or
be returned to your hotel. This Table Mountain & City Tour includes Table Mountain - weather
permitting (otherwise Signal Hill), scenic coastal drive through Clifton and Sea Point, Houses of
Parliament and tour of Cape Town.

Cost: Approx R350.00 per person

Operates: Daily
Departs: 07h45
Returns: Approx 12h30
Contact: Siyabona Africa +27 21 424 1037

6
ROBBEN ISLAND TOUR

The standard tour to Robben Island is 3.5 hours long, including the two half-hour ferry rides. Ferries
depart at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, weather permitting, from the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town.
The Robben Island Tour includes:
 A return boat trip across Table Bay
 A visit to the infamous Maximum Security Prison
 Interaction with an ex-political prisoner
 A 45-minute bus ride with a guide providing commentary
 The opportunity to explore the Murray's Bay Harbour precinct attractions, such as the Muslim
shrine, or kramat, and the Museum Shop.

The three and a half hour tour includes a return trip across Table Bay, a visit to the Maximum
Security Prison, interaction with an ex-political prisoner and a 45 minute bus tour with a guide
providing commentary

To secure a place for yourself or your group on the ferry during the busy summer season, we
recommend you book early.

Cost: Approx. R200.00 per person

Contact: Special Tours +27 21 411 1037
The ticket sales office is located at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, Cape
Town

7
WINELANDS TOUR

This Half day tour takes you to the Stellenbosch wine area.

It is easy to understand why Simon van der Stel decided to settle in a village amongst the mountains.
The backdrop of the Hottentots Holland mountains, the white gabled Cape Dutch homesteads and
the oak lined streets and lanes all blend in to give Stellenbosch a charm that will not be easily
forgotten.

Enjoy a tour of Stellenbosch and an optional Cheetah visit. After a comprehensive tour you visit a
local wine estate to sample some of the finest Cape wines on offer.

Cost: Approx. R480.00 per person

Operates: Daily
Departs: 08h15 (mornings) & 13h45 (afternoons)
Returns: Approx 12h30 & approx 18h00 respectively
Contact: Siyabona Africa +27 21 424 1037

8
HALF DAY TOWNSHIP TOUR

Join a half day experience of South African township life and culture.

The N2 highway, connecting Cape Town International Airport with the city, is lined with townships
made up of densely packed shacks and buildings. During the turbulent days of the South African
apartheid government, these were no-go areas, but today a township experience is becoming a
must for the Cape Town visitor. Many people feel apprehensive about entering townships, but it is
here you'll discover another side of Cape Town, South Africa - Nelson Mandela's country

Cape Town’s Township Tours offer you an insight into and interaction with cultures, communities
and individuals living in South Africa's colourful society. Witness everyday life in a demanding
environment and share in their hopes and achievements. The Township tours visit the townships of
Langa, Gugulethu, Cross Roads and Khayelitsha.

Cost: Approx. R370.00 per person

Operates: Daily
Departs: 08h15 (Morning) 13:45 (Afternoon)
Contact: Siyabona Africa +27 21 424 1037

9
CAPE TOWN DAY TOURS PACKAGES

Company: Talk Travel

Contact: Ilse van der Westhuizen

Tel: 021 797 1861

FULL DAY CAPE PENINSULA TOUR (SC1) – R 680.00 PP

Bring your camera and plenty of film; we're headed for Cape Point at the south western tip of the
Cape Peninsula, and the most spectacular views in the world. The drive there is just as inspiring,
passing steep mountains, secluded coves and sweeping beaches, as well as villages and fishing
communities.

Our tour begins with a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, passing through the cosmopolitan
suburb of Sea Point and Camps Bay with its glorious views of the Twelve Apostles, part of the Table
Mountain range. We'll continue to the fishing village of Hout Bay, one of Cape Town's best-kept
secrets. Here there is an option to take a short boat trip to Duiker Island (for own account & time
permitting) to view the Cape Fur Seals, which inhabit the island. From here we travel to the Cape
Point Nature Reserve, comprising over 17,300 acres of indigenous fauna and flora. Here we can see
a variety of wildlife that includes baboons, rhebok, Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok and the elusive
eland. The reserve is also one of the world's largest breeding grounds for tortoises. Bird-watchers,
too, will find many fine species to observe.

