Special places to celebrate your birthday

Shoot clay pigeons, make lipstick, go outdoor karting & more

Last updated: Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Birthday coming up? How about high tea at a cat café or a murder mystery party? You could also make your own lipstick, rent out an entire skatepark, shoot clay pigeons or go x-treme outdoor karting. Whether you’re into a big bash or something more low-key, here’s a round-up of special places to celebrate your birthday in and around Cape Town.

HAVE A LIPSTICK PARTY

Lipped offers a lipstick experience where you learn how to create your own perfect shade, ideal for any celebration. All equipment and materials are provided, and their ingredients are animal cruelty-free, cosmetically-graded, and certified. 

Good to know: Lipped will bring the party to you.

How to book: Via lipped.shop
Cost: R380pp; R85 per child; R480 for a home kit  

Merriman Avenue | Stellenbosch | @lipped_sa | Image: Lipped

CELEBRATE AT AFRICA’S FIRST BIKE HOTEL

Trail’s End is like a cosy wooden ski lodge, but instead of skiing, you can go mountain biking, trail running, hiking, and more. The restaurant makes for an epic birthday venue, and there’s a mix of private and shared rooms if you’d guests want to stay over. There’s also a rock climbing wall, quad bike tours, and a games room at Trail’s End Bike Hotel. 

Good to know: The accommodation can fit up to 64 people

How to book: Via Trail’s End Bike Hotel website
Cost: Contact info@trailsend.bike

Worcester Street | Swannie River | Grabouw | @trailsendbikehotel | Image: Trail’s End

DINE IN A GLAMOROUS MANOR   

Hidden in the leafy suburbs of Wynberg is the grande dame of the southern suburbs – Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa. de Tafel, the on-site restaurant, features a six-course menu made with sustainable local ingredients. There’s also 5-star suites and a spa if you’d like to extend your celebrations at Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa. 

Good to know: There’s also Palm Terrace for more family-style dining

How to book: 021 745 5008 or info@palmhouse.co.za

Cost: From R280 for mains

10 Oxford Street | Wynberg | Cape Town | @palmhousehotel | Image: Palm House

GO ON A SCOOTOURS ADVENTURE

Scootours is one of the most exciting outdoor activities in the Western Cape. Riders freewheel on outdoor tracks using Monster Mountain Scooters (it’s easy to steer). There are four locations to choose from. You can ride through a bush tunnel, vineyards or take two off-road tracks in the city. Here are all the exhilarating tracks you can experience with Scootours.

Good to know: You can try archery or book a wine farm bike tour at Scootours Banhoek.

How to book: Via scooters.co.za
Cost: Between R150 to R770pp

Scootours | Various locations | @scootoursbestdayever | Image: Scootours

PLAY IN THE MARBLE UNIVERSE

Comic book geek? Marvel fan? Lover of mysteries? This thrilling new superhero-themed experience might be the best escape room in the world. It’s bigger, more immersive, and you feel just like the Avengers when you play. Grab your superhero capes and bring along four to six mates to play HintHunt’s Marble. 

Good to know: HintHunt Africa has five more escape rooms to play (maximum booking of 54 people).

How to book: Via HintHunt.co.za
Cost: R395pp in a team of 6

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

GATSBY-ESQUE DINING & LIVE MUSIC

Classic art deco furnishings, lush velvet booths, a wrap-around bar and panoramic window that'll remind you of a scene from The Great Gatsby. This classy lounge is great for a glamorous birthday dinner. There’s unique cocktails, tapas dining with dishes like Korean fried chicken, live music on the weekends, and there’s a rum bar right next door to Harringtons Cocktail Lounge.

Good to know: There’s also a live music venue and dive bar in the same building

How to book: Via Dineplan
Cost: No cost to book a table; menu items from R60

61b Harrington Street | District Six | Cape Town | @harringtonsct | Image: Harrington Street

HOST A SKATER PARTY

You can rent out the entire skatepark or book a birthday room at The Shred Skatepark. The layout includes ramps, stair-sets, rails, a quarter pipe and the very popular skate bowl. The venue can accommodate up to 40 kids (if booked exclusively). For food, riders and guests order from the Eiland Eatery. All ages and wheels are welcome, and they’ve got daily specials at The Shred. 

Good to know: You can even get a skateboard birthday cake or professionally-edited video at an additional cost.

How to book: Via theshred.co.za
Cost: From R2 100 (for up to 10 kids)

68 Auckland Street | Paarden Eiland | @the_shred_skatepark | Image: The Shred

SPEND THE DAY AT A CAT CAFÉ

High-tea surrounded by fluffy allergy-friendly Siberian cats at Curiosity Cat Café, where your guests are served freshly-baked scones, savoury tarts, and other goodies on the garden terrace, while soaking in the views of Noordhoek beach. When it’s cold, their charming 70-year-old Cape Dutch House keeps you cosy. 

