7 Things to do this week(end)

Free and affordable things to enjoy the new year

Latest update: Tuesday, 18 January 2022

Free and affordable things to do are highly attractive after the excesses of the festive season – try the free walking tours, or go visit the Elgin Railway market, with its affordable market fare and fresh produce you can take home. There's also a captivating (and free) show of collectible furniture by Rich Mnisi – go see it now, it’s coming to an end soon. That’s just a few of the over 7 Things To Do This Weekend(end), so keep on reading.

 

VISIT THE ELGIN RAILWAY MARKET

Head out to Elgin this weekend to the Art Deco/SteamPunk market. You’ll find a rich variety of foods, from Mediterranean cuisine, spicy chicken, pizza and burgers, to Dim Sum and vegan-friendly foods. You can also buy fresh produce to take home. The market is next to a railway line, so you might spot the famous train coming into Elgin. 

Date: Sat - Sun, 9am - 4pm
Cost: Free entry

Elgin Railway Market | Oak Avenue | Elgin | 021 204 1158 | Instagram

 

HIKE TO A MYSTICAL WATERFALL

Unwind by hiking to a waterfall in Cecilia Forest. There are many routes to get there: Cecilia car park, Newlands Forest, Constantia Nek and Kirstenbosch Gardens. The routes differ in duration and difficulty, but all lead to the breathtaking water gushing over hanging ferns and green mosses. All the routes are pet friendly and most of them are free! Find out more about the hiking trails here. 

Date: Differs
Cost: Free (excluding Kirstenbosch route)

Waterfall at Cecilia Ravina | Cecilia Forest | Constantia

 

RACE THROUGH BOTANICAL GARDENS AT SUNSET

Join the first of six races in the Trail Series Super League 2022 this Friday. Do a sunset run through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – the ticket includes entry to the gardens so you can wander through them at leisure afterwards. The shortest race is 5.2km, the longer race is 9.5km, and the longest, 14.2km. Plus, kids under 10 who are pre-entered can run for free. 

Date: 21 January 2022, from 6.40pm (start time for longest race)
Cost: From R175

Wildrunner | Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens | 072 438 3242 | Instagram

 

TAKE A DAY-TRIP TO THIS RESORT 

This popular ATKV holiday resort welcomes day visitors and offers hours of relaxation and entertainment for all ages. Its facilities include outdoor and indoor swimming pools (including natural hot pools), jacuzzis, a water slide, trampolines, miniature golf, horse riding, volleyball, a games arcade and a restaurant. Head to the heart of the Boland mountains and visit Goudini Spa

Date: Daily, 8am - 6pm
Cost: R155 p/p; pre-bookings are essential (24 hours before the visit) 

Goudini Spa | Wyzersdrift Road, Rawsonville | 023 349 8100 | Website | Image: ATKV-Goudini Spa 

 

JOIN THE HUNT AND WIN R15 000

Hoodhunt is an adventure game that encourages Capetonians to explore the Cape Town area by solving clues that lead to a hidden prize.  How the game works: On the start date, at 8am, each ticket holder will be sent an email with the same clues. The ticket holders need to solve the clues that lead to the R15 000 cash prize. Join solo or as a team – the ticket price stays the same.

Date: 5 February 2022, from 8am
Cost: R200 per ticket (solo or as a team)

Hunt area: Cape Town, Green Point and Sea Point | hoodhunt.co.za

 

COME PICK YOUR OWN GRAPES

Klipheuwel farm allows visitors to pick their own grapes. Opening on the 21st of January, the current cultivar is a red seedless grape called Tawny. It's sweet and crunchy, perfect for lunch boxes or healthy snacks. Scissors and punnets are supplied and you will also get a crash course in cutting grapes and selecting the right bunch.

