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The ultimate Cape Town bucket list

100+ adventures from hot air balloons to jazz safari

Last updated: Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Where else can you watch 1 000 ducks parade every day, ride a hot air balloon, paraglide over the ocean, see one of the largest glass collections in the world (for free) AND visit a record store that was featured in an Oscar-winning documentary? Here’s 100+ bucket list adventures, from free and affordable to thrill-rushing, stretching all the way from West Coast to Beaufort West. Look for updates on new adventures every week.
 

DIAMOND EXPERIENCE AT THE ROCKWELL

You can take a diamond tour, hear stories about South Africa’s diamond heritage, and co-create your own jewelry masterpiece at the Shimansky Diamond Experience at the Rockwell.


The Rockwell All Suite Hotel | Prestwich Street | Green Point | @shimansky | Image: Shimansky


HIKE 13 PEAKS IN 48 HOURS

The 13 Peaks Challenge covers all major hiking routes, from Signal Hill to Muizenberg Peak. You can do it any time of the year, and it doesn’t have to be done consecutively.


Various locations | @13_peaks | Image: 13 Peaks

SWIM WITH CROCODILES

You can touch a crocodile, or do a croc cage dive at Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures, the only place in the Western Cape where you can see over 200 crocodiles.


Babylonstoren Road | Paarl | @lebonheuradventures | Image: Le Bonheur

CAPE TOWN’S FIRST LEGAL CANNABIS CLUB

Cannibisters has over 90 strains of weed, sweet and salty edibles, and an exclusive Serenity Room (filled with 3D psychedelic art). Find out how to become a member.


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

HOT AIR BALLOON OVER THE WINELANDS

It’s a one-hour flight at sunrise. You get tea or coffee on arrival, and a post-landing bubbly or juice. Plus, a hot breakfast at Joostenberg Bistro after the flight.


Joostenberg Bistro | Kraaifontein | @hotairballooningcapetown | Image: Ballooning Cape Town

PLAY THE BEST ESCAPE ROOM

You have 75 minutes to save Cape Town. Are you up for the challenge? Find out why HintHunt’s Marble is being called “the king of escape rooms”


Watershed | 17 Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | @hinthuntafrica | Image: Claire Photography

DUCK PARADE ON A WINE FARM

The 1 000 Indian Runner Ducks that walk the property are not only a marvel to watch, they keep the vineyard free of pesticides.


Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate | Stellenbosch | @vergenoegd_low_wine_estate | Image: @saltysn0w

CLUB ON THE BEACH

Beach lounge by day, hot and vibrant club by night. There’s a pool with daybeds, outdoor bar, and resident DJ at Cape Town’s beach club.


V&A Waterfront | @cabobeachclubza | Image: Cabo Beach Club

GLASS MUSEUM (IT’S FREE)

There’s over 600 pieces of glass art hidden in the winelands. It’s one of the largest privately-owned glass collections in the world.


Glenelly Estate | @glenellyestate | Image: Glenelly Estate

FAIRY AND PIXIE GARDEN 

The enchanted garden filled with pixies, fairies, and a life-sized mushroom stool costs R30 for adults and R20 for kids.  


Plot 307 Main Road | Jacobs Bay | @pixie_and_fairy_village | Image: @joannecwilliams

BLUE ROCK WATERSKI RESORT

There’s waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, diving and rock jumping at Blue Rock. 


Sir Lowry’s Pass Road | Somerset West | @bluerockresort_official | Image: @amadeart

EVER HEARD OF A JAZZ SAFARI?

It’s a 4-hour tour going through the homes of Cape Town jazz artists, with live music from Hilton Schilder, Eldred Schilder and Maya Spector. Book via info@coffeebeansroutes.com


Various locations | @coffeebeansroutes | Image: Coffeebeans Routes

MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM 

The second-largest military aviation museum in the country. The South African Air Force Museum at Satellite Ysterplaat, is the ultimate Top Gun experience in Cape Town


Piet Grobler Street | Ysterplaat Airbase | @saaf_museum_ysterplaat | Image: @chloehuttonxx

RIDE A HARLEY DAVIDSON 

A 2-hour chauffeured cruise around the city or along Chapmans Peak on the back of a Harley.


