Cape Town is home to an array of pocket-friendly options suitable for family adventures and date nights.
Here are some options to enjoy this summer:
Summer Activities
Hike Pipe Track
The Pipe Track is one of the Table Mountain hikes you should add to your bucket list. This 6km hike is easy to navigate, apart from a few stone steps. The walk starts at the corner of Tafelberg Road and Kloof Nek (you can park at Kloof Nek parking and then head up the stairs with the fence on your left). Follow the Pipe Track, and you’ll be treated to some stunning views of Camps Bay, Lion’s Head, and the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll also pass through some beautiful ravines. Please be vigilant when hiking and try not to carry many valuables. Always hike in groups.
Location: Tafelberg Road
Price: Free
Grab an Ice Cream at The Dairy Den and Stroll the Prom
Cool down with an ice cream from The Dairy Den before taking a stroll on the Sea Point Prom. This ice cream heaven has a range of flavours that will tantalise your taste buds. You can choose between Classic, Signature, and Unicorn cones or indulge in one of their classic cups. Flavours include mint dragon, honeycomb crunch, chocolate biscuit, Top Deck, and Belgian chocolate. The Sea Point prom is perfect for sunrise and sunset walks, offering majestic views of the ocean and the mountains.
Location: 148 Main Rd, Sea Point
Price: From R21.50
Contact: Visit www.thedairyden.com/
Spend a Beach Day with penguins at Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach, renowned for its African Penguin colony, offers an ideal day excursion. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the False Bay Ocean, pick a cosy spot on the sandy shores for a picnic, and unwind while observing the penguins in their natural environment.
Location: Simon’s Town, Cape Town
Price: R45 per adult; R25 per child (SA citizens)
Website: www.sanparks.org
Family-friendly Fun
Explore the Marine Wildlife Walk
Gather your fam and go on a picturesque walk around the V&A Waterfront and encounter its diverse wildlife inhabitants. The Marine Wildlife Walk features 8 lookout points throughout the neighbourhood, providing opportunities to observe animals like otters, sunfish, seals, birds, and jellyfish. The walk also showcases the best views of Table Mountain.
Location: V&A Waterfront
Price: Free
Contact: waterfront.co.za/marine-wildlife-walk/
Befriend Creatures at Reptile Garden
Get a glimpse of 36 species of reptiles at the Reptile Garden at Stodels Garden Centre. Owner and curator Bjorn Unger takes visitors on an educational walkabout, explaining misconceptions, sharing fun facts, and introducing you to some vivacious reptiles. A few meters from the Reptile Garden is a petting zoo where you can meet bearded goats, llamas, ponies, and sheep. You can feed them and even sneak in a few selfies.
Location: Stodels Garden Centre, Eversdal Road, Bellville
Price: Reptile Garden:R50; kids under 3 enter for free. Petting zoo: Entry is free.
Contact: Call 084 776 3537 or visit reptilegarden.co.za/
Embark on a Cape Town Harbour Cruise
Get uninterrupted views of Table Mountain during a 25-minute-long harbor cruise by City Sightseeing. During the journey, you can spot seals, learn about the Waterfront harbor, and view international ships up close. Tours take place every 30 minutes.
Location: V&A Waterfront, just below the Two Oceans Aquarium, at Bus Stop 1
Price: Children: R40, Adults: R75, Family ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children aged 4-17): R180.
Contact: Visit bit.ly/46CKNdE
Couple Activities
Movie Date at Galileo Open Air Cinema
Nothing says date night better than a movie. With the weather warmer, Galileo Open Air Cinema is showcasing a range of movies between October 2023 to April 2024. Galileo screens a variety of new, family favourites and cult classic films, set against the backdrop of some of Cape Town’s most stunning venues such as Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Century City, and the Winelands. Whether you’re in the mood for “Love Actually” or contemplating “The Proposal,” you’re sure to score popcorn points with your significant other.
Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Century City and the Winelands. Please check their website for screening venues and times.
Price: From R130
Contact: Visit thegalileo.co.za/
Wine Tasting at Delaire Graff Estate
Dress to impress and relish the experience of sampling award-winning wines in one of the world’s prestigious wineries. Renowned as the “Jewel of the Cape,” Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch allows you to indulge in affordable wine tastings in a luxurious setting. Opt for the Estate Range Tasting, offering a choice of 3-5 glass tastings, guided by knowledgeable wine tutors who share insightful tidbits about the wines.
Location: Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch
Price: From R75 for 3 glasses
Contact: Visit www.delaire.co.za/
Go Salsa Dancing
If you want to learn salsa and get your hips swinging on the dance floor, head to Mojo Market for their free beginner Salsa classes every Sunday at 8pm. Everyone is welcome, whether you are single, a couple, or in a group. Be sure to stay afterward for the Salsa Party featuring a hot line-up of DJs, unique bars and food stalls.
Location: Mojo Market at 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point
Price: Free
Contact: salsacapetown.co.za/
