Protect the West Coast (PTWC), a grassroots organisation, has emerged as a crucial force in the fight to preserve this fragile region. Through legal action, community engagement, and public awareness campaigns, PTWC is working to protect the West Coast from further exploitation, advocating for sustainable alternatives that honour the land and its people.

For a more in-depth look, read our interview with PTWC founder, Mike Schlebach.

What makes South Africa’s West Coast special?

Like much of South Africa, the West Coast is a biodiversity hotspot. There are plants and animals endemic to specific parts of the West Coast, which you’ll find nowhere else in the world. Like the newly rediscovered Golden Mole! It’s also home to some of our oldest fishing communities, which have already been massively impacted by the off-coast mining and trawling of this area. 

The West Coast is special for its stunning, far-stretching beaches, its incredible flower season, its untouched nature, and its communities.

Why does it need to be protected?

A screenshot from this interactive map of the status of all known mineral extraction activities in the region

The West Coast is an environment severely under threat. There are many mining threats both to the coastline and the ocean — some of which are active, and others still  prospecting.

“The history of mining on the West Coast is long, the diamond industry has been mining up in the Northern Cape area, on the beaches up there, for the last hundred odd years. But the creep is coming fast and furiously down the coastline.” — Mike Schlebach

This mining is incredibly damaging to the environment, leaving once-thriving ecosystems barren. Rehabilitation efforts have been woefully inadequate or non-existent. Despite legal obligations to restore mined areas, the lack of governmental oversight and enforcement has allowed mining companies to neglect their responsibilities.

These mines also have a serious negative impact on locals, as they prohibit and limit coastal access to traditional fishers and nearby communities. This is one of few food and financial sources for these communities; it is part of their heritage and their culture, and it is being denied to them.

“Apart from inland mining on the West Coast, there’s the beach mining. And then you’ve got on the near shore — most of the coastline has been divided up into diamond concessions. And then you’ve got diamond concessions further out to sea and now they’ve got oil and gas out to sea as well.” — Mike Schlebach

How PTWC is defending the coastline

The Protect the West Coast initiative has made significant strides in raising awareness and driving action to preserve one of South Africa’s most vulnerable regions. One of the organisation’s most notable achievements has been its extensive media outreach. Prior to the campaign’s efforts, only a few thousand people were aware of the environmental challenges facing the West Coast. Today, many more are informed, thanks to their ongoing efforts to highlight these critical issues.

A key victory for Protect the West Coast came through legal action, where they successfully halted TransHex’s mining operations in the Olifants River Estuary. The settlement, reached out of court, marked a major triumph in the fight to protect this vital and delicate ecosystem.

Beyond legal battles, Protect the West Coast has been actively working with various conservation organisations, including Cape Nature and Sanparks, to secure the Olifants River Estuary as a designated conservation area. This effort is especially urgent as multiple prospecting applications currently threaten the region, with the potential to lead to full-scale mining.

Actionable ways you can help the cause

So, how can you help prevent mining and exploitation of this area? Here are a few things you can do.

Register with Ripl

Ripl is PTWC’s new public portal for engaging with mining applications along the West Coast. It has just launched after two years in development, and will notify registered users of new applications, allowing you to review details, submit comments, and file appeals. 

The platform aims to increase public participation by involving more concerned citizens as well as specialists and environmental experts. Ripl will empower more people to challenge mining projects and hold companies and the government accountable, making it more difficult for applications to pass without proper scrutiny and pushback. We are so excited about this project!

Donate

Donating is always a fantastic way to engage. PTWC puts your donations to great use, spreading the message, taking guilty parties to court, and holding companies and government accountable.

Donating is also a really great option for businesses who are interested in helping the community and environment of South Africa. 

Share and spread awareness

Sharing and engaging on PTWCs social media posts on what’s happening on the West Coast is really impactful, despite being a small action in itself. It spreads the message — so many South Africans don’t even know this is happening in our own country — and brings visibility and accountability to the issue. The more people know about exploitative mining practices here, the better we can hold our government accountable for allowing it to happen.

Run West

Run West is an annual race along the beaches, villages and vegetation of the West Coast. It’s a really brilliant initiative which allows you to explore the area, support its protection and defence, and bring more visibility to the issue. 

The most recent Run West took place on the 22 September 2024, so make a note in your calendar for 2025!

Last thoughts on protecting the West Coast of SA

There are so many ways that the West Coast’s situation can be improved! Mining is not a necessary industry here; it has very little economic benefit for our country. 

There are many exciting, hopeful projects, “like algae farming, kelp farming, perlemoen farming, all those kinds of things that are non extractive, they’re circular and they could have a very healthy home on the West Coast. They have the opportunity to employ so many community locals, with long term, sustainable jobs, not just for as long as the mine exists.” — Mike Schlebach

The West Coast can also be rehabilitated, encouraging local vegetation and wildlife to thrive here once again. There’s so much hope for the area. We just need to stop the mining and destruction of delicate areas, and bring more accountability into current processes.

Want to know more? Read our interview with PTWC founder, Mike Schlebach.

The post Protecting the West Coast of South Africa appeared first on Wander Cape Town.

Mike discusses the ongoing damage caused by companies like MSR and Trans Hex, who have been granted mining rights with little oversight or public input. He highlights PTWC’s current initiatives, including the development of Ripl, an online portal designed to empower communities to oppose harmful mining projects. 

This interview offers a look into the struggles and successes of PTWC, showcasing the critical work being done to protect one of South Africa’s last natural frontiers.

What made you start Protect the West Coast?

Mike Schlebach: There were a few of us that founded Protect the West Coast together. Basically just the group or regular users of the West Coast. None of us actually live up there. 

Katja Mamacos: It’s mostly Cape Town based?

