Spring in Cape Town has sprung, bringing with it long warm days, new life, and light! What’s not to love? As the temperature steadily rises and the rain clouds disappear, there are more than few ways to celebrate in the Mother City. Here are 30 ways to welcome spring in Cape Town.
Flower power on the West Coast
September in Cape Town is a wildflower season and West Coast is world-famous for the blankets of colourful blooms that erupt over the landscape. There are fields of daisies, vygies, watsonias, strelitzias, and arum lilies, all abuzz with local fauna. Don’t miss a day trip to experience the magical display.
South African National Park’s Week
Pack a picnic, grab your family and friends, and head out to one of the SANParks offering a week’s free entrance. For the entire week each year, locals will be able to get in touch with nature to experience all that the parks have to offer. Cape Point The Flying Dutchman Funicular, Table Mountain National Park, and the West Coast National Park are highlights in the Western Cape. The 2019 dates are 8-15 September.
Watch the sunrise from the top of Lion’s Head
to catch the sunrise to see majestic Table Mountain bathed in golden light. It makes for a striking image. Take a head torch to light the way and go with a group of friends. You could also up the adventure level by trying a full moon hike.
Get a bird’s eye view
The aerial view of Cape Town is hard to beat. Book a tandem paragliding experience from Cape Xtreme Adventure Tours and take in the beauty of the city while getting your blood pumping.
Movie Night Under the Stars
An outdoor movie welcomes you to experience cinematic delights, tantalising treats, and breathtaking scenery under a canopy of stars. From October, the Galileo Open Air Cinema shows a line-up of romantic comedies, cult classics, and musicals at some of Cape Town’s prettiest open-air venues.
Hiking Table Mountain
Spring offers some of the best weather for hiking, with plenty of sunshine but moderate temperatures. Grab your backpack, friends, sunscreen, and insect repellent, and head to one of Table Mountain’s glorious hikes.
Scenic helicopter flights
This unrivalled experience offers a once-in-a-lifetime trip over the Cape Peninsula. There are few better ways to take in the beauty of the area. Book with City Helicopters.
Wine Tasting
Sip and swirl the top-class wine in Constantia, where some of South Africa’s oldest wine producing estates can be found, including the popular Groot Constantia. A little further afield you’ll find more wine routes, including Durbanville and the Helderberg. Each has something unique to taste, so make a day out of it!
Visit a Market
There is an abundance of vibrant markets in Cape Town, and there are many fantastic food markets too. Markets are the best way to shop for gifts, crafts, and trinkets, and they also make for a fun way to dine out. Some are only open on the weekends or evenings, so please check beforehand.
Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing Bus
Hop on and step off the iconic City Sightseeing double-decker red buses to feast on the sights, Cape Town’s top attractions and sounds of the city. There are 17 bus stops in and around the city with a route duration of approximately 2 hours.
Visit a Museum
Museum visits are a fun, educational, and laid-back way to enjoy a spring day. Explore Cape Town’s treasured museums to learn more about Cape Town’s rich heritage, history, and more.
Whale watching
Between August and November, it’s peak whale season in Cape Town. Hermanus is the whale capital of the Western Cape, but you can spot them from almost anywhere with a sea view.
Wine, dine, and enjoy some local art at First Thursdays
has become a must-attend event in Cape Town. It takes place on the first Thursday of every month. The city comes alive at night, and art galleries and shops stay open till late. Sample some free wine, walk the city streets, make new friends and soak up the creative vibe of Cape Town.
Ice cream dates
We all scream for ice cream! Nothing says “hello summer” in Cape Town like flavourful scoops of handmade ice cream. Cape Town’s ice cream scene is so big you could live off of it for a week or more without ever having to visit the same place twice.
Beach Days
Cape Town has glittering coastlines with the most beautiful beaches to suit every mood and moment. Whether you’re after buzzing beachside bars, secluded coves, safe swimming beaches, or a romantic spot for a sunset picnic, Cape Town’s beaches have got you covered!
