Cape Town is not only one of the most beautiful and well loved tourist attractions in South Africa and to the lucky locals who call it home, it is also considered a top tourist destination worldwide and, as is true with most top tourist destinations, there are peak holiday seasons where visitors from all walks of life flock to our mother city.

Not only do we have a spectacular display of natural wonders to be enjoyed throughout Cape Town that range from the popular and ever present Table Mountain to our many stunning beaches (many of which are classed as blue flag beaches, for their safety, amenities and cleanliness), our city is also voted one of the friendliest and most welcoming in the world. The Capetonian lifestyle is a unique and upbeat one, with culturally diverse personalities, bohemian flair and stylish artistry and expression. These are just some of the reasons why Cape Town attracts holiday goers and continues to impress and enchant visitors.

With the festive season behind us and some of our best weather still ahead, the months between late January and early April can make for a fantastic and more affordable off season vacation in Cape Town, where there is no need to deal with the stress of busy crowds and frantic shoppers. During these months, the climate in our city is ideally warm and dry – after February the crazy south Easter wind starts to calm down, making beach visits, days trips and hikes around mountain peaks more pleasant. We have put together a compilation of activities to keep you busy and entertained, while on holiday in Cape Town in the quieter off-season:

A VISIT TO OUR BLUE FLAG BEACHES

Cape Town is lucky to boast some stunning beaches, where you can enjoy activities like fishing, volley ball and other beach sports, picnics or even a stroll with your loved one. Some of the most cosmopolitan beaches in this regard would be Clifton Beach (which was recently voted the 2^nd best beach in the world by National Geographic) and the popular Camps Bay beach. Other blue flag beaches include Bikini Beach and Llundudno beach, and also the quieter Melkbosstrand beach. These beaches would usually be crowded over the peak season, but if you come to Cape Town after the holidays you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds.

EXPLORING TABLE MOUNTAIN

This is an activity which any family or group of friends visiting Cape Town needs to make time for, as there is nothing quite like standing on the top of the iconic Table Mountain and taking in the views of the city and ocean at your wake. There are a few options leading to the top… the most popular and appealing one for most locals and tourists is the Cable Car, a 5 minute journey going 1 089 metres above Cape Town, and for those brave and energetic groups, the hike up table mountain takes between 2 and 5 hours (depending on your chosen route) . Once you reach the top, there is a restaurant which serves food, drinks and snacks and also a curio shop for mementos of your adventure, as well as regular guided tours and audio tours which you can enjoy using the free Wi-Fi.

ADVENTURE IN THE CITY CENTRE

The centre of Cape Town is considered the heart of our Mother city and after you spend a day experiencing and delighting in the cultural displays, meeting passionate and diverse personalities and tasting some of our most delectable cuisines, you will understand why and feel completely at home. Our city centre has some of the best coffee shops around, captivating displays of local talent as you walk through the streets and is also a fantastic place to see some old buildings and even the Castle of Good Hope. You will also be close to the popular V&A Waterfront, where you can shop and dine in style, at your leisure. Learn more about our countries rich history by visiting museums and walk through the cities lovely gardens. At night, Long Street turns into Cape Town’s clubbing hot spot, with everything from casual pubs and bars to fancy and sophisticated clubs and restaurants creating a really electric and unique vibe.

THE WONDERS OF WINE TASTING

Cape Town is famous for its fabulous wine farms and scenic Wineland routes and regions, and we have so many for you to choose from, to include in your plans while on holiday. From areas like Franshhoek, Stellenbosch, Durbanville and Constantia, proud winemakers and connoisseurs show of their artful application and dedication by delivering some fantastic award winning and world class wines. Many estates offer spectacular dining facilities and wine pairings, and some even have lovely picnic spots and other forms of entertainment that cater to kids and adults alike. Some of the most popular wine estates would be the Spice Route, Durbanville Hills, Steenberg and Constantia Uitsig, but we wouldn’t be able to mention every single amazing wine farm as there are so many hidden gems for you to find on your day of wine tasting.

FUN DAY IN THE MARKETS

Another exciting Capetonian experience for you to enjoy with a group of friends are the funky and casual markets scattered around Cape Town (these are typically set up for weekends only, and around special occasions) showcasing a selection of arts and crafts put together lovingly by our local talent. Some of the Markets, such as the well loved Bay Harbour Market (open over weekends in Hout Bay), also host live music and serve great food and drinks, creating a fun and festive atmosphere. During the busy holiday season, markets like these can sometimes get crowded quickly, but if you are coming to Cape Town in the quiet season you can expect a more relaxed crowd and probably be able to interact with the unique stall owners and hear their interesting stories.

KIRSTENBOSCH GARDENS

Resting on the slopes of Table Mountain and forming part of a nature reserve that is home to a selection of rarely seen and indigenous plants, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is an amazing and relaxing escape from the rush of everyday city life, and a favourite for many Capetonians and tourists throughout summer. Pack a picnic basket and wear your comfortable shoes, and spend the day exploring the stunning gardens. Another popular and exciting way to spend your time in the gardens is by attending a Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset concert; these happen on a regular basis in the warmer months, and feature local and sometimes also international musicians.

DON’T STOP TOURING

The beautiful and expansive city of Cape Town is home to some truly spectacular historical sites, natural wonders and unforgettable attractions; you won’t want to miss anything and that is what makes our tours a great option, even teaching locals something new. Bicycle Tours are an exciting way to have a close up experiences and stop to take photos and side car touring is a fun and adventurous site seeing option. The Big Bus Red City Tour also offers a fun way to see the city through the eyes and guidance of a local and accredited tour guide. You can choose to tour wine routes, Cape Point and the rocky peninsula or even something more cultural and educational, such as historic places and Townships.

Now that you have insight about some of the most spectacular and memorable experiences to keep in mind when exploring Cape Town, be sure to enjoy your off season holiday and take in the very best that our beautiful city has to offer, without feeling overwhelmed by those busy holiday crowds.

Click here to have a look at our wide range of self catering Cape Town holiday accommodation homes, apartments and villa’s for yourself and your friends or family in Cape Town’s off season.