your questions answered
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Why Cape Town?
Cape Town holds a special place in our hearts. Sesen lived there during her college study abroad program and Chidi has visited twice; both of us fell in love with its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history. We’re excited to share this incredible part of Africa with our family and friends and can’t wait to create unforgettable memories together!
How do I prepare for my first trip to South Africa?
Documents & Visa:
Passport: Make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months from your planned arrival date.
Visa: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa. If you hold a United States or United Kingdom passport, you do not need a Visa. If you have a Nigerian, Eritrean or Ethiopian passport, you will need to apply for a Visa. Check with the South African embassy or consulate for more information.
Travel Insurance: Recommended to cover unexpected medical expenses, cancellations, and any lost luggage.
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Flights & Accommodation
Flights: Book your flight in advance and check if there are any special deals.
Accommodation: Cape Town has a wide range of options, from luxurious hotels to guesthouses and Airbnbs. Consider staying near the waterfront or city center for easy access to attractions.
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Vaccinations & Health
Vaccinations: Check if you need any recommended vaccinations like Hepatitis A or B, Typhoid, or Yellow Fever (especially if you're coming from a Yellow Fever-endemic area).
Malaria: Cape Town is not in a malaria area, but if you're visiting other regions of South Africa, it may be a concern.
Medication: Bring any personal medications with you and ensure you have enough for the entire trip. Pro Tip: Bring over the counter antacids and nausea meds just in case you have a sensitive stomach.
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Money & Currency
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR). You can exchange money at the airport or use ATMs in Cape Town. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Tipping: Tipping is customary in restaurants (10-15%) and for other services like taxi drivers or hotel staff.
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Safety & Local Tips
Safety: Like any major city, Cape Town has areas with higher crime rates. Always stay aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and use reputable transportation.
Public Transportation: Consider using Uber or Bolt for getting around. It's very affordable. Pro Tip: Selecting “Uber Black” will get you a more premium experience for a fraction of the usual cost in other places.
Respect the Local Culture: South Africa has a diverse culture and history. Be respectful and open-minded to different customs and traditions.
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Language
Languages: English is widely spoken, but Afrikaans and Xhosa are also common.
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SIM Card & Connectivity
SIM Card: You can buy a local SIM card at the airport or in the city for better rates on calls and data.
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Bonus: Local Apps
Zapper (for easy payments)
Cape Town Tourism (for exploring events and activities)
Uber and Bolt (for reliable transport)
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What will the weather be like?
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers (December to February) and cool, rainy winters (June to August). During the time of the wedding, you can expect comfortable temperatures between 75°F and 80°F.
Pack lightweight clothing for the daytime, along with a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes to ensure you’re prepared for any adventure!
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What are some options for my Traditional Wedding outfit?
Here are a few hand picked retailers that have great quality traditional attire:
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Nigerian: Etsy, Love Iguehi, David Scott Online, D'IYANU, Tacoheal
Eritrean: Etsy, East Afro Dress, The Ethiopian Store, Modern Habesha
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Can I choose my meals in advance?
We have carefully curated a delicious buffet-style menu that we are sure you will enjoy. While meal selections can’t be made in advance, we kindly ask that you indicate any dietary restrictions or allergies in your RSVP so we can ensure everyone is accommodated.
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Where should we stay?
If you plan to arrive a few days before February 11th, we highly recommend staying in Cape Town to explore its vibrant attractions and activities. However, if you're arriving closer to the wedding date, we suggest staying near the wedding venue in Stellenbosch for added convenience.
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To assist with your planning, we’ve included a list of recommended accommodations both in Cape Town and near the venue.
Regardless of where you choose to stay, Uber and shuttle services will be available to transport you to and from your accommodations with ease.
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What are some things to do in Cape Town?
If you would like assistance in planning your itinerary or booking tours and activities, you can contact our trusted excursion partners at Honest Travel Experiences.
Contact Options:
Tel. +2772 640 5704
Social Media: Instagram
Email: Info@honesttravelexperience.com
There are many attractions and activities to experience in Cape Town. We already feel bad that you’ll likely not have the time to experience everything, but here are a few great recommendations to consider:
Cultural Experiences
Take a walking tour of the City Bowl and Company’s Garden, visiting landmarks like the Iziko South African Museum and St. George’s Cathedral.
Explore Bo-Kaap, the colorful neighborhood known for its vibrant houses and Cape Malay heritage. Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum and sample local cuisine.
Shop for souvenirs at the Greenmarket Square or Old Biscuit Mill Market.
Join a guided tour of Langa or Khayelitsha townships for an authentic cultural experience. Visit local markets, community projects, and meet artisans.
Enjoy dinner at The Pot Luck Club or Gold Restaurant for a blend of African flavors and live entertainment.
Table Mountain Excursion
Take the cable car (or hike) up Table Mountain for panoramic views of the city, Robben Island, and the Cape Peninsula.
Head to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden for a relaxing stroll and checkout the Boomslang Canopy Walkway.
Dine at La Colombe, consistently ranked as one of South Africa’s best restaurants.
Full Day Cape Peninsula Excursion
Rent a car or join a tour to explore the Cape Peninsula:
Stop at Hout Bay for a boat trip to Seal Island.
Drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most scenic coastal roads.
Visit the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point.
See the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town.
Return to Cape Town and enjoy a casual dinner at Harbour House in Kalk Bay or the V&A Waterfront.
Robben Island & V&A Waterfront
Take the ferry to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former prison where Nelson Mandela was held. Tours are guided by former inmates.
Spend time at the V&A Waterfront exploring shops, restaurants, and the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Have dinner at Willoughby & Co. for some of the city’s best sushi and seafood.
Winelands Excursion
Take a day trip to the Cape Winelands, focusing on Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Paarl.
Visit renowned wineries such as Delaire Graff Estate, Boschendal, or Tokara.
Enjoy a wine tasting and vineyard tour and indulge in a gourmet lunch with breathtaking views.
Beach Day & Sunset Views
Spend the morning relaxing at Clifton Beach or Camps Bay, known for their pristine sands and clear waters.
Take a scenic drive to Signal Hill or Lion’s Head. Hike Lion’s Head for incredible views.
Watch the sunset from Bloubergstrand Beach with a view of Table Mountain, or enjoy cocktails at a beachfront bar like Chinchilla Rooftop Café.
Night Life:
Bars & Rooftop Lounges
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Festive Strips & Clubs
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What does your Wedding Monogram mean?
The Eritrean wreath is a powerful symbol of peace, unity, and resilience, reflecting the nation's history, culture, and collective aspirations for a harmonious future. The two horns are a symbol of leadership, communication, spirituality, and cultural pride in Nigerian-Igbo tradition. Finally, our initials “C” and “S” are intertwined in the center supporting the overarching theme of our celebration, two people coming together as one in full harmony with our respective cultures.