Chapman’s Peak | Cape Town | @skaristouring | Image: Harley Davidson South Africa

TUBE DOWN THE RAPIDS 

White-water rafting down Palmiet River in two-person inflatable “crocodiles”. There are five main rapids – Handstands up, Bubble and Squeak, Itchy and Scratchy, Waterfall and Judgement Day.


Kogelberg Nature Reserve | Kleinmond | @gravityadventures | Image: Gravity Adventures

HANDMADE AFRICAN ICE-CREAM

At this little hole-in-the-wall eatery, there are flavours like hibiscus curd, matemba-salted toffee with scotch bonnet chillies, and sorghum porridge and coconut.


76 Lower Main Road | Observatory | @_tapi_tapi | Image: Tapi Tapi

SNORKEL WITH SEALS 

This spot was featured in Disney’s Dolphin Reef and BBC’s Blue Planet. You can explore the kelp forests, and find Cape Fur seals along the way.


8 Albert Road | Hout Bay | @sealsnorkeling | Image: Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling

LAVENDER PICKING FOR R50

The best season for lavender picking is June to October. Plus, there’s wine tasting, and a boutique store with lavender-based goods from cordials to preserves.


Canettevallei Lavender & Wine Farm | Stellenbosch | @canettevallei | Image: Canettevallei

THE ANCIENT AFRICAN BEVERAGE

Ever tried mead? This drink made from yeast, water and honey originated from Southern Africa and you could learn about it at Cape Town Meadery.


27 7th Avenue | Maitland | @cape_town_meadery | Image: Cape Town Meadery

VINTAGE VINYL STORE

Featured in the Oscar-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man. Its little door conceals old records, books, comics and cassettes. If it’s rare – you’ll find it at Mabu Vinyl.


285 Long Street | Gardens | @mabuvinyl | Image: Mabu Vinyl

SAFARI TOUR BY THE SEA

When it comes to game reserves here, you can be in the veld or by the beach. Why not both? This game reserve, home to 4 of the Big 5, offers a safari tour on the West Coast.


Buffelsfontein Nature Reserve | West Coast | @buffelsfontein | Image: @nicky_lundin

SECRET COFFEE SHOP IN A CHURCH

Heaven Coffee Shop is located in Central Methodist Mission, a church that’s been around since the 1800s, where you can also play a game of chess.


38 Burg Street | City Centre | @heavencoffeeshop | Image: @ourfoodmission

FLY A SPORT PLANE 

Under the supervision of your flight instructor, you’re able to take hold of the controls and fly a sport plane, beginning in the farmlands and ending over the Blouberg coast.


Cape Winelands Airfield | @cape_sky_adventures | Image: Cape Sky Adventures

TOFFEE TASTING IN DARLING 

So you know about wine tastings and coffee tastings, but what about toffee tastings? Darling Sweets has an old-fashioned handmade toffee tasting.


7A Long Street | Darling | @_darling_sweet_ | Image: Darling Sweet

SIDECAR CITY TOURS

See Hout Bay, Darling, Cape Point, Stellenbosch or Gordons Bay all from a sidecar. Tours range from 2 hours to 4 hours, or even a full-day tour.


Various locations | @capesidecaradventures | Image: Cape Sidecar Adventures

ZIPLINE THROUGH A VALLEY

It’s four and a half hours of ziplining through a hidden valley, over a double waterfall. You can also do a guided nature tour.


Forestry Road | Grabouw | @capecanopytour | Image: Cape Canopy Tour

EAT LOCAL FOOD 

Vetkoek with chakalaka and tshisanyama, or a classic potjie. And it happens to be located in one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cape Town.


