By Rita-Sue Meintjes (born and bred in Cape Town)
It’s spring time in Cape Town and we are getting ready for summer. That means getting outdoors, taking in the sun and celebrating the start of summer in style. So here’s how to get off the tourist trail and find exactly what locals are doing and where they’re going.
1. My favourite seaside spot
Visit Kalk Bay on the South Peninsula. Start with breakfast at The Annex, shop at Kalk Bay Books, and drop in at The Kalk Bay Modern for some local art. Discover markets and boutiques hidden down the side streets. At lunchtime, head down to the harbour and select your fish from the catch of the day for a barbeque. Relax at Polana where bohemian style meets seaside chic as the sea crashes just below the open windows.
2. Best place for a jog
The Sea Point Promenade along the sea front is a great place to run or walk. You’ll see kayaks and sail boats making their way to Camps bay. Stop for a rest at New Port Deli or the Aegean-inspired Café Neo for a late breakfast or light snack. Get ready to dazzle for drinks on the veranda at Wakame for sundowners.
3. Where to spot whales
Hermanus is not the only place to see whales. Drive around the Cape Peninsula to spot whales as they come into the bays at this time of the year. You might be lucky and see some baboons walking down the mountain along the route too. Keep those doors closed.
4. Visit local markets
There are many local markets to visit in Cape Town. Two of the best for gourmet food and shopping are the Old Biscuit Mill just outside the city and the Slow Food Market in Stellenbosch. Both are open on Saturday mornings, and are very popular with the local crowds.
5. Hike or bike in Silvermine Nature Reserve
Activity-lovers take a walk or mountain bike ride in Silvermine Nature Reserve – part of the Table Mountain Nature reserve. Follow the trails for a spectacular view over Hout Bay. Return to the dam on the reserve for a swim or picnic to re-energise.
6. Spend a night in Franschhoek
Visit Franschhoek for a night, known for its wine-tasting and fine dining. Pamper yourself while at the Le Franschhoek Hotel and indulge in a treatment at the Spa. Then relax alongside the pool while looking at the mountains.
7. Shopping secrets
Holiday shopping makes us stand out from the crowd. Shopping for one-off pieces is easy when you visit the House of Fashion, which offers tailoring services on site, and one-off pieces. Book a consultation in advance – it is one of the best-kept secrets in town.
7. Best views in town
Nothing beats a walk up Lions Head to watch the sunrise or set. The walk is steep but can be completed quite easily. A climb at the end using chains sees you to the summit. If walking is not quite for you, try the view from Table Mountain, using the cable car.
9. Go on safari at a game farm
Heading to a game farm at this time of year can afford you great sightings of animals before the heat of the summer. Game farms like Aquila Private Game Reserve are just over two hours from Cape Town and make safari holidays in the Cape a possibility.
10. Hike in the Cederberg Mountains
Hiking is a local past time and a favourite is a stay in the Cederberg Mountains, where there is a wealth of trails and activities to keep you busy. Whether hiking, on a 4×4 trail, on your mountain bike or discovering rock art, it is adventure waiting to happen. Ensure you are well prepared with adequate gear, as the weather extremes in the region are legendary.
* Visit Rita-Sue Meintjes’s blog and follow her on Twitter.
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