THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND CAPE TOWN

I have highlighted some of the more unusual attractions and sights that you can enjoy on a days outing along one of the most spectacular tourist routes in the world. For more information, to make a reservation or arrange a guide for any of these activities, please contact info@africanstay.co.za


Noon Gun

One of Cape Town’s most famous traditions is the Noonday Gun. It’s a relic from the Cape’s maritime days when sea captains used it to set their chronometers. It’s fired every day except Sundays and you can set your watch by it. Stop in at the Noongun Tearoom in the quaint and quirky Bo-Kaap. And if you have time, the Bo-Kaap is exactly the place to enjoy authentic Cape Malay Cuisine.



Shipwreck Spotting

The coastline around the Peninsula is littered with shipwrecks. On the way to Cape Point the road via Chapman’s Peak passes the wrecks of at least 12 ships including the Clan Monroe (1905), the Romelia (1977) and the Seafarer (1967).



Lighthouses

The coastal road from Cape Point to the charming seaside village of Kommetjie is often compared to a snake and here you’ll find the Slangkop (Snake’s Head) Lighthouse – the second most powerful lighthouse in Africa.

It’s clearly visible from the road and is the tallest cast-iron lighthouse in the country. It was built in 1919 and is open to the public.

Closer to Cape Town is the Mouille Point Lighthouse which was built in 1865 and its 19th century lantern is still in use. This is the oldest lighthouse in the country and the first to be built from bricks.

Contact SA Lighthouse Experience 021 449 2400


Walking with Baboons

This is an amazing opportunity to get close up to one of the last troops of Chacma baboons. You will be taken on a three hour guided walk through mountain fynbos of the Cape Peninsula. The tours are led by experienced guides all experts in baboon behaviour.

Contact African Stay for more information or to make a booking.



Exploring the Mountains of the Cape Peninsula

The mountains of the Cape peninsula are made up of granite, sandstone, quartzite and shale. Chapman’s Drive cuts through exposed layers. Rock-hunting is lots of fun and a challenge. Call or email African Stay if you want a qualified guide. Of course, one of the most exciting challenges is a hike up Table Mountain.


To reserve a place on this tour, call or email African Stay.



Penguins

African Stay will arrange for you to see the endangered African Penguins which the locals call Jackass Penguins because of the sound they make (like a braying donkey). You can meet these tuxedoed birds at Boulders Beach.



Dive with Sharks

If you want an adrenalin thrill then a dive with sharks is a thrilling experience. There are a number of options for you – either deep sea or at the Two Oceans Aquarium in a two million litre predator’s tank. Some of the shark dives will need you to have some deep sea experience but African Stay can give you advice on the dive that will likely suit you best.



Seal Cruise

From Hout Bay Harbour you can take a short trip around Duiker Island. Here you will see the huge Cape seal colony. It is a fantastic treat to watch the seals frolicking in the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean. If you are lucky, you will see the huge seal bulls fighting to keep their harems “in check”.


Whale watching and Antique Shopping

Boyes Drive – the road from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay is where you can enjoy the spectacular vistas over the wetlands and marina of Zandvlei and False Bay all the way to Cape Hangklip. Stop along the way to look for the southern right and humpback whales. Sharks and dolphins are often spotted in False Bay.

When you are in need of refreshment, stop in at any one of the many bistros, cafes or restaurants and enjoy a wholesome meal or a chilled beer. Afterwards, trawl the charming specialized antique and collectable shops in Kalk Bay.


Catch of the day at Kalk Bay

When the fishing boats return to Kalk Bay at midday they auction the catch at the quayside. On a good day, the fishermen sell snoek, yellowtail, kabeljou and tuna.

Snoek is a Cape specialty and is a delicious “oily” fish that’s good to eat grilled, barbequed, fried, smoked or salted.


Rock art and spelunking

The coastal road takes you to Fishhoek which is a gentle seaside suburb. The bathing is excellent but I suggest you stroll along Jaeger Walk. This is a coastal path among granite boulders and rock pools.

The limestone caves in the mountains are wonderful to explore. Rock art hunters can climb up to Peer’s Cave where the 15,000 year-old skull of Fishhoek man was excavated in 1926.


Walk the Hoerikwaggo Trail

This 3 day trail is hosted by the Table Mountain National Park. The trail links the cultural diversity of Cape Town to the natural wonders of the Hoerikwaggo. The trail is professionally guided, fully catered and portered. All accommodation is fully equipped and serviced.

African Stay can make all reservations for this fascinating hike.