Battery Park | V&A Waterfront | @sevencolourseatery | Image: Seven Colours Eatery

STAY ON A HOUSEBOAT

In this houseboat you sleep on the turquoise waters of the Langebaan Lagoon at Kraalbaai.


West Coast National Park | @kraalbaai | Image: Melissa Brown

BE A BEEKEEPER FOR THE DAY 

Go on a beekeeping experience where you can adopt a hive and buy its honey, or take a tour and learn about the Cape honeybee at Honeybees Heroes.


Willowdale Farm | Stanford | Papiesvlei | @honeybeeheroes | Image: Honeybee Heroes

VISIT AN OSTRICH FARM 

Did you know there’s an ostrich farm at Cape Point? You can see ostriches, turtles and snakes. Plus a leather and egg shop.


Plateau Road | Cape Peninsula | Cape Point Ostrich Farm | Image: @pixiprol

FRUIT AND FLOWER PICKING

Everything from strawberries and blueberries to apples and veggies. You can even make your own flower bouquet at these picking farms that are open all-year round.


Hoogwater Farm | Romansrivier | @hoogwaterfarmlife | Image:@hanglikealocal

EAT WITH TANNIE EVITA 

Evita Bezuidenhout has her own café and deli in Darling where you can grab a bite. Plus, check the theatre schedule for live performances from Pieter-Dirk Uys at Evita se Perron.


8 Arcadia Street | Darling | @evitaseperron | Image: Evita se Perron

NATURE RESERVE IN THE SUBURBS 

A wetland wilderness found in Grassy Park, known for its impressive bird life. There are two viewing towers with spectacular scenery.


Pelikan Park | Grassy Park | Image: @mosaic.photography

KAYAK ON THE SEA OR AT NIGHT

You might even spot seals or dolphins when paddling in Sea Point. Or go kayaking at night in a lit-up canoe at Battery Park.


179 Beach Road | Three Anchor Bay | @capekayakadventures | Image: Cape Kayak Adventures

SCONE SHACK WITH FARM ANIMALS

Home of Rasher the pig and Rooster the chicken. There’s homemade jams and scones, plus farm animals roaming around the cafe, located on a hidden farm in Cape Point.


Lalaphanzi Farm | Plateau Road | Cape Point | @scone_shack | Image: Travelling Gypsy

PARAGLIDE IN THE GARDEN ROUTE 

You can start in Sedgefield or the Wilderness. Flights last anything from 10-20 minutes, and it’s strictly 14 and over.


Various locations | @paraglideafrica | Image: Paraglide Africa

OLIVE OIL TASTING

It’s all about olives at this estate – olive jam, olive chutney, even olive face cream (not for tasting) – with a clutch of gold medals and awards won from across the globe.


Lemoendrif Farm | Tulbagh | @oakhurstolives | Image: @miekevanniekerk

KAAPSE KLOPSE

The Klopse dance and sing their way through the streets of District Six to the CBD in a whirlwind of colour. It happens on “Tweede Nuwe Jaar” and it’s free.


Cape Town City Centre | @capetownstreetparade | Image: @jas0nmay

HIGH TEA BY THE OCEAN

This little piece of Italy in Muizenberg was built in 1929 by Italian Count Natale Labia. Today it’s a hotel, event space and restaurant with high tea


192 Main Road | Muizenberg | @casalabiabyideascartel | Image: Eduan Shoot

RIDE MONSTER SCOOTERS 

It’s an exhilarating way to see Stellenbosch, Signal Hill or Bo-Kaap. The non-electric scooters are eco-friendly and easy to steer. Book your adventure with Scootours.