Mike: Yeah, we all are Cape Town based. In fact, our legal guy is from Durban. Before he got involved with Protect the West Coast, he’d never been up the West Coast! Now he’s been a few times. But yeah, it started with a small group of surfers that frequent the area and gradually became aware of all these new encroachments of the mining industry down into areas that were largely pristine and underdeveloped or with no development at all.

So I think it was like mid 2020 when we found out that there was a mining company, an Australian mining company called MSR that had just been given a stretch of coastline that included these 10 pristine beaches to mine. It was given to them without them having to go through a whole new mining application.

They have an existing mine there, a very big mine, and they just got this 10 beach extension approved. And that was out in the media a little bit. And that was a light bulb moment for a few people. 

My involvement came a little while later when I just got out of a business that I founded. I had some time and energy and I took a trip up into that area and got to see for myself what was really going on up there.

The history of mining on the west coast is long, the diamond industry has been mining up in the Northern Cape area, on the beaches up there, for the last hundred odd years. But the creep is coming fast and furiously down the coastline.

A screenshot from this interactive map of the status of all known mineral extraction activities in the region

On your site it says there are 30+ applications.

Mike: Yeah, including prospecting applications. When you look at the maps at the moment, the West Coast is severely under siege. 

Apart from inland mining on the West Coast, there’s the beach mining. And then you’ve got on the near shore — most of the coastline has been divided up into diamond concessions. And then you’ve got diamond concessions further out to sea and now they’ve got oil and gas out to sea as well, you know. So it’s just a complete shit show. 

Katja: It really is! So did you start with the legal or the informing the public side of it? 

Mike: Yeah, so for the first two years of PTWC’s existence, our main mandate was to bring what was happening on the West Coast from a mining perspective into the public domain.

Katja: Ja that whole coastline is very out of sight. 

Mike: Out of sight, out of mind. There’s very few communities up there. And it’s not a big tourist area either, so we saw it as one of the last frontiers, as an area that we could go and visit, surf and free camp and do all these things that you can’t do anywhere else in the world. Yeah, not so much anymore. But there are also these communities up there that have been severely affected, especially in the northern regions, by the diamond mining industry.

And if you think about De Beers, which is the biggest diamond producer and seller in the world… They extracted all of the early billions from that Northern Cape area. And they’ve left that area completely unrehabilitated. Some of the community there, they’re some of the poorest in the country — some of those towns have like a 75% unemployment rate, and those were all diamond areas. 

Why is it that the mining companies aren’t legally obligated to restore the area? 

Mike: They are. The government, through the Department of Minerals and Energy, is supposed to be providing oversight. They are the same entity that is approving the applications, and then they’re supposed to provide oversight and things like that as it goes along, but they don’t do that. They don’t have the capacity and so it’s a complete free for all. The approvals and the applications historically have been woeful at best, in terms of the content of these applications. They’re copy and paste. 

Katja: They really don’t have to put in much effort. 

Mike: Ja, and then they’ll say, okay, we’ll give X amount to the local communities. We’ll have a one and a half million rand rehabilitation fund when they’re looking at a couple of billion rand mining site, and they’ll say we’ll provide X amount of jobs. But ultimately they don’t; nothing transpires as it should…

So PTWC was really about bringing the mining story on the West Coast into the public, and now it’s transitioning into a new phase. Last year we took one of the mining companies to court — Trans Hex, which has been mining on the West Coast for the last 60 or 70 years. And to date, we have not been able to find a single rehabilitated site that they’ve mined. 

Katja: I saw you described it as a moonscape on your blog.

Mike: Yes! For example, the area between Hondeklip Bay and Alexander Bay. It’s a stretch of coastline that spans about 230 kilometers, and it’s been severely ravaged by the diamond mining industry. It’s not just De Beers, it’s De Beers, it’s Transhex, it’s Alex Core, which is a state owned entity.

And that area, if you drive through it, you can look in and see parts of it — it’s 230 kilometers long and about 20 or 30 kilometers wide. And it’s just… it looks like what I would think the moon looks like. And a lot of these companies are moving further and further south down the coastline.

In the middle of 2022, Transhex started mining the beaches of Dooringbaai. That’s why we took them to court, because there was no public engagement. No one knew who they were, they just showed up and started mining and it turns out that the Department of Minerals had given them a new permit to mine and we thought that was illegal. 

The Tronox mine, by Jacque Smit

Katja: Yeah, without any community engagement. 

So with the community engagement, I know you’re working on a comments and appeals portal. How’s that going? 

Mike: Yes, Ripl! We’re calling it Ripl. And Ripl is in the final throes of coming to life. We are hoping to have it live in the next two weeks. 

It’s been a two year project at least. A lot easier said than done, but it will be a first of its kind in South Africa. It’s a portal that allows the public to really engage with the mining sector on the West coast.

So when a new application comes in, we will get notified. We put it on the portal and the portal sends out an alert to everybody that signed up for it. And then people can go through the details of the application, everything will be there and then they can provide comments and appeals and things like that when the time is right.

Katja: That’s really great!

Mike: Yeah, it’s really great because historically the amount of people that engage with these applications, you can count on one hand. You get four or five people that are knowledgeable and they’ve been completely overwhelmed, because there’s just so much going on.

So now we’re looking to get hundreds, if not thousands of normal people just registering their views. And then, it’s a great opportunity for specialists and scientists and things like that, who know a lot about how these things should work to also have their say. It should make life much more difficult for both the government and for the mining applicants just to push these things through, because there’s this proper pushback. 

Katja: Ja, because we also have a lot of people who know so much about our local environment, who would definitely get involved if it’s accessible. 

Mike: Exactly, that’s the idea. And then we also want to take this opportunity to the youth. We want to go and roll this out at schools and get the youth involved. Because this is their future. Over the three and a half years since we’ve been in existence, we’ve had a lot of quite a bit of engagement from schools and youngsters at schools that are like, how can we help? How can we get involved? And this is a wonderful way for them to do that. 

