KEY POINTS:
1. Moon walk up Lion's Head
Lion's Head, so named because of its feline resemblance, is really Table Mountain's little brother. It's a popular hiking spot for locals and tourists, and at the moment, ascending it by full moon is all the rage. All the way to
the top, you'll be rewarded with romantic views of lights twinkling across the CBD below. By night, the trip should take about an hour - just watch where you're going as the path is rocky in places, and involves conquering the odd ladder. Don't attempt a solo expedition - safety in numbers is the way to go.
2. Hit the beach
Cape Town has a picture-perfect coastline dotted with numerous beaches, each one more idyllic than the last. Often, your choice of beach will be dictated by the wind. If you awake to a thick cloud draped across Table Mountain, you'll know it's south-easter time (the notorious wind also known as the Cape Doctor, as it blows the smog away). When the Doctor is in the house you'll want to make a beeline for one of the four Clifton beaches, nestled among rocks just past Sea Point. Other beaches that'll blow your mind are Llundudno and Glen Beach.
3. Visit the Woodstock market
The Woodstock Neighbourgoods Market is located about 10 minutes from town, in an area that's steadily transitioning from industrial to trendy. On a Saturday, it's the place to feast your senses on creative foodstuffs, ranging from chutneys and pickles to fresh, organic produce, coffees, breads and utterly fabulous gelatos. To the left of the main entrance are shops selling crafts, jewellery, stationery and numerous eclectic gift items.
4. Go baboon spotting
A visit to Cape Town is incomplete unless you've taken a scenic drive around the Peninsula, and a leisurely stroll up to the lighthouse at Cape Point. On your way, you're likely to encounter one or two (hundred) red-bottomed baboons. Watching these not-too-distant relatives go about their business is a hoot, just remember: however cute they may look fluttering their white eyelashes and pursing their fleshy lips at you, keep your distance and for goodness' sake, do not feed them. If you've ever seen the size of a baboon's fangs, you'll know why.
5. Spend a day in Kalk Bay
Laissez-faire attitude meets beachy chic in this cosy fishing village and hot spot for reef-savvy surfers. Line your stomach for the morning at the bohemian-style Olympia Cafe on the main drag, then drive up to groovy Simon's Town to watch the jackass penguins converse with their mates. The perfect way to end a day on this side of town is with seafood tapas and a tipple at Polana's. The restaurant's African, Indonesian and Portuguese-inspired cocktail bar, built on the rocks in Kalk Bay Harbour, is only a stone's throw away from the crashing waves.
6. Hunt ghosts at the Castle
The Castle of Good Hope, once a governors' seat and now a museum, is South Africa's oldest and largest colonial building - and a haunted one at that. Given the castle's dark past, it is no surprise that various ghosts reside here, especially in the Donker Gat ("dark hole"), a dungeon where several convicts were held, tortured and executed. Ghostly activity includes sightings of a black hound that leaps at visitors, and of Lady Anne Barnard, as well as mysterious footsteps - possibly from the same ghost who's been ringing the castle bell ever since a guard hanged himself with the bell rope centuries ago. Another prominent ghost seen (and heard cursing) in the castle is that of Pieter Gysbert van Noodt. This evil governor was found dead on the same day one of the seven soldiers he unjustly condemned to death placed a curse on him. Spooky.
7. Lunch at Manna
Manna Epicure, an innovative eatery in Kloof St, is one of a few restaurants where white rules the interior without making it appear stark and sterile. On the contrary, Manna oozes character (the chandelier made from broken porcelain chards and wired netting above the entrance springs to mind), and the menu is as imaginative as the decor. It's divided into sweet, savoury, bitter and sour sections, and features generously portioned tapas and interesting salads. Creative cocktails and confectionery are also on the list of delectables.
8. Wax lyrical - and botanical
There's nothing quite as soul-soothing as spending a Sunday afternoon listening to live music in a stunning natural setting, especially if that natural setting happens to be the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, ripe with indigenous flowers and natural forest. Pack a picnic and plonk yourself down on the soft lawns near the stage and, if nobody's looking, you could even sneak off for a quick skinny-dip down by the river. The concerts run from November to April.
9. Get nostalgic at the Labia
If you are a movie buff, then a night at the Labia should be on your Cape Town agenda. It's one of those nostalgic old places, with worn leather seats, dusty velvety curtains and popcorn sold in similar containers to those of yesteryear. While everything about the venue screams retro, they show some of the best arthouse flicks in the world, and if you get your timing right, you'll even be able to watch a screening of the latest Cannes award-winning adverts. If you feel like finishing off your celluloid experience with a dash of luxury, head to the Planet Bar in the fancy Mount Nelson Hotel next door for a delicious nightcap.
10. Explore the Bo-Kaap
The Bo-Kaap is a small residential area nestled into Signal Hill just above the CBD. Its first unique trait is its architecture, and traipsing along the romantic cobbled streets past all the brightly coloured, proudly restored 1600s and 1800s abodes, Muslim shrines and stunning mosques is delightful. The second reason the Bo-Kaap stands out from the crowd is its multicultural, 6000-odd inhabitants. Predominantly Muslim, you'll encounter there an exciting blend of eastern and western cultures (most residents' forefathers were slaves the Dutch East Indies Company brought in from Indonesia and Malaysia). Make sure you try bobotie, a traditional Cape Malay-influenced dish made with mince, curried raisins and rice.
- Detours, HoS
