It's summer time and the weather is fine... But in Cape Town that means crowded tourist hotspots and overpriced excursions. So to help your wallet survive the festive season, here is a list of my 5 favorite hidden gems in and around the Mother City.
5. A Ducking Good Time at Vergenoegd.
With a paddling of more than 700 feathered friends, Vergenoegd offers the one of a kind Duck Parade 3 times a day. At only R10 p.p , this is a steal! The farm also offers great wine tastings and tea blending sessions for the more sophisticated among us.
4. Wine and...
People come from near and far to experience the Cape Winelands' exceptional wines. But few are adventurous enough to try some of the exotic pairings many farms offer. At an average of R50 per tasting, this is the perfect stop on any summer day outing. Some of my personal favorites include:
Wine and Fudge at Knorhoek
Wine and Biltong at Stellenbosch Hills
Wine and Ice Cream at Clos Malverne
3. Weird and wonderful animals.
There is an array of cruelty free animal encounters around Cape Town to keep you entertained. La Bonheur offers insightful crocodile tours of the only crock farm in the Cape. Stoney Point penguin colony in Betty's bay offers picturesque views and a stunning walkway to enjoy these magnificent little creatures in their natural habitat. Many farms, like Yonder Hill, raise livestock and often times you find some interesting species. They have a herd of Ankole-Watusi that graciously pose for photos on your drive in.
2. Become one with nature
With the sum total of over 1000km of trails over and around table mountain, it is one of the busiest natural landmarks in the country. But for those that want to stop and smell the fynbos, there are an abundance of hidden trails ripe for the picking. A personal favorite is the Palmiet Reserve trail near Kleinmond. Just imagine, a BEACH, in the middle of the MOUNTAINS! With clear, warm water and a sandy shore, the 8km trail takes a halfway break at a small lake at the foot of the majestic mountains. For an overnight stay, Kogel bay resort offers beach front camping at only R150 per night (for up to 6 people!). Take long walks on the pristine beach or dive into the nearby tide pool.
1. I'm on a boat!
The IQ2010 catamaran (better known as the Peroni Boat) in the Waterfront is a my budget answer to living the high life! The Champagne Cruise around Table Bay is ever so glamorous, and does the R250 price tag justice. With one of a kind views of the mountain and a seemingly always full glass of bubbles, this cruise is a must on anyone's to-do list. The boat boasts with a friendly and knowledgable crew and a rad playlist that makes for smooth sailing around the bay. But this gem is gaining popularity by the day so jump now to reserve your place!
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