Super Blue Blood Moon Activities in Cape Town

Celebrating the "Super Blue Blood Moon" this week

The city looks incredible when the moon is at its fullest, and January 2018 will see three special lunar events taking place during this time, what NASA is calling a "supermoon trilogy". A blue moon, supermoon and total lunar eclipse (not visible from Cape Town) will all coincide with each other on the 31st of January 2018 — the first blue moon total eclipse in 150 years.

A blue moon is when a second full moon occurs in one month, while a supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit — making it appear a little bright and closer than normal.

The second full moon of January, the blue moon, will take place on the 31st of January, the same day as the lunar eclipse, making for 3 magical moon moments in the space of one month.

Have a look at the 2018 full moon dates below, as well as supermoon-themed events taking place around the Mother City to experience it in the best possible way.

Full Moon Yoga on St James Beach

Head to the colourful huts of St James beach for a yoga class under the supermoon. From 6:30pm to 7:30pm, Yoga South Africa and Evolve Yoga Cape Town will be hosting the event, suitable for all levels, and the kids can join in too. Bring your mat, water and get ready to stretch into this rare lunar event.

Price: R50p/p. Kids under 12 free.
Upcoming dates: To find out when the next event is taking place, keep an eye on Yoga South Africa and Evolve Yogas Facebook pages.

Main Road | St James | Muizenberg | Cape Town

Falke Delvera Full Moon Hike

Take on the 9.75km marked circle route, through the vineyards of Delvera Farm and to the top of Klapmutskop to see the supermoon in all its glory. The hike will take place from 5pm onwards (starting no later than 6:50pm), and will offer the unique experience of hiking through the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy and Yellowwood forest, to the top of Klapmutskop. A shuttle service, especially for kids, will drop hikers off at the start of the single track at the Pepper Tree, shortening the route to less than 5km. Bring something warm for once the sun goes down, wear hiking shoes and don’t forget a torch!

Price: R100p/p, R50p/p for kids under 10. Price includes permit, marked route map and optional shuttle.
Upcoming events: To find out when the next event is taking place, keep an eye on Falke Delvera’s Facebook page.

Cnr R44 and Muldersvlei Road | Stellenbosch | 7607

Moonlight Mass Night Cycle
This quirky nocturnal initiative rode into Cape Town (or more specifically, Green Point) back in 2012 and has been successfully pedalling forth ever since. Held once a month under the light of the full moon, the Moonlight Mass Night Cycle gathers huge groups of people to ride (or even skate or scooter) through Mouille Point and the CBD as a form of eco-conscious travel and raising awareness about better ways to get around our pretty city.   The main event starts at 9pm under the Green Point roundabout, but it has also evolved to include offshoots in other parts of the city, such as in Observatory (this cycle starts at 7:30pm and eventually joins the Green Point ride) and in the student town of Stellenbosch (starting at 8pm). Cyclists are encouraged to wear reflective clothing and to come prepped for some light riding and a fun evening out with friends.


Price: Free
Upcoming Dates: To find out when the next ride is taking place, keep an eye on Moonlight Mass Facebook page.
Green Point Circle | Cape Town | info@moonlightmass.com

Muizenberg Moonlight Meander
If walking along moonlit sandy shores while holding a lover’s hand or simply enjoying a fun-filled, family-centric evening with the kids sounds good, then this lunar beach walk is likely right up your alley. The Muizenberg Moonlight Meander takes place every month on the Saturday closest to full moon and is run by Safer Together, a volunteer initiative dedicated to creating safer spaces in the area, in partnership with the Muizenberg Precinct Neighbourhood Watch Association. The group usually meets in front of Knead Bakery at Surfer’s Corner on Beach Road at around 6pm, and there is ample parking for everyone. So, bring along a few mates and enjoy a unique, alcohol-free night out taking in the splendour of Muizenberg’s coastline.


Price: Free
Upcoming Dates: Find future dates and times by visiting the Safer Together website (Safertogether.org)
Surfer’s Corner | Beach Road | Muizenberg  Cape Town | +27 (0)21 797 9140

The Bat Run
If trail running under the guidance of the full moon sounds like a splendid way to spend an evening, then the folks behind the annual Bat Run in Cape Town have got you covered. This once-a-year event is a nighttime race that normally happens around late February or early March and sees athletes conquering three of the Mother City’s most beloved mountains: Devil’s Peak, Maclear's Beacon and Lion’s Head. The trail starts at the Kloofnek parking lot and avid participants can begin their scenic route at 7pm sharp. In total, runners will cover 30km over a period of up to seven hours, so everyone is encouraged to come prepped with enough water and snacks.  The batty challenge is definitely tailored for more serious athletes looking to up their running game and the trail features less-than-perfect conditions due to there being little light, but the ultimate goal is just to have fun. Tip: get to know the route beforehand so that you don’t get lost in the dark!


