25 Awesome Cape activities for under R25

Some (no, make that many) of us are guilty of overspending during the holiday season. If your finances are looking a little lacklustre but you still want to have a good time, this list of 25 activities will be a godsend. At R25 or less, what more could you ask for?

1 See the wildlife at Rondevlei Nature Reserve

With 250 indigenous plants and 20 mammal species, Rondevlei Nature Reserve is a wondrous and lush natural hub. The reserve also has a museum, a series of footpaths, viewing towers and several bird hides. Eland, hippopotami and the Cape Clawless Otter are just a few of the animals who call it home.

OF NOTE
When Weekdays 7:30 am – 5 pm, weekends 7:30 am – 7 pm
Where Corner of Perth Road and Fishermans Walk, Zeekoevlei
Cost R12 entry free
Contact +27 21 706 2404

2 Take a tour of Slangkoppunt Lighthouse

Located on the coast of the South Peninsula, Slangkoppunt Lighthouse is the tallest cast iron lighthouse in the country. Be warned that you’ll be climbing a staircase that’s about 30m tall! But you can delight on your reward of stunning views once you reach the top, plus learn many interesting facts on the way there.

OF NOTE
When Weekdays 10 am – 3 pm
Where Lighthouse Road, Kommetjie
Cost R16 for a guided tour
Contact +27 21 783 1717, [email protected]

3 Admire the beauty of the Company’s Garden

South Africa’s oldest growing pear tree can be found in the Company’s Garden, which was established by the Dutch East India Company in 1652 to produce fresh fruit and vegetables for its sailors. Say hello to the squirrels as you wander through the rose garden burgeoning since 1929 and an aviary with a selection of birds.

OF NOTE
When Daily 7 am – 7 pm
Where 19 Queen Victoria Street, CBD
Cost Free entry

4 Collect precious stones

Nearly half of the world’s gemstones are available in South Africa, some of which are housed at the Scratch Patch and Mineral World,with branches at the V&A Waterfront and in Simon’s Town.  You’ll have the chance to dive into massive pits and grab some of your own to take home.

OF NOTE
When Daily 9 am – 6 pm daily
Where Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
Cost R17 per bag
Contact +27 21 419 9429, scratchpatch.co.za

5 Discover the landmarks of the V&A Waterfront

Many of us know the V&A Waterfront to be a wildly popular shopping destination but if you linger a little longer, you’ll realise that this tourist destination is dotted with fascinating historical sites too. Simply pick up a map at the information centre to guide you then take a stroll across the property before heading back to Victoria Wharf for a bite to eat.

OF NOTE
When Daily 9 am – 9 pm
Where Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
Cost Free 
Contact +27 21 408 7600, waterfront.co.za

6 Watch live music performances at the Bay Harbour Market

South Africa has been blessed with an abundance of artistic talent, as is evident at the Bay Harbour Market. The market not only displays the handmade works of craftsmen but offers local musicians a platform to perform their music, which you can enjoy as you browse through the items on sale or grab some grub from the food stalls.

OF NOTE
When Fridays 5 pm – 9 pm, weekends 9:30 am – 4 pm
Where 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay
Cost Free entry
Contact bayharbour.co.za

7 Join the Muizenberg Moonlight Meander

The sounds of the vast and mighty ocean together with the vision of a glowing full moon is an unbeatable combination. Bask in its splendour by partaking in the Muizenberg Moonlight Meander, a casual stroll along the beach. The walking group is supervised by a knowledgeable guide.

OF NOTE
When Various dates
Where Walks begin at Surfer’s Corner, Beach Road, Muizenberg
Cost Free
Contact +27 83 325 7048, [email protected], safertogether.org

8 Get to know Muizenberg

If you don’t quite enjoy crowds and would rather go solo, whip out your smartphone and download VoiceMap. This nifty app will direct you through Muizenberg’s streets as though you were being shown around by one of the suburb’s residents. Muizenberg will feel like your new home!

