Zero Two One

Staycations is not just a term used for those who are on a budget but still need a break, a staycation presents you with an opportunity to be a tourist in your own city. I love the idea of discovering hidden gems, appreciating heritage sites mostly visited by tourists and falling in love all over again with the  sometimes crazy, sometimes chaotic  metropolis.

So I’m inviting you to be a tourist in your own city. To help you plan your Staycation in Cape Town and surrounds I have compiled a list of must do/must see attractions stamped with my  seal of approval.

 

Pepper Club

1.Hotels
First things first, where to stay.When it comes to accommodation even though I have enjoyed stays at the ever popluar 15 on Orange and Protea Fire and Ice, most of the time I find myself gravitating towards boutique hotels,maybe because I love the personalised experience. Below are some of the hotels, lodges and boutique hotels I have come to love.

The Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa

Address: NO 3 The Glen Road, Sea Point,Cape Town, 8060, South Africa

Phone:+27 21 439 0086

Pepperclub

Address: Loop St & Pepper St, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa

Phone:+27 (21) 812 8888

ParkInn by Raddison Blu

Address: 29 Heerengracht St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa

Phone:+27 21 427 4800

Daddy Long Legs Apartments

Address: 263 Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8010, South Africa

Phone:+27 21 422 3074

Boulders Beach Lodge

Address: South Africa, 3 Secluse Ave, Cape Town, 7995, South Africa

Phone:+27 21 786 1758

Dutch Manor Antique hotel

Address: 158 Buitengracht St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Phone:+27 21 422 4767

Caledon Spa

Address: 1 Nerina Way, Western Cape, 7230, South Africa

Phone:+27 28 214 5100

Columbine Lighthouse

Address: Paternoster, 7381, South Africa

Phone:+27 21 449 2400

 

2. Visit a Heritage Site

Once your accommodation is sorted why not start your Staycation (weather permitting) by having a picnic on Table Mountain, the New 7th Wonder of Nature. And if you haven’t heard The Cableway gives one free adult return ticket to South Africans, who are over the age of 18 and have a valid South African ID, on the day of their birthday.

Often we have tourists flock to our City to visit heritage sites we never give a second thought too. Have you visited the Iziko Slave Lodge  or taken a boat trip to Robben Island recently .What about  a hike at  Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens or a Summer Sunset Concert. Ever walked the streets of Bo Kaap and immersed yourself in the history, culture and maybe a cooking lesson or visited the Bo-Kaap Museum. For a more comprehensive list of heritage sites click here.

Bo Kaap

 

3.Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing Bus
If you did too much walking visiting Heritage sites the day before a great way to see the city without that much physical exertion is the Hop on Hop off bus. The red double-decker is a great way to discover the city and surrounds. It’s a safe cost-effective way to explore the city and it runs 365 days a year.

4.Steenberg Golf Estate
Why not visit a Golf club?! Of all the golf clubs I have been too in my city, Steenberg Golf Estate is undoubtedly the most visually spectacular I have ever laid eyes on . If playing a round of golf is not your cup of tee then a visit to Steenberg Spa is a must. Because no holiday is complete without some indulgence.

5. Township Tours
Another great way to explore the city is to take a Township tour.From interacting with residents, to cycling tours, cooking classes, authentic  coffee shops and history lessons. There is no greater or safer way to experience Ekasi than by hiring an accredited local guide.

Noluyanda Mqutwana

6. The Test Kitchen
A great holiday and a great meal always go hand in hand. The Test Kitchen was voted number 28 in the Worlds 50 Best restaurants, there is no denying that chef Luke Dale- Roberts more than deserves this accolade. From smoked trout to springbok and traditional South African cheeses you can either pair wine or tea with these mouth-watering works of art.

7.The big 5
This is a bit further than the city but worth the drive.I visited Inverdoorn in the heat of summer and on arrival we were greeted with refreshing towels to wipe away the two-hour drive. Situated in Ceres, Inverdoorn Game Reserve and Iziba Safari Lodge is the largest private wildlife reserve in the area, providing sanctuary to an abundance of wildlife. After our 3 or four-hour safari we eventually sat down to a private lunch. This is bucket list worthy.

8.First Thursdays
If your staycation happens to fall over the first Thursday of the month you have to participate in First Thursdays. This initiative invites you to explore art galleries and cultural attractions in the City on foot. Better than that its free.This event has grown into one of the city’s foremost cultural experiences, attracting thousands of people every month.

9. Markets
If there’s one thing I love about this city its the variety of markets. An all in one experience from entertainment to smoothies, decadent desserts and organic food to mention but a few. To get a list of the best markets in town click here.

10. Want More?
If you still have some time and money you might want to go for High Tea at Mount Nelson or a cocktail at the Leopard Bar at the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. In season you can go strawberry picking at Polkadraai Farm. And if you are adventurous why not pedal through the vineyards with a Bike and Wine tour.

Thank you for reading and happy staycationing xxxx