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WHAT’S INSIDE

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Cape Town City Guide

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Pg. 02

Who Our People Are

Meet our City Team, your guides to Cape Town

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Pg. 03

Introduction to Cape Town

Get to know the history and culture of your new home.

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Pg. 09

Cape Town Survival Guide

Take a quick look at the basics you need to hit the ground running.

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Pg. 14

Your New Home

Check out your new digs, workspace and hood.

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Pg. 17

How We Live Local

Act like a local, from ordering food to exploring the town.

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Pg. 27

Where to Explore

Go on an adventure to find the magic waiting for you in South Africa

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MEET THE CITY TEAM

Who Our People Are

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Qayshara Dollie | Operations Manager

Good Day and welcome to Cape Town where I was born, raised and educated. I am a very focused, solutions driven individual. I am a huge foodie and love trying out new cuisines. Family is where the heart is for me so I spend most of my weekends with my family and loved ones. You can chat to me about your Living space, workspace and food. Looking forward in meeting you and having a great time in cape town.

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Chris Vlok | Experience Manager

Hello everyone! Molweni! I am very excited to welcome you to the beautiful Cape Town. This is my home and what a lovely home to have. I want to share the past, present and future of this place with you. We will also get out into nature and enjoy some wonderful activities in the fresh air. I am interested in music, surfing, rock climbing, reading, ancient history, yoga, hiking, gaming and much more so please feel free to chat to me if you catch me around :)

COUNTRY HISTORY

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5 Pivotal Chapters in History

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South Africa’s deep and troubled history has touched the nation in ways that will never be forgotten, and fuel the people toward a bright and prosperous future. Dive into 5 important pieces of history that will help you better understand the country.

One. Indigenous Khoi-San

Khoi-San artifacts date back 2000 years and have been found across the country due to their nomadic lifestyle. Unfortunately, around 80% of the Khoi-San were killed, either by the Xhosa people who came down from the great lakes of Africa, or by the white settlers (Dutch and British).

Two. The Dutch arrive (1652)

The Dutch East India company sought to establish a supply station for their spice trade with the East. Jan van Riekbeek was tasked with doing so. He settled with his men in Table Bay and, because the Khoi-San were not agricultural farmers, had the Dutch bring their own farmers to grow produce to resupply the ships.

Three. British Colonization

The British seized the Cape in 1795 to prevent it from falling into the hands of the French. Like the Dutch, they initially had little interest in the Cape. The Cape was eventually inherited to the British as a prize during the Napoleonic Wars festering the British Colony until South Africa’s independence in 1910.

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Four. Apartheid Era (1948-1994)

Legislation was enacted under the National Party that furthered a regime stemming from the Dutch rule in 1856, and took the form of forced evictions and destruction of the homes of the Black, Colored, and Indians in the newly zoned “white areas”. District 6 is a prime example of this. What followed was truly the most difficult and sad time of South Africa’s past; racially-separated public amenities, enforced UN embargo, trade restrictions, nationalization of broadcasting and media, resistance, bloodshed, and atrocities committed.

Five. Nelson Mandela

President De Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC, releasing Nelson Mandela who had been a political prisoner on Robben Island for 27 years. A referendum was passed with a 68% vote in favor of democracy. Mandela made the peaceful transition from the Apartheid regime to a Democratic South Africa, a feat most thought to be impossible since the country was on the brink of a civil war.

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CULTURAL CONTEXT

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Inclusion Context, Diversity & Norms

Racial & Ethnic Groups

South Africa has a long history of race relation, and while the situation today is markedly improved, we must be respectful of the difficulties experienced pre-1994 that stretch to today. Most people are open to speaking about race and how they feel they are or are not being represented.

People of Color

As mentioned above, the gravity of South Africa’s history can be felt today. Out of respect for this topic, we encourage you to read more thoroughly on the topic. Josh will provide a list of suggested readings/movies before your arrival.

LGBTQ

Marriage between same-sex partners is legal in South Africa, and in many cities displays of affection between same-sex partners is unlikely to gain much attention. However, some cities are more LGBTQ friendly than others, so it’s worth researching ahead of time. Outside of cities and tourist hubs, displays of affection might gain unwanted attention. Cape Town is very liberal and has a large LGBTQ community.

