The hidden seaside bistro on the ...
Inventive small plates best explored with a wine pairing
The ultimate Cape Town bucket list
100+ adventures from hot air balloons to jazz safari
Last updated: Wednesday, 13 November 2024
Where else can you watch 1 000 ducks parade every day, ride a hot air balloon, paraglide over the ocean, see one of the largest glass collections in the world (for free) AND visit a record store that was featured in an Oscar-winning documentary? Here’s 100+ bucket list adventures, from free and affordable to thrill-rushing, stretching all the way from West Coast to Beaufort West. Look for updates on new adventures every week.
DIAMOND EXPERIENCE AT THE ROCKWELL
You can take a diamond tour, hear stories about South Africa’s diamond heritage, and co-create your own jewelry masterpiece at the Shimansky Diamond Experience at the Rockwell.
The Rockwell All Suite Hotel | Prestwich Street | Green Point | @shimansky | Image: Shimansky
HIKE 13 PEAKS IN 48 HOURS
The 13 Peaks Challenge covers all major hiking routes, from Signal Hill to Muizenberg Peak. You can do it any time of the year, and it doesn’t have to be done consecutively.
Various locations | @13_peaks | Image: 13 Peaks
SWIM WITH CROCODILES
You can touch a crocodile, or do a croc cage dive at Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures, the only place in the Western Cape where you can see over 200 crocodiles.
Babylonstoren Road | Paarl | @lebonheuradventures | Image: Le Bonheur
CAPE TOWN’S FIRST LEGAL CANNABIS CLUB
Cannibisters has over 90 strains of weed, sweet and salty edibles, and an exclusive Serenity Room (filled with 3D psychedelic art). Find out how to become a member.
65 Regent Road | Sea Point | 0087 537 8000 | Website | Image: Cannibisters
HOT AIR BALLOON OVER THE WINELANDS
It’s a one-hour flight at sunrise. You get tea or coffee on arrival, and a post-landing bubbly or juice. Plus, a hot breakfast at Joostenberg Bistro after the flight.
Joostenberg Bistro | Kraaifontein | @hotairballooningcapetown | Image: Ballooning Cape Town
PLAY THE BEST ESCAPE ROOM
You have 75 minutes to save Cape Town. Are you up for the challenge? Find out why HintHunt’s Marble is being called “the king of escape rooms”.
Watershed | 17 Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | @hinthuntafrica | Image: Claire Photography
DUCK PARADE ON A WINE FARM
The 1 000 Indian Runner Ducks that walk the property are not only a marvel to watch, they keep the vineyard free of pesticides.
Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate | Stellenbosch | @vergenoegd_low_wine_estate | Image: @saltysn0w
CLUB ON THE BEACH
Beach lounge by day, hot and vibrant club by night. There’s a pool with daybeds, outdoor bar, and resident DJ at Cape Town’s beach club.
V&A Waterfront | @cabobeachclubza | Image: Cabo Beach Club
GLASS MUSEUM (IT’S FREE)
There’s over 600 pieces of glass art hidden in the winelands. It’s one of the largest privately-owned glass collections in the world.
Glenelly Estate | @glenellyestate | Image: Glenelly Estate
FAIRY AND PIXIE GARDEN
The enchanted garden filled with pixies, fairies, and a life-sized mushroom stool costs R30 for adults and R20 for kids.
Plot 307 Main Road | Jacobs Bay | @pixie_and_fairy_village | Image: @joannecwilliams
BLUE ROCK WATERSKI RESORT
There’s waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, diving and rock jumping at Blue Rock.
Sir Lowry’s Pass Road | Somerset West | @bluerockresort_official | Image: @amadeart
EVER HEARD OF A JAZZ SAFARI?
It’s a 4-hour tour going through the homes of Cape Town jazz artists, with live music from Hilton Schilder, Eldred Schilder and Maya Spector. Book via info@coffeebeansroutes.com. 
