#Helloweekend adds to Cape holiday fun

Cape Town Tourism continues to share the best of Cape Town at unbeatable value with the forthcoming Making Memories Weekend. Spending time with family tops the list for many visitors on holiday and this weekend adventure will make memories for a long time to come.

Signage in the Company Gardens, Cape Town

Startingat R3 624 per person sharing, domestic travellers from across the country can snap up this limited offer deal including flights, accommodation and car hire at http://helloweekend.capetown/weekend/making-memories-weekend/.

#helloweekend was created by Cape Town Tourism to showcase the fact that there is something for everyone, every weekend in Cape Town. Each weekend a theme is celebrated but the theme can also be enjoyed at any other time – although the special limited offer packages apply until the end of July 2015 only.

Whilst in Cape Town here are some ideas for a family itinerary to make many memories from:

Whale Watching | Hermanus

Have a whale of a time spotting these magnificent mammals frolicking in the Cape Town waters. July heralds the start of calving season for whales bringing them close to shore. This is the ideal time for a family road trip along the False Bay Coast or to the whale capital of the world, Hermanus. Pack some “padkos” and stop at the many viewing points along the way to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants of the ocean.

A Humpback Whale breaching in False Bay

Walk the Boomslang and Check out the Dinos | Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

There is no better time to see fynbos in its full glory than in the winter months. Many species are in flower and the Fynbos Walk in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a paradise of colour and birds. Adding to the adventure is the recently installed, 130m-long canopy walkway, ‘Boomslang’, which snakes through the treetops – a must see. Another installation to take in is the exhibit of nine life-size dinosaurs. Crafted in tin by Zimbabwean artist, David Huni, the exhibit highlights the growing threat of extinction to more than 60% of the world’s cycad plant species – many amongst them are from South Africa.

After all the fresh air you’ll want to tuck into a hearty breakfast or lunch at the Kirstenbosch Tea Room or Moyo Kirstenbosch, alternatively pack your own picnic basket and stretch out on the lawn.

www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch

Two Oceans Aquarium | V&A Waterfront

Step into this underwater wonder world where kids and grown-ups alike will be wowed by the unusual, the spectacular and the scary creatures of the sea. Meet a rockhopper penguin, pick up and feel a variety of marine animals and plants at the touch pool, or watch the frenzy of feeding time in the shark tank. Kids will love the daily puppet shows and getting busy with fishy-themed arts and crafts activities. Guaranteed to be one of the top family weekend activities.

www.aquarium.co.za

Cape Point Nature Reserve | Cape Point

Walk to the very edge of the Cape Peninsula and experience a powerful sense of the endlessness of nature. Just 60km from Cape Town the Cape Point Nature Reserve makes for a great day trip. Catch The Flying Dutchman funicular to the upper lighthouse for some breath-taking views over the Atlantic Ocean, walk the Shipwreck trail to explore the remains of a few of the 26 recorded shipwrecks here, or step back in history at the monuments to early explorers Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias.

www.capepoint.co.za

Noordhoek Farm Village | Noordhoek

On your way back from the Cape Point Nature Reserve stop in at the Noordhoek Farm Village where free, fun activities, age-specific playgrounds, child-friendly restaurants and wonderful shops make an ideal pit stop for families before heading back to Cape Town.

www.noordhoekvillage.co.za

CitySightseeing Bus | Red Route

Sometimes it is not just about arriving at the destination but the journey there. The open-top double-decker buses of City Sightseeing provide a sightseeing adventure for young and old. With hop-on, hop-off access you can create your own fun-filled day. The Red Route start at the Two Oceans Aquarium, runs through the CBD up funky Long Street to Table Mountain, Camps Bay and along the Atlantic Seaboard back to the V&A Waterfront. The bus caters very well for children with a specially created audio guide for the little ones to listen into.

www.citysightseeing.co.za

Followthe family adventures by searching #helloweekend #lovecapetown.

Spend the long Cape summer days off the beaten track

The weekend beckons it’s a glorious day in Cape Town today, a clear indicator of some great summer weather ahead.

As many of you may know when the sun is out Captonians come out to play from Cape Town’s beaches to mountain hikes, wine farms, botanical gardens, Urban Parks, waterparks etc. all perfect destinations on a summer’s day.

Llandudno Beach, Western Cape, South Africa.

One beach off the beaten track and not as popular with the crowds is Llandudno Beach. It’s secluded, tucked away in the valley between Hout Bay and Camps Bay along Victoria Road; you could miss the turn-off if you don’t keep a sharp lookout.

The beach has no nearby commercial activity and has parking for only 35 vehicles; the beach itself curls between huge outcrops of boulders on either side the pristine white sand. Currents are strong and most bathers settle for a quick dip in the icy waters to cool off in the hot summer sun.

The beach is sheltered from most Cape winds especially the strong Southeaster however the Northerly blows directly into the bay.