Gender

Violence against women and gender inequality is a hot topic. The country still has a lot of growing up to do (by men especially) but in general women in South Africa are much more empowered than the rest of the continent.

Religion

The major faiths practiced in South Africa are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, traditional African religions, and Judaism. European and other foreign settlers brought most of these religions. Traditional African religion is very popular and arrived here with our North and West African ancestors

CULTURAL CONTEXT

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What Locals Are Talking About

One. Politics

The Governing political party is looting the country with corruption. As the highest level of corruption is being exposed, Parliament’s role is being questioned because they have not managed to impeach the President. His majority rule helped him survive eight impeachment votes so far. Many South Africans look forward to a new government after the April 2019 National Election.

Two. Economics

The Rand is a volatile currency, anywhere from R16=$1 to R12.00 = $1. We welcome our new President in Cyril Ramaphosa replacing our very corrupt former President, Jacob Zuma. Whilst we see a marked improvement in the SA economy we anticipate the outcome of the Constitutional Court regarding the land expropriation without compensation, a potential election winning policy which if passed will have a negative effect on our Foreign Direct Investments.

Three. Social

With the “born-frees” (post ‘94 babies) making their way into higher education, they join the growing collective voice of Government critics. While the older generation might want to trap South Africa in the past, this emerging South Africa is one of far greater social acceptance and open-mindedness. It is a generation seeking equal opportunity for all.

Four. Other Tensions

Like the rest of the country, Cape Town also suffers from corruption on various levels. There is a wide range of examples: questionable government contracts, bars having to pay extra to get a liquor license, traffic police pulling people over arbitrarily for bribes, etc.

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November - April

Spring & Summer

Sunny with an averages in the 25’s°C, mid-80s °F

May - July

Autumn

Pleasant and mellow weather with an average temperature of around 18°C, 66°F

Aug - October

Winter

Our ‘rainy’ season (rains twice a week on average). About 15°C, 60°F, always bring a coat.

February

Franschhoek Summer Wines Fest, ULTRA Music Fest , The Saggy Stone Beer & Music Fest, just to name a few

March

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

April

AfrikaBurn

October

Rocking the Daisies

When You’re At Home

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You can drink the tap water

Our water is potable, might taste slightly different but it is perfectly ok to drink from the tap.

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Pack a jacket.

If you are making your way around with a backpack, pack in an extra layer/windbreaker/jacket as sometimes you can experience all four seasons in one day.

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Cultural Norms to Know

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Safety when walking

Cape Town suffers from homelessness and pickpockets. Always be aware of your surroundings and don’t show off any expensive items. Uber at night for peace of mind

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When homeless people approach

Please never give money. If you’d like to hand out some food this is fine, if not, politely decline them and keep walking

Tips as a Consumer

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We pay in South African Rand (ZAR)

Here are some conversion rates for reference. Keep in mind that the Rand is currently volatile, and rates will change:

1 USD = 14.60 ZAR

1 EUR = 16.15 ZAR

1 GBP = 18.90 ZAR

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Tipping

It is customary to tip 10-15% of your bill. All bills have VAT included but no tip. You can pay the total (including 10%) in one transaction with your cash or card

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ATMs & Cards

ATMs are found throughout the city and are safe to use, but keep an eye over both shoulders every so often. Suggest using ATMS in Centers or Malls

Going Out & Alcohol

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Alcohol Laws and Restrictions

18 and over can purchase at designated liquor stores and wine is available at most supermarkets. There is no alcohol at 24/7 gas stations so make sure you buy your booze before 6pm.

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Opening Hours.

Restaurant, pubs and bars typically close around midnight, and clubs at 2am.

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Drugs

Drugs are not legal in South Africa. Do not buy drugs from sellers on the street. Even if you are tempted to buy a “joint” on the street (DON’T BE), be aware that it might just be tea rolled up.

To know about Safety & Crime

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Crime

Cape Town is, unfortunately, a city targeted by opportunistic crime. Most of this crime is in the form of pickpockets and (parked) car break ins. Never walk down a quiet street, trust your senses. Join our City Welcome for a briefing on safety.

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Neighborhood at Night.

Parts of where we live and work can feel uncomfortable at night. Always be vigilant and walk in groups if you can or take an Uber. The #_capetown channel in Slack has a walking guide pinned.

