Monitor 240+ Live Traffic Cameras in Cape Town
Access real-time traffic conditions across the Mother City. From the vital N1 and N2 freeways to the notorious Hospital Bend and the scenic coastal routes, monitor Cape Town road conditions with 240+ free live camera feeds updated 24/7.
View Cape Town Cameras ->Cape Town, situated at the southern tip of Africa, features a transportation network defined by its dramatic topography. As one of the world's most congested cities, Cape Town residents lost an average of 94 hours to traffic jams in 2024, representing a 13% increase over the previous year according to data from Inrix. With Table Mountain at its center, the city's freeways must navigate narrow corridors between the mountains and the sea. Managing traffic for the 4.7 million residents of the metropolitan area is a sophisticated operation led by the Freeway Management System (FMS). Our platform aggregates live traffic cameras from SANRAL (South African National Roads Agency) and the City of Cape Town, providing comprehensive coverage of the city's primary arteries and critical bottlenecks.
Hospital Bend is perhaps the most famous traffic point in South Africa. Located where the N2 and M3 merge near Groote Schuur Hospital, it is a critical bottleneck for commuters heading into the City Bowl. Cameras monitor the complex lane splits and merges, providing essential data for morning commuters.
The N1 and N2 Freeways are the primary lifelines of the city. The N1 connects the City Bowl to the northern suburbs like Bellville and Paarl, while the N2 serves the Cape Flats and the eastern coastal towns. Peak segments of these corridors handle over 100,000 vehicles daily, capturing the heavy migration of workers and freight.
The M5 and R300 Expressways serve as the vital north-south links across the Cape Flats. Cameras monitor the interchanges connecting the N1 and N2, helping drivers navigate the central metropolitan grid and avoid localized incidents.
Coastal and Mountain Routes, including Kloof Nek and the coastal roads toward Hout Bay, feature cameras that are essential for monitoring weather conditions. From the infamous "South-Easter" winds to coastal fog, these feeds provide real-time visual proof of driving hazards near the city's scenic landmarks.
Start Monitoring Cape Town Traffic
View live conditions across the Mother City and plan your journey with real-time camera feeds. Filter by freeway number, interchange, or suburb.
View All Cameras ->Key Cape Town Transportation Corridors
Cape Town's traffic flow is dictated by the radial freeways that funnel traffic around the base of Table Mountain toward the central business district.
N1 Freeway (North Corridor)
The primary route to the northern suburbs. Cameras cover the Foreshore, the Koeberg Interchange, and the route through Goodwood and Bellville. Essential for monitoring the heavy inbound flow from the Tygerberg region.
N2 Freeway (South/East Corridor)
Connecting the city to the airport and the Garden Route. Cameras monitor the "Settlers Way" section, the Cape Flats interchanges, and the climb toward Sir Lowry's Pass.
M3 & M5 Expressways
The city's internal north-south connectors. Cameras provide clear views of the traffic flow through the Southern Suburbs (M3) and across the central industrial zones (M5).
R300 (Kuils River Freeway)
The vital link between the N1 and N2 in the east. Cameras monitor this high-volume transit route, which is a primary bypass for long-distance freight avoiding the city center.
Critical Bottlenecks and Interchanges
Hospital Bend (N2/M3): A notorious daily congestion point. Cameras monitor the inbound and outbound flows where the city's two primary southern routes converge, helping drivers decide if they should use the Nelson Mandela Boulevard or the Main Road alternative.
Koeberg Interchange (N1/M5): One of the largest and most complex interchanges in the Western Cape. Cameras provide vital views of the multi-level ramps, capturing the flow between the northern suburbs and the central metropolitan area.
The Foreshore and Waterfront: The gateway to the city center. Cameras monitor the elevated freeway stubs and the intersections serving the Port of Cape Town and the V&A Waterfront, essential for managing tourist and commercial traffic.
Junction 22 (N2 / R300): A major hub for traffic moving between the airport corridor and the northern residential areas. Cameras provide real-time data on the frequent backups during the evening peak.
Freeway Management System (FMS)
The Cape Town FMS is a collaborative effort between SANRAL and the City of Cape Town. Beyond just cameras, the system uses overhead Variable Message Signs (VMS) to warn drivers of incidents. Our platform brings the visual component of this world-class system directly to your device.
According to INRIX, Cape Town residents lost an average of 94 hours to traffic congestion in 2024, representing a 13% increase over the previous year and making real-time monitoring of the N1 and N2 corridors essential.
