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Cape Town

Cape Town, lying between a range of high mountains and the wide Atlantic Ocean, is a treat for all the senses. It's a city that combines the hot African sun and vibrant black culture with a history of European settlers: expect exotic, unfamiliar foods, unpredictable weather, beautiful scenery, a mixture of official languages, fine art and sculptures, and a dynamic cultural scene and city nightlife.

A city that welcomes people of all cultures, regardless of colour or creed, is also a city that is fairly accessible. Most areas are flat (if sometimes bumpy), shopping malls are safe, air-conditioned and fully accessible, and tourist areas such as the V&A Waterfront or Two Oceans Aquarium are generally equipped for wheelchair users. Although public transport is still difficult for visitors with mobility difficulties, you can hire a van and driver or get around the city in accessible taxis fairly cheaply. And the quintessential Cape Town experience, the cable car up Table Mountain, is a possibility for everyone. For more information on disabled access in Cape Town see www.accessiblecapetown.com, a new website that promises to provide reliable, comprehensive details on the accessibility of Cape Town's main areas and venues.

Prices are lower than in Europe or the USA and the weather is generally better: expect hot, dry yet breezy weather in summer (November-February) and a lot of rain in winter (May-July). Temperatures can go up to around 38°C in summer but usually hover around the 25-30°C mark.

That's not all. Cape Town is surrounded by South Africa's finest wine farms, offering tastings and tours as well as fine food and excellent value wines. The fabulous, lush green Garden Route stretches along the coast to the east of Cape Town, perfect for a lazy holiday hopping between quaint seaside towns under star-filled skies.

Up to 500,000 visitors are expected to flock to Cape Town for the FIFA World Cup 2010. The new 70,000-seater Green Point stadium will host several high-profile matches and fan parks will be set up in the city centre for fans without tickets to enjoy the games regardless. If you're considering visiting Cape Town during the competition, in June-July 2010, contact us as soon as possible to guarantee accessible accommodation.