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Choose Your Season – What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Cape Town?

Cape Town is one of the most sought after tourist destinations on in the world. It has just won the World Tourism Awards accolade as the best city to visit on the African continent. This is the seventh time the “Mother City’ (as it is known locally) has received this recognition. However, this is not the only award that Cape Town has received during 2019. It was named Tripadvisor’s Top Destination and placed in the top 10 of Travel and Leisure‘s ‘World’s Best Cities’. Clearly this is a travel destination with a lot to offer visitors.

However, those who want to visit this vibrant and fascinating city often wonder which is the best season for their trip to the Southernmost city on the African continent? The answer is simple – there isn’t a best season for a visit – it simply depends on what you want to get out of your trip.

Cape Town’s climate has a large part to play in the decision of when to visit. The city boasts a Mediterranean style climate – which means that it boasts long, hot summer season (which falls between November and February) and cool rainy winters. However, don’t let the idea of a little rain deter you from enjoying the wonders of the Cape’s largest city during winter – there is still plenty to keep the visitor enthralled.

Let’s take a closer look at what each season in the Mother City brings to the tourist table.

Firstly, summer in Cape Town is a time to both get outdoors and to enjoy long balmy evenings of good food, good company and great entertainment.

Summer in Cape Town is time to hit the beach. Cape Town sits on a peninsula – and that peninsula has two very different oceans running along each coast. The East coast greets the warm and inviting waves that are provided by the Indian Ocean, while the West coast is lapped by the frigid waters of the Atlantic. There is simply so much choice for the vitor. Miles of pristine sands and sparkling waters await. The beaches on the Atlantic side of the peninsula including the world-famous Clifton and Camps Bay beaches are among the most beautiful in the world – and the East coast is perfect for families who want the younger ones to experience some great tidal pools and warm waters.

After a day at the beach, head towards some of the exceptional dining spots along the Atlantic seaboard and watch the sun go down in an explosion of color as you sip on your cocktail and prepare to order your dinner from any one of the world-class beachside reaturants that can be found in places like Camps Bay.

Winter in Cape Town is also a delight. The already attractive exchange rates available to visitors mean that the cost of an incredible meal represents excellent value for money – and in winter those prices go down even further. The same goes for those who want to explore the possibilities of some retail therapy at one of the city’s great malls. You will pick up designer and other goods for a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere in the world. Visit a great pub (there are many to choose from) and sip on an excellent Cape red wine – while basking in the warmth of a crackling fireplace (the legendary Forresters Arms in Newlands is highly recommended).

There is so much to do in Cape Town no matter the time of year. Visit vineyards where award-winning wines have their origins, travel to the top of the iconic Table Mountain by cable car, go hiking or biking or simply bask in the welcome of the Rainbow Nation. It’s a trip you will never forget.

8 Essentials For Multi-Day Hiking You Didn’t Know You Needed

Hiking is a lot of fun, but it can be stressful if you do it unprepared, especially if you’re going out for a multi-day trip in unpredictable weather. Taking the right kit will help you to stay warm and comfortable, ensure you don’t get lost, and generally make your expedition more fun. Here’s a quick look at eight essentials for your next hiking trip that you might not realize you even need!

1 – Paracord

This versatile cord is invaluable. It’s strong, durable, and water-resistant. It can be worn as a bracelet or attached to a keyring and used as-is for securing things, or be cut to turn into sewing threads, clotheslines, tent ties, fishing line and more. A ‘rope’ of paracord will unravel to a huge line, and the uses for them are endless.

2 – Duct Tape

This waterproof tape tears easily, sticks well, and can be used for tears in your tent, holes in your food bags, as a makeshift band-aid, or to secure things together. If you don’t want to take a whole roll of it, just wrap lots of it around your walking pole. Good brands will retain their ‘stickiness’ when you do this.

3 – Walking Poles

Which leads us on to the walking pole itself. Sometimes called trekking poles, these handy, lightweight poles help you to keep your balance on uneven ground, take some stress off your knees, and also help you to judge the depth of mud and streams. Once you get used to having one, you’ll find they’re invaluable.

