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TThe busy holiday season attracts many travellers to the shores of Cape Town, and the increased visitor numbers to the mountains, beaches and roads can present a challenge to Cape Town. We want to welcome our visitors and ensure that they enjoy themselves without compromising their safety.
The natural beauty of the city is one of our big drawcards. Most visitors are surprised by the way the beaches and the mountain frame the city. The mountain may look easy to navigate, and the ocean may look calm, but there are hazards that travellers should be aware of.
Here are some tips to ensure that your Cape Town holiday is one worth remembering:
Did You Know?
IIt was the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias who became the first European to see Cape Town after he rounded the Cape by ship in the late 1400s. But Dutch colonist Jan van Riebeeck became the first European to set foot on its soil in 1652. He was sent by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to establish a supply station for ships on their way from Europe to India.
SSwim responsibly
Often the party atmosphere takes to the beaches. Not only is alcohol prohibited at our beaches, but it can compromise safety in the water. Non-swimmers who venture into the sea, and even experienced swimmers can find themselves in difficulty if they have been drinking.
Many of our beaches have lifeguards at the places where it's safest to swim. However, there are some beach-goers who often choose dangerous spots where there are rip currents or other dangers. Visitors should stick to designated swimming spots with lifeguards and not swim after consuming alcohol. They should also monitor their children during busy beach days.
Welcome to Cape Town! Remember safety first
LLocals can help visitors by pointing out the best spots to swim and advise them of what risks they should watch out for, and visitors and locals alike should learn how to identify where a rip current is present. If the sea is rough, it's best not to enter the water.
Adventure hikers and explorers
There are many designated trails for hikers. Ensure that there is one experienced hiker who knows the route; go in good weather and preferably not when the sun is at its hottest, and carry warm clothes – the weather changes quickly in the Cape. You should also take food, water and alert someone who isn't going where you will be going.
Poor weather can appear quickly on the mountain; wind, rain and cloudy conditions can make even a relatively safe route hazardous. At least one of the party should have a fully-charged phone (not for selfies, but in case of emergencies) and hikers should not bring valuables with them.
Rock faces that appear to be an easy scramble can turn out to be difficult to navigate. Rescuers may find it difficult to reach stranded or injured hikers, so it's best to admire rock faces from afar rather than attempting to climb them without proper climbing equipment.
Road rules
Even our roads can present a challenge over the busy season. Everyone should drive carefully and be considerate of other road users.
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