By Taxi in Cape Town

Taxis are expensive compared with other forms of transportation but offer an easy, quick way to get around the city center. Don't expect to see the throngs of cabs you find in London or New York, as most people in Cape Town use public transportation or their own cars. You'll be lucky to hail one on the street. Taxis don't always use their roof lights to indicate availability, but if you flag down an occupied cab the driver may radio for another car for you. Your best bet is to summon a cab by phone or head to one of the major taxi stands, such as at Greenmarket Square or either end of Adderley Street, near the Slave Lodge, and outside the train station. For lower rates at night, try prebooking the Backpacker Bus, a shuttle service on Adderley Street. Sea Point Taxis charges R9 per kilometer and R48 an hour for waiting time. Expect to pay R40-R60 for a trip from the city center to the Waterfront. In the Southern Suburbs try phoning Unicab and in the Northern Suburbs Bellville Taxis, or ask at your lodging for local recommendations. In addition to these taxi companies, there are many taxis services listed in the Yellow Pages, but ask at your hotel or guesthouse which company they recommend. Often lodging establishments have an ongoing relationship with particular companies and/or drivers, and this way you will be assured of safe, reliable service.

Rikkis are little minivans with open sides that provide a cheap (but slow) alternative to taxis. Service is door-to-door, but they may stop at several other doors to pick up additional passengers en route. Rikkis operate limited hours in a limited area. Five rikkis work from the central business district, and three are based at the Simon's Town train station. Central rikkis run weekdays 7 AM-midnight, Saturday 8 AM-midnight, and Sunday 8 AM-10 PM. They go everywhere (including the airport) and have a reasonable fare structure. For example, a one-way trip from the city center to Hout Bay for four people would cost R90. The Simon's Town rikkis (enclosed to protect you from the elements) can also take you anywhere, but the most popular trip is from Cape Town to Cape Point. A two-hour trip for two is about R538, including entry fees. Minibus taxis are another option.

Taxi Companies

Backpacker Bus (021/447-4991). Bellville Taxis (021/949-6918). Marine Taxis (021/434-0434). Rikkis (Central and Simon's Town) (021/418-6713). Sea Point Taxis (021/434-4444). Unicab (021/447-4402 or 083/229-5125).