Super Cool Activities in Cape Town You’ve Probably Never Tried Before

Explore these lesser-known yet equally exciting to-do’s in our lovely seaside metropolis and surrounds

Last updated: Tuesday, 27 February 2024

Here's a simple yet essential list. A round-up of activities you’ve probably never tried before; from abseiling down one of the largest granite outcrops in the world to sampling ‘the world’s strongest coffee’ and zipping on a Segway through the Winelands, there’s truly something here for everyone to do and enjoy. 

VISIT A LEGAL CANNABIS CLUB AND COFFEE SHOP

Cannibisters is a members-only club with 92 strains of weed, a pillow fort to hang out in, and an infused coffee bar. Members have access to an in-house medicinal cannabis practitioner and pre-rolled joints, bongs, and sweet and savoury edibles (with kosher and halaal options too). There’s also The Serenity Room (for premium members), filled with 3D psychedelic art. Find out more about the membership perks at Cannibisters.

Cost: R100 monthly membership fee

65 Regent Road | Sea Point | 0087 537 8000 | Website | Image: Cannibisters 

GET CHAUFFEURED AROUND THE CAPE IN A VINTAGE CAR

Sit back, relax and breathe in that old car smell as you explore the Cape Peninsula or Winelands in a classic car. Maybe a 1959 Jaguar Mk.9 or 1967 Mustang Fastback? This classic chauffeur-driven car hire service utilises a network of privately owned classic and sports cars to provide the ultimate transport experience for your special day. The Chapman's Peak Cruise offers a glamorous yet affordable way to treat that special someone while the full-day tours are a unique way to explore Cape Town’s main attractions, such as Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach and Cape Point. You can also discover charming vineyards and enjoy the Cape’s finest wines and culinary delights with Classic Rides.

Cost: From R990 per car (R3900 for the full day tour)

Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)63 208 4247 | info@classic-rides.co.za | website

THE GALILEO

The Galileo is an open-air cinema that offers you a memorable experience. At the Galileo you can watch your favourite movies while snacking on mouthwatering food and beverages, and don’t forget the popcorn. Top-notch food will be available to pre-order on site on specific nights, so you’ll be sure to find something that satisfies your gnawing hunger. You can rest assured that there will be halaal, vegan and vegetarian options available. Enjoy your favourite movie in the outdoors and under the stars. You can have an ultra nostalgic night at drive-in movie nights, Friday to Sunday, or be treated like a king or queen at the Galileo Royale on Wednesdays. Join on Thursdays for the beloved Galileo Picnic at Kirstenbosch Gardens.

Cost: The Galileo Picnic starts from R129 p/p

Cape Town | 071 471 8728 | www.thegalileo.co.za

WHAT THE NERF?

A Nerf battle includes both the physical and mental rush of challenging your opponents in an exciting, secure, and environmentally-friendly way. Nerf guns shoot plastic and foam darts 27 metres and it feels like a flick when you’re hit. Nerf battles have been made popular by famous YouTubers such as Unspeakable and Dan TDM, who stage huge Nerf battles in their homes. All darts are picked up and re-used, making it environmentally friendly with Nerf battle Cape Town.

Cost: R99–R199 per person

Your address of choice, scoutsmartideas@gmail.com, +27(0)63 434 4239, book online 

CYCLE THROUGH WINE FARMS ON AN E-BIKE

Grab an electric bicycle and head out on a guided tour of Banhoek, Franschhoek or Stellenbosch through scenic routes to some of the top Cape wine farms. The pace is leisurely, plus with a bike fitted with a battery, you’ll hardly raise a sweat. These unique experiences are also family-friendly (there are kids seats and half-wheelers). If you plan on taking some bottles home, the bikes have saddlebags. So hop on and get into some spectacular mountain and vineyard views with Vine Bikes. You don’t have to spend too much energy, as your e-bike assists you in pedalling. So fitness isn’t an issue. 

