If you’re an avid explorer, you’re likely familiar with terms like ‘coastineering’, ‘below the surface’, ‘canyoning’ or ‘kloofing’. If you aren't, these are some of the activities the City of Cape Town has to offer for the adventurous at heart. City dwellers from across the globe, visit the Southernmost tip of Africa to embark on new and daring activities that provide the adventurous with thrills and memories to last a lifetime.
From secret passages that require hard hats and boots to explore, to oceanside mountain coasting with safety ropes, Cape Town is an adventurer’s bucket-list paradise.
The yellow frame route
Bring your selfie sticks! You might have to trek, hike or ride a train to get to them but for each location Cape Town’s yellow frames are set in, the way there is certainly worth the trudge. Each of Cape Town’s iconic frames offer viewers a unique and undisturbed view of the iconic Table Mountain. The unmissable landmarks are set in locations such as Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront’s lawn, the Cape Town railway station, historical District Six, Signal Hill and Lookout Hill in Khayelitsha. For each of the areas that you visit, there will be tours, adventures, and novel experiences to enjoy. In Khayelitsha, you might take a bike ride tour of the area. In District Six you might be welcomed into a local’s home for a meal of traditional Cape Malay cuisine. At Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, you might witness dolphins, seals or a whale floating in the ocean set alongside the beautiful hotel. Be sure to sample the local dishes on the seaside-set Tobago’s restaurant menu while you are there.
Dreamy retreats
Some of the most beautiful places in the Western Cape will only be seen by those with the time to drive outside of Cape Town to witness them. The Tsitsikamma National Park, an oceanside forest offering zipline, hiking and canoeing is just a few hours’ drive out of the city. To experience some of these secret locations, wellness practitioners in the region host private retreats that are bookable throughout the year.
These retreats might focus on activities like cold water immersion, yoga, meditation or exploring your inner world in nature. For each, the promise is usually that it will be set in a natural setting where guests can select from close by activities in nature such as hiking, river swimming and even bouldering or coastineering - the act of kloofing down a mountainside and to drop into an ocean.
At night embark on an adventure of exploring the night’s sky and its stars when they can be seen better away from city lights.
Uncovered secrets
Legends tell that when the city of Cape Town’s catchment systems were constructed, builders created secret tunnels which were later used in the prohibition era to smuggle contraband. Whether or not this is true, these tunnels were first created to serve ships that docked in Cape Town with fresh mountain water. Some of these secret tunnels are rivers and canals date back as far as 1652.
Despite being abandoned they have become popular adventure sights and some pass underneath sites like the Company Gardens. Be sure to take a tour guide so as not to get lost, and to enjoy their stories about the tunnels’ uses over the last 400 years or so.
Bumpy rides
White river rafting, bobsledding, water slides and sea kayaking are all great activities with an added bump or curve along the ride to add to your Cape Town bucket list. “Cape Town kayakers’ social media profiles are filled with the most beautiful pictures of the dolphins that seem to lie in wait for kayakers to swim alongside as they row. Reports are that seals, jumping fish, the odd shark and even whales have also been sighted by those in the water. And often, we can see this taking place in the ocean from the deck of the hotel” comments Papy Mingashanga, Guest Relations Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
Paragliding is bookable almost daily, and is done from signal hill, Lion’s Head or Table Mountain among other sites.
In the summer, be sure to go earlier to avoid hours under the harsh sun. Do your research to determine which activities are child friendly or adult only. Have a look out for specials and discounts on these activities ahead of time and search for accommodation closest to the variety of bucket list activities which appeal to you.
In a momentous development that underscores the strengthening of cultural and economic ties between nations, the Brazilian Tourism Board (EMBRATUR) has warmly welcomed the announcement of new direct flights linking Brazil with the African nation. This groundbreaking initiative is set to offer non-stop flights from key African destinations to the vibrant landscapes of Brazil, opening a new chapter in the evolving relationship between these two continents.
THIS September and October, South Africa's oldest wine-producing farm, Groot Constantia, invites you to let your wanderlust run wild and be a tourist as you explore all that Cape Town has to offer.
TANG, the multi-award-winning Asian Luxury Restaurant and Bar is set to launch in Dubai in December 2023. Located within the prestigious Address Palace Downtown Hotel, TANG Dubai offers guests asensory dining experience inspired by contemporary Japanese izakaya’s and the classic Cantonese eateries of Hong Kong, whilst boasting glittering views of the iconic Burj Khalifa and magnificent Dubai Fountains.