OF NOTE
Where Anywhere in Muizenberg
Cost Free to download

9 Be Inspired by the Cape’s arts and culture

Once a month, arts and cultural establishments in Cape Town open their doors to the public until late at night as part of the First Thursdays initiative. This is yet another happening that exhibits the country’s creative talent. There’s no fixed timetable or planned tour – just the follow the map to decide where to go.

OF NOTE
When First Thursday of each month, various dates
Where Various locations
Cost Free 
Contact first-thursdays.co.za

10 Go exploring with Nielson Tours

Get some exercise and be enlightened on the many sites of Cape Town with Nielson Tours. Each on-foot tour allows you to look at the city through new eyes. Some of the walks on offer are the Historic City tour, Bo-Kaap tour, District Six tour and V&A Waterfront tour.

OF NOTE
When Various dates
Where Various locations
Cost Free
Contact +27 76 636 9007, [email protected], wnielsontours.co.za

11 Journey along the Sea Point Promenade

Once weekly, a crowd gathers to enjoy the crisp air and ocean vistas as they travel down the Sea Point Promenade – on skates. Skates could be anything from rollerblades to a longboard or even a BMX. The occasion celebrates the removal of the ban on skateboarding and rollerblading in this zone.

OF NOTE
When Mondays at 6 pm
Where Promenade, Sea Point
Cost Free
Contact Facebook

12 Chill at the Urban Park

As the name suggests, this spot is an oasis of greenery in a concrete jungle. Boasting a variety of amenities such as an outdoor gym, play park, adventure park and outdoor labyrinth, its a great spot for the young and old alike. The Urban Park is also home to an assortment of plant species and provides information about each one.

OF NOTE
When Daily 7 am – 5 pm
Where Bill Peters Drive, Green Point
Cost Free entry
Contact +27 21 417 0111, [email protected], gprra.co.za

13 Tackle a game of Cave Golf

Grab your friends and get competitive with a friendly round of putt-putt in a cool cave-like setting! The convenient location and child-friendly facilities make it the ideal place for a fun-filled family outing in an unconventional and intriguing setting.

OF NOTE
When Daily 9 am – 5 pm
Where Next to Scratch Patch and Mineral World, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
Cost R15
Contact +27 21 419 9429

14 Teach your kids about the environment at Helderberg Nature Reserve

Go a little further afield by taking a trip to Somerset West to visit Helderberg Nature Reserve. The reserve gives you the opportunity to arrange a fantastic edutainment experience for the kids. Apart from a plant herbarium and environmental education centre, it also has a kids’ play zone and jungle gym.

OF NOTE
When January – February 2017 7:30 am – 8 pm, March – November 2017, 7:30 am – 7 pm; April 2017 – October 2017 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Where Verster Avenue, Somerset West
Cost Kids R10, adults R20 
Contact +27 21 851 4060 or +27 71 359 4139, [email protected], helderbergnaturereserve.co.za

15 Go for a hike

With Cape Town’s splendid mountain ranges, it would be sinful not to plan a hike or three. If you like the sound of losing yourself in a sea of greenery, make your way to Newlands Forest. If, on the other hand, you’re up for a challenge, try  trekking up Lion’s Head – the vistas will leave you awestruck.

OF NOTE
Where Various locations
Cost Free

16 Unleash your inner child at Warrior Toy Museum 

Whether you’re looking to keep the kids occupied or are simply enchanted by toys, you have to pop in at the Warrior Toy Museum in Simon’s Town. The thousands of toys on display – including dolls, model cars, boats, trains and aeroplanes – make it worth the lengthy drive to its seaside locale.

OF NOTE
Where Daily 10 am – 4 pm
Where St George’s Street, Simon’s Town
Cost Kids R5, adults R10
Contact +27 21 786 1395

17 Step inside Rhode’s Cottage

The internationally recognised politician and mining maven Cecil John Rhodes made a difference in both South Africa and Zimbabwe’s political landscapes. His former home Rhode’s Cottage has now been converted into a museum where you can get a taste of life in a bygone era.