4 – Sporks

Sporks are the butt of media jokes but they’re super handy. A humble spork does the job of both a spoon and aa fork, saving you packing space and making meal times that little bit less stressful.

5 – Hammocks

Why waste time carrying a roll-out mattress and folding bed when you can sleep in a hammock? The best thing about hammocks is that they let you rest ‘above ground’, and they can do double duty as a rain or sun cover when you stop to rest during the day. They’re light, versatile and really handy.

6 – Waterproof Down Jackets

A good waterproof down jacket will do double duty as a pillow to rest on, and is also windproof and waterproof, making it great for variable climates. One of the biggest challenges for hikers is staying warm when it’s cold, but avoiding overheating at noon. Things get even more challenging if it rains and a heavy jacket gets soaked through. Choose a jacket that has a waterproof outer and that isn’t too heavy, and you’ll have the best of both worlds in terms of comfort and temperature control.

7 – Hydration Bladders

If you’re still carrying bottled water around, try a hydration bladder instead. These bladders allow for hands-free hydration while on the trail. You can sip as you go, without fear of spilling anything. Attach the pack to your backpack for hassle-free transportation, and carry 1-3 litres of water (depending on the size of pack you choose) on your person at all times.

8 – A Pack Lamp

Headlamps are useful, but you don’t always want to be wearing them. Invest in an inflatable solar lantern and you’ll never be without a light on a night. Strap it to your backpack and let it recharge during the day, then put it out at night to illuminate the area around your camp while you cook, read and rest. It’s a lightweight, space-saving light source that will come in handy when you’re setting up camp and it’s getting dark.

Seven of the Best Hiking Trails in Cape Town

Cape Town is a stunning and varied destination that has a lot to offer, including safaris, museums and hiking opportunities. Since Cape Town is quite small, you can cover a lot of ground on foot, and the hiking trails will let you see a large portion of what the area has to offer. Here’s a quick look at seven of the best hiking trails in Cape Town.

1 – Table Mountain

This is one of the most famous landmarks in Cape Town. There are several different trails up the mountain, covering all difficulty levels, and with several different lengths to choose from you can enjoy a day trip or a much longer stay. The trail that most people take is Platteklip George, which is a short route that covers the centre of the table, and up to the summit. You can then relax on the cable car back down.

2 – Lion’s Head

This is another well-known landmark, located close to Table Mountain. It’s a great day walk and there are two options to follow. Start at Signal Hill Road for an easy track to just below the summit, and then climb to the top using ladders and chains. Alternatively, take the longer, but easier, path to the top. The choice is yours.

3 – Cape Point

Cape Point Nature Reserve is a part of the Table Mountain National Park and offers numerous hiking trails that each take about a day to complete. Visit deserted beaches or explore shipwrecks, enjoy the view from the cliffs and take in the sight of local wildlife. There’s so much to do, and you could spend your whole holiday on the trails.

4 – Kalk Bay Mountains

Kalk Bay is a lovely seaside hamlet, and the mountains offer numerous hiking trails and caves to enjoy, with dense vegetation and stunning forests, this is a hiker’s paradise. The trails range in difficulty from very challenging to more moderate, so there is something for everyone. There are guided tours once a month run by the Cape Peninsula Speleological Society. If you’re not a confident hiker, try the Old Mule Path for a gentle walk and some whale watching.

5 – Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reserve covers almost 10,000 acres and is home to more than 1,00 different types of plant species. Enjoy amazing nature walks along the four main hiking trails, and explore rivers, forests, and waterfalls. This truly is an incredible reserve.

6 – Platteklip Gorge

This is perhaps one of the most well-known hiking trails in the area, second only to Lion’s Head. It’s a much more challenging walk than Lion’s Head, though, so best for experienced hikers only. There’s not a lot of actual climbing required, but it’s a very challenging walk. If you want to get to the summit of Table Mountain the “hard way” then this walk will surely get you plenty of bragging rights. It takes around three hours on average, although it is possible for the super-fit to jog it faster. There isn’t a lot of shade on the route, so try to do your walk on a cooler day.

7 – The Pipe Track

This is a beautiful trail that was built to service an old water pipeline. It’s an easy route, for the most part, although it becomes challenging in the area just past the Slangolie Ravine. The track takes you to Camps Bay. If you have a guide with you, try taking a detour to Tranquility Cracks to see the labyrinthine tunnels. This walk is suitable for most adults and for older kids too.