Various locations | @scootoursbestdayever | Image: Scootours

TOUR THE CAPE TOWN TUNNELS

Did you know that there are secret tunnels running below the city? A qualified guide takes you through the spooky tunnels that date back as far as 1652


Corner of Darling and Buitenkant Street | Good Hope Adventures | Image: GoBinge

EXPLORE NATURE IN MITCHELLS PLAIN

Wolfgat Nature Reserve in Mitchells Plain has everything from picnicking and paragliding to fishing. It’s free to enter.


Baden Powell Drive | Mitchells Plain | Wolfgat Nature Reserve | Image: Hitekani Mbatsana

EXOTIC ANIMAL WORLD

An outing to experience exotic and wild animals previously kept as pets and whose survival is now maintained by Exotic Animal World. 


R44 just off the N1 | Klapmuts | @exotic_animal_world_ | Image: Exotic Animal World

KARAOKE AT A CREATIVE STUDIO

Hair salon by day and a karaoke studio by night. It’s free to sing and you can order food from the next door neighbours – Three Wise Monkeys, Una Mas and Only Fools.


84 Regent Road | Seapoint | Cape Town | @bokehvenue | Image: Lara van Zyl

INDOOR ROLLER RINK 

It’s in an emptied-out parking garage, with pool tables, arcade and VIP party area. Most nights you’ll get to skate around to throwback songs at this underground disco jol.


Battery Park | Waterfront | Cape Town | @rollercadeza | Image: Rollercade

WORLD OF BIRDS

The largest bird park in Africa in a tropical garden setting. There’s a monkey jungle, mammals and reptiles at World of Birds sanctuary. 


World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary | Valley Road | Hout Bay | @worldofbirds_official | Image: Jessica Marais Photography

UNDERWATER SEA FOREST

Freedive into a Kelp Forest or go on a snorkelling experience, where you’ll interact with rock lobsters and the Cape Fur Seals.


1 Albert Road | Muizenberg | @capetownfreediving | Image: Cape Town Freediving 

BECOME A NINJA FOR THE DAY

Inspired by the TV series Ninja Warrior. You can climb, balance, jump and swing across different obstacles, plus there’s a dedicated section for mini warriors (5 and under).


Black River Park | Observatory | @totalningabrp | Image: Total Ninja

PLUNGE INTO AN ICE BATH 

Cryotherapy is all the rage now. You can join a guided ice water immersion at some of the most beautiful locations in Cape Town. 


Various locations | @subzeroct | Image: Sub Zero

INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING  

CityROCK is a fully stocked climbing gym with high walls, bouldering sections, kids sections, crack climbing and even auto belay climbing. 


9 Milner Street | Paarden Eiland | @cityrock_cpt | Image: City ROCK

CURIOUS WINE PAIRINGS

Wine and waffles anyone? Or how about olive oil or ice cream? Here are 10 curious wine tastings voted by our readers.


M13 Tygerberg Valley Road | Durbanville | @dariawinery | Image: D’Aria Winery

MONKEY BUSINESS: BABOONS AT CAPE POINT

Before humans there were apes, and at Cape Point this is exactly the case. See the home of mountainous Baboons in the Cape Peninsula. Do not feed them.


Cape Point Nature Reserve | Cape Town | @capepointsa | Image: @faam_artistry

MINIATURE TOY MUSEUM 

You might recognize some of the toys and memoribilia from your childhood. There’s also a miniature of South Africa’s one of a kind blue train (that actually runs). 


Mark Street | Stellenbosch Central | Toy and Miniature Museum | Image: Ismaeel Adams

THE BELLY OF THE BEAST

There’s a secret menu with an unknown amount of courses, revealed on the day of your booking. And only 30 guests can dine at a time. 


110 Harrington Street | Cape Town City Centre | @bellyofthebeast_ct | Image: Belly of The Beast

TOUR WOODSTOCK 

An on-foot tour of street art, galleries and murals. Choose a 60 or 90 minute tour, guided by Juma Art Tour’s mediums. 


