7 Things to do this week(end)

Jump into Cape Town’s tidal pools, have a picnic lunch, catch an outdoor movie and more

Cape Town is in for a sunny weekend, which means one of the best places to be is outdoors. That could be at Ficks Pinchos & Wine, in Hermanus, or catching an outdoor movie, or even diving with sharks (there’s an awesome special on). Plus, there are a few more activities, from tidal pool hopping and picnic lunches to a life-sized art exhibition at Spier Wine Estate.

IT’S TIME TO GET AWAY WITH FAMILY + FRIENDS

And you won’t find a better escape, or deal, than at Wolfkop Camping Villages and Nature Reserve in Citrusdal in the Cederberg. The camping villages are set up on the Olifants River banks, which has water so clean you can drink it. It’s amazing to swim in and safe for kids. There are five cottages set on the hill at the reserve with gorgeous views of the Olifants River valley below. You can stay at any of the properties for up to 50% less. Plus, all activities are discounted to half-price at Wolfkop Camping Villages and Nature Reserve.

Date: Monday - Sunday

IF THE SUN IS FORECAST HEAD TO FICKS

Fick's tidal pool is carved into the rocky shore of Hermanus, and just above it, set on decks built into the cliffs, is Ficks Pinchos & Wine. Here you're treated to incredible views, breaching whales, dolphins, seals, birdlife and the occasional yacht. As a bonus, Ficks has an excellent menu designed for seaside snacking. There are cocktails (fantastic alcohol-free ones, too), tasty pinchos (the Spanish version of tapas) and hot-from-the-oven flammkuchen. Dogs are welcome, and it's great for kids, too, at Ficks Pinchos & Wine. 

Date: every day, 11am-9pm

OCEAN VIEWS, WHALES AND WINE IN HERMANUS

You are always deserving of an indulgent weekend out of town and Hermanus Guest House is having a Local is Lekker special (up to 30% off) throughout the year. Think never-ending ocean views, the sound of crashing waves, tidal pools that make you feel like you're holidaying in Croatia and a drink on the house every evening. Plus, Hermanus is surrounded by some of South Africa's top wine farms, the Hemel-en-Aarde valley. Take the weekend to recharge at Hermanus Guest House.

Date: Booking required online via www.hermanusguesthouse.co.za.
Price: Price from R2 500 per room (without Local is Lekker rate)

BUY YOUR FRESH PRODUCE FOR HALF THE PRICE

Visit the Fresh Produce Market in Stellenbosch and save up to 50% on the cost of vegetables and fruit. The produce comes from Greendrop Farms, which uses hydroponic methods to grow crops, relying on materials like nutrient-rich water as opposed to soil. It’s farming for the future and you can save up to 50% of your usual vegetable and fruit if you buy from the Fresh Produce Market. 

Date: Every Saturday, 8am- 1pm

HAVE A WALK-ABOUT WITH THE ARTIST HIMSELF 

Internationally renowned South African artist Nelson Makamo (whose most famous patron is Oprah Winfrey) is showcasing his latest work at the Everard Read Gallery at the V&A Waterfront. Makamo’s Human Grace exhibition focuses on the joyful and intimate moments of his subjects' lives through a series of exquisite close-up portraits. Space is limited due to Covid regulations, so be sure to book your place to see Nelson Makamo at Everard Read.

Date: 31 March, Monday to Friday between 9am - 5pm and Saturdays between 9am - 1pm
You may also like: getting your creative fix and finding more free exhibitions at Everard Read Gallery

Photo credit: Michael Hall

VEGETARIANS WILL ALSO ENJOY THIS STEAKHOUSE

This off-beat and edgy steakhouse should be on every meat-eater’s (and vegetarian’s) bucket list. Char'd Grill is best known for its selection of dry-aged, traditional steaks, including the lesser-known steak cuts of spider, brisket and bavette. The cuts most restaurants wouldn't usually put on the menu. But one of its house favourites is entirely vegetarian: the smokey potato rosti patty burgers. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will love Char'd Grill's menu. 

Date: Monday - Sunday, 10:30am - 8pm

WALK THROUGH HERMANUS’ FIRST FRIDAYS

First Fridays is Hermanus’ version of First Thursdays. On this evening, you can wander through various galleries and enjoy their art. You’ll also be able to chat and engage with some top artists, such as wildlife artist Leon Müller and jewellery designer Geta Finlayson, as well as some emerging, contemporary artists. There are over 20 galleries to get through, so you may want to stop for a glass of wine or two on your way through the Hermanus Art Walk.

Date: Every Friday, 5pm - 8:30pm
You may also like: heading out on a boat ride and spending an afternoon whale watching in Hermanus

RELAX IN OLD WORLD CHARM AT THE OLD FOUNDRY HOTEL

The Old Foundry Hotel has both private and intimate spaces that ooze old-world charm. Plus, it's in Cape Town city with its rich culinary and wine scene, and active arts and culture sector, which means it's a destination that gives visitors plenty of entertainment choices. The Old Foundry’s rooms are luxurious, spacious and peaceful. You can also have self-sufficiency, as some suites have a small kitchen at the Old Foundry Hotel.