St James Catwalk
Here’s something that the locals tend to keep a secret. The St James catwalk is a relaxed and scenic walk along the False Bay coast. It’s very popular with locals, especially over the weekend. The walk starts alongside Surfer’s Corner beach in Muizenberg and makes its way past several other beaches and rock pools, before it comes to an end at Danger Beach in St James. Expect to see birdlife along the way, and even whales and dolphins if you’re lucky!
Explore Cape Town’s trail runs
is very popular in Cape Town, and it’s no wonder why. Hugging the City Bowl are mountains, forests, streams and waterfalls (which only run during spring). There are multitudes of established hiking and mountain biking trails, most of which are shared with trail runners.
Sundowners to end the day in style
Cape Towns’ sunsets are gorgeous. What better way to enjoy the longer, warmer evenings than sundowners, overlooking the stunning views of the city?
Take a street art tour
Cape Town is becoming a mecca for graffiti and street art. Artists from around the world have work up on the walls. The Woodstock Street Art Tour give visitors a chance to see an eclectic mix of art. The host has an in-depth, personal knowledge of the work, which makes for a really fascinating day out.
Treat yourself to a Laugh
Capetonians are known for their sense of humour, so make sure you seek out some of the top-class comedy shows while you’re here. It’s a great window into the culture and diversity of the city, and a great way to wind down at the end of a long day.
Have a morning groove at Secret Sunrise
is aptly named: the venue is only revealed a few hours before the event takes place. Take a set of headphones, switch on your music, and express yourself through dance and movement as the sun rises. Imagine a party, a silent disco, a yoga session, and a meditation session all wrapped up in one—first thing in the morning!
Check out on of Cape Town’s music festivals
As the days get warmer and the rainy days become few and far between, Cape Town’s buzzing festival scene comes back to life after a sleepy winter. Choose from one of the amazing music festivals the city has to offer: it’s sure to put a spring in your step.
Enjoy a braai
The distinctly South African tradition of braais (barbecues) is a sure sign that spring has sprung! There are plenty of picturesque spots to enjoy a braai in Cape Town. The Oudekraal Beach braai area is always a firm favourite!
Hear the birds chirping at one of the local nature reserves
We have an amazing variety of bird species all over Cape Town. You can listen to these birds and see them from one of the many great birding spots. The entry to the reserves are inexpensive and it’s a great place to enjoy nature.
Take a scenic spring drive
Cape Town has some truly spectacular drives, including the famous Chapman’s Peak. But there are many more stunning drives to do! Consider renting a car and checking out the ocean vistas and aerial views of the gorgeous Cape Town coastline.
Enjoy live music at the Waterfront
There’s always a great free show happening at the Amphitheatre at the V&A Waterfront. Local musos strut their stuff and put on a show for all to enjoy, and the best part? It’s free!
Go see the Penguins
Penguin watching is a whole lot of fun. These endearing and comical flightless birds are full of character. Visit Boulders beach or Stony Point to get up close and personal with these lovely creatures.
Visit Cape Point
Replete with scenic views, deserted landscapes, and diverse wildlife, Cape Point The Flying Dutchman Funicular is one of South Africa’s most magnificent attractions. Cape Point is well equipped to offer even the seasoned local with a never-ending list of family-friendly activities.
©Alain Proust/iAfrika Photos
Stroll the Sea Point Promenade
One of the many pleasures of Cape Town life is a leisurely afternoon on the Sea Point Promenade. It brings together cyclists, dog-walkers, joggers, skaters, walkers, and everyone in between. The Prom starts at Mouille Point near the Waterfront, and runs along the water’s edge through Sea Point.
Get adventurous
Cape Town’s sunny days are a clarion call for adventurous types. Whether you’re into shark diving, shooting ranges, quad biking, or jumping out of planes, Cape Town has plenty of adventure activities to offer.
Planning a trip to Cape Town? Book flights and browse accommodation now to get the best rates. The Cape Town City Pass gives you access to over 70 of the top Cape Town attractions, tours, and things to see and do, including the popular hop on hop off City Sightseeing bus.
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