Good to know: Bookings are limited to 10 people and 90 minutes per session.

How to book: Via artekatz.com
Cost: R350pp

Noordhoek | Cape Town | @curiositycatcafecapetown | Image: Curiosity Cat Café

BEER & BURGERS 

Woodstock Brewery is known for its cheeky-named craft beers inspired by sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll and live music. It’s in the buzzy vibrant Albert Road and it’s up for grabs for birthday parties. It serves loads of food that goes well with beers, like belly-busting burgers and brisket. Plus you can taste up to nine craft beers at this rop brewery, bar, restaurant and live music venue.

Good to know: Takes up to 200 people canape style or 150 people sit down.

How to book: Call 021 203 3045

Cost: R10/glass for beer tasting

252 Albert Road | Woodstock | Cape Town | @woodstockbrewery | Image: Woodstock Brewery

CRAFT YOUR OWN CERAMICS

You can make a custom bowl, vase, mug, pitcher or planter at Clay Hands. There’s a beginner's crash course with demonstrations covering all the different techniques. You can join a Saturday morning workshop, or opt for a full-day experience. Private bookings can be made for groups of six to 10 and booking is essential. 

Good to know: The workshops are open to all levels of experience.

How to book: Via clayhands.co.za
Cost: From R580pp (once-off)

196 Victoria Road | Woodstock | @clayhands | Image: Clay Hands 

GO X-TREME OUTDOOR KARTING

Spend your birthday racing go-karts on an outdoor track. There are two tracks (one for kids and one for adults). The main track accommodates four to five racers at a time, and packages start from 30 to 180 minutes (for the entire group). Plus, there are braai facilities for the adult track, including a VIP option. 

Good to know: A minimum 50% deposit is required to secure your booking.

How to book: Call 076 223 3138

Cost: From R2 250 for 30 minutes (12-15 racers)

Bottelary Road | Stellenbosch | @xtremeoutdoorkarting | Image: X-treme Outdoor Karting 

MOUNTAIN GETAWAY FOR A BIRTHDAY BASH

The laid back Cederkloof Botanical Retreat, near Citrusdal, is the perfect secret spot to have a special milestone birthday. Guests can gather to celebrate a 30th, 40th, 50th. Kids can run around on the lawn or swim in the heated pool at the main house. There are 10 self-catering cottages on site, plus camping, and the venue can host between 36 and 400 people, so everyone can party the night safely at Cederkloof. 

Good to know: Make a weekend of it. Make use of the hiking and mountain biking trails, swim in the heated pool, plus each cottage has a heated jacuzzi.

How to book: Via cederkloof.co.za or email bookings@cederkloof.co.za
Cost: From R750pp per night; R850 per tent

R303 | Regional Road | Citrusdal | 083 285 6766 | @cederkloof | Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat 

ENJOY HIGH TEA IN A ROSE GARDEN

The Rose Terrace Tea Room is a charming venue overlooking a rose garden on Vergelegen Wine Estate – perfect for breakfast, lunch or an indulgent afternoon tea birthday. There’s an ever-changing range of cakes, tarts, pies and quiches. Sit outside in the garden near the camphor tree forest or indoors. No bookings but walk-ins are welcome (maximum seating of 40 guests). 

Good to know: The menu has gluten-free cakes too.

How to book: Call 021 847 2100 or email functions@vergelegen.co.za
Cost: R20 entrance fee; Food at additional cost

Vergelegen Wine Estate | Lourensford Road | Somerset West | @vergelegen_wine_estate | Image: Vergelegen Wine Estate

SHOOT CLAY PIGEONS

It’s a two-hour experience where you get to shoot clay pigeons using real bullets. The shooting is done outdoors on a shaded deck, with the clay pigeons hung up across various distances. You don’t need any prior experience at Clay Pigeon Adventures. 

Good to know: There’s also private sessions and sniper experiences available.

How to book: Via clayed.co.za
Cost: Standard packages from R650pp

Lourensford Estate | Lourensford Road | Somerset West | @claypigeon_adventures | Image: Clay Pigeon Shooting

HAVE A TURKISH FEAST 

This hidden gem in the Clock Tower is ideal for family birthday parties for so many reasons. There’s a playground right outside, an extensive cocktail list, and grills that are great for sharing (like the mixed grill with chicken, lamb, steak, köfte and more). And it’s great for adults too, thanks to the shisha lounge at Saray, the Waterfront’s hidden Turkish gem. 

Good to know: There’s a set menu for 15 or more people

How to book: 066 430 3391; 082 868 4210; sarayreservations@gmail.com 

Cost: R1 000 deposit plus food cost 

Shop G04 Clock Tower Building | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | @saray_restaurant_ct | Image: Saray 

50TH BIRTHDAY TRIP AT A COUNTRY HOUSE 

Mardouw Country House is a gem of a stay on a secluded olive farm, where you can golf, mountain bike, hike, swim and more. Sleeping 10 people, it’s renovated from a 19th-century farmhouse and comes with a private chef (all meals included). You could make a 40th, 50th or 60th birthday special at Mardouw.

