Knysna, but not the Knysna you think
Locals help us uncover the hidden treasures of this Garden Route gem
Cape Town's 7 things to do this weekend
Sunset concert, Christmas workshop, rooftop party, family carnival & car show
Latest update: Tuesday, 9 December 2025
It’s Dezemba! Our guide for this weekend includes an open-air music festival with picnics, Cape Town’s biggest carnival and car show, and a Christmas workshop for kids these school holidays. There’s also a deeply moving science-meets-music show about black holes, and a sunset concert celebrating Loukmaan Adams. Plus 20+ more things to do this festive season.
SUNDAY BIG FAMILY CARNIVAL & CAR SHOW
Killarney Raceway will transform into the ultimate family carnival for one day only, and it only happens once a year! Kids can go wild on rides like the human space gyro, swing carousel and bungee trampolines while families braai for free on the spectator banks (you can bring your own food). There’s also aerial acts, magic shows and racing at the Cape Motorsport Festival.
Date: Sunday, 14 December 2025, 9am to 6.30pm
Cost: From R10 to R850, book via Webtickets
Killarney International Raceway | 6 Potsdam Road | Table View | @killarneyinternationalraceway | Image: Killarney
THE SCIENCE-MEETS-MUSIC SHOW
Hidden Giants brings black holes and the universe to life through cinematic visuals, immersive sounds, and music that feels like a Hans Zimmer score. Co-created by physicist Luca Pontiggia and composer Yasheen Modi, it makes the universe tangible, thrilling, and strangely intimate, leaving every audience moved and inspired in Hidden Giants.
Date: 11 to 14 December 2025, 7pm
Cost: From R130 to R540, book via Webtickets
Hidden Giants | The Star Theatre District Six Homecoming Centre | Cape Town | @theuniverseonstage | Image: Hidden Giants
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND FOR KIDS
Santa’s Wonderland is a Christmas themed workshop for kids with cookie decorating, crafts, games, and a Christmas goodie bag to take home. Tickets include a photo session with Santa, a two-hour play session at Ipic Active and Play, and a bonus play session to use another time.
Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025, 10am to 4pm
Cost: Tickets from R50, book via Quicket
Ipic Active | Corner of Burton &, Aurora St | @ipic_play | Image: Unsplash
ROOFTOP PARTY IN THE CITY
On Tuesday, there’s a rooftop party celebrating Cape Town’s original house scene, with a proper old school party vibe. Expect multiple DJ’s playing different genres of house, two stages, and multiple bars at Back to the Old House’s The Sunflower Sessions.
Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025, from 12pm
Cost: From R150 via Quicket
Maroon | 226 Long Street | @backtotheoldhouse | Image: Sunflower Sessions
OPEN-AIR MUSIC FESTIVAL IN MUZINBERG
This relaxed outdoor festival in Muizenberg Park will have live music, summer energy, and picnic style chilling with friends in the sunshine. The lineup includes performances by local favourites like Jeremey Loops , Desmond and the Tutus, and much more.
Date: Saturday, 13 December 2025, from 12pm
Cost: From R250 via Quicket
Muzinberg Park | @capeopenairmusicfestival | Image: Cape Open Air Music Festival
A BURNING HOT FESTIVAL
The Chilli Festival is back on Sunday, with chilli tastings, sauce vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, craft beer and gin bars, and even a kids play zone. Also expect a sauce eating competition, and a kids chilli candy eating competition.
Date: Sunday, 14 December 2025, 11am to 4pm
Cost: Kids under 16, free, tickets from R50 via Quicket
Sunningdale Cricket Oval | | @foodiescapetown | Image: foodiescapetown
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
A warm and uplifting seasonal concert featuring the Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town and the Cape Town Brass Ensemble, performing festive favourites and contemporary gems with a uniquely South African flair inside the historic City Hall.
Date: Friday 12 and Saturday 13 December 2025, from 7pm
Cost: From R190, book via Quicket
Cape Town City Hall | @capetownphilharmonia | Image: Unsplash
SUNSET CONCERT ON TUESDAY
Unity On The Square is a vibrant sunset concert in Greenmarket Square featuring live music, dancing, halaal food stalls, and a coffee bar. This year, the event is celebrating 50 years of theatre legend, Loukmaan Adams.
Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025, from 4pm
Cost: Tickets are R50, book via Quicket
Greenmarket Square | @unityonthesquare | Image: Unsplash
SAFARIS AT A NEW LUXURY GETAWAY
Just an hour from Cape Town, West Coast Safaris borders West Coast Private Game Reserve, where giraffes, zebras, eland, waterbuck, and more roam freely, and Yzerfontein Beach glimmers in the distance. There’s horseback rides, whale-watching, Surf & Turf safaris and daily game drives at West Coast Safaris. And with so much to do, it makes sense to stay over at their glamorous Rooikat Safari Accommodation.
Date: Daily, 8am to 5pm
Book: Book your safari via West Coast Safari’s website, book your accommodation via Rooikat Safari Collection’s website
Weskus Padstal | Corner of R27 & R315 | Yzerfontein | @west_coast_safaris_sa @rooikatsafaricollection | Image: West Coast Safaris
DRUMMING AND SUNSET BRAAI
They've opened for the Beijing Olympics, played Off-Broadway and shared stages with artists like Shakira, Will.I.Am, Dolly Parton, and more. Guests can experience this world-class talent in a way you won’t find anywhere else: with a sunset wine tasting, South African braai and the world's first interactive drum-theatre dinner show, Drumstruck.
Date: Wednesday to Sunday at 11am & 5pm
Cost: From R280 to R930, book via activitybridge.com
Silvermist Organic Wine Estate | Main Road | Constantia Nek | @drumstruckshow | Image: Drumstruck
FREE MARKET IN CONSTANTIA
The Alphen Market is on again this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday you can browse through over 150 stalls from local makers. There's crafts, art, fashion, food and more. Plus it's pet-friendly, there's picnic spots, kids play areas and horse rides. If you register on their website, you’ll even score a free Aperol Spritz at the market.
Hours: First and last weekend of every month
Cost: Free entry
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Alphen Common | Constantia | @alphenmarket | Image: Alphen Market
ART MUSEUM & SCULPTURE GARDEN
Norval Foundation, the art museum with a sculpture garden deserves a full-day visit. This summer there are four must-see exhibitions, picnics in the sculpture garden set among indigenous wetlands, and a kids programme. You can also grab brunch or dinner before seeing the works. Here’s why Norval Foundation is`a must-visit art museum.
Date: Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm; Sunday and public holidays, 10am to 4pm
Cost: From R100, book via Webtickets
4 Steenberg Road | Tokai | @norvalfoundation | Image: Norval Foundation
NEW SATURDAY MORNING MARKET
The Bridge Market launches its first trade this Saturday and will run weekly at Shift Espresso Bar in Gardens from 7am to 11am. This community-driven market is a social hub for early risers and post-workout meetups. You can browse a variety of products from local creatives, and with a morning schedule, you’ll have the rest of the day free.
Date: Every Saturday, from 1 November; 7am to 11am
Cost: Free entry, see Instagram post
Shift Espresso Bar | 100 Kloof Street | Gardens | @bridgemarkets_za | Image: Bridge Markets
TABLE MOUNTAIN FOR LOCALS
You might’ve done it once and ticked it off your bucket list, but there’s so much more to Table Mountain than just the cable car. It has Cape Town’s highest bar (which doesn’t require a cable ride), free guided tours and wine tastings 1 000 metres above sea level. Plus, the local specials make Table Mountain worth visiting year round.
Date: Daily, 8am to 9pm
Cost: From R70 to R1 100, book via Table Mountain’s website
5821 Tafelberg Road | Cape Town | @tablemountainca | Image: Table Mountain
70 YEARS OF MAYNARDVILLE SUMMER MAGIC
Maynardville’s Open-Air Festival is a magical summer tradition, where fairy lights glow through the trees and the sound of live performance drifts through the summer air. It’s a celebration of the arts, now featuring opera, orchestras, and for the first time, jazz concerts and VIP experiences alongside its legendary Shakespeare productions. Here’s what to expect at Maynardville Open-Air Festival 2026.
Date: 13 January to 8 March 2026
Cost: From R249, book via Maynardville’s website
Allée 27 Piers Road | Wynberg | @maynardville | Image: Maynardville Open-Air Festival
QUIZ NIGHTS IN OBSERVATORY
Every Monday night is quiz night at Ground Culture. Hosted by Inquizitorious Rex Quizzes, expect brain-teasers, trivia debates, and R80 burgers all evening. Teams are welcome, or come solo and join one on the spot. The quiz kicks off at 7pm, so arrive early to grab a seat. Prizes are also up for grabs!
