ADVENTURES TO BLOW YOUR HAIR BACK
Got the drive but not the licence?
SIGHTSEE IN A VINTAGE SIDECAR
They say driving a car is like watching a movie, but riding a motorbike is like starring in it. This is true especially along the Atlantic Seaboard at sunset. Cape Sidecar Adventures takes you on a two-hour coastal flit, leaving your hands free to take photos. They kit you out with leather jackets, vintage helmets, goggles and a cool bandana, so from the kick-start you look and feel the part in your own personal movie. Ask if Brody the sidecar dog can join you (people on the street will grin and take photos; it’s not you or your silly helmet – it’s all for Brody.) The whole family will love this activity, and each sidecar takes up to three people (or two people and a dog). From R2500 per sidecar with driver. sidecars.co.za
mean machine tours
If you’re more about the machinery than the scenery, contact Cape Bike Travel. Take a chauffeured ride on a Harley-Davidson, or rent one for yourself and take in the Cape’s views on your own terms. From R800 (helmet and gloves included).
capebiketravel.com
If four wheels are more your speed, rent a topless Cobra sports car from Cape Cobra Hire and take it for a seaboard spin. From R1 500.
capecobrahire.com
ROLL WITH GRAVITY
A bus takes you up Signal Hill, then it’s all downhill from there with Scootours! After freewheeling to Bo-Kaap, the bus collects you again and heads up Tafelberg Road (where you will feel smug as you pass the hundreds of people queuing to board the cable car.) The scooters are just like the ones you banged your ankles on as a child, but with bigger wheels for off-roading.
All this downhill activity requires is an adventurous streak and a bit of balance (you’ve hopefully mastered bicycle riding.) Scootours’s Cape Town routes deliver unusual and stunning views of the Mother City, and an up-close look at Table Mountain’s extensive floral kingdom. R650 pp for two hours. scootours.co.za
SNORKELLING FOR CITIZEN SCIENCE
Experience a day in the life of a marine biologist with Cape Radd’s new False Bay expedition. Learn about marine life and help the cause by being a citizen scientist, documenting and recording different marine species and sampling micro plastic for its research. Look out for the Big Five of the marine world: whales, dolphins, sharks, seals and penguins. Expeditions launch at the Simon’s Town jetty every Friday and include a full English breakfast, a three-hour boat trip and a real-life marine biologist as your guide.
R1 850 for adults, R1 250 for children under 12. If you don’t have a whole morning free, you can still join marine biologists on a fish-monitoring programme any day (weather dependent) for three hours. R600 to snorkel in the kelp or R1 400 to scuba dive (you must be qualified).
caperadd.com
To go snorkelling with playful seals, join Cape Town Adventures on the Atlantic Seaboard side near Justin’s Cave, right in front of the 12 Apostles Hotel. R1 250 pp.
capetownexperiences.co.za
GREEN WATERBIKING
Join Cape Town Water Bikes for a truly sustainable seaside adventure in Simon’s Town. You can book a guided trip or rent a bike for your own adventure. The water bikes are silent and produce zero emissions, giving you the freedom to explore without leaving an environmental footprint. Depending on weather and sea conditions, the adventure will take you either towards Boulders Beach or to the Clan Stuart shipwreck and beyond. R590 for a two-hour guided tour (age 13 and up). capetown waterbikes.activitar.com
SUP THE CANALS
If you’re on holiday with a shopaholic but can’t bear the thought of facing the masses at the Waterfront, take a peaceful paddle around it. An hour or two of supping the Waterfront’s canals will certainly earn your fish-andchips lunch. R220 pp. supcapetown.co.za
PADDLE ZANDVLEI ESTUARY
Hop in a kayak and paddle through the Zandvlei Nature Reserve. Home to an abundance of birdlife (166 species to be exact), you may even see pelicans or flamingos if you’re lucky. This flatwater adventure is great for families, and no prior paddling experience is necessary. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets and light snacks are provided. From R300 for two hours. paddleexperience.co.za