Weekends in Cape Town are all about beach braais with friends, family walks in Newlands Forest with the dogs, fish fresh off the sea, spices cooking over the sound of laughter, moonlit hikes on Lion’s Head and mountains rolling in mist. There’s more to the city than The Mountain (though a Saturday hike up our 600 million year old natural wonder of the world is a locaphile staple). Travelstart is here with the inside track to experiencing Cape Town like a local.
Header image courtesy of thecreamery via Instagram
Pick a Park Run
Courtesy of gumibeary via Instagram
Possibly the most Capetonian way to kick off your weekend is to pick a 5km park run. These depart every Saturday at 8am. The speediest runners lead the pack but there are chilled-out walkers, parents with strollers, dogs on leashes and a celebratory Saturday morning atmosphere. There are several chapters in Cape Town including a wine farm, a greenbelt forest run in Constantia, the Rondebosch one has great views of Devil’s Peak and the Green Point one takes in Lion’s Head, the stadium and glimpses of the ocean.
Cost: free
Check out the events here.
Do the Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour
Courtesy of The Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour via Facebook
“So come and meet me and let’s cook together”
Get to know the city through your palate. Zainie Misbach is fiercely passionate about preserving Cape Malay culture and sharing delicious Cape Malay cooking with guests in her lovely Bokaap kitchen. Learn how to fold samoosas and make the perfect masala mix. Both visitors and Capetonians will enjoy learning Cape Malay cooking techniques followed by a tasty lunch. The Cooking lesson and tour lasts 3 hours and costs R750 per person (including all cooking supplies and lunch). Minimum 3 people per tour.
Find out more here.
Zainie says: “I believe there is a need for interactive tourism. So come and meet me and let’s cook together!”
A braai with a view
Courtesy of ctmylove via Instagram
Have a braai. Oudekraal is a good bet with its unreal views, crystal waters perfect for snorkeling (if you can brave the Atlantic).
Entrance to Oudekraal:
R35 (adults – 12 years and older)
R20 (children)
Newlands Forest is another favourite family braai spot. You could even fit in a family hike in the forest. Make sure to adhere to fire hazard warnings as this is a particularly dry season.
Cost for entrance to Newlands Forest Braai Area:
R25 (adults – 12 years and older)
R15 (children)
(Additional R25 fee per vehicle)
Take a dreamy train trip to Kalk Bay
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Pile into the train heading for the Southern Peninsula and enjoy the rush of blue as you pass surfer’s paradise Muizenburg, St James’ colourful beach huts and pull into quaint Kalk Bay in time for a pint at the brass bell. Swim in the little pools or go antiquing in the narrow cobbled alleys.
Lunch has to be fresh fish and chips in the harbour at Kalky’s with the bright ocean vessels bobbing nearby.
Say hi to the resident resplendent Cape Seals sunning themselves by the fish-gutting area hoping for a sneaky snack. Stroll down the pier then head to the Ice Cafe for a turkish delight or amarula gelato.
Courtesy of dylanoflondon via Instagram
Courtesy of james._.harrison via Instagram
Find cheap flights to the Mother City here.
Choose a wine valley and make an afternoon of it
The lesser known but lovely Durbanville Wine Valley is a stone’s throw from the CBD. Capetonians love the charm of this friendly valley. Find out more about the 12 wine farms of the Durbanville Valley here.
Climb Lion’s Head at Full Moon
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You’re not a Capetonian till you’ve done the precarious moonlight hike when the moon is full and hanging over the city bowl. You’ll be joined by hoards of fellow enthusiasts. Don’t forget sensible shoes, a jacket and a headlamp.
Good to know:
Capetonians tend to avoid the traffic of full moon by making the pilgrimage the day before or after full moon. The view is just as good.
Cycle along the sea on an bright orange bike from Up Cycles
Courtesy of upcycles and @that_senne_girl via Instagram
Up Cycles provides a great drop and ride bicycle rental service. Their bright orange, cheery bikes are the perfect way to take in the Atlantic breeze. Plus you’ll get one hour free rental on your birthday (take along ID as proof). R60 an hour.
Find them in Camp’s Bay and by the Sea Point Pavilion.
There are also fantastic art-cycle tours organised by Bicycle Cape Town combining the best of both.
Courtesy of bicyclecapetown via Instagram
Escape the crowds to Bakoven beach
This lovely little beach is a great spot to get away from the crowds and sun yourself with a view of Lion’s Head or the 12 Apostles.
Good to know:
Park along the road near the Bakoven branch of the Bootlegger Coffee Company.
Get your gees on at the Cape Town Stadium
Courtesy of sarita.kerber via Instagram
The magnificent origami-like stadium hosts soccer, rugby and cricket. Depending on the season go support and feel the gees.
Mission around for the best coffee in town
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Capetonians are coffee crazed. The famous Department of Coffee in Khayalitsha is a good spot to start your Cape Town coffee odyssey. Be sure to visit Loading Bay, Haas and the one and only Truth headquarters in Buitenkant Street.
In good company in the Company Gardens
Courtesy of mel_c_94 via Instagram
Hang out in the delightful Company Gardens and buy some nuts for the squirrels and bread crumbs for the pigeons from the stand closest to Adderley Street.
Good to know:
Kids will love the giant chess set outside the Company Garden’s Restaurant.
Look for the rubber tree as it is the oldest in the gardens.
Go for a run or a walk on the promenade in Sea Point followed by ice cream from the Creamery!
Courtesy of the creamery via Instagram
Sunday evenings (actually every evening of the week) are for strolls and runs on the Sea Point promenade. Reward yourself with an ice-cream from the Creamery near the Mouille Point Lighthouse.
Look out for the pink poodle bench and enjoy the well-thoughout public art installations.
Take in the sunset at Sunset Beach in Blouberg
For the best view of the iconic mountain head to Sunset Beach in Blouberg. This friendly, laid-back suburb is the perfect place to end your truly-Capetonian weekend.