Woodstock Exchange | 66 Albert Road | @jumararttours | Image: @axelundsue

SLEEP ON THE BEACH

Kogel Bay Resort is a beach site situated between fynbos and mountains, where you can camp right near the sand. Plus you can hike to the Crystal Pools.


Clarens Drive | Gordons Bay | Kogel Bay Resort | Image: Brendan Watson

TOUR THE TWO OCEANS

A 24-minute tour where you can see sights like Chapman's Peak Drive, Constantia Winelands and Muizenberg. Plus, you get a bottle of bubbly and a 60 minute catamaran cruise all included. 

3 East Pier Road | V&A Waterfront | @sporthelicopters 

AN 80-YEAR-OLD GARDEN

There’s a majestic waterfall, colourful fynbos and a lush indigenous forest at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens in Betty’s Bay.


Cnr Clarence Drive & Broadwith Rd | Betty’s Bay | @sanbi_za | Image: Sheri Haw

HORSE RIDING AT SLEEPY HOLLOW

With views of Chapman's Peak and Noordhoek beach. There’s beach rides, pony rides, lessons for adults and children, and riding for the disabled.


Sleepy Hollow Lane | Noordhoek | @sleepyhollow28 | Image: Tom Laurent

GO KLOOFING IN THE BOLAND MOUNTAINS

Hike, swim and jump your way through this thrilling waterway. The cliffs are from 3 to 20 metres with freshwater rock pools below at Suicide Gorge.


Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve | @capenature | Image: Jamie-Lee Day

BOARD A MAGICAL STEAM TRAIN 

This steam train transports you to the 1800s, and stops at a market in an old apple warehouse. The entire experience lasts over 10 hours, including the ride on the Elgin Railway Steam Train.


Depart from Harbour Bridge Hotel in Foreshore | @elginrailwaymarket | Image: Elgin Railway Market

EAT THE HOTTEST BURGER 

Try your hand at the Sterkbek challenge: Eat a gourmet burger with ghost chillies, jalapeño and in-house spicy sauce (to name a few toppings) at the Hood Kitchen in Mitchell’s Plain. 


23 Boeing | Rocklands | @thehoodkitchen_mp | Image: The Hood Kitchen

DROP FROM THE SKY WITH THIS THRILL RIDE

One of only three thrill rides of its kind in the world launches from the 28th floor of Hotel Sky, catapults you 35-metres up in a chair lift, giving you a bird’s eye view of Cape Town. 


9 Lower Long St | Hotel Sky | Cape Town | @skyhiride | Image: SkyHi Ride

TRY YOUR HAND AT AXE-THROWING 

Challenge your friends to an axe-throwing competition and hit the bullseye at XOXO Urban Axe Throwing in Salt River.


100 Voortrekker Road | Salt River | @xoxo_axethrowing | Image: Simone Strydom

EASTERN STREET FOOD

This bazaar has Turkish, Indian and local dishes. From kebabs to Cape-style biryanis, Indian curries and tandoor dishes, the Eastern Food Bazaar is a trove of flavour.


96 Longmarket Street | CBD | @easternfoodbazaarct | Image: Francois Rousseau

MEET AND FEED ALPACAS 

You can tour the barn or go on a guided walk, accompanied by alpacas. (PS. feel free to feed them for only R20). 


Suid Agter Paarl Road | Southern Paarl | @alpacaloom | Image: Inge du Plessis

TIDAL POOL IN HERMANUS

It’s at the bottom of Ficks Pinchos and Wine Restaurant, and it’s free to swim there. Find more tidal pools around the province.


8 Marine Dr, Westcliff | Hermanus | @ficksrestaurant | Image: Ficks Restaurant

WATER BIKE ON THE SEA 

Yes, you ride a “bike” on water. There’s daily tours between 8am and 12pm with Cape Town Water Bikes in Simon’s Town.


