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Right now we are seeing the rise of the “digital nomad” - people who travel and work remotely from different spots around the world - all they need is a laptop and a strong internet connection! As technology develops and with the global pandemic this past year throwing the usual working norms out of the window, remote working is steadily growing in popularity.

There are a number of incredible destinations across the world that offer excellent remote working opportunities. Digital nomads will be seeking a spot that has connectivity, affordable cost of living, expat-friendly communities and a great quality of life. Cape Town, South Africa, has all of these things and more! It is a cosmopolitan city that attracts travellers from all over the world thanks to its diverse landscapes, incredible culture and an almost endless list of things to see and do!

The idea of an independent working environment and the freedom to travel appeals to many. The biggest decision you’ll have to make is choosing where to work! Here are a few reasons why Cape Town should be at the top of your list of choices for remote working cities:

1. The Scenery

Of course we have to start off talking about the sheer beauty you will be surrounded by in Cape
Town! From the mountain peaks and golden beaches to the sprawling vineyards and character filled suburbs. Imagine waking up to views of the Atlantic Ocean and going for a quick surf before work. Or working in the shadow of Table Mountain and finishing your day off with sundowners on Signal Hill. Nothing quite compares! Cape Town and its surroundings are bursting full of incredible scenery!

2. Affordability

In general, South Africa is an affordable country for foreigners to visit. The same is true for digital nomads who are looking for their next remote working destination - South Africa is definitely a cost-savvy option! Cape Town specifically is one of the more expensive cities in which to live in South Africa, but this cosmopolitan destination is nearly 60% cheaper than living in places like New York or London.

The cost of living in Cape Town is generally affordable - especially if you are earning in foreign currency! Local South Africans also flock to Cape Town to live, work and play so it could be an excellent option for South Africans looking for a change in routine. A nice meal out won’t cost an arm and a leg, there is a range of activities available at different price points and there are a number of options for areas to live in - whether you are renting long term or looking for a shorter holiday rental!

3. Community

One of the biggest draws for Cape Town as a remote working destination is that it has a wellconnected expat scene. The city is a cultural melting pot of people from all over South Africa, Africa and further abroad. There are strong, expat-friendly communities and you are sure to come across another traveller from your home country either at one of the city’s co-working spaces or while you are out discovering the city.

4. Connectivity and co-working spaces

Speaking of co-working spaces, there is no shortage of these in Cape Town! Check out Workshop 17 at the stunning V&A Waterfront, Inner City Ideas Cartel and Work & Co (both in the CBD) and much more! Even better, Cape Town could almost rival cities like Vienna, Seattle and Rome with its growing coffee scene and cafe culture. There are dozens of stylish, quaint and quirky spots across the city (most with free wifi) where you can work for a couple of hours - be sure to try a cup of coffee wherever you are!

Another excellent option is to work from your home-away-from-home. Find a holiday rental with good connectivity or wifi included and make this your office base. Top tip - choose somewhere with a view!

Ultimately, you need to pick your work spot by seeing what best fits your needs.

5. Activities

Once you are done with work for the day, it’s time to get out and discover your new location! The beauty of Cape Town is that there is so much to see, do and experience! From free activities to things that are worth saving up for. You will be surrounded by so many fun options! So much so that many digital nomads choose to stay for months at a time. Fill your days with adventure and fresh air before checking out the vibrant nightlife!

For nature lovers, there are walks, hikes, cycling routes and more to enjoy. Take a dip in the ocean, go surfing, kayaking and even snorkelling with seals! Any foodies out there? You’re in for a real treat in Cape Town! The city is home to world-class restaurants and you’ll find award winning wineries nearby in Constantia, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl. There is an exciting range of fine-dining, popular eateries, foreign cuisine and local hotspots - and good old fast food too. Culture and Cape Town go hand in hand; check out the local music scene, explore one of the museums, catch a theatre performance and browse local arts and crafts at bespoke stores and markets. Sports fans can share their passions at the local rugby and soccer stadiums (once big group gatherings are on the cards again).

6. Weather

Another huge “pro” of choosing Cape Town as your remote work destination is the weather. Summer in Cape Town is simply divine. Long, hot days when the sun rises early and sets around 8pm. Spring and autumn are mostly warm and pleasant - perfect weather for exploring the outdoors! While winter becomes cold and rainy with temperatures sitting at 11°C – 22°C, it is mild compared to winter in most major cities in Europe and North America. There are also great accommodation and restaurant specials at this time of year!

