Need to know

When to go

December–march: Peak season. Summer in the Mother City is a busy period. Book ahead. April–june: In April, Freedom Day (27 Apr) marks when South Africa held its first post-apartheid elections in 1994. As the heat dies, it’s also a great period for hiking. July–september: Migratory southern right whales arrive off the coast of the Western Cape. October–november: Spring brings mild weather (24ºc) and fewer crowds to the city.

Visas & currencies

Visas: Not required by UK nationals for stays of up to 90 days. Currency: South African rand (ZAR), currently around ZAR23.69 to the UK£.

Getting there & around

British Airways (ba.com) operates regular direct flights between London Heathrow and Cape Town International airport from about £830 return, taking around 11 hours one-way.

Carbon offset

A return flight from London to Cape Town produces 1,122kg of carbon per passenger. Wanderlust encourages you to offset your travel footprint through a reputable provider. For advice on how to find one, please visit wanderlust.co.uk/ sustainable-travel.

Health & safety

Consult your doctor regards any jabs, but diphtheria and hepatitis A are typically advised for travel in South Africa.

Food & drink

In Cape Town, immigrants from the Portuguese island of Madeira have made classic British fish and chips their own, while every corner café in the city has a bowl of koe’sisters behind the counter – it’s the spongier, spicier, non-plaited Cape Malay cousin of the Dutch koeksister. Similarly, bobotie (curried mince and egg custard) is a nationwide winter staple with roots in the Cape Malay community, and you’ll find the finest versions in Bo-kaap.