*Issued by Issued by HWB Communications Pty Ltd on behalf of TMACC
The relaxation of lockdown regulations offers us the chance to be tourists in our own cities. Wahida Parker, the managing director of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company says this is the perfect time to explore South Africa and its many attractions. “This sector needs the public’s support now more than ever.”
“It is often the case that some of the best attractions around us are never really enjoyed by locals. We have incredible moments at the cableway, for example, with locals experiencing a trip to the top of Table Mountain for the first time despite having lived here their entire lives,” says Parker.
One of the major draw cards for people to explore their own cities is that it often doesn’t have to cost much. Simply putting on your walking shoes and spending your day walking around your area will often lead to some amazing finds such as themed coffee shops, unique buildings or even quirky little art galleries.
Doing this can also help you deepen your understanding of its heritage. Whether it is learning about the old underground storm tunnels in Cape Town or the fossil park up the West Coast, there are many historic finds that can teach you a little more about the story of how each town came to be what it is today.
Some great attractions are:
Seal Snorkelling: If you love getting salty and experiencing the natural world, then Seal Snorkelling in Hout Bay should be on your to-do list.
Bo-Kaap: Alternatively, take a stroll up the colourful neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap for free. The streets are lined with brightly painted houses of all colours with Table Mountain in the background, making it the perfect place for an afternoon walk.
City Sightseeing: Hop on the ‘Red Bus’, as known by locals, which visits popular tourist attractions like Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch, the World of Birds and Groot Constantia.
World’s Best Coffee House: If you’re a coffee lover, then you’ll love the quirky Truth Coffee House that’s a steampunk world of pipes and old metal, with gourmet, home-roasted coffee.
Fish ‘n chips on the Warf: Good old fish ‘n chips have to be one of the most iconic takeaways you can have in Cape Town. From casual hole-in-the-wall chippies to harbour stunning harbour views. The salty, vinegary smell can be found across the city, from Hout Bay Harbour to the Waterfront and Kalk Bay Harbour.
Peers Cave: Fish Hoek may be over 100 years old but there were people making the valley their home way before then. Some of these inhabitants lived in one of the town’s landmarks – Peers Cave. Discovered in the 1920s, hikers and climbers can find the cave by following a steep 20-minute path starting at Silvermine Nature Reserve.
Sand Dunes in the Cape: A place that’s fast becoming one of Cape Town’s hotspots is the Atlantis Dunes. A mere 45 minutes’ drive from the CBD, the dunes are a haven for sandboarding, quad biking, extreme 4×4 rides and self-drive dune tours. If you’re the adventurous type, then this is the perfect breakaway for you.
