It’s easy to think that you need to stay indoors during these colder months. But the Mother City has amazing things to do and see. And you can do it all safely while socially distancing!
Enjoy pocket-friendly activities
There are still many safe ways to take the kids out of the house. You can use the time to explore what’s in your backyard, in your own city. We understand that it can be expensive to take the whole family out for the day, so it’s best to look for some family-friendly deals in and around your area. For those based in Cape Town, Cape Town Tourism has put together a handy guide of pocket-friendly things to do in the Mother City for only R150 or less! For those in other parts of the country, do some research into free and cheap things to do outdoors in your city. You might be surprised by what you find and what can be done while safely keeping your distance from others.
Enjoy some winter foods
Hello soup, stews, curries, delectable meat and more! Winter in Cape Town means that restaurants across the city are trading in the fresh summer menus for warm winter ones, with many offering specials on certain winter dishes or pairings. Tobago’s at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, for example, has a curry and wine pairing menu offering the option of three curries that have been expertly paired with delicious wines from Waterford wines. One of the curries is a vegan option while another comes with sweet chutney made from Waterfront grapes. There are deals like this all over the city, so definitely look out for it!
Indulge in red wine (once the lockdown restrictions permit)
Technically, any season is red wine season but, during winter, reds really get their time to shine. From merlot to cabernet to shiraz and more, red wine can be enjoyed and appreciated a lot more during these colder months as they quite literally warm you up from the inside. If you’re wanting to know more about red wines, Cape Town Tourism has a handy guide to South African wine on its website. It not only explains the different types of red wine, but also gives advice on where to get the best wines and how to do a wine tasting. As a starting point, definitely try the wine farms in the Constantia wine region. These are some of the oldest wine farms in the city!
Enjoy some whale watching
The whales are out and about during this time. All along the coast are whale watching opportunities, but of course, Hermanus is perhaps the most popular spot. You can wave at a whale while it waves its tail at you! If you get close enough, you might even feel the spray from the blowhole. These months are perfect for this activity and it’s something the whole family will enjoy!
Relax at a spa
If you really want to be indoors, then definitely consider a spa treatment. It’s not only a great way to relax, but also perfect to warm up! Cape Town boasts a number of stunning spas across the city. From the spa island at One&Only Cape Town, to the well-loved spa at The Mount Nelson and the tranquil Amani Spa and Wellness at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront – there’s a spa in every corner of the Mother City.
See the big five
Cape Town and the Western Cape is not the first place that comes to mind when you think of big five sightings. But you will be surprised by what you see when you book at Aquila Private Game Reserve. Every year, this stunning reserve has great annual winter specials on accommodation, safaris, meals and spa treatments. It’s a treat for a whole family that is just a two-hour drive from Cape Town.
Enjoy the coffee culture
Cape Town is well-known for its award-winning coffee shops. From Truth Coffee to Deluxe Coffeeworks to Honest Chocolate and more – there’s a stunning coffee shop or establishment everywhere you turn. Be sure to check out some of the more interesting ways to experience coffee in Cape Town such as the “Coffee Appreciation Course” at Truth. This course gives you insight into the history of coffee, offers tours of the roasting facility and you will learn about the art of cupping and about different blends and brews.
Yoga at the Aquarium
Now doesn’t that sound stunning? You can take a yoga class at the Two Oceans Aquarium. This past year has been particularly stressful and challenging. Why not relax and rejuvenate with yoga classes at the Two Oceans Aquarium? Instructor Magenta will hold classes for both beginners and veterans every Monday afternoon until the end of June. For more info: https://www.aquarium.co.za/blog/entry/yoga-at-the-two-oceans-aquarium
Go full-moon kayaking in SimonsTown
Watch the full moon rising from behind the Hottentots Holland mountains and over the bay while kayaking out at sea – a truly unique experience. This two-hour trip happens only once a month from March to October when the moonrise coincides with sunset. It’s a stunning way to experience Cape Town’s oceans a little differently. You can find out more about it here.
Take in the ocean views at Cape Point
Cape Point is a great place to visit to get a healthy dose of that ocean air – even during these colder months. You don’t need to get into the water to enjoy it. You can still take in the magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean from the lighthouse. Plus, visitors to Cape Point can cycle, hike/walk or overnight in the reserve. The Two Oceans Restaurant is also open, offering magnificent views of the surrounding waters.
Do a walking tour
Walking tours are an excellent way to experience the “vibe” of a city such as Cape Town and it’s a fun way to warm up those cold limbs. It’s also a fun way to learn about facts and trivia that you might not have previously known because reputable guides are so clued up on even the hidden facts of Cape Town. There are tours available across all neighbourhoods of Cape Town, so you don’t have to stick to the city centre or tourist hot spots. Cape Walk and Talk Tours offers historical walking tours through the city, while AWOL Tours offers a variety of different tour types. There are also free walking tours that you can do, while Aunty Nita’s Tours offers tours in and around the Cape Flats, taking the road less travelled to really get to know the people of Cape Town.
Enjoy a cooking class or food tour
Yes, there are wonderful places to eat at in the Mother City, but when you’re in a city like this one that’s a melting pot of different cultures, you really should make an effort to eat a wider variety of the food that’s on offer. Find some local food tours that allow you to experience a variety of truly Capetonian foods and flavours that you might want to cook up in your own kitchen at home.
Take in the art and exhibitions at Zeitz Mocaa
Throughout the year, Zeitz Mocaa hosts a number of exhibitions and installations for everyone to enjoy. You could easily spend half a day taking in everything that this contemporary museum of art had to offer. The installations are ever-changing and always beautiful. Definitely a must-do when you are in Cape Town!
Hike the mountains
Cape Town is a wonderful place for outdoor activities. The Mother City has beaches that you can enjoy during the warmer months, parks that are perfect for picnics and, of course, the mountain which is more than just something pretty to behold. Table Mountain is home to a number of different hiking trails, while other surrounding mountain ranges have plenty to offer, too. Whether you’re new to hiking or an old hand at it, there’s a route for everyone.
Explore the city with City Sightseeing
City Sightseeing offers a number of different ways to explore Cape Town. There is the popular City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off Red Bus, which offers different routes around Cape Town. They also have a harbour cruise in the V&A Waterfront, a Constantia Wine Route tour and a Franschhoek Wine Tram. City Sightseeing is currently running some excellent specials and combo deals so be sure to check it out!
Cape Town is a destination that offers something for everyone throughout the year. Come rain or shine, there’s something to do or see. So, don’t let this chilly weather put you off. The Mother City has lots to offer and she’s waiting to welcome you.