Date: Every Monday; 6.30pm to 9pm
Cost: Tickets from R20, book via Quicket
Ground Culture Café | 170 Lower Main Road | Observatory | @groundculture_ | Image: Ground Culture
FRUIT PICKING, PICNICS, HIKES IN TULBAGH
This working fruit farm welcomes visitors to picnic in the hydrangea gardens, and hike trails that lead to swimming dams with panoramic views of Tulbagh Valley. You can also pick fruit weekly from the wooden harvest bins (available December to March). Plus, there are special fruit picking days for peaches and pears at Murludi in Tulbagh.
Open for hikes and picnics:
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October to May; Monday to Sunday, 8am to 5pm
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June to September; Monday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm
Permit cost: Free for kids under 6; R20 for kids 7 to 18 years old; R50 for adults
Murludi Farm, Misgund Road, Tulbagh | @murludihikingtrail | Image: Murludi
FREE SOCIAL TENNIS ON FRIDAY
Every Friday you can join the Tennis Development Centre for social cardio tennis. Think cardio drills, rotational tennis games, and workouts led by pro coaches, all to good music at sunset. No equipment is needed, and all ages are welcome to play or just hang out. Your first session is free, thereafter it’s R50 a session.
Date: Every Friday, 5.30pm to 8pm
Cost: From free to R50, book via AllEvents
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Three Anchor Bay Tennis Club | Bill Peters Drive | Green Point | @3abtenniscentre | Image: 3AB Tennis Development Centre
JOIN A FREE BEACH CLEANUP
Two Oceans Aquarium’s Trash Bash is a monthly volunteer gathering at Sunrise Beach (Muizenberg), Lagoon Beach (Milnerton), or Sunset Beach (next to Blouberg) every third Saturday of the month. It’s an easy, free way to protect our local marine life. Find out more about Trash Bash’s upcoming beach cleanups.
Date: Every third Saturday of the month, 9am to 11am
Cost: Free
Trash Bash | Cape Town | 021 418 3823 | aquarium@aquarium.co.za | @2oceansaquarium | Image: Two Oceans Aquarium
TRY A VIRAL CUBE CROISSANT
This spot in Sea Point has long been known for the city’s best cappuccinos (they’ve won this award three times). Now, they’re drawing queues for something new: Their bakery. Try a viral flaky cube croissant in pistachio, raspberry, or chocolate at mischu’s new bakery.
Date: Monday to Saturday, 6:45am to 5:30pm; Sunday & public holidays, 7:30am to 5:00pm
Cost: From R69 for a cube croissant
mischu | 85 Regent Road, Sea Point | @mischucoffee | Image: mischu
FREE SURF SESSIONS FOR MOMS
At Lifestyle Surf Shop, moms can rent wetsuits and boards for free on Tuesday mornings. There’s also a basic group coaching session at 9.30am. It’s a great way for moms to exercise, relieve stress, make friends, and more. Get all the details on this free social for moms.
Date: Tuesdays, 8am to 11am. Group lesson from 9.30am to 10.30am
Cost: Free
21 York Road | Muizenberg | 021 788 8218 | info@lifestylesurfshop.co.za | @lifestylemomsonboard | Image: Sharon Waugh
DAILY COCKTAIL HAPPY HOUR
If you know fable, then you know the cocktails are amazingly imaginative with raucously fun presentations. For such an esteemed cocktail bar, their happy hour specials are truly amazing. You can get fable signatures at 33% off and classics from just R70. There’s food on special too during fable’s daily happy hour.
Date: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 5pm - 7pm; Friday and Saturday 4pm - 7pm; all day Sunday
Cost: Classics from just R80
Corner Bree Street and Wale Street | 066 009 7786 | info@fablecocktailbar.capetown | @fablecpt | Image: fable
JOIN OVER 25 CRAFT WORKSHOPS
Makers Festival is a summer weekend packed with crafts, markets and family time. There’ll be over 25 beginner-friendly craft workshops, with everything from ceramics to making your own pepper grinder. There’s also camping, a Mini Makers section for kids, and workshops the whole family can try together at Makers Festival 2025.
Date: 8 to 9 November 2025
Cost: From R400, book via Makers Festival website
Cape Town Ostrich Ranch | @makersfestival_sa | Image: Makers Festival
MIND, BODY & SOUL EXPERIENCE
The Human Consciousness Exhibit is the world’s first immersive health and wellness experience. Hosted by InUWell at the V&A Waterfront, the experience combines science, technology, and relaxation. There’ll be free full body health scans, cold-water immersions, digital subtraction skin analysis, and more.
