ShowMe South Africa

Text by Fatima Jakoet.

Source: This article was taken from the April 2011 issue of Getaway

Although the Mother City’s a favourite spot for visitors in summer thanks to its gorgeous beaches, it’s still a great place to visit in the depths of winter. To dispel the myth that only blue skies equal good times, we’ve found 50 things to do in the city and its surrounds to keep you busy as the year turns to winter.

Head for the water

1. Swim at Long Street baths

Just because the weather’s dull, it doesn’t mean you can’t don your cozzie and go for a swim. Visit the indoor pool and Turkish baths daily from 07h00 to 19h00 (phone to confirm hours of baths). Tel 021-400-3302

2. Pelagic birding

Some of the best birding in the world can be done from June to October, where up to 10000 seabirds are attracted to a single fishing trawler. There’s also a good chance of whale, dolphin, Cape fur seal and African penguin sightings. Cape Town Pelagics, cell 073-675-3267, www. capetownpelagics. com; Zest for Birds, cell 082-780-0376, www.zestforbirds. co.za; Anne Albatross, cell 083-311-1140, www.annealbatross.org

3. Pound the waves

Yes, it’s cold, but grab your wetsuit and head for the beach. If you’re a newbie, opt for some surf lessons to get you on your way. For lessons, visit www.garysurf.com, or www.wavescape.co.za for surf reports.

4. Hit the beach

Cape Town’s beaches are just as beautiful from the warm confines of a car. Head to your favourite spot, park off, whip out some sarmies and watch the waves play in the rain (Surfer’s Corner in Muizenberg is a great location and there’s a cafe with a view of the beach).

5. Dive False Bay

The northwest wind clears the water around False Bay, making it perfect for winter scuba diving. Pisces Divers offers trips and courses. Tel 021-782-7205, www.piscesdivers. co.za

Time to play

6. Ice-skating at the Ice Station

GrandWest Casino in Good-I wood houses this Olympic-sized ice rink and it’s a great place to hang out, even if you’re no Kristi Yamaguchi. Remember to bring a change of clothes in case you get soaked. From R20 if you have your own skates. Tel 021-535-2260, www.icerink.co.za

7. Go bowling

Ten-pin bowling is fun and (fairly) easy for all ages to enjoy. Bonus: you don’t need any experience or gear. Let’s Go Bowling has branches at Stadium on Main in Claremont, Nl City, Somerset Mall and Tygervalley. www.letsgobowling. co.za

8. Get active

Play indoor action soccer, cricket or netball at Action Sports at Stadium on Main. It’s fast-paced and fun. Tel 021-671-3665

9. Go-kart racing

The indoor circuit in Kenilworth is designed to offer beginners and more advanced racers a great ride. Just watch out for those tricky turns. Tel 021-683-2670

10. Have a drumming session

Drum Cafe will teach you how to play and facilitate a djembe drumming session for 10 or more drummers. Using their equipment, you’ll be playing a tune in no time, in the comfort of your home or whichever venue you choose. www. drumcafe. co.za

11. Get your poker face on

GrandWest Casino has entertainment for all ages, including slots, a games area, a nightclub, restaurants, shopping and a movie house. Just don’t spend all your money at once. www.sunintemational. com

12. Hit some balls

Head to the driving range and work on your swing. If you don’t play golf, it’s still fun to smash the balls over the green (or occasionally into the spectators). The two-storey covered range at the River Club in Observatory is ideal for winter. Tel 021-448-6117

13. Play putt-putt

Next to the Scratch Patch at the V&A Waterfront, Cave Golf is an indoor 18-hole mini-golf arena for all ages. Tel 021-419-9429

14. Get cooking

Learning to cook is as rewarding as it is exciting. Make various dishes, from Cape Malay cuisine to chocolate and sushi, or brush up on basic techniques at classes dotted around the Peninsula, www.cooking-classes.co.za

15. Learn to dance

if you’re keen to learn contemporary dance moves, check out On Pointe Studios in Sea Point. Tel 083-417-0006, email leighstefanski@gmail.com

16. Join a yoga class

It may be cold out, but it’s really hot at Jai Yoga. Tel 021-418-0974, www. jaiyoga.co.za. For more yoga classes, go to tiny.cc/ cape-town-yoga.