Katja: That’s fantastic. Because until now, every time a new application comes through, you have to find it and register as interested. This is really great, that interested parties can stay consistently involved. 

Do you think it’ll be possible to roll it out in different parts of the country?

Mike: Absolutely, yeah we do. This portal was created by a local digital agency that has done it all pro bono — a digital agency called ibay. It’s taken a massive effort on their behalf and our behalf just to get it to where it is.

And the idea really is, like you’ve alluded to, to start with the West Coast and then gradually expand it. But there are costs involved. It’s SMS based, as we’re trying to appeal to the affected areas and affected people and communities that don’t have email and don’t have the internet. But they have a phone and they have SMS. And there’s a cost to an SMS, so if you’ve got tens of thousands of people doing this thing, it can cost quite a lot of money. but yeah, but that is the plan

Katja: And then put it on a subscription service for those who can afford it? Or how would you cover the cost? 

Mike: We would get sponsors. We could maybe even get one of the big cell phone providers on board. It’s petty cash for them. 

Katja: Okay, lovely. That’s really exciting!

You refer in your 2024 goals to a Strategic Environmental Assessment. What needs to happen to get the government to commit to doing that along the entire coast? 

Mike: That’s a very good question. In the last few years we wrote to Barbara Creasy when she was the minister of environment and suggested a moratorium on mining until a strategic environmental assessment had been done. Because we feel that the government is flying completely blind. They’re approving all these applications ad hoc and when you look at the maps of where these things are, they’re all right next to each other or even on top of each other, and and they’re not taking into account the accumulative impacts of all of these things. If things carry on the way the they are then the coastline from at least Elands Bay all the way to Alexander Bay will be one big mining pit. 

So yeah, the SEA should be commissioned by the government themselves, by the Minister of Environment or the DMRE. It’s not a small project — normally SEAs are done for a much smaller area. But we would encourage them to do one from all the way from Elands Bay all the way up to Alexander Bay and that’s a lot of money and takes a lot of time.

But yeah, we’ve encouraged them. We’re actually putting together a new letter for the new Minister of Environment. We’re going to be writing to him in the next two weeks. Again, just bringing his attention to what’s going on up there, and strongly suggesting the idea of an SEA.

The reality is that there are so many interested and affected parties on the coast that an SEA would really benefit, and if the government won’t get it done themselves, then potentially what we could do is just find the funding to initiate it ourselves.

And then, just get the government to agree to at least looking at it and using it as a tool to make informed decisions. 

Katja: So why would it cost so much? What is involved? 

Mike: It’s a lot of scientific data you’re looking at. So what an SEA really encompasses from my understanding, is it takes a look at how the West Coast should best be utilized from an economic perspective, from a social perspective, from a heritage perspective, and then also from an environmental perspective.

So if you could think of it like, mining in some areas is acceptable and can happen as long as it’s done legally and properly, and then you’ve got areas that are rich in biodiversity and that should be left untouched. 

Katja: Because a lot of these areas where the plants are endemic and can’t be found anywhere else.

Mike: Yeah, there’s the golden mole up there that Leonardo DiCaprio posted about that is nowhere else — it lives on a 20 kilometer stretch of coastline. There’s plants up there, like you’ve alluded to, that don’t grow anywhere else in the world.

People think because it’s a semi arid, desert type of area that it’s barren. But it’s one of the richest, most biodiverse areas in the world.

Then there’s also agriculture, there’s tourism, there’s all these other factors that play a role. Those all need to be factored in and you need to go in there and collect all the data and do all this research. And it’s a big area, it’s a changing area, so it’s not all just copy and paste, so every area has got to be looked at individually and you’re probably looking at two years or so and ~10 million rand just to get that done properly.

Katja: That makes sense because it sounds like a really holistic overview. 

Mike: Ja, and it’s the kind of thing that can be used for the next 50 years. So when you think about it in that context, and you think about all the people that it’s affecting and the environments that it’s affecting, then 10 million is nothing. 500,000 US dollars or something, it’s really doable. 

Katja: And it’s something that maybe the mining companies themselves should be contributing to? 

Mike: There is that too. Ja. But a lot of these mining houses are really, not B grade, but more like C grade mining operations. They’re there because they know they can get away with a lot. Mining legally and responsibly costs a lot of money, and a lot of these company don’t have that kind of money. So they’re here because they know that they can bribe government officials and they can get away with stuff and they don’t have to do what they say .

So what are some ways that readers can help with the West Coast? They can register as an interested party. Are there any other paths? 

Mike: Look, yeah, it’s yeah when Ripl comes to life in the next couple of weeks people can register there. They can get involved that way. They can donate to our organization — the team that work at protect the West coast have been up until a few months ago doing this all pro bono and now they get paid a small stipend for their work.

But yeah, they can donate, they can engage with us on social media. If you’re a specialist or a scientist, as in geologists, marine biologists, etcetera, can always reach out to us and see how we can work together and collaborate. Then for the layman, really just sharing our stories and engaging where you can on social media. And if you’re a specialist in anything, a writer, journalist, whatever, you know helping tell our stories or your own stories, even, that’s great.

And then yeah, we sell merch on our website and all that kind of stuff. So if you want to support that way, that’s great too. 

Tormin mining operation, by Jacque Smit

Katja: That’s great. 

What is PTWCs biggest success story so far? 

Mike: I think our biggest success story has been our media outreach, what we’ve done to highlight this plight, this issue. I think before we came into existence, it was probably a few thousand people that knew about it. 

Katja: That even knew that it was happening at all. 

Mike: Yeah. And then you’d probably go down to a few hundred, that actually saw the problem for what it is. Now many more people know, and I think that’s been our biggest achievement by a long way. 

And then the court case, for sure, we settled out of court and we stopped TransHex from mining in the Olifants River Estuary. 

