The ultimate guide for backpacking Cape Town
Backpacking Cape Town
Have you ever visited a place and felt a connection the minute you sat foot in the country? I have! As soon as I stepped foot in Cape Town I fell in love. I didn’t know what had hit me. But I loved it from the first minute. Cape Town is filled with diversity, beautiful scenery and a very dark history which you cannot ignore. When backpacking Cape Town you will receive memories that will last a lifetime and encounter people who will change your life. It is possible sticking to a budget when backpacking Cape Town but you will want to splurge a bit, especially when it comes to the food!
Budget for Cape Town
When travelling Cape Town I would say that 50 dollars a day is very solid. It’s possible to do it for less and it’s definitely possible to do it for more. With this budget you will be able to rent a car for a couple of days with friends, eat out in restaurants a couple of times a week and buy groceries in order to cook your meals for the rest of the week.
It will also allow you to stay in a nice backpacker hostel, with the opportunity to make lifelong friends by sleeping in the dorm rooms. Obviously there is also space for a couple of beers every now and then and a visit to Long Street.
Unlike many other big cities Cape Town is very affordable. You will be able to eat amazing meals at restaurants for around 7-9 dollars and with this budget you should be very comfortable.
Besides, there are tons of great activities in Cape Town that cost close to no money such as hiking Table Mountain and Lions head, strolling around the historic area of Bo-kaap or relaxing on Camps bay or Clifton.
Getting around
When backpacking Cape Town your best option of getting around is either by Uber or taking the minibus. Taking the minibus is something I did every day and I honestly enjoyed it. Many travelers and backpackers seem to avoid taking the minibus however I have always found them perfectly safe. This is of course as long as you travel during daylight and don’t visit the outskirts of Cape Town.
The minibus in the center of Cape Town runs from Strand Street to Sea Point, and then occasionally to Camps bay. Normally it costs 7 rands (I heard that the price might have risen to 8 by now), however if going to Camps bay it might cost you 10 rands. The route is exactly the same in reverse. There are no set times for when the minibuses drive. You might wait only 30 seconds or you can end up waiting 20 minutes. The latter is very unlikely though it happens at times. Whenever you need to get off you just tell the driver, or the guy collecting the money.
Besides from the minibuses I used uber a lot. However, I only used uber, when it wasn’t possible to take the minibus. The great thing about uber is that you don’t have to bargain a price, they are safer and often more reliable. An uber from Sea Point to Waterfront might set you back only 25 rands which is just under 2 dollars.
You can also choose to take the mycity bus which was introduced due to the world cup in 2010. It’s really cheap, but I also found it inefficient most of the time and avoided using it.
Accommodation
Regarding accommodation when backpacking Cape Town hostels and Airbnb’s will be of best value to you. Some hostels will cost you as little as 150 rands (11,80 dollars) but you often get what you pay for. Two Oceans Backpackers is located right in the middle of Cape Town on Long Street, however they have mixed reviews. It’s the cheapest hostel you will find and it probably has one of the best locations in the entire city if you want to be in the middle of everything. Many reviews say that the place is really dirty, so if you stay here be prepared. I only stayed for a couple of nights and didn’t have any problems whatsoever. On the other side I didn’t spend much time in the hostel. A great accommodation option seems to be Cat and Moose backpackers lodge where a dorm bed will set you back 190 rands per night (14,96 dollars). The hostel is located at the end of Long Street right next to the hip Kloof Street where you will find lots of great bars and restaurants. I never stayed at the Cat and Moose backpackers lodge myself, however I have several friends who stayed and really enjoyed it and couldn’t recommend it enough.
On the more pricey part of the scale you will find THE B.I.G. which is located in Green Point. A bed in a dorm will set you back 390 rands (30,70 dollars) however they also offer free breakfast. They have some of the best reviews in the entire city, and offer a pool, garden and the possibility to braai. I never stayed at THE B.I.G. but I want to mention it as an option due to the many positive reviews and the 9,7 rating at the time of writing.