Cost: R885pp (e-bike riders) | R 350 for half-wheeler (kids 5 – 9 years) | R150 for kids star seat (kids 3 – 5 years)

1 Lanzerac Road, Karindal, Stellenbosch | +27 (0)82 776 0557 | scootours.capetown@gmail.com

THE GALLIVANTING GOOSE

Does the mere thought of a team-building excursion – like ten-pin bowling, ice-skating or the obligatory obstacle course – make you cringe? We know how you feel. This app-driven scavenger hunt is anything but dull or predictable. The game is played with physical challenges that take you to some of the most scenic and historic parts of Cape Town or the Winelands (if you choose this option).  The challenges take everyone out of their comfort zone, levelling the playing field in a way that pits CEO against tea lady in a battle of strategic smarts, creativity and pure physical adventure. This is one game that shows you another side of yourself, and your colleagues or friends. Plus, you get the pictures to prove it. 

Cost: Standard games cost R450 p/p, with a lower limit of 15 people per game. The more people per game, the less the cost per person. Get your quote from The Gallivanting Goose.

Various locations in and around Cape Town or Stellenbosch | www.thegg.co.za | +27 (0)82 468 3052 | talktome@thegg.co.za

TRY STAND UP PADDLING

You’re familiar with surfing and kitesurfing, but we think stand up paddling (or SUP) should make it onto your bucket list too. You can learn all three of these adventure sports with ease and safety at High Five. They are the only International Kitesurfing Organisation-approved (IKO) watersports school in Cape Town. And they have great discounted lessons on SUP and surfing.

Cost: You'll get a kitesurfing group lesson for R1600 (3-for-2) and a SUP group lesson will cost R800 (3-for-2).

68 Beach Boulevard | Bloubergstrand | +27(0)72 902 7899

HOTPOD YOGA INFLATING IN THE CITY

Vinyasa-style heated yoga in an inflatable purple cocoon-like pod that smells like flowers? Yes please! The appeal of Hotpod Yoga is the heat combined with the pod, which offers both a physical challenge and an opportunity to clear your thoughts. With no windows or mirrors and dimly lit, it is a fully immersive and intimate experience taking yoga to the next level.

Cost: There are various packages available ranging from R140 (drop-in single class) to R700 (unlimited sessions monthly fee). Find out more about Hotpod Yoga and watch the video.

Unit C6 | Salt Orchard | 44 Yew Street | Salt River | 064 680 7373

SATISFY YOUR NEED FOR SPEED

Go for an adrenalin-pumping, thrilling ride on a Harley Davidson. View the Cape's spectacular scenery from a different perspective as you careen and lean your way around the coastal drives. You can ride yourself, provided you have a motorbike license, on a rented bike. or you can opt for a chauffeured experience. The chauffeured option means you get your own dedicated driver who will take you anywhere you want and you get to concentrate on the view.

Cost: There are a variety of options available from Cape Bike Travel. 

ENTER "THE BELLY OF THE BEAST" AT JUST LIKE PAPA

A super-cool retail outlet on Harrington Street, Just Like Papa is the ultimate gift shopping destination for a wide selection of high-quality (and often hard to find) items. The offering reflects the store's ethos of a concept born out of a love for adventure. Take your time to browse through the beautiful hand-crafted axes and knives, and outdoorsy must-haves like sophisticated flashlights and tents. There's no other place in Cape Town that has what Just Like Papa has got all in one place. What's more, they offer a cost-effective knife sharpening service.

Cost: Prices range from R45 for lip balm to R155 000 for the Stealth B-52 DNM Durable Razorback MT5 electronic bike, find whatever you need at Just Like Papa.

73 Harrington Street | +27 (0)21 286 4374

CHECK OUT THE JAMES BOND OR CHARLIE'S ANGELS EXPERIENCE

Learn how to shoot like a pro. Gun Fun is a shooting range below City Guns on Hout Street, where a number of different packages are available to experience various types of guns. There's a range of packages to choose from including the Femme Fatale experience, Save The Rhinos and the 007 Wednesdays experience. Conducted in a controlled, safe environment, Gun Fun offers an adrenalin rush that is entirely empowering.

Cost: Prices range from R650 to R1250 per experience.