Good to know: You can organise an olive oil tasting during your stay.

How to book: Contact Philip King, the general manager 

Cost: R14 500 per night (for 10 people, including all meals)

R60 | Swellendam | Website | Image: Mardouw Country House

BIRTHDAY LUNCH AT A BISTRO BY THE SEA

Have vegan or vegetarian loved ones? Pear Tree in Hermanus has a range of healthy and delicious food regardless of your food preferences – think pink falafel tacos, crispy pork ribs or calamari sushi. It has cosy indoor seating and an outdoor area with picnic tables overlooking the sea, which means that it's a great party spot all year round.

Good to know: There are refreshing and unique cocktails (like berry kombucha cocktails) to toast the special birthday person.

How to book: Call 028 313 1224 or email info@pear-tree.co.za 

Cost: Upon inquiry

 Village Square | Hermanus | @peartreehermanus | Image: Pear Tree Bistro

SOLVE A MURDER MYSTERY

Host a themed dinner party where you and your friends solve a murder mystery. Dinners To Die For has partnered with 15 venues including NV-80 Bar & Grill, Pigalle, and Gorgeous George. Or choose your own venue and they’ll bring the mystery to you. The crime scene is set up with a photo booth, props and tables with investigation packs for each person. 

Good to know: Their partnering restaurants offer set menus, a la carte and buffet options.

How to book: Email info@dinnerstodiefor.com 

Cost: From R295pp (15 people minimum but smaller groups can be accommodated)

Various locations | @dinners.to.die.for | Image: Dinners To Die For

GERMAN BIRTHDAY FEST WITH SHISHA

This café and bar in Green Point is nothing if not versatile. You can host a birthday lunch, brunch or dinner any day of the week with its weekly food specials – think burgers, pizzas, buffets, and happy hour. There’s also a snazzy shisha lounge. Or do it all: Kick it off with a weekend buffet and then move up to the shisha lounge for a hubbly birthday at Café Extrablatt.

Good to know: There’s a kids’ corner with books and toys, so if it’s a family affair, the kids can have their own fun too.

How to book: Call 021 434 3759 or email info@cafe-extrablatt.co.za
Cost: From R79 lunch specials

Exhibition Building | Green Point | 021 434 3759 | @extrablattcapetown | Image: Café Extrablatt 

HAVE A QUALITY MEAT DISCOVERY GATHERING

This quality meat eatery has something for even the fussiest of guests. Char’d Grill is known for its rare and interesting cuts that any meat-lover would appreciate (and an impressive glass locker where you can see the meat being dried).

There’s also rum, brandy tequila tastings, and a gin atomiser at one of the best meat eateries in the province.

Good to know: Have vegetarian friends? Not a problem - they can order from Pear Tree next door.

How to book: Call 028 312 1986

Cost: Upon inquiry

Char'd Grill | Hermanus | 028 312 1986 | @chardhermanus | Image: Lara Van Zyl

TRY PINCHOS AT THIS SEA VIEW EATERY 

Carved into the cliffs of a historic tidal pool is a little slice of Croatia or Italy. It’s the ultimate spot for a summer birthday party – sunbathing on the rocks with an Aperol Spritz in hand, sea salt still on the lips; friends and family sharing Spanish pinchos (tapas) or flammkuchen. There’s even boozy milkshakes like Marshmallow Dream. Find all the must-tries at Ficks Restaurant.

Good to know: Ficks is also a great spot for whale-watching (in season).

How to book: Ficks doesn't take bookings, so this is a better option for smaller groups

Cost: Mains from R105

Follow on instagram right now: @ficksrestaurant

Ficks Pinchos & Wine | Hermanus | 028 312 4082 | @ficksrestaurant | Image: Ficks

FEAST ON AFRICAN FLAVOURS

Eating at this restaurant is a rich sensory experience. You’ll be greeted by Malian puppets; join a djembe drumming session; taste a 14-course meal; listen to traditional praise singing; and be entertained by dancers. Plus, all the halaal meat meals have vegetarian alternatives. There’s food, puppetry, song and dance from 14 African countries at Gold Restaurant. 

Good to know: It has multiple venue hire spaces for large and small celebrations

How to book: Via goldrestaurant.co.za
Cost: R475pp (children under 12 charged 50% of fee); R130pp for optional djembe drumming

GOLD Restaurant | Green Point | 021 421 4653 | @goldrestaurantcapetown | Image: GOLD Restaurant

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GET OTHER SPECIAL BIRTHDAY IDEAS 

Read more about the historic Mardouw Country House, a luxury group accommodation option.  

Plan a birthday party for your children at one of these kids birthday party spots.

See what you can do for free on your birthday.

Explore more things to do this weekend.

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