We’re also doing a lot of work with various different organizations like Cape Nature and Sanparks, to get the Olifants River Estuary deemed a conservation area, because there are actually, I think, three or four mining applications in the Olifants River Estuary at the moment. They’re not mining, but prospecting, which leads to mining. 

And then Ripl and our community engagement, we’ve created community around this and a platform for the affected communities — we’ve given them a voice, or giving them a voice, we’re in process. And it’s the first time ever. Over the years there’s been activists or individuals in the communities that have been trying to push back against what’s happening up there, but it’s always been ad hoc and one at a time and individual, and now we’re providing a unified voice which has been really great.

Katja: Yeah, that’s fantastic. 

Mike: The other sort of agenda, I suppose you could call it, is that we want to encourage other industries, more modern industries that fall under the nature-based solutions umbrella. Like algae farming, kelp farming, perlemoen farming, all those kinds of things that are non extractive, they’re circular and they could have a very healthy home on the West Coast. They have the opportunity to employ so many community locals, with long term, sustainable jobs, not just for as long as the mine exists.

Katja: That would be amazing. Is there any current movement in that direction? 

Mike: Yeah, there is, but in typical South African government style, the red tape surrounding these things is massive. We know of several international kelp farming organizations that have tried to set up shop here and that have actually left because they couldn’t get it right, from a red tape and legislative perspective.

We’ve also been engaging and partnering with an organization called CH4. They want to create algae from seaweed. And a perfect plant for them could be set up on the coastline in an old mining dump site or mining site. A small plant could produce at least a thousand full time jobs. And then the bigger plants could produce like 4,000 jobs. And that’s creating biofuel for the shipping industry, which is also amazing.

Katja: Then it’s non extractive and it’s contributing positively. Yeah, that sounds incredible. 

Mike: It is! And honestly, there’s enough diamonds in the world now to service whoever wants them. And there are better solutions. 

And rehabilitation — we could set up some rehabilitation projects on old mining sites up there that could reestablish the fauna and flora that was there, and create jobs for people.

Katja: There’s so much more that could be done. Are there any restoration projects currently? 

Mike: No, we pitched one to De Beers last year and they just flatly said no. They strung us along for a few months, the initial reaction to our proposal was, yes, this sounds like something we could get involved with, sounds like a great initiative and would do a lot of good for the area. Then they sold their last mine, and it changed to ‘we’re done here now, we don’t have to do anything else, it’s somebody else’s problem’. 

Katja: That’s disappointing. Okay, so no projects yet, but if Protect the West Coast got greater funding, then there’s so much that you can still do there.

Mike: Ja exactly. We really see our role as a facilitator. We have great community engagement and we’ve learned from the communities that we’ve engaged with, that they are really desperate, they are some of the poorest communities in the country. A lot of them can’t even fish for their living because of government intervention, and there’s not a lot of farming because these are arid areas. And ja, the mining industry has turned their back on these communities by and large. And so nature based solutions are the way of the future. All of these guys are crying out for it, the powers that be need to see it for what it is. 

So that’s our project, it’s really to firstly tell the world that this needs to happen, and then try and facilitate as best we can.

The post Interview with Protect the West Coast CEO, Mike Schlebach appeared first on Wander Cape Town.

Ultimate Frisbee, or Ultimate for short, is a fast-paced and dynamic sport that combines teamwork and athleticism with the casual fun of throwing, flicking, or hammering a frisbee or disc (more on hammering later). What sets Ultimate apart is something called “Spirit of the Game”, an emphasis on fair play, camaraderie, and sportsmanship above all. 

In Cape Town, Ultimate has found a home in the city’s diverse parks, stunning beaches, and community spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned Ultimate player or just someone looking for a fun way to spend your free time, Cape Town’s Ultimate scene has something to get excited about.

By the end of this article, you will know more about Ultimate in Cape Town, its history and origins, what Ultimate is exactly, where to play, the community, some tips, and the unique culture that makes this sport more than just a game. 

Origins of Ultimate

Photo by Dharanidharan Dharanidharan

Ultimate originated in the United States during the 1960s. It was initially developed by a group of high school students in New Jersey and has since grown into many different sporting endeavours. 

Over the years, Ultimate evolved, and formal rules were established, emphasising sportsmanship and fair play. The sport grew in popularity, spreading to colleges and universities, and eventually gained international recognition. Today, it’s played by millions of people worldwide in organised leagues, tournaments, and casual games.

What is Ultimate?

Photo by UCT Ultimate

Ultimate is a non-contact team sport combining elements of American Football and Netball, played with a frisbee. It is gender-neutral, accommodating both mixed and same-gender teams, which is an incredibly appealing aspect of the sport to many. The field, varying in size depending on player preference, features two end zones and a central zone. Official games involve seven players per side, but casual games can be adapted to player preferences as well.

The objective is to score points by catching the disc in the opponent’s end zone. To initiate a point, a team “pulls” (the only throw in Ultimate you can do while moving) the disc, and the opposing team has an opportunity to score. Players do their best to avoid contact and are encouraged to avoid plays that could be dangerous.

Photo by Dharanidharan Dharanidharan

In Ultimate, there are usually only two positions labeled Handler and Cutter. Handlers are those who primarily throw the disc upfield to Cutters who are using their athletic ability to accelerate in one direction and change it rapidly to generate space between them and their mark to receive a pass. 

There are plenty of nuances that I could include but with what I have provided, you have more than enough information to find some friends, find a frisbee, find a space, and get your own game going! Check out the Ultimate Rules Cheat Sheet to get yourself up to speed.

Casual Ultimate in Cape Town

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If you’re looking for a casual fix, I have you covered! Cape Town is host to a plethora of teams and communities that you can join to play casually. PickupUltimate is a terrific resource to use to learn about where games are taking place and who to contact if you need to find out more information.

