Cape Town - Spending time with family tops the list for many visitors on holiday and this weekend adventure will make memories for a long time to come.
Starting at R3 624 per person sharing, domestic travellers from across the country can snap up this limited offer deal including flights, accommodation and car hire at http://helloweekend.capetown/weekend/making-memories-weekend/.
#helloweekend was created by Cape Town Tourism to showcase the fact that there is something for everyone, every weekend in Cape Town. Each weekend a theme is celebrated but the theme can also be enjoyed at any other time – although the special limited offer packages apply until the end of July 2015 only.
Whilst in Cape Town here are some ideas for a family itinerary to make many memories from:
Whale Watching Hermanus
Have a whale of a time spotting these magnificent mammals frolicking in the Cape Town waters. July heralds the start of calving season for whales bringing them close to shore. This is the ideal time for a family road trip along the False Bay Coast or to the whale capital of the world, Hermanus. Pack some “padkos” and stop at the many viewing points along the way to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants of the ocean.
Walk the Boomslang and Check out the Dinos Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
There is no better time to see fynbos in its full glory than in the winter months. Many species are in flower and the Fynbos Walk in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a paradise of colour and birds. Adding to the adventure is the recently installed, 130m-long canopy walkway, ‘Boomslang’, which snakes through the treetops – a must see. Another installation to take in is the exhibit of nine life-size dinosaurs. Crafted in tin by Zimbabwean artist, David Huni, the exhibit highlights the growing threat of extinction to more than 60 percent of the world’s cycad plant species – many amongst them are from South Africa.
After all the fresh air you’ll want to tuck into a hearty breakfast or lunch at the Kirstenbosch Tea Room or Moyo Kirstenbosch, alternatively pack your own picnic basket and stretch out on the lawn.
www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch
Two Oceans Aquarium V&A Waterfront
Step into this underwater wonder world where kids and grown-ups alike will be wowed by the unusual, the spectacular and the scary creatures of the sea. Meet a rockhopper penguin, pick up and feel a variety of marine animals and plants at the touch pool, or watch the frenzy of feeding time in the shark tank. Kids will love the daily puppet shows and getting busy with fishy-themed arts and crafts activities. Guaranteed to be one of the top family weekend activities.
www.aquarium.co.za
Cape Point Nature Reserve Cape Point
Walk to the very edge of the Cape Peninsula and experience a powerful sense of the endlessness of nature. Just 60km from Cape Town the Cape Point Nature Reserve makes for a great day trip. Catch The Flying Dutchman funicular to the upper lighthouse for some breath-taking views over the Atlantic Ocean, walk the Shipwreck trail to explore the remains of a few of the 26 recorded shipwrecks here, or step back in history at the monuments to early explorers Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias.
www.capepoint.co.za
Noordhoek Farm Village Noordhoek
On your way back from the Cape Point Nature Reserve stop in at the Noordhoek Farm Village where free, fun activities, age-specific playgrounds, child-friendly restaurants and wonderful shops make an ideal pit stop for families before heading back to Cape Town.
www.noordhoekvillage.co.za
City Sightseeing Bus Red Route
Sometimes it is not just about arriving at the destination but the journey there. The open-top double-decker buses of City Sightseeing provide a sightseeing adventure for young and old. With hop-on, hop-off access you can create your own fun-filled day. The Red Route start at the Two Oceans Aquarium, runs through the CBD up funky Long Street to Table Mountain, Camps Bay and along the Atlantic Seaboard back to the V&A Waterfront. The bus caters very well for children with a specially created audio guide for the little ones to listen into.
www.citysightseeing.co.za
Follow the family adventures by searching #helloweekend #lovecapetown.
Adapted from a press release for IOL