OUTDOOR AND ADVENTURE

Golf courses, beaches, nature trails ... and we’re just getting started!

An active and outdoor lifestyle is part of the Cape Town mindset, and where the elements take centre stage. So whether you’re on it (water-skiing), in it (surfing, swimming) or under it (scuba diving), Cape Town’s ‘blue stuff’ offers endless options for waterbabies, no matter the weather conditions. The oceans are the perfect place to cool off in the hot summer months, while winter surf conditions are perfect for kite-surfing, wind-surfing, board-surfing and even extreme wave surfing. Add to this a range of adrenalin pursuits like paragliding, abseiling, helicopter flips and sky-diving and no season is likely to be spent under the duvet or in the hammock.

For those who prefer the air, there’s everything from paragliding to helicopter rides. If you’re happier keeping your feet on the ground, the city’s nature trails and golf courses promise to keep you occupied. As for fire, though, let’s leave that to the city’s expert firemen, who battle every summer to keep bush blazes at bay, most of which are caused by discarded cigarette butts. So get healthy, quit smoking, and become addicted instead to elemental Cape Town.

CAPE TOWN CENTRAL

The tree-lined roads and beautiful scenery of Hout Bay are perfect for cycling. Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Devil’s Peak and the other mountains in and around Cape Town offer nature trails ranging from the gentle to the challenging. Registered guides conduct a number of walks within the Table Mountain National Park and the City Tel: +27 (0)21 487 6800.

Woodstock Cave is halfway up Devil’s Peak and can be seen clearly from Woodstock and Salt River. The cave is little more than a large overhang, but it has a lovely view of the city and the Cape Peninsula. Access to the cave is via the Upper Contour Path, which runs along the front face of Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak, or from Tafelberg Road.

Join the locals and climb Lion’s Head at full moon during summer – remember your torch, pack some wine and see the moon rise over the Atlantic.

Enjoy the bracing sea air along the Sea Point Promenade, where you can take a leisurely stroll or join the local joggers or soccer players.

The Hout Bay Museum offers free, guided walks on Sundays. Don’t forget, the walking tours of the Central City and V&A Waterfront. Contact Cape Town Tourism Tel: +27 (0)21 487 6800 for information.

Paragliding, hang-gliding or micro-lighting is the closest thing to owning your own pair of wings. Cape Town offers a number of sites including Lion's Head Tel: +27 (0)21 487 6800.

In Observatory you'll find the first indoor rock climbing gym in Cape Town (and the largest in South Africa): the City Rock Indoor Climbing. It has 24 differ­ent top-ropes, with 400m of wall climbing area to a height of 10m. There are dedicated beginners' and kids' walls as well as 10 lead routes for experienced climbers Tel: +27 (0)21 447 1326.

Boat charters and other water-based sports and activities are not in short supply. Visitors can sail, or enjoy sunset cruises, ecojet-ski trips, sea-kayaking, diving and deep sea fishing Tel: +27 (0)21 487 6800.

Scuba-diving with sharks is for the wildly adventurous. Dive in the main tank at the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront Tel: +27 (0)21 418 3823. If you’re feeling brave, book a shark cage diving trip with Cape Town Tourism Tel: +27 (0)21 487 6800.

For lovers of big wave surfing, Dungeons off Hout Bay can produce a 25-footer in the right conditions. The Annual Red Bull Big Wave Competition is by invitation only. Visitors are advised to check with locals for the best surf spots around the Cape coast or visit www.wavescape.co.za.

The outdoor pool at Sea Point Pavillion is an ideal picnic spot for the family, with lush, well-kept lawns, shady areas and sea water pools (a kiddie’s pool, an excellent diving pool and a large swimming pool). There is also a refreshment kiosk Tel: +27 (0)21 434 3341.

Experience the beauty of the Cape – from a classic vintage 750cc side car. Choose a self-drive-adventure or be chauffeur-driven in style Tel: +27 (0)21 434 9855.