Price: R750p/p (subject to increases every year) and space is limited so be sure to book in advance online at BatRun.co.za.
Upcoming Dates: Visit BatRun.co.za to learn about the next annual race date.
Gardens Tech Rugby Club | Montreal Avenue | Oranjezight | Cape Town | info@batrun.co.za

Intaka Island Full Moon Hike
The full moon hike at Intaka Island, a wetland in the heart of Century City, is perfect for couples or families wanting to watch the city slowly go to sleep while exploring the beauty of nature at night. Do note, these hikes only occur during the warmer seasons. Starting at the lapa area, guests are taken on an hour-long guided tour through the majestic 16-hectare conservation site. For those not in the know, ‘Intaka’ means ‘bird‘, and the island is, in fact, home to over 120 winged species and more than 200 types of plants, so hikers are set to come across Mother Nature at her finest. Those wanting to participate will need to bring a torch, warm clothes, comfy walking shoes and a picnic to enjoy before the hike. To book your spot, email tatum@centurycity.co.za or call +27 (0)21 552 6889.


Price: R40p/p 
Upcoming Dates: Find out about upcoming dates and times by visiting Centurycity.co.za or by mailing tatum@centurycity.co.za or calling +27 (0)21 552 6889.
Intaka Island Lapa | Century City | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 552 6889

Full Moon Picnics at Die Afrikaanse Taalmonument (Afrikaans Language Monument)
Located on a hill overlooking Paarl, the Taalmonument is a historic landmark that happens to boast breathtaking views of the valley below. And though the vista is beautiful by day, it’s even better after dark during one of the site’s monthly Full Moon Picnics (they take place every month from October to March). Guests who attend this regular nighttime event can wander around the monument on one of the two guided tours on offer (there’s one at 6:30pm and one at 7:30pm) and get a feel for Afrikaans and South African heritage. Though, of course, the highlight is tucking into a delicious picnic, and attendees are welcome to bring their own basket or to order one from the Volksmond Coffee Shop, which also dishes up coffee and snacks. Those keen to take part in this full moon activity are encouraged to arrive from 5pm and to bring along warm clothes and torches. Do note, no dogs or open fires are allowed at the premises.

Price: R25p/p for adults, R10p/p for students and R5p/p for children under 6 years. 
Upcoming Dates: Find out about future dates by visiting the Taalmonument Facebook page.
Gabbema Doordrift Street | Paarl Mountain | Paarl | +27 (0)21 863 4809

Full Moon Rising Kayaking Trip
If the idea of being out on the cool Western Cape ocean after dark appeals, then this seasonal nighttime kayaking paddle is a brilliant option for you. Happening in False Bay once a month between April to October (the weather is better for sunset paddles in winter), this family-friendly sea outing is ideal for anyone who has full mobility and is 10 years of age or older. The trip lasts about two hours and takes participants along some of the most picturesque parts of the Mother City’s coast so they can revel in the splendour of seeing the full moon rise above the Hottentots Holland mountain range and reflect its white gold glow on the waters. Bookings are essential if you’d like to secure a spot and avoid disappointment. 


Price: R350p/p
Upcoming Dates: Visit Kayakcapetown.co.za to confirm future dates and make a booking.
Waterfront Jetty | Wharf Street | Simon’s Town |Cape Town | +27 (0)82 501 8930

‘The rock’ in Camps Bay
Many locals are well aware of this special spot. It’s one of the prime points for viewing a Cape Town sunset and naturally fit for a supermoon too. It is known as one of the perfect spots for a romantic evening with your significant other and an ideal chill place for friends and family to meet. Nestling right next to some impressive residences in the Camps Bay area this wonderful, natural setting boasts a majestic view of Camps Bay and Clifton’s shorelines. This is why we strongly recommend you head up to this spot if you’re looking for somewhere serene and desolate to view the supermoon.  A fair word of warning, try and get there as early as possible to avoid not having a vantage spot atop one of the sizeable rocks, which can be used as a private little picnic area.

