With the winter season already here, it’s tempting to curl up indoors and hide away from the lashing rain, fierce winds, and occasional Cape storms. But, just because wintertime is cold in the Cape – it doesn’t mean it can’t still be thrilling! Put your adventure cap on and let’s explore!
In this post, we look at some awesome winter activities for this season:
Go Whale Watching or Attend the Whale Festival
One of the most popular annual attractions in winter is the seasonal whale watching. If you wish to join in on this once-in-a-lifetime experience and see these gentle giants for yourself, why not take a drive along the Cape coastline or head to the Overberg – Hermanus in particular – where whale watching is world-famous?
The annual whale season generally runs from June to December so this is the perfect winter activity to road trip around the province and yes, you guessed it: see some whales!
While whale sightings can be enjoyed across the coastal regions, areas like Hermanus, are prime whale-watching spots.
So, why not book an ethically-minded, ocean-based whale-watching tour or enjoy some land-based whale-watching from the shoreline?
Another winter attraction linked to these amazing mammals is the Hermanus Whale Festival.
In 2023, this festival takes place from 29 September to 1 October. This eco-marine festival attracts the masses and offers a fun, exhilarating event in Hermanus.
For pricing, details, and other events, please visit their website directly.
Image courtesy of Hermanus Whale Festival via Facebook
Go Stargazing in the Cederberg Wilderness Region
Image courtesy of Cederberg Astronomical Observatory via Facebook
If you wish to see a sky full of stars, then the Cederberg Astronomical Observatory – situated some 240 kilometres north of Cape Town at Dwarsrivier farm – is the place to go.
Almost every Saturday night, weather-permitting, a few hours are set aside for the public to visit this unique observatory.
Here, you can enjoy a fascinating introduction to the wonders of the night sky (thanks to an informative slideshow) – before having the amazing opportunity to gaze through a telescope (or two).
This fun activity is great for children and adults alike and provides a truly stunning stargazing experience.
Entry is free but donations are most welcome.
Note: This experience takes place outdoors so dress warmly; the Cederberg gets freezing at night!
For more information, please visit their website directly.
Web: https://www.cederbergobs.org.za
Enjoy a Sunset Ride on the Cape Wheel or go up Table Mountain Cableway
Another fun, reasonably affordable winter experience is catching a ride on either the Cape Wheel at the V&A Waterfront – or a return trip on the Table Mountain Cableway.
Both are iconic Cape Town attractions that allow you to see the Mother City from every angle!
Evening trips are especially gorgeous, especially near sunset, as winter sunsets are a special treat in Cape Town.
Best of all, if you are a winter baby (meaning your birthday falls during winter), why not redeem your free birthday special/ticket at both the cableway and Cape Wheel?
Birthday specials are generally redeemable within your birthday month (so, if you’re a June baby, that’s anywhere from 1 – 30 June).
For the cableway, as proof of your birthday month, you need to present your ID/driver’s licence and they will issue you a free return ticket for your special day.
Just keep in mind that the cable car experience is weather-dependent so always check they are operating before visiting! For more details and pricing, please visit their website: https://tablemountain.net/plan-your-visit/birthday-special
For the Cape Wheel, just sign up on their website prior to your birthday and they will email you the birthday voucher/ticket. For more details and pricing, please visit their website: http://capewheel.co.za/whats-on/
Enjoy Winter Wine Pairings and Winter Menu Specials
Image courtesy of Le Pommier Wine Estate via Facebook
Lastly, why not book a winter wine pairing (like soup and wine – or hot chocolate and wine) at one of our local estates?
During the colder months, local wine farms like Durbanville Hills, Blaauwklippen and Le Pommier offer an array of winter pairings to enjoy.
Another great wintertime idea is capitalising on winter menus and restaurant specials, as many of our local eateries run excellent winter special.
These are usually great value and allow you to sample cuisine from some of the best restaurants in Cape Town and the Cape Winelands at discounted prices!
These are just some of the awesome winter activities to enjoy this season. Which will you try this winter?
Written by Tamlyn Ryan
Lead image courtesy of Cape Nature | Hermanus Whale Festival via Facebook
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