1 Wharf Street | Simon’s Town | @capetownwaterbikes | Image: Cape Town Water Bikes

SECRET CLUB

It’s eclectic, it’s classy, it’s Darling, baby. And getting into one of Cape Town’s sexiest clubs is a thrill – there are three ways to access it. See more top places for a night out


101 Hout Street | Cape Town City Centre | @zsazsacpt | Image: Zsa Zsa

DRINK WINE AT THIS LANDMARK FARM

The first fully black-owned wine farm in Franschhoek. Learn the history and heritage of Klein Goederust and enjoy a wine tasting.


Klein Goederust Road | Franschhoek | @klein_goederust | Image: Klein Goederust

GOSPEL TOWNSHIP TOUR

Listen to the sounds of gospel singing and dancing as you visit a church on a gospel tour with the Camissa Township Tour.


Camissa Travel and Marketing | @camissatravel | Image: Camissa Travel

STAND UP PADDLE IN CAPE TOWN’S CANALS

With no waves to disturb you or knock you off your board, explore the Waterfront canals on a stand up paddle with SUP Cape Town.


Battery Park | Alfred Road | V&A Waterfront | @supcapetown | Image: Warren Papier

14 DISHES FROM CAPE TO CAIRO

You’re greeted by Malian puppets and the sound of African drums. Taste food from across Africa and enjoy a sensory journey of colours, creativity and artistry at GOLD Restaurant.


15 Bennett St | Green Point | @goldrestaurantcapetown | Image: GOLD Restaurant

DINNER AND A SHOW

Waiters by day, singers and dancers by night. ft Theatrical Dining has themed nights, from Mamma Mia to Disney shows. 


118 Sir Lowry Road | Woodstock | @stardustcapetown | Image: Stardust Theatrical Dining

THE GIRAFFE HOUSE

A safe haven for a collection of African inspired wildlife and provides a nice open-air facility for planned picnics. Supervised feeding of the giraffes are also available. 


R304 & R101 Muldersvlei | Cape Town | @giraffehousesa | Image: @ashly_koetze

SAN TOUR IN YZERFONTEIN

Experience a tea tasting, forage in the field, learn how to track in the sand or ride an eBike at !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre.


West Coast Road | Yzerfontein | @khwattu | Image: Alexander Bester 

CAPE TOWN’S MOST ICONIC TAKEAWAY

Nothing screams “Cape Town” like a good old Gatsby. Here’s where to find the best gatsby in Cape Town, according to locals.


Block 1 | Gatesville Shopping Centre | 1 Hazel Road | Gatesville | @_thegoldendish | Image: @bosse.ke.tiido

A GLOBAL DANCE MOVEMENT

Start or end your day off on a high note with a silent guided dance experience. Locations vary from wine farms to beaches. Headphones are provided at Secret Sunrise


Secret Sunrise | @secretsunrisecpt | Image: Secret Sunrise

SHARK-CAGE DIVING

Just two hours from Cape Town is the Great White Shark capital of the world. Be bold and go shark diving in Gansbaai.


Gansbaai | @whitesharkco | Image: White Shark Diving Co

BEST FISH AND CHIPS IN TOWN

Eating fish and chips is as Capetonian as Table Mountain, so take the lead from locals that know their seafood. Try out some of the best fish and chips in town.


Various locations | @luckyfishandchips | Image: Lucky Fish and Chips

HIKE THE CITY'S TRAILS 

Cape Town offers some of the best hiking and walking trails with breathtaking views, you might even find a hidden waterfall. From Table Mountain to Cecilia Forest, we’ve found the top hiking picks.


Various locations | Image: Carmen Lewis

TEST YOUR INNER SLEUTH

Have you got what it takes to escape prison or launch a torpedo in just 60 minutes? There are five rooms, plus online escape games at HintHunt Africa.


Watershed | 17 Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | @hinthuntafrica | Image: Hint Hunt

DRIVE OVER CHAPMAN’S PEAK

For 100 years, Chapman’s Peak Drive has been one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world.