57 Hout Street | Cape Town City | +27(0) 21 423 0465

RIDE ALONG GANSBAAI'S COASTLINE ON A FATBIKE

Founded by an avid mountain biker and Gansbaai resident, Fatbike Tours allows adventurers to cycle along the beaches and sand dunes in the area using distinct two-wheelers called Fatbikes. These are bicycles with unusually wide, low-pressure tyres that glide easily over soft terrain. Read more about what's on offer from Fatbike Tours. All efforts are made for the tours to be as eco-friendly as possible so while the lightweight wide-tyre bikes leave very little tread, riders are asked to pedal below the low water mark where the sand is firm and compact and no tracks are formed.

Cost: Beach cycle tours cost between R500pp and R650pp for around three hours of fun. Note, you need to be 16 years of age or older, under 120kg and taller than 150cm.

63 Ingang Street |De Kelders | Gansbaai | +27(0)79 514 8386

GO KAYAKING WITH KASKAZI

Founded by ocean lovers Art and Tracy who wanted to give others a taste of the love for an activity that they made their full-time vocation. The journey begins at their office on Beach Road, Sea Point for a safety briefing, collection of flotation devices and splash covers. From there you’re off to the ocean for the guided kayaking trip! Unless you have previous kayaking experience you’ll be in a double kayak with a guide. The person in front is the ‘engine’ while the one at the back does all the steering. The best part though? There’s always a good chance of spotting dolphins, seals, sunfish, whales, penguins, seals and countless seabirds.

Cost: Each trip is about two hours long and costs R400pp.

 

A post shared by Marcus J.B. Zandhuis (@molocapetown) on Jan 11, 2017 at 2:55am PST

179 Beach Road (Shell garage) | Three Anchor Bay | Cape Town | +27 (0) 83 346 1146

ZIP THROUGH SPIER'S VINEYARDS ON A SEGWAY

See Spier wine farm in a completely unique and fun way by taking a Segway Tour. Whizz through the lesser-known and most intimate parts of the 300-year-old farm on one of these revolutionary two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicles from Segway Tours. You can witness first-hand how the winery is making an impact with its pioneering biodynamic farming approach (a holistic, organic agricultural method that focuses on natural cycles and the connection between soil, plant and animal life).

Cost: The one-hour tour costs R250pp and departs at 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm daily; the two-hour option is priced at R400pp (includes a complimentary wine tasting) and departs at 9am, 12pm or 3pm daily. Booking is essential.

R310 | Stellenbosch | Western Cape | +27(0)21 809 1157

THE GALLIVANTING GOOSE

Does the mere thought of a “team building” excursion with your colleagues – we’re talking ten-pin bowling, touch rugby and random obstacle courses – make you cringe? Then you’re in for an absolute treat with The Gallivanting Goose. This app-driven scavenger hunt is played in real-time in some of the most stunning locations around Cape Town. Put your strategic, problem-solving and navigation skills to the test, while having more fun than you thought possible with your workmates.

Cost: Standard games start at R450pp and include the use of a full-loaded smart device for navigation.

+27 (0)82 468 3052 | Various locations around Cape Town

TASTE TURKISH COFFEE AT BYBLOS CAFE

The Rundown: Byblos is a quaint Lebanese-inspired coffee shop at The Palms in Woodstock owned by a passionate and award-winning barista, Mikhael Bou Rjeily. The coffee drinking experience transports you to the exotic world of the Ottoman Empire. Turkish coffee is also one of the oldest brewing methods in the world.  Experince it for yourself at Byblos. The Turkish coffee is served with a complimentary baklava, a rich, sweet pastry filled with nuts and other ingredients. 

Cost: Turkish coffee ranges from R40 to R80 per cup.

The Palms | 145 Sir Lowry Road | Woodstock | Cape Town | +27(0)21 461 2612

EXPLORE THE ABANDONED ZOO AT RHODES MEMORIAL

Stationed near the Rhodes Memorial at the University of Cape Town, this patch of land was a fully functional zoo from 1931 to 1975. It was established at the request of the late Cecil John Rhodes and originated out of his menagerie of animals. Exploring the spot with a group of friends is definitely something to tick off your to-do list. Even though the zoo is no longer operational, visitors can walk through the crumbling remains of cages and other intriguing relics. Formally known as the Groote Schuur Zoo, it was a very popular attraction in its day and was free of charge to the public. The most prominent feature of the zoo today is the Lion’s Den, which can still be clearly seen.

