19 Nov 2019 | By Sun International
Table Bay’s top 10 things to do in Cape Town these holidays
Table Bay Hotel | Photo by Sun International
Cape Town and its surrounds offer a diverse range of activities and places to explore. With the holidays around the corner, The Table Bay’s Concierge, Bradley Solomons, has put together his top picks for holidaymakers and locals keen to experience their incredible hometown.
“We are ambassadors for The Table Bay and for South Africa’s exquisite Western Cape and its extraordinary experiences. We live and breathe the culture, we’ve tried and tested food and wines in places that lie off the beaten track and we’ve explored many spaces most tourists don’t get to see.”says Solomons.
Here are his top 10 experiences in Cape Town these holidays:
Walk through Bo-Kaap
here’s nothing quite like a walking tour through the historic Bo Kaap neighbourhood to get a sense of Cape Town’s beginnings. Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill, this vibrant district is a nervecentre of Cape Malay culture. Its curling cobblestone streets, brightly-painted houses, intimate shops and quirky restaurants are a delight. Enjoy a two-hour walking tour and learn about its history and culture, before venturing into a local home to make a traditional Cape Malay curry.
Enjoy a private fynbos picnic
Bask under Western Cape skies amid indigenous fynbos in a secluded spot at the top of the Platberg, the mountain of the “sleeping dog”. As it can’t be reached by foot or vehicle, you’ll be flown in by helicopter to a private nature reserve, Baskloof, from where you’ll take a 20- minute hike to the picnic spot, which offers breathtaking ocean views.
Curate your own signature fragrance
Revel in the creative process of creating your own signature fragrance with bespoke producer Tammy Frazer, who uses natural ingredients to create organic perfume products. She worked with The Table Bay to create the hotel’s exclusive fragrance KAAP, which is produced using Cape botanicals. She’ll help you to craft a special, living fragrance that you’ll forever associate with your time in the Western Cape.
Snorkel with seals below the 12 Apostles
Mostly untouched by commercial charters, there’s a quiet spot close to Camps Bay where you can snorkel with seals in their natural habitat. This intimate adventure doesn’t require that you have any diving experience or sophisticated equipment. You’ll be briefed and escorted by expert guides as you swim among seals below the 12 Apostles.
Explore artisanal beers and craft brewing
In the heart of Cape Town's creative hub of Woodstock, you’ll find a very special nano- brewery. The Woodstock Brewers' Co-op is where 16 talented brewers ply their trade under one roof. Unlike large-scale brewers, the Woodstock Co-op offers endless diversity. The brewers are continually experimenting to come up with interesting, innovative beers, making this beer mecca a must-visit.
Go on a jazz safari
Enjoy an evening of unforgettable music and intimate conversation with local jazz musicians in their own homes. Share a traditional meal, such as braaied snoek or pickled fish, in the comfort of the home of an accomplished jazz performer, before visiting another for a nightcap. The evening is perfectly rounded off with a visit to a jazz venue for a late set. All the musicians you’ll encounter represent the authentic sound of Cape Town jazz.
Forage through Cape Town
Explore Cape Town’s freshest outdoor “market” under the guidance of The Table Bay’s chefs, who have an intimate knowledge of the Cape’s landscapes and the opportunities to harvest wild plants for culinary use. Depending on what’s available in nature’s larder, you’ll be taken on informative and scenic tours of some of Cape Town’s beautiful areas, from Rondebosch and Tamboerskloof, to Sea Point and Cape Point, and then return to the hotel to experiment in the kitchen.
Go on a Cape culinary journey
Connect with authentic local foods and chefs when you explore the vibrant food culture within the De Waterkant, Greenpoint and Waterfront areas. Enjoy tastings from some of Cape Town's hidden culinary gems and engage with local food artisans who will share their insights on Cape Town's evolving food scene. This is a must-do gastronomical experience.
Marvel at the street art of Woodstock
Allow us to introduce you to Juma Mkwela, who will walk you through the streets and alleys to show you the art that has helped transformed Woodstock into a vibrant cultural powerhouse. Mkwela is a cheerful host with an in-depth knowledge of the art that adorns the walls and buildings, as well as the artists who created them. Through his insightful stories, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the art and its impact on the area.
Wine-tasting in a cave
Experience wines from boutique producer Klein Roosboom, surrounded by pillows, vintage furniture and trinkets – in a cave! Klein Roosboom is a hidden gem in every sense. The winery produces only as much wine as its vineyards can handle and because of the small yield, you’ll only find Klein Roosboom wines at its tasting centre – nowhere else!
Please be advised that all activities are subject to availability and bookings will go through our Concierge department.