100 Things To Do In Cape Town For Under R100!!!

Here’s the first installment of 100 Things To Do in Cape Town for under R100! We’ll do them in twenties. Let us know if you have any other good suggestions!

1). Visit The Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront. The Aquarium is a window on the ocean, offering glimpses of the diverse life found off the South African coastline. The Aquarium allows you to view over 3000 living animals, including fishes, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and birds in this spectacular underwater nature reserve. Don’t miss the daily feeding at 15h30 of the fishes in the I&J Predator Exhibit. The Two Oceans Aquarium is open every day of the year from 09h30 until 18h00. Your ticket is valid for the entire day. Have your hand stamped at the entrance turnstile in the foyer if you want to visit again on the same day. Cost: R85.00 – R88.00 per adult, R40.00 – R68.00 per child.

2). Watch the city come to life on a scenic morning cruise If it’s luxury catarmaran sailing you’re after, step aboard the brand new 40ft Fujicat. With its modern roof, enclosed sides, diving platform and tarpaulins, you are in for a real treat as you glide across the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Morning Cruise from the V&A Waterfront. If you are an early bird or just like the fresh morning air, this cruise is the ideal start to your day. Watch the mother city come to life from afar before returning to join the rat race. Morning cruises from 11:30 to 13:00. Telephone: 021 425-6354. Where? Departs from Quay 5 at the V&A waterfront. Book at Shop 08, Quay 5. Cost: R100.00 per adult, R50.00 for children.

3). Horse riding on Noordhoek Beach. Go for a 2 hour horse ride along the spectacular Noordhoek beach, combined with a short bush ride. An abundance of bird life is visible as the bush ride circles the wetlands, water birds, cranes, geese and rare flamingo flocks. And if you are lucky you might see dolphins playing in the waves, with occasional sighting of whales. Booking in advance is absolutely essential. Open daily from 09:00 to 16:00 (open till 18:00 in December to February). Phone Imhoff Farm on 082 774-1191. Cost: To be confirmed

4). Go club-hopping to see up-and-coming South African Musicians. Live concerts at venues such at Mercury Live, Zulu Bar or The Armchair Theatre. See up and coming South African bands. Entrance frees range from free to R40.00 per person. For details of concerts please contact the venues. Cost: From R0.00 to R40.00 per person

5). Visit Hope For The Children in Tamboerskloof and spend some time … Hope For The Children is a South African NGO that operates farm refuges for underprivileged and orphaned children in South Africa. HFTC was founded in December of 2006 for this express purpose by a number of Capetonians and international philanthropists, educators from the townships, a Maasai elder, and an incredible Afrikaans farmer who has helping orphans for the past ten years by bringing them to farm on 81 ERF Military road: the goal being to bring children to a place of refuge to heal them through everything from interaction with animals to trauma-specific art therapy.

Bring friends and family to come and visit. Please remember to bring your organic waste for the pigs! How you can assist: Donate time, materials, food, or money. Visit the web site at Hope for The Children. Where? 213 Long Street, Cape Town. For any questions on volunteering or donations contact Stephen on Telephone: 083 556-7743.

Entrance is free but please make a donation of money or your time.

6). The Planetarium in Cape Town. Iziko’s popular “theatre of stars” is one of only two planetaria in South Africa and amongst only a handful in Africa. Changing shows offer excellent “edutainment” to viewers of all ages, be they kids, teens or seniors. Fasten your seatbelts for a journey into another world – at the speed of light! The Planetarium (housed in the South African Museum building) is a celestial theatre in the round, utilising the complex Minolta star machine and multiple projectors to transport the audience through the wonders of the universe. The ultimate in armchair travel. Inside the domed auditorium, the night sky is recreated, so whatever the weather outside, the Planetarium sky is always clear, an extraordinary audio-visual experience for old and young. Daily: Monday to Friday shows at 14h00; Tuesday evening show at 20h00 and Saturday and Sunday shows at 12h00, 13h00 and 14h30. Cost: Adults: R20.00; children: R6.00

7). World Of Birds. The largest bird park in Africa and one of the few large bird parks in the World. Over 3 000 birds (and small animals) of 400 different species are uniquely presented in more than 100 spacious landscaped walk through aviaries, allowing you the most intimate closeness with nature. Enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the private lives of birds. Get a close-up view of them as they feed, sing, display, socialise, build nests, incubate eggs and feed chicks right before your eyes – an unforgettable experience. The World of Birds is in Valley Road, Hout Bay. Telephone: Tel: 021 790-2730. See: World Of Birds Cost: Adults: R55.00. Children 3-16: R35.00, Students & pensioners R45.00

8). Silvermine Nature Reserve. A remarkable drive up Ou Kaapse Weg will take you to Silvermine, with its many nature trails, hikes, magnificent views and clear mountain streams. Mountain bikes and dogs are welcome. Entrance fee R10.00 per adult, R5.00 per child.