For bookings: 082 821 4600 or 072 380 8490
Date: Opening on 21 January 2022, Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm; Saturdays, 10am - 1pm
Cost: R15 per kg

Hex River Valley | Sandhills | 082 821 4600 | @klipheuwelfarm | Image: @klipheuwelfarm

 

SEE 17 GORGEOUS GARDENS

Vergelegen Wine Estate is a World Heritage Site for good reason. It has a 300-year-old Cape Dutch Homestead, a 200-year-old library and majestic camphor trees that were declared national monuments. Besides being able to see these wonders, you can also explore its incredible 17 themed gardens (rose, sundial, bamboo gardens among them).

Date: Daily at 9:30am – departing from Vergelegen
Cost: R50, for Heritage & Garden Tour

Lourensford Road | Somerset West | 021 847 2111 | info@vergelegen.co.za | Instagram 

GET INTO A SECRET CLUB 

Getting into Darling, Cape Town’s sexiest night club, is a thrill. You’re led behind the bar, past the fire escape, a glass sculpture, up a few flights of stairs, through a none-descript door, which opens up to Darling. There's 3 ways to get access to get in. Here’s how to get you and your crew into Darling.

Date: Friday 31 Dec, from 4.30pm till curfew
Cost: There’s 3 ways to get into this secret club. 

101 Hout Street | Cape Town City Centre | 079 656 1080 | Instagram
 

FREE + CHEAP THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

Take your kiddies out for a budget-friendly adventure this weekend. Explore Green Point Urban Park, visit an antique store in Hermanus, say hello to some alpacas in Paarl, watch an animated show at the planetarium, or discover free things to do on your birthday. We have listed all of these fun activities and more in our free + cheap things to do overview. 

Date: Varies
Price: Free - R100

The Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop and Weaving Studio | Suid Agter Paarl Road | info@alpacas.co.za | 084 793 3666

SEE RICH MNISI'S BEAUTIFUL NIGHTMARE

Fashion prodigy Rich Mnisi has a captivating solo show of collectable furniture pieces at the Southern Guild until February 2022. His pieces draw inspiration from the snake his mother saw in a dream, his African heritage and explore the concept of fluidity. It’s free to see Rich Mnisi’s Nyoka. 

Date: Current until 4 February 2022
Cost: Free

Silo 5, Unit 5B | South Arm Road, Silo District, V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 21 461 2856 | www.southernguild.co.za
 

ESCAPE INTO A FAIRYTALE GARDEN FOR FREE

You’ll be enchanted by this garden in the heart of Newlands. With a river that runs through it, picnic tables and chairs made out of tree stumps and meandering trails, The Upper Liesbeek River Garden is a great spot for a family outing. You can also walk with the dogs or just enjoy a quick and serene escape from the city without even needing to leave it. Escape to a natural paradise in the middle of the city at the Upper Liesbeek River Garden.

Date: Open all day, every day
Cost: Free

Riverside Road, Newlands | Cape Town | info@rivergarden.org.za
 

HIKE THE CRYSTAL POOLS (ONLY 50 ALLOWED)  

Escape city life by hiking the Crystal Pools trail in Steenbras Nature Reserve. The hike offers clear, fresh mountain water and amazing views, and it takes about 45 minutes to the first pool and an hour to the second pool. Only 50 people are allowed on the reserve per day, so you’ll need to book and pay in advance. Bookings are R75 per person. 

Date: ​​1 November to 30 April; open Mon-Fri (excluding public holidays) from 8:30am to 2:30pm
Cost: R75 per person; email to book: steenbras.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za

Crystal Pools Hiking Trail | Steenbras Nature Reserve | Faure Marine Drive (R44) | Gordan’s Bay | 021 444 6927 | Image: Reyn Curtis
 

WALK, PLAY + SKATE IN A NATURAL PARK

The Radloff Dog Park, which has the Lourensford river running through it, caters to the whole family. You can walk your dog or jog along the path, and it’s an especially good find if you have kids who love water. This is not your typical manicured garden, which makes it perfect for your dogs to run and play. There’s also a skate/bike park right next door. This natural park is the perfect match for your whole family’s needs.

