Cape Town Backpacking Information Page

For those arriving by air, you'll be touching down at Cape Town International Airport which is about 20kms out of the city.

Timewise, you'll be gaining if you've departed from the US or Canada because South African time is GMT +1 or +2 depending on the season.

Cape Town airport has every thing you'll need. You'll be able to get refreshments, change your money and organise transport into town.

If you are arriving from the US or Asia be prepared for some jetlag.. You'll probably want to get to your Cape Town backpacking accommodation as soon as possible in order to rest for a while..

For those who don't know it.. the South African currency is ZAR (Rand) To see what your money would be worth - use this handy currency converter

Unless you have a lift, or prefer using a taxi - take the airport bus into the city: it will take you to the station, from where you can get your bearings, get some directions to your hostel or head for the friendly tourist bureau on Burg and Castle street.

In case you consider hitchhiking from the airport - it's possible, but not recommended unless you can get a ride straight into town. Stretches of the road into Cape Town are bordered by 'informal settlements' which could be insecure, especially after dark.

Cheap Cape Town Accommodation

You do not need vaccinations for visits to South Africa, but if you decide to go backpacking in certain areas, eg. Northern Province, Kruger Park, Botswana, or Zimbabwe, you need to take precautions against malaria.

A lot of people are HIV positive in Cape Town and elsewhere. Casual sex carries with it a high risk of HIV infection. Take chances at your peril. Condoms are freely available. Use them.

Take the usual common sense hygiene precautions such as regular hand washing, and drinking tap or bottled water. Buy food from reliable sources and wash fresh vegetables and fruit before eating it.

Your safety: Cape Town is a city of contrasts. Many people from different backgrounds have migrated to the region from surrounding areas. There are also many illegal immigrants from neighbouring African countries who attempt to blend in with the local population

This has resulted in a burgeoning street population, taking the form of homeless people, street children, beggars and chancers who attempt to take advantage of unwary tourists and residents. Don't be tempted or pressurised to hand out money, it simply makes the situation worse. There are facilities available where homeless people can get a meal and a bed for the night.

So be aware of your surroundings when you walk in the Cape Town city centre and environs.

You'll experience a safe and enjoyable Cape Town backpacking visit by simply following a few obvious guidelines.

• Keep a low profile.
• Know where you're going.
• Move around in groups or in well lit populated areas - especially after dark.
• Don't appear touristy by toting cameras, fancy bags, maps and lots of cash.
• Don't respond to sob stories or requests for money.
• Steer clear of mini bus taxis - many of them are unsafe.
• Head for the Tourist Office or your hostel for assistance.

• Carry traveller's cheques rather than cash -and record the numbers separately.
• Don't leave your bags unattended and guard your personal documents.
• Put your valuables in a safe, or lock up at your hostel.

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