If the tablecloth's out, the cableway's shut
Cape Town's southeaster (the 'Cape Doctor') can gust hard enough to close the cableway and Chapman's Peak, and it drapes cloud over Table Mountain like a tablecloth. Check the wind forecast the night before, and if it's blowing, flip your plan — do Clifton or the False Bay side, which are sheltered.
A hire car beats a tour bus for the Cape loop
The Chapman's Peak, Cape Point and penguins loop is made for a hire car — you set the pace, chase the light, and stop where you want. Roads are good and drive on the left. If you'd rather not drive, a guided day tour covers the same loop; just know you're on their clock, not yours.
Common-sense after dark, and keep a power-cut app handy
Cape Town's wonderful but city-smart: use an e-hailing app at night rather than walking quiet streets, don't flash valuables, and stick to busy areas after dark. Also download a load-shedding schedule app — planned power cuts still happen, so charge your phone and carry cash for when card machines are down.
