The rainy season is here for Capetonians and with more bad weather on the cards, Alan Valkenburg offers a few fun suggestions to keep the cabin fever at bay.
Lucky for us, Cape Town has a multitude of indoor (and outdoor, if you’re keen!) activities perfect for those gloomy days.
1. Go fish
Photo credit: @2oceansaquarium on instagram.
Want to go fishing? Well, the Two Oceans Aquarium is full of fish… and other sea life. Instead of catching them, try watching them. The penguins are always a hit and if you check out the website, you’ll be able to time your visit to watch feeding time.
For yearly membership for adults of R485 and kiddies 4-13 of R240, you may as well buy the annual membership and make the most of it.
Also read: K9 Search and Rescue dogs visit Two Oceans Aquarium
2. Browse art
The Norval Foundation exhibits sculptures, paintings, statues and various other types of art.
The Mother City also has a Mother Lode of art galleries! You can hit up the CBD to find interesting art spots like Young Blood Gallery in Bree Street, or you can pop into the V&A Waterfront to visit the Zeitz MOCAA. Alternatively, you can also venture out to Steenberg Estate and spend some time at the Norval Foundation.
Also Read: Walking Cape Town’s [design] line
3. Catch a wave
If you just asked ‘but it’s raining?’ then you obviously aren’t a surfer. Real surfers know that the wind that brings the bad weather to Cape Town also brings the waves. There’s nothing like the feeling of an offshore wind splattering you with spray as the wave breaks nearby. So while others are avoiding getting wet, Southern Suburbs surfers are celebrating the rain. Just be sure to keep some warm clothes in the car for afterwards, and don’t go if there are severe storm warnings.
4. Visit the Iziko South African Museum
The Bo-Kaap Museum is a fantastic place to visit. Credit: Iziko Museums
This is one of those places where time can quickly run away from you – just what you want on a cold winter’s day. From exhibits of stuffed animals to sea life, precious stones to dinosaur bones, there’s plenty to keep you – and kids especially – entertained.
And why not combine it with a trip to the Planetarium (just next door) while you’re about it? With specials always on that allow you to visit both for a very low price, it’s a great deal.
R30 adults, R15 for children. Visit the website here.
5. Dress up for high tea
High tea is a grand affair in Cape Town, and served in world-class establishments. This makes for a lovely ladies get together, or romantic date. The Mount Nelson Hotel in town offers different sessions, or head to the Cape Grace Hotel at the V&A Waterfront. If you’re so inclined, you could also explore the winelands and work in your high tea at the Lanzerac Estate in Stellenbosch.
*Eateries are not allowed to open for dine-in patrons under current Level 4 regulations, but book your spot for when they reopen!
If you’ve done them all and you’re keen for more, here are some other ideas for things to do in Cape Town and on rainy days:
