As we celebrate Freedom Day, let us not forget that our freedom is inextricably linked to the natural world around us. This year, Freedom Day coincides with Earth Month, providing an opportunity to reflect on how nature helps us feel free.
Our freedom is dependent on the health and well-being of the planet, from the vast open spaces of our parks and beaches to the clean air we breathe and the water we drink. We owe the natural world a debt of gratitude for allowing us to enjoy the liberties that we so often take for granted.
Also read: Get your running shoes on and celebrate Freedom Day at Cheverells Farm
This Freedom Day, embrace the elements and enjoy the beauty of the Cape. Here are five activities for each element:
Air
It’s as clear as the sky on a summer’s day that Cape Town is one of the most gorgeous places in the world with its abundance of natural beauty and landscapes you simply won’t find anywhere else—glistening beaches, divinely sculpted mountains and picturesque greenery.
While eye-level views of the Mother City are spectacular enough, why not elevate your experience and observe all the beauty the Mother City has to offer from higher angles?
Skydiving
Calling all adrenaline junkies, Skydive Cape Town offers you your time to shine. Enjoy some epic views of Table Mountain, Cape Point, Robben Island and the mesmerising Atlantic Ocean with a thrilling skydiving experience. There’s no better way to experience Cape Town than in freefall.
Go on, take the plunge (excuse the pun) and enjoy the views.
- Location: Brakkefontein Road, Cape Farms
- Bookings: activitar.com
Hot air ballooning
If you prefer the calmer side of life, then breathe in the freshest air as you absorb all the beauty Cape Town has to offer while floating in the sky in a hot air balloon.
Embark on an unforgettable experience with Ballooning Cape Town on an adventurous journey over the Cape Winelands at sunrise. The entire experience is about four hours long, which includes a pre-flight coffee or tea, a one-hour flight, a post-landing fruit juice or sparkling wine and breakfast at the Joostenberg Bistro.
It’s a bucket list item waiting to be ticked off—hot air ballooning? It’s a hot yes from us.
- Location: Joostenberg Bistro, Klein Joostenberg, R304, Kraaifontein
- Bookings: balloonhub.co.za
Paragliding
A sky-based activity that’s undoubtedly a Capetonian favourite. Courtesy of Fly Cape Town Paragliding, paragliders fill the sky with vibrant colours and are often seen floating around the mountain slopes and down to Sea Point. Paragliding in Cape Town mostly takes off from Signal Hill and, on occasion, when the wind direction allows, from Lion’s Head inside the iconic Table Mountain National Park.
Ready, set, glide!
- Location: Signal Hill Road, Signall Hill
- Bookings: flycapetown.co.za
Gyrocopter rides
Dare to try something different with Cape Xtreme’s gyrocopter tours. It’s only once you’re up in the air that you can truly absorb the greater majesty of your surroundings. From the patchwork vineyards of the winelands to the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Seaboard, enjoy a scenic low-level flight over vast fields or majestic mountains and experience the breathtaking views of the Cape Peninsula from a birds-eye view.
- Location: Cape Winelands Airport, Lichtenburg Road, R312, Durbanville
- Bookings: capextreme.com
Bungee jumping
Last but certainly not least—and a little bit further outside Cape Town than the rest of the sky-activities—is every adrenaline junkie’s classic bucket list item: plunging 216 metres into the abyss from atop the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge overlooking the Bloukrans River.
- Location: Bloukrans Bungy Bridge, Tsitsikamma, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route
- Bookings: activitar.com
Water
Water is a symbol of unity, as it connects people and communities across the country. South Africa is a vibrant and diverse nation, with a rich cultural heritage expressed through its many rivers, lakes and oceans. Water serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of working together to build a better future for all.
Immerse yourself in Cape Town’s tidal pools
Cape Town’s tidal pools are a unique and popular attraction for both locals and visitors, providing a safe and enjoyable way to experience the beauty and power of the ocean.
The city has several pools that are filled with seawater and refreshed by the tides, but one of the most popular tidal pools is Camps Bay Tidal Pool, which is located right on the beach and provides visitors with a safe and sheltered place to swim in the ocean. The concrete pool is free to use and open to the public, making it a popular destination for families with children and tourists.
Because of the rocks that surround it and protect it from the waves, swimming in the Camps Bay tidal pool is tranquil and serene.
A few other popular Cape Town tidal pools:
- Miller’s Point | Simon’s Town
- Maiden’s Cove | Between Glen Beach and Camps Bay Beach
- Dalebrook | Kalk Bay
- Shelley’s Point | Glencairn
- Milton tidal pool | Milton Beach
- Glencairn | Glencairn Beach
- Buffel’s Bay | Cape Point Nature Reserve
- Kommetjie tidal pool | Kommetjie
- Silwerstroom | Silwerstroom Resort, Meklbosstrand
- Wooley’s tidal pool | Between Kalk Bay and Clovelly
- Brass Bell | Brass Bell Restaurant | Kalk Bay
Have a dip in the dam at Silvermine Nature Reserve
Silvermine Nature Reserve is a beautiful natural area that forms part of South Africa’s Table Mountain National Park. The Silvermine Dam, which was built in the early 1900s to provide water to the surrounding areas, is one of the reserve’s most notable features.
