The Cape Town Big 6 are the top attractions to enjoy an outdoor adventure at.
Whether you are looking for something easy going or are a serious athlete, you’ll find something that ticks all the boxes in Cape Town. Here are 6 amazing outdoor adventures in and around Cape Town:
Cape Point
Take in the scenery with a hike at Cape Point. There are several amazing hiking trails within the reserve that will get you up close and personal to the ocean, mountains, and even some tragic shipwrecks.
Be sure to visit the old lighthouse for the most incredible panoramic views of the peninsula – if your legs are a little weary by then, hop aboard the Flying Dutchman Funicular for a quick ride to the top.
The Cape Point funicular is a railway line that runs from a lower station at the Cape Point car park, up an incline through dense fynbos to the upper lighthouse. It’s the ideal way to whisk closer to the lighthouse . If you’re adventurous, head down to Buffels Bay or Bordjiesrif, or for a secluded picnic or take a walk down to Dias beach if you’re brave enough to brace the steps.
View more information and Cape Point ticket prices here. Contact +27 (0)21 780 9010 | Two Ocean’s Restaurant +27 (0)21 780 9200
Groot Constantia
Groot Constantia is the ultimate location to sample and purchase some of the Cape’s best wines, or to have a meal at one of two celebrated restaurants. They also have several short walks you can take around the estate that will offer beautiful views over the Southern Suburbs.
Depending on your fitness levels, you could simply kick back on the lush green lawns for a while, or continue up towards the very top of the estate. There, you will be greeted by incredible panoramic views of the neighbouring estates and lush Southern Suburbs. Time it well, and you’ll catch the last rays of sunlight slipping below Table Mountain behind you.
Find treasures on your walks like the Historical Baths after a 500m walk from the Tasting Room.
Buy your Groot Constantia Wine Tasting tickets online and skip the queues. Contact: +27 (0)21 794 5128 | enquiries@grootconstantia.co.za
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
There are few places in the Mother City as tranquil as Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and at least once during your visit, when you stop to catch your breath and absorb the splendour of your surroundings. Take a gentle walk along the various trails, paths and routes through the gardens. Walk among the treetops on the Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway.
Don’t miss the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts – the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Wind down at the end of an adventurous day with a picnic. Picnic hampers are available from Moyo Restaurant or the Kirstenbosch Tea Room.
Jump the queue and buy your entry tickets here. Contact +27 (0)21 799 8783 | kirstenboschinfo@sanbi.org.za
Robben Island
Hop on the ferry at the V&A Waterfront and enjoy spectacular views of the city from the water. The ferry puts you in close contact with the ever-popular seals, which regularly bask in the sunlight. A trip out to Robben Island on the open-air ferry will get you close to a variety of birdlife, including the famous African Penguin. Take some time to explore the island, have a look at the lighthouse, penguin colony.
Jump the queue and buy your entry tickets here
Nelson Mandela Gateway +27 (0)21 413 4200
Table Mountain Cableway
Take a leisurely walk along one of three signposted pathways to take in views from around the city, including the Atlantic Seaboard, the Cape Town City Bowl, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront and the impressive Cape Town Stadium. Table Mountain Cableway offers free guided walks from the Top Station building, which will give you fascinating insight into life above the Mother City, and the beautiful panoramic views below. These free guided tours depart hourly from 09:00 to 15:00 daily.
Download the free Audio Tour Guide and learn about the fauna and flora at the summit while you marvel at the wondrous view below you or stop to take a photo of the sunset over the Atlantic ocean, all at your own pace.
Take the energetic approach – hike to the top via Platteklip Gorge or take the Table Mountain Cableway up and abseil down a cliff face with Abseil Africa.
Buy your Table Mountain Cableway ticket online and skip the queue at the ticket office at the Lower Cable Station. Contact +27 (0)21 424 0015
V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront running routes are a superb option for fitness fans. These marked trails wind their way through the Waterfront precinct, serving up views of all the major landmarks and attractions, including the iconic Table Mountain. There are two routes of 2.5km and 5km, and both start and finish at the Information Centre, where maps are available.
Hire a bicycle from Up Cycles in the Waterfront and do some sightseeing. Find them next to the Clock Tower.
This month, the V & A Waterfront partners with Kranking Fitness Studio, Adventure Boot Camp and Virgin Active to host a programme which includes pilates, yoga, bootcamp, spinning and even Zumba and will also include workshops, health screenings and demonstrations for those looking to revitalise their bodies in 2016, view the schedule here: active.waterfront.co.za
Contact the V&A Waterfront on +27 (0)21 408 7600 | info@waterfront.co.za
What are your favourite outdoor activities to do in Cape Town?
Let us know on 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.