Feast your eyes

17. What glitters is gold

The Gold of Africa Museum offers a wealth of activities: browse the beautiful African gold artefacts and workshop, watch the history of-gold presentation, buy 18- and 22-carat gold jewellery or just have coffee at the shop. Tel 021-405-1540

18. Go sightseeing

Although you might not be able to sit on the open top-deck, you can still hop on and off Cape Town’s sightseeing buses and admire many attractions in one day. www. citysightseeing. co.za

19. Many must-see museums

There are over 50 museums with a wealth of artefacts, interesting information and displays in Cape Town. For starters, visit the South African Museum before choosing between the District Six Museum, The Slave Lodge and many others, www.iziko.org.za or www.museumsonline. co.za

20. Stop by the castle

Visit the Castle of Good Hope for a guided tour (from Monday to Saturday at llh00, 12h00and 14h00). Horse and carriage rides are also available www.castieof-goodhope. co.za

21. Checkout the Stadium

An hour-long tour of the Cape Town Stadium includes the stands, changing rooms and hospitality area.  Tel 021-430-7346

22. See the stars

Visit the Planetarium to learn more about the night sky, its planets and constellations.  www.iziko.org. za/planetarium

You could also do a night tour of the Cape Town Astronomical Observatory (second Saturday of every month at 20h00) and get a chance to look through one of the telescopes. Entry free. Tel 021-447-0025

23. Admire art

Spend a day viewing paintings, sculptures and various artworks at the South African National Gallery (or any other). www.iziko.org.za, or find other galleries on www. southafrica.info.

24. See a concert

Although Kirsten-bosch is well known for its summer concerts, the winter shows at the garden’s Silver Tree Restaurant are just as good and the price includes a welcome drink and starter. Tel 021-762-9585, email info@kirsten-boschrestaurant.com

25. Catch a movie

With the cool specials the movie houses offer, you can’t use the price of admission as an excuse. Ster Kinekor has half-price Tuesdays for Movie Club members and various discounts for Edgars Club Card holders, www.numetro. co.za, www.sterkinekor.com

For art-house movies, take advantage of Labia Cinema and Societi Bistro’s offer of two pastas and movie tickets for two. Tel 021-424-2100, www. societi.co.za

26. Go to the theatre

Whether it’s a play, stand-up comedy or cabaret, there’s always a show at the city’s interesting theatres. Visit Computicket to buy tickets. www.computicket.com

Treat yourself

27. Go shopping

Malls have winter programmes to keep visitors entertained while they’re pushing heavily laden trolleys. If you’re not in the mood to shop, you can choose from a selection of eateries to have a break from all the buying. The main malls include Cavendish Square (www.cavendish, co.za). V&A Waterfront (mavw. wateifiont.co.za), Canal Walk (www. canalwalk.co.za) and Tygervalley (www. tygervalley. co.za).

28. Spoil yourself at a spa

For a bit of pampering and indulgence on a rainy day, go the whole hog and treat yourself to a massage, facial, mani, pedi and aromatherapy at one of the Mother City’s many spas. www.healthspas.co.za

29. Go to the market

There are quite a number of indoor markets to peruse when the sun’s shy.

The Earth Fair Market in Tokai is open on Wednesdays (for evening shopping) and Saturdays www. earthfairmarket. co.za

Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock (Saturday has delicious fare and a great vibe, www.neighbo goodsmarket. co.za

The Bo-Kaap Food and Craft Market has a selection of traditional foods and homemade crafts on the first Saturday of every month. Find them on Facebook under Bo-Kaap Cultural and Heritage Gateway.

Tickle your taste buds

30. Tea-time treats

Afternoon tea is a grand affair at some of Cape Town’s best hotels, with selections of sweets and savouries coupled with ranges of teas or delicious coffee.

High tea at The Mount Nelson Hotel – Tel 021-483-1948

The One & Only Hotel (Waterfront) – Tel 021-431-5800

The Table Bay Hotel (Waterfront) – Tel 021-406-5000

Cape Grace Hotel – Tel 021-410-7100

Hotel Le Vendome (Sea Point) – Tel 021-430-1200

31. Dining with a difference

Be entertained with a spectacular show while you enjoy delicious meals at Vaudeville (city centre).  Tel 021-419-7000, www.vaudevilIe.co.za

For theatrical dining, Stardust Restaurant in Rondebosch provides good food while the waiters put on a show. Each one is a professional performer or student at a Cape Town art school. Tel 021-686-6280, www.stardustcapetown.com

32. Winter wining

If you thought wine tasting has to wait till the weather’s better, think again.

• Durbanville Hills has cellar tastings with spectacular views of Table Bay, Robben Island and Table Mountain. Tel 021 -558-1300, www. durbanvillehills. co.za
• Groot Constantia offers cellar tours that include tastings. Tel 021 -794-5128, www.groot-constantia.co.za
• De Grendel (Durbanville) has a unique winter experience where you enjoy soup and bread while you’re tasting. Tel 021-558-6280, www. degrendel. co.za
• Apart from excellent wines for tasting, Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West) also has a chocolate shop, coffee roastery and fine jewellery for sale. Tel 021-847-2333, www. lourensford. co.za
• If you don’t feel like driving out of the city, Johnson’s Wine Shop (Waterfront) houses offerings from various wine routes, Tel 021-419-2121
• Further afield, there’s the Stellenbosch Wine Festival running from 24 January to 2nd February 2014 www. wineroute.co.za

33. Fine-food fair

Visit the Good Food and Wine Show from 26 to 29 May at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). www.gourmetsa.com

34. Eat out

Here are some Getaway staffers’ suggestions for cosy restaurants to beat the chill.