Date: Wednesdays to Sundays, until 31 August; 4pm to 5pm & 6pm to 7pm sessions
Cost: Tickets from R250, book via Quicket
InUWell | Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre | V&A Waterfront | Green Point | @in.uwell | Image: InUWell
WEEKLY CHESS ON THE BEACH
Every Sunday, Cape Chess Club takes over the sandpit at Seaweed and Salt and brings an afternoon of Chess on the Beach. It’s a digital detox, where you can play a variety of board games, including chess, and sip on drink specials.
Date: Every Sunday, 2pm to 5pm
Cost: R40 registration fee
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Seaweed and Salt | 75 Main Road | Kalk Bay | @seaweed_and_salt_kalkbay | Image: Seaweed and Salt
21 THINGS TO DO AT SPIER WINE FARM
Think you know Spier Wine Farm? It’s one of the top wine estates in Stellenbosch, but have you seen its 21 Cape Dutch gables and the wine collection named after them? Or the 3,500+ art pieces (including a mieliepap replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà), the art gallery-like tasting room, singing stones, or the wildflower walk across the bridge? Rediscover Spier with these 21 unique experiences.
Date: Monday to Sunday, 9am - 5pm
Cost: Varies
R310 Stellenbosch | Western Cape | 021 809 1100 | info@spier.co.za | @spierwinefarm | Image: Spier
POLISH AN ACTUAL DIAMOND
This experience is a glamorous journey through the history and craftsmanship of diamonds. There’s a hidden diamond chamber, gin and chocolate tasting, and you can even polish your own diamond. There are three tour options (one of them is free) at the Shimansky Diamond Experience.
Date: Monday - Sunday, 10am to 6pm
Cost: Free - R1 900 (three tour options)
The Rockwell All Suite Hotel | Corner of Prestwich & Alfred Streets | Green Point | @shimanskyjewellery | Image: Shimansky
DISCOVER THIS MEAT LOVERS’ PLATTER
You’re spoiled for choice when you visit this top steakhouse. There’s steaks like skirt, flank, hanger, flat iron, Denver, caveman, Tomahawk… cuts that you probably haven’t tried (or maybe even heard of), which is why the meat appreciation platter is the go-to for a steak lover or first-timer at Char’d Grill & Bar.
Char’d Grill is open: Monday to Friday, 12pm - 9pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10.30am - 9pm
Cost: Varies
Hermanus Waterfront | Hermanus | 028 312 1986 | www.chardhermanus.co.za | @chardhermanus | Image: Char’d Hermanus
TASTE SUSHI CALAMARI AT A HIDDEN BISTRO
It’s on the Hermanus Waterfront and right by Walker Beach, where families can dine on crispy pan-fried gnocchi and friends catch up over cocktails. Chicken nacho burgers, rice krispies milkshakes, and ginger and date malva pudding are just some of the dishes that await you at Pear Tree in Hermanus.
Date: Daily, 8am to 9pm
Cost: From R30 for small plates
Pear Tree | Hermanus Waterfront | Marine Drive | @peartreehermanus | Image: Pear Tree
FIND LUXURY SPA SPECIALS
This 5-star hotel has a bespoke Wellness Oasis with massages, facials and al fresco fine dining from an award-winning chef. The half-day package includes a two-hour treatment of choice, use of the pool and a three-course lunch. Find out more about the specials at Palm House Boutique Hotel’s spa.
Date: Open daily from 10am to 7pm
Cost: Varies depending on special; treatments start from R600
Palm House Boutique Hotel | Wynberg | 021 745 5008 | spa.reception@palmhouse.co.za | @palmhousespa | Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel
TRY A TIRAMISU MARTINI
This new restaurant in the CBD evokes feelings of a laidback Italian summer. There’s Limoncello cosmopolitans, tiramisu martinis, and unconventional eats like bite-sized lasagne crocchetta. And if that’s not enough, there’s a vibey rooftop bar upstairs from Filini at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore.
Open: Daily, 6.30am to 10pm
Cost: Cocktails from R95; Mains from R129
Filini | 29 Heerengracht Street | 021 427 4800 | info.capetown@radisson.com | @radissonhotelcapetown | Image: Radisson at Cape Town Foreshore
TRY GO-KARTING AT A NEW LOCATION
Rev your engines at Tyger Valley Centre’s new extreme karting. Their doors are open to the public, where you can challenge your friends to F1-style driving. The track has a classic karting circuit layout and chequered racing flags at the starting point. There are also tables and benches on the side for those who want to cheer from the stands.