The majestic coastline offers drama worthy of being called "Nature's Greatest Show." We'll be able
to see the union of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans (as per legend), and may even feel the brisk wind
that is dubbed the "Cape Doctor" for its presumed curative powers. Following the coastline along
False Bay, we'll return to Cape Town by way of Simon's Town, where we visit the Penguin colony at
Boulders Beach (for own account), Fish Hoek fishing village and Muizenberg. Before our return, we'll
stop at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens for a short walking tour of the beautiful gardens.
We return to Cape Town, passing the University of Cape Town, Rhodes Memorial and the Groote
Schuur Hospital.

Departs daily at approx 09h00 and returns at approx 17h00

10
HALF DAY CAPE POINT (SC2) – R 490.00 PP

Our tour begins with a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, passing through the cosmopolitan
suburb of Sea Point and Camps Bay with its glorious views of the Twelve Apostles, part of the Table
Mountain range. From here we travel to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, comprising over 17,300
acres of indigenous fauna and flora. Here we can see a variety of wildlife that includes baboons,
rhebok, Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok and the elusive eland. The reserve is also one of the
world's largest breeding grounds for tortoises. Bird-watchers, too, will find many fine species to
observe.

The majestic coastline offers drama worthy of being called "Nature's Greatest Show." We'll be able
to see the union of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans (as per legend), and may even feel the brisk wind
that is dubbed the "Cape Doctor" for its presumed curative powers. Following the coastline along
False Bay, we'll return to Cape Town by way of the Simon's Town (optional, own account & time
permitting visit to Penguin colony), Fish Hoek fishing village and Muizenberg. We return to Cape
Town, passing the University of Cape Town, Rhodes Memorial and the Groote Schuur Hospital.

Departs daily at approx 08h00 and returns at approx 12h30

HALF DAY CITY AND TABLE MOUNTAIN TOUR (SC3) – R 350.00 PP

Our drive to the city centre takes us past famous landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope built in
1666 by the Dutch East India Company and City Hall, a baroque building and the Grand Parade. As
we follow the city’s main thoroughfare, Adderley Street, we will see St. George’s Cathedral, the
Anglican Diocese of Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. We will pass the Company
Gardens and the Malay Quarter [also known as the Bo-Kaap] which means "Above Cape" because of
its location up against the slopes of Table Mountain. In the early 18th century, thousands of slaves
from Java, Ceylon and other Far Eastern regions were brought to Cape Town. After slavery was
abolished, their descendants, known as the Cape Malay’s, settled here. Our route then leads us to
Kloof Nek and the magnificent Table Mountain. We'll ascend to the top [weather permitting] by the
revolving cable car. Here, we'll see wild flowers and the famous silver tree, and marvel at a birds-
eye view of the city and its beaches. On a clear day it is even possible to see Robben Island where
Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on one side and Cape Point on the other. Descend from the Upper
Cableway station to your awaiting vehicle and then proceed around Table Bay to the Milnerton area
(time permitting). From here we can see Table Mountain from the same perspective as the early
settlers did when they sailed into Table Bay.

Departs daily at approx 08h00 and returns at approx 12h30 (morning tour) or

Approx 13h00 and returns at approx 17h30 (afternoon tour) (excludes the Cable Way ticket)

11
HALF DAY WINELANDS TOUR (SC4) – R 490.00 PP

This enchanting excursion begins with a tour through historic Stellenbosch, an architectural jewel
that serves as the historic heart of the country’s wine region. A gracious blend of 18-century Cape
Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings is evident as we drive down Drop Street, where massive
Oaks still shade original water furrows, then enjoy a wine tasting session in the Stellenbosch area
before returning to Cape Town.

Departs daily at approx 14h00 and returns at approx 17h00

FULL DAY CAPE HIGHLIGHTS TOUR (SC5) – R 870.00 PP

FANTASTIC COMBINATION OF SC2 AND SC4 HALF DAY TOURS.

TOUR MIGHT INCLUDE A TRIP BACK TO CAPE TOWN TO COLLECT ADDITIONAL PASSENGERS FOR
2nd

HALF OF TOUR.

TOUR MAY BE OPERATED IN REVERSE DIRECTION.

This combination tour offers the highlights of Cape Point and the Cape Winelands. Our tour begins
with a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, passing through the cosmopolitan suburb of Sea Point
and Camps Bay with its glorious views of the Twelve Apostles, part of the Table Mountain range.
From here we travel to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, comprising over 17,300 acres of indigenous
fauna and flora. Here we can see a variety of wildlife that includes baboons, rhebok, Cape Mountain
zebra, bontebok and the elusive eland. The reserve is also one of the world's largest breeding
grounds for tortoises. Bird-watchers, too, will find many fine species to observe.