7. History, heritage & culture

South Africa is a country unlike any other. After stepping forward from the turbulent history of apartheid, today the ‘Rainbow Nation’ is a truly unique mix of people, heritage and cultures. History is all around. When you’re in Cape Town you can learn more about South Africa’s past at places like Robben Island, the District Six Museum, Bo Kaap, the Castle of Good Hope and the Iziko South Africa Museums. Take a local tour of the city and surrounds or travel up the West Coast to !Khwa ttu to learn about South Africa first people - the San.

Good to remember:

Two important things to remember when picking your remote working destination: Visas and safety. Do some research beforehand to check what visas you will need when travelling to South Africa. Safety is another important thing to keep in mind. South Africa is generally safe for tourists just be sure to keep your wits about you and remain vigilant as you would in any major city - be aware of pickpockets, don’t walk alone at night, try not to flash valuables around and be sure to have emergency contacts listed somewhere you can access easily.

With its incredible scenery, an abundance of activities, affordability and more, Cape Town appeals to locals and foreigners who are looking to live the digital nomad lifestyle. There’s no doubt about it - Cape Town definitely needs to be at the top of your remote working destination list!

The Easter long weekend is coming up soon and it's the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the family!

There are four full days to celebrate and spend as you please. Better yet, Cape Town is the perfect destination to find fun activities that will keep everyone in the family entertained - from the youngsters to mum and dad and even gran and grandpa! As a destination, Cape Town and its surrounding areas offer a ton of fun things to see and do. This long weekend is your chance to experience a few!

Check out our pick of the best activities to keep the whole family entertained this Easter weekend below:

Take the family on a hike

Spending a few hours in nature is an oldie but a goodie! Choose your route depending on everyone’s fitness levels and ages. Try one of the popular trails like Lion’s Head or one of the routes up Table Mountain. You can also take a look at some Hout Bay Hikes here. Be sure to drink lots of water and wear sunscreen. Head out in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat!

Visit Noordhoek Farm Village

Head to Noordhoek Farm Village for a laid back day with great food and boutique shops to browse through. There will even be a morning of fun just for the kids on Saturday, 3 April with face painting, horse rides and more! Noordhoek Bunny Rescue will also be there to share some stories about their rescue center.

Also in Noordhoek, older kids and their families might enjoy a longer, scenic horse ride along Noordhoek Beach which is an amazing way to end the day!

Take a cruise around the V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is one of the top attractions for visitors to Cape Town! It’s also filled with family-fun activities for travellers and locals alike. One super memorable activity is taking a cruise around the harbour. Choose to take a leisurely boat trip, a sunset cruise or even a pirate boat trip - the choice is yours! Looking for something slightly different? Take a trip to Seal Island in Hout Bay or cruise around the canals in the Waterfront to see the vibrant district from the waterways.

Go kayaking in Hout Bay

Grab a paddle and hit the ocean this long weekend! Hop into a kayak in Hout Bay and paddle along the beautiful coastline. See the stunning Chapman’s Peak and keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, penguins and sunfish! This activity is great for both beginners and experienced kayakers (do note that it will be weather dependent).

Soak in the sunshine at Kirstenbosch

Spend the day relaxing surrounded by nature in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Nestled on the slopes of Table Mountain, it is well-loved as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawns, explore the trails and stroll along the canopy walkway while you’re there.

Get your creativity flowing at Clay Cafe

This is a great indoor activity for people for all ages! At Clay Cafe, you can spend a few hours getting your creative juices flowing while hand painting pottery. All you need to do is book a table and show up - Clay Cafe provides the pottery and paints and will fire and glaze the pieces for you which you will need to collect in a few weeks time. Simply pick the item(s) you’d like to paint (mugs, plates, plant pots, batman sculptures… you name, it’s probably there!), grab your tools and start creating! Tasty food, coffee and sweet treats are available and there is an outdoor area for kids to play in at the Hout Bay venue.

Enjoy a picnic at a wine farm

Cape Town is surrounded by beautiful wine farms and estates. Several are home to magnificent lawns that are perfect for family picnics! Find a spot that tickles your fancy in Constantia or further out in Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Order a platter or two, lay back and relax in a beautiful setting while the kids run around nearby. Mum and dad can even enjoy a glass of wine!

