The Cape Wheel, one of the V&A Waterfront’s most recognizable attractions, is reopening after a seven-month break to relocate it to a new location with stunning views of the city and Granger Bay. The new site at the V&A’s Breakwater Boulevard will offer visitors an elevated view across Granger Bay, with Robben Island in the distance, Table Mountain, Signal Hill, and the Cape Town stadium in sight.
Picture: Supplied
Riders can enjoy the breathtaking scenery while sitting 40 meters up in one of the 30 high-tech, fully enclosed, air-conditioned cabins during the 15-minute ride. David Green, the CEO of V&A Waterfront, said that the new location of the Cape Wheel is part of the large package of exciting changes that have been part of the economic recovery of the Waterfront.
‘We had to find the perfect location for the wheel, and I’m excited that we will be reopening the experience again. I think our visitors will especially enjoy repeat visits to experience the different views to be experienced at this new location,’ Green said. ‘The recent signs of economic recovery for tourism and retail have been extremely positive. At the V&A Waterfront, we look forward to the return of the iconic Waterfront Wheel as part of our attractions which offer jobs and support the livelihoods of so many Capetonians.’
The new location, close to the Waterfront’s boardwalk, has easy access to the Breakwater parking garage while providing a more open and relaxed public space for visitors to access the wheel. The ticket sales open from 15 March; information will be available here.
| Cape Wheel Pricing 2023 | |
| Adult – SA resident | R175.00 |
| Child – SA resident (4yrs to 17yrs) | R95.00 |
| Pensioner – SA resident only | R95.00 |
| Adult – Non resident | R250.00 |
| VIP package – (4pax) | R2,875.00 |
| Skydining Adult – (own food) (Cape Wheel provides basket and table placing) | R320.00 |
| Skydining Child | R150.00 |
| STO (approved tour guides +10 pax) | R120.00 |
| School groups – Child | R50.00 |
| School Groups – Teacher | R95.00 |
The Cape Wheel, designed by Ronald Bussink, was constructed in Germany in 2007 and first visited Cape Town in 2010 during the FIFA World Cup. Since then, it has found a permanent home at the V&A Waterfront, the oldest working harbour in Cape Town.
Apart from the 15-minute ride, the wheel offers a variety of unforgettable experiences, including a VIP experience for four passengers, a sky dining picnic, a free ride on your birthday, a senior’s discount on Tuesdays, and discounted ticket prices for pre-booked school outings. Children of all ages are allowed, and an adult must accompany them.
The V&A Waterfront continually explores ways to refresh and reenergize buildings and spaces to keep the visitor offering unique. The V&A management has taken the opportunity to upgrade critical infrastructure, including changing specific road systems and upgrading drop-and-go and e-hailing facilities to improve the overall visitor experience.
Some of the other developments include the construction of a multi-tenanted office building in the Canal District, anchored by Investec Bank and scheduled for completion in early 2023; a new Astron Energy fuel service station replacing the Caltex station on Dock Road; a refresh of the Alfred Mall below the V&A Hotel, including a new welcome plaza to signpost Cape Town; and the reimagining and redevelopment of the Union Castle Building. The international Time Out Market is also scheduled to open in Cape Town in 2023.
There are a number of fantastic Waterfront restaurants that you can explore.
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