Llandudno the perfect spot for sunbathing, beach walks, having a picnic or just relaxing on your beach towel. Its proximity lends itself to perfect sunsets of splendid hues and shades.

Walkways along the shore of Zeekoevlei

Another venue off the beaten track is Zeekoevlei, situated in the heart of the Cape Flats it is the largest inland body of freshwater in the Cape Peninsula, it covers 250 hectares. A 30 minute drive from Cape Town via the M5 it’s easily accessible to visitors of the Mother City.

Zeekoevlei is home to a variety of wildlife and flora, its most famous resident is Zorro a resident male hippo.

Wildlife thrives on the shores and in the waters of Zeekoevlei.

African Fish Eagles, Flamingos, Cormorants, Herons, Terns, Great Crested Grebes and Pelicans are seen on the waters of Zeekoevlei. Black Sparrow hawks and Harrier hawks are also known to frequent the area.

The coastline is littered with birdwatchers viewing platforms and the surrounding fynbos provides with ample cover for the wildlife lovers.

The Zeekoevlei sailing club is a hub of activity providing sailing programs for local kids from all areas of Cape Town. About 20 different clubs use the vlei for water sports like sailing, rowing, water skiing and fishing.

The Boomslang walkway Kirstenbosch

Another activity that will cool you down in the midday sun is a walk along the “Boomslang”amongst the canopy of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens tall residents.

12m above the ground the “Boomslang gives you a different perspective of the views of the gardens and the surrounding area. In fact on a clear day one can see as far as the Hottentots Holland Mountains.

The Boomslang (Tree Snake) is appropriately named as the walkway winds through the lush canopy of trees that seems to float above the fringes of the Newlands forest where boughs and birds meet.

So if you prefer something different away from the madding crowd then Kirstenboschs latest addition is the place to be.

 

 

 

 

Grab your basket Cape Town has a venue for every picnic occasion

eaSummertime in Cape Town is an ideal time for a number of outdoor activities, one such activity is a favourite for a number of Capetonians hoping to enjoy the fine summer days and dusky evenings.

Spier picnic basket

I know a number of you would be thinking going to the beach, spending time with the family at the movies or even hosting a family braai (barbecue), but it’s neither of these… it is however, a picnic.

A picnic in any of Cape Town’s scenic spots is a firm favourite for locals and tourists alike, fine weather and great views make for a fine outdoor activity.

The humble picnic allows you to fill your basket with food to suit any occasion; salads, cold cuts, yoghurt, fruit, crackers, pate’s, breads, jams, cheeses, fruit kebabs, chocolate, champagne and orange juice make for a perfect picnic meal.

Whether it’s a morning breakfast picnic at one of the many nature reserves that ring the Cape, an afternoon picnic at a local wine estate or an evening sunset picnic on the western side of Table Mountain, Cape Town has a picnic venue for e very occasion.

Beach Picnics

Top picnic spots in Cape Town include; Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Table Mountain, Lions Head, Tokai Forest, Silvermine Nature Reserve, Paarl Mountain, Zeekoevlei, Wynberg Park, Zandvlei, Signal Hill and Green Point Urban Park.

Beaches famous for sunset picnics include Oudekraal, Sea Point, Camps Bay, Clifton Beach and Blouberg beaches.

Sunset from Signal Hill

Many wine farms around the Cape like Groot Constantia and Buitenverwachting in Constantia, Boschendal Wine Estate between Franschoek and Stellenbosch, as well as Blaauwklippen and Spier in Stellenbosch offer great options for a picnic.

No matter what your picnic option, Cape Town has a venue for every picnic occasion so grab the picnic basket, fill it with tasty goodies and head for your picnic spot of choice.

Please note: – No alcoholic beverages are allowed on Cape Town’s beaches.

Top Tips to make your picnic hassle free:

1. Pick your spot to ensure your picnic can be accessible and safe especially at night.
2. Keep it simple.
3. Pack only the food you will eat, ensure that allergies are noted.
4. Pack the essentials.
5. Make sure you’re fully equipped for your adventure.
6. Here’s a list of essentials for your outdoor excursion:

• Picnic basket and/or cooler box
• Bottled water (freeze overnight and use as an ice pack)
• Outdoor dinnerware, plates, cups, cutlery
• Napkins
• Corkscrew and/or bottle opener
• Tablecloth and/or a picnic blanket
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• citronella candles or battery powered lamps
• Warm clothing should the weather take a turn for the worst
• Make sure someone knows where you are going
• Ensure that your mobile phone battery is fully charged and that there is mobile phone reception
• Avoid any risk of food poisoning
• Avoid ice cream as it will melt before you reach your picnic spot
• Avoid sticky puddings, and sweet cakes as they attract insects
• Trash bags.

 

Make sure you leave only your footprints at the picnic spot.