Two of my favourite pickup games to attend are the UCT Friday Social and the Rondebosch Social Frisbee. These are great communities that are fun, easy, and open to all ages and levels of experience. Both have a WhatsApp group that they use to communicate times, locations, memes, and other information. Here are the UCT Friday Social and the Rondebosch Social Frisbee WhatsApp groups to get yourself involved! 

Photo by Dharanidharan Dharanidharan

One of the best ways to learn and to play Ultimate is on the beach. Nothing quite compares to sand, sun, fun, and frisbee and Cape Town has some of the most beautiful Cape Town beaches to throw plastic. Clifton Beach Pickup is an all-time favourite of mine. Games are organised on their WhatsApp group and usually take place at Clifton 1st Beach on Sundays between 9 – 12 am. 

Alternatively, Hout Bay Pickup organises regular Ultimate games on the beach. This is a terrific option for those who find themselves on the other side of the mountain. These games are usually hosted at Hout Bay Beach or Ambleside Fields on Sundays between 4 – 6 p.m.

Competitive Ultimate in Cape Town

Photo by UCT Ultimate

Along with the casual coolness of Cape Town Ultimate, the competitive scene is always looking to grow and develop new players. Along with the regular leagues that take place in the summer and winter periods, there are plenty of tournaments to participate in too.

If you’re interested in playing competitively, you’ll need to sign up as a Cape Town Flying Disc Association (or CTFDA) member. You can sign up here to participate in any CTFDA-organised league or tournament. Check out the website for a bunch of cool events, informative resources, and points of contact to get involved.

One of the oldest competitive clubs in the Cape Town scene is Chilli Ultimate. They pride themselves on being pioneers, fierce competitors, and fair and spirited sportspeople. A close-knit, loyal family of Chillies is looking to welcome new (and experienced) players to the squad. Drop them a message on Facebook or Instagram to get involved.

Nomad Ultimate is one of the newest competitive Ultimate clubs to enter the fold. They are a group of alumni University of Cape Town students and pride themselves on clean competitive Ultimate while still having all the fun. If you are looking for like-minded young athletes, this is your port of call. Check out their Instagram page to find out more.

What do I need to play Ultimate?

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As if Ultimate wasn’t appealing enough, this sport requires so little it’s almost silly. Sports like Tennis, Hockey, Rugby, and Cricket, amongst others, require a fair amount of equipment and specific fields to play. Ultimate, on the other hand, requires just a frisbee and an open space to play on. 

Sadly, it is tricky to find the official Ultimate Frisbee discs in South Africa, which has been a real issue for South Africans to acquire their WFDF-approved discs. Many Ultimate players need to look overseas to find the right one. Aria Discs is a great option as well as Discraft if you are looking to get your hands on an official disc. 

The Ultimate Frisbee Club at the University of Cape Town imports discs yearly from Discraft and has them available for sale to the general public. Drop UCT Ultimate a follow and a message and they’ll help you out! CTFDA usually has discs available for sale too.

Cleats (soccer boots) are a helpful addition but running shoes/trainers or bare feet work just as well. Any sort of exercise clothing works too however it is recommended that you bring both a light and dark shirt (white or black ideally). This is a standard practice in the Ultimate community to differentiate teams. 

Other than that, bring along lots of water (I always joke that Ultimate is HIIT with a disc, i.e. you will be doing a lot of sprinting), some snacks to replenish electrolytes, sunblock is useful for the fair-skinned, a hat, and all the enthusiasm you have.

Coaching and training resources

The internet is littered with resources that you can use to learn more about Ultimate and how it is played. From never having touched a disc to more technical and structural knowledge, there is a resource available online for you to find and explore. A quick “How to play Ultimate” on Google helped me immeasurably when I first learnt to call it a disc and not a frisbee (more than 6 years ago).

Here are two of those resources that I’ve ground my understanding of Ultimate. The first is How To Play Ultimate “Frisbee” created by a Belgium Ultimate club called Diabolic Heaven. This animation is a great tool to understand the basics of Ultimate visually. It’s only 2 minutes long so it is a fantastic intro if you have no clue what the sport of Ultimate looks like.

The second resource is a more detailed video intro video. How to Play Ultimate Frisbee for Beginners is a voice analysis done by Rowan McDonnell of the 2012 Club Championship Mixed Finals between Polar Bears and Blackbird. This is an awesome illustration of how Ultimate is played at the top level and broken down so that even the newest players can learn and understand.

Tips to up your Ultimate game

Photo by Dharanidharan Dharanidharan

My biggest tip for any player at any level is to play. Just playing the game as much as you can will teach you how to catch, how to throw, and how to move on the field. You’ll meet so many different people with different perspectives that can contribute to your growth as an Ultimate player. 

If you are looking to take your game to the next level and become more serious about Ultimate, I would recommend that you find a team nearby that you can practise and play league matches with. This is a level-up from the previous tip and a great way to enter the competitive scene of Ultimate. 

If you are stressed for time and can’t commit to regular practices or games, getting your hands on your disc is a must to improve your throws. All you need is a buddy and an open space and you’re good to go. Not only is this a great pastime and a lot of fun, it is good exercise, great for hand-eye coordination, and a good reason to get outside and away from screens or sitting. Nothing quite as simple as a disc, a friend, and the beach has made me so easily happy. I highly recommend this tip. 

If you are getting into Ultimate and find yourself regularly attending practices and matches, cleats (Soccer boots, togs, studs, whatever you want to call them) are a must-have. Ideally, you want to find plastic studs. These will change your game as they allow you to accelerate more efficiently as well as change your direction without slipping and falling on your butt (I learnt the hard way, as you might tell). 

