Many people associate Cape Town with summer – all that lolling about on beaches, drinking al fresco cocktails, and catching the sunset from all sorts of trendy angles. But winter in the Cape has its own special charm. And there’s plenty to do, whether you’re an action bunny or more of a fireside kind of person. Don’t believe us? Check these out!
1.Take a hike
Winter is actually one of the best times to take a hike, because you won’t overheat and the bracing air will get your pistons pumping. Table Mountain is an obvious choice, with its myriads of paths ranging from comfortable (The Pipe Track, running parallel to Camps Bay) to challenging (Platteklip Gorge, which is one-way UP). But there are plenty, plenty more paths to choose from, including Elephant’s Eye above Silvermine, Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine Hike from Suikerbossie in Hout Bay, and more than seven routes from Kirstenbosch.
2. Find a fire
There’s nothing nicer than being seated close to a roaring blaze when it’s raining outside. And if you happen to find a restaurant that offers this treat, grab a table immediately we say! Some of the venues in Cape Town that have fires in winter include Catharina’s in Tokai (a smart vibe and a sassy menu), La Mouette in Sea Point (five fireplaces in a beautiful old house), Societi Bistro in Gardens (great for an after-Labia treat), and A Touch of Madness in Observatory (a fave with the locals).
3. Taste a Red
Winter is a time for red wine drinking. Somehow a chilled chardonnay just sounds … cold. And some of the biggest, boldest reds can be tasted right here in the Cape. Groot Constantia has a big ol’ cellar to visit, Eagles Nest has the most stunning views, Steenberg Estate has a seriously stylish tasting section and Buitenverwachting is just simply divine. Of course, we haven’t even started talking about Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, which boast their own red wine tours.
4. Have a surf
No, seriously. The best swells come to the Cape in winter, when there is good, clean, consistent surf and none of that smooshy stuff the summer south easter brings. Sure, it’s a tad cold. But you will experience a superior stoke. If you’re a beginner, surf schools at Muizenberg or Big Bay will kit you out and get you standing in no time. And if you’re somebody who has dabbled before – what are you waiting for? From Kalk Bay Reef round to Thermopylae in Sea Point and up to Derdesteen on the West Coast.
5. See a show
Sure, there are shows all year round – but there’s something very cosy about sharing a live theatre space with a group of people, particularly if it’s an intimate kind of venue. One of our favourites is the Alexander Bar/Theatre in Strand Street in the city, which is teeny but hosts hugely fabulous and important original work. The Theatre Arts Admin Collective in Observatory is another small-ish but unique place, and round the corner is the Magnet Theatre, also independent and with a great vibe.
WS