Catch a drive-in movie at the Galileo Open Air Cinema

Enjoy an old school evening with a drive in movie! The Galileo Open Air Cinema offers outdoor movie screenings at venues around Cape Town. Feel the nostalgia of a classic drive in movie experience accompanied by a great film and snacks! The Galileo also offers VIP and picnic movie experiences (on Wednesdays and Thursdays respectively). Take a look at the movie schedule here.

Discover the world below our feet at the Two Oceans Aquarium

Experience the wild wonders of the ocean at Cape Town’s Two Oceans Aquarium! Located at the V&A Waterfront, it offers a fully fun educational experience for people of all ages. See sharks swim, watch penguins gobble fish, wander through the exhibits and get a closer look at marine life at the touch pool and microscope exhibit.

Admire the art at the Zeitz MOCAA

For a touch of art and culture, pay a visit to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA) situated in the Waterfront’s Silo District. The museum is the only one on the continent dedicated to contemporary African art and the building itself is a marvel! Checking out the worldclass exhibitions is a definite-must for art-loving families!

Rent bikes and cycle along the promenade

Feel like a kid again while the family zooms along the Sea Point Promenade! Rent a bike and make your way along the winding Sea Point promenade (see if you can make it all the way to the lighthouse!). It’s flat and there are no cars, making it a safe and fun route for all ages. There are also bike rental stations in Camps Bay and the Silo District at the Waterfront for something different!

Hop on a segway and glide through the Cape Winelands!

Get your adrenaline pumping with a segway adventure tour through the winelands! Experience spots like Spier Wine Farm from a unique point of view - by segway! A guide will lead you through the farm and vineyards. Have fun while gliding from spot to spot - this will definitely be a wine farm visit to remember!

Whether you want to spend time outdoors, feel creative or get active, you can do it this Easter weekend. No matter your age or interest, and whether you are a local or just visiting, there is something for everyone in the family in Cape Town!

Fresh air, beautiful scenery, incredible views… There is nothing quite like escaping into nature! Hiking gives you the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the outdoors, and Hout Bay is one of the best places in Cape Town to take a hike!

This seaside neighbourhood is bordered by the ocean on one side and surrounded on the others by striking peaks. The landscape offers a number of wonderful options for walks and hikes; from coastal meanders to ravine rambling.

We have put together a list of five hikes to enjoy in Hout Bay along with some information about each trail. Take a look:

Little Lions Head

Little Lion’s Head (also known as Klein Leeukoppie) is a short hike with excellent views of Hout Bay and Llandudno. Named in honour of its “big brother” situated near the Cape Town city centre, the hike up this mountain won’t take long and is a great early morning or late afternoon excursion. The trail starts on Mount Rhodes Drive (it is on private property so you will need to ring a buzzer at the gate on Mount Rhodes Drive and security will let you in). There is some easy rock scrambling required near the end and then you will be rewarded with unforgettable views!

Read more about the Little Lions Head hike here.

Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine

This beautiful 8km trail is for the more experienced hikers and takes about 6 hours to complete. It’s well known for the waterfalls that can be seen in winter as well as the beautiful red disa flowers which bloom in summer (from January to March). Start at Farriers Way in Hout Bay and finish (after a bit of a steep descent) at the Suikerbossie restaurant. You’ll walk through indigenous forests, hop across river beds and head up the ravine (do take note: it can be slippery after rain).

Find out more about the Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine trail here.

Blackburn Ravine from Chapman’s Peak

You’re sure to fall in love with your surroundings on this 4.6km, relatively easy there-and-back hike! Begin at the East Fort car park near the Chapman’s Peak Drive tollbooth (ask for a day pass which will give you free access to the car park). Take a look around the fort before heading off on the gravel path. This hike offers amazing views of Hout Bay and the further you climb, the more views you’ll enjoy of Fish Hoek and the beach in Noordhoek. Take it at a leisurely pace and admire the fynbos. Why not pack a picnic to enjoy along the way?

More info on the Blackburn Ravine hiking trail here.