History of SA Ultimate

Photo by Dharanidharan Dharanidharan

The annals of Ultimate in Cape Town tell tales that the first forms of the sport were initiated as early as the 1980s. At the time Prima Toys, one of South Africa’s largest importers of games and toys (who also had a license for Frisbees in South Africa), became heavily invested in disc sports such as Ultimate and FreeStyle (a sport and performing art characterised by creative, acrobatic, and athletic maneuvers with a flying disc). And while things looked like they were talking off, it did not last long. The sport slowly started to die as committed members started leaving and finding other ventures. However, thanks to members of the community like Justin Smith who was Chair of SAFDA (South Africa Flying Disc Association), the community was kept afloat. At the time, Justin and just a handful of people were playing as much as they could, wherever they could.

In late 1997, one of the regulars had a chance encounter with the Canadian Women’s Team coach. It was then that the seed of attending Worlds (the biggest international Ultimate Frisbee tournament that takes place once every four years) was planted, which they managed to attend the following year. 

“That tournament was the first proper Ultimate tournament most of us had ever played in,  and that became the springboard for Ultimate’s growth in Cape Town.” – Ant Pascoe, Former SAFDA Chair and Founder of Chilli Ultimate. 

Shortly after this, a development program sponsored by Truworths began to teach Ultimate at schools in Khayelitsha. Pindi Mey was instrumental in that program which saw young stars like Asanda Nanise, Asanda Ntshanga, and Thabane Vusane emerge as a new generation of talent. All the while Ultimate players were growing numbers slowly from the original base of 14 players.

The Cape Town Flying Disc Association was formed alongside SAFDA as Ryan Males, a key player at the time, left for Johannesburg and started to develop the sport there as well. This led to the first South African National Ultimate Tournament taking place in 2001. Four teams attended namely Big Strong Arm, Yellow Fever, Akkediske (from Stellenbosch), and International All Stars. 

Each year saw new members enter the community and some leave as well. Slowly but surely, the community grew and Ultimate maintained itself with regular leagues taking place each year as well as Nationals. South Africa, and Cape Town in particular, was able to send teams to Worlds in 1998, and 2000. In 2004, Khaya was the first junior team to attend, which was the product of those development programs and sponsorships from the Finnish embassy. 

Photo by Dharanidharan Dharanidharan

UCT hosted regular social games with minimal rules and formalities around this time. But by happenstance, a member of the Cape Town league passed by where they were playing and shared with them that this was a legitimate sport and gave them a bit more structure with the implementation of proper fields and a stall count (a 10-second count the defending player says out loud when marking a player with the disc).

“After joining the local league and pick-up games, a bunch of us decided to start a club at UCT and got together and it was done pretty quickly. We had a lot of help from sports admin and the first year was super boosted by a bunch of US exchange students in the mix.” – Nick Zaloumis, Former CTFDA Chair and League Coordinator. 

In 2010, UCT Ultimate was formed and became a pillar in the Ultimate community in Cape Town, hosting regular practices, social games, and a space for league matches to take place. Stellenbosch University followed shortly and attended league matches as well. 

Throughout 2010 and onwards, we have seen a few clubs form and leave as interest levels change with teams like Ghost, Catch-22, Salusa, Home Bru, Viking, and Northern Lights. Currently, the league has 6 – 8 teams participating regularly and many more teams attending Nationals as well! The rest is history. 

Ready to throw a disc?

Photo by Maties Ultimate

Ultimate is an incredibly fun and exhilarating sport that takes the best parts of sports we already know and love and throws a frisbee into the mix. The casual nature of the sport, the emphasis on fair play and sportsmanship, and the gender-mixed aspects make Ultimate appealing to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. 

It is worth mentioning that this article is not all exhaustive and I will have definitely missed a few things here and there. Cape Town is also littered with opportunities, communities, teams, leagues, and tournaments of all sorts for you to join and participate in. Whether it is the beach or the field, you can find something that suits you in our beautiful city!

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This weekend we had the best time cycling the routes of Muratie wine estate with Cape Adventures, and then capped off the fun with a fantastic wine tasting and a charcuterie board that was quickly polished off.

It’s a fantastic way to spend the day, combining adrenaline and the fun of a challenge with stunning views, good company, and good wine. Let’s get into the details!

Need to know: Cycling trails at Muratie Wine Farm

• Trail permits are R60/day — you can get yours at the Muratie Tasting Room or at Dirtopia Trail Centres
• You need to fill in a basic indemnity form before you set off
• You can ride up to 35km of trails in a range of difficulties
• Like in the rest of SA, green means beginner, blue means intermediate, and black means advanced. Challenge yourself but don’t take unnecessary risks!

You can cycle here with or without a guide — if you’re an inexperienced mountain biker and/or you don’t have a good bicycle with you and want to be shown the best routes for your skill level, we recommend joining Philip on a private tour.

Our experience mountain biking at Muratie

Philip picked us up at our place and we drove to Stellenbosch — nice and early, so that we’d have the whole day to explore. You can always tell when you’re getting to Stellenbosch. It’s the land of farms and fruit trees. The excitement grew and then we got there, and all piled out to stroll about the food garden while Philip set the bikes up. It’s so beautiful doing these things in Spring — we could watch the chickens corral their newborn chicks, making sure no fluff-ball gets left behind, and the geese tracking about honkingly.

When the bikes were ready, we checked seat height, found helmets that fit our big heads, got a bit of a briefing from Philip, and set off! 

We were a bit wobbly at first, and there were a few pile-ups where I stopped (on purpose or by accident) and Kura and Glenn behind me had to come to their own sudden halts. We cycled along the hillside, up through the pine forest, and faced some hard-core switchbacks (for us beginners), which Philip taught us how to handle. It was so fun starting the ride walking each of those switchbacks and ending it leaning into and out of them!

The track flows between forest and open fields overlooking the wine valley and the mountains surrounding it — and far in the distance, our Cape Peninsula. The forest was beautiful, but the fields of native fynbos were our favourite parts. 

