TOP WEEKEND SIGHTSEEING THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN

WAKE BOARDING

The best place for this adventure sport is Blue Rock Café in Strand, easily accessible just off the N2 highway. An impressive system of cables pulls the boarder along the track around the sparkling lake – no need for motorboats. Both feet are fastened to the board, so this is only for confident swimmers. All equipment is available for hire at this exciting venue where young people love to hang out. Enjoy canoeing, rock jumping, swimming and other watersports available. The café provides hearty meals in an authentic environment.


Wake Boarding

BOAT ROWING and CANOEING

The wider boats at Kleinmond picnic area roam the beautiful lagoon with its Overberg Mountain backdrop. The wider boats are more stable and it is very relaxing to row whether you are two people in a boat or single. Nearby is the beach, and the lovely boardwalks along the rocky shoreline.

For more traditional Kayak style canoeing, try Blue Rock in Somerset west, or look online for the various operators available.


Kayaking

BOAT CRUISES

There are various operators providing daily boat trips, a romantic sunset cruises, or a private charter for a special event. See the waterfront from the water and see cape fur seals, ships and iconic buildings all in front of the unforgettable Table Mountain. Book your cruise in advance to avoid disappointment.


Cruise on the Nauticat

HELICOPTER RIDES

For an unbeatable experience of seeing the city bowl and Atlantic Seaboard from the air, take a ride on one of the many professional helicopter tours leaving from the V&A waterfront. Times range from 20 to 25 minutes. Get a birds-eye view of the twelve apostles and Lion’s Head mountains.


Helicopter Sightseeing
Photo with thanks to Maria and Marcel Kool

FERRY TO ROBBEN ISLAND

The gateway to Robben Island is conveniently located within the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront precinct, and ferries leave daily for the Island where you will disembark at Murray’s Bay Harbour. From there, trained personal will guide you on a bus tour to the various historical points of interest on the island. The tour ends with access to the high security prison and visit of the cell of Nelson Mandela. The entire tour takes approximately 3.5 hours including the ferry trip.


Robben Island Ferry

SEE SEALS

Cape Fur seals were hunted almost to extinction after the settlers arrived in the Cape especially between the 17th and 19th centuries. Since then, their numbers have recovered and colonies are now thriving on Robben Island and at the V-& waterfront. Here their ability to charm tourists, has led to a harmonious relationship between man and wildlife, that should ensure their survival into the future. Commercial hunting of seals was finally put to an end the Cape in 1990.


Cape Fur Seals at the Waterfront

RIDE ON THE CAPE WHEEL

This is a huge steel wheel that enables breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of Cape Town and the lively V&A Waterfront area. From here you can see Cape Town Stadium, Paarl Mountains, Cape Town City skyline, Table Mountain, and Granger Bay and Robben Island.

The Cape Wheel has 30 fully enclosed air-conditioned cabins that will transport you 40 meters above the earth for four revolutions. Sunset and sunrise are particularly beautiful times for views.

History of the Cape Wheel: It was mobile at first, being previously set up in Belgium, Germany and Sweden. It first visited Cape Town in 2010 where it was meant to remain for six-months only during the FIFA World Cup. It was so popular that it has found a permanent home at the V&A Waterfront, the oldest working harbour in Cape Town. The wheel has been moved from a busier part of the waterfront, to an area in Granger Bay where it enhances the public space. This is on the north side of the Victoria Wharf Shopping Mall.


The Big Wheel

BIKE TRICKS

Enjoying nature while strengthening their bodies and developing their balance is a win-win for kids of all ages. Wear protective gear, such as a helmet, long pants, and gloves, while you ride. You should avoid challenges that you aren't ready for and bypass routes are provided next to each obstacle. The circuits that are designed in three levels for different abilities. Read all the information on the official website of any track you intend to tackle. For beautiful indigenous gardens, head to Polkadraai Bike Park is set amidst gardens of fynbos and aloes with magnificent views of Simonsberg and Helderberg Mountains. For an embanked circuit, try Blaauwklippen Bike Park. Or for a rougher experience Geelsloot Park in Somerset West.


Blaauwklippen Bike Park

WALL CLIMBING AND BOULDERING

Because it trains nearly every muscle in the body and enhances focus and cognitive function, wall climbing has many positive effects on health. If you have never tried to climb a wall, you will never know how much strength it takes from your arms. The best places for adults to climb is CityRock in Paarden Eiland. They have professional coaches available, who can help you transition to outdoor climbing on real rock. Bouldering is also a fun variation of the sport. There is a vast children’s area as well, if you have kids you want to bring along.