Price: Free
Ocean View Drive| Seapoint| Cape Town|8060

The Cape Wheel at the V&A Waterfront
This is an idea that will require you to fork out a little bit of dough, but you will be among the luckiest people in Cape Town if you manage to book a spot on this fairy tale ride to view the supermoon. To make you feel at ease, about the minor loss, R5 of your fare goes towards the Laureus Sport for good foundation, it’s a win-win. This impressive engineering feat stands at a staggering 40 meters above the ground and takes between 12-15 minutes to do a revolution. The ride consists of 4 ravishing revolutions giving riders a 5 star view of the Cape landscape, particularly enchanting at night,absolutely perfect for the supermoon extravaganza. For any further information, please mail the folks at the Cape Wheel via info@capewheel.co.za.


Price: R130p/p for adults, R60 p/p for children, R80 p/p for students, R60 p/p for pensioners and free for children under 4 years.
Upcoming Dates: Find out about future dates by visiting the Cape Wheel Facebook page.
V&A Waterfront | V & A | Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 418 2502
Photo credit: Shaligram Amit

Strand Beach
For those of you who reside in the Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay area, we have identified Strand beachfront as an alternative spot to view the Supermoon. On the other side of the beautiful False Bay, warm Indian Ocean currents flow with the comfort of beach sand between your toes. Together with the gorgeous mountainous backdrop, this is definitely an ideal spot for couples and cliques alike to catch the sunset and supermoon in tandem. Bring along some picnic blankets, good food, warm clothing, in case of a chill, and come and experience a different side of Cape Town’s cultural sphere as well as a breathtaking view  of the insatiable supermoon over the Bay.


Price:Free
Beach Road | Strand Beach | Strand | Cape Town | 7139

Boyes Drive
Running below the rock face of the mountains, overlooking the Muizenberg and Kalk Bay area’s, lies another gem of a spot to view the supermoon. It is usually occupied by a bit of traffic with drivers using it as a detour to get past the Main Road congestion, but there are many parking areas alongside Boyes Drive. We recommend you park in one of these bays with your ‘BAE’ and enjoy the view of False Bay, as the supermoon illuminates the ocean as far as your eyes can see. It is usually a picturesque spot for viewing the firework displays on Guy Fawkes, so naturally it is a sweet vantage point for any spectacle regarding a beautiful landscape view.

Price: Free
Boyes Drive | False Bay | Muizenberg | Cape Town
Photo credit: Anthony McLennan

Tafelberg Road
Enjoy the full moon rise, when Lion’s Head is silhouetted by the setting sun and the city lights begin to twinkle. If you prefer to get away from the cars, the Contour Path can easily be reached. It showcases yet another beautiful view of Cape Town’s landscape’s, in opposition to your fellow moon gazers on Signal Hill and Lion’s Head, you can see the little flurries of activity as people gather to view the spectacle on the other side. This vantage point is ideal for those seeking some quiet time, it can be seen as the road less traveled and you will reap the full rewards for choosing this spot. It is serene and high enough upon the natural rock edifice of our precious Table Mountain,to avoid any bursts of city lights, so you can enjoy the view without any distractions.

Price: Free
Tafelberg Rd | Table Mountain | Nature Reserve | Cape Town

Clifton 4th Beach
Rated as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world, Clifton is famous for a real Cape Town tradition of picnics and sundowners on the beach during full moon.Therefore,it can’t come as a surprise,that we have included this unrefuted spot on our list of places to view the supermoon. It is one of the most popular beaches in Cape Town, with icy cold water you have to be brave to dip even a toe in. However,you can look out into the sea’s abyss and light a few candles to go along with your picnic set up. Due to its popularity,it is guaranteed to draw a crowd on the eve of the supermoon, so if you are a social person,Clifton and it’s vibrant nature will be perfectly suited for you and your crew.

Price: Free
Clifton | Fourth Beach | Victoria Road | Cape Town

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All you need to know about the Lion’s Head hike.

Let the music hold you hostage within the castle walls at the Full Moon party.

Take a guided moonlit walk at the Helderberg New Moon Walks.

Consider yourself a yogi? Head to this free beach yoga class.

If you're looking for spectacular views of the Mother City at night, why not try the Cape Town's exceptionally popular Lion's Head Full Moon Hike, where you can see our pretty city illuminated under the light of the moon. For those night owls on the prowl, why not check out 30 Cool and Unusual Things to Do at Night in Cape Town. Thesse quirky picks will leave you appreciating everything Cape Town has to offer after dark. 

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