South Africa's Mother City is one of the most popular destinations on the African continent. It boasts attractions like Table Mountain and Robben Island, a perfect Mediterranean climate and stunning natural surroundings along with a cosmopolitan culture and a great tourist infrastructure. There are many ways to get around but for a colorful experience, try touring Cape Town by train.
Cape Town has an extensive rail system for an African city. Taking the train is a popular mode of transport for many Capetonians, since it's cheap and a great way to avoid the notorious rush-hour traffic. The city is big and there are train lines serving different areas, from the suburbs near the City Bowl to the townships further afield on the Cape Flats. You can even take the train to the beautiful wine region of the Boland. For visitors, one of the most unforgettable journeys is the Southern Line to Simon's Town.
The Southern Line runs from the city center south to the quaint village of Simon's Town, known for its naval base. The route is considered one of the most scenic railway lines in the world. You get to see the lovely Victorian houses of the Southern Suburbs but the best part starts at Muizenberg. Here you start traveling right along the coastline, with the sea spray sometimes coming in through the windows. Seals are a common sight and from about June to September you even have a good chance to spot whales from your carriage window.
The suburban trains have two classes. First class is officially called MetroPlus while third class is really called Metro. The informal names are a leftover from apartheid, when white people could choose between first and second class while third class was for non-whites. After all these years there is still a racial divide of sorts, with white people usually traveling first class. For a truly authentic Cape Town experience, however, third class is the way to go.
Many visitors are worried about the safety of train travel. However, there is no need to be afraid if you take the usual precautions of not traveling alone after dark or flashing jewelry and cameras. In third class, the people you meet are mainly commuters who are simply going to work or returning home and they usually look out for the safety of visitors who take the time to see how they live.
What makes third-class travel so much more interesting is everything you'll experience during the trip. Lay preachers are a common sight and no journey is complete without vendors coming through and selling everything from crisps to socks. It's not unheard of for buskers to get on board and everyone in the carriage spontaneously dancing to the music either.
Outside nearly every station you'll find some minibus taxis waiting to take commuters further. These taxis are a truly African experience too. When you reach Simon's Town, flag down a taxi to take you to Boulders Beach, where you can swim among African penguins.
The most convenient way to get around in Cape Town is by car and for some destinations, such as Cape Point or Chapman's Peak Drive, you may want to hire a car for the day. However, to truly experience the city's character and meet its people you need to try the public transport. Just be sensible and you'll be perfectly safe too.
Cape Town has an extensive rail system for an African city. Taking the train is a popular mode of transport for many Capetonians, since it's cheap and a great way to avoid the notorious rush-hour traffic. The city is big and there are train lines serving different areas, from the suburbs near the City Bowl to the townships further afield on the Cape Flats. You can even take the train to the beautiful wine region of the Boland. For visitors, one of the most unforgettable journeys is the Southern Line to Simon's Town.
The Southern Line runs from the city center south to the quaint village of Simon's Town, known for its naval base. The route is considered one of the most scenic railway lines in the world. You get to see the lovely Victorian houses of the Southern Suburbs but the best part starts at Muizenberg. Here you start traveling right along the coastline, with the sea spray sometimes coming in through the windows. Seals are a common sight and from about June to September you even have a good chance to spot whales from your carriage window.
The suburban trains have two classes. First class is officially called MetroPlus while third class is really called Metro. The informal names are a leftover from apartheid, when white people could choose between first and second class while third class was for non-whites. After all these years there is still a racial divide of sorts, with white people usually traveling first class. For a truly authentic Cape Town experience, however, third class is the way to go.
Many visitors are worried about the safety of train travel. However, there is no need to be afraid if you take the usual precautions of not traveling alone after dark or flashing jewelry and cameras. In third class, the people you meet are mainly commuters who are simply going to work or returning home and they usually look out for the safety of visitors who take the time to see how they live.
What makes third-class travel so much more interesting is everything you'll experience during the trip. Lay preachers are a common sight and no journey is complete without vendors coming through and selling everything from crisps to socks. It's not unheard of for buskers to get on board and everyone in the carriage spontaneously dancing to the music either.
Outside nearly every station you'll find some minibus taxis waiting to take commuters further. These taxis are a truly African experience too. When you reach Simon's Town, flag down a taxi to take you to Boulders Beach, where you can swim among African penguins.
The most convenient way to get around in Cape Town is by car and for some destinations, such as Cape Point or Chapman's Peak Drive, you may want to hire a car for the day. However, to truly experience the city's character and meet its people you need to try the public transport. Just be sensible and you'll be perfectly safe too.
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