Guest Post written by Jade Scully

As the initial shy rays of summer begin to woo Cape Town’s sun-loving inhabitants out of their jerseys and jackets the city comes alive with the flap of flip-flops, beach bats and the sweet sounds of the enchanting outdoors.

If you and your family are lucky enough to explore the Mothercity during the warm months, a picnic or two is the perfect way to enjoy some of the most stunning settings in the world. Take some time out, round up the kids, pack the family picnic basket and head out to some of these fine-dining destinations.

Family vacationing in Cape Town

Anyone who lives in or has spent some time in Cape Town knows that the beaches are the place to be on a hot afternoon. There are so many along the coastal region that you’ll be spoilt for choice. The best ones to take the family to are probably Simonstown’s shores. Boulders Beach will keep the little ones busy playing in the small breakwater and after everyone’s had their fill from the basket you can walk along the pathways near the penguin colony where the easily-recognizable black and white birds laze in the hot sands, frolic in the waves and nurture their newly-hatched chicks.

Another spot to lay down the blanket are the beautifully-maintained lawns of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Few botanical gardens can match this World Heritage Site’s natural splendor. With Table Mountain looming impressively as a backdrop, the smell of indigenous flowers wafting around your nostrils and the wide open grass areas, relaxing could not come easier. If you’re lucky you might even spot one of the resident mongooses sneakily dashing in and out of the bushes looking for a tasty snack. The kids will love exploring the nooks and crannies and a group visit to the wishing well is a must.

Table Mountain

If a more uncultivated setting gets your heart a flutter then find yourself a spot on the grounds at Noordhoek Commons. With a line of leafy, gnarled-wood trees along the one side and a perfectly placed rope swing this is the ultimate in off-the-beaten-tracks destinations. A rider or two might pass you by on their well-maintained horses and most of the residents living nearby always enjoy an evening stroll while their hounds sprint across the grass back and forth.

Tokai Forest offers a fantastical setting for a picnic. Located on the slopes of Table Mountain’s eastern side the landscape is a stunning scene of tall eucalyptus and pine trees, their leafy tops shedding dappled light-shade on the ground. If you like birds you may be delighted to spot the European Honey Buzzard, raptors or the Common Chaffinch flitting through the skies or stalking some anxious bite-sized creature on the forest floor. Enjoy your food and then lay back on the blanket and let the light flecks dance across your face as you listen to the wind in the trees tell you stories of the wild wood.

About Jade:

Jade Scully is a copywriter, blogger and online marketing enthusiast, based in Cape Town, who has published her work on a series of online publications and websites including Leeulekker who provide a range of travel and touring information for southern Africa travelers.

It’s time to plan your annual family vacation, but this year, you’re looking to do something new and exciting. You want to visit a place that rewards your family with cultural enlightenment, historical insight, and precious family bonding time.

As a culturally and historically enriched region, Cape Town and its surrounding areas are prime destinations for those looking to broaden their horizons of worldly experiences and knowledge. Although the most popular tours and historic landmarks include Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and Dies Bo Kaap, every family’s itinerary differs depending on their personal preferences and needs. No two itineraries are alike.

Below is a 7-day sample itinerary that is designed to give you a better idea for what you and your family could expect on an African family vacation to the Cape Town region:

Day 1: The Mother City Tour: This tour celebrates the best of what Cape Town has to offer. After your first, peaceful night in Cape Town’s luxurious Mount Nelson Hotel, you will awake to a nourishing, traditional English breakfast in one of the hotel’s fine dining areas. After your meal, you will embark on a journey through historic Cape Town.

First, you will enjoy a tour up Table Mountain via rotating cable car, and then a tour of The Castle of Good Hope. Continuing on your exploration, you’ll visit gardens, the Green Point Light House, The Cape Town Stadium, V & A Waterfront, Die Bo Kaap, District Six, and the Kirstenbosch Gardens. Once you arrive at the Gardens, you will enjoy a delightful lunch, where you can reminisce about the morning’s adventures.

Day 2: The Peninsula Tour: After a rejuvenating last night at the Mount Nelson Hotel, you will embark on your next journey to Hout Bay. Here, you will take a boat to the beautiful Seal Island where you can relax and enjoy the African ocean breeze. After a day in the sun, you will head over to your next accommodation, The Last Word Long Beach Guest House.

Once you have freshened up at the hotel, you’ll be escorted to Boulders Beach where you will visit an African penguin colony and observe the penguins in their natural environment. Cape of Good Hope will be your final destination for the day.

