Ever wanted to be a tourist in your own city?
Cape Town is firmly on the world map as a tourist destination and has so much more to offer than its beaches, Winelands and Robben Island. Local flavour is everywhere – get out, experience and enjoy what your city has to offer and here are…12 ways to experience Cape Town!
Full Moon Hike up Lion’s Head
Hiking Lion’s Head at full moon is something that you must do at least once. Whether or not you see the moon, the hike to the summit has spectacular views and there are routes to suit all levels of fitness. At the top, the atmosphere is bustling as hikers eagerly await the sunset or the rise of the full moon.
Safety Hiking Guidelines & Tips
- Do not hike alone
- Go in groups of four or more
- Do not carry valuables
- Stick to the marked pathways
- If confronted by suspects do not resist
Hot Air Balloon over the Cape Winelands
There are many ways to experience the Winelands and one would be to soar over the Winelands in a hot air balloon. You will float high above land, drifting just above tree tops with picturesque views of meadows, mountains, dams and homesteads. March is the best time of year to air balloon as the weather conditions are generally more stable.
Horse Riding on Noordhoek Beach
Get the best of both worlds by experiencing horseback rides on the beach with breathtaking views of Chapman’s Peak and Noordhoek Beach. Enjoy the 1 hour 45-minute guided beach ride leaving from Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie straight through the wetlands onto beautiful Noordhoek beach. The rides are suitable for ages 12 years and up, and no riding experience is required.
Cape Point Ostrich Farm
The Cape Point Ostrich Farm is a hidden gem and a lovely breakaway from the hustle and bustle of the City Centre. Only 50km from Cape Town, next to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve the drive to the farm has beautiful scenery; something the entire family can appreciate. Open Monday to Sunday for the makings of a perfect family day.
Cape Town Ostrich Ranch
Everything ostrich can be found here! The ranch is roughly 27-minutes outside of Cape Town off the N7. The restaurant has an amazing and affordable breakfast menu, which is served throughout the day. The educational tour introduces guests to the West Coast white ostrich, dwarf ostriches, black-necked ostriches, emus, rheas, peacocks and ostrich chicks. The ranch also has a cheetah enclosure and is currently home to a few baby crocodiles.
Underground Tunnel Tour of the City
If you suffer from claustrophobia you might want to give this one a miss. Armed with gumboots, a hard hat and a torch, you can discover these underground canals with a qualified guide. Tours can range from 1-3 hours and you are required to be reasonably fit. From R175 per person you are requested to bring along gumboots or old non-slip shoes (old trainers) that can possibly get wet, and some spare old clothes. It is slightly warmer in the tunnels and you need to be medically fit and reasonably sure footed as some parts are slippery. This educational and historic tour will inspire your imagination a thrilling experience and adventure.
Table Mountain Sunset Special
There’s nothing more spectacular than a sunset, even better when sharing it with someone. Take a loved one from 4 January until 28 February 2018, return tickets are half price after 6pm.
Don’t forget your camera to capture the sunset moment.
Birthday Table Mountain special
Calling all locals, this is for you! On your birthday, Table Mountain National Park offers you a complimentary return trip on the cable way! All you need to do is bring along your green ID book and boom… birthday party venue sorted!
Not much of an adventurer, no problem, the city has something to suit everyone
Kirstenbosch Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway
In the mood for something more relaxed? Then the Kirstenbosch Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway (aka Boomslang) is a must. The Walkway takes you from the forest floor into and through the trees and bursts out above the canopy with amazing views of mountains, Garden and Cape Flats. Visitors in wheelchairs will require assistance as it is quite steep to and from the Walkway.
First Thursdays
The first Thursday of every month, explore Cape Town after 5pm and visit restaurants, food trucks and art galleries which are open until late. First Thursdays is spread throughout the City centre, but most of the galleries and cultural events are found along Bree Street and Church Street. Best to get there early as it can get crowded.
Free Walking Tours of the City
Who doesn’t love anything free? These tours offer an insight into the rich history, architecture and culture of Cape Town. The tours are free and tip-based and all you have to do is pitch up and look out for the yellow umbrellas. Tours are daily (rain or shine) and depart from Greenmarket Square, corner of Burg Street and Shortmarket Street.
Clay Café – Hout Bay
Let out your inner artist at Clay Café. Choose from an array of ceramic items to paint and make your own. The perfect way to bond with family and friends.