The dam is located in a picturesque valley surrounded by lush vegetation and towering mountains, making it a popular location for picnics, hikes and swimming. The dam’s water is clear and refreshing, an important feature of the Silvermine Nature Reserve and it allows visitors to connect with nature while also enjoying the area’s stunning scenery.
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Snorkel with seals in Hout Bay
Join Animal Ocean Seal Snorkelling for a dive into kelp forests and snorkel with hundreds of curious Cape Fur seals in their natural habitat. This is an ideal thing to do if you enjoy getting salty and exploring the natural world.
Cape Fur seals are found only on the southern African coast and nowhere else in the world. Duiker Island in Hout Bay is home to approximately 5,000 seals and is located within the Karbonkelberg marine protected area, which is part of Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park.
These Cape Fur seals are not fed or trained; they interact with snorkelers on their own terms. This wildlife adventure brings you up close and personal with curious wild animals in their natural habitat, and all participants are expected to treat them with respect and keep a distance of one metre at all times.
- Hours: 9:30am | 11:30am | 1:30pm
- Contact: 072 296 9132
- Website: animalocean.co.za
Ride the waves at Muizenberg Beach
Cape Town is one of the most popular surf destinations in the world for a variety of reasons, and what is especially cool is that there’s a wave for every type of surfer. From complete beginners to seasoned big-wave surfers, the city has a wave to match your skill level.
If you’re new to the sport or visiting and need equipment, Muizenberg Beach is the place to be. The beach is lined with cafes, restaurants and surf shops where you can rent everything you need.
The waves at ‘Muzies’ are generally tame, and the long, flat beach makes for ideal conditions for learning and leisure, as the surf rolls in calmly and consistently, and paddling out is also a breeze.
Experience a Guided Kayak Tour in Granger Bay
The view of Table Mountain, Lions Head and the Atlantic Seaboard coastline from an Atlantic Outlook kayak is unparalleled.
A two-hour kayak tour from the V&A Waterfront will take you along the stunning Atlantic Seaboard coastline, past the Green Point lighthouse and back to base.
Dolphins, seals, penguins, sunfish and occasionally whales frequent Cape Town’s waters, and while you may not be fortunate enough to see all of this beautiful wildlife on your tour, Atlantic Outlook guarantees that your senses will still be piqued.
- Location: Granger Bay Boulevard, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
- Hours: 7:30am | 10:30am
- Book: Guided kayak tour
- Contact: 081 863 3622
- Website: atlanticoutlook.com
Fire
Fire represents many things: passion, energy, transformation and rebirth. The struggle against Apartheid ignited a fire in the hearts of millions of South Africans who fought for the freedom and dignity of all people. That fire, fuelled by the passion and energy of those who were dedicated to making their country a better place, ultimately led to the first democratic polls in 1994.
This alone demonstrated just how strong and resilient South Africans are. As the nation commemorates and celebrates that memorable day, when the country rose up from the ashes of racial intolerance and discrimination, take a look at these five things to do in Cape Town that are sure to warm the spirits:
Attend a fire dancing workshop
As South Africa’s leading fire dancing and flow arts performance troupe, FireTribe offers training to anyone aged 10 and up. Participants get a chance to learn how to manipulate a flow arts prop, including poi, fans, hoops or staffs – as well as the art of fire dancing.
FireTribe has entertained crowds at festivals, carnivals, conventions and conferences since the year 2 000, and was the first to introduce the art form to Cape Town’s beaches.
- To book a class or workshop, visit this link.
- Contact: 061 317 3280 | [email protected]
Dine by the fireplace at Asoka
Asoka is a restaurant and bar that was transformed from a twentieth-century house, where patrons can unwind and observe Kloof Street. Dubbed the playground of celebration, Asoka’s menu is designed around the five elements: earth (vegetarian), water (seafood), wind (chicken and duck), fire (meat) and nirvana (dessert). This unique and varied taste experience can be enjoyed in a relaxing atmosphere, surrounded by candlelight, or next to the double-sided fireplace.
- Where: 68 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 422 0909 | [email protected]
Have a braai at Newlands Forest
If you want to spend the day in a forest, this is the spot to be. Situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, the area offers a tranquil setting filled with the sound of running water, the scent of wet moss and fresh forest air. Bring your own firewood or charcoal, a braai grid and even a picnic under the trees. Note that no alcohol or dogs are allowed in the area. South Africans are charged R72 per adult and kids R36 to access the designated picnic and braai area.