Our beaches are, of course, world-renowned. Clifton is divided into four sec­tions separated by large granite boulders. Each beach has its own characters, ranging from family to trendy. White sands, long summer days and bronzed bod­ies have people flocking. Protection from the south-easterly winds and resident lifesavers add to the popularity. Clifton Fourth Beach boasts Blue Flag status (an international recognition of excellent beaches throughout the world). It is also a favourite sundowner spot for families and friends – so take a picnic and some lanterns and watch the sun sink into the Atlantic ...

Camps Bay is an ideal family beach, spacious with white sands, green lawns and a tidal pool. The bustling sidewalk cafés offer visitors a chance to hang out and mingle with the beautiful local jet-set.

Further along the coast, Llandudno offers spectacular sunsets and bracing cold water. This is a popular surf spot, though not for beginners, and conditions can sometimes be unsuitable for swimming. Head for Sunset Rocks with a picnic for two and enjoy one of Cape Town’s most romantic settings.

Sandy Bay is Cape Town’s famous beach for bathing and sun-tanning nude. It is off the beaten track and a fairly long walk from Llandudno beach. Wear sun­screen ... everywhere!

Golf deserves a special mention because the Cape has some of the world’s most striking and challenging courses. Many of them have been designed by leading players, such as South African champion Gary Player, and stage major national and international championships. South Africa’s golf course fees are also very reasonable and you will feel like a real champion playing on some of the world’s leading golf courses with their spectacular settings. Call Cape Town Tourism to book a session with a pro-golfer for information on lessons or golf tours Tel: +27 (0)21 487 6800.

Your golfing choice starts practically in the City Centre with the nine-hole Metropolitan Golf Course, which is adjacent to the V&A Waterfront and the construction site for Cape Town's football stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Established in 1895, it is one of South Africa’s oldest courses and will soon boast a brand-new look as part of the Green Point Common upgrade for 2010 Tel: +27 (0)21 434 7808.

CAPE TOWN EAST

Strand’s beaches are known as some of the best and safest on the Peninsula. The main attraction is ‘the strand’ – 5km of beautiful white, sandy beach. Melkbaai beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and walking; Strand Beach is a popular spot for hobie cat sailing, surfing, kite surfing and windsurfing, and Mostert Bay (near the municipal swimming pool) has shallow rocks that offer many fishing opportunities.

During the Apartheid years, Monwabisi Beach Resort was built exclusively for the black people and is said to have the largest man-made tidal pool in the Southern Hemisphere Tel: +27 (0)21 397 1005.

An evening stroll along the harbour wall in Gordon's Bay is sure to be rewarding as yachts and boats return to moor in the protected marina. Harbour cruises leave daily from the Gordon’s Bay harbour and Harbour Island (weather permitting) Tel: +27 (0)21 856 2968 or + 27 (0)21 86 672 9775.

Main beach is a popular water-sports venue, as is the well-sheltered Bikini beach, a glorious wide sandy cove popular as a venue for volley ball. The two beaches are linked by a footpath and a road. Kogelbay beach on Clarence Drive is a must for the best surfing experience and has the only braai (barbecue) area on the Helderberg coast. The more adventurous, can try their hand at paragliding and hang-gliding here Tel: +27 (0)21 840 1400.

The moderate-to-difficult Steenbras River Gorge Hiking Trail starts at the mouth of the Steenbras River, on the scenic coastal road from Gordon's Bay to Betty's Bay (R44) Tel: +27 (0)21 856 1740.

Thunderfalls on the Steenbras River Gorge near Gordon’s Bay is one of the places for kloofing. An 8km hike takes you to the first rock pool where you test your courage on small jumps of 3m and 10m. A further hike brings you to 14m and 18m jumps, followed by 22m and 25m leaps. Further on, real daredevils can abseil 65 m down a waterfall, followed by further jumps Tel: +27 (0)21 840 1400.

