Locals stay free at this Boutique Hotel
Spectacular offer: This is what we know
7 Things to do this week(end)
Wild nights out at Zsa Zsa’s, a camping trip escape + limited-edition wine
Give yourself some freedom this weekend with wild nights at Zsa Zsa Restaurant, invigorating tidal pool swims, lunches for less (with a complimentary wine tasting) or a weekend away in the charming Whale Rock Luxury Lodge in Hermanus.
DRESS UP AND GET SPOILED AT ZSA ZSA
The weekend is your time to let loose and Zsa Zsa Restaurant is the perfect dinner-party-with-a-vibe experience. Set in the middle of Hout Street, this ultra-glamorous restaurant, inspired by legendary actor and socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor, has attention-grabbing cocktails, a resident DJ and a decadent French-, Italian- and Mediterranean-style menu. There are also surprise performances every night, and you never know what’s going to happen at Zsa Zsa Restaurant.
Date: Tuesday - Saturday, 4pm - 11pm
STAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY NIGHT AT CLOUD 9 HOTEL
If a luxurious, boutique hotel offered you a free nights stay, would you take it? Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel on Kloof Nek Road is running a “local is lekker” special and we’ve got a funny feeling the spot will book out quickly. Here’s what we know: when you and a partner indulge in a dinner on the rooftop Mountain Club restaurant and/or at the Deluxe spa downstairs to the value of R750pp you qualify for a complimentary nights stay at Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel.
Date: valid until 1 October
SAMPLE LIMITED-EDITION WINES AT LA MOTTE
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: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30am. Tastings are by reservation, so call ahead
RIDE AROUND THE WESTERN CAPE IN STYLE
Driving the roads of a town or country on a bike is one of the most exciting ways to sightsee. You’re entirely engaged with the scenery, nature and elements. And in the Western Cape, we have no shortage of gorgeous landscapes. Here are four routes to take and the bikes to do them on, by Jörg Vogel owner of Cape Bike Travel.
Date: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 6pm; Saturday, 9am - 12pm and Sunday, 9am - 10am
HAVE LUNCH FOR LESS + COMPLIMENTARY WINE TASTING
Looking for a day out of the city with rolling mountain views, high-quality wine and exquisite food? At Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate everyone is welcome, even dogs. The kids will love the open lawns while parents relax with a glass of wine, and if you're looking for a bit of privacy the kitchen whips up a delicious gourmet picnic basket that you can enjoy in privacy overlooking the vineyards and mountain range. Winemaker Peter Allen has a wide range of wines both novice wine drinkers and fundis will enjoy. Pro-tip: capeTownmagazine.com readers get 10% off lunch and free wine tastings till August at Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate.
Date: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm and Saturday, 11am - 3pm
You may also like: trying out Cape Town’s top wine farms for a unique and surprising wine tasting
TAKE THE KIDS AWAY FOR A CAMPING TRIP AT WOLFKOP
You won’t find a better escape, or deal, than at Wolfkop Camping Villages and Nature Reserve in Citrusdal in the Cederberg right now. The camping villages are set up on the bank of the Olifants River, which has water so clean you can drink it. On this special, you can stay at the camping villages for only R250 per person mid-week (minimum booking of 2 people), and on the weekends it costs R350 per person (minimum booking of 6 people for 2 nights). The deal also applies to the Wolfkop Nature Reserve cottages – there are 5 set on the hill with gorgeous views of the Olifants River valley below. Mid-week you can stay there for only R300 per person (minimum of 4 people). Activities are also discounted, so you could do something different every day at Wolfkop Camping Villages and Nature Reserve.
Date: Monday - Sunday. Mid-week nights are Sunday to Thursday.
You may also like: finding more awesome adventures at some of Cape Town's top camping sites.
TASTE LA MOTTE WINE IN FRONT OF A FIRE
Winter’s coming, as the famous phrase now goes, and one of the best destinations to earmark for a winter outing is La Motte wine estate. Not only does it have a state-of-the-art wine-tasting facility attached to the impressive cellar (which you can tour), but it also has a fabulous fireplace where you can settle in to taste and savour the range of wines, from current vintages to more rare and limited edition wines.
Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.30am. Tastings are by reservation, so call ahead
FICKS IS A PLACE FOR EVERYONE (+ DOGS)
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: every day, 11am-9pm
You may also like: smokin’ hot Mexican food with a zesty margarita at Mexicola Locale
YOU’RE MADE TO FEEL COMFORTABLE + RELAXED
Head to Hermanus Guest House (they're having a Local is Lekker 30% off special throughout the year). The guest house has views of the sea forever and is a 10 to 15-minute walk away from the centre of town. A big plus is that the town is surrounded by South Africa's top wine farms, the Hemel-en-Aarde valley. But if all you want to do is sleep and stay put, this is the place. You'll fall asleep to the sound of the sea, you can wake up and swim at Fick's tidal pool, which is just across the road, and you can eat and drink at the restaurant set over it (also called Ficks). You'll feel like you're in Greece or Croatia 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)
EXPLORE A FRESH PRODUCE MARKET
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 farming methods, and in Stellenbosch the market is held there. If that’s too far away for you, there are two sites closer to Cape Town, in Durbanville and Strand. It happens every Saturday. Plus, in Stellenbosch, you can also go on a free hydroponic tour when you visit Greendrop Farms.