Wild Coast Sun, Sun International’s only beachfront resort, has been a family holiday destination for over 40 years, with an abundance of activities to choose from.
For those who don’t enjoy a holiday unless it includes plenty of sporting action, the resort is just the ticket for year-round activities guaranteed to raise your heart rate.
Whether you consider yourself a Federer, Nadal or Williams sister on the tennis court or a Tiger Woods or Gary Player on the golf course, there are adrenalin aplenty sports pastimes to love every moment of your holiday.
For the less active members of your group, you can leave them to soak up the sun or enjoy a spa pampering, while you work up a sweat.
18-hole championship golf course
Famed as one of the top championship golf courses in the country, Wild Coast Sun’s 18-holes extends over rugged terrain along the Indian Ocean coastline. With its par-70 card rating, these magnificently curated fairways make the resort ideal for golfing holidays.
Tennis
Game, set, match. Bring your tennis rackets on holiday with you and get in a social game or two. The fresh air and beautiful weather make for the perfect conditions.
Book a tennis court at Maltos, situated at hotel pool terrace.
Bowls
Ready to roll? Bowls, also known as lawn bowls, is a leisurely activity that anyone can play regardless of age or ability. It is easy to learn and can be as relaxed or as competitive as you want to make it. Gather the troops and enjoy the sea breeze while you play. Located en route to the water park, near the tennis courts.
Bowls are available for hire from the hotel reception.
Hit the gym
The One Life Fitness Centre will help you keep your fitness regime on track while you’re on holiday. The state-of-the-art gym is fully kitted out with world-class equipment and friendly staff and complimentary to hotel residence guests.
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Saturday Fun Run
Get your Discovery weekly step count up and join other guests for an informal 5km run fun through the beautiful surrounds of the resort. During the week, follow the signs for guidance.
Gather outside reception, the run takes place every Saturday at 07h30
Petrified Forest beach walks
If you prefer walking to running, take a stroll along the coastline and enjoy a guided educational tour about the 80-million-year-old fossilised trees and deposits which lie on the rocks.
An oblivious person walking along the beach will be completely unaware of what lies below their feet, so a guide is essential to appreciate the history and sights.
The tour starts from Wild Waves Water Park, and you walk 2km along the breathtakingly unspoilt beach, to the caves before heading back. Enquire at the hotel reception.
Quad biking and Segway tours
Four wheels means freedom, and no experience is necessary to jump on a quad bike and command your iron beast down rough trails in a stunning setting. As long as you’re over the age of 16, a quick tutorial and safety briefing are all you require before you opt for tours of 30-minutes, 45-minutes or one hour. As tempting as it may be, don’t go for all-out speed, or you may miss incredible wildlife sightings.
No experience is needed to jump on a Segway and explore the resort’s wild natural beauty while on a guided tour.
Both are situated near the Wild Waves Water Park, bookings 24-hours in advance is required.
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The Riverside Aqua Sports and Beach Bar offers a fantastic selection of water sports and river activities such as kayaking, speed boats, paddle boats, tube rides, water skiing and a lazy boat cruise. All activities are child-friendly and supervised by professional aquatic guides.
The Riverside Aqua Sports Beach Bar is located on the banks of the Mtamvuna River, for enquiries contact 083 662 9096
Wild Waves Water Park
Get your splash on at Wild Waves Water Park with a variety of aquatic rides, slides, tubes and plunge pools at one of the country’s top water parks. Hotel guests get free entry to enjoy a wide selection of adrenalin-pumping slides including the Aqualoop, Superbowl, Boomerango and two steep body slides, but there is something for all ages.
Indoor Skypark action
Experience the country’s first indoor Skypark, which is 18 metres high, has 21 rope obstacles on a skytrail and a built-in zipline skyrail. It can be used for up to 30 people at a time, offering fun for all ages.
Earlier this year, Wild Coast Sun was honoured in the 14th annual Luxury Lifestyle Awards category as the ‘Best Luxury Beach Resort in South Africa’ – and it is not hard to see why.
“Wild Coast Sun has been a true family resort for more than 40 years. Pay us a visit to experience an endless summer and love every moment of your holiday, no matter the season or reason,” said Wild Coast Sun General Manager Peter Tshidi.
The Houghton Hotel Conferencing, Wellness and Leisure Expo was held on 26 July 2023 at the prestigious 5-star urban resort in Johannesburg. This inaugural expo showcased the diverse and luxurious offerings at The Houghton Hotel to esteemed members of the meetings, incentive, conferencing and events (MICE) and tourism industries, and corporate guests. The event was met with such overwhelming support from attendees that it will now become an annual event on The Houghton Hotel’s calendar, serving as a valuable networking tool for the tourism and conferencing industries.