Various locations | @coffeebeansroutes | Image: Coffeebeans Routes
MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM
The second-largest military aviation museum in the country. The South African Air Force Museum at Satellite Ysterplaat, is the ultimate Top Gun experience in Cape Town.
Piet Grobler Street | Ysterplaat Airbase | @saaf_museum_ysterplaat | Image: @chloehuttonxx
RIDE A HARLEY DAVIDSON
A 2-hour chauffeured cruise around the city or along Chapmans Peak on the back of a Harley.
Chapman’s Peak | Cape Town | @skaristouring | Image: Harley Davidson South Africa
TUBE DOWN THE RAPIDS
White-water rafting down Palmiet River in two-person inflatable “crocodiles”. There are five main rapids – Handstands up, Bubble and Squeak, Itchy and Scratchy, Waterfall and Judgement Day.
Kogelberg Nature Reserve | Kleinmond | @gravityadventures | Image: Gravity Adventures
HANDMADE AFRICAN ICE-CREAM
At this little hole-in-the-wall eatery, there are flavours like hibiscus curd, matemba-salted toffee with scotch bonnet chillies, and sorghum porridge and coconut.
76 Lower Main Road | Observatory | @_tapi_tapi | Image: Tapi Tapi
SNORKEL WITH SEALS
This spot was featured in Disney’s Dolphin Reef and BBC’s Blue Planet. You can explore the kelp forests, and find Cape Fur seals along the way.
8 Albert Road | Hout Bay | @sealsnorkeling | Image: Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling
LAVENDER PICKING FOR R50
The best season for lavender picking is June to October. Plus, there’s wine tasting, and a boutique store with lavender-based goods from cordials to preserves.
Canettevallei Lavender & Wine Farm | Stellenbosch | @canettevallei | Image: Canettevallei
THE ANCIENT AFRICAN BEVERAGE
Ever tried mead? This drink made from yeast, water and honey originated from Southern Africa and you could learn about it at Cape Town Meadery.
27 7th Avenue | Maitland | @cape_town_meadery | Image: Cape Town Meadery
VINTAGE VINYL STORE
Featured in the Oscar-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man. Its little door conceals old records, books, comics and cassettes. If it’s rare – you’ll find it at Mabu Vinyl.
285 Long Street | Gardens | @mabuvinyl | Image: Mabu Vinyl
SAFARI TOUR BY THE SEA
When it comes to game reserves here, you can be in the veld or by the beach. Why not both? This game reserve, home to 4 of the Big 5, offers a safari tour on the West Coast.
Buffelsfontein Nature Reserve | West Coast | @buffelsfontein | Image: @nicky_lundin
SECRET COFFEE SHOP IN A CHURCH
Heaven Coffee Shop is located in Central Methodist Mission, a church that’s been around since the 1800s, where you can also play a game of chess.
38 Burg Street | City Centre | @heavencoffeeshop | Image: @ourfoodmission
FLY A SPORT PLANE
Under the supervision of your flight instructor, you’re able to take hold of the controls and fly a sport plane, beginning in the farmlands and ending over the Blouberg coast.
Cape Winelands Airfield | @cape_sky_adventures | Image: Cape Sky Adventures
TOFFEE TASTING IN DARLING
So you know about wine tastings and coffee tastings, but what about toffee tastings? Darling Sweets has an old-fashioned handmade toffee tasting.
7A Long Street | Darling | @_darling_sweet_ | Image: Darling Sweet
SIDECAR CITY TOURS
See Hout Bay, Darling, Cape Point, Stellenbosch or Gordons Bay all from a sidecar. Tours range from 2 hours to 4 hours, or even a full-day tour.
Various locations | @capesidecaradventures | Image: Cape Sidecar Adventures
ZIPLINE THROUGH A VALLEY
It’s four and a half hours of ziplining through a hidden valley, over a double waterfall. You can also do a guided nature tour.
