Top 5 Fun Things To Do in Cape Town This Spring
As the vibrant spirit of spring blossoms across Cape Town, there’s no shortage of exciting activities to fill your days with fun and adventure. From hiking through blooming mountains to soaring high above the city in a helicopter, Cape Town’s spring offerings promise something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll unveil the best ways to make the most of this enchanting season in the Mother City.
Take a Hike
This time of the year is probably the best time to hike in and around Cape Town. As of August, the mountains have been coming alive with fynbos and soon, Lion’s Head will be filled with lilac flowers that make for some of the most spectacular photos. Also, did you know that there is a patch of sand and a dam at the top of Table Mountain? There are various hiking trails that take you to the top. Make it a challenge and lunge your way up with the Platteklip trail – good exercise for those glutes with unmatched views as reward.
Experience a Unique Birds Eye View
If you’re a visual person, seeing the magnificence of Cape Town’s fynbos-filled mountains and the peninsula as a whole, a helicopter trip (and flip) might be the perfect way to get a better view. From high up in the clouds, you will get to see the beautiful sandy beaches, the harbour, Robben Island, Cape Point and False Bay. They also offer trips to the Winelands, or even somewhere else special to enjoy a picnic or safari experience. The flights can be shared or booked exclusively, with weight limits of between 120kg and 140kg. Find them at East Pier Road at the V&A Waterfront.
Top 5 things to do at the V&A Waterfront with kids
The V&A Waterfront is packed with loads of activities for kids of all ages
Scooter Down Table Mountain
Freewheel down two different off-road tracks with Scootours. The first track takes you down Signal Hill and the second, down the lower slopes of Table Mountain. The two-hour experience allows you to explore Signal Hill, the Bo Kaap, Lower Table Mountain and Oranjezicht and includes two runs, a guide, equipment and water. We suggest that you come with closed shoes and a jacket for the chill. Kids aged between four and nine can come along as passengers and children older than ten can drive their own scooter.
Enjoy a Sunset Cruise
If you’re looking for the perfect sundowner experience, Explore Collection’s luxury, teak-decked catamarans – IQ and Explore – are the ideal vessels to set sail on for that mesmerising African sunset. The yachts depart from the V&A Waterfront, head out to Table Bay and sail along the Atlantic Seaboard, allowing for breathtaking views and even some marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, whales, seals, penguins and sun fish during the 90-minute trip which gets you back just as the moon starts to rise. The trip comes with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and there is an onboard cash or card service for other drinks. You can also bring your own alcohol and just pay the corkage fee. Departures are season-dependent and ranges between 17:00 in winter and 19:00 in summer.
Explore Cape Point at Dehoop Nature Reserve
The De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve offers sea, deserted beaches, a Ramsar listed vlei, wide open spaces, coastal fynbos, diverse animal and bird life (including the endangered Cape Vulture) and some of the best whale watching experiences. It is one of the largest natural areas managed by CapeNature. They have recently launched a brand-new trail experience called The De Hoop Trail: Vlei to Whales. The fully catered and guided trail experience runs over four days, with three nights’ accommodation at the De Hoop Collection, a member of Cape Country Routes’ De Mond Villa or Melkkamer Homestead. The trail covers 38km, allowing you to explore the natural and cultural history of the reserve. You will get to discover a wealth of marine, bird, animal and rare plant species with a qualified nature/marine guide at the steer.