I recently attending the anticipated launch of Signature Restaurant in Umhlanga, Durban. It’s a renowned fine dining restaurant located at the platinum walk in Oceans Mall. The launch event featured speeches by Desmond Mabuza, the founder of Signature as well as Vivian Reddy, the founder of Oceans Mall. Here are some snippets of the launch event as well as background into the Signature Group.
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This year I've prioritised exploring the best of South Africa and beyond. Earlier this year I went on an exciting journey to Victoria Falls, a majestic African destination that absolutely captivated me. The main reason for my trip was actually to even a ride on the luxurious Rovos Rail, a luxury train in Southern Africa. Given the route I chose started in Victoria Falls on the Sunday, I decided to make the most of it and extend my trip to start on the Friday so that I could experience a weekend in this beautiful African destination.
Samara Karoo Reserve near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region is one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations – a landscape of space, stars and silence brought back to life by a pioneering rewilding project. Now home to the Big Five, 60 mammal species and 225 bird species, Samara provides a uniquely soulful safari for discerning visitors.
Indaba Hotel, located in Fourways, offers a remarkable escape from the bustling city life, providing guests with a range of exquisite experiences and top-notch accommodation.
Virgin Active South Africa’s Padel Club has partnered with Epic Padel to officially launch a new product offering to Virgin Active members in June.
House of BNG, one of South Africa's leading MCC brands, is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with the prestigious Miss South Africa pageant.
Durbanville Hills welcomes back a light-hearted treat for winter: their popular hot chocolate and wine tasting!
South African design as you’ve never seen it before. Together for the first time, experience 100% Design Africa and Design Joburg from 3 to 6 August 2023
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Qatar Airways, the leader in innovative air travel experiences, has introduced QVerse environments, offering users an immersive digital journey before even stepping foot in an airport. The airline's MetaHuman cabin crew member 'Sama' guides passengers through First Class check-in counters, Premium Lounges, and various cabins. Alongside this, passengers can now explore the luxurious Al Safwa First Class Lounge and the serene Al Mourjan Business Class lounge at Hamad International Airport. With Qatar Airways' ongoing commitment to excellence, customers can virtually experience their award-winning services online.
This year sees a birthday milestone in the history of Walkersons Hotel & Spa. Walkersons Hotel & Spa, that much-loved country haven set in the hills of the Mpumalanga highlands just beyond the picturesque hamlet of Dullstroom, marks its 30th anniversary year with new owners and a mini revamp.
South Africa’s most generous and luxurious accommodation – the African Suite at The Palace of the Lost City – has been given a bespoke modern refurbishment which sees it retain its quintessential spirit of African elegance.
Following the announcement of Cotton Fest Durban recently, the highly anticipated music and lifestyle festival announced the line-up for their inaugural show in the 031.
Taking place on Sunday, the 2nd July at the Kings Park Stadium Outer Fields, the festival will merge both established and young emerging talents performing live across two energy packed stages. The urban music and fashion explosion aims to showcase the diversities in various popular music genres with the aim of fusing the gaps within the different local movements.
So often Father’s Day gift shopping is such a challenge because what do you get the man that has it all? Along with a hug, a loving note and some quality time, here are gifts your dad will love!
LIFT Premium passengers will now enjoy an elevated in-flight dining experience, thanks to a new menu, conceptualised and created by SA’s very own MasterChef winner, Shawn Godfrey.
Introducing the sensational South African artist, Seth Pimentel, also known as African Ginger, and his highly anticipated solo digital exhibition, "The Pride Comes Before the Fall," hosted by USURPA. Pimentel is renowned for his ability to seamlessly blend painting, drawing, and digital illustration, pushing the boundaries of modern portraiture.
Get ready for the ultimate music and lifestyle festival experience: Hey Neighbour! The trailblazing team at Glen21 Entertainment is thrilled to bring you a groundbreaking event that will make waves in the African entertainment scene. Set to take place in Pretoria this December 2023, Hey Neighbour is not your average festival—it's a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community.
After an absence of seven years Joburg Ballet’s magnificent production of Romeo and Juliet returns to the stage of the Joburg Theatre for a season of eight performances from Friday 30 June to Sunday 9 July.
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| Photography by Lauge Sorensen |