Things to do on Heritage Day

Master Cape Malay cuisine, be a braai champ and discover San culture

The 24th of September is not only a day to gather around a braai with friends and family, it’s also a day to celebrate the diversity of South African culture and heritage. In the Western Cape, the influence of Cape Malay culture and other cultural influences is evident in architecture, cuisine and lifestyle in Cape Town. Here are six ways to discover the rich diversity of our city. 

A WALK THROUGH VERGELEGEN

Declared as a provincial heritage site in 2019, Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West is known for its magnificent themed gardens. A tour through the estate includes a walk through  various gardens such as the International Camellia Garden of Excellence, which is the only blooming camellia tree in Africa. There’s also a 200-year old library with a catalogued collection of 4 500 books, plus the 300-year- old Cape Dutch Homestead, which has been refurbished to reflect the layered historicism of architectural changes Vergelegen has undergone in its existence. Don’t miss the majestic camphor trees that were declared National Monuments in 1942 at the Vergelegen Wine Estate. 
Good to know: The tour is a walking tour by prior arrangement; it’s weather dependent.
Time: 8:30am -5pm
Price: R50pp

Lourensford Road | Somerset West | + 27 (0) 21 847 2100 | info@vergelegen.co.za 

LEARN THE WAYS OF THE SAN

A beautiful celebration of San culture, !Kwattu San Heritage Centre focuses on telling the story of the San people, who are one of the last-known hunter-gatherer societies on earth. It also teaches visitors about the San way of life, their languages, culture and the impact of the ever-changing world on their community. !Kwattu is a great place to visit, with activities such as mountain bike trails, tours led by San guides. You can sleep over in San-inspired guest houses and tented camps at the !Kwattu San Heritage Centre.
Good to know: The !Kwattu centre is located in the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Time: 9am - 5pm
Price: Tours range from R80 - R160

R27 West Coast Road | Yzerfontein | +27 (0) 22 492 2998 | info@kwattu.org 

COOK UP A CAPE MALAY STORM

Here’s your chance to learn how to make famous Cape Malay dishes such as bobotie and koeksisters. The Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour offers 3-and-a-half hour practical lessons on how to cook authentic Cape Malay dishes. In the quest to create the perfect Cape Malay Bo-Kaap experience, you can also tour the Bo-Kaap and learn more about the place where Cape Malay originates at the Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour.
Good to know: You get a recipe book and masala mix sachets after every class
Time: Starts at 10:30am on weekdays and 10am on weekends
Price: R1100 until 30 November, 2021

46 Rose Street | Bo-Kaap | + 27 (0) 78 739 4073 | info@bokaapcookingtour.co.za 

A MUSICAL TREAT WITH FOOD AND DRINK

There’ll be live music and tons of fun at Benguela Cove Wine Estate in the popular coastal town of Hermanus – with a fancy braai. The menu has been specially curated for foodies, with a selection of gourmet braai picnic baskets and platters to enjoy. There are various picture perfect picnic spots to choose from (all with sea and mountain views). You can also choose to book your table in our indoor or covered outdoor seating areas at Benguela Cove Wine Estate in Hermanus.
Good to know: Local SAMA-winning musician Albert Frost will be performing, tickets are R100 pp
Time: 12pm - 5pm
Price: R550 -R600 per basket

Bot River Lagoon | Walker Bay | 087 357 0637 | info@benguelacove.co.za 

 A LOOK INTO THE PAST THROUGH ART

Cape Town is a city rich with history and culture that’s been preserved in various museums around the city. With museums such as the South African National Gallery and Zeitz Mocaa, our city’s creativity is always accessible. From art museums to historical monuments, use Heritage Day to explore museums around Cape Town. 
Good to know: Some museums have free entry on public holidays such as Heritage Day

OKAY, YOU CAN STILL BRAAI...

...but do it with a twist: the Nederburg Weekend Braais invites those who think they’re masters to show off their skills every week until the 10th of October. There is a wide selection of Nederburg's award-winning wines and ciders, beers and drinks for sale. It will be held at the estate's newly revamped restaurant, The Manor, on the sprawling lawn – it’s perfect for long summer picnics (with a braai), along with some live music. A nice touch is lawn games designed for kids. Bookings are essential to enjoy the Nederburg Weekend Braais.
Good to know: The meat is ethically sourced from Deli-Co Farmstyle Butchery in Riebeek-Kasteel
Time: Braais begin at 12pm
Price: R25-R165

Nederburg Wines | Sontraal Road | Paarl | +27 (0) 21 862 3104 | info@nederburg.com

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Know your history! Read about the history of Heritage Day.

Celebrate Heritage Day with these traditional Cape Malay recipes. 

New to town? Discover Cape Town’s hidden gems. 

Embrace Cape Town’s rich culture and learn some Cape Town slang.

Think you’ve run out of activities for the kids? Here are more than 50 things to do with kids in Cape Town.

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