IT’S about to get much easier to fly to a winter sun holiday destination where you won’t have any jet lag – but can afford some fancy hotels.
British Airways is launching more flights to Cape Town from the UK.
4
4
Currently, the flag carrier operates a daily flight between London Heathrow and the African city.
However, two more daily routes are to be added in the upcoming months.
By the end of October, a second daily flight will be launched to Cape Town.
And then from January 10, a third will launch from London Heathrow.
You can also currently fly from London Gatwick to Cape Town, although this is just a seasonal route that runs for three weeks between December 13, 2024 and January 8, 2025.
Dr Ivan Meyer, the Western Cape’s minister for economic opportunities and agriculture, said that the UK was one of the largest groups of tourists arriving by air.
He added: “The Western Cape remains a preferred destination for UK travellers, and with improved connectivity between the two regions, the city hopes to welcome even more UK visitors, further boosting our economy.”
It’s not just British Airways launching flights to Cape Town.
Budget airline Norse Atlantic Airways is launching flights from London Gatwick later this year.
The airline, which launched back in 2021, will start the new Cape Town routes from October 28, starting from £499 return.
And Virgin Atlantic already currently operate a seasonal winter route to Cape Town.
The African city is a great destination to visit in winter, with temperatures hitting 30C in December and January.
And there is no jet lag either, despite the 11-hour flight time, as there is no time difference to the UK.
Last year, it was even named the best value, long-haul destination for Brits.
The study, conducted by the Post Office looked at the average cost of a number of popular holiday expenses, such as prices of beer, wine, suncream and three-course dinners – with Cape Town on top.
The weak rand has even seen more Brits visit, as it means the pound goes much further.
4
South Africa Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said at a trade show earlier this year: “When you come here you are really getting value for money and British visitors are able to afford our five-star hotels.”
Some of the affordable five-star resorts include The Table Bay Hotel, which can be found for £248 a night, or the Radisson Blue Hotel Waterfront for £228 a night.
This is compared to the average price of a five-star hotel in London, which is nearly £400 a night according to Booking.com.
Currently, £10 gets you approximately 233 South African rand.
The port city, on the southwest coast of South Africa, is known for both its beaches and its wine culture.
A popular attraction is the aerial cable car that goes up to Table Mountain, with amazing views over the city and the sea.
What is a holiday to Cape Town really like?
The Sun’s Deputy Digital Sport Editor Simon Rice reveals how to do a holiday in the South African city.
“The area is famous for its wine, with Franschhoek and Stellenbosch the stand out regions within easy distance of the city.
“We use the brilliant hop-on-hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram to explore the breathtaking valley, tasting everything from sparkling rosé to rich reds and crisp whites.
“Mouth-watering food and wine is also easy to find back in Cape Town with our favourite at Codfather in Camps Bay with freshly caught oysters, octopus, lobster, scallops and crab.
“Other must-visit spots are Boulders Bay – we watched adorable penguins happily hopping around which is as delightful as it is bizarre.
“And popular attraction is Robben Island, “home” to former president Nelson Mandela for 18 years while he was a political prisoner.
“Make sure to head to Camps Bay Strip too – its where celebs including Prince Harry and Leonardo DiCaprio have been spotted.”
There are also the iconic penguins that can be found at Boulders Beach, who are free-roaming on the sand.
Otherwise a trip to a vineyard or a safari experience are also a must.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Cape Town is also getting a new £300million airport, with Cape Winelands Airport hoping to open by 2027.
Here’s another jet-lag free holiday island to visit this winter, with cheap TUI packages too.
4
