7 Bespoke Bucket List Experiences That Will Blow You Away

From anniversaries to proposals and weekend getaways, whatever the occasion, Celestial Gift Experiences has an activity to match. Plus as a CapeTownMagazine.com reader, you get R100 off your first Celestial Gifts experience by using the coupon code "CGECPTMR2018" when booking.

Last updated: 24 May 2018

Cape Town-based entrepreneur Odette Butcher has an appetite for adventure. The self-styled Bucket List Genie has ridden high-speed superbikes, and completed adventure marathons in the Arctic, Petra Desert, the Great Wall of China, and Everest. She has bungee jumped at Soweto’s Orlando Towers, went driving with one of SA’s top rally drivers and has gone sandboarding in Atlantis.

She is the founder of Celestial Gift Experiences, a company that offers unique gift experiences for occasions ranging from anniversaries to proposals and birthdays, and she’s personally tried out nearly all of the experiences offered on her website. “That’s what sets us apart from other experience companies, I’ve tried the experiences myself to ensure their quality and safety.”

Here, the Bucket List Genie shares the seven experiences you should plan for your most important milestones:   

1. CLIFTON AND BACK ON A HARLEY DAVIDSON

“There’s no better way to celebrate a milestone birthday than cruising with friends in convoy along Cape Town’s platinum mile on the back of a Harley Davidson,” says Odette (who, herself, spent her 36th birthday in a Harley Davidson convoy). A Harley chauffeur (dressed in leather jacket and all), picks you up and takes the scenic route to Clifton and back. It’s the perfect solo experience – and a non-traditional way of exploring the city – but convoys can be arranged.

2. TRAIL RUNNING ON TABLE MOUNTAIN

Here’s what you’d need for a run on South Africa’s most famous mountain: water, trail running gear and two hours of your time. The reward? An epic, endorphin-inducing run in full view of untouched nature. “Trail running within the Table Mountain Reserve is like taking the stairway to heaven,” says the Bucket List Genie. The run is facilitated by her, who has taken part in marathons such as the Polar Circle Marathon (a 43km Arctic marathon where temperatures can drop to -30 degrees Celsius).

3. A PRIVATE PICNIC IN THE SKY

Picnic for two? Sure, but have you ever had a picnic in the sky. The Cape Wheel experience starts at the iconic Cape Wheel, where a VIP cabin for two takes you 40m above the ground and gives you a panoramic view of Cape Town. The ride lasts for eight revolutions (about 20 to 30 minutes) and is the perfect way to steal some time for a romantic lunch. The picnic basket includes baguettes, seasonal fruit platters and savoury biscuits.

4. HORSEBACK RIDE ON THE BEACH

Odette describes this as “open-air therapy”. “It’s the ultimate freedom; a horseback ride on a long and spectacular Cape Town beach.” Bring some trainers, clothing that won’t get in the way of your ride and take in the scenery. Tip: this is best enjoyed right before sunset.

5. SHARK CAGE DIVING IN GANSBAAI

This experience turns the idiom “swimming with sharks” to an exhilarating reality. The purpose of the experience is two-fold: there’s the obvious thrill that comes with being in full view of the sea’s most feared animal, but there’s also the opportunity to demystify some of the sinister opinions we hold of the Great White. Celestial Gift Experiences partners up with the best shark diving operators, ensuring safety throughout.

6. THE FRANSCHHOEK WINE TRAM EXPERIENCE

Best suited for groups of four, the Franschhoek tour ferries you along some of the town’s most famous wine estates. “It’s a unique ‘daycation’ that takes place along wine routes like Le Lude, Holden Manz and Grande Provence.” You hop on and off the tram while you taste the best wines from South Africa. You can move from farm to farm at your own leisure while soaking up the historical and natural bliss of the Franschhoek surrounds.

7. CHAMPAGNE CATAMARAN CRUISE AT SUNSET

Champagne in hand, the ocean all around you, and your romantic interest by your side, a sunset cruise on the Tigger 2 Royale luxury catamaran is the perfect way to woo that special someone. The 90-minute cruise sails to Clifton beach and settles there before heading back to the Waterfront. “It’s like living the life of a jetsetter,” says the Bucket List Genie.

The Bucket List Genie highly recommends these two experiences for couples: the Champagne Sunset Picnic Cruise for Two and Picnic in the Sky For Two. Otherwise browse through our whopper list of Things You Have To Do in Cape Town Before You Die. 

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