Date: Tuesday to Saturday (and public holidays), 10am to 8pm; Sunday, 10am to 7pm
Cost: From R150 (five minute session), no pre-bookings available
Tyger Valley Shopping Centre | Mezzanine Level | Facebook | Image: Extreme Go Karting
TRY DUTCH CUISINE AT THIS FAMILY EATERY
This iconic Dutch inspired beach bar sits metres away from Grotto beach. After a swim or exploring the beach, visitors can grab a bite to eat or a quick drink: Seafood, sushi and Dutch cuisine. Try the traditional bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs with mustard), deconstructed stroopwaffels, or good old hake and chips at Dutchies in Hermanus.
Date: Daily, 9am to 9pm
Cost: From R65 for starters
1 Grotto Street | Voelklip | Hermanus | @dutchiesrestaurant | Image: Dutchies
VISIT AN EXCLUSIVE CANNABIS CLUB, OPEN DAILY
Cannibisters is a members-only herbal apothecary with more than 90 strains of weed, an in-house medicinal cannabis practitioner, and a coffee bar with CBD-infused coffee and tea. Plus, there’s a workspace for regulars and premium members have access to The Serenity Room. Here’s how you can become a member of Cape Town’s cannabis club.
Date: Daily, 10am to 11.30pm
Cost: R100 monthly membership fee
65 Regent Road | Sea Point | 0087 537 8000 | Website | Image: Cannibisters
RIDE ON SCOOTERS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
A one-stop-adventure-shop with Monster Mountain Scooters, purpose-built tracks, archery, vine bike tours and mountain biking trails. All surrounded by mountain ranges and wine farms. Could this be the best day ever? Read more about Scootours’s new location in Banhoek (which also takes walk-ins).
Date: Open daily; 8am - 5pm
Cost: R590 pp for riders
Swart Street | Kylemore | bookings@scootours.co.za | @scootourscapetown | Image: Scootours
PLAY BEACH VOLLEYBALL EVERY THURSDAY
Join a free weekly event on Clifton 1st beach with volleyball games, sunsets and live DJs. It’s a great way to end off a summer evening and make new friends. Players don’t need to be professional and spectators are welcome to watch the fun at Friends Who Volley.
Date: Every Thursday, from 5pm
Cost: Free
Clifton 1st Beach | Clifton | Cape Town | @friendswhovolley | Image: @hansminaar_film
SPEND A THURSDAY IN EAST CITY
Harrington Street ticks all the boxes. There’s a classy cocktail lounge, local dive bar, nightclub and rum bar all under one roof. Every Thursday Harrington Street is a hub of local music, with live bands and DJ performances.Plus, there’s happy hour and half-price tapas at Harrington Street.
Date: Every Thursday, from 4pm to 4am
Cost: Classic cocktails from R70
61b Harrington Street | District Six | Cape Town | @harringtonsct | Image: Harrington Street
PLAY AN ESCAPE GAME
HintHunt has six escape rooms filled with puzzles that you have to solve in 60 minutes (or 75 minutes for Marble). Their themes are inspired by Avengers, Mission Impossible, Pirates of the Caribbean, Prison Break and more. You could also play an Amazing Race. Read everything you need to know about HintHunt escape games.
Date: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm; Friday to Saturday, 10am to 8.30pm; Sunday, 10am to 5.30pm
Cost: R395 per person in a team of 6
Watershed | 17 Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | @hinthuntafrica | Image: Claire Photography
SAVE ON A HAIR MAKEOVER THIS WEEKEND
Want to do something new with your ‘do, or pamper yourself with a hair treatment? Excentric Hair are offering CapeTownMagazine.com readers some serious discounts on services like hair extensions, hair loss treatments, frizz-fighting experiences and more. Find 5 ways to transform your hair with some of Cape Town’s top hair stylists.
Cost: From R190
Excentric Hair | Sea Point & Kloof Street | onpoint@excentric-hair.co.za | Instagram | Image: Excentric Hair
VISIT A GLASS MUSEUM
Whether you’re a fan of glass art or simply looking for a beautiful place to visit, you won’t regret stopping by the Glass Museum at Glenelly Estate! Home to one of the largest privately-owned glass collections in the world, see over 600 pieces of glass in Stellenbosch and the best part? It’s free.