8 Reasons to Visit Cape Town

Cape Town is one of those stunning destinations that many people have on their ‘to visit’ list, but that often gets overlooked because of the distance or expense. A trip to Cape Town can be a holiday of a lifetime, though, so if you’re on the fence about going there then take a look at these reasons why a visit to Cape Town should be on your to-do list:

1 – The Scenery

Cape Town is arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in the whole world. It features iconic mountains and a distinctive cityscape, and you can view the whole thing from the Cable Cars. Videos and photos don’t do Cape Town justice, you need to see it in person.

2 – The Weather

Cape Town has a wonderful climate. It starts to warm up in October/November, and stays warm until March/April, so if you’re looking to get away from the rain, wind and snow then you know where to go. It’s a great destination even at the “wrong” time of year, but visit in the summer and the safari trips are a great way to make memories.

3 – The Cities

While most people go to Cape Town for the safaris, the city life is fun too. Cape Town is the “cosmopolitan” part of Africa. The city is well developed, the transport system is good, and the amenities are what you would expect of a city. There are great shops and boutiques, and plenty of fine dining options as well as fashionable bars. There’s something for everyone.

4 – The Cuisine

While Cape Town isn’t somewhere that most people associate with food, there are some top of the line restaurants and you can find a bit of everything in the city. Whether you’re looking for osyters or ostrich, there are restaurants that can cater to your tastes. There are plenty of western restaurants too, so if you’re traveling with a family of picky eaters you have nothing to fear.

5 – The Price

Cape Town can be done as a luxury holiday or as a backpackers getaway, the choice is yours. The cost of living is lower in Cape Town than westerners are used to, so you’ll be able to see the sights, eat out and have fun, living like a king on a peasant’s budget. It’s up to you whether you use the money you saved to get there in first class, extend your stay, or just save for something practical.

6 – The Sight Seeing

While Cape Town itself is fairly small, there is no shortage of things to see and do. You can explore the museums, the bay, the nearby islands, the botanical gardens, or just the shops and bars. Culture, nature, parties, Cape Town truly does have it all.

7 – The History

It’s easy to forget, but Cape Town has a long history that goes back to the 15th century when European settlers landed. You can still feel the influence of the Asian, African and European cultures that have passed through Cape Town over the years. There are entire museums devoted to it, and Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated) is a popular tourist spot, but go beyond the obvious and you’ll find an even richer tapestry to discover.

8 – The Surroundings

Cape Town itself is a great base for exploring other destinations. You can find everything from whale watching to wine tours within easy driving distance. If you’re staying for a week or two then you will find Cape Town is a bustling base to explore all of the delights of the country.

The Best Beaches To Surf In Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the places in the world that has an abundance of surf spots. Before you consider going to Cape Town for surfing there are a number of things you need to consider since each surf spot has its own unique conditions. There are also some surf spots where locals are usually protective of, meaning not everyone may be allowed to access them. There are also some surf spots that are prone to shark attacks. This therefore means that you need to do a lot of research on the various surfing spots in Cape Town.
The best surfing spots in Cape Town include;

1. Muizenberg

This surfing spot is a very popular spot for learners and first time surfers. It is characterised of very gentle waves and has a north westerly wind direction. Therefore if you want to learn how to surf or you are a beginner in surfing, this is the ideal place to go.

2. Long Beach

As the name suggests, Long Beach is a long and sandy beach. The waves move both left and right hence it is ideal for a person who is a right leg dominated surfer or a left leg dominated surfer. The wave break is on a south west wind and is best suited for experienced surfers.

3. Scarborough Beach

This surfing spot has a breathtaking view and low levels of congestion. It is usually preferred during summer. It is also an ideal place for kite surfing and also flying kites. It is best suited for more advanced surfers.

4. Big Bay


Big bay surfing spot is suitable for surfers of any level. It is the best place when the wind is blowing towards the south east direction. It has friendly locals hence it is not restricted as compared to other surfing spots in Cape Town. In addition to being a surfing spot it also has a nice coffee shop right across the beach.