What to do in Emergencies

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Local Police

+021-4678001

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Emergencies

112

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ISOS

+011 541 1000

1BYCA602211

How We Get Around

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You can walk around the City Bowl, but due to the hills and distances the rest of Cape Town is a driving city. Walking is fine during the day, but ask Cas if you are not sure about an area. Here are our top picks for getting around:

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Uber

Uber, need we say more? We will anyway. It is the most efficient way to get where you need to go. Plus it is relatively cheap.

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MyCity Bus

MyCiti Buses are a reliable, safe and very affordable way to make your way around town. You need to purchase a MyCiti card from a station first. Top this up as you go.

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Taxi Bus

If you would like the more African experience, take a taxi bus. Warning: this is not the safest at times. Ask Q & Chris to learn more about how to safely ride a taxi bus.

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Car Hire

Ask Q for advice on reliable operators and best way to book

Miscellaneous Do’s & Dont’s

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DO

Learn the lingo. Say ‘lekker’ for anything positive, great, beautiful, or delicious. Say ‘ag shame!’ as a reaction to something sad, cute or sweet.

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DON’T

Don’t be surprised if a stranger sparks up a conversation. South Africans are known to be straightforward in their engagements and chat with everyone around.

Basic Words & Phrases in Afrikaans

YOU SAY

WE SAY

Hello

Hi

Thank You

Baie Dankie (“buy a donkey”)

Goodbye

Tot Siens, Baai

Yes

Ja

No

Nee

Basic Words & Phrases in Xhosa

YOU SAY

WE SAY

Hello

Molo

Thank You

Enkosi (en-ko-si)

Goodbye

Sala Kakule

Yes

Ewe (eh-weh)

No

Haibo (high-boh)

Overview

City Center

112 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001

Set Up

Varied Apartments

Shared common space, 16 units.

Overview

Scattered throughout Gardens & Tamboerskloof �Tamboerskloof & Gardens �

Set Up

Varied 2-4 bed Apartments

Select Apartment Upgrades, varied from 1 Bedroom Apartment to 4 Bedroom House.

24/7 Access

24/7 Access

Mixed Coworking

Mixed Coworking

South African entrepreneurs, freelancers, and expats

Call Rooms Availability

3 Remote Year Designated Call Rooms

Other Call Room options available if aboe booked.

Coffee & Tea

Coffee & Tea available at Kitchen or purchase from Big Dog Cafe on sight

Data Allowance

5GB

Tetherable

Yes

Speed

4G if your phone enables it

Texts

No text credit available

Time to Talk

0 minutes

How to Activate

Will be pre-activated

How to Recharge

Buy a vodacom top-up voucher from any store or online

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Braai

Meat (all sorts) grilled over hot coals. The South African BBQ so to speak.

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Biltong

Spiced dried meat, similar to beef jerky, but way better.

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Potjiekos

Slow-roasted meat with vegetables cooked over minimal heat in cast iron pot.

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Melktert | Milktart

A South African dessert consisting of a sweet pastry crust containing a creamy filling made from milk, flour, sugar, and eggs.

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Bunny Chow

Half a loaf of bread hollowed out to the crust and filled with a mince or chicken curry. Also, it sounds adorable.

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Kloof Street House

$$$$ | 📍 Map

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Great food, cocktail bar, and amazing decor. We recommend the Ostrich filet or Ossobuco.

Hours: 5pm until late

The Company’s Garden Restaurant

$$$ | 📍 Map

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Amazing setting, we recommend going during the day and trying the Cape Malay or South African Platter. Top it off with some scones.

Hours: 7am to 5pm

Eastern Food Bazaar

$ | 📍 Map

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Local food market, specializing in Middle Eastern and Asian food. The big portions are easy to take away. Tip: Pay for you food first and show the receipt to the chefs.

Hours: 9am- 10pm daily

Mama Africa

$$$ | 📍 Map

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As touristy as it is, it’s a good, fun evening out with a very African theme.

Hours: 12pm- 1am (Tues - Fri), 5:30pm - 1am (Sat & Mon), Closed Sunday

Marcos African Place

$-$$$$ | 📍 Map

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Lively restaurant serving local regional game and international favorites with daily live music.