Sir Lowry’s Pass offers abseiling excursions at Kamikaze Kanyon Tel: +27 (0)21 424 4760 or you can try paragliding and hang-gliding. Good rains or melt­ing snow can result in thrilling white water activity. The historic Wagon Wheel Trail takes you through the historic Gantouw Pass, while the Boland Hiking Trail is a network of paths offering hikes lasting between two and five days Tel: +27 (0)21 659 3500.

In nearby Somerset West, the Blue Rock Cable Water Ski, the first of its kind in the Western Cape, uses an overhead cable system with an electric motor that pulls skiers around the lake. A further bonus is the skilled water-ski instructors always in attendance Tel: +27 (0)21 858 1330 or +27 (0)84 366 3233.

The Helderbergplaas Hiking Trail offers a number of options for young and old. No permits are needed, but bookings are required for overnight hikes There are also 4X4 trails on the farm Tel: +27 (0)21 855 4308 or +27 (0)82 855 4308.

Silwerboomkloof Trail is a Natural Heritage Site and is a pleasant hiking trail for people of all ages Tel: +27 (0)21 850 4060. Likewise, the exquisite Helderberg Nature Reserve has moderate and difficult hikes Tel: +27 (0)21 851 4060.

Enjoy horse trails in Kuils River and Brackenfell. The latter has hiking, swimming and tennis facilities Tel: +27 (0)21 840 1400.

Golf courses include the Gary Player-designed Erinvale Golf Course Tel: +27 (0)21 847 1906; Kuils River Golf Club, an undulating 18-hole course with water features Tel: +27 (0)21 903 0222; Somerset West Country Club Tel: +27 (0)21 852 2925; and Strand Golf Course Tel: +27 (0)21 853 6268. Beginners should head to the Helderberg Village, a 9-hole course Tel: +27 (0)21 855 1262; or the Vodacom Golf Village driving range Tel: +27 (0)21 852 8600.

CAPE TOWN NORTH

BLAAUWBERG

The area boasts a 4km long stretch of beaches with unspoilt views of Robben Island and Table Mountain. Table View beachfront and Dolphin Beach are known as, Kite Beach, because the kite surfers flock there for the fantastic conditions. Bloubergstrand offers the perfect place to get the picture-postcard shot of Table Mountain. Big Bay has a lifeguard station and is the best place for surfing and swimming.

Milnerton offers a waterslide, pool, mini golf and braai areas Tel: +27 (0)21 557 2958, while its lagoon is popular with paddle skiers Tel: +27 (0)21 550 7554. Its par-72 golf course is a genuine links course, offering superb views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean Tel: +27 (0)21 552 1047.

The Killarney Racetrack is the oldest motor sport complex in South Africa and boasts a stock-car oval, drag strip, kart circuit and moto-cross track Tel: +27 (0)21 557 1639. Just off the R27, facilities are available for 4x4 driving, moto-cross and quad biking Tel: +27 (0)21 521 1080. Sand boarding and 4x4 off-road driving are popular activities at Atlantis Dunes on the West Coast Road (R27).

Contact Thandeka Stables Tel: +27 (0)553 4720, for scenic horse riding in the Blaauwberg area.

The five-star Atlantic Beach Golf Course is set in a nature reserve with breath­taking views of Table Mountain, Robben Island and the Atlantic Ocean Tel: +27 (0)21 553 2223. The tree-lined fairways and unusual water features of 18-hole Mowbray Golf Course provide a memorable round Tel: +27 (0)21 685 3018.

TYGERBERG

Picnics are allowed at the Durbanville Nature Reserve and guided walks can be arranged Tel: +27 (0)21 970 3097. The Tygerberg Nature Reserve offers more than 7km of walking trails and excellent bird watching. Tel: +27 (0)21 913 5695. Tygerberg also offers an Olympic indoor cycle track and sports stadium called the Velodrome Tel: +27 (0)21 949 7450.

Tygerberg also has a number of public swimming pools. The area is also home to the Cape Hunt and Polo Club at the Durbanville Race Course Tel: +27 (0)21 976 3968.

The Grand West Casino in Goowood offers an Olympic-size ice rink for all ages Tel: +27 (0)21 505 7777.

