Cape Town is a city brimming with life regardless of when you choose to visit. However, there is no denying that summertime in the Mother City is particularlyunique and with Domestic Flights South Africa you are bound to find cheap flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, or from anywhere else in the country.
While the locals are always privy to all the latest action in the city, and a great source of secret locations, here is our round-up of the top ten activities and adventures to embark upon from October through to February.
Go Ziplining
There are many different areas that offer heart-thumping ziplining experiences in Cape Town. However, most enthusiasts will agree that the Cape Canopy Tour in the Elgin valley, near Grabouw, is one of the most exciting. With 4½ hours of fun, just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, ziplining in Elgin offers slides of up to 320 metres, 13 elevated platforms and a suspension bridge.
The Silvermist Estate zip line at ConstantiaNek is not to be ignored either. Although relatively new, at 2.3km in length, it’s one of the longest aerial cable courses in Africa!
Check Out the Noon Gun
Hearing it is one thing, but seeing it in action up close is quite another altogether! Venture up the 350m tall Signal Hill before 12pm, and you’re in for a treat. The two-tonne green cannons (there are two of them, just in case one fails) responsible for the afternoon boom are over 200 years old and have been fired every day (Sundays and public holidays excluded) since February 1806.
Cool Off in a Rock Pool
Whether you have just been traipsing the Cape landscape on a challenging hike or whether you simply fancy a dip, you’ll love the experience of going for a swim in a revitalising rock pool. You will find some of the best in the Limietberg Nature Reserve in Paarl, and in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve in Stellenbosch.
Go Wine Tasting
Chilled wine is the ultimate summer alcoholic beverage. Luckily, it definitely isn’t in short supply in the Western Cape. The province is home to around 2000 wine estates and vineyards!
Visit a Night Market
The evenings are warm and welcoming throughout the summertime, allowing tourists to spend time outdoors while still sporting shorts, flip-flops and T-shirts. Why not make the most of the weather by visiting a local night market? These have taken off in popularity over the last couple of years, with the one hosted at Cape Point Vineyards being one of the best. The market is open every Thursday from 4.30pm – 8.30pm in November – May.
Go Kayaking
Need a new perspective? There’s no better way to see Cape Town than on a kayak. Plus, along with enjoying the most stunning views, you will be able to take a peek at the city’s incredible marine life in the form of Cape fur seals, sunfish, Heaviside dolphins and Cape clawless otters, to name a few.
Fly High on a Helicopter
You’ve seen Cape Town in all of its glory on land and at sea. Now it’s time to marvel at it from the sky. TripAdvisor’s top pick for helicopter tour companies in Cape Town is Cape Town Helicopters, in part because they boast a much quieter, more eco-friendly Airbus craft which also promises a wider 270-degree window view.
Take a Beer Tour
Ice cold beer is a must on a hot and humid summer afternoon in the Mother City. The great news is that there are numerous breweries scattered across the city offering all-inclusive beer tours and tastings to suit every mood. The historic Newlands Brewery is a firm favourite, as is Woodstock Brewery which is known for its eponymous craft beer label, its taproom/shop, laid-back beer garden and fun-filled tours.
Enjoy a Picnic
Catch some rays and settle down to a satisfying meal by planning a picnic in Cape Town this summer. The options in terms of where to have it are practically endless, but we recommend heading to the infamous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Chockfull of flowery meadows, colourful birds and fluttering insects, it is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some picnic food (and perhaps snap a few Insta-worthy selfies).
Watch a Movie
No, not at the traditional cinema. What a waste of the warmer weather! Rather catch a film at the Galileo Open Air Cinema. Starting from mid-October 2019, the cinema will be showing around 113 movies at various venues around the city and Winelands this summer. Not only will you get to watch a great movie, but you’re in for an evening to remember as there will also be artisanal food and drink stalls, music and games (such as Jenga and giant checkers) to enjoy.
Capetonians know their A, B, Cs and this vibrant city always has so much to offer, so get out there and make the most of the season. Summer is officially here! Book your flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town today.
