The most important thing to include is travel insurance, which is vital for any emergencies that may arise, as well as securing accommodation bookings which may be liable for cancellation fees.

Basic things to pack include sun protection, with a sunscreen of SPF20 or higher. Comfortable walking shoes are vital, and sandals, lightweight clothing for hot days, warm clothing for cooler days, swimming costume, rain-gear for rainy season and casual and smart-wear for different activities.

Cameras are essential to capture the incredible views and scenic wonders around Cape Town, and spare film or memory cards, as well as batteries are advisable but can also be purchased at any shopping centre.

Binoculars are good to have on a visit to Cape Town, as birdlife is abundant. During whale season (June to November) whales can be spotted in the bays of coastal areas from Kalk Bay to Hermanus, so binoculars are essential for good viewing opportunities.

As Cape Town is a Malaria-free zone, it is not necessary to pack malaria medication, and there are a number of good pharmacies across the city which stock personal items and basic medication such as headache tablets or cough syrup.

Shopping in Cape Town is a world-class experience in luxury and convenience, and it is possible to purchase almost any item imaginable. So, if anything is forgotten behind, it is easy to replace items when visiting Cape Town.