Hours: Mon 3pm - 11pm | Tues - Fri 12am- 11pm

Villa 47

$$$$ | 📍 Map

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Their chef is excellent, great selection of food, and each of the 3 floors has a different theme. We think this will be a Remote favorite.

Hours: 7am - 10pm (Mon - Sat), Closed Sunday

Elixir

$$ | 📍 Map

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Vegan, vegetarian and organic on-the-go café foods. With a natural and earthy feel, Elixir is full of superfoods and right around the corner from the workspace.

Hours: 7pm - 5pm (Mon - Fri), 8m - 3pm (Sat)

Addis in Cape Town

$$$ | 📍 Map

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Beautiful showcase of Ethiopian cuisine and traditions. Caters to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.

Hours: Sat 12pm - 10:30pm

Charango

$$$ | 📍 Map

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Great Peruvian restaurant in the heart of Cape Town with food so good, it will make you want to visit Lima.

Hours: 12pm - 11pm Tues - Sat | Sun closed | 5pm - 10pm

Willoughby’s

$$$ | 📍 Map

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Unfortunately in the mall but fantastic sushi.

Hours: 12pm–10:30pm all week

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Ignite Fitness | 📍 Map

Closest to the Adderley building. Full range of equipment and classes

Switch | 📍 Map

One of two gyms that took Cape Town by storm in a very interactive, high-paced workout environment. Website

Sweat1000 | 📍 Map

The other gym that took over Cape Town by storm with high-paced workouts. Website

Sea Point Promenade | 📍 Map

Sea Point Promenade is a great spot for a run with a free outdoor gym.

Green Point Park | 📍 Map

Green Point Park is another spot with plenty of green for your run.

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Unraveled Yoga | 📍 Map

Best rated by remotes, around the corner from our workspace

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Motherland Coffee

$$$ | 📍 Map

Strong African feel/themed coffee franchise around the corner from Adderley.

Hours: 7am - 6pm

Truth Coffee

$$ |📍 Map

Quirky cafe in a world of pipes and old metal, with gourmet, home-roasted coffee.

Hours: 6am- 6pm

Bootleggers Coffee

$$$ | 📍 Map

Worker/laptop friendly chain cafe with a good lunch menu. Try the Boot Mac (tastes like a Big Mac but doesn’t kill you)

Hours: 7am- 7pm (7am- 5:30pm weekends)

Origin Coffee

$$$ | 📍 Map

Some of the best coffee in town. Gets quite busy, but plenty of seating indoors

Hours: 7am to 11pm

Grind 4 Truth Coffee

$$$ | 📍 Map

Sunny outside area, great coffee and solid food menu

Hours: 7am- 6pm (8- 2pm weekends)

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Hudsons Burger Joint (Gardens)

$$ | 📍 Map

Happy hour deals every workday makes this a perfect after-work spot. Great burgers and friendly service. Josh loves the house Weiss.

Hours: 11pm-11pm daily

Mixa’s

$ | 📍 Map

A local dive bar on Kloof Street. Great for a chill night.

8am-2am daily

Aces & Spades

$$ | 📍 Map

Happy hour 20h-22h, half-price drinks. Great karaoke & known for a Rock and Roll playlist. Try the Black Label draught.

Wed - Sat 8pm - 2am

Rick’s Café Américain

$$ | 📍 Map

Cool rooftop bar with a Casablanca theme. Cocktails prices from R44 and beer around R35 a draught during their happy hour 3-7, Mon-Sat.

Hours: Mon - Sat 11am - 2am

House of Machines

$$-$$$ | 📍 Map

Small bar with a cool design. Mostly rock music but also has a DJ on certain nights.

Hours: 7am - 12:30am (closed Sun)

Clarke’s Bar

$$-$$$ | 📍 Map

Lively all-day restaurant and night-time party spot with a burger-led menu, bands and Tv sport.

Hours: 7pm-12am weekdays, 8am-12am Sat, 8am-3pm Sun

Alexander Bar

$$$ | 📍 Map

Unique bar and theatre with vintage decor. We love the working rotary phones and intimate live performances upstairs. Great for a drink and a show.

Hours: 11am-1am, Sun 3pm-12pm

Harringtons

$$ | 📍 Map

Great cocktail lounge often with live bands and always a DJ later on. They also do tapas and drinks. Gets lively on a weekend night!