Sandy Bay Shipwreck Trail

This trail is also known as the Oude skip or Oudeschip hike - thanks to the shipwrecks found along the coastline here. Head to Sandy Bay beach from Hout Bay (you can park and then walk down to the beach itself). From here, you will wind along the beach and bushy paths until you reach the Oudeschip Peninsula which is a great spot to stop for a picnic. From here, you’ll be able to see the Bos 400 and Maori shipwrecks (moderate to advanced hikers can continue the path towards the wrecks). Interesting to note, Sandy Bay beach is an (unofficial) nudist beach so don’t be surprised if you feel slightly overdressed!

Find out more about the Sandy Bay Shipwreck trail hike here.

Constantia Nek

Begin just outside of Hout Bay at Constantia Nek and follow this trail up to one of Table Mountains beautiful dams! The trail begins at the Constantia Nek parking lot and follows a jeep track up the east side of Table Mountain (you can also begin from the Cecilia Forest parking lot). You’ll pass De Villiers Dam, Overseers cottage and reach Alexandra Reservoir (you can continue on from here to the Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir but this is a fantastic spot to stop for a picnic or some snacks). While steep at times, there is no scrambling involved so this hike is easy to moderate depending on fitness levels. The views from the top are definitely worth the walk!

The next time you visit this charming coastal destination, lace up your hiking boots and set off on one of these hikes!

Cape Town is filled to the brim with fantastic outdoor spaces and no shortage of hikes across the city and surrounds! If you are keen to venture a little further out of Hout Bay, there are several iconic Cape Town hikes to enjoy. Table Mountain and its variety of hiking paths is always a great option (the paths range from easy to moderate to advanced). Just across from the iconic mountain you can take a walk up Lions Head which is easy to moderate with some ropes and ladders depending on the route you take. Further south, you can visit Silvermine Nature Reserve near Muizenberg and enjoy the view from Elephant’s Eye Cave! You’re spoiled for choice in this amazing city!

Important to note: Always keep safety in mind when hiking anywhere in Cape Town - stick to the path, stay hydrated, walk in groups and try to avoid carrying flashy valuables. If you are unfamiliar with a particular route, a guided hike could be the perfect thing for you!

Perched on an ancient bed of granite rock and rearing up out of the Atlantic Ocean on the southern end of Hout Bay, you’ll discover Chapman’s Peak mountain…although, this megalith hardly needs any introduction. For almost a century, the 9-kilometer-long stretch of roadway that ribbons its way along the mountain’s almost vertical cliff-face (and just as precipitous drop down into the Atlantic Ocean below) has served as the quickest thoroughfare between the Atlantic towns of Hout Bay and Noordhoek. It’s also such a dramatically beautiful route that it has become known, internationally, as one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Being in our very own backyard—and one of the attractions our guests love the most about their visits to Hout Bay—we thought we’d become better acquainted with our very own world-famous drive. This is the story of Chapman’s Peak Drive…

The history of one of the world’s most scenic drives

The official opening of Chapman’s Peak Drive on the 6th May 1922.

Between 1915 and 1922, the roadway we now know as Chapman’s Peak Drive was hacked out of the face of the mountain in order to establish a more direct route between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. At the time, unsurprisingly, the endeavour was considered a major feat of engineering!

Unfortunately, in 1990, after a particularly devastating rock fall, which resulted in a fatality (and lawsuit), Chapman's Peak Drive was closed for a massive re-engineering project that would provide an exponentially safer roadway for motorists.

In 2003, Chapman’s Peak Drive was reopened as a toll road. And while rock falls are unavoidable on such a steep cliff face (which braves the wintertime north-westerly winds and rain almost dead-on), the extensive engineering that has been done, including massive steel rock traps and wall reinforcements, ensure that the road can be used safely.

Fun fact: Did you know that Chapman’s Peak was named in 1607 after John Chapman, the captain’s mate of the English ship ‘Consent,’ which had sought refuge in the sheltered waters of Hout Bay? It’s funny because most imposing landmarks are named after high-ranking officials like captains and governors or, at the very least, the mountaineers who conquer them. Not lowly captain’s mates.

A triumph of South African engineering

The marriage of cutting-edge, 21st Century construction and the sheer courage and determination of the original 1920's build has resulted in this project showcasing the outstanding talents of South African engineering. It only takes one pass of Chapman’s Peak Drive’s 114 curves to appreciate this accomplishment, especially when staring up the vertical rock face that hugs the road.

And, needless to say, the feat has garnered several prestigious awards, including the SAACE National Award for Engineering Excellence (2004) and the Bentley Systems prestigious international award (civil Design) for 3D and 2D rockfall hazard analysis and design using the Microstation suite of geospatial software packages (2004). That’s quite a mouthful.

