Mobile apps have become essential tools for tourists to navigate and explore a new city.
Whether you’re planning to hike up Table Mountain or explore the city’s vibrant culture, here are some of the top mobile apps to help you make the most of your visit to Cape Town and stay safe while doing so.
Get the most out of your nature experience
CapeNature: CapeNature is the official app of the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board that provides information on the latest tourism news, promotions, competitions, and more in the Western Cape province. The app offers a wealth of information on the region’s natural heritage and outdoor activities.
Cost: Free
Available on iOS & Android
AllTrails: AllTrails is a comprehensive hiking app that features detailed trail maps, reviews, and photos from millions of hikers around the world. The app offers over 100,000 trails to explore, including ones in South Africa.
Cost: Free with premium features available for purchase
Available on iOS & Android
Trailforks: Trailforks is a mountain biking app that offers information on hiking trails in Cape Town. The app features maps, trail information and user reviews, making it useful for planning outdoor adventures.
Cost: Free for the first 7 days of use and provides unlimited access in your home region. The pro version costs $2,99. (R54,07)
Available on iOS & Android
For the Foodies
Mr D Food: Mr D Food is a reliable app that will have your favourite food delivered right to your doorstep. It is available nationwide and offers daily promotions on a variety of local and international cuisine. You can make payments via credit card, cash, eBucks, or electronically within the app. You can track your order in real time.
Cost: Free to download
Available on iOS & Android
Abalobi: Abalobi is an app that can assist you in purchasing fresh fish. It connects you with fishermen throughout South Africa, allowing you to buy seafood directly from the source. Given the difficulties small-scale operations face in competing with commercial fisheries, this initiative is a great way to support local businesses.
Cost: Free to download
Available on iOS & Android
SASSI: SASSI is an initiative in South Africa designed to verify the sustainability of seafood. The app allows you to instantly examine the sustainability of your seafood, to avoid consuming anything from the threatened orange or red lists.
Cost: Free
Available on iOS & Android
Enjoy the City
VoiceMap Cape Town: Explore Cape Town at your own pace with the VoiceMap app. With this app, you’re able to take audio-guided tours of various areas around Cape Town, narrated by local experts. The tours include information on historical and cultural sites and offer recommendations for local restaurants and shops.
Languages available: English, German, French, Dutch, and Xhosa
Cost: Free to download. Tour prices vary.
Available on iOS & Android
Cape Wine Farms: The Cape Wine Farms app simplifies the process of discovering wineries and events throughout the Western Cape. The app allows you to find a directory of wine farms, tours, and events. It features a wealth of reviews and recommendations for wineries across the province.
Cost: Free to download
Available on iOS & Android
The ENTERTAINER: With this app, you can find deals and discounts on things to do in Cape Town and other parts of South Africa. Whether it’s fitness, fine dining, travel or retail services, the app is full of deals to help you indulge in all Cape Town has to offer without breaking the bank.
Cost: Free to download
Available on iOS & Android
Safety first
Namola: Namola is a safety app that allows users to access emergency services including the local police, fire or medical services. Users can request help with a tap of a button, and Namola will immediately provide emergency responders with the user’s location and contact details. The app is free to use and available for both iOS and Android devices.
Cost: Free
Available on iOS & Android
Life360: This app provides peace of mind for those travelling with their family members. The app utilises GPS technology to keep track of your family’s location and features an in-app chatting function to connect with your loved ones.
Cost: Free to download, but there are subscription fees. Free for a basic monthly plan and $4,99 (R90,50) for a premium monthly plan.
Available on iOS & Android
Secura: Secura ensures your safety no matter where you are in South Africa. You can use this armed-response app to call for assistance at any time, and it will dispatch the nearest armed-response car to your real-time GPS location.
Cost: Free to download, but there are subscription fees. Subscriptions start from R49.
Available on iOS & Android
SePush (ESP): By using the SePush app, you can prepare for any potential power outages in the area you are staying in or planning to explore. You’ll receive alerts and forecasts about upcoming blackout occurrences or “Loadshedding” from the app.
Cost: Free to download
Available on iOS & Android