Date: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free entry

Radloff Park | Somerset West | Image @welnagilbert

FEAST ON A BUDGET (FOR AS LITTLE AS R6)

This canteen-style eatery with its string of bustling stalls is a vibe. The portions are huge (one porting is usually more than enough to serve two people), affordable, it’s halaal and vegetarian-friendly. Get Turkish, Cape-style biryani, bunny chows and more at the most reasonable prices at Eastern Food Bazaar.

Date: Open  Monday to Thursday, 10am - 8pm, and Friday to Saturday, 10am - 10pm.
Cost: From R6 for rotis and R9 for a giant naan bread, dosas for R40 and bunny chow for R50.

96 Longmarket St | Cape Town City Centre | 021 461 2458 | info@easternfoodbazaar.co.za | @easternfoodbazaarct

DRINK WHISKY FROM AROUND THE WORLD AT YOBO

YOBO Whiskey and Wine Bar, where Cape Town's eclectic tribes to unwind.They serve some top select range of whisky and wine. The food is good too at YOBO on Shortmarket Street (next to House of Machines).

Date: Wednesday to Friday, 4pm
Cost: Free entrance

86 Shortmarket St | Cape Town City Centre | 064 752 0555 | @yobo_love

BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN CITY (FOR FREE)

Cape Town Free Walking Tours does exactly what it says on the box. Professional tour guides take groups of people on enlightening historical walks through the city. They are free, short, and happen twice a day (11am and 2pm) every single day. This is a gem of an experience often overlooked by locals. See where you can find free walking tours.

Date: Everyday
Cost: Tip

Wale Street/St George’s Mall | City Centre | 0766369007 | info@freewalkingtourscapetown.co.za

DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW + INTERESTING

Explore the Iziko Museums that are open this summer. Discover something new in our natural world, be astonished by local art, step back into the past and immerse yourself in history and culture. From affordable entrances to digital dome shows that  children will love, as well as exhibitions that remain timeless and engaging, this is an interesting thing to do this summer. You can see the details of all the museums here. 

Date: Monday to Saturday (selected museums open on Sunday, too), 9am to 3:30pm
Cost: Adults: R20 to R60, Children: R5 to R30

Queen Victoria St | Gardens | 021 481 3800 | info@iziko.org.za | @izikomuseumss

MEET YOUR FAVOURITE GLOBAL ICONS

The long March to Freedom exhibition in Century City is the largest exhibition of its kind anywhere in the world. It’s a sculpture garden of 100 life-sized, bronze statues that depict South African and international liberation and human-rights icons, and tells the story of South Africa’s 350-year struggle for freedom and democracy.

Date: Monday to Saturday, 10am- 6pm, Sundays and public holidays 10am - 4pm
Cost: Adults R75, kids under 16 and pensioners R50, family (2 adults and 2 children) R210, R10 parking fee

Century City | Cape Town | 01106465595 | @longmarchtofreedom 

 

 

PLAY AT A SUMMER LOUNGE (FEET IN SAND)

Kick up your feet and enjoy a sunny day at the Dutchies Summer Lounge. This tropical paradise is based on Grotto Bay in Hermanus and is set on the beach. It serves easy food (flammkuchen or a sushi platter) and a range of cocktails. It’s open the whole of summer until 30 April.

Date:  It is open from 1 December to 30 April. Mon - Sun from 11am-9pm
Cost: Free entrance, no booking required. Menu options vary.

1 Grotto Street | Voelkip | Hermanus | 083 790 5545 | Instagram

 

SEE HISTORY-IN-THE MAKING IN FRANSCHHOEK

Klein Goederust Boutique Winery is the first fully black-owned wine farm. Its buffet restaurant is in an elegantly restored 1920s building and serves a variety of fresh salads and warm side dishes with its lamb, roosterkoek and chicken on the braai. Try the MCC named after the owner’s mom - a former farm labourer. Make reservations by emailing info@kleingoederust.co.za.

