Is this tourist “guide to Cape Town” accurate from a local perspective?

A publication, The Travel, released a guide to Cape Town, which explores the best seasons for tourists to visit as well as activities and other necessities for travellers looking to venture to the Mother City.

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While most of the information was solid, I was most curious to read the “Things to Know Before Visiting Cape Town”, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt. Why not? I thought. It’s always interesting to see a place you know like the back of your hand through the eyes of another and decide if they were accurate or not.

Here were the points outlined by The Travel in this category. “People speak very loudly”, “they will giggle at vegan or vegetarian persons”, “be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes”, “Cape Town is a safe place”, “the food is incredible” and “don’t get in a local township taxi”.

“People speak very loudly”

Yes and No.

The writer explains that talking softly could be “considered gossiping” and looked down on in “the local culture”, and that “individuals speak piercingly so their discussions can be heard”, says the writer of our “local culture”.

What is the “local culture” when it comes to Cape Town? Considering the melting pot of sub-cultures that create South Africa, let alone Cape Town, it’s advisable not to put everyone in one category. There are certain cultures and spots where you’ll absolutely hear people speaking at the top of their lungs at different volume intensities (anyone who’s ever experienced the Kalkies calling out an order in Kalk Bay will understand). Realistically, however, tourists certainly don’t need to exaggerate their speaking, as for the most part, Capetonians, and South Africans in general, understand (at least in theory) that everyone is different.

“They will giggle at vegan or vegetarian persons”

Not necessarily.

Of all the places in South Africa, Cape Town is the most welcoming city for vegans and vegetarians. Although the writer notes that vegans and vegetarians won’t be judged, the piece adds that “it is amusing that many South Africans regard chicken as a vegetable.”

On the contrary, we have an entire community of vegans and vegetarians in Cape Town who take their veggies incredibly seriously. As for the “chicken” joke, this comes from Afrikaans culture and is understood in a tongue-in-cheek way that only locals would get as humour if not explained.

“Be sure to wear comfortable shoes”

Absolutely.

As it is with any place boasting so much to see, comfortable shoes are key in a Capetonian starter kit.

“Cape Town is a safe place”

Well…

In light of keeping tourists safe, anyone travelling to Cape Town should definitely understand that the city is an accumulation of very different places. For example, the outskirts of the city, the city centre and the Atlantic Seaboard are all incredibly diverse in terms of safety.

While the news can offer newcomers a terrifying image of some places, it’s also not entirely accurate to downplay it.

As the writer indicates, using common sense is still important, as it is anywhere in the world. However, common sense in a first-world country is very different from common sense in places where crime is more rife. The best safety tips most locals will give you are to understand the different areas well before visiting (ie, know which ones have the most incidents), never walk alone, especially not at night, and travel in groups as much as you can. If you have the option to drive instead of walk, then cruise on.

“The food is incredible”

Absolutely accurate. Cape Town’s foodie culture is like no other, especially when trying real Cape Town cuisine. Dive into a Cape Malay curry, enjoy fish and chips fresh from one of the harbours, and by all means, go to a braai if you get the opportunity.

“Don’t get in a local township taxi”

It depends on the traveller.

If you’re looking for a real, authentic, “ride of your life” scenario, taking a trip in a taxi will certainly be an experience like no other. However, if your idea of a taxi is more akin to what you know in your own country, then Ubering is probably more for you.

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Picture: Brett Alec Fester

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