We cannot believe it’s August already! The countdown to Spring has begun. Here are the Top Events at the Cape Town Big 6 this August: Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, Cape Point, and Groot Constantia.
Cape Point
The Flying Dutchman Funicular
Ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular up to the viewing point below the old lighthouse.
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 17:30 | Venue: Cape Point | Cost: R30 return Child ticket, R70 return Adult ticket
Two Oceans Restaurant
The Two Oceans Restaurant occupies an enviable position above False Bay at the southwestern tip of Africa. The restaurant is as famous for its seafood cuisine as it is for a superb wooden deck that looks out onto one of the most stunning ocean views in South Africa.
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 17:00 | Venue: Cape Point | Cost: varies
My Green Card
The TMNP My Green Card is available exclusively to residents of Cape Town and provides the holder with 12 free entries into any of the Table Mountain National Park’s pay points: Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point), Boulders Penguin Colony, Oudekraal and Silvermine, as well as to the braai and picnic areas at Tokai, Newlands and Perdekloof.
When buying a card – you will need R135 for the card; a South African ID document; 2 ID photographs and proof of residence. Learn more here
Groot Constantia
Visitors Route Experience
Enjoy the new Visitor Route Experience where one ticket gives you entrance to the Manor House Museum, original Cloete Cellar, a cellar tour, wine tasting and Spiegelau Crystal wine glass.
Date: Daily | Time: 10:00 – 17:00 | Venue: Manor House | Cost: R95 per person or Visitors Route Experience Ticket + Chocolate & Wine Pairing: R140 per person.
Wine Tasting
Visit one of two tasting rooms to sample and purchase a selection of Groot Constantia’s award-winning wines
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 18:00 | Venue: Tasting Hall | Cost: 5 wines for R80
4 delectable chocolates paired with 4 of their award-winning wines.
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 18:00 | Venue: Tasting Hall | Cost: R125
Fine Dining
Groot Constantia offers fine dining at Jonkershuis & Simon’s Restaurant and gourmet picnics from Simon’s Deli. Pair great meals with their amazing wines while enjoying the spectacular views of the Constantia Valley.
Jonkershuis: Sunday – Thursday: 09:00 – 17:00, Fridays and Saturdays: 09:00 – 21:00 and Breakfast: Monday to Sunday: 09:00 – 11:30
Simon’s Restaurant: Open 7 days a week: 09:00 – 21:00 (except Wednesdays and Sundays – close at 17:00) and Breakfast – Monday to Sunday: 09:00 – 12:00
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
Art SA Exhibition
Only invited artists of South Africa will be exhibiting at this event which happens from the 8th June – 5th August 2018. Hanging day will be on the morning of 8th July. Each invited professional artist will have two stands and be able to have their own portfolio stand. This show will host a variety of mediums and styles. This exhibition allows each artist to showcase their beautiful works of art.
The Exhibition will be held at the Richard Crowie Hall, Entrance B, Kirstenbosch Gardens, daily from 10h00 – 17h00.
For further information please contact Glenda Chambers 082 2222 820 or email artsa@mweb.co.za
Date: 8 June – 5 August | Time: 10:00 – 17:00 | Venue: Richard Crowie Hall, Entrance B, | Cost: Garden Fees apply
Wednesday Talks
8 August: Eve Dunnell: The tea route to China
22 August: Sue Buchnan: Robert Jacob Gordon 1743 – 1795: Soldier, Explorer and ‘Man of Science’
Date: 11 & 25 July | Time: 10:30 – 11:30 | Venue: Richard Crowie Hall (gate 2) | Cost: The Wednesday talks are free, but Garden entry fees apply
Bird Walks
Kirstenbosch Bird Walks led by volunteer birders from the Cape Bird Club and the Tygerberg Bird Club, Augusts Bird Walk will be led by Kevin Drummond-Hay
Date: 14 August | Time: 08:00 | Venue: Information Desk Gate 1 | Cost: The Bird Walks are free, but Garden entry fees apply
Global Partnership for Plant Conservation
This conference will bring together plant conservation scientists, policy makers and practitioners from across the world to consider the future of plant conservation, and in particular to develop ideas for a global plant conservation strategy for the post-2020 period.
Date: 28 – 30 August | Time: 09:00 – 16:00 | Venue: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden | Cost: Click here for more info
Robben Island
Explore South Africa’s political past with an informative tour at the maximum security prison. But Robben Island isn’t just about the political past of our country, keep an eye out for the African penguins that are on the island.
The ferry ride to Robben Island is an adventure in itself, enjoy spectacular views of Table Mountain from the upper deck of the ferry if you are lucky, you may even spot some dolphins or seals frolicking in the waves.
Tour the Robben Island surrounds in a guided bus tour and view the Robben Island shipwrecks, 19th-century Lighthouse; the only lighthouse in South Africa to use a flashing light instead of a revolving light.
A former Robben Island inmate will guide you while on the island, and you’ll receive unparalleled insight into the significant role that each of the Robben Island’s inmates collectively played throughout apartheid. You will be guided to the maximum security prison, various Robben Island exhibition displays and a visit to Nelson Mandela’s prison cell.
You will also be able to visit the World War 2 canons and a limestone quarry where Madiba, and so many others, crushed limestone.
To conclude the day buy a souvenir at the Robben Island Curio shop.
The Robben Island Museum App was developed to offer users around the globe an opportunity to experience and explore the Island’s multi-layered history and sites. Download it from the Google Play Store here.Ferries depart 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm – weather permitting. You can buy tickets online or in-person at the Robben Island Museum.
