I call them champagne days – these are bountiful in winter, when the still air is clean and clear, the sun warms you deep in your bones and you feel truly at peace with the world.
Visit Cape Town in winter, when local accommodations drop prices and offer promotions to attract business. On the south peninsula in Cape Town, there are many added attractions for the visitor.
- Restaurant specials
Restaurants that possibly you would not readily frequent offer excellent promotions in winter. We are blessed to have several top restaurants in our area. An example is The Food Barn, in Noordhoek, where Chef Franck Dangereux is famous for delicious and decadent ‘fine-dining’ style food in a relaxed and characterful old barn. Winter 2019 Special, is a 2/3/4 course meal, with or without wine pairing. They have teamed up with some amazing wine farms and every two weeks a new menu is created accompanying different local wines. How innovative.
- Whale Watching
Southern Right Whales, and others, visit our waters from around June to November to mate, calve, or simply to get away from the icy Antarctic winter. The western half of False Bay – stretching from Strandfontein all the way to Cape Point is one of the finest boat based whale watching sites in South Africa. This area, sheltered from the open ocean, provides an ideal winter home for the Southern Right Whales. Simon’s Town Boat Company do boat tours. Or one can view these enormous mammals from Boyes Drive that runs parallel to the ocean above Muizenberg to Kalk Bay.
- Sundowners on Chapman’s Peak
Find a view point along the scenic coastal drive, and enjoy your snacks and wine while viewing the sun dipping down and sinking into the sea.
- Farmer’s Market.
Situated on the water’s edge in the old section of the Hout Bay Harbour, Bay Harbour Market comprises more than 100 stalls housed in tented alleys, courtyards and an old fish factory. This bustling market offers a wide range of delicious food as well as interesting clothes and crafts.
Friday, 5pm – 9pm Saturday & Sunday, 9:30am – 4pm
- Wine-tasting
Cape Point Vineyards is tucked just below the entrance to Chapman’s Peak. Partake in their award-winning fine wines while taking in the splendid views. Hours: 11h00 – 18h00 (15h00 on Thursdays)
- Walks
There is nothing like a walk to get your circulation going and fill your lungs with truly fresh air. There are several walks one can enjoy.
Jager Walk – the southern side of Fish Hoek Beach
Kommetjie Beach – frequented by local families, surfers and dogs, you can enjoy the fresh sea air and views across the water to Hout Bay.
St James to Muizenberg – one of my favourite walks starts at St James. You walk just above the rocks but below the railway line to Muizenberg (there is a well maintained path) Drop in at the elegant Casa Labia for tea and a treat, and then return back to your car.
- Accommodation
Of course I cannot fail to mention the winter special rates for fabulous self-catering accommodation at African Violet on the deep south overlooking the Noordhoek Valley to the Atlantic Ocean.
