Cape Town is such a complex city. It's equal parts a bustling metropolis that also serves as one of South Africa's three capital cities. And equal parts a tropical paradise where magnificent mountains and stunning coasts provide such thrilling adventures. With so much to do and see here, what in the world should you pack? Apart from the essentials like clothes and your phone, what else would help make your stay here even better? Perhaps a power bank to make sure your devices never run out of juice when you're not at home. Or some sunscreen to protect your skin! There is plenty to think about when you're packing, isn't there?
Light Layers
Don't think that just because Cape Town is known for its warm weather that you'll only have to bring light and thin clothes here. For one thing, the cool season in the city can get an average temperature as low as 55°F (18.3°C). And since many of the different
neighborhoods of Cape Town are near mountain ranges and open fields, the nights can get pretty chilly too, regardless of the season. So as you pack for your trip here, don't forget to include some light layers. Put in some knitwear, perhaps a thin cardigan, a jacket or two, and a raincoat for good measure.
Flat Footwear
Now, when it comes to footwear, it's all about flat shoes all the way! Think espadrilles, sneakers, slip-ons, sandals, slippers, and more. And those are just for exploring the more urban parts of the city! When you want to go hiking, you'd need sturdier footwear like boots and trainers. Planning to go to the beach? Don't forget your flip-flops (which they call “slops” here in South Africa) and
aqua shoes! Don't underestimate just how much walking you'll do in Cape Town. Not to mention trekking, hiking, and other adrenaline-pumping activities. For your feet to survive, you need footwear that's as comfortable as ever!
Effective Sunscreen
Cape Town is a pretty sunny place too. Sure, it may have its more urban areas with big buildings and tall skyscrapers, but for the most part, this city embraces Mother Earth unlike any other. There are the mountain ranges, the vast vineyards, and the
beautiful beaches in Cape Town. All of these expose you to as much sunshine as possible. And if you're not careful, you'll be suffering a bad case of sunburn throughout your entire trip. So make sure to always put on a layer or two of
effective sunscreen even when you're not going to the beach!
Insect Repellant
Arguably more important than sunscreen is insect repellant. Did you know that the deadliest animal in the whole world is the mosquito? Forget sharks, lions, tigers, and other predators out there! Disease-carrying mosquitoes and other insects can kill you before you know it. And unfortunately, there are still plenty of them in Africa. Now, Cape Town is a generally clean and sanitized city. But you still never know when a mosquito that came from nowhere might bite you. And you're even more unaware of the diseases it might be carrying. So no matter where you go, put on some insect repellant for maximum protection!
Travel Adaptors
Do note that the standard electrical voltage in Cape Town—and the rest of South Africa for that matter—is 220 to 230V. Depending on where you're coming from, your plugs might not match well with the sockets and power stations here. That's why you'll need to pack
travel adapters to be safe. And make sure to bring along more than one. You never know when you might need to use more than one plug at a time. Bring as many as you can. You're sure to have an easier time in Cape Town if you do!
Power Bank
Speaking of gadgets, you'd do well to bring along a power bank too. You never know when your phone and other devices might run out of juice. And that's even when you charged them up to full battery the night before! If you keep on using them as you explore Cape Town—snapping pictures, going on calls, researching about where to go next, using
transportation apps, etc.—you might already be draining their battery without even knowing it. So to be safe, bring a power bank so can charge up all your gadgets whenever and wherever!
Waterproof Camera
And finally, bring a waterproof camera. Many of the
best Instagrammable spots in Cape Town are within the more untouched, natural areas. Think coasts, mountains, hills, forests, and more. If you're one to snap away taking all sorts of pictures, you'll want to use cameras other than your phone, right? And if you're in any of these areas, you never know when you might get wet! You might wall into a river or pond or get stuck in the rain while you're in the great outdoors. At least, with a waterproof camera, you can continue taking pictures and your device won't get damaged!
Traveling to Cape Town in South Africa is unlike any other. To ensure that you have a good time here, you need to pack more than just the travel essentials. What you bring or forget to bring along may make or break your trip!