To learn more about the engineering that keeps motorists safe on this hair-raising stretch of coastal road, you can read up about it on the official website!

The East Fort & Battery

Before Chapman’s Peak Drive had even been conceived, humankind had put the mountain flanks to good use as a lookout point over the entirety of Hout Bay and the ocean beyond. Built in 1782, the old East Fort Battery was one of four fortifications built in Hout Bay by the Dutch East India Company, and was intended to protect the bay (and its harbour and industries) against marine attacks from the south.

The husk of the fort’s old blockhouse (on the mountain side of the road) and the battery of canons (on the ocean side) remain to this day and have become key historical attractions in the area, made even better by the stunning views of the bay. Also, those guns still work—having been restored, proofed, and licensed—and are periodically fired on ceremonious occasions.

The question is: did the East Fort ever serve its purpose?

It sure did! On 15 September 1795, a 16-gun British warship, the HMS Echo, tried to enter the harbour only to be met by a fierce barrage of cannon-fire. The intruder beat a hasty exit; although it did sail on to Table Bay where—after some “negotiation”—the Dutch surrendered and the British assumed control of the Cape Colony.

Things to do and see on Chapman’s Peak Drive

Aside from gawking slack-jawed, either directly up a staggeringly imposing cliff face of the mountain, or straight down onto the boulder-littered coastline and crashing waves below, there are actually quite a few other things to do and see along this relatively short section of coastline!

• Viewpoints offer panoramic views over the whole of Hout Bay and the glittering Atlantic Ocean that embraces it. You can frequently spot dolphins and Southern right whales from these incredible vantage points, as well as seals sunbathing on the rocks below.
• Picnic sites are kept in pretty good condition (with bins for refuse). These also offer stunning, west-facing views over Hout Bay and the sunset, making them a favourite spot for romantic couples!
• The East Fort is a fantastic historic attraction to visit and the starting point for many hikes into the fynbos-carpeted foothills of Chapman’s Peak, a part of the Table Mountain Nature Reserve. It’s also a great spot to lay out a picnic and watch the sunset.
• Hiking trails: As we said, Chapman’s Peak is a part of the Table Mountain Nature Reserve and so it is home to a great diversity of unique fauna and flora, which makes hiking its many trails an invigorating pleasure! For more information on these trails, check out this guide by Cape Town Magazine.

Also, interestingly enough, Chapman’s Peak is home to two different endangered vegetation types that are totally endemic to the city of Cape Town—Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos and Cape Granite Fynbos—which can be found growing alongside this route…and literally nowhere else on the planet!

Chapman’s Peak in times of COVID

One of the awesome things about this quintessential Cape Town attraction, which is just as popular amongst locals as it is tourists, is the fact that it can be safely enjoyed in spite of the COVID pandemic. Because you explore Chapman’s Peak Drive by car, maybe pulling over at one of the rest stops to enjoy the views, there’s really no risk of transmission, as long as you keep your distance from other viewers.

With the most recent lockdown restrictions, however, the day pass facility that allows motorists to stop and the route’s attractions has been suspended until further notice; although, you can still drive the length of Chappies from Hout Bay to Noordhoek. You just aren’t permitted to pull over at any of the viewpoints or picnic sites, which is a shame but hopefully won’t last much longer.

Since South Africans are pretty much confined to our backyards this summer, we thought we’d brainstorm some fabulous and fun ideas for outdoor games! And here are the fruits of our research: 10 ways the family can get creative and enjoy the sunshine and each other in lockdown…

Tic-tac-toe, al fresco

It’s the game we all know and love, except played outdoors, on the pavement, an old tree stump, or on literally any other available flat surface, which you can mark with chalk or string. For a super rough, yet no-less-effective approach, you can use chalk to mark a set of five stones with an “X” and another set with an “O”, and begin playing. Or, you can get creative and paint your stones in different colours or even things (like ladybugs versus beetles), as long as it’s clear which belong in a set.

Backyard bowling with recycled bottles

Turn your backyard into a bowling alley with recycled bottles and a ball…it’s that simple. Use lengths of rope to demarcate the alley and perch the bottles atop a section of cardboard so they’re easier to arrange. Also, try to use a ball with a bit of weight to it so that it’s not too difficult to knock over your makeshift bowling pins.

