Winter is here, and so are the School Holidays! Here are the TOP Events at the Cape Town Big 6 attractions: Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, Cape Point, and Groot Constantia.
Cape Point
Cape Point Winter Special
The annual winter special returns yet again to heat things up! Head to Cape Point between the 1st of June 2018 and the 31st of July 2018 where two kids (aged 6 -16) ride for free on the Flying Dutchman Funicular, when an adult return ticket is bought for R70.
Once you’ve built up an appetite, head on down to the Two Oceans Restaurant. Expect absolutely divine meals where kids eat free with any main meal ordered. Simply advise your waiter you’d like to claim the kids winter special and you’ll receive a free kiddies meal with each main meal ordered (sit-down only) – it’s that simple!
Date: 1 June – 31 July | Time: 09:00 – 17:30 | Venue: Cape Point | Cost: A maximum of 2 kids ride free per adult return ticket bought.
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
Manor House Museum
Take a journey back in time and explore the grand Manor House Museum, which houses displays portraying early years on the estate.
Date: Daily | Time: 10:00 – 17:00 | Venue: Manor House | Cost: R30 for adults, R15 for students and pensioners
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
Kirstenbosch Winter Wonders Holiday Programme
The Kirstenbosch Winter Wonders Holiday Programme will run from 23 June – 16 July 2018, children up to the age of 17 have FREE access to Kirstenbosch. In addition to this, several family and children activities are planned, most of them FREE of charge.
Find the full Winter Wonders activities programme here.
Kirstenbosch Bird Walks
Kirstenbosch Bird Walks led by volunteer birders from the Cape Bird Club and the Tygerberg Bird Club.
We meet at the information desk at Gate 1, the walks usually last around 2 hours and everyone is welcome. The walks are free, however there is an entrance fee for the Gardens, except on a Tuesday so long as you are a SA senior, then entrance to the gardens is free.
Date: 17 July | Time: 08:00 | Venue: information desk at Gate 1 | Cost: The walks are free, however there is an entrance fee for the Gardens.
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
11 July – Richard Arm – Horticulturist / Curator – Manager, Vergelen Garden
25 July – Klaus – Curator, George Botanical Garden
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.
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
Winter Workshops at Artjamming
Artjamming will be hosting a series of fun, interactive workshops for kids of all ages during the school holidays for only R165 per workshop.
Dates: until 16 July | Times: from 10:00 | Venue: ArtJamming | Cost: R165 per workshop
Savanna Premium Cider presents “A NIGHT OF HEADLINERS” at Cape Town Comedy Club
Prepare yourself for a real treat as FOUR top comedians perform on our stage for ONE night only! Kurt Schoonraad, Carl Weber, Dylan Skews and Dugald Pieterse as the MC. As usual, the line-up is subject to change.
There will also be LIVE video mixing performances by SA Hip Hop DJ, DJ Azuhl!
Date: 13 July | Time: 20:30 | Venue: Cape Town Comedy Club | Cost: R190 per person
TrailFun Winter Series at the V&A Waterfront No.1
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 cappuccino and croissant or muffin awaits you at the finish line. Do all three events and get a medal to brag about it. Strictly online entries and only 200 participants allowed. Tickets
Date: 15 & 29 July | Time: 08:30 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Running Route | Cost: R150
After Dark: AKING & Bam Bam Brown
This event features SAMA-winning melodic rock group AKING & indie folk singer and guitarist Bam Bam Brown, who will perform acoustic versions of their staple sets. Tickets
Date: 25 July | Time: 19:00 | Venue: Two Oceans Aquarium | Cost: R295 per person
Home to Ocean
On 31 July 2018, the Two Oceans Aquarium will host a very special night of inspiration and motivation. It is going to be all about single-use plastic and the amazing people who are doing something about it. After a full month of awareness-raising for Plastic Free July, this will be the ideal time for all of us to come together and engage with the issue of and solutions to plastic pollution in the ocean – driven by passionate people we are proud to call friends. Tickets
Date: 31 July | Time: 18:30 | Venue: Two Oceans Aquarium | Cost: R175 each, light snacks are included and a cash bar will be available.
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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.
Buy tickets online