Experience Cape Town’s new and unique offerings
Cape Town is not only an iconic destination but is also on the forefront of innovation. New activities, attractions, restaurants and bars are constantly opening – making it difficult to keep up! Here is our pick of the top 10 new and lesser known experiences available in the Mother City.
1. The Company’s Garden Restaurant in the tranquil heart of the Mother City Madame Zingara launched their latest establishment in November 2014, offering light meals and traditional Cape dishes within the peaceful and historical setting of The Company’s Garden. Perfect for families and groups, the restaurant area offers a range of unique and playful recreational spots to keep both kids and adults entertained.
Where: Company’s Gardens, CBD
When: Open daily, 07:00 – 18:00 (kitchen closes 17:00) www.thecompanysgarden.com
2. The Watershed V&A’s new hub for craft, design & wellness Opened in October 2014, the Watershed is the V&A Waterfront’s newest addition with over 150 stalls selling more than 365 brands – from ceramics and furniture and textiles, to fashion and jewellery. The new space also includes the Jubilee Exhibition Hall which will play host to world famous exhibitions, live entertainment and workshops. Not only a place to shop, the Watershed also offers a range of treatments at ‘Wellness at the Watershed’ on the mezzanine level.
Where: V&A Waterfront, Dock Road (next to the Two Oceans Aquarium)
When: Open Monday to Sunday, 10:00 – 19:00 www.waterfront.co.za/Shop/markets
3. Cape Town Ziplines one of Africa’s longest zip-line tours Run by SA Forest Adventures, this popular adventure activity opened in November 2014 and offers the longest zip-line tour in Africa, with 7 cables totalling over 2 km. After a safety briefing, guests are driven into the mountain to the first of 11 platforms, offering some of the most scenic vantage points in the Cape Peninsula.
Where: Silvermist Estate, off Hout Bay Road (accessible via the City Sightseeing bus)
When: Up to 5 tours are run daily.
Full tour takes 1h30min – 2h
Cost: R480 pp
4. La GuGu Township Tour, the City Sightseeing’s new hop on-hop off tour Launched in September 2014, experience Langa (Cape Town’s oldest township) and Gugulethu at your own pace by making as many stops on the route as you like, under the watchful eye of locally trained community chaperones. In Langa, participate in a free hour long walking tour and/or bicycle tour before reaching Gugulethu for a barbecue lunch at the famous Mzoli’s (Sunday’s only).
Where: 15 seater branded minibuses depart from City Sightseeing’s tour office, Long Street
When: Daily tours depart every 20 – 30min, 2h round trip (if you stay on board with no stops)
Cost: R290 per adult | R150 per child includes 1h walking/bicycle tour www.citysightseeing.co.za/Cape-township-tour
5. Seal Snorkelling swim and play with cute ocean animals Get up close and personal with the playful Cape Fur Seals at Duiker Island, on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula. Animal Ocean is the seal snorkelling expert, using an inflatable boat to take up to 10 snorkelers to the seals quickly and safely. The tour includes an informative seal briefing, high speed boat ride and all snorkelling equipment required (including wetsuits).
Where: Start/end Hout Bay Harbour visiting Duiker Island
When: Daily tours available, half day excursion (average 1h in the water)
Cost: R650 pp (R450 pp for viewing)
6. Running Tours, sightseeing on the run If you like to stay fit on holiday, there is a wide range of running tours available to sightsee whilst you run. Run Cape Town offer personalised, tailor-made, guided running tours through the streets and neighbourhoods of Cape Town, with an experienced and accredited Western Cape Tourist Guide.
Where: Various routes, from City Centre and Gugulethu to Table Mountain and Lion’s Head
When: Available upon request
Cost: From R250 pp (discounts offered for groups)
7. AmaZink Live, a home-grown township musical and dining experience Enjoy an intimate township theatre experience in the heart of Stellenbosch at AmaZink Live, South Africa’s first township theatre. Run seasonally, guests will experience a culturally authentic musical, set inside Kayamundi township, where the local talent grew up.
Where: Kayamundi township, Stellenbosch
When: Every Friday from 19:00, season runs from October to March
Cost: R200 pp + R85 braai meal
8. Underground Tunnel Tours: experience the city from a different perspective Enjoy an interesting educational tour, as you discover the secret tunnels below the City of Cape Town – great for people who are interested in the history of Cape Town or simply want a different view of the city. The tour explores the long-abandoned canal system, dating back to 1652, which channels fresh water from Table Mountain and out into sea.
Where: Start/end at the Castle of Good Hope, CBD
When: Available on request, 1h – 3h in length
Cost: From R175 – R350 pp (group size dependent)
www.goodhopeadventures.com/tunnel-tours
9. Kirstenbosch’s Tree Canopy Walkway, new way to experience the city’s 101 year old garden Experience the beauty of one of the great botanical gardens of the world, by walking on the new aerial ‘boomslang’ walkway at Kirstenbosch. 130 metres long and 12 metres tall, the views up in the trees are spectacular, placing you in the middle of an abundance of varieties from the Cape Floral Kingdom, (a plant system that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004).
Where: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Southern Suburbs
When: Open daily from 08:00 – 18:00 / 19:00 (seasonal)
Cost: Free – included in entrance fee @ R50 per adult
www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch
10. Allée Bleue Herb Tour, a unique experience for the foodies Join Allée Bleue’s resident herb expert for a tour through their extensive herb estate, which is one of the Western Cape’s largest herb producers. Taste different herbs and learn about their best uses, followed by an optional herb-inspired lunch.
Where: Allée Bleue Estate, Franschhoek
When: Tour available every Friday at 10:30, 1h – 1h 30min (large groups can be booked on other days)
Cost: R45 pp or R185 pp