This year, festive season is looking a bit different. We reckon it’s down a few German and British accents. Instead, South Africans are taking the streets of Cape Town and doing what they can to support local businesses as we continue to battle a tiresome pandemic.
To help us enjoy all that our beautiful city has to offer while making sure that we’re not paying exorbitant tourist prices, Cape Town Tourism has launched an incredible initiative titled: The Pocket-Friendly Challenge.
To help support local businesses this December and make sure our pockets aren’t too much lighter at the end of it, here are ten fun activities to get up to in Cape Town that are under R50.
Take a dip in a tidal pool
It is summer after all. The Mother City is blessed with countless tidal pools built along the coastline, providing a safe and family-friendly space to swim and enjoy the sunset. Get ready to embrace the icy waters of the Atlantic as you spot a few sea slugs or cuttlefish along the way. You may even spot your own Octopus Teacher.
- Cost: Free
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Enjoy the wildlife at Rondevlei Nature Reserve
Get in touch with nature and explore all that Rondevlei Nature Reserve has to offer. This not-so-little slice of heaven provides 290 hectares of indigenous species to fawn over, all an easy 20-minute drive from the city centre. There is some incredible wildlife to spot too, including the Cape Clawless Otter and Hippopotamus. For more information, visit the website.
- Cost: R12 for adults and free for kids if you bring their ID.
Helderberg Nature Reserve
Cape Town is brimming with countless natural gems and the Helderberg Nature Reserve is a diamond waiting to be discovered. Nestled along the glorious Helderberg Mountains, there’s plenty to do beyond exploring the hiking trails. Visit the Guinea Gift Shop, or grab your picnic basket and enjoy a delicious meal within their picnic area.
- Cost: R25 for adults, R15 for children, R15 for students, R15 for pensioners and R15 per vehicle.
Take a trip to the Babylonstoren Garden
If you’re looking to enjoy a robust glass of wine and some killer views, visiting Babylonstoren is a must! This sprawling wine estate is home to a classic French-inspired garden aptly named faire un au jardin Babylonstoren, or in English, “take a trip to the Babylonstoren Garden.” Explore the 15 clusters of vegetables, stone and pome fruits, berries, bees and all the beautiful things that we love about nature.
- Cost: R20 for adults and R10 for children under 12.
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Mountain bike Meerendal
Capetonians love their walking trails and wine farms, so why not combine the two. Meerendal is a gorgeous wine estate situated along the Durbanville wine route and is the perfect addition to anyone’s December travel bucket list. Grab your bike and meander along this estate’s challenging biking trails, or put on your walking shoes and explore the trails on foot. Once you’re done, grab a seat at their tasting room or restaurant and sample a few of their goodies.
Cost: R50 for adults; R20 for students, pensioners and under 18s
Strawberry picking at Polkadraai
Nothing screams summer quite like munching on juicy strawberries. Take matters into your own hands by grabbing your bucket and handpicking your selection of this farm’s delicious strawberries. There’s also tons to do, especially for the kids, which includes face painting, pony rides and tractor rides.
- Cost: Strawberry picking from R45 per person.
The Blue Train
It’s full steam ahead with Cape Town’s favourite miniature railway. Located along the seaside, the Blue Train in Mouille Point offers gorgeous views wrapped in history. Often considered the only miniature railway to have survived in South Africa and still welcome countless miniature train enthusiasts, this fun activity is a hotspot for anyone looking to indulge their adventurous side with Pedal Push Carts, a 30m zip-line, see-saws, rock climbing and obstacle course all available in the park.
- Cost: General Access is R35/per person.
Get Creative with Clay Café
‘Tis the season to be creative and Clay Café is a favourite amongst Capetonians looking to flex their creative side. While you could hop in your car and head to Clay Café in the CBD, Hout Bay could offer you a lekker drive and some stunning views of the Cape. Design and paint your own plate, cup, or bowl and wait 10 days to collect your masterpiece. Alternatively, you could choose your favourite clay canvas from the shelf with prices starting at R20 before making it your own. They offer lunches and dinner, and it’s a great way to spend some quality time with friends or family.
- Cost: R40 per person studio fee which includes three paints, firing and glazing.
Visit the Boulders Beach African Penguin Colony
Sunnier days are surely on the horizon and what better way to bask in the sunshine of summer than with a few friendly penguins. The seaside village of Simon’s Town may not be around the corner, but there are a range of fun things to get up to, which includes frolicking with a few African penguins. Take a slow walk and snap some pics of these tuxedoed cuties or the incredible view before enjoying a mouth-watering lunch at one of the many incredible restaurants in this area.
- Cost: R42 per adult; R21 per child (SA Citizens)
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Explore the Castle of Good Hope
You can often live in a city all your life and never enjoy the incredible heritage sites that it has to offer. If you’re looking to learn a bit about the history of Cape Town, visiting this historic site is a must, especially since The Castle was built in the 17th century. Enjoy a stroll around this monument and walk in the footsteps of a few historical figures.
- Cost: R50 per adult; R25 per child (SA citizens)
Also read:
Support Local! Spend R400 using SnapScan in Franschhoek and earn R200 in “Hoekcoin”
Picture: Unsplash