Calling all Nature Warriors, Urban Adventurers and Fearless Foodies, forget hibernating over the next few months, and turn the Mother City into your winter wander land. Here are our top 100 things to do in Cape Town this winter.
Nature Warrior
- Whale watching
Between June and November, thousands of whales migrate from Antarctica to our coasts. From Cape Point to Boyes Drive to Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els, catch a glimpse of these beautiful ancient creatures visiting just off our shores over the next few months.
Price: Free
Website: capetown.travel/whale-watching-in-cape-town-all-you-need-to-know/
- Learn to kitesurf
Yes, you can even kitesurf in winter. It won’t be the best season to learn epic tricks, but the extremer conditions pose different challenges for a beginner. Don’t forget to fuel up with warm tea or coffee and a snack before hitting the grey outdoors.
Locations: Blouberg, Falsebay
- Encounter the Big Five at Aquila Game Reserve
From May to July 2022, grab Aquila’s latest deal. Get two nights for 2 adults, and four game drives, with all meals included in their Wild Winter Safari promotion. Experience unforgettable wildlife, luxurious African hospitality, service excellence and world-class facilities at an affordable price.
Location: R46, Touws River
Price: Half-Day Trip from R846/pp
Full-Day Trip from R1,692 pp.
2-Night Stay from R7,999.
Bookings: res@aquilasafari.com
Website: aquilasafari.com
- Climb aboard the funicular at the Cape of Storms
Cape Point forms the southern section of the Good Hope Nature reserve. Characterised by ancient rocks, towering cliffs, spectacular biodiversity and frothing ocean, this rugged stretch of land perfectly captures the Cape’s raw natural beauty. While visiting, access the historical lighthouse and ride aboard the funicular called the Flying Dutchman.
Location: Cape Point, Table Mountain National Park
Price: Entry ticket (with SA ID) from R90 for adults and R45 for children.
Funicular ticket (one way) from R70 for adults and R35 for children.
Website: capepoint.co.za
- Go for a trail run
From the fairly flat Pipe Track to traversing the Helderberg’s incredible terrain, gear up and hit your favourite spot for a winter trail running session.
For more info, check out the best trails in Cape Town.
Price: Free to under R50 (depending on location).
- Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Whether you’re meandering along the Boomslang above or wandering through the gardens below, Kirstenbosch is teeming with unique flora and fauna this time of year. See Southern Double Collared Sunbirds feeding on stunning Strelitzias and yellow Kranz Aloes glowing on a sunny winter’s afternoon. After your walk through the gardens, visit Fynkos at Kirstenbosch and enjoy their diverse menu options or pre-order a picnic, platters, or high tea for bigger groups.
Location: Rhodes Drive, Newlands
Price: South African Residents & SADC Nationals 18 years and older (with ID): R90
Children from 6 to 17 years: R30. Under 6: Free.
Website: sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch
- Full moon kayaking
Calm quiet winter evenings are perfect kayaking conditions.
Once a month, you can join Kayak Cape Town for a paddle out into the False Bay waters. Watch in awe as a full moon rises over the Hottentots Holland Mountain. Book your spot for the next full moon experience on 14 June 2022.
Location: Wharf Street, Simons Town
Price: R450 pp.
Website: kayakcapetown.co.za
- Cast your sights on a winter fishing expedition
From May to September, Hooked on Africa is tackling the great outdoors with an alluring Winter fishing charter special. Choose between a 3-hour Reef Fishing Adventure or a Half Day Small Game fishing charter (drinks and snacks included).
Location: Harbour Road, Hout Bay
Price: Get a quote via their website
Website: hookedonafrica.co.za
- Learn to surf
Head down to your local beach break for an epic surf lesson with a surf school. Now is the time to put on a warm wetsuit and grab your surfboard for a few cooking Cape winter waves.
- Swing through treetops
Celebrating 12 years of adventure, Acrobranch offers unique treetop experiences for the whole family. Each park offers different obstacle courses, ranging from tree top high ropes and tricky crossings (with ladders, tunnels, walkways, and bridges) to ziplines.