Date: Monday - Sunday

HAVE BRUNCH IN A PRIVATE VILLA AT WHALE ROCK LODGE

Whale Rock Luxury Lodge is an all-rounder haven for families, kids, couples and friends. The kids will love the large, crystal-clear pool while parents can kick back and enjoy brunch in the beautiful glass breakfast room. There’s also a private villa to the side, which has ample space for families with small kids. But, you’ll also want to take part in some of the near-by activities close to Whale Rock Luxury Lodge. 

Date: Monday - Sunday

TRY AN ABALONE SPECIALITY AT BURGUNDY RESTAURANT

Burgundy Restaurant in Hermanus is in the prime spot for whale-watching. The open veranda in the front gets a clear, uninterrupted view of the ocean, the craft market and the promenade that’s dotted with beautiful sculptures. Plus, the broad menu of beer-battered hake, famous seafood pasta and chips to their speciality abalone dish makes Burgundy Restaurant an easy choice. 

Date: Monday - Sunday, 8:30am - 9pm

LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN WILD WITH JILL TRAPPLER

Artist Jill Trappler’s first solo exhibition since 2019, Water and the Moon, will take you on a journey in a mokoro, metaphorically speaking, into a dreamworld that accesses your own memories, but also dips into concepts of connections in the broader world. It explores the specific and the universal, the visible and invisible, and the possible and impossible. This solo exhibition taps into your imagination, memories + dreams is on now.

Date: now - 10 April

EXPLORE A LIFE-SIZED LIGHT EXHIBITION AT SPIER

The Light Art exhibition at Spier Wine Farm is back this year with an array of majestic light installations and playful interactive pieces that will delight adults and children alike. Plus, you'll get to paint with your phone, thanks to a robot named Lucy. You can visit this magical exhibition that showcases award-winning local artists for the night or stay overnight at the 4-star Spier Hotel to fully appreciate the Light Art Exhibition.

Date: 19 March 2021 - 18 April 2021
You may also like: having a relaxing night or two at the Spier Hotel in Stellenbosch

WORK AND PLAY IN THE HEART OF CAPE TOWN

Cartel House Hotel in Cape Town's bustling CBD is the contemporary, upmarket hotel built for the rising breed of digital nomads looking to visit different destinations, working while they go. It's part of the Ideas Cartel group, which has three sites. Take your can pick between 33 suites across Loop Street, Sand Hill Road and Main Road in Muizenberg. If you're looking for the best option for work-life and accessing city nightlife, Cartel House Hotel is where you want to be. 

Date: Monday - Sunday

CATCH AN OUTDOOR MOVIE AT THE GALILEO

The Galileo Open Air Cinema is back with two fantastic experiences:  the exclusive Galileo Royale and the Drive-in. Royale shows movies every Wednesday at exclusive venues, such as the romantic Casa Labia, in Muizenberg, or Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, in Granger Bay. It’s an elegant experience, with good food available from the restaurants on-site. The Drive-in is more relaxed, good for chilled outings with friends and family, and runs from Fridays to Sundays in Durbanville, Rondebosch, Gardens and Constantia, so book your parking spot at The Galileo. 

Date: Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Plus: From 11 March until the end of April you can have Galileo picnics and movies at Kirstenbosch Gardens

PUSH YOUR BOUNDARIES AND CAGE DIVE WITH A SHARK 

Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or nature lover, sighting a shark in its natural habitat is an exciting experience. It's why people come from all over the world to see the great white sharks in Gansbaai, aka the great white shark capital of the world. White Shark Diving Company is currently running spectacular specials for shark cage diving. Prices are up to R700 less than usual, and don't forget to ask for the CapeTownMagazine.com reader's special when you book any Shark Cage Diving Tour Packages.

Date: Every day
You may also like: petting an animal that’s a bit safer, and friendlier looking, than the toothy great white shark at vredenheim-animal-farm. 

HAVE FRESH FARE SERVED IN A PICNIC BASKET

Picnic Cafe & Deli at Montebello Design Centre in Newlands has a novel concept: when you order your food from the deli counter, it’ll come neatly packed in a picnic basket. You can choose to have it at one of the tables under the trees (some with couches, others with chairs) or you can take a blanket and find a more secluded spot around the centre. There is also a play area for kids and games for the older crowd to play at the Picnic Cafe & Deli. 

Date: Mondays to Sundays, 7am till 4pm
You may also like: discovering hidden sculptures and playing in a giant bamboo fort at Little Stream Farmhouse Deli

 

BROWSE THE WORK OF A LOCAL LEGEND

Take the weekend to browse legendary South African artist Sam Nhlengethwa's colourful figurative and collage works. He’s sharing an intimate look into his love for his family and jazz from his personal vinyl collection. Break up your date with Nhlengethwa's The Still from Life exhibition with a coffee and toastie at the café when you visit the Rupert Museum. 