Hours: Mon - Sat 18pm- 2:00am

Tjing Tjing

$$ | 📍 Map

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Rooftop bar extremely close to your accommodation. Try out the “springbokkie” shot - famous SA shot. Next door is Manilla Bar for karaoke.

Hours: 4pm - 2am Tues - Sat | Sun & Mon closed.

SoCal

$$$ | 📍 Map

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Cape Town’s hot spot, great music, great crowd, Josh DJ’s here every Saturday from midnight.

Hours: 9PMpm - 2am Friday - Sat | Sun - Thurs closed.

Food Lovers Market

$$$ | 📍 Map

Close to home with fresh produce and ready-made meals. You can build your own sandwiches/sub/panini with your choice of toppings.

Hours: Mon - Fri 7am - 6pm | Sat 9am - 3pm | Sun closed

Oranjezicht Market

$$$ | 📍 Map

Beautifully situated in Granger Bay with incredibly fresh produce and healthy foods. Walk all the way through to the last tent for the proper food options.

Hours: Sat 9am- 2pm

Earth Food Fair Market

📍 Map

Farmer’s market around the corner from your accommodation, and supports local foods. Only open on Thursdays.

Hours: 11am- 3pm Thurs

City Bowl Market

📍 Map

Around 30 different stalls to choose from, all of which offer the highest quality, freshest ingredients & a passion for food. Foodie heaven.

Hours: 4:30pm -8:30pm Thurs

Woolworths

📍 Map

A high-end grocery store with top quality food, but more expensive than other grocery stores like Spar or Checkers.

Hours: Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun closed

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Blokes Hair

$$$$ } 📍 Map

Great head massage and conveniently located on the first floor of the workspace.

Hours: 8am- 6pm Mon-Wed, 8am- 7pm Thurs & Fri, 8am-2pm Sat

Yogi’s Barber Shop

$$$ |📍 Map

A barber shop from back in the day with a modern twist.

Hours: 8:30am - 5pm | Closed Sundays

Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

$$$$ | 📍 Map

The most incredible views, great for a spa treatment and sunset cocktails.

Hours: 8am- 8pm daily

The Fox & Vixen

$$$ | 📍 Map

Does your hair need taming? This place does great haircuts and coloring. Hours: 8am- 9.30pm daily

The Bay Hotel Mint Wellness Spa

$$$$ | 📍 Map

Located on the Camps Bay strip, you will love the 5-star treatment and facilities.

Hours: Mon - Fri 10am - 6:30pm | Sat 9am - 6:30pm | Sun 9am - 4:30pm

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Pack for a Purpose | 📍 Map

Donate clothes to Pack for a Purpose Clothing and they will end up in the hands of the children who need it most, and you’ll make room in your bag. Win-win.

StreetSmart | 📍 Website

Check out this website for a list of restaurants where you can add R5 to your meal (or more) and the money is used to keep the homeless children off the streets.

Big Issue Magazine

A socially responsible non-profit that supports unemployed, marginalized adults through a developmental employment programme. These sellers sell their magazines at many popular intersections and other spots like Greenmarket Square and other spots.

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1

Visit Clifton/Camps Bay/Llandudno beach at sunset.

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Go on a safari. We suggest Buffelsfontein.

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See the only penguins in Africa

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Drink up. Stellenbosch wine tour day won’t disappoint.

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Hike Table Mountain. Take a jacket, sometimes it can be very windy up there. Avoid going on the weekends.

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Visit Robben Island & look out of Mandela’s prison cell.

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Party at Rand First Sundays. Think township braai with a vibe.

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Cape Point. Go.

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Try the sushi at the V&A Waterfront. Sevruga and Willoughby’s serves top notch noms.

10

Capture all 6 of the yellow photo frames of Table Mountain around town.

1

Try ostrich, kudu or springbok

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Jump into a water sport (like surfing or kitesurfing)

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Take a minibus taxi

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Experience braai etiquette (fish is last!)

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Share food with a person in need

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Hike Skeleton Gorge

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Submerging yourself fully underwater in the cold ocean

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See a concert at Kirstenbosch

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Watch a movie at the Labia theatre

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Have Fish & Slap Chips (French Fries) at Kalk Bay Harbour