Seasonal and Weather Considerations in the Cape
The South-Easter and Winter Storms
Cape Town's weather can be extreme. Road safety is a major priority in the Western Cape, which recorded an estimated 1,426 traffic fatalities in 2023; using real-time cameras to stay informed about incidents and extreme weather is a critical safety habit for local drivers. The "Cape Doctor" (strong South-Easter wind) can impact high-sided vehicles on the elevated sections of the N1 and N2. During winter (June-August), heavy rain and coastal fog can severely reduce visibility. Use our cameras to check conditions on the Foreshore and the mountain passes before starting your trip during weather warnings.
Cape Town Traffic by Season:
- Summer (December-January): Tourism peaks. Traffic toward the Atlantic Seaboard and the Cape Point area spikes. Cameras on the M3 and coastal routes are vital for checking beach-bound congestion.
- Winter (Rainy Season): Monitoring the N2 and M5 for localized flooding and spray. The "Black Ice" is rare, but wet road surfaces on the mountain passes require caution.
- Academic Year: With UCT, Stellenbosch (nearby), and CPUT, traffic volumes near the Rondebosch and Bellville campuses peak in early morning. Cameras on the M3 show the heavy student commute patterns.
- Major Events: The Cape Town Cycle Tour and the Two Oceans Marathon cause significant road closures. Monitoring our cameras helps you find the best remaining routes into and out of the city.
Peak Hour Flows: The morning rush typically peaks between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM, with massive inbound flows from the North (N1) and East (N2). The evening peak begins as early as 3:30 PM. Our live feeds let you see the "standstill" points before you leave the office.
Check Current Conditions
View live camera feeds to assess weather, traffic flow, and road conditions before your trip. Filter by road name or specific landmark.
View All Cameras ->How TrafficVision Helps Cape Town Drivers
Our platform provides 135,000+ cameras from 600+ sources across 130+ countries, with 240+ focused specifically on the Cape Town metropolitan area:
- Interactive Map: Zoom into Hospital Bend or the Koeberg Interchange to find the exact camera viewing your path.
- Grid View: Scan all N1 or N2 cameras at once to see the "big picture" of the regional traffic flow.
- Route Builder: Plan your drive from Somerset West to the City Bowl and see every camera along the way, including conditions near the airport.
- Favorites: Bookmark your neighborhood freeway exit or most-used interchange for instant access on your phone.
- Real-Time Feeds: Access images from the Cape Town FMS that refresh frequently, providing the most current visual data available.
- Search and Filter: Quickly find cameras by road name (e.g., "Main Road") or specific landmark like the "CTICC."
Explore Cape Town Routes
Plan your Western Cape commute or coastal road trip with our route planning tool. Add waypoints and discover all available cameras along your path.
Build Your Route ->Related Resources
- South Africa Traffic Cameras: Access the complete SANRAL camera network across the country.
- Johannesburg Traffic Cameras: Monitor the traffic systems in South Africa's largest city.
- Getting Started with Traffic Cameras: Learn how to interpret camera feeds and plan safer trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic cameras are available in Cape Town?
Our platform aggregates 240+ live traffic cameras across the Cape Town metropolitan area. This includes comprehensive coverage of the N1, N2, M3, M5, and all major urban interchanges.
Are the Cape Town cameras live video?
Most cameras in the Cape Town FMS provide high-frequency snapshots that refresh every few seconds to a minute. This provides a reliable overview of traffic density and incident status while remaining efficient for mobile users.
How can I check traffic at Hospital Bend?
Search for "Hospital Bend" or "M3" on our platform. We provide multiple camera views of this critical junction from both the N2 and M3 approaches.
Can I see road conditions for Sir Lowry's Pass?
Yes, we have cameras monitoring the climb and descent of Sir Lowry's Pass on the N2. These are essential for checking wind conditions and heavy truck traffic heading toward the Overberg.
Do I need an account to view Cape Town traffic cameras?
No, all traffic camera feeds on our platform are free to access without an account. However, creating a free account allows you to save your favorite cameras (like the one near your home or work) for instant access.
Start Monitoring Cape Town Traffic Cameras
Access 240+ live traffic cameras covering the heart of the Mother City. Monitor current conditions, plan safer commutes, and stay ahead of the traffic from the Foreshore to the False Bay coast.
View All Cape Town Cameras ->