5. Glen Beach


This surfing spot is mostly ideal for non seasoned surfers. It is also a restricted surfing area as locals are very protective of it hence very unwelcoming to tourists. As much as it is highly protected it can also get very crowded since it is characterized by hollow and powerful waves. It is best suited for advanced surfers.

Related: Looking for something different when the swell is not to good. Why not try one of the best township tours Cape Town has to offer.

6. Llandudno

Llandudno Beach Cape Town

This surfing spot is one of the most beautiful spots in the world, it is comprised of snow white sand, large rocks and crystal blue waters hence very spectacular and appealing to the eye. Aside from surfing it can also be an ideal place for a photo shoot. It mainly suited for intermediate surfers and advanced surfers.

7. Off The Wall

This is a surfing spot suitable for advanced surfers. This is because the waves are quite hollow and sometimes steep hence suitable for expert surfers. The wind tends to blow towards the south east direction.

8. Dunes

This is an ideal surfing spot for surfers who are adventurous since locating the beach break requires one to walk a thirty minutes distance. On a good surf day the waves are usually six feet high or eight feet high. It is most suitable for advanced surfers.

9. Crayfish Factory

This surfing spot has one of the heaviest waves which can go up to about fifteen feet high which is not suitable for a beginner or intermediate surfer. It is definitely preferred by advanced surfers.

10. Dungeons

This surfing spot is mainly preferred by tow surfers and not paddle surfers thus it is not a wave for amateur surfers. It is only meant for advanced and expert surfers who are courageous enough to battle with the waves.

If you ever find yourself in Cape Town, enjoy these and more surfing places on the beach.

What are some of the best beaches to surf in Cape Town

Cape Town has some amazing surf spots and beaches to explore. Why not try one of these: Muizenberg, Long Beach, Scarborough Beach, Big Bay, Glen Beach, Llandudno, Off The Wall, Dunes ( Noordehoek ), Crayfish factory, Dungeons ( Big Wave Surfing )

Sand Boarding Cape Town: All You Need To Know.

This is a sport which is likely comparable to the sand boarding. The only difference is that in this case you are not on snow but on sand dunes. The major sport in Namibia is this and many people head there to try it out. Note that it is very interesting just like sand boarding since the sand is most likely not cold unlike the snow. You can thus sand board in any attire that you choose to wear. However note that the dust from the sand may affect your respiratory system so ensure that you at least have a clothing to protect your nose and mouth.

sand boarding

The board used for sand boarding has some straps which bind both feet of an individual on the board to avoid them tripling over. In Cape Town which is a desert area there are plenty of sand dunes which make the place convenient for the sport. You can either board across or down a sand dune depending on how you choose to do it. Some of the experts in sand boarding do not adjust the strap bindings to their feet since they have balance which has build up perfectly.
The beauty of the sand boarding in Namibia is that it is available all year round unlike the snowboarding which is seasonal. You can visit cape town at any time whatsoever and enjoy this great recreational activity.

Sand boarding Atlantis Dunes 


Some of the individuals such as Josh Tenge have taken this sport seriously and have even gone ahead to appear in the Guinness book of world record as the individual who covered the longest distance in doing a back flip. There are also various competitions regarding sand boarding and recently even world cups.
A sand board is not really different from a snowboard. Most of the features found in a snowboard are also found in a sand board. The base of a sand board is however much more harder than the base of a snowboard. Also the bottom part of the board is also waxed to facilitate the feature of the snowboard gliding on the sand freely. However the look after you have completed your run will be completely different from how you began.
Most of the sand boarding Cape Town takes place in Atlantis. This is not a far off distance from the central business district of the same since it is only 44 kilometers. You can also take sand boarding tours to get top watch various individuals performing their stunts. In Atlantis we do provide our qualified and expert guides who will teach and ensure that you get a hold of the sport. For this reason do not be afraid to visit the place since you do not know how to sand board.
You can book a tour to this magnificent place online and get a place mostly during the weekends. Our cost is affordable and our services are pocket friendly.
The equipment we use for snowboarding at cape town is of the best quality since we use the sidewinder sand boards. There will be no disappointments while using this sand board since they are custom made. Most of the professional sand boarders who have taken events and won championship[s have used the sand winder board. It has great controls and the safety of the boarder is put as a major priority. The board is equipped with high level strap bindings which ensure that your legs are well bind on the board to avoid accidents or injuries.
Sand boarding cape town is very worth your time a great deal. The sand dunes are very expansive and go to a very wide extent. One great slide from the top of a sand dune to the bottom will make you crave for more and more of the sport.
Take a trip to Atlantis and enjoy sand boarding cape town today.

