Fun Autumn Activities in Cape Town

Lead photo credit: Cape Point Vineyards via Facebook

While it’s true that you often experience four seasons in a day in the Mother City weather-wise, there can be no doubt that the annual autumn season is one of the most beautiful in terms of varied colours, mild temperatures and vivid sunsets!

With this in mind, we’re sharing some fun autumn activities to enjoy because honestly, there’s scarcely a better season than the golden season in the Mother City!

1) Take a Hout Bay Boat Trip

Autumn in Hout Bay often means clear skies, low wind and lovely outings. And one of the best ways to experience this charming seaside village is through a simple boat trip.

One of the most famous, well-loved trips takes you out to Duiker (Seal) Island, where you can see hundreds of Cape fur seals swim, bask and frolic.

This 45-minute trip departs from the Hout Bay Harbour, itself a worthy landmark, and offers stunning views, both of the Atlantic Ocean and of Hout Bay (including of The Sentinel mountain) as you ride to the island and back.

2) Savour the Nearby Winelands

Photo credit: Cape Point Vineyards via Facebook

If you wish to visit a beautiful wine farm a short distance from Hout Bay, then Cape Point Vineyards in Noordhoek is the place for you. It’s famous for everything from its award-winning wines and food to its impressive views across the Cape, especially at sunset.

A little further on, in the Constantia Wine Valley, you will find several wine farm gems, including the historic Groot Constantia, elegant Constantia Glen, Steenberg and Constantia Uitsig to name a few.

Another highlight in this region is The Norval Foundation. It’s the perfect blend of art and nature, thanks to its impressive sculpture gardens.

And, with the changing season and approach of winter, the vineyards normally reveal a stunning array of pretty rust- and gold-coloured leaves!

3) Enjoy an Autumnal Picnic or Braai

Autumn in the Mother City is also the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing picnic or braai. Tourist season and the scorching summer temps are quietly behind the city, which means that there are fewer crowds and calmer weather for outdoor adventures and cooking alike.

Happily, Hout Bay has some iconic spots near to it where you can enjoy a great picnic or braai.

These include:

• Chapman’s Peak Drive (it has great view spots that are ideal for picnics).
• Cape Point National Park (Buffels Bay or Bordjiesrif are great for a braai by the ocean. Otherwise, you can also pack a picnic lunch or grab a bite to eat at the food shop or restaurant within the national park)
• Maiden’s Cove or Oudekraal (located near the Camps Bay side, these seaside locations offer both lovely picnic- and braai-spots, although, like with Cape Point and Chappies, you do have to pay a small fee if you want to enjoy entrance into Oudekraal.)

4) Explore Autumn Markets

Photo credit: Cape Point Vineyards via Facebook

There are always markets throughout the year in Cape Town. But some of the best to enjoy during autumn include Bay Harbour Market right here in Hout Bay; Oranjezicht City Farm Market (it recently underwent an impressive revamp and moved location) and lastly, the Cape Point Vineyards Market.

The latter is a community-run market that takes place on Thursday evenings. It is always a hit among locals for good reason!

5) Book an Epic Autumn Getaway with DK Villas

Lastly but by no means least, why not spoil yourself with a peaceful DK Villas getaway this autumn?

Our trio of self-catering Hout Bay properties - namely, The Boardwalk, Harbour View and Riverview - are firmly and tastefully designed with couples, families and work travellers in mind.

With every luxury appliance and amenity, beautiful, individually unique decor, 24/7 security and safe parking and above all, a welcoming, soothing atmosphere, it’s safe to say that our DK Villas portfolio offers a great getaway experience for every kind of traveller.