The following golf courses are available: King David, 18-holes set on a natural rolling landscape Tel: +27 (0)21 934 3056; Durbanville Golf Course, a flat and charming 18-hole layout Tel: +27 (0)21 976 8120; Bellville Golf Club is situated in the Welgemoed Valley with majestic views of the Hottentots Holland mountains Tel: +27 (0)21 913 3100; and Bell’s Golf Academy, Tel: +27 (0)21 1 948 5673/4.

CAPE TOWN SOUTH

CAPE FLATS

Philippi’s horse-riding trails, ideal for beginners and advanced riders, meander through the dunes and onto the beach at Strandfontein. Visitors can then ejoy a coastal ride all the way to Muizenberg Tel: +27 (0)21 703 4396.

Grassy Park is home to Rondevlei Nature Reserve and it is here that Imvubu (isiXhosa for hippopotamus) offers a variety of outdoor activities. Guided nature walks, a rustic island bush camp, and carp and barbel fishing are ideal for the whole family Tel: +27 (0)21 706 0842.

FALSE BAY

Mnandi Pool Resort, opposite Mitchells Plain, has one large pool of varying depths so it is ideal for family fun. Mnandi Beach carries Blue Flag Status, the international recognition for excellence Tel: +27 (0)21 392 5520.

Muizenberg is one of Cape Town’s most popular family beaches, owing to its warmer waters. It stretches from Sunrise Circle to Surfers’ Corner (the Muizenberg railway station end of the beach), which is also an excellent spot for novice surfers. A number of local surf shops hire out boards and offer lessons Tel: +27 (0)21 787 9140.

Surfers’ Corner, Muizenberg, has been the venue for an attempt to make the Guinness Book of World Records for the most surfers on one wave. In 2006, more than 70 surfers rode one wave to the delight of the organisers and crowds on the beach. The exercise was repeated the following year and it is set to become an annual event Tel: +27 (0)82 423 1964. The event forms part of the Earthwave Global Challenge that highlights global warming, while funds are raised to go to the Shark Spotting Project, designed to minimise the risk of encounters between ocean lovers and Great White sharks. During summer and over weekends, spotters watch from their elevated positions on Boyes Drive, alerting a beach marshall if a shark is seen close to the breakers. A siren sounds to warn swimmers and surfers. The project is successful and is being rolled out along the rest of the False Bay coastline.

Brisk breezes and howling south-easters bring kite-surfers down to the beach. Windsurfing and kite-flying at Zandvlei are favourite pastimes for both locals and visitors. More leisurely canoeing is also done at Zandvlei. Families can enjoy the beach front Zandvlei pavilion, which has a waterslide, outdoor swimming pool and putt-putt (mini-golf) course to keep the children occupied Tel: +27 (0)21 791 1022.

A walk along the seafront Walkway (Muizenberg to St James) enables visitors to enjoy proximity to the shore-line sea life and whale watching (from June to November).

For the adventure seeker, an early morning fishing trip on a local snoek boat from Kalk Bay requires sea-legs but promises to be a unique adventure Tel: +27 (0)21 787 9140.

Fish Hoek has a magnificent beach and is great for swimming, snorkelling, hobie-cat sailing and paddle-skiing. Jager’s Walk, a pathway along the rocky coastline, takes the visitor as far as Sunny Cove, where you will find interpre­tive signage on the Southern Right and Humpback whales.

A gentle hike to the famous Peers Cave affords wonderful views across the valley and a peep into Stone-Age history. The Fish Hoek Valley Museum arranges guided walks to the site Tel: +27 (0)21 782 1752.

Simon’s Town offers deep-sea angling with experienced operators, boat-based whale watching, sailing and swimming. If it’s the Great White that gets your blood pumping, local operators will take you to Seal Island, the sharks’ favourite feeding area Tel: +27 (0)21 786 8440.