Date: Every Wednesday to Sunday
Cost: R495 for the buffet, R100 for wine tasting

R45 Main Road | Franshhoek | 076 278 7569 | info@kleingoederust.co.za | @klein_goesderust
 

WATCH A BURLESQUE  SHOW AT MAVERICKS

This season ONLY, on Friday and Saturday nights, you can get treated to a one-of-a-kind Burlesque Xtravaganza at Mavericks. Get there early or reserve your seat to catch the shows, featuring stunning Mavericks dancers, swinging 20s music and, of course, a giant birthday cake...allow us to explain.

Date: Fridays (3pm to late) and Saturdays (5pm to late)
Cost: Gents R100, Ladies R50, VIP R400, VIP Library R1000

68 Barrack Street | 063 261 2312 | info@mavericks.co.za | @mavericks_capetown

BOOK THIS WEEKEND FAMILY FEST

The Wolfie Familie Festival in Citrusdal on the calm and cool Olifants River is the kind of fun the family will love. There’ll be magic shows, a garden of gentle animals (you can’t bring your own pets), craft activities, stargazing, dancing – and, of course, plenty of swimming and fun in the river. Find out more about the Wolfie Familie Festival here.

Date: Friday, 25 - Sunday 27 February, 2022 
Cost: From R750 for adults, from R250 for children

There are fantastic theatrical shows with trained children’s entertainers. Image: Wolfkop Camping Villages

HIKE TO A MYSTICAL CAVE

This hike is not just a joy for the eyes but is also easy on the feet. Elephant’s Eye offers some of the most Instagram worthy views in the Western Cape. As amazing as the walk is, the highlight and reward of the hike is Elephant’s Eye cave. The roof of this mystical cave is covered in ferns and has breath-taking views of the dark green forests and vineyards of Tokai and Constantia. Here are all your questions on the hike answered.

Date: Every day, year-round, from 8am to 6pm
Cost: R35 per adult and R15 per child at the Silvermine main gate
Duration: Two hours (or longer), including a picnic at Elephant's Eye cave

Right off Ou Kaapse Weg coming from Cape Town | 021 780 9002

SEE CAPE TOWN’S NEW BEACH CLUB

Cape Town has a ritzy beach club again. Cabo Beach Club is the glamorous beach hang-out with a clear blue pool facing the water's edge, day beds for lounging and an opulent retreat in the Oyster & Caviar Bar upstairs. Heads-up: Goldfish is playing on 26 December at Cabo Beach Club. 

Date: Open Tuesday to Sunday daily 12pm - 11pm (Closed on Mondays) 
Cost: Sushi and drinks starts at R90, mains start from R160

12 S Arm Rd | V&AWaterfront | 021 137 5401 | info@cabobeachclub.co.za | Facebook

SPEND MOVIE NIGHT AT THE GALILEO

The Galileo Open Air Cinema is back with a range of new movies and classics from 21 October 2021 - 24 April 2022. The venues vary, you can picnic as the sun sets in a botanical garden or on a wine farm. You can also opt for the Galileo Royale, which has screenings on the first Wednesday of every month and offers a 5-star viewing experience. Don’t miss out on this unique movie experience this spring/summer at The Galileo. 

Date: 21 October 2021 - 24 April 2022. The Galileo Picnic runs every Thursday to Sunday and The Galileo Royale, runs on the first Wednesday of every month
Cost: From R109

Various locations |071 471 8728 | www.thegalileo.co.za

TEAM BUILDING FOR VIRTUAL TEAM, ANYWHERE

Get your crew to escape online every Wednesday and Friday from wherever they are. Your remote working team can prove their innocence in the online escape room game, Framed! Or, find lost jewels before they enter the black market in Detective Mystery. Every team member is vital to your survival (win). Can you solve the riddles and puzzles in HintHunt Online Escape Room Games? 