If travelling as a couple or with friends Airbnb might prove to have better deals as you will have an entire home to yourself of really good value. I never used Airbnb when traveling Cape Town, but I have heard of amazing and cheap places through friends.
For the majority of my time in Cape Town I did volunteer work through SASTS. They offer a wide array of volunteer options and have great hostels. I loved staying in the Sea Point hostel, where I slept in a dorm and made lifelong friends. If you want to do volunteer work when backpacking Cape Town you should definitely check out SASTS.
Food
Even though I try to travel on a budget, I want to be treated with great food. Sometimes it means splashing a bit more cash than I like to admit but I then try to save the money in other places. When in Cape Town, one will be treated with food from all over the world. I had so much great food that I won’t know where to begin! I will try though.
As this is Africa, I want to start with the African food. I ate at various African restaurants, but especially some stood out regarding the overall food experience. The first restaurant is called Marcos African and is located at rose street in the city center. Marcos African specialize in African food and meat. Here you will have some of the most interesting meats you have ever had. You can choose to eat crocodile, ostrich, kudu or springbok, or you could choose them all together. Along with it you will get either pan or umngqusho, I can’t even start to explain what it is as I wouldn’t know how to, but one simply has to try it. You can also add French fries. During the night an African band comes playing music and starts dancing. The experience here is so good, and if you go once you will go back again.
Moyo is another African restaurant and it is located inside of the Kirstenbosch gardens. This place has the greatest African buffet I have ever had. They have so many different meats, fish, salads, pasta, rice, sauces and local African dishes, that I’m not even able to remember half of it. The local staff is so nice, and during the meal a small group will approach to ask if you would like to hear an African song. They will then give you a special song and explain the reason for it, and then you just have to enjoy the amazing voices. The food there is incredible and the chefs are happy to explain to you what they have.
Most of the time, I was eating African food, but on occasions I did eat something else. At Hudson in Green point you will have some of the best burgers you will ever have. The place has a great international vibe, and some really friendly waiters and waitresses. Tigers Milk on Long Street serves some of the best hangover food in town. They have a wide variety of food, and the menu is not affected by one certain country. They have great Italian pizzas, American burgers and amazing pork ribs. The Hussar Grill in Mouille Point might serve the best steaks in the city of Cape Town. Maybe even in the country! The food here is rather expensive, but it is of so good quality you will want to come back constantly. Those steaks are as soft as butter, honestly. Beluga at Prestwich street not far from Waterfront, is an Asian restaurant serving amazing sushi of great quality. But besides serving sushi they have a great menu of meat and pasta, and lots of great deserts. What I liked about this place is the way you are able to put different menus together. At Ocean Blue in Camps bay I had the best seafood pasta I have ever had and probably will have in my entire life. The best part is that the food here is for a reasonable price, considering the area. And you eat with a view.
If one wants to experience all this kind of food at the same time, visit The old biscuit mill on Saturday mornings. The old biscuit mill is located in Woodstock, and it’s a place visited by tons of tourists as well as locals on every Saturday. Often there is a small band playing outside the food tents, and one can easily sit down, eat, and enjoy the music. There are two different tents, or it’s more likely one big tent divided in two, and there are so many different food stalls. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning, and it’s a great way to try out food from different parts of the world. If being hungover, which is very likely after a Friday night at Long street, grab a beer or some wine! It will make you feel better. With it you can buy an argentine steak sandwich, and you will soon forget about your hangover. Come early though, the longer you wait, the more people will come.
The food in Cape Town is so good, and often it comes quite cheap. When talking about food, I can’t leave out the samosas. I bought them almost daily as I walked through Bo Kaap, and I miss those small flavor experiences every single day!
Activities in Cape Town
When backpacking Cape Town you will have endless opportunities when it comes to activities and adventure. The number one thing on everybody's list should be to visit the top of Table mountain. Be it either by cable car or taking a hike to the top. There are countless routes to the top, over 900 actually so there should be enough to choose from.