- Where: Newlands Forest, Table Mountain National Park
- Contact: 021 712 0527 | [email protected]
Enjoy grilled local cuisine at Marco’s African Place
This landmark restaurant was opened in 1989 in the Schotsche Kloof/Bo-Kaap area by chef Marco Radebe, the first black restaurateur in Cape Town. He blends traditional and Mediterranean food and frequently hosts live marimba bands, making Marco’s African Place a popular spot for both local and international patrons who are interested in African cuisine and music. The 220-seater restaurant and bar offer a varied menu either pan-fried or grilled to perfection, and Marco’s specialities include a springbok, kudu and ostrich platter, crocodile and impala dishes, traditional Xhosa meals and home-brewed African beer.
- Times: Monday to Sunday 12pm to 11pm
- Location: 15 Rose Lane, Schotsche Kloof/Bo-kaap, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 423 5412 | [email protected]
Spend the weekend alongside a campfire in Tweede Tol
At Tweede Tol, in the Limietberg Nature Reserve, campers can bring their own braais and enjoy a relaxing vuurtjie next to the Wolwekloof River swimming holes. Tucked away in the Du Toitskloof Mountains near Paarl, each campsite has its own braai area. The Tweede Tol camp and picnic site have 20 standard sites to choose from. Firewood and eco-logs can be purchased at the gate.
- Tariffs: From R180 per night, picnicking and day hikes from R50
- Where: In the Du Toitskloof Mountains, Cape Fold Belt, Western Cape
- Contact: 087 087 8250 | [email protected]
Earth
From the summit of Table Mountain to the walkways of Sea Point’s Promenade, Cape Town offers something for everyone.
The Western Cape also boasts some of South Africa’s most pristine coastlines but there is no need to enter the icy cold Atlantic Ocean this Freedom Day with various fun activities on offer to those who prefer to stay out of the waters and stick to dry land.
Freedom Day Trail Run
Cheverells Farm will host its second Freedom Day Trail Walk/Run, which includes a 5km or 12km option that will take participants through various apple and pear orchards across two farms. Guests are encouraged to leave behind the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse themselves in a delightful farm experience.
This event is not just about fitness and fun, as a portion of your entry fee will go towards TUFCAT, a feral cat organisation based at UWC in Cape Town.
- Date: 27 April 2023 at 8am
- Location: Cheverells Farm – 55 Highlands Road, Elgin Valley, Grabouw
- Book: Raceday
- Website: cheverellsfarm.com
Long March To Freedom
The Long March to Freedom is the world’s greatest exhibition of 100 life-size figures that will grow into a procession of over 400 bronze statues over time.
This Freedom Day, get to know the history of South Africa by taking a walk among the iconic South African and international giants who fought for freedom and democracy in South Africa.
Visitors are invited to walk through the procession of heroes, beginning in the 1700s with rebel chiefs and renegade missionaries, along with generations of freedom fighters, and finally meeting Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela at the end of the march and the beginning of South Africa’s democracy.
- Location: Century City, Cape Town
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm; Saturdays, 8am – 6pm; Sundays, 9am – 4pm
- Cost: R10 for South African citizens, free for kids under six
- Website: longmarchtofreedom.co.za
Visit the Iziko Museums
In commemoration of Freedom Day, entrance will be free at selected Iziko museums. Spend your day walking through the Iziko South African Museum, Slave Lodge South African National Gallery and Bo-Kaap Museum, where a massive selection of artwork and antiquities are waiting for you.
- Date: Thursday, 27 April; times differ for each museum
- Cost: Free on special days
- Website: iziko.org.za
Abseil down Table Mountain
Table Mountain is undoubtedly Cape Town’s most iconic landmark, offering an array of exciting activities for young and old to enjoy.
While a leisurely stroll along one of its many trails is a perfect way to take in the exquisite scenery, abseiling down the mountain is a thrilling option for the more adventurous. At 1067m above sea level, this is the highest commercial abseil in the world, with beautiful panoramic views.
A package includes a safety demo, harnessing up and a 112-metre abseil down the side of a sheer cliff. No previous experience or special skills are required for this exhilarating outing. The cable car cost is not included in the price. The minimum age is 10 years, and the maximum weight is 120kg.
- Location: Meet on top of Table Mountain, next to the big wheel with cables.
- Hours: Daily, 9am and 2pm
- Cost: TBC
E-Scootering along the Promenade
E-Scooters are perfect for cruising Sea Point’s glorious seaside strip, covering more ground in less time with less effort. The scooters come in different sizes and are suitable for anyone over the age of five.
Riders can explore the entire promenade, from Granger Bay to Bantry Bay and beyond, or pop into Green Point Park for a change of scenery.
ElecTrek also offers a guided Cape Town food tour, stopping at some popular spots, or in the Winelands with stops at three Helderberg farms. E-bikes are also available to hire, and you can even purchase your own e-scooter at the Mouille Point shop.
- Location: Queens Beach Circle parking lot, Beach Road, Sea Point
- Hours: Daily, 9:15am to 6pm
- Cost: R200 (1 hour) or R300 (2 hours)
Also read:
10 adventures in Cape Town to tick off your bucket list in 2023
Picture: Unsplash