The downhills, of course, were the best part. Philip showed us exactly how to handle them — standing, legs bent, leaning your weight back, arms soft and low. With that information in our pockets we could take them on confidently, and woosh down despite the drop on one side of us, rather close by. Kura took a little convincing and we all had our fingers ready at the breaks, but we could do it! It is incredibly thrilling, and gets your heart pumping and your head full of adrenaline and happy endorphins like little else I’ve experienced. Whether you’re an experienced rider or beginner like us (not new to bikes, but very new to mountain bikes), it’s such a great adventure. It really feels like flying.

Wine tasting after a beautiful cycle

When we pulled in from our ride we could have a quick cold shower at Muratie’s rustic semi-outdoor bathrooms, get changed, and go for a wine tasting and charcuterie at the vineyard. And it is just what you want after getting up a sweat and adrenaline rush.

It’s a beautiful location overlooking different parts of the farm (depending on where you sit) and they have a few different tasting options available. We all got the flagship tasting with 5 wines for R150/person (cheaper option for R100, also 5 wines). Here we got to hear about the history of the estate and about the wines from our lovely sommelier, and gush to each other about our adventure!

We had the option of heading on to another wine farm or three, but felt so content and wiped by the experience, we opted to head home. Next time, we’ll be ticking off a few more of those tastings.

Cycling tours you can do with Philip of Cape Adventures

Cape Adventures has three exciting cycling tours that suit different preferences. Whether you’re into challenging trails, scenic rides, or a relaxed pace with wine tasting, Cape Adventures has you covered.

Local Trails — There are some stunning MTB trails in Cape Town, and if you’re looking for a guide and bike to tackle them with, Philip’s your guy! You can take on the trails of Tokai Park, famous for its diverse flora. There’s also The Missing Link above Camps Bay and trails like Hoogekraal and Contermanskloof in Durbanville, offering a mix of challenges and beautiful views.

Stellenbosch & Elgin — Famous for its wine, this area has awesome mountain bike trails too. Explore trails like Eden and G-Spot. Nearby areas like Helderberg, Jonkershoek, and Banhoek have incredible routes, and Oak Valley is a must for cross-country enthusiasts.

Trail and Wine Tours — If you prefer a relaxed experience, Cape Adventures offers Trail and Wine Tours in Durbanville, Stellenbosch and Elgin (Oak Valley). These tours combine easy cycling with wine tasting, perfect for families and groups who want a leisurely ride. This is the tour we did!

Get on the trails

There’s nothing left but to strongly recommend you get out there! Whether you join a tour or dust off the mountain bike that’s been sitting in your garage for the past 3 years, the important thing is to go out and do it. Your wobbly start will be rewarded with such a rush. And you could always top that rush off with some wine!

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Cape Town has no shortage of wine farms to visit and enjoy. So, in this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the nine best wine farms within 30 minutes of driving from the city centre for you to experience. Keep reading to find out where you can sip some of the best varietals on earth!

Cape Town’s best wines

With so many vineyards, you’ll have no issue finding your favourite varietal of wine. But if you are looking for recommendations on what to try, here are three varieties I’d recommend from Cape Town’s wine farms.

Sauvignon Blanc 

If you are a fan of white wine, the Sauvignon Blanc wines polished by the sea breeze of the nearby Atlantic Ocean are amazing. Sauv Blanc is a particular favourite of South Africans in the summertime as they are refreshing and fruity. Best served very chilled with a block or two of ice.

Chenin Blanc

The most widely grown white wine varietal in the Cape, Chenin Blanc is incredibly versatile, covering a range of sweet and dry-style wines as well as sherry and sparkling wine. Chenin Blanc pairs well with many dishes, adding to its versatility and easy-drinking nature. 

Pinotage 

This is South Africa’s signature varietal. It was created in 1925 as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (known as ‘Hermitage’ at the time, hence the name Pinotage) by Professor Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. This variety offers deep red wines with notes of tropical fruits and bananas. It’s fantastic!

Cape Town’s best wine farms 

Beau Constantia

Location: Beau Constantia

Hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 11h00 – 18h00; Friday to Sunday from 11h00 – 19h00

Contact: +27 21 794 8632

Nestled in the low pass connecting Constantia to Hout Bay and overlooking the valley of False Bay, the Beau Constantia wine farm offers an escape for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The tasting room is ideally situated against the slopes of the Table Mountain Nature Reserve, offering its visitors stunning views of its manicured vineyards framed by Table Mountain. 

Being just a short 20 minutes from Cape Town CBD, it is a great choice for those looking to enjoy the afternoon sunlight. 

My personal favourite of their reds has to be the Pas De Nom Red, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Syrah. It’s balanced, offering red cherry and plum flavours on the palette. A white recommendation would be the Cecily, a Viognier which is rather uncommon in South Africa but done so wonderfully here at Beau Constantia.

This fine farm is also home to the Chef’s Warehouse, a kitchen with one of the most inventive and experimental menus I’ve seen. Chef Ivor Jones is constantly looking for new inspiration and adapting the kitchen’s flavours to suit the season. I’d highly recommend trying the Chef’s Warehouse set menu if you can! 

Constantia Glen

Location: Constantia Glen

Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 everyday, 20:00 on Friday

Contact: +27 21 795 5639

You’re going to start to notice a trend here, and Constantia Glen is not the exception. This beautiful wine farm and vineyard can be found just below Constantia Nek, affording its visitors panoramic views of the valley while enjoying the lush greenery of this natural setting.

The Constantia Glen wine tasting room offers five different wine-tasting options for you to choose from, and they range in price from R120 ($6.5) to R180 ($9.5). My recommendation would be the Full House Tasting, which includes seven delicious wines. Pair this with a tasty cheese or charcuterie platter, and you have yourself an amazing afternoon to look forward to.

And if all of this wasn’t enough, the food menu is mouth-watering. All the food on their menu is available in the wine-tasting room, so you can enjoy the wine, the views, and their scrumptious food, all at the same time. It is highly recommended that you book in advance if you plan on going the full nine yards, as they can be particularly busy in the afternoon and on weekends. 