Location: 1 Hout Bay Main Road, Constantia Nek
Price: From R140.
Bookings: acrobranch.co.za/bookings
Website: acrobranch.co.za
- Go for a bike ride across the ocean
Discover a new and exciting way to explore the ocean around Simon’s Town-hop on the world’s most advanced water bike. These premium watercrafts are non-motorised and eco-friendly. The bikes are easy to use, simple to steer and balancing is not required. This activity is weather dependent, and we recommend that you check with Cape Town Water bikes before you book.
Location: Simon’s Town Pier
Price: R350 pp.
Website: capetownwaterbikes.activitar.com
- Stargazing in the Cedarberg
High in the Cederberg Mountains on Dwarsrivier farm lies the Cederberg Astronomical Observatory. After a short slide show, gaze through a telescope and observe a variety of planets, comets, nebulae and more. The two-hour show starts at 8pm every Saturday evening, except the Saturday closest to the full moon and is weather permitting.
Website: cederbergobs.org.za
- Paragliding
Take to the skies with a tandem paragliding experience. Sit back and relax as your pilot navigates your glider effortlessly over the exquisite Table Mountain National Park. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the gorgeous scenery and vast cityscape below. This activity is weather dependent.
Location: Signal Hill, Cape Town
Price: From R1,000.
Website:
flycapetown.co.za
paraglide.co.za
parapax.co.za
- Go chasing waterfalls
Heading into the great outdoors is a fantastic cure for many maladies.
From stress and anxiety to feeling sluggish after an extra-large home-cooked winter meal, Mother Nature can provide you with much-needed TLC. Hit a hiking trail near you for a brisk morning walk, taking in the lush landscape while searching for a fresh winter waterfall.
Check out our list of 5 Table Mountain hikes to try
Price: Free
- Abseil down Table Mountain
Hang off the side of one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the world, descending a total distance of 112m. Enjoy incredible views of the Atlantic Seaboard while leaning over the edge of our world-renowned mountain. This thrilling adventure is safe with professional guides to show you the ropes. This activity is weather dependent.
Location: Table Mountain
Price: From 600 pp.
- Shake off the winter blues with a Canopy Tour
Described by Lonely Planet as “vertigo-tinged fun” from “an exciting aerial perspective,” take a guided tour through a previously inaccessible part of a World Heritage Site. Surrounded by breath-taking Cape fynbos, panoramas and mountainscapes, get your blood pumping with this adrenaline-packed aerial adventure.
Location: Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
Price: From R895.
Bookings: canopytour.co.za/book-now/cape/
Website: canopytour.co.za
- Coasteering
Get up close and personal with the ocean in a brand-new way! Pioneered in Wales and Scotland, Gravity is proud to be the first to offer this activity in South Africa. Like Canyoning or Kloofing, Coasteering takes place along a protected coastline rather than on a river course. Equipped with a wetsuit, PFD, helmet, and a guide, you explore the inter-tidal zone by snorkelling, swimming, and rock jumping.
Location: Simon’s Town
Price: From R950.
Website: absoluteadventures.activitar.com
- Suit up for wreck and reef diving
The Cape waters are littered with thousands of shipwrecks. From recent and ancient to on the shore and in deep water. Explore several wrecks ranging from 12m to 40m with Pisces Divers. This PADI Five Star Instructor Development dive centre offers a full range of PADI dive training and daily dive excursions.
Location: 1 Main Rd, Simon’s Town
Price: R2,200.
Website: piscesdivers.co.za
- Do it standing up with SUP Cape Town
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is the act of propelling yourself on a floating platform with the help of a paddle or pole. This ancient art form dates back 3,000 years to Caballitos de Totora, a watercraft made from reeds and propelled by a bamboo paddle. Today you can experience a modern iteration of this activity at the V&A Waterfront, exploring its 3km long looped canals.
Location: Battery Park, Alfred Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Price: 30 minute session cost R150. / 1 Hour Session: R220.
Website: supcapetown.co.za
- Row row row your raft gently down the river
Escape the busy city life this winter with a leisurely row along the Breede River.
Only 130 kilometres from Cape Town, the Breede River Rafting trail is suitable for all ages.