For a qualified and experienced skipper and crew that will host your deep sea or bay fishing experience, catering to both seasoned anglers and novices, call Big Blue Fishing Charters (http://www.bigbluefishingcharters.com) at +27 21 786 5667. The boat Big Blue is a 28 foot catamaran with a large, comfortable cabin and a full walk around layout, providing a spacious deck for fishing.

ATLANTIC

Cape Point is part of the Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park where visitors can enjoy cycling, hiking, surfing, angling and scuba diving. The waters south-west of Cape Point offer some of the finest and most exciting game fishing in the world. Table Mountain National Park has excellent printed guides on the area Tel: +27 (0)21 701 8692.

Noordhoek is ‘horse country’ and the experienced rider can enjoy heart-pumping gallops along the 8km stretch of Long Beach. More gentle outrides can also be enjoyed. Body-boarding at ‘The Hoek’ is popular and sometimes extreme, with waves up to six feet. Linking Noordhoek with Hout Bay is Chapman’s Peak, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Do it on a Harley-Davidson and you’ll find the views are enhanced by the thrill of the ride. Motorcycle tours can be arranged with local operators Tel: +27 (0)21 786 8440.
                      
Kommetjie, Scarborough and adjoining Misty Cliffs boast a number of surfing spots for the experienced adrenaline seeking surfer. Visit http://www.wavescape.co.za for surfing conditions.

Hout Bay is at the foot of Chapman’s Peak and is popular with families. Take a stroll to the harbour and feast on the delicious offerings of seafood or bargain with the local fisherman for your own fresh catch of the day.

Horse riding in Hout Bay comprises outrides to the beach, dunes and forest and there are special routes along the Disa River. Beginners are welcome and can take lessons with the local operators Tel: +27 (0)21 791 8380.

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

With Table Mountain National Park bordering the Southern Suburbs, access to walks and hikes can be found at various access points in Rondebosch, Newlands, Kirstenbosch, Constantia and Tokai Tel: +27 (0)21 701 8692. First-time visitors are advised to take guided walks to fully experience the splendour of Table Mountain Tel: +27 (0)21 762 0687.

Newlands Swimming Pool is surrounded by spacious grounds and old oak trees. There is a large outdoor main pool, a diving pool and a kiddies’ pool. Families bring their own picnics or make use of the refreshment kiosk. Tel: +27 (0)21 674 4197.

Tokai Forest has some awesome mountain-bike tracks. More sedate activities include mushroom picking (seasonal) and gentle forest walks Tel: +27 (0)21 712 7471.

For the experienced climber, Silvermine Crags offers challenges including vertical rock and overhangs on some of the routes. Various accredited tour operators offer guided walks and climbs Tel: +27 (0)21 762 0687.

Elephant’s Eye Cave is easily accessible from Tokai Forest or Silvermine. Look up at the Constantiaberg mountain and you will clearly see the elephant and the gaping cave that is its ‘eye’. Although the cave does not recede far into the mountain, its size and the view from the entrance are impressive. Go to the back of the cave and look out to get an unusual ‘framed’ view over the Cape Flats and False Bay.

Each golf course in the South offers something unique and visitors are encouraged to play them all! The River Club, Observatory has a 9-hole golf course and is open to the public. Book in advance Tel: +27 (0)21 448 6117. Rondebosch Golf Course is a well-manicured, year round 18-hole course Tel: +27 (0)21 689 4176. The Royal Cape, South Africa’s oldest golf course, is situated in Wynberg and has been a favourite on many occasions for the SA Open Tel: +27 (0)21 761 6551. Steenberg is a magnificent golf estate and its 18 holes follow gentle natural slopes Tel: +27 (0)21 713 2233. Westlake’s 18-hole golf course is set under tall pines and in the shadow of Silver­mine Mountain Tel: +27 (0)21 788 2020. Clovelly Golf Club, with its narrow 18-hole course, boasts excellent clubhouse facilities and stunning views Tel: +27 (0)21 784 2111. Simon’s Town’s 9-hole golf course has wonderful sea views and is set on sloping terrain. Windy conditions at times add to the challenge Tel: +27 (0)21 786 1233.