Forestry Road | Grabouw | @capecanopytour | Image: Cape Canopy Tour
EAT LOCAL FOOD
Vetkoek with chakalaka and tshisanyama, or a classic potjie. And it happens to be located in one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cape Town.
Battery Park | V&A Waterfront | @sevencolourseatery | Image: Seven Colours Eatery
STAY ON A HOUSEBOAT
In this houseboat you sleep on the turquoise waters of the Langebaan Lagoon at Kraalbaai.
West Coast National Park | @kraalbaai | Image: Melissa Brown
BE A BEEKEEPER FOR THE DAY
Go on a beekeeping experience where you can adopt a hive and buy its honey, or take a tour and learn about the Cape honeybee at Honeybees Heroes.
Willowdale Farm | Stanford | Papiesvlei | @honeybeeheroes | Image: Honeybee Heroes
VISIT AN OSTRICH FARM
Did you know there’s an ostrich farm at Cape Point? You can see ostriches, turtles and snakes. Plus a leather and egg shop.
Plateau Road | Cape Peninsula | Cape Point Ostrich Farm | Image: @pixiprol
FRUIT AND FLOWER PICKING
Everything from strawberries and blueberries to apples and veggies. You can even make your own flower bouquet at these picking farms that are open all-year round.
Hoogwater Farm | Romansrivier | @hoogwaterfarmlife | Image:@hanglikealocal
EAT WITH TANNIE EVITA
Evita Bezuidenhout has her own café and deli in Darling where you can grab a bite. Plus, check the theatre schedule for live performances from Pieter-Dirk Uys at Evita se Perron.
8 Arcadia Street | Darling | @evitaseperron | Image: Evita se Perron
NATURE RESERVE IN THE SUBURBS
A wetland wilderness found in Grassy Park, known for its impressive bird life. There are two viewing towers with spectacular scenery.
Pelikan Park | Grassy Park | Image: @mosaic.photography
KAYAK ON THE SEA OR AT NIGHT
You might even spot seals or dolphins when paddling in Sea Point. Or go kayaking at night in a lit-up canoe at Battery Park.
179 Beach Road | Three Anchor Bay | @capekayakadventures | Image: Cape Kayak Adventures
SCONE SHACK WITH FARM ANIMALS
Home of Rasher the pig and Rooster the chicken. There’s homemade jams and scones, plus farm animals roaming around the cafe, located on a hidden farm in Cape Point.
Lalaphanzi Farm | Plateau Road | Cape Point | @scone_shack | Image: Travelling Gypsy
PARAGLIDE IN THE GARDEN ROUTE
You can start in Sedgefield or the Wilderness. Flights last anything from 10-20 minutes, and it’s strictly 14 and over.
Various locations | @paraglideafrica | Image: Paraglide Africa
OLIVE OIL TASTING
It’s all about olives at this estate – olive jam, olive chutney, even olive face cream (not for tasting) – with a clutch of gold medals and awards won from across the globe.
Lemoendrif Farm | Tulbagh | @oakhurstolives | Image: @miekevanniekerk
KAAPSE KLOPSE
The Klopse dance and sing their way through the streets of District Six to the CBD in a whirlwind of colour. It happens on “Tweede Nuwe Jaar” and it’s free.
Cape Town City Centre | @capetownstreetparade | Image: @jas0nmay
HIGH TEA BY THE OCEAN
This little piece of Italy in Muizenberg was built in 1929 by Italian Count Natale Labia. Today it’s a hotel, event space and restaurant with high tea.
192 Main Road | Muizenberg | @casalabiabyideascartel | Image: Eduan Shoot
RIDE MONSTER SCOOTERS
It’s an exhilarating way to see Stellenbosch, Signal Hill or Bo-Kaap. The non-electric scooters are eco-friendly and easy to steer. Book your adventure with Scootours.
Various locations | @scootoursbestdayever | Image: Scootours
TOUR THE CAPE TOWN TUNNELS
Did you know that there are secret tunnels running below the city? A qualified guide takes you through the spooky tunnels that date back as far as 1652.
