16th IWC - Cape Town

About Cape Town

Cape Town's name originated from the term 'Cape of Good Hope' when Bartholomew Diaz and other seafarers looked forward to the sight of Table Mountain, like an inn that promised hospitality and prosperity.

The presence of Table Mountain in all its splendour still invokes this kind of emotion. Cape Town is steeped in a rich history and is a cultural melting pot with its diverse and vibrant character being derived from Khoisan and other African tribes from the North, and Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers.

Bustling and beautiful, the cosmopolitan nature of Cape Town means that one never tires of the multitude of experiences it has to offer. From pristine coastlines and a magnificent countryside offering a unique floral kingdom, to the many shopping malls, restaurants, jazz cafes, fleamarkets, theatres and glitzy casinos and nightclubs, Cape Town appeals to the nature-lover and the nightcrawler!

Cape Town and the Western Cape is one of the world's most spectacular destinations. Cape Town and the Western Cape is a first class destination, located at the tip of the African continent. In 2004 it was chosen as the Best City in Africa and one of the world’s top 8 creative cities by Newsweek in 2002.

Cape Town and the Western Cape have extremely successful film, advertising and fashion industries. In addition its wine, fishing and agricultural industries are famous all over the world. Whether you are here for business or leisure, Cape Town and the Western Cape will exceed your expectations. The Cape is a vibrant place and already recognised as a world class events destination with a yearly calendar packed full of events of all description.

Easy Access

Cape Town International Airport is served by 20 international airlines, linking the city to global hubs including London, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Atlanta and Singapore. In the same time zone as Europe, Cape Town is a direct overnight flight from many European and American cities. Once in the Cape, getting around is simple and convenient, via taxi or coach, by train or on foot or even by the Roggebaai canal, Cape Town’s newest transport (canal) option.

Ideal Climate

The Cape has a mild Mediterranean climate all year round. Summer stretches from October to March and delegates can revel in 11 hours of sunshine daily and the balmiest of evenings. Autumn sunsets are legendary in the Cape and winters are usually mild with a fair amount of rain. Spring brings out the wild flowers and the annual migration of whales to our oceans.

The Cape’s climate is described as Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and mild, moist winters. The Cape has a mostly temperate climate. Near the coast, summer temperatures range from a pleasant low of 15°C (59°F) to highs of 27°C (80.6°F). Inland temperatures are some 3 to 5 degrees higher, making for gorgeous summer days and nights.

Coastal winters see the mercury dropping to a mild 7°C (44.6°F) at night – rising to a comfortable 18°C (64.4°F) by day. Away from the beach, morning arrives at an invigorating 5°C (41°F), with midday temperatures in the region of 22°C (71.6°F).

Breathtaking Unforgettable Scenery

Blessed with wildlife, natural beauty and some of the most magnificent scenery, imaginable, it’s not hard to see why Cape Town and the Western Cape have been described as “heaven at the tip of Africa”. Warm welcoming people, a rich diversity of arts, culture, music, a buzzing nightlife, excellent wines and superb cuisine makes the Cape an awe-inspiring destination.

Value for money

Cape Town and the Western Cape is recognised internationally as one of the outstanding value for money business tourism destinations in the world. The diversity of product offerings suit every pocket and no matter the cost, you will always get the best service and quality.

Health Tips

Cape Town and the Western Cape have very few health issues to be concerned about. No inoculations are needed and the health infrastructure is of a good standard. South Africa is facing a crisis with HIV/AIDS and visitors are advised to take precautions.

High quality water is available everywhere in Cape Town and the Western Cape and tap water is safe to drink. Many local manufacturers produce bottled water from sources around the Western Cape’s mountain ranges. Hikers drinking water from streams maybe at risk of waterborne diseases. Though the water in most mountain streams is safe to drink, it is advisable to purify the water first or to drink bottled water.

Cape Town and the Western Cape are malaria-free, and no vaccinations are required for cholera or smallpox. If you are on chronic medication, please keep a prescription or part of the packaging showing the generic name. If you wear spectacles, ensure you have a copy of your lens prescriptions. You can have spectacles replaced by any optician.

