Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town volunteers, international students and interns will enjoy and become immersed in the diversity of this South African city. Not only will the international programs in Cape Town provide lifelong skills and learning, but also the rich culture will allow for an increased international awareness that is nothing short of life changing.

Fast Facts

Population: 3.5 million (49 million in South Africa)

Climate: Mediterranean

Languages: English, Afrikaans, Xhosa main languages spoken in Cape Town – SA has 11 official languages.

Religions: Mainly Christian

Country Capital: Cape Town (legislative); Pretoria (administrative); Bloemfontein (judicial)

Time Zone: GMT +2

Currency: Rand

Fun Fact: Capetonians set their clock by the Noonday Gun, which is fired on Signal Hill every day except Sunday.

History & Culture

The first residents of this southernmost tip of Africa were the KhoiSan people. In the 15th century the first European explorers Bartholemeu Dias and later Vasco de Gama visited the Cape. But it was only in the mid-17th century that Cape Town itself began to take shape; Jan van Riebeek established a halfway station in Cape Town for ships travelling to and from Asia on behalf of the Dutch East India Company.

Today the Dutch influence is still evident in South Africa, from the widely spoken Afrikaans language, with its roots in Dutch, to the names of Cape Town’s residents and streets. The colony passed between Britain and the Dutch several times in the decades that followed. Add to this mix the Cape Malay/Cape Coloured influence – from descendants of immigrant Asian slaves, and the Xhosa black community and you find yourself with a cultural richness and diversity that’s hard to beat.

Feel Cape Town's pulse

What's happening in Cape Town

Traditions

Noon Day Gun

Cape Town's oldest living tradition, the Noon Gun canon is fired every midday Monday to Saturday.
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Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

Shop, eat and be entertained at one of Cape Town's most popular tourist destinations.
Places to go

Garden Route

The highest bungee in the world, an elephant park and the Cango Caves are but a few highlights on the Garden Route and nearby Klein Karoo.
Places to go

West Coast

Enjoy whitewashed fishing villages, pristine beaches and learn more about the San culture.
Things to do

Muizenberg

Try your hand at surfing lessons at Muizenberg, rated one of the best places in the world to learn!
Things to do

Kirstenbosch Gardens

Picnic in one of the world's most beautiful botanical gardens and enjoy live music during the summer months.
Things to do

Old Biscuit Mill

Somewhat of a Saturday morning tradition, the Neighbourgoods market here is perfect for brunch with friends.
Things to do

Kalk Bay Harbour

Spend an afternoon in this retro fishing village, browsing the bohemian and antique shops and indulging in fresh fish 'n chips!
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Camps Bay

One of Cape Town's trendiest spots with the beachfront as its playground for perfect summer days and nights.
Places to go

Franschoek

Feast on gourmet meals at world class restaurants or winefarm picnics in the Cape's French Quarter.
Things to do

Shark Cage Diving

Get up-close and personal with great white sharks from the comfort of your cage!
Things to do

Blaauwberg beach / Blouberg strand

Enjoy postcard-perfect views of Table Mountain, kite-surfing or relaxed dining at one of the beachfront restaurants.
Theater

Maynardville open air theater

Enjoy an evening picnic before your Shakespeare in the Park experience in the 720-seater open air theater.
Things to do

Newlands Rugby Stadium

Watch the Stormers or Springboks crush their opponents at this atmospheric venue.
Natural Beauty

Lion's Head

Head up Lion's Head for a spectacular vista as you watch the sun set and the full moon rise over the city - it's worth the effort!
Natural Beauty

Noordhoek

Take a leisurely horseback ride along this stunning 8km long stretch of pristine beach
Things to do

Bloukrans Bridge Bungy jumping

Over 700 ft. of pure adrenaline, the Bloukrans River Bungy is the highest in the world and a rite of passage for Connect-123 participants!
Theater

On Broadway

This 150 seater intimate dinner theater in the heart of CT's night district showcases cabaret, live music, comedy, dance and more.
Places to go

Hout Bay

Try hiking, fishing, kayaking, surfing or picnicking in this beautiful and diverse coastal town - or take a boat to visit the nearby Cape fur seal colony!
Things to do

Boulders Beach

Take a swim or relax on the beach in the company of African Penguins.
Natural Beauty

Cape Point

Drive through the Cape Point Nature Reserve to enjoy breathtaking views from the most south westerly tip of Africa.
Natural Beauty

Signal Hill

The perfect spot for a picnic with sundowners and panoramic views of the city - no climbing necessary!
Museums

National Gallery

With a permanent collection of South African and international art as well as frequent exhibitions, this gallery is well worth a visit.
Places to go

Stellenbosch

Get away from the city and enjoy wine tasting, mountain scenery and elegant Cape Dutch architecture in this beautiful winelands area.
Museums

South African Museum

With a vast collection of objects from 700 million old fossils to t-shirts printed yesterday, the museum is a great way to get a feel for the country's history.
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Long Street

Explore the diverse bars and restaurants of Long Street, the heart of Cape Town's night life.
Theater

The Artscape Theater

Catch both local and international productions at the hub of Cape Town's performing arts.
Traditions

Adderly Street Flower Market

Buy a bunch of flowers from the Adderly Street flower sellers - their blooms and personalities are equally colorful!
Traditions

Cape Town Minstrels

This Cape tradition attracts more than 13,000 brightly colored minstrels as they celebrate New Year in the streets of Cape Town.
Museums

District Six Museum

This museum celebrates the vibrant, multicultural community of District Six - forcibly removed under the Apartheid Regime.
Things to do

Mzoli's

For a local experience, braai (barbeque) at Mzoli's Place in Guguletu township - enjoy a diverse crowd and delicious meat.
Historical Sites

Rhodes Memorial

This monument on the slopes of Devil's Peak was former Cape Colony's Prime Minister Cecil Rhodes' favorite spot - we can see why!
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Table Mountain

Hike or take the cable car up Table mountain to enjoy a spectacular view from the top of Cape Town's best-known landmark.
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Cape Town Stadium

Get in on the action as live international acts and local soccer matches keep the memory of World Cup 2010 alive.
Things to do

Green Market Square

Situated in the heart of the city and originally used for slave trading, Green Market Square is now a popular, bustling craft market.
Places to go

Hermanus

From August to November, witness the Southern Right whales frolic in the bay at one of the world's most famous whale-watching spots.
Historical Sites

Bo-Kaap

Learn more about the history of Cape Malay culture in this vibrant, colorful community.
Historical Sites

Robben Island

Visit the island where former President Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years of his 27 year sentence.