Another great thing to do, which is of no cost, is climbing Lions Head. It is one of my favorite things to do, and doing it for sunrise you will envision one of the most beautiful sights you will have ever seen. From Lions Head you will also have the perfect view over Table Mountain which is especially beautiful in the morning, just as the sun rises.
After an exhausting hike you could enjoy a day at Camps Bay. Camps bay is kind of like the French Riviera, I guess you could call it the South African Riviera. At Camps bay you will be able to enjoy the perfect day in the sun. Step in to warm sand, and make yourself a base for the day. Whenever you get too warm, step into the ice cold water, and you will be ready to soak in some more sun. Vendors will walk around at the beach, and if you don’t feel the need of buying anything, you can always chat to them, and get their stories. Opposite the beach, there are countless restaurants lined up, tourists as well as locals are constantly passing by, and from here you will see how life unfolds.
There are great food markets at The Old Biscuit Mill and Waterfront for food lovers. You should especially make sure to spend time at The Old Biscuit Mill on Saturday mornings. This is a great place to spend a couple of hours and there is tons of amazing food.
Don’t forget to rent a car and take a drive along the Chapmans Peak.
While you have the car you could also take a drive along the Garden route for amazing scenery, beaches and activities.
Also don’t forget to stroll around the colorful area of Bo-kaap where the inhabitants color their houses different colors due to the celebration of Eid.
Being in Cape Town you are only 45 minutes away from the amazing Stellenbosch area. Here you can zip some of the best wine you will ever have, and do so without breaking the bank.
When backpacking Cape Town you should also make sure to learn a bit about the history of the apartheid regime. Much of the non-white population is still affected by the history. A history where they were forced to leave their homes to live away from the white population in the townships. A township tour should be one of the first things on your list as it will give you a picture of the dark side of South African history. You could also choose to take a surfing lesson at Muizenberg beach which is a great area to learn the art of surfing.
For the more adventure minded, and also on the pricier part of the scale, there are lots of activities to choose from.
You might want to get your adrenaline pumping by doing a shark cage dive? The only thing between you and the great white sharks is a small cage preventing them from getting in. It’s an experience that will be with you forever and create lifelong memories.
When backpacking Cape Town you will also have the opportunity to do a skydive in amazing surroundings. Have you ever felt the need to just jump out of a plane? Well, here you have the opportunity to do so. Feel how the adrenaline starts pumping through your body as you are about to lean out of the open door. The feeling of just flying through the air is amazing, but be careful, you might wanna do it again!
You can also choose to paraglide from the top of Signal Hill and see how life goes by in the city. Afterwards you might wanna enjoy a bottle of wine with some friends, as you watch the sun set and the city lights slowly start to make the city glow.
You could also do a helicopter tour and have a once in a lifetime view of the mother city. From the air you will have the best possible view of the city.
As I said there are tons of activities when in Cape Town, and this is just some of them!
What to pack for Cape Town
For an in depth guide of what to pack for Cape Town, please check out this guide.
However generally you packing list won’t differ that much regarding the different seasons.
You need a good backpack traveling to Cape Town. Osprey makes some of the best bags for backpackers and I personally use this one and love it.
Besides a good backpack, you will need a place for all of your documents. You should always keep a folder with passport photos, a copy of your passport, address of your first hostel and so on.
Regarding clothing you will need no more than 5 t-shirts, a pair of jeans, shorts, flip flops, sneakers, a shirt, weatherproof jacket and a sweater or hoodie. I also always bring a bandana, swimming shorts and a pair of sweatpants. Underpants and socks are of course mandatory. I love having a pair of sweatpants for colder nights in the hostel or for when I’m in the airport.
If backpacking Cape Town during the winter the clothing differs a bit. Bring a rain jacket one more pair of pants, less shorts and one more hoodie or sweater. Otherwise it’s the same as during the summer. Personally I wouldn’t bring a beanie and gloves, it doesn’t get that cold during the Capetonian winter, and if you need it you can most likely get it in Mr. Price.