Playalot Wall Climbing

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

One of the best ways to improve your fitness and enjoy the great outdoors the Cape has to offer… is mountain bike cycling. A number of wine farms now offer this amazing sport and have a variety of trails to choose from at different skill levels. Plaisir in Franschhoek, Lourensford in Somerset West and Wilderkrans in the Overberg are some great examples. Plaisir also has bikes to rent.

The Bottelary course is vast and begins at the Polkadraai Bike Park in Kuilsriver. Be sure to wear your helmet and adhere it any additional regulations at your chosen venue.

Polkadraai bike park, Blaauwklippen and Geelsloot Park having mountain biking obstacle courses. Be sure to adhere to your skill level and wear protective clothing.

Polkadraai Bike Park

CLAY PAINTING

The Ceramic Café in Raithby has a wide variety of ready-made plaster sculptures that are ready to paint. From vases and teapots, to owls and piggy bank, there is something for everyone. The clay café will fire it for you and message you a few days later for you to collect your sculpture that you can keep forever or give as a gift. This is a fantastic choice for as a creative activity over the weekend. Also available at the Clay Café in Hout Bay.


Clay Painting

ICE SKATING

Ice skating in Cape Town is only available at Grand West Station. Luckily, it is a fantastically organized and entertaining location with a food court surrounding a little rink for toddlers. Fun things to do like going to the movies, playing arcade games, and ten pin bowling are all in close proximity. Have a lot of fun learning to skate as a kid and making memories on the ice! Three 1.5-hour sessions make up a normal day. The rink is used for practice by several hockey teams, and by special agreement, there are also skilled figure skating teachers. For younger skaters, the mini rink is the way to go, while the bigger rink, complete with DJs and lights, is sure to be a hit with the older kids. The food court offers a wide variety of eateries for takeout, including popular chains like Nando's and Burger King. The family may easily spend all day at the rink due to the neighboring movie theater.


Grand West Ice Station

HORSE RIDING

Even if you have never ridden a horse before, the experts at Bella Valle will help you get started. Horses are large beautiful domestic animals that have been our transportation for centuries. Now their bond with humans lives on, in the form of show jumping and recreational horse riding. At Bella Valle, pay per session and they will supply all the equipment while you discover if this is a sport for you. The tranquil country environment and panoramic views will leave you recharged for whatever lies in the week ahead.


Horse Riding

CHEESE TASTING

The best place to go cheese tasting in Cape Town and Winelands, is Fairview Wine and Cheese farm in Paarl. Fairview Wine and Cheese is a popular wine farm located in the Paarl region of the Western Cape, South Africa. It's known for its diverse wine and cheese offerings, with a strong focus on artisanal cheeses, particularly those made from Jersey cow's milk and goat's milk. The farm also hosts a tasting room, a restaurant, and a variety of events, making it a popular destination for wine and cheese enthusiasts. The farm has a long history, dating back to 1693, and is known for its commitment to sustainable farming practice.

Cheese Tasting at Fairview Wine and Cheese farm

GOAT TOWERS

A goat tower is a multi-story decorative goat house, modelled on a European garden folly, an early example of which was built in Portugal in the 19th century. The first goat tower was built at Aveleda, a winery in Portugal's Vinho Verde region. Since 1981, several other goat towers have been built in South Africa, Norway, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina; these include three at other wineries. The towers typically are multi-story with climbing ramps spiralling the exterior and often become tourist attractions.

The goat tower at Fairview is a special attraction, and local and international tourists flock to the farm for all the attractions and delicacies available.

Goat Tower at Fairview Wine and Cheese Farm

WINE TASTING WITH FRIENDS

Wine tasting with friends can be a great social activity that combines the enjoyment of good company with exploring the diverse world of wines. It can be a fun way to learn about different grape varieties, flavours, and wine production, while also having a relaxed and social gathering. Wine tourism and tasting has seen a boom since the advent of democracy in South Africa. There are thousands of wine farms to choose from that have wonderful tasting centres that are open every day.

One of the best places to go wine tasting, is Wildekrans Wine estate in the Overberg. The knowledgeable wine maker, is available to guide guests through their tasting experience, and explain the subtleties and interesting facts about the wines they are sampling.


Wine Tasting at Wildekrans Wine Estate in the Overberg

WORLD OF BIRDS

Enter a realm devoted to aviaries. You won't believe your eyes when you see the scope of this animal refuge. This location is also home to a plethora of different species, including an amazing monkey cage where curious onlookers may pet the friendly monkeys up close. Seeing raptors, owls, and eagles in the wild is quite incredible. The duck pond is home to a wide variety of vibrant bird species that love to splash around in the water. An abundance of attractions awaits you at the Hout Bay World of Birds!