Chapman’s Peak Drive | Cape Town | Image: Tyrone vd Berg

INNER-CITY MARKET

Every Thursday you can explore the historic ambience of the city at St George’s Market. There are local vendors, vintage clothes and more. 


138 St Georges Mall | Cape Town | @stgs.market | Image: St. George’s Market 

SEGWAY THROUGH VINEYARDS

There are two options: A one-hour excursion that covers the heart of the farm, and a two-hour trip that heads further out into wine and agriculture country of this Stellenbosch wine farm. See their tour options available.


Spier Wine Farm | Baden Powell Drive | Stellenbosch | @segwayspier | Image: Spier Wine Farm

THE BEST TSHISANYAMA

It’s not just about the meat, it’s a lifestyle, a place to party, see the hottest local artist or just chill with friends. Discover the best tshisanyamas.


Various locations | Image: Urban Tshisanyama 

OLDEST CATHEDRAL IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

If you happen to be at St George’s Cathedral during midday, you’ll hear the ringing of the cathedral bell (rung daily for 10 minutes).


5 Wale Street | Cape Town City Centre | St. George’s Cathedral | Image: James Delaney

LEARN ABOUT GANG CULTURE AT THIS MUSEUM

Learn about Cape Town’s history with a township tour at the 18 Gangster Museum in Khayelitsha.


Dullah Omar Street | Mandela Park | @18gangstermuseum | Image: 18 Gangster Museum

CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART 

There are nine floors showcasing the best of African art at Zeitz MOCAA Museum.


V&A Waterfront Silo District | S Arm Road |@zeitzmocaa | Image: Zeitz Mocaa

CITY’S HIDDEN WATERFALL 

A short 30 minute walk through the Silvermine Nature Reserve will lead you to this waterfall not many know about.


Silvermine Nature Reserve |Table Mountain National Park | @SANParks | Image: Jóvan du Plessis

TRY BOKKOMS

Bokkomlaan is named after this Cape delicacy made from salted and dried fish pieces. Watch fishermen prepare this fish biltong and try it at Die Vishuis in Velddrif. 


Various locations | Image: cameras_and_cases

TALLEST TREE SPECIES IN THE WORLD

The home of Giant Californian Redwoods is between Swellendam and Heidelberg in the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy. 


Grootvadersbosch | Heidelberg | @gvbconservancy | Image: Thabiso Mokoena

CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING

Let your inner adrenaline junkie out at Lourensford Wine Estate with clay pigeon shooting


Lourensford Wine Estate | Somerset West | @claypigeon_adventures | Image: Clay Pigeon Adventures

GREEN JEWEL OF THE NORTHERN SUBURBS 

Majik Forest in Durbanville is filled with flowers, shrubs, and densely forested areas. There’s several MTB trails, picnic spots and has a kids’ play area. 


Van Riebeeckshof Road | Cape Town | Image: Chloe Ellis

A SLICE OF ANCIENT GERMANY IN HOUT BAY

Lichtenstein Castle in Hout Bay has been around since 1998, and was sold for R23 million in 2012. Now it offers breathtaking architecture as a venue space. 


Harbour Road | Hout Bay | Lichtenstein Castle, Hout Bay | Image: KT Drones

COFFEE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE

Morale Coffee takes peace and quiet to a new level, with a simple setup of giant haystacks. Serving coffee, frozen drinks, and breakfasts, this is the place to get coffee off the grid


R44 between Hermon and Wellington | @moralecoffeetogo | Image: Arne van Rendburg

AND 25 ICONIC CAPE TOWN ATTRACTIONS

What’s special

Get in touch

Cost

A 90-minute free walking tour in Bo-Kaap.

71 Wale Street, Bo-Kaap

076 636 9007

Free (held twice a day)

Trace your lineage with a new exhibition at Iziko Museum.

5 Queen Victoria Street,  Gardens

iziko.org.za

(With SA ID)
Adults: R40

Kids aged 5 to 18 and pensioners: R20 / Free entry on Fridays

The wine lounge on top of Table Mountain.