Corner of Darling and Buitenkant Street | Good Hope Adventures | Image: GoBinge
EXPLORE NATURE IN MITCHELLS PLAIN
Wolfgat Nature Reserve in Mitchells Plain has everything from picnicking and paragliding to fishing. It’s free to enter.
Baden Powell Drive | Mitchells Plain | Wolfgat Nature Reserve | Image: Hitekani Mbatsana
EXOTIC ANIMAL WORLD
An outing to experience exotic and wild animals previously kept as pets and whose survival is now maintained by Exotic Animal World.
R44 just off the N1 | Klapmuts | @exotic_animal_world_ | Image: Exotic Animal World
KARAOKE AT A CREATIVE STUDIO
Hair salon by day and a karaoke studio by night. It’s free to sing and you can order food from the next door neighbours – Three Wise Monkeys, Una Mas and Only Fools.
84 Regent Road | Seapoint | Cape Town | @bokehvenue | Image: Lara van Zyl
INDOOR ROLLER RINK
It’s in an emptied-out parking garage, with pool tables, arcade and VIP party area. Most nights you’ll get to skate around to throwback songs at this underground disco jol.
Battery Park | Waterfront | Cape Town | @rollercadeza | Image: Rollercade
WORLD OF BIRDS
The largest bird park in Africa in a tropical garden setting. There’s a monkey jungle, mammals and reptiles at World of Birds sanctuary.
World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary | Valley Road | Hout Bay | @worldofbirds_official | Image: Jessica Marais Photography
UNDERWATER SEA FOREST
Freedive into a Kelp Forest or go on a snorkelling experience, where you’ll interact with rock lobsters and the Cape Fur Seals.
1 Albert Road | Muizenberg | @capetownfreediving | Image: Cape Town Freediving
BECOME A NINJA FOR THE DAY
Inspired by the TV series Ninja Warrior. You can climb, balance, jump and swing across different obstacles, plus there’s a dedicated section for mini warriors (5 and under).
Black River Park | Observatory | @totalningabrp | Image: Total Ninja
PLUNGE INTO AN ICE BATH
Cryotherapy is all the rage now. You can join a guided ice water immersion at some of the most beautiful locations in Cape Town.
Various locations | @subzeroct | Image: Sub Zero
INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING
CityROCK is a fully stocked climbing gym with high walls, bouldering sections, kids sections, crack climbing and even auto belay climbing.
9 Milner Street | Paarden Eiland | @cityrock_cpt | Image: City ROCK
CURIOUS WINE PAIRINGS
Wine and waffles anyone? Or how about olive oil or ice cream? Here are 10 curious wine tastings voted by our readers.
M13 Tygerberg Valley Road | Durbanville | @dariawinery | Image: D’Aria Winery
MONKEY BUSINESS: BABOONS AT CAPE POINT
Before humans there were apes, and at Cape Point this is exactly the case. See the home of mountainous Baboons in the Cape Peninsula. Do not feed them.
Cape Point Nature Reserve | Cape Town | @capepointsa | Image: @faam_artistry
MINIATURE TOY MUSEUM
You might recognize some of the toys and memoribilia from your childhood. There’s also a miniature of South Africa’s one of a kind blue train (that actually runs).
Mark Street | Stellenbosch Central | Toy and Miniature Museum | Image: Ismaeel Adams
THE BELLY OF THE BEAST
There’s a secret menu with an unknown amount of courses, revealed on the day of your booking. And only 30 guests can dine at a time. 
110 Harrington Street | Cape Town City Centre | @bellyofthebeast_ct | Image: Belly of The Beast
TOUR WOODSTOCK
An on-foot tour of street art, galleries and murals. Choose a 60 or 90 minute tour, guided by Juma Art Tour’s mediums.
Woodstock Exchange | 66 Albert Road | @jumararttours | Image: @axelundsue
SLEEP ON THE BEACH
Kogel Bay Resort is a beach site situated between fynbos and mountains, where you can camp right near the sand. Plus you can hike to the Crystal Pools.