Date: Tuesday to Friday, 10am - 5pm & Saturday to Sunday, 10am - 4pm

TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME ITALIAN LUXURY

The crashing of the waves, the big green lawn, the authentic Italian aesthetic and rich heritage makes the Casa Labia the perfect escape from the bustling city life. Be it for a stay-cation or work-ation, you have quick access to the beach and nearby cafés and restaurants. Plus, there’s an exceptional menu and an excellent wine-and-gin list at the restaurant in the beautiful Casa Labia Hotel in Muizenberg. 

Date: Monday - Sunday, 8am - 10pm

CRAFT YOUR OWN GIN AT DISTILLERS & UNION

Gin lovers listen up! Try your hand at crafting the perfect gin. Distillers & Union offer a gin-making course where you can personalise everything from your favourite fragrant botanical spices to the alcohol level and even the logo. The co-founders Simon Von Witt and Warren Harries-Jones have some award-winning vodkas, rums and a spicy, fiery ginger beer range ready for you to sample at Distillers & Union.  

Date: Monday to Saturday, 10am - 6pm
You may also like: finding out what other spectacular selection of gin tastings Cape Town has to offer

EXPLORE A NEW WORLD AT THE TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM

Take a trip to Two Oceans Aquarium for everyone's favourite: penguins. It's hard to resist visiting these adorable seabirds in tuxedos. This is just one of the species visitors can see, they have so many fascinating exhibitions to marvel at. Take the kids to see some of the 8 000 wonderful sea creatures at South Africa's most famous aquarium, like jellyfish and other amazing invertebrates (some of which don't have a brain or heart) at Two Oceans Aquarium.

Date: Daily, 9:30am - 6pm weekdays & 9am - 6pm weekends
You may also like: treating the little ones to a friendly alpaca, a visit to the space agency and other free and cheap things you can do with the kids

CELEBRATE OUR DIVERSE CULTURE AT MAKER’S LANDING

If you haven't gone to the new district of the V&A Waterfront for young local foodie talent, you're missing out. Maker's Landing is a food community, where the brightest minds in food can hone their skills. Think shisanyama, samosas and a gatsby sandwich – classic, simple South African food with a gourmet twist. They have also started doing delivery boxes stocked with gourmet burgers, crispy samosas and more. If you're planning your summer holidays, make sure you don't miss  Makers Landing.

Date: Thursday to Saturday: 10am-7pm, Sunday: 10am - 5pm
You may also like: exploring the beauty of little towns through more outstanding and out of town markets.  

SCALE TO THE TOP OF TABLE MOUNTAIN IN A CABLEWAY CAR

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway offers a full year of unlimited visits with their Cable Card (limited to one ride per day). If you've had a birthday during lockdown, you can claim a free ride. You can also treat the kids to an interactive learning experience with Table Mountain Aerial Cableway's Class in the Clouds programme. Take the weekend and scale to the top of Cape Town's most treasured natural wonder and explore over 1 500 plant species on Table Mountain.

Date: Daily, weather permitting

LET THE KIDS CRADLE SOME CROCS AND SNAKES

Let the kids hold little crocodiles, visit the snake park or go fishing at Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm in Paarl. There are over 2 000 crocodiles which you can visit through a guided tour in the Croc Pond, a croc cage dive or you can visit the hatchlings and juvenile crocodiles, you may even get to pet one. If you’d like to stay closer to the city, Cape Town is one giant playground for the kids, and we've narrowed down 37 more things to do with the kids that parents will love.

Date: Every day, except 25 December
You may also like: letting the kids find more fun activities at Imhoff Farm

EXPLORE SIMON'S TOWN'S HIDDEN GEM

Roughly 5km outside the navy village of Simon’s Town, along the coastal road to Cape Point, lies Millers Point tidal pool. Getting to the pool involves a little walking, and it’s worth finding. Head to the Cape Boat and Sky-Boat Club, then turn left until you reach another boat launch spot: the tidal pool is between the two. There are 12 more tidal pools to explore in Cape Town.

Date: Every day

---

MORE TIPS ON UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN:

• Hey parents! Here’s a list of 37 things to do you can do with your kids. 
• Do you use kabeljou, snoek, or hake in your pickled fish recipe?
• Why friends, couples and families alike all love Whale Rock Lodge.
• How to find the best bargains in Cape Town, according to locals.
• Weekends call for exciting days out to (re)discover Cape Town with Kiff Kombi Tours.
• Seaside views, a sushi bar + more at Barstaurant.
• Discover the trails and biodiversity of CapeNature reserves.
• Enjoy a glamorous escape at One&Only Cape Town.  
• Check out this adorable miniature version of the 7de Laan set.
• They’re serving up a brand new menu with fresh pasta and fresh produce at Bacini’s.
• Treat yourself to a fine-dining experience at Templehof’s new Constantia restaurant beyond.

 

ALWAYS SOMETHING YOU DONT WANT TO MISS 
For more updates on Cape Town and coronavirus (COVID-19), including some of the good news we all need during this trying time, subscribe to our weekly newsletter. 

STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL THINGS CORONAVIRUS-RELATED
The situation is ever-changing and our team is committed to bringing you all the latest updates on COVID-19 in Cape Town. Find out which places have closed and get notified when they reopen. Keep tabs on the governmental restrictions in place. And treat yourself to some moments of joy we have found during these challenging times.