Unveiling Cape Town’s Secret Spots: From Wine Valleys to Kelp Forests
As summer approaches in the southern hemisphere, Cape Town bursts into life. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain and along the ocean, the city is perfect for summer exploration. While popular attractions like the V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Camps Bay, Boulders Beach, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and the increasingly popular Lion’s Head hike are must-sees, there are also off-the-beaten-track finds that are well worth adding to your itinerary. Here are some we recommend:
Visit these lesser-known wine valleys
While the Franschhoek and Stellenbosch wine valleys are renowned for producing fine wines, the Bottelary Hills Wine Valley (adjacent to Stellenbosch) has some gems too. This valley is tucked away and perhaps overlooked, although it is well worth visiting. Visit Louisvale for exquisite food, wine and views, where you’ll experience the feeling of being situated in a spectacular hidden valley that faces the Stellenbosch mountains. Asara Wine Estate and Hotel also provides magnificent dining and views, while Jordan Wine Estate is perfect for sipping wine outside, overlooking the lake, or enjoying fine dining inside. If you want a family-friendly destination, Hazendal Wine Estate offers good food, a Russian High Tea Experience (this must be pre-booked), a nine-hole golf course and an indoor edutainment centre for children.
Learn to cook a local meal
Join a local guide for a fascinating cultural tour of the Bo-Kaap (which means Above Cape). The area, famous for its brightly-coloured houses, used to be referred to as the Malay Quarter. It began as a settlement for slaves who were brought from Malaysia, Indonesia, and various regions of Africa to work for Dutch immigrant families. The Malay and Indonesian influences made their way into local cooking and this developed into what is known as Cape Malay cooking. The food includes meals, such as biryani and bobotie (considered a classic South African dish).
After enjoying a guided tour of the area, with time to pose in front of the vibrant buildings, you can take part in a Cape Malay cooking lesson, in the home of one of the residents. Or, if you prefer not to cook, you can still enjoy authentic local cuisine at Faeeza’s Home Kitchen.
Snorkel with a marine biologist in the Great African Seaforest
Join marine biologist Mike Barron on a guided snorkel or scuba dive and learn about the unique ecosystem of False Bay, and its kelp forest (highlighted in the Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher).
After a briefing, once in the water, you can help record data for a marine research conservation project, by counting fish and elasmobranchs (such as the little shysharks and pyjama sharks). You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the ocean and the unique character of Cape Town’s kelp forests, which are tranquil and awe-inspiring. (If your children are over seven and are confident swimmers, they may accompany you).
Visit wine estates by helicopter
While the wine route that you’ll visit is not necessarily all off the beaten track, your transport via helicopter with a private guide does set it apart. Wine Flies helicopter tours will take you and your group (up to six people) to wine regions like Durbanville, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Constantia depending on your chosen itinerary. Your tour will include having a knowledgeable local wine guide, cellar tours, wine tastings, a light lunch, your private helicopter and gorgeous scenery.
Enjoy sustainable foraging in inter-tidal pools
Join the Veld and Sea team for a half-day, hands-on workshop exploring the edible treasures of the Atlantic coastline. You’ll discover how to harvest local seaweeds and molluscs sustainably and join interactive cooking demonstrations over an open fire. The workshop concludes with a delectable multi-course, coastal-inspired lunch using seasonal ingredients (from the garden and local farms) paired with botanical drinks in the Veld and Sea Glasshouse.
Veld and Sea’s founder, Roushana Gray shares her “passion for the edible landscape through immersive educational experiences, connection and creativity” and she invites you to “discover the rich offerings of the intertidal zone by foraging in rock pools, learning how to sustainably harvest and incorporate the coastal landscape of Cape Town into your cooking while enjoying a wildly delicious summertime adventure!”
Happy Travelling,
The Leopard Team
P.S. Looking for even more hidden gems in Cape Town? We’d love to help you tailor the perfect itinerary that balances iconic Cape Town destinations with lesser-known wonders.