Date: Every Saturday, 8am- 1pm
You may also like: trying out a full vegan comfort meal at the Vegan Butcherie in Woodstock
TRY AN UNUSUAL CUT OF MEAT AT CHAR’D GRILL
This off-beat and edgy steakhouse should be on every meat eater'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
You may also like: trying out a bucket-list worthy steak at the best steak houses in Cape Town
ALL FOODIES WILL LOVE THIS BANTING MARKET
A Low Carb A-Fair, hosted by Banting Baker Gigi and We Love Low Carb, welcomes all foodies. Together with other traders, it brings top-quality food and loads of flavour to this market which has anything from boerie rolls to cake, ice cream and cheese. There will also be specials and lots of tasters available, as well as live entertainment. You might find banting and keto aren't boring when you visit A Low Carb A-Fair.
Date: The first Saturday of every month in Helderberg, Strand from 9am - 2 pm and again on the last Saturday of every month from 9 am - 3 pm in Paarden Eiland.
GET A SENSE OF HERMANUS ART CULTURE
First Fridays are Hermanus’ version of First Thursdays. On this evening, you can wander through various galleries and see the work on their walls. 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
PICK YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE OLD FOUNDRY
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
BE CHARMED BY WHALE ROCK’S HISTORY
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, which has ample space for families with small kids. But you'll want to take part in some of the nearby activities close to Whale Rock Luxury Lodge.
Date: Monday - Sunday
You may also like: Having a bush break at a luxury lodge in Welgevonden Game Reserve (a.k.a birder’s paradise)
HAVE A VEGAN BURGER ‘WITH SUBSTANCE’
Burgundy Restaurant in Hermanus is in a 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 dotted with bold and striking sculptures. Plus, its varied menu includes beer-battered hake and chips, a famous seafood pasta and a specialty abalone dish, making Burgundy Restaurant a popular choice.
Date: Monday - Sunday, 8:30am - 9pm
You may also like: Making an excellent seafood dish at home, here’s where you can get the freshest catch of the day
EXPERIENCE COMFORT FROM A LUXURY SUITE
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
GET SPECIAL TREATMENT 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
WATCH WHALES FROM YOUR BALCONY
Wake to the sound of crashing waves and views of breaching whales in Hermanus with an incredible room special. From now until August, you can book a stay at the Windsor Hotel at a discounted price and kids under 12 stay for free. Set right in front of the ocean right above the cliff rocks, you are treated to restaurants, galleries, museums and nature trails within walking distance to the Windsor Hotel.
DIVE WITH COPPERS + GREAT WHITES IN GANSBAAI
Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, seeing 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 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 AN AL FRESCO LUNCH AT THE PICNIC CAFÉ
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 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
SLEEP IN AN ITALIAN MONUMENT
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
MAKE YOUR OWN GIN IN A WORKING DISTILLERY
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
VISIT SHARKS, LUMINOUS JELLIES + A FAMOUS OCTOPUS
Take a trip to Two Oceans Aquarium for everyone's favourite: penguins. It's hard to resist spending time with these adorable seabirds in tuxedos. This is just one of the aquarium species, which has about 8 000 fantastic sea creatures, including jellyfish and other incredible invertebrates. There are even some creatures that don't have a brain or heart at the 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
SAMPLE SOUTH AFRICA’S FRESHEST FLAVOURS
If you haven't gone to the new district of the V&A Waterfront for young local foodie talent, you're missing out. Makers 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. The market has 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 TOP OF TABLE MOUNTAIN IN A CABLE 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
DISCOVER SIMON'S TOWN'S HIDDEN GEM
Roughly 5km outside the navy village of Simon’s Town, along the coastal road to Cape Point, lies Miller’s 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’s a couple of sheltered pools for splashing, a braai area and picnic spots. But, depending on where you are, you could find a tidal pool closer to you.
Date: Every day
MEET THE FAIRIES IN SWELLENDAM
A truly magical place full of fairies, gnomes, dwarves and dragons, kids can also play in the dedicated play area at Suilna’s Fairy Sanctuary in Swellendam. You could also find hidden treasure at the scratch patch, play on a pirate boat on The Jolly Roger Pirate Boat or find 37 more things to do with the kids.
Date: Wed-Saturday 9am to 4:30pm; Sunday 10am-4pm
You may also like: letting the kids ride a pony or find more fun activities at Imhoff Farm
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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.
- 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
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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.
