Planning a visit to Cape Town this May? 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, City Walk and Groot Constantia.
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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
Twenty-Seven Years of Photojournalism
A glimpse of the life of a wire photographer from Africa. A solo photo exhibition including Award winning images and unpublished photos of Nelson Mandela.
Date: on until 31 May | Time: Monday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and Tuesday – Thursday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm | Venue: Chavonnes Battery Museum, Clock Tower Precinct | Cost: FREE for kids 16 and under {with an adult} R 100 Adults R 70 Wildcard and Red Bus R 50 Senior & Student {SA}
Quay 4 Battle of the Bands ‘18
Back by popular demand, the Quay 4 Battle of the Bands is now open for 2018 entries. Bands from all over the Cape will battle it out May to August, every Tuesday evening with the finale on the 28th of August 2018! Quay 4 proudly supports the local music industry.
Date: 1 May – 28 August | Time: 19:00 – 21:00 | Venue: Quay 4, V&A Waterfront | Cost: Free
Table Mountain Cableway
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.
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
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.
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
Wednesday talk with Beth Hunt and Johan Kruger
Beth and Johan will showcasing the beauty and diversity of the region’s natural environment, the history of Hermanus as well as the many attractions of the town.
Date: 2 May | Time: 10:30 – 11:30 | Venue: Richard Crowie Hall (Gate 2) | Cost: Garden entry fees apply. Adults: R65 – SA Students (with card): R35 – Children (6 – 17 years): R15 BOTSOC members: Free
Wednesday talk with Cherise Viljoen
Cherise Viljoen, the Horticulturist at Kirstenbosch will be discussing Edible indiginious plants.
Date: 16 May | Time: 10:30 – 11:30 | Venue: Richard Crowie Hall (Gate 2) | Cost: Garden entry fees apply. Adults: R65 – SA Students (with card): R35 – Children (6 – 17 years): R15 BOTSOC members: Free
City Walk
First Thursday
First Thursdays Cape Town is a free cultural experience where art galleries and other cultural attractions in the central and East city districts stay open late on the first Thursday of every month. The night is as much about experiencing art and culture as it is about exploring the city on foot. We suggest browsing the highlights right here and choosing a few exhibitions and attractions that you’d like to see, but be open to letting the night take its own course. Print maps are available at most listed venues.
Date: 3 May | Time: 17:00 – 21:00 | Venue: Church Square | Cost: Free
Good Company Sunday Market
Bring the family to this weekly contemporary outdoor market in the heart of the Cape Town CBD.
Date: Every Sunday | Time: 10:00 – 15:00 | Venue: Paddock Avenue, Company’s Garden | Cost: Free Entry
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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