Summer is here!
Wondering what to do to make the most of those perfect, cloudless days? Feel the sun on your skin and get the adrenaline pumping with these fun things to do in and around (and above!) the Mother City:
1. Abseil off Table Mountain
This is not only the highest commercial abseil in the world, but also a beautiful landmark from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the Mother City. The views are intoxicating and photo opportunities are incredible. You can catch the cable-car or walk up to the top for a mind-blowing experience. The qualified instructors, also known as “height therapists” keep you calm and will accompany you all the way down on their own rope.
Above: You don't get more scenic than the views you get when abseiling off Table Mountain. Photo by: departing(YYZ).com
2. Scuba dive in the Two Oceans Aquarium
The world famous aquarium offers a unique opportunity to all qualified scuba divers to dive in the aquarium’s two main exhibits, the I&J Predator Exhibit and the Kelp Forest. What makes this so incomparable with diving in the open sea is that you know the sharks are there and that you are going to see them and get close to them.
If sharks are not your game, there is an equally thrilling dive opportunity in the Kelp Forest Exhibit. It is one of 3 kelp forests on display in the world and certainly ranks as one of the best. It is a typical representation of the west coast of South Africa. The Kelp Forest Exhibit is home to red roman, red stump nose, galjoen (the national fish of South Africa) and white stump nose amongst others. Feeding the fish is extremely exciting as the fishes swarm around you, clamouring for food. For this amazing dive, you have to have an advance qualification.
The Two Oceans Aquarium is located in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The east side of the building is adjacent to the Robinson Dry Dock, the oldest operating dock of its kind in the world.
Above: Feel part of the underwater life at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Photo by: Dreamcatcher photos
3. Fly a helicopter around Cape Town
If you want to remove yourself from the real world, a helicopter flight around Cape Town is just what you need. You’ll realise how small your problems are when people and cars seem like mere insects and the majestic mountain range is all that remains. There are several helicopter companies at the Waterfront Heliport . They all offer similar flights at comparable rates.
Above: See Cape Town from a bird's eye view in a helicopter ride. Photo by: Mwiththreat
4. Walk to Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is about 18 kilometers from the center of Cape Town and can be reached by a scenic road that follows the Twelve Apostles Mountain through the upmarket suburb of Llandudno. This unofficial nudist beach is backed by steep dunes and mountain slopes. The only way to get there is a 20 minute walk from the car park through the indigenous Cape fynbos vegetation. Wooded walkways have been built in some places to protect the vegetation and make things easier for visitors.
The great thing about Cape Town is that you have easy access to many blue flag beaches.
Above: Cape Town has many blue flag beaches. This picture is taken on Melkbos Strand on a Sunday Afternoon. Photo: Mallix
5. Chill out inside the Waenhuiskrans Grot
The Waenhuiskrans grot is in the seaside village called Arniston which is a pleasant two hour journey from Cape Town. This village is famous for its thatched fisherman’s cottages and the high white dunes and turquoise seas. Waenhuiskrans grot means Wagon house cliff cave, (named because it is large enough for an ox-wagon and span of oxen to turn around in it). The cave is peaceful, cool and dark, the ideal place to meditate or just cool down and chill out. Wear shoes that can get wet and check the tide flow times. Waenhuiskrans Cave can only be visited during low tide.
There is absolutely no excuse to stay indoors this summer. Get out there and discover the outdoors!
Born and bred in Bloemfontein, this Free state gal is an obsessive reader and hiker and loves discovering... all the time.
As an e-marketing assistant and copywriter she believes social media is the future and plans to conquer Africa one word at a time.
View all posts by Cheréne Pienaar
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