Lower Cableway Station, Tafelberg Road

Prices vary depending on age, day and time of entry 

10 tips for hiking Lion’s Head

Signal Hill Road

hikelionshead.co.za

Free

South African history at the District Six Museum 

25A Buitenkant St, District Six

districtsix.co.za

R60

Hop-On, Hop-Off Double-Decker that goes from V&A Waterfront to Hout Bay

Various locations

@citysightseeingsa

Prices vary depending on length and choice of tour 

World Heritage site Robben Island

Pick up point at V&A Waterfront

021 413 4200

South Africans: R1000 for adults, R620 for children; Non-South Africans: R1400 for adults, R820 for children 

The oldest garden in South Africa. There’s also a cafe at Company’s Garden.

15 Queen Victoria Street

021 423 2919

Free entry

Only place in the world where you can get up close to African penguins at Boulders Beach

Simons Town

sanspark.org

South Africans: R44 per adult, R22 per child; Foreign visitors: R176 per adult, R88 per child

You can have a picnic in the sky at The Cape Wheel

V&A Waterfront

capewheel.co.za

From R95, free to ride the Cape Wheel on your birthday - See how to claim your free ride here

A one-day scuba course and diving experience at Two Oceans Aquarium

Dock Road, V&A Waterfront

021 418 3823

Prices vary from R110 to R235 depending on day, age and citizenship

Over 22 000 different plant species can be viewed at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Rhodes Drive, Newlands

021 799 8783

Prices vary for South African citizens, students and pensioners 

You can enter the Cape Town Diamond Museum for free

Level 1 Clock Tower, Clock Tower District, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

@ctdiamondmuseum

Free entry but a guided tour costs R200 (tour is free for pensioners, senior citizens + kids under 14) 

The smallest and richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms can be found at Cape Point.

Cape Point

capepoint.co.za

Return Ticket: Adults R80, kids and pensioners R45; One Way Ticket: Adults R65, kids and pensioners R35

Paint pottery items at Clay Cafe Ceramic Painting

Hout Bay/In the City/Paarl

claycafe.co.za

Pricing and Packages Studio fee of R45 per person (+ the price of your item) 

Treetop adventure course at Acrobranch

Constantia/Stellenbosch
acrobranch.co.za

Prices vary 

There’s artisanal products & gourmet food at the Neighbourgoods Market

The Old Biscuit Mil
theoldbiscuitmill.co.zal 

Prices vary

Free art and culture scene every First Thursday

Various locations/Dozens of art galleries and cultural events in Cape Town

Free entry (including big after-parties in bars and restaurants)

The oldest working guns in the world can be found at Noon Gun

Lion Battery on Signal Hill

Free entry 

20-million-year-old limestone caves at Cango Caves

Cango Valley, Oudtshoorn
cango-caves.co.za

Prices vary

There’s a secret cafe in Tokai Forest 

Tokai Forest
tokaipark.com

Free entry

You can collect gemstones for cheap at Scratch Patch, plus play mini-golf in a cave 

1 Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
021 786 2020

Prices vary 

A 45-year-old shipwreck by Oudekraal Beach

Between Bakoven and Llandudno, opposite the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
sanparks.org

SA ID: R38 for adults, R19 for children; SADC: R76 for adults with passports proof, R38 for children; International Visitors: R152 for adults, R76 for child.

There’s an outdoor labyrinth at Green Point Urban Park.

1 Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point

021 444 3903  

Free entry

Quadbiking and sandboarding at Atlantis Dunes 

Dassenberg Drive, Atlantis
atlantisdunes.com 

Prices vary 

 

Compiled by Sarah Williams, Khadeeja Adams and Lara van Zyl

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Cape Town Events Calendar
December 2024
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Naledi 2024 2Naledi’s Festive Dream, the V&A’s ...

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