No previous experience is needed (only the ability to swim), go and enjoy a relaxing paddle through the quiet Cape countryside.
Location: Worcester
Price: From R850.
Website: capeadventurezone.com
- Saddle up
Horse Riding Cape Town is an equestrian travel and adventure company specializing in horse trails in and around the Western Cape. Trot across white sandy beaches or gallop with the wind gusting through your hair. Trails range from an hour to multi-day trails and cater for single riders as well as group excursions.
Price: From R400
Website: horseridingcapetown.com
- Tunnel tour
Go in search of Cape Town’s 17th century buried secrets in this subterranean tour with Good Hope Adventures. Sweet water drinking streams from Table Mountain, once a source of great sustenance to the city, can still be seen running through this dark underground labyrinth. Get to know your city from a completely different perspective led by highly experienced registered tour guides. Note: This tour is by appointment only.
Location: Castle of Good Hope, Darling St & Buitenkant St, Cape Town
Price: Upon request.
Website: goodhopeadventures.com
- Powerslide on a beach
If you’re looking to scratch that need for speed itch, then book a wind-powered beach buggy lesson. First, you’ll be introduced to the basics, before strapping for some stomach-churning power sliding fun.
Location: 15 Granger Bay Blvd, Green Point
Price: Upon request
Bookings: mattweisse@mweb.co.za
Website: goodhopeadventures.com
- Reconnect with yourself on a Cape Camino
A Camino is a sacred walking route hosted by local communities.
Every country has its own culture, history, and natural environment, thus making each Camino special. Cape Camino showcases South African diversity over 650kms of (mostly) off-road path.
Location: 38 River Street, Hopefield
Price: From R650.
Bookings: peggy@capecamino.co.za
Website: capecamino.co.za
- Climb the 7th Natural Wonder of the World
Over 500 million years old and towering 1,086 meters over Cape Town, our beloved Table Mountain is the ideal playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers during these winter months. This majestic marvel is a firm fan favourite during the winter months, especially for local hikers, as there are fewer crowds and cooler skies.
Urban Adventurer
- Sunset from the mountain top
Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world ascend Table Mountain using the Aerial Cableway. Make your next trip a memorable one with a spectacular winter sunset. Buy an afternoon ticket, valid from 1pm onwards, and take the last trip down while the sun descends over the Mother City.
Location: 5821 Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain Nature Reserve
Price: R110 –R390 pp.
Bookings: webtickets.co.za
Website: tablemountain.net
- Get pumped up for some mud, sweat and gears
From trail riding to fat biking to four-cross (and everything in between), hit your favourite mountain bike course, spot, or trail in and around the city. Discover the lower slopes of Table Mountain or the single track on Contermanskloof Farm. Or for a real challenge, mission to rider’s paradise out at Dirtopia, Stellenbosch.
For more info, check out our list of epic mountain biking areas around Cape Town.
Price: Free to under R100.
- Plan a cosy picnic
Having a winter picnic can be a ton of fun for both family and friends.
First, fill your favourite flask with a hot beverage of your choice, followed by a selection of soups, sandwiches, salads and delicious snacks. Next, pick your perfect picnic spot in or around the Mother City and enjoy the warm conversation with a few hearty laughs.
Alternatively, head for one of these top pre-packed picnic spots in Cape Town.
- Play 3D glow-in-the-dark mini golf
Test your handicap at Glowing Rooms’ 18 hole mind-bending golf course.
Using imported 3D glasses, immerse yourself in sci-fi-inspired rooms, while trying to putt for your next hole-in-one.
Location: 1 Turf Club Rd, Milnerton
Price: R110 per player.
Website: glowingrooms.co.za
- Stay and save at Southern Sun hotels
Southern Sun Hotels are running their Follow the SUN promo.
Rediscover their world, where every day is a celebration and great experiences are created with passion. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, take advantage of their special rates over the coming winter months.
Price: From R849 per room per night
Bookings: southernsun.com/offers/follow-the-sun
Website: southernsun.com
- Sense stranger things
Wander ‘round one of Cape To
