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Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is your best entry point to the Western Cape. It’s South Africa’s second-busiest airport with direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and North America. It’s about 20 km from central Cape Town and less than an hour from the Cape Winelands. For travellers heading east along the Garden Route, George Airport (GRJ) is another convenient regional option.
The airport is roughly 45–60 minutes from Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, and 30–40 minutes from coastal spots like Strand or Gordon’s Bay. Hermanus takes about 1½–2 hours. Use Google Maps or Waze to dodge rush-hour traffic (7–9 a.m. / 4–6 p.m.).
If your license isn’t in English, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car or avoid fines. You can get one from your local motoring authority before travelling. Remember: we drive on the left!
Main tourist routes are well-maintained, and driving can be enjoyable if you stay alert and travel by day. Avoid isolated roads after dark. Private transfers or guided tours are great if you’d rather relax and let a local handle the route — plus no need to worry about wine tastings and driving!
Absolutely. We offer private transfers to and from Cape Town International Airport with professional drivers, clean vehicles, and plenty of local insight along the way. Just request this when you book your tour.
Summer (November–March) brings warm, sunny days perfect for beaches and vineyards. Spring (September–October) and autumn (April–May) offer mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds — ideal for travellers seeking value and tranquility.
Summer: 25–35 °C, dry and windy; pack sunscreen.
Winter: 10–20 °C with rain and lush scenery; pack layers and a jacket.
Definitely. From May to September, you’ll find lower prices, cozy wine-estate firesides, fewer tourists, and spectacular whale-watching in Hermanus.
The South African Rand (ZAR or R). Exchange at banks or official bureaus; avoid street vendors.
Yes — Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. Amex is less common. Mobile tap-to-pay options like Apple Pay are growing. Keep some cash for small towns or markets.
Tipping is customary:
• Restaurants 10–15% if not included.
• Transfers R20–50 per trip.
• Guides ≈ R200 per person per day.
• Hotel staff R10–50 depending on service.
Cash tips are appreciated.
Yes — use those inside malls or bank branches during daytime. Stick to well-lit, busy areas and cover your PIN.
A fusion of African, Dutch, Malay, and Indian influences — think braai (barbecue), Cape Malay curries, bobotie, biltong, and superb seafood. The Western Cape is famed for farm-fresh produce, artisanal cheese, and award-winning wines.
Yes! Many estates welcome guests for picnics, lunches, or garden strolls without a tasting. Try Boschendal, Vergelegen, or Warwick for relaxed outdoor visits.
Options range from R100 bistro meals to fine-dining experiences around R500 + per person. Many offer affordable lunch menus or picnics — great value for world-class food.
In peak season, yes — especially popular Winelands restaurants. Book a week or two ahead via apps like Dineplan. Casual spots often take walk-ins.
Very. Most venues offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halaal options. Let your host or guide know in advance and you’ll be well-catered for.
Tourist areas like Cape Town, Stellenbosch, and the Winelands are generally safe. Be aware of petty theft: keep valuables out of sight and avoid walking alone late at night. Use reputable transport or rideshare apps.
Yes — Cape Town and most Western Cape towns have excellent, safe tap water. Bottled water is optional for taste.
No malaria risk in the Western Cape. Standard vaccines (hepatitis A/B, typhoid) are recommended. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal medication.
Dial 10111 (police), 10177 (ambulance), or 112 from any mobile. Pharmacies like Dis-Chem and Clicks handle minor issues. Keep travel insurance and embassy info handy — and contact your guide if you need help.
Light clothes for summer, warm layers for winter, good walking shoes, sunscreen (40 + SPF), plug adapter (Type M), and a reusable water bottle. Add a swimsuit or rain jacket depending on season.
Citizens of many countries (US, UK, EU) receive a free 90-day tourist visa on arrival. Check the Department of Home Affairs site or e-Visa system before travelling. Your passport needs two blank pages and 30 days’ validity after departure.
English is universal in the Cape; Afrikaans and isiXhosa are also common. Locals appreciate a friendly “hallo” (Afrikaans) or “molo” (Xhosa)!
Yes — it’s essential for medical cover, lost luggage, and trip delays. Choose a policy that includes adventure activities if you plan to golf, hike, or paraglide.
The Western Cape is filled with remarkable attractions beyond central Cape Town. Popular highlights include the Kogelberg Coast and Clarens Drive, the Elgin Valley, the rolling farmlands of the Overberg, the Whale Coast around Hermanus, the boutique wine estates of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, the historic towns of the Swartland, and the quiet coastal villages along the West Coast. For multi-day trips, the Garden Route offers forests, lagoons, wildlife and scenic viewpoints.
Private wine estates, the scenic Garden Route, Cederberg mountains, whale-watching towns, and charming heritage villages. Prestige Cape Tours specializes in these lesser-known gems.
Hermanus (June–Nov) is the whale capital. Visit Aquila Game Reserve (2 hrs from Cape Town) for Big Five safaris or Boulders Beach for penguins.
Yes — from championship courses like Erinvale, De Zalze, and Pearl Valley to hiking, kayaking, surfing, and zip-lining. Prestige Cape Tours can build any of these into your itinerary.
Absolutely. Try e-bike or hiking tours through vineyards, paragliding from Sir Lowry’s Pass, or zip-lining between tastings. We’ll tailor it to your energy level.
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