A Starling at World of Birds

DRAKENSTEIN LION PARK

The apex predator in South Africa's wildlife kingdom is one of the five large cats. The social lion often hunts in prides of four or ten. Get up close and personal with lions in settings that mimic nature as closely as possible. There is a major animal sanctuary on the Western Cape. Between Franschhoek and Paarl, you'll find the Drakenstein Lion Park, an ideal place for kids to learn about these fascinating creatures.



A Lion at Drakenstein Lion Park

DUCK RUN AT VERGENOEGD-LOW

The outbuildings of this beautiful Cape Dutch farmstead are dated in the 1600’s while the gable of the main house bears the date anno1770. There are over 1000 duck living among the vineyards. Twice a day every day at 9am and 12am (at time of writing in 2025), the ducks are taken for a run around the historical buildings and wine tasting area, where visitors have the chance to admire them and take photos. Several duck herders make themselves available for the formidable task of directing the ducks.

The beautiful early baroque gable on the main house is of a simple holbol profile, with some detailed plaster work on the edging without being overly decorated. The house has been restored and the interior is of an immaculate design echoing the traditional interiors while introducing some subtle modern spin to it, such as darker feature walls. The hearth, curtaining and freestanding cupboards are all of the period.

The house contains the wines available for tasting and also a large kitchen with room enough for a small conference. In the outbuildings, the gables restaurant provides fine views and fine cuisine. Various bronze statues dot the estate including a beautiful oversized duck right on the line of symmetry of the gable.

Opening on to the back courtyard, is the fine dining restaurant known as Klara’s Barn.


Duck Run at Vergenoeg

HELDERBERG HIKES

The Helderberg Nature Reserve contains a restaurant, information centre and sustainability awareness building. Many fantastic trails ascend the Helderberg Mountain starting from here.

The breathtaking beauty of this tranquil protected area will rejuvenate the hearts of both parents and their children. Take the time to hike on the foothills of the Helderberg (Not recommended to take kids up the higher trails), where they will see rivers and tall trees with water rushing over the bubbling brooks. Near to the information area and restaurant is the bird hide, which where bright red bishops and yellow weavers make their nests and egrets swim among the bull rushes. The picnic area is large and you may bring your own picnic.

Ascending the foothills of the Helderberg Mountains is possible on shorter hikes that last no more than an hour. Be cautious not to climb all the way up unless you are a seasoned climber in a group; there are paths that lead to the peak. Nestled in the foothills is a charming marsh bordered by a rustic boardwalk. Children may take a leisurely stroll along the terrace that surrounds this natural wetland, where they can observe the weavers from one of numerous ducks or bird shelters. Learn about the local creatures and the distinctive fynbos, reed, and bullrush plants. In order to make your stay more comfortable and educational, the restaurant and tourist office are here for you. The park is large enough to accommodate families who want to have a picnic, play soccer, and use the wooden jungle gyms. Your kid will get back in touch with nature on this budget-friendly adventure.


Hike in the Helderberg Nature Reserve

BEACH HIKE AT ROOIELS

Rooi Els is a lengthy, undeveloped beach that is strewn with pebbles and other obstacles. As they navigate the challenging terrain in search of the refreshing pools of water, your kid will have the opportunity to connect with nature. Must be able to swim and be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Go to the West Coast Fossil Park if you want to dig for big bones... Around 1.5 hours north of Langebaan, in the Cape Town region.


Hike along the Rooiels Beach

FEED A GIRAFFE

You don't have the chance to feed a giraffe very often! Just north of Stellenbosch lies Giraffe House, a center for conservation and education that has made this out-of-Africa adventure possible for you. Countless other native plant and animal species from Africa are on display. Here you may have an incredible interaction with animals, even if Cape Town does not have an official zoo. Just off the N1, close to the intersection of the R304 and R101, lies Giraffe House, one of the few sites where kids may observe African animals. Giraffes, springbucks, elands, and zebras are all visible. There are many additional animal exhibits that teach kids to value the amazing world we live in.


Feeding a Giraffe at Giraffe House

PAARDEVLEI CHEETAH OUTREACH

At this important conservation site, kids get the amazing chance to see wild animals that are well-cared for. Large felines such as cheetahs, caracals, and cervals call Paardevlei home. In addition to bringing attention to the need of protecting cheetahs grown in captivity in South Africa, this conservation effort works with cheetah advocates from across the world to increase the population through captive-born breeding programs. Not only are they the fastest wild cats, but they are also the most elegant and beautiful to look at. In addition, you may spot meerkats, black-backed jackals, bat-eared foxes, and leopard tortoises.


Cheetah at the Paardevlei Cheetah Outreach