Date: The Online Escape Room Games run from Wednesday to Friday, 10am - 5:30pm
How to book: for more information email capetown@hinthunt.co.za or call 076 187 2764

The Watershed, V&A Waterfront | 076 187 2764 | hinthunt.co.za 

BOOK AN UNDERWATER ADVENTURE

The Two Oceans Aquarium has just launched its PADI-certified dive school, which means it is a fully fledged Dive Resort. It offers a range of diving certifications that will qualify you to dive anywhere in the world. You can sign up for refresher courses, the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver, as well as other PADI speciality scuba courses. Kids from 10-years of age can do it. Whether you are a novice or expert driver, you can find a course that suits you with the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Date: Check the website to see dates for courses: aquarium.co.za/diving
Cost: From R1 850 per person

Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront | 021 418 3823 | www.aquarium.co.za  

YOU CAN MEET TINKERBELL HERE 

The Riding Centre in Hout Bay is an outing the whole family can enjoy. Stop by to meet Henry the sheep, Tinkerbell the miniature horse and other animals. Learn to ride or let the kids stop by for some pony playtime. You could also hold a birthday party your child will always remember at The Riding Centre. 

Hours: Monday - Friday, 1:30pm - 5:30pm, Saturdays, 9:30am - 11am and 2:30pm -4pm. Closed on Sundays. 

Main Road | Hout Bay | https://theridingcentre.com/ | 021 790 5286 | instagram.com/theridingcentrehoutbay

APPRECIATE POWERFUL ART

Inspired by stained-glass church windows, South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga’s iiNyanga Zonyaka exhibition, on at the Norval Foundation, is inspired by black female pioneers. It’s vibrant and rich with meaning. There are three more remarkable exhibitions running simultaneously, and don’t forget the Sculpture Garden. See Athi-Patra Ruga's rainbow artwork and more at Norval Foundation.

Date: 2 September - 14 March 2022 (Athi-Patra Ruga exhibition), the Sculpture Garden can be viewed all year round.
Cost: R180 for an annual unlimited access pass (no once-off tickets sold)
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am - 5:30pm; Tuesdays, closed

4 Steenberg Rd, Steenberg Estate | 087 654 5900 | www.norvalfoundation.org 

ENJOY A STATE-OF-THE-ART WINE TASTING 

Spring has sprung, as the famous saying goes, and one of the best destinations to earmark for an outing is La Motte wine estate. Not only does it have a lovely leafy garden where you can dine, it also has a state-of-the-art wine-tasting facility attached to the impressive cellar where you can settle in to taste the range of wines, from current vintages to more rare and limited edition wines. 

Date: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am-5pm
Tasting room: Tuesday - Saturday, 9am- 5pm; Sunday, 11am - 5pm. Tastings are by reservation, so call ahead

R45, Franschoek | 021 876 8000 | www.la-motte.com

WATCH BIRDS AND MONKEYS PLAY

All ages are welcome to pay a visit to the wild birds and playful monkeys in Hout Bay. There are over 3 000 birds and small animals to visit. Expect to see some of the world’s most beautiful birds plus a playground and picnic area next to the flamingos at the World of Birds. You could also do more activities from finding hidden treasure at the scratch patch, play in a room made of trampolines or discover 37 more things to do with the kids.

Date: Daily, all year 9am to 5pm (keep an eye out for feeding times).
Cost: For adults, it’s R130p/p and R50p/p for children.
You may also like: keeping the kids entertained with heaps of things to do when it rains

Valley Rd, Hout Bay | Cape Town | 021 790 2730 | www.worldofbirds.co.za

ROAM THE CITY FOR FOOD, WINE + GIN

Cape Town, and everything around it, is full of cultural gems, wine estates that are off the general radar and pretty natural spots to access. Kiff Kombi Tours offers a range of interesting, knowledgeable and fun tours that are perfect for an outing in your own city. Pair these tours with activities like clay shooting, bubble soccer and paintball matches. What’s more, look at the range of bachelorette, bachelor’s and events Kiff Kombi Tours offers.

