[imagesource: Ashley Jurius on Unsplash]
Cape Town is one of the most popular travel destinations, in South Africa. Each year from across the nation and the world, people flock to this fair cape to see the flora, fauna and of course, the 7th natural wonder – Table Mountain.
But Cape Town, lovingly known as the Mother City is more than that. The city is rich in nature, cultures and diverse heritage. No other town is quiet like this one. So, if you’re planning for a year-end getaway or are simply itching for some adventure, consider having a fun summer in Cape Town.
Here is a curated list of the top things to do in Cape Town for the summer.
Visit Robben Island
There are plenty of things to do in Cape Town but one of the most unique places to visit in South Africa is Robben Island. Some of the harrowing histories of South Africa’s Apartheid lies on the shores of Robben Island. Nobel Peace Prize winner and former South African president, Nelson Mandela served 27 years here fighting for equality.
If you are a history buff, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit this island. You can choose from a variety of packages and boat trips to Robben Island that will fit your budget or your vacation itinerary. Either way, taking a trip to this South African UNESCO Heritage Site will teach you so much about the nation and its people.
Learn to Catch a Wave
This might be on your bucket list already so why not make the beaches of Cape Town your playground
Take a crash course in the highly addictive sport of surfing at one of Cape Town’s many beaches. Where else can you say you learnt to surf in both the Indian and the Atlantic oceans simultaneously?
With surfing being one of the most fun activities to do in Cape Town, you can learn the basics within a couple of hours. No matter your skill level or your age, all are welcome.
Get Onto a Franschhoek Wine Tram
This next adventure is a unique Cape Town attraction, that you can sit back and enjoy. Leisurely experience the Franschhoek Valleys on a wine tram as you journey through some of the most majestic rolling hills.
Passengers on a Franschhoek Wine Tram get to hop on and off the bus and experience the various activities to do in the Cape Town Winelands. There are eight types of wine tours to choose from that are sure to make this distinctive thing to do in Cape Town.
Some of the fun activities in the Cape Town Winelands include wine tastings, cellar tours, lunch, and even a peaceful stroll along the valley. These open-air tram-buses will also make a stop at some of South Africa’s oldest and most renowned wine estates.
Prepare for a Ziplining Adventure
If you need a unique Cape Town bucket list idea, why not try ziplining. No two ziplining experiences are ever the same and in Cape Town, you are sure to soar over Fynbos forests and waterfalls.
A lot of the best ziplining in the Mother City happens in and around Hout Bay, with so many tall trees this area is ideal for the sport. But you can also find this kind of fun out in Elgin Valley and near Kraaifontein.
As you swing from one post to another don’t be afraid to shout like George of the Jungle – just watch out for that tree.
Walk the Babylonstoren Garden Tour
The Babylonstoren is a peaceful and historic farmyard, located about an hour’s drive from the city centre. Visitors are offered 3.5 hectares of space, filled with indigenous plants, veggies and fruit gardens. Guided tours offer a wealth of knowledge both on the history and botanical significance of the gardens.
There is a restaurant on-site for lunches, a pear maze to get lost in, and a few animals to admire as you stroll through the garden. The tours happen at specific times, so plan your day accordingly, and make sure there’s time to explore a bit on your own too
The Babylonstoren garden is the perfect place to bring the whole family. The kids will have fun scouring the secluded path that runs along the stream where thousands of clivias flower in the Spring.
Paraglide Along The Promenade
Think outside the box when it comes to Cape Town activities and sightsee the city from cloud 9. Paragliding is one of the best things to do in Cape Town and is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
For those who have never done this before, Cape Town has some of the best tandem paragliding options. This allows you to soar through the sky with a skilled instructor who will take care of all the technical stuff while you enjoy the views.
Brunch at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market
This is more of a city market than the name suggests but then again – what’s in a name? This market is as sweet as they come and runs every Saturday and Sunday morning, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with live music and plenty to enjoy. This is the ideal place to shop for fresh farmlike foods, you’ll find a selection of ethically sourced meat and seafood, as well as free-range eggs and organic dairy products.
The fruit and vegetables on sale here come straight from the farm, and you can be sure there’s a loaf of warm, freshly baked bread waiting for you.
But it’s not all food, there are also stalls selling locally made goods, like clothing and home decor. You can pick up a new houseplant or bring the dogs and buy them toys and new collars too. Just remember this is a sustainable market so pack in your own bags.
Enjoy the Kalk Bay Seaside Views
This bay is a popular Cape Town attraction and a great spot for fresh seafood and delicious cocktails during the hot summer months.
There are many iconic landmarks in Kalk Bay, but perhaps the most recognisable is the red-and-white-striped lighthouse. Summer offers the chance to get out and see this harbour town in all of its glory.
Watch the boats, wave at the seals, and take full advantage of the fresh seafood that you can indulge in at one of the restaurants, or take home to cook yourself.
Enjoy Happy Hour at the Secret Gin Bar
This innercity bar won’t be much of a secret after you’ve had a taste of their delicious gin cocktails.
The Secret Gin Bar used to be a mortuary, but this heritage building no longer has any signs of corpses, thankfully.
The bar stocks an impressive 140 gins, and have chosen 80 of the top local brands to keep on their shelves. If you do get tired of those options, there is also a great selection of beer and wine.
Or come along and find the tiny Embalming Room. Here, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the wide variety of champagne available to you. So, sip and savour every delightful floating bubble.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cape Town Experiences for Summer
There’s no denying that Cape Town is a playground of beauty, adventure, and activities. You probably won’t have the opportunity to do everything on this list. But hopefully, you’ve jotted a couple of bucket list ideas for your return visit.
Whether you are craving an exhilarating outdoor adventure or an immersive dining experience, the Mother City during the summer is sure to effortlessly cater to your every whim.