Clarens Drive | Gordons Bay | Kogel Bay Resort | Image: Brendan Watson
TOUR THE TWO OCEANS
A 24-minute tour where you can see sights like Chapman's Peak Drive, Constantia Winelands and Muizenberg. Plus, you get a bottle of bubbly and a 60 minute catamaran cruise all included.
View this post on Instagram
3 East Pier Road | V&A Waterfront | @sporthelicopters
AN 80-YEAR-OLD GARDEN
There’s a majestic waterfall, colourful fynbos and a lush indigenous forest at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens in Betty’s Bay.
Cnr Clarence Drive & Broadwith Rd | Betty’s Bay | @sanbi_za | Image: Sheri Haw
HORSE RIDING AT SLEEPY HOLLOW
With views of Chapman's Peak and Noordhoek beach. There’s beach rides, pony rides, lessons for adults and children, and riding for the disabled.
Sleepy Hollow Lane | Noordhoek | @sleepyhollow28 | Image: Tom Laurent
GO KLOOFING IN THE BOLAND MOUNTAINS
Hike, swim and jump your way through this thrilling waterway. The cliffs are from 3 to 20 metres with freshwater rock pools below at Suicide Gorge.
Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve | @capenature | Image: Jamie-Lee Day
BOARD A MAGICAL STEAM TRAIN
This steam train transports you to the 1800s, and stops at a market in an old apple warehouse. The entire experience lasts over 10 hours, including the ride on the Elgin Railway Steam Train.
Depart from Harbour Bridge Hotel in Foreshore | @elginrailwaymarket | Image: Elgin Railway Market
EAT THE HOTTEST BURGER
Try your hand at the Sterkbek challenge: Eat a gourmet burger with ghost chillies, jalapeño and in-house spicy sauce (to name a few toppings) at the Hood Kitchen in Mitchell’s Plain.
23 Boeing | Rocklands | @thehoodkitchen_mp | Image: The Hood Kitchen
DROP FROM THE SKY WITH THIS THRILL RIDE
One of only three thrill rides of its kind in the world launches from the 28th floor of Hotel Sky, catapults you 35-metres up in a chair lift, giving you a bird’s eye view of Cape Town.
9 Lower Long St | Hotel Sky | Cape Town | @skyhiride | Image: SkyHi Ride
TRY YOUR HAND AT AXE-THROWING
Challenge your friends to an axe-throwing competition and hit the bullseye at XOXO Urban Axe Throwing in Salt River.
100 Voortrekker Road | Salt River | @xoxo_axethrowing | Image: Simone Strydom
EASTERN STREET FOOD
This bazaar has Turkish, Indian and local dishes. From kebabs to Cape-style biryanis, Indian curries and tandoor dishes, the Eastern Food Bazaar is a trove of flavour.
96 Longmarket Street | CBD | @easternfoodbazaarct | Image: Francois Rousseau
MEET AND FEED ALPACAS
You can tour the barn or go on a guided walk, accompanied by alpacas. (PS. feel free to feed them for only R20).
Suid Agter Paarl Road | Southern Paarl | @alpacaloom | Image: Inge du Plessis
TIDAL POOL IN HERMANUS
It’s at the bottom of Ficks Pinchos and Wine Restaurant, and it’s free to swim there. Find more tidal pools around the province.
8 Marine Dr, Westcliff | Hermanus | @ficksrestaurant | Image: Ficks Restaurant
WATER BIKE ON THE SEA
Yes, you ride a “bike” on water. There’s daily tours between 8am and 12pm with Cape Town Water Bikes in Simon’s Town.
1 Wharf Street | Simon’s Town | @capetownwaterbikes | Image: Cape Town Water Bikes
SECRET CLUB
It’s eclectic, it’s classy, it’s Darling, baby. And getting into one of Cape Town’s sexiest clubs is a thrill – there are three ways to access it. See more top places for a night out.