The most important thing when backpacking Cape Town during the winter is to remember to layer your clothes.
Different seasons
It’s often said that when backpacking Cape Town you can experience up to four seasons in one day. And in some days it’s definitely true. Most visitors will arrive during the summer months but all seasons are great for a visit. Here is a short breakdown of the different seasons.
Summer
Summer in Cape Town runs from the beginning of November until the end of February. Temperatures won’t go below 14 degrees and i’ts very rare that it gets this cold. It will most likely be during the night. You will experience plenty of days above 25 degrees and the days can get really sweltering warm during daytimes. The average temperature is around 23-24 degrees, and rainfall rarely occurs.
Autumn
Autumn is a really comfortable season in Cape Town. Average temperatures are between 18-20 degrees and the season runs from March until the middle to end of may. The leaves start changing their colors and it’s a really beautiful season. This season doesn’t attract very much rain or tourists for that matter, so it’s a great time to visit.
Winter
Many people won’t even call it winter as it’s not the way they know it. Winter roughly runs from the end of may until beginning of September and is also known as the green season. This is the time when most rainfall and strong wind occurs and the average rainfall in the season is between 82mm-105mm according to Capetownmag. However mostly this season is comfortable and you will experience some days with 20 degrees, and some days with wind and rain. The average high temperature is 17 degrees and average low temperature is 8 degrees - mostly happening through the night.
Spring
Spring in Cape Town runs from September until November and the average temperature is around 17 degrees however you will experience plenty of days in the mid twenties. Spring is also the season when Cape Town starts blooming with flowers which is attracting plenty of tourists.
All in all backpacking Cape Town is something you can do at all times of the year and every season brings something special to the city.
How to stay safe in Cape Town
Safety in Cape Town is something that many backpackers and travelers are concerned about when backpacking Cape Town. The city is all the way up there among the most dangerous cities in the world however most of the crimes happen outside of the city center. More likely in the townships.
When traveling Cape Town, as with all other places in the world, you just have to take your precautions.
Don’t walk around by yourself during the night. When the sun sets you should make sure to always have someone accompanying you especially if you find yourself to be around Long Street. If you walk around by yourself at night be sure to keep your phone tucked away in your pocket. That way you won’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself.
Talking about Long Street many petty crimes happen here and it often involves small children. Don’t let them touch you, as they will try to get into your pockets when you are not paying attention. If something happens call the security. They are often stationed along the street.
I have said this before but will mention it again. Avoid taking the minibuses when it's dark. During the day when the streets are filled with people it's unlikely that anything will happen but if you need transportation during the night, play it safe and take an uber instead of a minibus. There are stories of robberies happening during the night involving a minibus. Also avoid using the minibuses outside of the city center. People around the townships will recognize a backpacker so you should definitely avoid going here by yourself. Visiting as part of a tour or with a guide is fine, but you shouldn’t enter the townships on your own.
Scams are known to happen around atm’s especially around stores that are not exactly well respected, smaller stores. When extracting money from the atm’s card scammers will often “offer to help you” by saying that something is wrong with the machine or that you put your card in the wrong way. They might also tell you this even after you have received your money in order to make you put your card back into the atm. When you put your card back in, they will simply take it and run away. This is one of the most common scams happening in Cape Town and they are especially targeting tourists. If this happens to you, simply take your card and walk away. If they get too “helpful” or get too close to you simply push them away or scream for help. It will make them go away. If they threaten you with some object like a knife, give them what they ask for. It’s better to lose a bit of money than to end up at the hospital. If you get robbed, just call your bank as early as possible to get your card locked. This never happened to me during my time in Cape Town, I was never threatened with anything like a knife, just with words. When a guy tried to take my card “helping” me I pushed him away and he ran out of the store.
Here you have it! This is my ultimate guide to backpacking Cape Town. It’s an amazing city so don’t hesitate to buy your ticket and go as soon as possible! I hope you found this Cape Town guide helpful.