Date: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am to 5pm & Sundays, 10am to 3pm
Cost: Free
Glenelly Estate | Stellenbosch | @glenellyestate | Image: Glenelly Estate
ENJOY AN ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BRUNCH
Treat your family or friend group to an all-you-can-eat buffet every weekend. There’s something of everything – cereals, fruit salads, artisan cheeses, waffles, freshly baked bread, omelettes and croissants, in addition to the regular menu. It’s on every Saturday and Sunday at Café Extrablatt.
Date: Saturdays, 9am -12pm; Sundays, 9am–2pm
Cost: Saturdays, R139.90; Sundays, R159.90
Exhibition Building | Green Point | 021 434 3759 | @extrablattcapetown | Image: Lara van Zyl
ENJOY AFFORDABLE COMEDY EVERY TUESDAY
Comedy on Kloof hosts an affordable, weekly stand-up comedy night. At just R40 a ticket, this is some of the most affordable comedy in Cape Town. Promoting a queer-friendly space, this weekly comedy night offers talent in both popular comedians and rising stars.
Date: Every Tuesday, 8pm to 10pm
Cost: R40, book via Quicket
66 Kloof Street | Gardens | @comedyonkloof | Image: Comedy on Kloof
WATCH DUCKS PARADE ON A WINE FARM
An affordable outing for the whole family. In an effort to farm sustainably, Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate uses 1 000 Indian Runner Ducks to parade around the estate and eat any snails and bugs. Take the kids to the free duck parade, and after enjoy a meal at Chef Bertus Basson’s Geuwels Restaurant or Clara’s Barn, a restaurant in the oldest barn in the Western Cape.
Date: Every Saturday and Sunday; between 8am and 10am or 11am and 1pm
Cost: Parade, free; Guided tours starting at R40
Stellenbosch | @vergenoegd_low_wine_estate | Image: @saltysn0w
GO TO A CITY MARKET
St George’s Market has officially reopened in Cape Town inner city. Every Thursday locals and tourists can explore the historic ambience of the inner city, while grabbing lunch from spots like Seven Colours Eatery. There are a number of local vendors, vintage clothes and more.
Date: Every Thursday, 11am - 3pm
Cost: Free
138 St Georges Mall | Cape Town | Facebook | Image: St George’s Market
GO ON A MIDWEEK RETREAT WITH FRIENDS
It’s time to get that WhatsApp group together…This retreat in a secret ancient valley, outside Citrusdal, is just the midweek timeout you and your buddies need to reconnect with nature. Book out the main house with a pizza oven or pair up in cosy cottages with jacuzzis or glamp tents. Plus, there’s loads to do as a group at Cederkloof Botanical Retreat.
Date: Open daily
Cost: From R750pp per night
R303, | Regional Road (The Baths) | Citrusdal | Website | @cederkloof | Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
VISIT AQUARIUM FOR FREE ON YOUR BDAY
The Two Oceans Aquarium offers a special gift to all South African citizens – free entry on your birthday, plus six days thereafter. This gives you a whole week to do one of the city’s most magical experiences. Find out how it works + discover 14 secrets to unlock during your next visit.
Date: Monday to Sundays, 7am to 10pm
Cost: Free entrance
Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | aquarium@aquarium.co.za | @2OceansAquarium | Image: Lara van Zyl
GET LUNCH IN SEA POINT FOR R99
If you’re looking for somewhere to brunch this weekend, this daily special is a must-try. For R99 you’ll get an eggs benedict paired with South Africa’s best cappuccino (literally: mischu have won this award three times). And that’s just one of the reasons we love mischu.
Date: Served daily until 3pm
Cost: R99
mischu | 85 Regent Road, Sea Point | 0763791693| info@mischu.co.za | @mischucoffee | Image: mischu
BOOK A TRIP TO THIS HISTORIC FARMHOUSE
Mardouw Country House is a Swellendam gem on a 1000-hectare olive farm. Renovated from a nineteenth century farmhouse, it has a golf range, flowedge pool, mountain biking and hiking trails… Plus, all meals are included (even three-course dinners) at Mardouw Country House.