101 Hout Street | Cape Town City Centre | @zsazsacpt | Image: Zsa Zsa
DRINK WINE AT THIS LANDMARK FARM
The first fully black-owned wine farm in Franschhoek. Learn the history and heritage of Klein Goederust and enjoy a wine tasting.
Klein Goederust Road | Franschhoek | @klein_goederust | Image: Klein Goederust
GOSPEL TOWNSHIP TOUR
Listen to the sounds of gospel singing and dancing as you visit a church on a gospel tour with the Camissa Township Tour.
Camissa Travel and Marketing | @camissatravel | Image: Camissa Travel
STAND UP PADDLE IN CAPE TOWN’S CANALS
With no waves to disturb you or knock you off your board, explore the Waterfront canals on a stand up paddle with SUP Cape Town.
Battery Park | Alfred Road | V&A Waterfront | @supcapetown | Image: Warren Papier
14 DISHES FROM CAPE TO CAIRO
You’re greeted by Malian puppets and the sound of African drums. Taste food from across Africa and enjoy a sensory journey of colours, creativity and artistry at GOLD Restaurant.
15 Bennett St | Green Point | @goldrestaurantcapetown | Image: GOLD Restaurant
DINNER AND A SHOW
Waiters by day, singers and dancers by night. ft Theatrical Dining has themed nights, from Mamma Mia to Disney shows.
118 Sir Lowry Road | Woodstock | @stardustcapetown | Image: Stardust Theatrical Dining
THE GIRAFFE HOUSE
A safe haven for a collection of African inspired wildlife and provides a nice open-air facility for planned picnics. Supervised feeding of the giraffes are also available.
R304 & R101 Muldersvlei | Cape Town | @giraffehousesa | Image: @ashly_koetze
SAN TOUR IN YZERFONTEIN
Experience a tea tasting, forage in the field, learn how to track in the sand or ride an eBike at !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre.
West Coast Road | Yzerfontein | @khwattu | Image: Alexander Bester
CAPE TOWN’S MOST ICONIC TAKEAWAY
Nothing screams “Cape Town” like a good old Gatsby. Here’s where to find the best gatsby in Cape Town, according to locals.
Block 1 | Gatesville Shopping Centre | 1 Hazel Road | Gatesville | @_thegoldendish | Image: @bosse.ke.tiido
A GLOBAL DANCE MOVEMENT
Start or end your day off on a high note with a silent guided dance experience. Locations vary from wine farms to beaches. Headphones are provided at Secret Sunrise.
Secret Sunrise | @secretsunrisecpt | Image: Secret Sunrise
SHARK-CAGE DIVING
Just two hours from Cape Town is the Great White Shark capital of the world. Be bold and go shark diving in Gansbaai.
Gansbaai | @whitesharkco | Image: White Shark Diving Co
BEST FISH AND CHIPS IN TOWN
Eating fish and chips is as Capetonian as Table Mountain, so take the lead from locals that know their seafood. Try out some of the best fish and chips in town.
Various locations | @luckyfishandchips | Image: Lucky Fish and Chips
HIKE THE CITY'S TRAILS
Cape Town offers some of the best hiking and walking trails with breathtaking views, you might even find a hidden waterfall. From Table Mountain to Cecilia Forest, we’ve found the top hiking picks.
Various locations | Image: Carmen Lewis
TEST YOUR INNER SLEUTH
Have you got what it takes to escape prison or launch a torpedo in just 60 minutes? There are five rooms, plus online escape games at HintHunt Africa.
Watershed | 17 Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | @hinthuntafrica | Image: Hint Hunt
DRIVE OVER CHAPMAN’S PEAK
For 100 years, Chapman’s Peak Drive has been one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world.
Chapman’s Peak Drive | Cape Town | Image: Tyrone vd Berg
INNER-CITY MARKET
Every Thursday you can explore the historic ambience of the city at St George’s Market. There are local vendors, vintage clothes and more.