Bean bag ladder toss

Image source: DIY & Crafts

All you need to make this fun backyard game is a mid-sized ladder, some beanbags or balls, and the stationery to create score levels. Write varying levels of points on pieces of paper (10, 20, 30, 40, etc.) and tape them to each rung of the ladder in ascending order of difficulty. Then, let the challenge begin: each player gets three beanbags or balls, depending on what you have on hand. Whoever scores the highest total, wins!

Water balloon cricket

On a hot day, you and your kids are going to love this game! It combines the fun of playing cricket with the comedy of watching a water balloon explode upon contact and drench the batsman. To play, simply substitute the cricket ball with water balloons and let the hilarity ensue.

Balloon darts

What is it about balloons that just makes us want to destroy them? Well, in this outdoor game, that’s the point! Tape a whole bunch of balloons to a wall and draw a line about two to three meters away, depending on the challenge you want to set. You can arrange the balloons into a picture or a pattern if you like…and the smaller the balloons, the trickier it will be to hit them.

Then, using darts you can buy for cheap at your local toy, dollar, or hobby store, stand behind the line and play target practice with the balloons! Each time you nail one, it’ll explode with a satisfactory “pop” and if you want to keep score, you can award points to certain colours, or even just write numbers on the balloons themselves.

Backyard Twister

Four cans of (non-toxic) spray paint are all it takes to recreate this hit game right in your own backyard. Spray a 4 x 6 grid of large dots onto your lawn (one line of six blue dots; one line of six yellow dots; one line of red dots, and one line of green dots, e.g.) Then, using matching colour paper, cut out six blue, yellow, red, and green disks.

How the game works is that the first player draws a disc at random from a hat. He or she then has to place a hand or foot on that colour in the grid you’ve created on the lawn. The next player draws a disk and does the same. Each time a player draws a disk, they have to place a hand or foot on that colour and after a few turns, things can get super, ah, twisted!

Matching tiles

This is an enormously fun game that’s just as engaging for adults as it is for kids. Print out a selection of colourful images (make sure you print doubles). The more you create, the harder the game but, also, the more backyard real estate you’ll need to play so be conscious of that. Then, stick them onto cardboard backing or laminate them, so they’re easier to work with.

Once your tiles are made, shuffle them (breaking up the partners), scatter them facedown in your backyard, and start trying to match up the partners!

Create an artistic mess

Set up an easel with paper (or canvas if you expect to render a masterpiece) and then go crazy on it with wild swings of your paintbrush. And if you’re feeling really playful, fill a water gun up with watered-down acrylic paint and fire away at your canvas, creating an abstract artwork that would be the envy of Jackson Pollock.

Cornhole

Cornhole is a game that’s been around for as long as outdoor weddings have been “a thing”. It involves trying to toss a beanbag (or ball) into a small hole cut into the far end of a rectangular wooden board, which is propped up at that end. Players take turns throwing their missiles and keep tally of points: a bag directly in the hole scores three points, while one on the board scores one point.

P.S. A part of the fun of this outdoor game is DIY making one of these boards at home and then getting the kids to paint it! Alternatively, you can order them online.

Water balloon volleyball

You’ll need a makeshift volleyball net, water balloons, and one beach towel per team to play this hilarious version of the original. Each team of two people hold a towel between them like a slingshot, using it to catapult a water balloon over the net and to the other team, who will then attempt to catch it in their towel without breaking it. Good luck with that. Expect to get wet!

And even more ideas for outdoor games…

These are really just a handful of ideas to get you started. There’s also lawn scrabble (using large cardboard tiles with letters written on them), giant Jenga, DIY obstacle courses, and treasure hunts! Needless to say, every outdoor game we’ve mentioned here can be appropriated for adults, particularly for braais and dinner parties when the restrictions lift!

White sand beaches leading out to infinite horizons; fynbos and flower-carpeted landscapes that erupt into kaleidoscopic colour every spring; hot, fresh seafood caught by local fishermen that morning; and the best views of the sunsets you’ll find in the Cape…these are just a few of the myriad assets the spectacular West Coast of South Africa has to offer. And now, with social distancing becoming a part of our culture, we can add another quality to the West Coast experience: wide open spaces!