Cost: R13 000 per night (sleeps 10 people)
R60 | Swellendam | 023 616 2999 | Website | Image: Mardouw Country House
TRY A CRAFT BEER TASTING
Whether you’re losing your beer-ginity or have been drinking brews for years, here’s a fun activity for the weekend. Taste up to nine craft beers, all named after sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll, while eating burgers or schnitzels in a German-style beer hall. Or try something different and go for a small-batch brew on Thursdays, all at Woodstock Brewery.
Date: Daily; 12pm - 10pm
Cost: R10 a tasting
252 Albert Road | Woodstock | 021 203 3045 | @woodstockbrewery | Image: Woodstock Brewery
RELIVE BEACH MEMORIES AT THIS ONRUS RESTAURANT
With loaded hotdogs, beach toys and stunning lagoon views, Milk on the Beach is a great spot to visit with the kids. Milk also has kombucha cocktails and sushi, and the deck overlooking Onrus lagoon makes it a great sundowner spot.
Milk on the Beach is open: Monday to Saturday, 8am - 9pm; Sunday, 8am - 8:30pm
Cost: Varies
1 Atlantic Drive | Onrus River | 028 316 1516 | @milk_onthebeach | Image: Milk on the Beach
VISIT A FLEA MARKET THIS SUNDAY
The Muizenberg Flea Market has been in existence for the last 34 years. It has over 300 stalls that sell everything from Cape Malay food and mielies in a cup to underwear and brass decor. And best part of all, you always leave with a bargain when you visit this Sunday market.
Date: Every Sunday, 8am-6pm
Cost: Free entry
Muizenberg Flea Market | Sunrise Circle | Muizenberg | Facebook | Image: Mark Schultz
EXPERIMENT WITH A GIN ATOMISER
Gin-tasting works a little differently when you do it at Char'd Grill. You'll be able to smell different gins through an atomiser and do a tasting of your top four. Being a steakhouse, Char'd also offers rare and unqiue cuts of meat that you wouldn't be able to find at most restaurants. We recommend the Caveman Rib: rich, marinated for 24 hours and with 10/10 tenderness. Read more about what you can experience at Char'd.
Char’d Grill is open: Monday to Friday, 12pm - 9pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10.30am - 9pm
Cost: Varies
Village Square | Hermanus | 028 312 1986 | www.chardhermanus.co.za | @chardhermanus
TASTE WINE FOR FREE EVERY TUESDAY
Wine lover with a tight budget? This local eatery and wine shop offers a free wine tasting experience every Tuesday. Taste and learn more about wine from the region, free of charge + stay for dinner. You can also buy your favourite bottle from the wine shop at Judd’s Local.
Date: Every Tuesday; 6pm - 9pm
Cost: Free
141 Kloof Street | Gardens | 064 527 1272 | @juddslocal | Image: Lara van Zyl
TAKE A DRIVE FOR 5 EPIC TEA TASTINGS
Take a roadtrip to the Piekenierskloof Pass to visit De Tol Farm Deli - it’s one of the oldest farm stalls along the N7. Be adventurous and try the most unusual pairings… tea and gin or wine. Or opt for something less daring like tea and nougat, or chocolate truffles. There’s also a tea and nibbles pairing, plus kids can join in on the tasting fun at De Tol Farm Deli.
Date: Monday to Saturday, 8am - 5pm; Sunday, 8am - 3pm
Cost: R80 - R90
Piekenierskloof N7 Pass | Citrusdal | 067 410 3315 | @de_tol_farm_deli | Image: De Tol Farm Deli
TRY VEGAN DISHES AND KOMBUCHA COCKTAILS
At Pear Tree there are plenty of unqiue dishes that you won't find anywhere else (many of which are vegan). Situated on the Hermanus waterfront, this healthy eatery looks out onto the vibrant blue sea. Sip a kombucha cocktail under the trees, or try a tofu tostada sprinkled with nori dust and a charcoal aquafaba dessert.
Pear Tree Bistro is open: Daily from 10.30am - 9pm
Cost: Varies
Village Square | Hermanus | @peartreehermanus | Image: Pear Tree Bistro
BOOGIE TO PUNK ROCK AND WINE
Traditional cheese-and-wine pairings are way too passé for Black Elephant Vintners – it offers something far more rebellious: Join for a sparkling-wine or wine tasting, pop on some headphones and prepare to be blown into a land of heightened senses at this punk-rock cellar.
Date: Every Saturday, from 11am
Cost: R150 - R300pp, book here
40a Uitkyk Street | Franschhoek | 021 876 2903 | Image: Tasting Cape Town (@tastingct)
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