GETTING THERE & AROUND

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly nonstop from Heathrow and Gatwick. ba.com virgin-atlantic.com

Average flight time: 12h.

Use a rented car or Uber to get around day to day, while traditional taxis and shuttles are fine for airport transfers. Parking on the street requires interactions with ‘car guards’ who will expect a tip. MyCiTi buses are generally safer and more reliable than conventional buses and minibus taxis, while crime can be a concern on Metrorail trains. Avoid public transport at night for safety.

WHEN TO GO

Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers with average temperatures of up to 28C in January. Winters are wet and cool. Late spring (October–November) is particularly pleasant, as it sidesteps the blistering temperatures and seasonal crowds of high summer. From the beginning of December to the end of February, the city gets particularly busy with South Africans from other parts of the country taking their annual seaside breaks.

MORE INFO capetown.travel

The Rough Guide to Cape Town, the Winelands & the Garden Route.

RRP: £13.99

Buckingham Palace, District Six, by Richard Rive. RRP: £8.95

HOW TO DO IT

Free Walking Tours Cape Town uses experienced guides to take groups on 1½-hour themed walks, with options including the Historic City Tour, Apartheid to Freedom Tour and the Bo Kaap Tour. Bookings aren’t required for groups of fewer than 10 people. freewalkingtourscapetown.co.za Intrepid Travel also offers a five-day Cape Town and the Winelands itinerary, including meals, accommodation and activities from £923 per person, excluding flights. intrepidtravel.com