138 St Georges Mall | Cape Town | @stgs.market | Image: St. George’s Market
SEGWAY THROUGH VINEYARDS
There are two options: A one-hour excursion that covers the heart of the farm, and a two-hour trip that heads further out into wine and agriculture country of this Stellenbosch wine farm. See their tour options available.
Spier Wine Farm | Baden Powell Drive | Stellenbosch | @segwayspier | Image: Spier Wine Farm
THE BEST TSHISANYAMA
It’s not just about the meat, it’s a lifestyle, a place to party, see the hottest local artist or just chill with friends. Discover the best tshisanyamas.
Various locations | Image: Urban Tshisanyama
OLDEST CATHEDRAL IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
If you happen to be at St George’s Cathedral during midday, you’ll hear the ringing of the cathedral bell (rung daily for 10 minutes).
5 Wale Street | Cape Town City Centre | St. George’s Cathedral | Image: James Delaney
LEARN ABOUT GANG CULTURE AT THIS MUSEUM
Learn about Cape Town’s history with a township tour at the 18 Gangster Museum in Khayelitsha.
Dullah Omar Street | Mandela Park | @18gangstermuseum | Image: 18 Gangster Museum
CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART
There are nine floors showcasing the best of African art at Zeitz MOCAA Museum.
V&A Waterfront Silo District | S Arm Road |@zeitzmocaa | Image: Zeitz Mocaa
CITY’S HIDDEN WATERFALL
A short 30 minute walk through the Silvermine Nature Reserve will lead you to this waterfall not many know about.
Silvermine Nature Reserve |Table Mountain National Park | @SANParks | Image: Jóvan du Plessis
TRY BOKKOMS
Bokkomlaan is named after this Cape delicacy made from salted and dried fish pieces. Watch fishermen prepare this fish biltong and try it at Die Vishuis in Velddrif.
Various locations | Image: cameras_and_cases
TALLEST TREE SPECIES IN THE WORLD
The home of Giant Californian Redwoods is between Swellendam and Heidelberg in the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy.
Grootvadersbosch | Heidelberg | @gvbconservancy | Image: Thabiso Mokoena
CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING
Let your inner adrenaline junkie out at Lourensford Wine Estate with clay pigeon shooting.
Lourensford Wine Estate | Somerset West | @claypigeon_adventures | Image: Clay Pigeon Adventures
GREEN JEWEL OF THE NORTHERN SUBURBS
Majik Forest in Durbanville is filled with flowers, shrubs, and densely forested areas. There’s several MTB trails, picnic spots and has a kids’ play area.
Van Riebeeckshof Road | Cape Town | Image: Chloe Ellis
A SLICE OF ANCIENT GERMANY IN HOUT BAY
Lichtenstein Castle in Hout Bay has been around since 1998, and was sold for R23 million in 2012. Now it offers breathtaking architecture as a venue space.
Harbour Road | Hout Bay | Lichtenstein Castle, Hout Bay | Image: KT Drones
COFFEE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE
Morale Coffee takes peace and quiet to a new level, with a simple setup of giant haystacks. Serving coffee, frozen drinks, and breakfasts, this is the place to get coffee off the grid.