Cost: Free

Rhodes Memorial Street | Rondebosch

TRY A NEW FORM OF WATERSKIING AT BLUE ROCK RESORT

Blue Rock Resort in Helderberg Rural offers adrenalin junkies a unique method of skiing that propels participants forward using an overhead cable system (with an electronic motor) rather than a boat. The cable system allows skiers to take to the water of the Western Cape’s only clear water lake in groups. Choose three methods of riding: kneeboarding, which is ideal for all ages especially little ones; waterskiing, an intermediate form of enjoying the water; and wakeboarding, the ultimate way to make the most of the cable.

Cost: Rates range from R185 to R420pp and exclude entrance fee to the resort, which cost R50–R55 for adults, R40–R45 for kids under-16 and R30–R35 for under-6.

Blue Rock | Sir Lowry’s Pass Road | Somerset West | +27(0)21 858 1330

BOUNCE OFF THE WALLS AT RUSH TRAMPOLINE PARK

This thrilling trampoline park allows you to jump to your heart’s content in a safe environment and is suitable for all ages. The massive facility has interconnected wall-to-wall trampolines, two dodgeball courts, three basketball slam-dunk lanes, two long trampoline lanes perfect for doing flips, a battle beam (a ledge on which two participants battle it out using beams over the foam pit) and lots more. The trampoline park also has a nifty glow-in-the-dark feature, which adds a whole other dimension to the unique experience.

Cost: Prices at Rush Cape Town vary depending on the different activity offerings. A one-hour open jump session is priced at R115 (excluding socks) and R110 for a second hour. Non-slip trampoline socks are priced at R25 per pair. Online booking for slots is recommended on weekends and public holidays.

Stadium on Main | 104 Main Road | Claremont | Cape Town | +27(0)82 460 5388

TASTE WINE-INFUSED ICE-CREAM AT SOMERBOSCH ESTATE

This wine estate pulls out all the stops by offering connoisseurs and foodies alike the chance to blend dazzling reds with the sweet delight of wine-infused ice-cream. Four types of wines (Pinotage, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon) are paired with the delicious dessert and tasters are urged to try to pick up the flavours of each in the ice cream. The ice-cream is made to complement the taste of its respective pairing. It’s also made on site, from scratch.

Cost: This one-of-a-kind experience is well priced; patrons pay R40pp for the whole session. Booking is recommended.

R44 | Somerbosch Wines | Stellenbosch | +27(0)21 855 3615

CUDDLE AN ALPACA AT QUENTI ALPACA FARM

This quaint farm in Wellington invites guests to not only meet these adorable relatives of the South-American animals that resemble the llama, but also to see how everything from blankets and beanies to scarves and carpets is made from the wool. One- to two-hour long visits to the farm and mill are by appointment only (for now). The birthing seasons of the year, March–April and October–November, make for rather exciting times on the farm.

Cost: This unique experience is priced at R50pp. 

Klein Limietrivier Farm | Wellington | +27(0)21 873 6242 | stephen@quenti.co.za (email recommended)

ABSEIL ON PAARL ROCK

While abseiling has become quite a popular sport, gliding down Paarl Rock in the Cape Winelands town of Paarl is certainly one for the books. Offered by Cascade Country Manor, anyone and everyone (even those without the know-how) can rope their way from the top to the bottom. The rock is the second largest granite outcrop in the world!

Cost: Abseiling costs between R650pp and R1200pp, depending on the size of the group. Children must be 12 years of age or older to participate and all under-18s must have a parent present while abseiling. Reasonable fitness levels are required.

Cascade Country Manor | Waterval Road | Paarl | +27(0)21 868 0227 (the hotel is the meeting point) 

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Dine, do yoga, and go on guided meditation tours in 560-million-year-old earth at engineering feat EARTHBOX.

Make this eccentric 160-year-old house your next group getaway spot. 

Be intrigued at these wonderfully unique Western Cape options for unusual accommodation.

Looking to do some other cool activities? Begin the alternative Cape Town bucket list

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