International Removals to Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town may not be the largest city in South Africa, with that particular honour going to Johannesburg, but it is one of the most stunning and vibrant places on the whole continent. In recent years increasing numbers of people have been moving there. So The Moving Partnership, who offer removals from the UK to Cape Town, have compiled this handy guide to the city for you.
The History and Heritage
Although there is evidence of settlements in the area dating back up to 15,000 years ago, modern-day Cape Town can be traced back to the mid-17th century. When the United East India Company, a Dutch operation that was effectively one of the first multinationals, needed a refreshment station for its vessels and so set up a base there.
Many slaves were imported from Malaysia, Indonesia and Madagascar as the indigenous population was not big enough to service the needs of the company. The high number of ‘Cape Coloureds’ is one of the reasons why it was a base for the country’s anti-apartheid movement.
There was a brief spell when the city came under British control. However, power was soon ceded to the Union (later Republic) of South Africa.
Getting There and Getting Around
Cape Town international Airport is the country’s second largest after its counterpart in Johannesburg. The airport is located about 20km (12miles) east of the city centre. If you are considering removals from the UK to Cape Town, British Airways offer scheduled flights there, as do many other international airlines. The airport also offers domestic flights to all of the other major cities in South Africa.
There are buses from the airport to the city centre every 20 minutes. The city also has a 610km long railway network (but no underground system). Every train has a MetroPlus carriage as well as Metro, the former is first class, the latter third class. Although MetroPlus is more expensive, it’s usually worth paying the extra because some services in peak hours can be crowded. The train also offers some spectacular views of the city and surrounding area.
Driving can be an attractive option because the roads are in good condition, but take sensible precautions against carjackers (who can be a problem), as well as other people’s bad driving habits.
Some of the city can be reached on foot, but bear in mind there aren’t many helpful road signs, and there are a lot of motorways to go across as these run into the heart of the city.
Main Attractions
Table Mountain towers over the city and is a must-visit. If you don’t fancy one of the 300 or more routes to climb up to the 1,086-metre summit, then don’t worry, there’s an aerial cableway too.
Robben Island is a 5km2 island in Table Bay. It found notoriety as the place former president Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years. There is a daily ferry to the island from the Waterfront.
Nature lovers should head to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, which is set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. There is also a nature reserve (and some great beaches) at Cape Point.
As for sports cricket, soccer and rugby are, in common with the rest of the country, part of the country’s fabric. You should be able to see international matches at either the Cape Town Stadium (soccer and rugby) or Newlands (cricket). There should be plenty of opportunities to enjoy water sports too, given the city’s coastal location.
Shopping Around and Eating Out
It's not just shopaholics who should go to the V and A (Victoria and Alfred) Waterfront. This former fishing harbour has been transformed into a cultural hotspot, with not only shops, but restaurants, hotels, museums, theatres and the like. It’s not just designer stores either, the area hosts plenty of regular food and farmers’ markets. It’s also a good base from which to explore the rest of the city because it has excellent transport links.
Traditional dishes on offer at the city’s restaurants and cafés include Bobotie, a savoury/sweet spiced meat dish, and Cape Malay curry (due to the city’s colonial past). As for sweet dishes, try Malva pudding, a sticky sweet sponge pudding, which is also a Dutch import.
The vineyards around the city are also the home of the country’s wine industry, specialising in Rhone-style reds and aromatic Sauvignon blancs. Plenty of guided tours and tasting sessions are on offer at the many vineyards.
Removals from the UK to Cape Town with The Moving Partnership
As well as offering removals from the UK to Cape Town, we can also help with international removals to all major towns and cities in South Africa. This includes Durban, East London, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg.
We offer a choice of full containers, groupage/part load, or air freight for your belongings, depending on how much you want to take with you.
Remember we are always able to offer a competitive price for your move, thanks to our contacts in the international removals industry.
If you would like to know more, follow this link or call us on 0808 280 3603.