Sights Not To Miss

TABLE MOUNTAIN

Table Mountain is one of South Africa’s greatest landmarks and towers 1,086 m above the City of Cape Town. It is visible from as far as 200 km out to sea on clear days and is often covered with cloud referred to as the tablecloth.

Spectacular views of the city, the Cape peninsula, the coastline and the ocean can be seen from 11 viewpoints on the summit.

A revolving cable car carries visitors up and down in about 5 minutes and numerous walking and hiking paths lead up and across Table Mountain.

More information about Table Mountain is available here.

V&A WATERFRONT

This is South Africa’s most visited destination. Put against a backdrop of sea and mountain views, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (V&A), is home to designer label stores, national retailers, boutiques and services, along with a spread of restaurants, coffee shops and fastfood outlets.

The V&A is a centuries old harbour that remains fully operational. Spend a day or five trawling the Waterfront and you’ll understand why it has been a favourite destination of Capetonians and visitors since its 1992 re-awakening.

More information about The V&A is available here.

CAPE POINT

Cape Point is a landmark at the end of the Cape Peninsula located in the Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park. Its terrain covers from rugged, rocky outcrops and sheer cliffs to the fynbos covered plains.

Cape Point holds much in store for its visitors. A full day of discovery will reward you with spectacular views, fine food, remarkable encounters with nature, spellbinding history and memories to treasure forever.

Cape Town

Taste local seafood fare from the Two Oceans Restaurant, perched high above crashing waves and take in sweeping views of False Bay.

Alternatively enjoy a light meal or plan a picnic from the Food Shop. Experience an exhilarating ride in the Flying Dutchman funicular, which rises 238 metres above the ocean to where the old lighthouse keeps watch over the seas.

More information about Cape Point is available here.

KIRSTENBOSCH GARDENS

The Kirstenbosch Estate covers 528 hectares. 36 hectares make up the central landscaped garden on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It is home to more than 8 500 indigenous plant species, and is known as one of the Seven Magnificent Botanical Gardens of the world.

There are hiking trails through the fynbos as well as guided tours, including twilight nature walks. Kirstenbosch is a birdwatchers' delight. Pack a picnic basket or have a meal at the restaurant.

VIEW FROM CHAPMAN'S PEAK

Chapmans Peak drive is surely one of the most scenic drives in South Africa. You will have no better view of Hout Bay and the Sentinel, and if you are lucky, you might even see whales playing in the ocean below.

There are plenty of viewpoints so ensure you have your camera. The views are majestic and ever changing.

Reopened in December 2003, the drive has been made even better with more lookout points, and safer. This is truly a Cape Town icon not to miss.

More information about Chapmans Peak is available here.

ROBBEN ISLAND

One of the most significant and symbolically charged pieces of land in South Africa, Robben Island guards the entrance to Table Bay. The name hails from the Dutch word for seals, “robbe”.

The island was home to Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned there along with other political prisoners.

Now a living museum, the island and its ghosts are visited voluntarily. As a place of history, education and insight into
South Africa’s past, this is an essential excursion. The return boat trip (half an hour each way) to this World Heritage Site and a guided tour around the museum by an ex-inmate is an experience never to miss.

More information about Robben Island is available here.

TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM

The southern tip of Africa is the meeting place of two mighty oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic.

The Two Oceans Aquarium showcases the incredible diversity of marine flora and fauna found in these rich oceans. Over 8000 living animals, including fishes, mammals, birds and invertebrates can be seen in this marine kaleidoscope.

Cape Town

The 'two oceans' theme is illustrated by spectacular exhibits, ranging from vibrant displays of Indian Ocean tropical fishes to the magnificent 800,000 litre Kelp Forest Exhibit, which is one of only two living kelp forests on display in the world.

Discover life beyond the African waves with opportunities such as diving with the sharks and the daily feeding of the fishes and penguins or host a function or conference in ocean style.

More information about the aquarium is available here.