Let’s take a look at all the beguiling reasons you should take a trip up the West Coast…

# 1. Picnics and sundowners on endless beaches

The West Coast serves as the country’s border to the Atlantic Ocean. Beyond its fringe of white-sand beaches and rolling coastal shrub there is nothing but open ocean. Next stop? South America.

Given it’s remoteness and distance from major cities, the West Coast is equally blessed with beauty and tranquility. And so, if it’s generous swaths of beach looking out onto infinite western horizons you’re after, you won’t find a better viewpoint in the entirety of the Cape.

# 2. The blooming of the spring wildflowers

The West Coast has an international reputation for the annual blooming of its wildflowers. Towards the end of every August, millions upon millions of bulbs and seeds that have lain dormant in the soil erupt into a celebration of colour, carpeting the region in swaths of orange, purple, red, and white. If you didn’t know any better, you might think that a vast truck carrying paint had upended its contents across the landscape! For more information on the area’s incredible flora, check out the Velddrif Tourism Website.

# 3. A birdwatcher’s paradise

With the West Coast spanning a spectrum of different habitats—notably mudflats, estuaries, coastal scrub, and fynbos—the area is considered a prime location for birds and birding. Here, 127 different species of water birds and 93 terrestrial birds have been identified, 25 species of which are of national importance for their scarcity and at least five of which are listed as ‘Red Data’ species.

Two exceptionally popular sites for birding include the West Coast National Park, Rocherpan reserve, the Langebaan bird sanctuary, and the Cerebos salt pans, the latter of which is located near the mouth of the Berg River, which attracts birds species such as greater and lesser flamingo, great white pelicans, and chestnut banded plovers, as well as occasional rare and elusive vagrants.

For more information about birdwatching in the lower Berg River wetlands, please click here.

# 4. Go river or deep-sea fishing

If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you’ll be spoiled for choice on the West Coast! There are fantastic opportunities on the Berg River or, if it’s bigger catch you’re after, you can strike out west to go deep-sea fishing on a charter, like A&M Fishing Charters. All you need is your fishing and bait licence, which is available at the local Post Office. To book, visit the website or contact +27 (0) 71 550 8491.

# 5. Go whale-watching

Being an important upwelling zone, the Benguela current, which flows north alongside the West Coast, nurtures a thriving ecosystem, which means rich marine life and the potential to spot big ocean mammals like dolphins, porpoises, and whales! Species such as southern right whales can be spotted from the beaches, while humpbacked whales can be seen further out to sea. Alternatively, you can hop on a whale-watching charter to get up close and personal with these extraordinary animals.

# 6. Visit the West Coast’s nature reserves

Because much of the West Coast has been left untouched by development, its flower-carpeted plains, estuaries, mudflats, and indigenous coastal scrub and fynbos have been left in a pristine state. They also support a myriad of animals and birdlife, many species of which are endemic to this region and found nowhere else in South Africa, or indeed the world!

The West Coast National Park is undoubtedly one of the Western Cape’s most beautiful nature reserves. Within this 36,260-hectare park, which runs the length of the cool Atlantic Ocean from the town of Yzerfontein to the Langebaan Lagoon in the north, there are innumerable species of indigenous birdlife, several large antelope species, and a spectrum of smaller mammals and reptiles. Visit the South African National Parks website or contact +27 (0) 22 772 2144.

There’s also Rocherpan, a 930-hectare, coastal nature reserve consisting largely of a seasonal vlei that is usually dry between March and June but, over winter, receives the water it needs to host a vibrant array of fauna and flora. Visit the Cape Nature website or contact +27 (0) 79 203 1092.

# 7. The freshest seafood in the Cape

Much of the West Coast culture has deep roots in fishing and so throughout the area’s coastal towns, you’ll discovered constellations of restaurants that serve up the freshest seafood, from fish caught that very morning to muscles freshly plucked from rocks bathed in surf. There are many fine establishments to try out here, but whether you’re in the mood for fish-and-chips takeaways or a nine-course seafood buffet experience (Strandloper restaurant), you’re craving for fresh seafood will be satisfied!

# 8. Go on an exhilarating watersports ride!

With its sheltered lagoons, broad expanses of beach, rich marine life, and sometimes tireless, yet prime wind conditions, the West Coast boasts some of the country’s finest real estate for water sports. From wind surfing, kite surfing, and sailing to stand-up paddling, snorkeling, and kayaking, there’s an activity for people of all ages, skill levels, and appetites for adrenalin!