If you are a Cape Town resident, chances are you’ll have grown accustomed to panoramic mountain views and a fabulous city lifestyle. The easily accessible coffee shops on every corner have a way of lulling us into a rhythm of sip, work, relax, repeat. But don’t get stuck there! It’s time to embrace all our city has to offer and break out of that customary cosmopolitan cycle of life!
Behind the façade of commercial Cape Town is an undercurrent of interesting activities waiting to be explored. We have picked five of our favourites for you to try while we wait for sunny weather.
Nothing standard about this jazz
Jazz in Cape Town is as much a part of our heritage as Cape Malay koesisters, and just as full of authentic flavour. A tour of our city would not be complete without exploring those smooth tunes for yourself. Coffeebeans routes offers a Jazz Safari tour which visits the homes of a few of our best local jazz artists. Over about four hours you will tour from place to place, enjoy traditional Cape Malay dishes and experience the talents of local musicians.
Past performers have included South African greats Hilton Schilder, Blackie Tempi and Mac McKenzie. The safari takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays or there is the option of booking a private tour.
The standard cost is R1 500 per person but a special of 10% off runs until September 2018. Do not miss out! Contact info@coffeebeansroutes.com for more information or call them on 021 813 9829.
Winter is for wetsuits
The drought hit Cape Town residents hard. The plus side? With our minds on water, we can turn that preoccupation into an adventure!
The perfect crazy activity to try right now is coasteering. Although similar to kloofing, where you clamber over rocks alongside a river and occasionally jump from them, this activity takes place along a protected coastline. The entire outing should take around two to three hours, so set aside a morning to go nuts.
As it is a fairly strenuous activity, children under the age of 10 years are not advised to participate. The starting point is at Windmill Beach, Simon’s Town and after building up your appetite there is the option to stay together for lunch. Minimum group size for bookings is four. Contact adventure@gravity.co.za for more information or call them on 021 638 3698.
Into the wild
When it comes to food, it’s time to literally get back to our roots, The Cape Point area is basically a buffet for foragers, who eat indigenous plants directly off the land. Experts Roushanna and Gael Gray guide groups through the process of sustainably harvesting edible fynbos and other indigenous plants.
It doesn’t end there, though as you are also taught how to use the different plants gathered by cooking and eating a three course meal using your crop. It is definitely a unique experience and can be remembered by purchasing a plant from the Good Hope Gardens Nursery. The prices for the full experience range from R650 for adults to R350 for children (2 – 17 years). Contact roushanna@hotmail.com for more information or call 072 234 4804.
Hugs instead of hamburgers
The word vegan can be controversial in culinary circles. However, we’re confident that you’ll be singing plant based praises when you experience an adorable calf named Baloo batting his big eyes in your direction. The Farm Sanctuary SA facilitates exactly these kinds of interactions. Not only is it home to the world’s first ever painting pig, it also houses many domestic animals that have been rescued from cruel factory farms.
This is a lovely day trip and something completely different to the usual vineyard crawl. Plus, entry is free! The farm is open for visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from 11h00 to 15h00. If you would like to meet the talented Pigcasso, she is available for autographs on Sundays at 12pm. Contact info@farmsanctuarysa.org for more information or call 084 735 3303.
Mid life crises not included
Finally, it is time for a no holds barred, wind in your hair kind of experience. No, you don’t have to be a well-established male of a certain age to take advantage. Now the opportunity to drive a ridiculously good looking sports car is available to anyone that can pay the price!
The classic Cape Cobra is ideally driven with the top down at awesome speeds while taking in amazing views. Hire the car for a full day from R2 900. For an extra R500 – R750 it can be delivered straight to your door. There is, however, an insane R15 000 refundable insurance deposit. Sigh, isn’t Cape Town fun? To discuss your drive contact rossrenee@capecobrahire.co.za for more information or call 083 321 9193.