How to choose and book a vacation rental in Cape Town

We've all heard stories about the bad and the ugly of booking holiday accommodation. What happens when the pictures on the website don't match the actual rental? Or your holiday rental is cancelled at the last minute, leaving you stranded with flights booked and nowhere to stay?

Even worse, sometimes the entire booking turns out to be a well-orchestrated scam.

Use a reputable specialist

While these things can happen, you can rest easy when booking your luxury vacation rental with a reputable manager like Nox Cape Town.

So, what's good about booking your self-catering accommodation with us? Simply put, we are specialists in Cape Town vacation rentals. When you book through a trusted agent, you avoid the bad and the ugly.

Our team has personally vetted every property on our website. In fact, we are the exclusive managers for each rental in our portfolio. All the information is up to date, and the photos are recent – what you see is exactly what you get. As such, we ensure rentals in our portfolio are fully equipped. All our serviced rentals are clean and quality-checked against our exacting standards.

We offer peace of mind, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the city. We're just a phone call away, with professional team members available 24/7 to assist you.

In addition to helping you choose the right place to stay, Nox Cape Town also provides a range of additional services. We can stock your rental's fridge, arrange a private chef or babysitter, book tours, and organise transport – whether taxis or self-drive rentals.

Why visit Cape Town, South Africa?

There are plenty of great reasons to visit Cape Town. Sunny South Africa has long been a favourite for travellers escaping colder climates. Swap winter coats for swimsuits and celebrate summer in Cape Town from the comfort of a Camps Bay vacation rental. Enjoy exclusive beachfront accommodation while working on an enviable tan to take home. The Mother City, as Cape Town is affectionately known, is simply magnificent. Its natural beauty is nothing short of breathtaking.

Table Mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, is an absolute must-see. Sunset backdrops don't get much better, the mountain behind you, and the sun dipping into the cool blue Atlantic ahead. Cape Town truly is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Take a moment to enjoy the scenery, breathe in the fresh sea air, and admire the colourful fynbos — our unique indigenous plants and flowers that grow nowhere else on Earth.

Visitors to Cape Town have a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of the southernmost tip of Africa. Learn about the ancient times when the Khoi and San roamed the land. Discover the landmarks left behind by the first European explorers. Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and gain a deeper understanding of South Africa's modern history and the birth of the Rainbow Nation.

This is Africa, a place where you can combine coastal living with safari adventures. Take a trip to see the Big Five up close, or explore the Western Cape's famous wine regions and enjoy world-class tastings. And don't forget the food: from Cape Malay curries and traditional Boerekos (farm-style dishes) to a proper South African braai (barbecue), Cape Town's culinary scene offers flavours from every corner of the world.

Cape Town through a tourist's eyes

The vibrancy of Cape Town has a way of drawing visitors back again and again. There are countless reasons why tourists fall in love with the Mother City, and why many can't resist returning.

Family-friendly destination

Cape Town is one of the world's most family-friendly cities. There's no shortage of things to do for families with children — from hiking and cycling to swimming, sailing and long, lazy beach days. Pack a picnic for a sunny afternoon at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens or on Clifton 4th Beach, both local favourites. Many of the nearby wine estates also offer beautiful picnic spots, perfect for all ages. The city is full of attractions designed with children in mind, including:

Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront
Scratch Patch and Cave Golf at the V&A Waterfront and in Simon's Town
The Blue Train Park at Mouille Point
Clay Café in Hout Bay
World of Birds in Hout Bay
Scootours on Table Mountain
Acrobranch obstacle and zipline adventures in Constantia
Cool Runnings Toboggan Track in Bellville
The Jolly Roger Pirate Boat at the V&A Waterfront
Exotic Animal World near Stellenbosch
Rush Indoor Trampoline Park in Claremont
Cape Town Science Centre in Observatory

Whether your family prefers outdoor adventures, animal encounters or hands-on indoor fun, Cape Town offers endless ways to keep everyone entertained.

Budget-friendly holiday destination

Eating out in Cape Town is relatively affordable compared with other holiday hotspots around the world:

A burger and a cool drink or beer in most casual restaurants will usually cost less than R150 (US$10).
An average meal for two at a mid-range restaurant, including a bottle of wine, will be around R500 (US$30).
A coffee at a café typically costs about R35 (US$2), while a 500ml bottle of water from a convenience store is around R20 (US$1.15).

Variety is the spice of life

One of the great things about visiting Cape Town is the sheer variety of experiences on offer. You'll get much more than just a city break. From a day on the beach to wine tasting, fine dining, outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, there's something for every taste and pace.

Explore the great outdoors

Spending time outside is what Cape Town is all about. The city is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, with a wealth of hiking trails, mountain paths and scenic tracks for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy picnics under the trees or stars, or take in a film at one of the city's open-air cinemas — a perfect way to soak up the Cape Town atmosphere.

Plenty of beautiful blue-flag beaches

Cape Town is home to an array of stunning beaches, each offering something a little different. Get up close to African penguins at Boulders Beach, enjoy a game of volleyball on Camps Bay, or ride a horse along the wide sands of Noordhoek. For the more adventurous, kite surfing at Blouberg is a must. Whatever your preference, the city's beaches cater to everyone.

Unique sea life experiences

For those who love the ocean, Cape Town offers remarkable wildlife encounters. Snorkel with playful seals, kayak among dolphins, watch whales from the shore, or meet penguins up close on the beach. These experiences give you a special glimpse of the rich marine life surrounding the city.

World-class vineyards and wine tasting

Cape Town and its surrounds boast a well-established wine culture, offering visitors unforgettable wine tasting experiences. The nearby wine regions are dotted with award-winning wineries, each with its own story. Take the Franschhoek Wine Tram for a charming, old-world journey between some of the area's finest estates. Along the way, you're likely to meet winemakers and hear the insider stories behind their wines.

Memorable art, craft, and food markets

Cape Town is full of vibrant markets where you can browse and buy unique items. Pick up arts and crafts at Greenmarket Square or explore the permanent stalls at the V&A Waterfront's Watershed. For delicious homemade food, head to Oranjezicht City Farm Market or the lively Bay Harbour Market, where fresh flavours and local treats abound.

Shopping with African flair

For a shopping experience with a distinctly local flavour, Cape Town has plenty to offer. Find exquisite gold, platinum, silver, diamonds, and tanzanites, or explore handcrafted leather goods, designer clothing, and a wide range of arts and crafts. Whether you're looking for a keepsake or a special gift, the city's shopping scene provides a little something for everyone.

Bringing it all together

Choosing the right vacation rental in Cape Town is about more than just a place to sleep; it's the base from which you can explore everything this incredible city has to offer. From sunny beaches and outdoor adventures to world-class vineyards, vibrant markets, and family-friendly activities, Cape Town has something for everyone.

By booking with a trusted rental manager, you can relax knowing that your accommodation is safe, comfortable, and exactly as advertised. That way, you can focus on making memories, whether it's spotting penguins at Boulders Beach, hiking Table Mountain, enjoying a picnic under the fynbos, or tasting the local wines.

Cape Town is a city that invites exploration, discovery, and a little bit of magic. Pick the right rental, plan your days, and get ready to experience it all with confidence and peace of mind.