R44 between Hermon and Wellington | @moralecoffeetogo | Image: Arne van Rendburg
AND 25 ICONIC CAPE TOWN ATTRACTIONS
|
What’s special |
Get in touch |
Cost |
|
A 90-minute free walking tour in Bo-Kaap. |
71 Wale Street, Bo-Kaap 076 636 9007 |
Free (held twice a day) |
|
Trace your lineage with a new exhibition at Iziko Museum. |
5 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens |
(With SA ID) Kids aged 5 to 18 and pensioners: R20 / Free entry on Fridays |
|
The wine lounge on top of Table Mountain. |
Lower Cableway Station, Tafelberg Road |
Prices vary depending on age, day and time of entry |
|
10 tips for hiking Lion’s Head. |
Signal Hill Road |
Free |
|
South African history at the District Six Museum |
25A Buitenkant St, District Six |
R60 |
|
Hop-On, Hop-Off Double-Decker that goes from V&A Waterfront to Hout Bay |
Various locations |
Prices vary depending on length and choice of tour |
|
World Heritage site Robben Island |
Pick up point at V&A Waterfront 021 413 4200 |
South Africans: R1000 for adults, R620 for children; Non-South Africans: R1400 for adults, R820 for children |
|
The oldest garden in South Africa. There’s also a cafe at Company’s Garden. |
15 Queen Victoria Street 021 423 2919 |
Free entry |
|
Only place in the world where you can get up close to African penguins at Boulders Beach |
Simons Town |
South Africans: R44 per adult, R22 per child; Foreign visitors: R176 per adult, R88 per child |
|
You can have a picnic in the sky at The Cape Wheel |
V&A Waterfront |
From R95, free to ride the Cape Wheel on your birthday - See how to claim your free ride here |
|
A one-day scuba course and diving experience at Two Oceans Aquarium |
Dock Road, V&A Waterfront 021 418 3823 |
Prices vary from R110 to R235 depending on day, age and citizenship |
|
Over 22 000 different plant species can be viewed at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden |
Rhodes Drive, Newlands 021 799 8783 |
Prices vary for South African citizens, students and pensioners |
|
You can enter the Cape Town Diamond Museum for free |
Level 1 Clock Tower, Clock Tower District, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront |
Free entry but a guided tour costs R200 (tour is free for pensioners, senior citizens + kids under 14) |
|
The smallest and richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms can be found at Cape Point. |
Cape Point |
Return Ticket: Adults R80, kids and pensioners R45; One Way Ticket: Adults R65, kids and pensioners R35 |
|
Paint pottery items at Clay Cafe Ceramic Painting |
Hout Bay/In the City/Paarl |
Pricing and Packages Studio fee of R45 per person (+ the price of your item) |
|
Treetop adventure course at Acrobranch |
Constantia/Stellenbosch |
Prices vary |
|
There’s artisanal products & gourmet food at the Neighbourgoods Market |
The Old Biscuit Mil |
Prices vary |
|
Free art and culture scene every First Thursday |
Various locations/Dozens of art galleries and cultural events in Cape Town |
Free entry (including big after-parties in bars and restaurants) |
|
The oldest working guns in the world can be found at Noon Gun |
Lion Battery on Signal Hill |
Free entry |
|
20-million-year-old limestone caves at Cango Caves |
Cango Valley, Oudtshoorn |
Prices vary |
|
There’s a secret cafe in Tokai Forest |
Tokai Forest |
Free entry |
|
You can collect gemstones for cheap at Scratch Patch, plus play mini-golf in a cave |
1 Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront |
Prices vary |
|
A 45-year-old shipwreck by Oudekraal Beach |
Between Bakoven and Llandudno, opposite the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa |
SA ID: R38 for adults, R19 for children; SADC: R76 for adults with passports proof, R38 for children; International Visitors: R152 for adults, R76 for child. |
|
There’s an outdoor labyrinth at Green Point Urban Park. |
1 Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point 021 444 3903 |
Free entry |
|
Quadbiking and sandboarding at Atlantis Dunes |
Dassenberg Drive, Atlantis |
Prices vary |
Compiled by Sarah Williams, Khadeeja Adams and Lara van Zyl
---
DISCOVER MORE ADVENTURES IN CAPE TOWN
Your guide to hidden gems in the Western Cape.
Dine, do yoga, and go on guided meditation tours in 560-million-year-old earth at engineering feat EARTHBOX.
Try out one of these camping spots on our next road trip.
Splash around in one of these stunning tidal pools.
Find your favourite hangout spot with these new places in town.
Disover +7 things to do this weekend.
---
Loved discovering this? Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