OF NOTE
When Daily 10 am – 2 pm
Where 246 Main Road, Muizenberg
Cost Free
Contact +27 21 788 1816, [email protected], Facebook

18 Get moving on a trail run

Cape Town is filled with so many running routes that mentioning all of them seems nearly impossible. Put your endurance to the test with the 5.3 km Devil’s Peak route: start at the top of Devil’s Peak Estate and run along the gravel paths until you reach Rhode’s Memorial.

OF NOTE
Where Various locations
Cost Free

19 Bond with Mother Earth at Rietvlei Wetlands Reserve

Based at the foot of the Diep River floodplain, Rietvlei Wetlands Reserve is rich in reed beds and boasts a tidal lagoon. The reserve is also home to a whopping 10 000 birds! The Friends of Rietvlei society regularly hosts holiday events such as fishing while water sports aficionados will be taken with the reserve.

OF NOTE
When Weekdays 9 am – 4:30 pm
Where 8 Sandpiper Cresent, Flamingo Vlei
Cost Kids R6, adults R13
Contact +27 21 444 0315, [email protected], friendsofrietvlei.co.za

20 Jump in the pool

If swimming in the ocean seems a bit too daunting to you but you don’t have a pool in your backyard, never fear. Cape Town’s public baths have got you covered. Those in Newlands and Woodstock have grass areas for you unwind on, while the one in Gugulethu is accompanied by a kiddies pool.

OF NOTE
Where Various locations: Newlands, Woodstock, Gugulethu
Cost Various costs

21 Get a caffeine fix at Xpresso

This hip coffee shop is the first in South Africa to trade every single item on the menu for only R10. Yes, you read properly – just 10 bucks. You could easily relish a mid-morning snack of a Red Cappuccino and Copenhagen without breaking the bank. Phone battery need a charge? Just plug it into the socket at your table.

OF NOTE
When Weekdays 7 am – 6 pm, Saturdays 7 am – 4 pm, Sundays 8 am – 1 pm
Where 6 Wellington Road, Basol Building, Durbanville
Cost R10 per item
Contact +27 21 975 4209

22 Go back in time at Koopman’s De Wet House

After the passing of its owners, sisters Marie and Margaritha, Koopmans de Wet House was transformed into a museum. The oldest house museum in the country, the attraction showcases a selection of the most exclusive Cape furniture and silver in the country, along with an invaluable collection of ceramics.

OF NOTE
When Weekdays 10 am – 5 pm
Where 35 Strand Street, CBD
Cost R20 
Contact +27 21 481 3935, [email protected], iziko.org.za

23 Read at Centre for the Book

When life’s pressures become a little too much to handle, nothing beats getting absorbed in the pages of a good book. The Centre for the Book, situated in an ornate vintage building, has plenty for you to choose from, most of which have been written by South Africa’s most celebrated authors.

OF NOTE
When Weekdays 8 am – 4:30 pm
Where 62 Queen Victoria Street, CBD
Cost Free
Contact +27 21 423 2669, [email protected], nlsa.ac.za

24 Buy a drink at Department of Coffee

Three bright entrepreneurs brought The Mother City’s coffee culture to the township by opening Department of Coffee. Savour the buzz of the Khayelitsha community as you sip your espresso shot in the outdoor seating area. Can’t make it to the cafe? If you work nearby, they can deliver to you.

OF NOTE
When Weekdays 6 am – 6 pm; Saturdays 8 am – 3 pm
Where 158 Ntlazane Street, Khayelitsha
Contact +27 73 300 9519

25 Learn some yoga moves

Want to get fit on a tight budget? You’re in luck! Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village hosts weekly yoga classes conducted by professional instructors, in conjunction with Yogalife. Remember to bring your own water bottle, towel and mat. Classes are on a first-come-first-serve basis so it’s best to arrive early.

OF NOTE
When Tuesdays 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Where The Square, Cape Quarter, Lifestyle Village, 27 Somerset Road, Green Point
Cost Free
Contact +27 21 421 1111, [email protected], capequarter.co.za

Photography Courtesy Images, Archives, HSMImages.com