Table Mountain Cableway
NOTE: KIDZ SEASON DATES EXCLUDE THE CABLEWAY’S ANNUAL MAINTENANCE PERIOD FROM MONDAY 23 JULY UNTIL SUNDAY 5 AUGUST 2018.
Get Ready for the 3-For-1 Kidz Season Special at Cableway
Calling all South Africans – Table Mountain Cableway’s 3-for-1 Kidz Season special returns on Friday, 27 April and runs until Monday, 24 September 2018!
Now available every day of the week for South Africans only, the special sees two children under 18 years of age riding for free, with every adult return ticket purchased at the special Kidz Season rate of R250 at the Lower Station Ticket Office or online here.
Parents purchasing tickets must ensure they have their valid South African ID or ID number on hand.
All young explorers will receive a treasure hunt map, as well as vouchers for the Shop at the Top and Table Mountain Café.
Seniors Special
South African senior citizens over the age of 60 years qualify for discounted rates on return tickets every Friday, upon producing a valid South African ID. They also have a meal special for pensioners at the Table Mountain Café on Fridays. Chat to a cashier about redeeming your meal special.
Date: Every Friday | Time: 08:30 – 17:30 | Venue: Lower Cable Station Ticket Office | Cost: R100 return or R53 one way on Fridays only | Weather Permitting
Guided Walks
Thirty-minute guided tours happen on the hour from 09:00 to 15:00 daily, departing from the Twelve Apostles Terrace (below the Café). These are free, family-friendly walks conducted by our staff, who will share the story of Table Mountain and the Cableway, and provide any assistance you may require.
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 15:00 | Venue: Twelve Apostles Terrace | Cost: Free
Audio Tour
Learn about the flora and fauna of the summit, at your own pace, with our free Audio Tour. Download the free application to your mobile device – using out free Wi-Fi – plug in your earphones and begin your self-guided tour at the Lower Cable Station. For a step-by-step guide on how to download the VoiceMap application to your mobile device, click here.
V&A Waterfront
Free Astronomy Outreach
Astronomy is not only about star gazing, one can also view the sun, with sunspots, if any, through special telescope filters and can discuss our nearest star with any of the Cape Centre members. One can also calculate the distance from the earth to the sun by measuring the length of certain shadows. The moon (First Quarter) is also visible in the afternoons of our outreach days and becomes increasingly spectacular through a telescope as the night becomes darker. Approximately four billion years of astronomical history are etched on its battered surface which raises the question of why the earth does not appear to be so pitted with craters and dark volcanic ‘seas’. Lastly, there is usually at least one planet visible in the night sky, the most exciting being Jupiter with its four Galilean moons and Saturn with its rings.
Date: 25 February – 15 December | Time: 15:00 – 21:30 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Pierhead, between wooden deck & chess board | Cost: Free
Woof Project
WOOF Project is ‘pop – up’ mobile dog adoption initiative by Oscars Arc, a NPO born to inspire dog adoption and to save dogs’ lives. WOOF Project invites you to pop by and meet these wonderful healthy shelter dogs and adopt one if you are ready to acquire a great dog.Those interested in adopting a dog complete a brief application and each dog is ready to go upon a brief home check. Every dog is microchipped, vaccinated and sterilized and WOOF Project also includes a Name Your Price Adoption Fee – and the guarantee that the adoption is a ‘perfect match’.
Date: Until 5 August | Time: 09:00 – 18:00 | Venue: Nobel Square | Cost: Donation Based
Quay 4 Battle of the Bands ’18
Back by popular demand, the Quay 4 Battle of the Bands is now open for 2018 entries! Come down to Quay 4, and enjoy bands from all over the Cape as they battle it out. From May to August, get your fix of local bands every Tuesday evening with the finale on the 28th of August 2018! Quay 4 proudly supports the local music industry, and we hope to see you there!
Date: Until 28 August | Time: 19:00 – 21:00 | Venue: Clock Tower | Cost: Free
TrailFun Winter Series
An easy 08h30 start on a Sunday morning for this 5km walk or run through the beautiful V&A Waterfront. Do 1, 2 or all 3 in the series. A steaming Kauai Americano coffee or hot chocolate and a muffin awaits you at the finish line. Medals to all finishers. Timing included. Do all three events and get a special medal to brag about it. Strictly online entries and only 200 participants allowed. Buy Tickets
Date: 12 August | Time: 08:30 | Venue: V&A Waterfront | Cost: R150
After Dark: Majozi & Gemma Griffiths
This winter, the I&J Ocean Exhibit at the Two Oceans Aquarium will be transformed into an otherworldly live music venue for 3 shows only! Buy your tickets
Date: 29 August | Time: 19:00 – 23:00 | Venue: Two Oceans Aquarium | Cost: R295
Share your top Cape Town Big 6 events with us!
Connect with us via our Cape Town Big 6 Facebook or Twitter page. Better yet, snap an Instagram shot of your favourite outdoor moment and tag @CapeTownBig6 #CTBig6
One Destination, 6 Unbelievable Experiences
There is no one way to explore all of the Cape Town Big 6, and much of what makes each of them so special is the variety of things to see and do at each. So if possible, take your time to explore each of the city’s most visited tourist attractions in as much depth as possible – as any local will tell you, you can spend a lifetime at each of the Big 6 and still not tire of them. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.