The majestic coastline offers drama worthy of being called "Nature's Greatest Show." We'll be able
to see the union of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans (as per legend), and may even feel the brisk wind
that is dubbed the "Cape Doctor" for its presumed curative powers. Following the coastline along
False Bay, we'll continue to the Stellenbosch winelands. Stellenbosch is an architectural jewel with a
gracious blend of 18-century Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings. We then head for a wine
tasting session in the Stellenbosch area before returning to Cape Town.

Departs daily at approx 08h00 and returns at approx 17h00

12
FULL DAY WINELANDS TOUR (SC6) – R 680.00 PP

While South Africa's fertile valleys are world famous for their crisp white and classic French-style red
wines, the area is also a treasury of rustic beauty and sprawling estates shaded by giant oak trees.
Our drive today will include the country's principal wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and
Franschoek, with a stop en route for lunch (for own account).

Our day starts with a visit to Paarl where you will be struck by the beauty of the Valley, the pristine
blue sky, the rolling vineyards and the Pearl of Paarl set high above the valley. Paarl made headlines
when President Mandela was released from the Groot Drakenstein prison (ex Victor Verster), on the
outskirts of the town, to freedom and the start of the new South Africa. We enjoy a wine tasting
and cellar tour at one of the local estates.

From Paarl, we'll continue north-west to the beautiful village of Franschhoek, near the Drakenstein
Mountains founded in 1688 by French immigrants fleeing the Huguenot religious persecution in
Europe. A memorial in the town commemorates the arrival of these early settlers who helped
develop the wines sought after by Napoleon, Bismark and royalty such as Edward VII, and the Prince
of Wales. Here we will stop for lunch (for own account) and another wine tasting at a vineyard.

We'll then head to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa and the historic heart of the
country's wine region. In 1679, Dutch East India Company governor Simon van der Stel, recognized
the fertility of this long valley on the banks of the Eerste River, as perfect for vineyards. The rest is
history, which has been carefully cultivated in this town. A gracious blend of 18th-century Cape
Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings is evident on Dorp Street, where massive oaks still shade
original water furrows. Enjoy a final wine tasting before returning to Cape Town.

Please note that this tour may run in reverse.

Departs daily at approx 09h00 and returns at approx 17h00

(excludes lunch)

13
FULL DAY HERMANUS TOUR (SC8) – R 680.00 PP

This circular tour takes you over a mountain pass to the seaside town of Hermanus. This town,
nestled between mountains and the sea is not only very beautiful but offers some of the best shore
based whale watching opportunities in the world (August – November). Close sightings of the
Southern Right whale are likely. On the return journey we follow the coastline with the possibility of
further sightings of whales (and even the possibility of sighting dolphins). A stop is made at Stoney
Point, near Betty’s Bay to have a look at the penguins (optional, for own account & time permitting)
and a wine tasting will be enjoyed before returning to Cape Town in the afternoon.

Seasonal Departures: July – November 2010 only on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays at approx.
08h30 and returns at approx. 17h30

Minimum 2 passengers required.

(Excludes lunch)

FULL DAY SAFARI (SC9) – R 2100.00 PP

After an early morning departure we head up the N1 Highway, through the spectacular Hex River
Valley and arrive at the Aquila Private Game Reserve. The bio-diverse habitat of the reserve ensures
plenty of interest for the avid game viewer and birder. Giraffe, Blesbok, Black and Blue Wildebeest,
Zebra, Springbok, Gemsbok Klipspringers, Duiker, Greybuck, Steenbok, Ostriches, Baboons Caracul,
Foxes, Jackal, Leopard and 172 species of birds, including the Black Eagle are found on the reserve.
An experienced Game Ranger will take you on a Game Drive which includes San Bushmen rock art.
Lunch is enjoyed at the Lodge.

Depart daily at approx 05h30 and returns at approx 16h30

(Lunch included)

14
FULL DAY GREAT WHITE SHARK CAGE DIVING (SC11) – R 1520.00 PP

Between the islands of Geyser Rock and Dyer Island is a narrow and shallow channel called Shark
Alley – reputed to be the world’s best place for Great White shark cage diving. Due to the resident
seal colonies in the area, Shark Alley has been dubbed “the supermarket for sharks”.

A short boat ride from Gansbaai, Shark Alley is ideal for those who wish to experience the thrill of
getting up close and personal with these giant predators, but who do not possess a dive
certification. Your cage dive takes place just meters below the surface of the water so no diving
experience is necessary. (Scuba cage dive on request)

Minimum 2 passengers required

Departs daily at approx. 06h00 and returns at approx. 17h00

(Includes light lunch)

15