Kayaking Cape Town Style

A fun activity when in Cape Town South Africa is kayaking Cape Town Style. Sea kayaking is an activity that can be enjoyed the whole year round. It is basically one of the things that “people do” if they are the least bit outdoor minded. If a person is in reasonably good condition, they can experience a trip in a kayak that will be in their memory for a lifetime.

On your kayaking trip you are likely to see penguins, gulls, fish that will swim under your kayak, but there is a very slim chance that you will ever see a shark, but you will most likely experience seals as they are very curious and the will often cruise around you.

Kayaking with dolphins, Cape Town 

Kayaks are two person boats, and by the way they are extremely stable and you are not probably in any danger of falling out, but if that should occur, it is pretty easy to climb right back in. Take along plenty of sunscreen, take a hat and sunglasses. Attire is best to be a t-shirt and shorts. Take along a towel too, because you are likely to get wet somewhere along the way.

There are several routes that are available for the kayakers and they are all relatively available for most people. The more adventurous route is the one that takes the course out to Cape Point which is the most Southwestern point on the continent of Africa, and is unarguably one of the major highlights of any trip to South Africa.

The trip out to the Point takes between four to six hours, so it is a bit more demanding than the other tours of a couple of hours.

Cape Town South Africa view from the water and the surrounding scenery is some of the most stunning views in the world. There is a long history. The cliffs and the rugged terrain on the coast contrasts with the modern city offers a great backdrop for kayaking.

Sea Kayaking is a very affordable endeavour and it takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city to a place in the ocean where you are going to be fully responsible for your direction in a close-to-the-water craft, that you manipulate and guide stroke by stroke.

The kayaks are two person boats where the person who fits in the forward position is the primary “engine” of the team, or the person who does the majority of the paddling. The rear position person is the steering arm, and that will be the primary job of that individual. The key to the boats themselves is that they are very will put together, fit close to the surface with little danger of tipping over.

Once you pull away from shore the abject quiet of the sea is remarkable as you pull away from the shore. Most people choose one of the two hour trips which are not all that strenuous, and the excitement when a dolphin or a seal appears is spontaneous and appealing.

Kayaking Cape Town style is an unforgettable experience which will stay with you the rest of your life and you will have an experience to tell your grandchildren about.

Benefits Of Paragliding Cape Town

When people take a holiday to Cape Town, they will often think about the different things they can do that are in the area. However, one thing that people tend to overlook is the paragliding Cape Town. By knowing about these benefits, it will be easy for people to know exactly why they should be doing this type of activity when they are in the region, but also get a chance to explore the different options of what else they can do when they are in the region.

Different views of what people are able to see is one of the main benefits that people will enjoy. When people are able to see this it will be easy for people to see they are able to see a unique part of the town and some of it is parts that people are only able to see from the air. So people can have a great time because they are seeing something that is unique and not well known. Without this, people are going to struggle to get the great enjoyment they want to have in their trip because they are seeing the exact same thing all the time.

Capetown Paragliding Adventure

Memories that are made from these trips is something else that people are going to enjoy. Normally people think about these trips and only think about the trips and memories they are going to make on the ground. However, when people are doing this they will typically be doing something that they would never do at home, but also doing something they normally would not do anywhere. So this is going to make it easier for people to start to form the memories of what they want to see and do. Then people can have a great enjoyment of the fact they created a memory with their family by doing something that is unique to them.

Being able to enjoy a holiday to Cape Town is going to be something that people will want to do. However, when people are stuck doing the exact same thing all the time they will often find it is very difficult to have a great time. This is when people may want to explore the benefits of paragliding Cape Town. By knowing about these benefits it will be easy for people to see this is the best way for them to travel and know they will have a good time.