• Van Hunks in Gardens has two fireplaces and gorgeous African-inspired food. Tel 021-422-5422.
• Terence Steenkamp, copy editor Royal Eatery in Long Street serves amazing burgers and they give you blankets if you sit on the balcony. Tel 021-422-4536.
• Sarah Isaacs, editorial assistant Home Bar and Restaurant in Harfield Village is comfortable and snug, and the food’s yummy. Tel 021-683-6066.
• Kirsty Pike, promotions co-ordinator A Touch of Madness in Observatory is in a Victorian house with cosy rooms and a fireplace. Tel 021-448-2266.
• Fatima lakoet, photo jounalist Societi Bistro in Gardens has a huge fireplace in the dining area and an intimate bar section. Tel 021 -424-2100. Alison Westwood, digital manager

35. Go for coffee

Going for drinks is to summer what ‘going for coffee’ is to winter. Make sure you get your cuppa at one of these places:

Origins in De Waterkant. Tel 021-421-1000

Deluxe Coffeeworks in the city centre. Tel 082-681-5740

Vida e Caffe at most shopping malls. Tel 021-461-0424

Love, Revenge and Cappuccino at the V&A Waterfront. Tel 021-418-0596

Melissa’s in Newlands. Tel 021-683-6949

Knead Bakery in Muizenberg. Tel 021-788-2909

36. Get your fishy fix

Head to the Hout Bay Seafood Festival and Snoek Derby, where fishermen compete for the biggest catch of the day while you buy snoek and other fresh fare. Date to be announced. Tel 021-790-2227

Fun for kids

37. Play with clay

Clay Cafe in Hout Bay gives the little ones a chance to create and paint their own crockery or ornaments. Tel 021-790-3318

38. Look for gems

At the Scratch Patch in Simon’s Town and the Waterfront, you can spend hours wading through gemstones. www.scratchpatch.co.za

39. Play time

Bugz Family Playpark in Kraaifontein has an indoor area for kids to have fun without worrying about the weather. Tel 021-988-8836.

Planet Kids in Muizenberg is a play centre which offers various workshops, such as popular dance classes. www.planetkids.co.za.

At The Playshed in Pinelands, folks can enjoy coffee and cake while the children play on the climbing gyms and enjoy other activities. Tel 021-801-0141

40. Love to learn

The MTN Scien-centre in Century City has closed and will reopen in Observatory in June as the Cape Town Sciencentre. it’ll continue to give scientific and technological discoveries a fun, educational twist, www. mtnsciencentre. org.za

41.  Get arty

Artjamming is a great way to get creative without painting skills or experience. Listen to funky music while you create your masterpiece (or mess). Branches in Tygervalley, tel 021 -914-9224, and Green Point, tel 021-421-6129.

42. Indoor climbing

City Rock offers indoor rock-climbing for adults and kids (over five-years old) and no experience is needed.  Tel 021-447-1326, www.cityrock.co.za

43. Games galore

Various malls have an entertainment section to keep the young ones occupied for hours. There’s a Wonderland in N1 City, Tygervalley and Canal Walk.

Bet you didn’t know

44. Visit parliament

You can attend (in silence, of course) a debate of the National Assembly or National Council of Provinces (NCOP), or go on a guided tour of parliament for free. For a tour, tel 021-403-2266; to attend a debate, tel 021-403-2197. Tickets are available from 09h00 to 17h00 on the day of the sitting.

45. Take a sparkling tour

Diamond Works on the Foreshore offers free daily tours of their diamond-cutting, while the jewellery-manufacturing workshops include a glass of bubbly. It’s open daily from 09h00 to 19h00 (excluding Christmas). Tel 021-425-1970, www.thediamond-works.co.za

46. Head up Table Mountain

With the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

www.tablemountain.net

Take it easy

47. Go for a walk

Cape Town has a number of beautiful walks to take in the crisp, fresh air, verdant scenery and floral landscapes that winter brings. There are groups that hike regularly and it’s a good idea to join a guided walk. The Peninsula Ramblers do day hikes on weekends and regular long hikes throughout the year. www. ramblers.org.za

48. Take a break

Holiday accommodation rates are generally much lower in winter, so it’s easier to take that break you’ve always wanted at a fraction of the price. See www. getaway. co.za for options in Cape Town and surrounds.

49. Read a book

If you don’t feel like staying in to read a book, visit The Book Lounge on the corner of Roeland and Buitenkant Streets. You can enjoy a fresh, warm cuppa while you browse or read. Stay as long as you like between 09h00 and 19h30 (weekdays), and 09h30 and 18h30 on Saturdays. Sundays are from 10h00 to 16h00. Tel 021-462-2425

50. Put your feet up

Stay in with a good book, start a blog, bake a cake, rent a movie, make some hot chocolate or read the latest issue of Getaway. It’s hard to beat a rainy day snuggled under the covers.

For more information on Cape Town, visit ShowMe Cape Town.