Embracing The Cool: Winter Activities in and around Cape Town
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Winter is here, which means it's time to discover the array of activities and attractions the Mother City and surrounds has to offer. As the temperatures cool down, the city embraces its unique charm, with an endless variety of places to explore, festivals to attend and outdoor activities to experience. We've put together a list of some of the top activities to enjoy - choose your pick and enjoy the ultimate Cape Town winter season!
1. Enjoy Arts and Culture Exhibitions
Cape Town hosts a variety of arts and culture exhibitions, such as the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art in the V&A Waterfront, which features iconic and unique pieces curated by local talent. If you're an avid theatre fan, the Fugard Theatre offers a host of productions from local and international shows, offering a cosy Winter experience. Looking for something more festive? The Franschhoek Wine Valley is hosting their annual Bastille Day on the 15th and 16th of July, where the valley is set to offer French flair, fine food and a host of indulgent wine offerings.
2. Indulge in the 40th Annual Knysna Oyster Festival
The Oyster Festival this year promises to be a pearl of an event, located on the picturesque shores of Knysna for a feast of fun and food. Locals and oyster aficionados from all around the country gather for an epic experience. This year's theme is "Have a whale of a time", adding an extra layer of excitement to the whale watching season in Knysna. To find out more about the Festival details, download the brochure here.
3. Get Outdoors
Winter in Cape Town is called the 'Green Season', where the flora blooms and the landscapes turn into a natural wonder. This makes it the most picturesque time to explore the outdoors and the many trails the city has to offer. If you're looking for an enjoyable but challenging trail, our top hiking trail recommendations include Lion's Head, The Pipe Track, Kloof Corner, and the Devil's Peak trail. For the experienced runner, this season is the time to start training for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, a running festival not to be missed, offering runs ranging from 5km and 10km Peace Runs to a 42.2km Gold Level Status Road Marathon.
4. Give Back This Mandela Day
Each year on the 18th of July, we celebrate Nelson Mandela on his birthday to shine light on the legacy he has left behind. We are invited to participate in an act of service in kindness within our communities for 67 minutes. So how can you participate this year? In Cape Town, Ladles of Love is celebrating Mandela Day at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, with a goal of gathering 6700 volunteers to dedicate 67 minutes to craft, collate and create items for children in impoverished communities in Cape Town and Johannesburg. To become part of this cause and sign up, click here.
5. Attend the Netball World Cup
The Vitality Netball World is taking place this year from the 28th of July to the 6th of August at the CTICC in the Mother City. This historic event marks the first time the tournament will take place on African soil, adding a new chapter to the sport's legacy. Being chosen as the host city for this global spectacle underscores the city's status as an events capital and Mayor Geordin Hill Lewis has promised that the host city will 'pull out all the stops' to make this a beautiful World Cup. There is sure to be vibe!
6. Water Sports
Cape Town is known for its water sports, and winter is no exception! The cooler months from June-September boast bigger waves, different wind conditions and warmer water temperatures, making Cape Town the ultimate surfing and kite boarding destination! For more experienced surfers, spots such as Long Beach in Kommetjie or Thermopoli in Sea Point display incredible swells, or if you are more of a beginner, The Surfer's Corner in Muizenberg or Glencairn beach offer a gentler and more fun wave.
7. Cape Point Adventuring
Whether you're looking to explore the Cape's flora and fauna, meander along the coast, or enjoy the scenic views from the tip of the continent, Cape Point has it all! One of the perks of visiting Cape Point in Winter is the quiet bliss visitors can enjoy in the tourist off-season, where there are less crowds, no queues and a more serene environment. Cape Point offers not only hiking and sightseeing, but cycling trails, tidal pools and a variety of hotspots to visit, such as the Cape Point Lighthouse.
As Winter unfolds in the Mother City, we are spoilt for choice with an array of opportunities to embrace the seasons charm and indulge in unique experiences. From arts and culture adventures to exploring the city's natural outdoors, there is something to cater to every taste and interest. Embrace the cool this winter and immerse yourself in the wonders the city has to offer!
Author: The Agency Property Group
