As answered by Wesgro, The Official Tourism, Trade & Investment Promotion Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape:
Will there be water to drink?
Yes, water is available from all taps and bottled water is readily available as well. We encourage guests to drink bottled water. Your guide will be stocked up with more than enough bottled water for the day and on the road and your hotel will be able to provide you with all the additional drinking water you need.
Will I be able to bath and shower?
Yes, there is adequate water for tourists’ essential daily needs such as washing, using the toilet, and other daily hygiene. Mandated guidelines suggest a 90 second, stop-start shower. The use of baths is entirely discouraged.
Can I use a swimming pool?
Some swimming pools at hotels have been converted to salt (ocean) water. Many establishments have closed their saunas and steam rooms, and removed bath plugs, to limit non-essential water use. Please ask your consultant about your specific bookings.
How widespread is the drought in South Africa?
The drought and resultant water restrictions are mostly limited to parts of the Western Cape – particularly the City of Cape Town and some surrounding areas. Nearby regions such as The Cape Overberg and The Garden Route are less impacted by water restrictions. It’s important to remember that South Africa in general is a water-scarce country. Other parts of South Africa and the Big 5 reserves are not affected by the drought and are operating as usual.
Can we visit the winelands?
Yes. The winelands have moved to alternative water sources with fewer restrictions.
Will restaurants be open?
Restaurants are currently not being negatively influenced by the drought but must still comply with the water restrictions. Many parts of the hospitality industry have proactively implemented water savings and water augmentation solutions.
Will I be able to visit the top tourist attractions?
Yes. Tourists will still be able to access and enjoy primary tourism attractions such as our iconic Table Mountain, Cape Point and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Will emergency services still function?
Yes. All critical emergency services (hospitals, clinics, police services) will continue to function as normal.
Will major events still be staged?
Yes. All scheduled major events will still be staged. They have actively put plans in place to ensure that the events do not heavily impact the water levels and many are bringing water from outside Cape Town/Western Cape.
How are locals affected?
Life goes on for Capetonians with some inconvenience.
How can visitors help?
By saving like a local – here’s how: Save Like a Local »
The impact of tourism on water consumption is insignificant compared to the benefit that tourism brings to the city – tourism directly creates 320,000 jobs and brings with it around R40 billion in investment each year.
Quotes:
“We are ready to welcome a record tourist season and we will not only ‘accommodate’ this season, we will prove that we can do it in a way that is world-leading in terms of water efficiency and minimising the impact on water resources.”
SA Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona
“The hotel sector has been innovative, reducing their water usage by 50% in comparison with the situation three years ago… we continue to encourage tourists to visit Cape Town.”
Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille
“We all have to save water and I am thankful to those who have been saving water.”
Leader of the DA, Mmusi Maimane
“Cape Town and the Western Cape are open for business, and ready to welcome visitors to our beautiful city and province.”
Tim Harris, Wesgro CEO