Date: Monday - Sunday
Hours: 8am - 6pm 

 
072 213 3888 | www.kiffkombitours.co.za

CAN YOU SURVIVE THESE TRICKY ESCAPE ROOMS?

Kick start your weekend by solving live escape room challenges. Can you escape a disintegrating shipwreck, find cursed treasured scattered along the decks of a decrepit ship or solve the mysterious murder of Mr O before you perish in a crumbling hotel room? Every team member is vital to your survival (win). Can you solve the riddles and puzzles at HintHunt Africa in the Watershed at the V&A Waterfront? 

Date: Wednesday - Sunday
Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 10am - 5:30pm; Sunday, 10am - 4pm

 
Watershed, 17 Dock Rd | Victoria & Alfred Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 21 001 4215 | www.hinthunt.co.za

DINE AT AN OPEN-AIR EATERY IN HERMANUS

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 over the pool, breaching whales, dolphins, seals, birdlife and the occasional yacht. Plus, Ficks has an excellent menu designed for seaside snacking. There are cocktails (fantastic alcohol-free ones, too), pinchos (the Spanish version of tapas) and hot-from-the-oven flammkuchen at Ficks Pinchos & Wine. 

Date: Monday - Sunday
Hours: 11am-9pm
You may also like: smokin’ hot Mexican food with zesty margaritas to try at Mexicola Locale

8 Marine Dr, Westcliff | Hermanus | 028 312 4082 | www.ficks.co.za

HAVE A HARVEST STYLE LUNCH WITH THE KIDS 

When you get a hankering for a roast chicken and a table filled with plates of vegetables and salads, then Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards is the answer. Every Wednesday to Sunday chef Christiaan Visser puts together a meal that is served at your table, designed for sharing between family and friends. There are other options besides chicken, including pork and lamb, and plenty of vegetable choices, too, at the Leopard’s Leap Rotisserie.

Date: Every Wednesday to Sunday
Hours: 9am-4pm

R45 Main Rd | Franschhoek | 021 876 8002 | www.leopardsleap.co.za

 

6 WAYS TO DO SUMMER AT THE MOUNT NELSON

Savour delicious summer days at the Belmond Mount Nelson, Cape Town’s famous pink luxury hotel where hundreds of legends, such as John Lennon, have stayed. Did you know that you don’t need to stay over to enjoy its green lawns and pool? Here are six ways to spend time at this gorgeous hotel without ever checking in.

Date: Open daily
Cost: From R395 per person

76 Orange Str | Gardens | 021 483 1000 | @belmondmountnelsonhotel

 

SIP AND SWIRL LIMITED-EDITION WINES

The Vinoteque Tasting at La Motte is special because the wines you’ll taste are limited and have been reserved for tasting only for that reason. This tasting is the only way you’ll get to drink the Millennium, a Bordeaux-inspired blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon of vintages from 2003, 2004, 2008 and 2009. Taste rate, limited, premium vintages at La Motte Wine Estate.

Date: Tuesday to Sunday
Hours: 9am-5pm
Tasting room: Tuesday - Saturday, 9am- 5pm; Sunday, 11am - 5pm. Tastings are by reservation, so call ahead

R45, Franschoek | 021 876 8000 | www.la-motte.com

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For Further reading 

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Indulge in authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at Nish Nush.

Robots, rides and views of the city at city’s newest hotel.

Hey parents! Here’s a list of  37 things to do with your kids.

Here’s what you can do at Cape Town’s first indoor roller skating park.

Indulge in CBD infused food at Infusion on Long.

How to find the best bargains in Cape Town, according to locals.

Discover the trails and biodiversity of CapeNature reserves.  

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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. 

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