9). Boulders Beach. Spend a restful day at Boulders Beach. The water is warm (Indian Ocean), white sandy beach and penguins as beach mates! Entrance R10.00

10). Enjoy the gardens at Kirstenbosch and Breakfast at the Kirstenbosch tea-room Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is world-renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch grows only indigenous South African plants. The estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country. You can explore the Gardens, take photographs, have a picnic on the lawn, lie on the lawns and stare ate the sky… The tea-room serves a full English breakfast at R36.00 per person or a mini-breakfast at R26.00. Where? Rhodes Drive, Newlands. Telephone: 021 799-8783 Entry to the Gardens is R27.00 per person, Breakfast is R36.00

11). Theatrical Dining at Stardust Restaurant in Rondebosch Stardust Restaurant, in Rondebosch is a restaurant with a Mediterranean menu, but this is not an everyday restaurant. The waiters are professional performers or students from the art schools around Cape Town. During the evening they will serve and entertain you! This restaurant is brilliant for any birthday or night out with some friends. Excellent food and serious fun all round! Where? 165 Main Road, Rondebosch. Telephone: 021 686-6280. Meals start at R28.00 per person. The performance is free!

12). Dragon Boat Racing The Cape Town Dragon Boat Racing Club welcome all dragon boaters and new-comers to join their practice sessions (Mondays to Thursdays). In February 2006, the Western Cape Dragon Boat Association delightedly took custodianship of two more dragon boats, bringing Cape Town’s fleet to four. Newcomers & visitors warmly welcomed to join paddling in Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront. Contact: Meet at in the Marina Basin at the slipway in front of the Marina Office (at the east end of the Cape Grace). Telephone: 021 447-2820 or 082 564-6257. Cost: R10.00 per session.

13). Visit Nobel Square and learn more about South Africa’s 4 Nobel Laureates Nobel Square honours South Africa’s four Nobel Peace laureates: the late Chief Albert Luthuli, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and former presidents Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk. The sculptures of the four Laureates stand in the form of a crescent with Table Mountain in the background, overlooking Nobel Square, located between the V&A Hotel and CD Wherehouse in the V&A Waterfront. They are slightly larger than life-size and have the Laureates’ preferred quotations engraved in their chosen language in front of the sculptures. The Peace and Democracy sculpture – a narrative work acknowledging the contribution of women and children to the attainment of peace in South Africa – is slightly more to the centre of the square. All five sculptures are cast in bronze. Visit the Website at Nobel Square. No charge.

14). A Cruise around Cape Town’s historic harbour A cruise around Cape Town’s historic harbour aboard the Lady J will treat you to fantastic views of Roben Island and also afford you a closer look at the various fishing vessels and cargo ships in action, the seals joining in the fun. Toast the end of yet another perfect day aboard our daily, pre-arranged, one hour long champagne sunset cruise. Duration: ½ hour to 1 hour cruises. The route is the Vctoria & Alfred Basins, Duncan and Ben Schoeman docks. The Royal Cape Yacht Club (1 hr trip). Where? Quay 5, V&A Waterfront. Telephone: 021 418-0782. Booking at the office. (At the boat). Price R40.00 per adult, R20.00 per child.

15). Take a walk or jog along the Sea Point Promenade The famous Sea Point promenade draws locals and visitors for walking and jogging or just people-watching. The Sea Point promenade runs the length of Sea Point’s beachfront, from Bantry Bay all the way through to Mouille Point and is a hub of activity, particularly in the early morning or late afternoons to watch the sun set right next to the waters of the Atlantic. Have a pic nic on the lawns, watch the crowds go by, all very entertaining. No charge

17). Join a Bikram Yoga Class The original hot yoga. Deep, complete body and mind workout. Easy to follow and suitable for all ages, body types and levels of fitness. All new students get the Introductory / trial period offer at only R80.00 for your first 5 class package (to be used within 2 weeks of your first class). All classes accommodate beginners as the yoga series is fairly easy to grasp. Bikram classes are 90 minutes long (unless otherwise indicated on schedule). We don’t take bookings; reception opens 30 minutes before class. Where? Yoga Zone City Centre Studio; 10th floor Picbel Parkade, 58 Strand Street, Cape Town. Telephone: +27 (0)21 421 8136 R80.00 per person for your first 5 classes.

18). Swim at Long Street Baths Facing the Long Street Bath’s heritage doors, look to the right for a view of Table Mountain, look to the left for a vibey Long Street and look inside for an old world experience. This original 1908 bathhouse is a historic Cape gem with an upgraded interior; all the original charm with a clean steam. The 25m indoor heated swimming pool keeps swimmers lapping before city business commences and during lunchtime fitness breaks. Kids are welcome to swim with adult supervision. The facility has separate male and female changing rooms. See: Long Steet Baths. Entrance is well under R100.00 per person.

19). Ten Pin Bowling in Cape Town … Ten Pin Bowling at Let’s Go Bowling: This social game can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of  age or skill level. Special bowling shoes can be rented and there are different balls of varying weights. You can concentrate on your game while the computer and TV monitors keep track of your score. Bowling alleys in Claremont, Goodwood and Bellville, open from 09:00 till late. From R17.50 during the day, R25.00 in the evening.

20). Indoor climbing … CityRock is Cape Town’s centre for all things related to the sport of Rock Climbing. Their facility features A large top rope and lead climbing area with Introductory lessons taught numerous times every week. They also offer a large bouldering cave. Children aged 5 and above love the fun and excitement of climbing. The sport of indoor climbing also makes for a great social event for kids. and adults alike. CityRock are centrally located in Observatory on the corner of Collingwood & Anson, just 5 minutes from UCT. Contact them on 021-447 1326. From R50.00 to R99.00 per person (entry is R50.00) .