Day 3: Wine Tastings and Butterfly Sightings: Today, you will relish in some of the Cape’s most exceptional wines when you visit Ernie Els’ wine estate for delightful wine tastings and a cellar tour. And depending on your preference of wine (red or white), you will be escorted to another wine estate where you will enjoy additional wine tastings.

For lunch, you will be brought to the award-winning Overture restaurant where you will delight in the eclectic variety of Chef Bertus Basson and Craig Cormack’s contemporary, Mediterranean, and South African culinary fusions. And don’t forget to follow the Chefs’ wine pairing suggestions!

After a spectacular lunch, you’ll visit the Butterfly World, where you and the whole family can witness a variety of butterflies, birds, reptiles, and peculiar insects.

Day 4: Taking the Scenic Route: Today, you will begin your journey from the Long Beach Guest House to the renowned Birkenhead Villa in Hermanus. During your trip, you’ll stop at various points of interest along the way as you soak in your picturesque surroundings. Whether you want to enjoy a picnic on the way, visit the penguins at Stony Point, or browse some local shops, your trip to Hermanus will, no doubt, be a memorable one.

Once you arrive at the seaside Birkenhead House, you’ll be escorted to your villa where you can lounge by the pool or sit on your private balcony as you look for whales in Walker Bay.

Day 5: The Possibilities Are Endless: Whether your family is comprised of walkers and hikers, beach lovers, ocean enthusiasts, horse lovers, or a mix of all four, Hermanus has it all. Choose from a whale watching cruise, a hike through Hermanus’ Fernkloof Nature Reserve, a relaxing day on world-renowned Grotto Beach,  a Dyer Island cruise, deep sea fishing, horseback riding on the beach, or a rejuvenating day in the spa. Your every need and desire is met at Hermanus.

Is a African family vacation in the future for you? Let us know in our comments section.

1. World of Birds: This bird park, located in Hout Bay, is Africa’s largest and most diverse. With over 400 different species of birds and small animals, the entire family can enjoy a unique learning experience through bird and monkey sanctuaries. Some of the many birds you’ll see while on this exciting safari tour include cranes, eagles, ostriches, peafowls, and spoonbills—to name a very few.

Photo from Ratanga Junction website

2. Ratanga Junction:

For an exciting and fun-filled day, the Ratanga Junction amusement park is the place to head. With rides and attractions for all ages, everyone in the family is sure to find excitement. Some kids’ rides include Crocodile Swamps, Rats and Cats Bumper Cars, and the Safari Bus. For the older kids looking for an extreme adrenaline rush, The Cobra, The Slingshot, and the Crocodile Gorge will satisfy their craving for adventure. 

3. Middelvlei Wine Farm and Fairview Winery: Located in Stellenbosch, South Africa, adults can enjoy the delectable wines of Middelvlei Wine Farm while the children play with the farm’s animals. Fairview Winery, located in Paarl, is also home to a fantastic selection of fine wines and children attractions, such as the goat tower. 

Adult and young gabar goshawk

4. Spier Estate:

This is a hot-spot for the kids. The little ones can get their faces painted and have lunch as they watch African music performances. Before lunch, the family can enjoy the Eagle Encounters show, which features a variety of eagles and birds of prey, and provides an interactive experience for the kids. 

5. Joostenberg Bistro: This country-style restaurant is located in the rural planes of Stellenbosch and features delectable wines, hearty breakfasts, and sumptuous lunches. The bistro’s surrounding grounds welcome the kids to run and play as the adults wind down from a delicious meal.

6. Eaglevlei Winery: Enjoy exceptional wine tasting and fine dining at the Eaglevlei Winery in Stellenbosch as the kids play in the estate’s exciting jungle gym.

7. Boulders Beach: With calm, warm waters, Boulder Beach is the perfect place for the little ones to swim and enjoy an exciting day in the sun. When you’re in need of a lunch break, Penguin Point restaurant is perfect as it’s just around the corner and features a kids menu.

8. Imhoff farm village: Great for the entire family, the Imhoff farm village features horseback riding and camel riding. There’s also a snake park, petting zoo, charming shops, and delicious restaurants.

9. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Harbour Cruises: Ideal for last minute decisions, Harbour Cruises do not need to be booked in advance as tickets can be bought on the spot. These cruises are a great way to soak in the surrounding area and learn about its historical heritage.

10. Kalkies: With a fantastic selection of fresh seafood and fish and chips, Kalkies restaurant has something to satisfy every palette. After a delicious meal, kids can enjoy walking through the working harbor to see seals, boats, and watch fisherman at work.