Groot Constantia

Location: Groot Constantia-Trust

Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 every day

Contact: +27 21 794 5128

Groot Constantia is a historical landmark when it comes to wine farms in Cape Town. It is the oldest wine-producing farm in South Africa and a world-class international tourism destination. This esteemed wine farm is so seeped in rich heritage that it’s difficult for me to imagine it as a wine farm but rather a museum of cultural legacy.

It is because of this that I’d highly recommend visiting the farm with sufficient time to participate in the Visitors Route Experience. This includes a wine-tasting experience as well as opportunities to explore the Manor House, the famed Cloete Cellar, which is the birthplace of the Grand Constance (rumoured to be Napoleon’s favourite wine), and see the wine museum and cultural history museum. There are audio walking tours available here as well, but honestly, those are kind of boring. 

If history and culture are not your vibe, fret not! Groot Constantia boasts an awesome chocolate and wine pairing for those with a sweet tooth. Alternatively, the Jonkershuis eatery boasts an exceptional Cape Malay-inspired menu that is packed with flavour and heartiness. 

Klein Constantia

Location: Klein Constantia Estate

Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 everyday, 16:00 on Sunday 

Contact: +27 21 794 5188

If you’re looking for a delectable Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Riesling, Klein Constantia is the wine farm to visit. Following our trend thus far, Klein Constantia is situated against the Constantiaberg Valley and has some of the coolest climates of Cape wine farms due to the low sun exposure it receives. 

This results in their spectacular white wine selection as well as a delicious dessert wine known as the Vin de Constance, which I cannot recommend enough. There are four tasting options available for you to choose from. 

Following a wine tasting, The Bistro at Klein Constantia should be your next stop. Here, you’ll find a delightful range of foods to suit your tastes. These come in two or three courses, and vegetarian options are available as well. 

Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate

Location: Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate

Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 every day, Opens 09:00 on Saturday and Sunday

Contact: +27 21 794 6500

Constantia Uitsig is a fantastic example of a wine farm that incorporates modern techniques, conversation, and social development into its wine production. Their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives have sparked multiple opportunities for the support of local and international NGOs, including the Vuvus Kitchen, Bhejane Trust, and the Village of Hope Zambia. 

Not only is Constantia Uitsig committed to giving back, but their Heritage Market allows visitors to try something different when exploring the Estate. Kristen’s Kick-Ass Ice Cream, Sushi Box and Nest Deli are just a few of the restaurants open in the market. 

Eagles’ Nest

Location: Eagles’ Nest Wines

Hours: Permanently closed

Contact: +27 21 794 4095

This beautiful wine farm originally formed part of the Groot Constantia wine estate formed by Simon van der Stel in the late 1600s, one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa. Due to the steep nature of the estate, this farm was initially established to grow fruit for export and vegetables for local markets. Now, it produces some of South Africa’s best red wines.

The Eagle’s Nest Tasting Room is currently closed and is undergoing a new creative venture. It is not yet certain when the tasting room will become available again, however, their wines are available for purchase via their website.

Buitenverwachting

Location: Buitenverwachting

Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 every day, Closed on Sunday

Contact: +27 21 794 5190

This beautiful wine farm is nestled against the Constantiaberg on the east-facing slopes. It has an incredible range of activities waiting to be explored! There is so much to do here that you could spend the entire day on this farm. 

Starting at the Coffee BloC, their in-house cafe, meandering through the jewellery studio and gift shop, experiencing their wines in the cellar, enjoying delicious food at the Beyond Restaurant, and wrapping up the day with some freshly baked goods and yummy sweet treats from the Take-away Deli. 

I recommend bringing along a picnic blanket or grabbing one of theirs and plonking yourself under the shade of the lush oak trees on the well-maintained and manicured lawn, enjoying the summer sun and sipping on their delicious wine shared with friends and family.

Steenberg

Location: Steenberg Tasting Room

Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 every day

Contact: +27 02 713 2211

The Steenberg winery is a complete destination, home to the luxurious 5-star Steenberg Hotel and Spa, a sunny terrace at the Tryn Restaurant, a curated wine-tasting experience as well as the Bistro Sixteen82 featuring a flavourful and interesting tapas menu. Along with the 18-hole golf course, Steenberg is a playground and the perfect base from which to explore the city and the iconic Cape Atlantic seaboard.

There are a variety of wine-tasting options to tickle your tastebuds. These include a bubbly tasting of 4 sparkling wines; my personal favourite from Steenberg – a classic tasting of 1 sparkling wine and 4 wines from the classic range; a red wine tasting of 4 elegant Steenberg red wines; and the flagship tasting, which offers a Pinot Noir Cap Classique followed by the 4 flagship wines. Reservations are required when visiting the tasting room.

This 300-hectare wine farm also offers its visitors the opportunity to explore with the use of mountain bikes. If this is not your thing, the Peter Matkovich golf course is one of the best-conditioned courses in South Africa. 

Be aware that Steenberg is a cashless wine farm. Only card and Spanscan facilities are available.

Hout Bay Vineyards

Location: Hout Bay Vineyards

Hours: Available by appointment

Contact: +27 83 790 3303

Hout Bay Vineyards is a family affair, with family, friends, and visitors getting involved in picking. Tastings and sales are only available via appointment, so if you’re interested in trying their amazing bubbly, be sure to contact Cathy at 083 790 3303 or cathy@4mb.co.za.

Hout Bay gets a special place on this list because of the story of the wine farm. It is the dreamchild of Peter and Cathy, the farm owners, to produce their favourite drink, bubbly. 

The first vineyards were planted by Peter and Cathy in 2003, but sadly, just before their first harvest, herbicide was sprayed on their crops instead of pesticide. Three years of arduous work now decimated before their eyes. With vehement determination and strength of character, they purchased grapes in 2004 and persevered to produce their maiden vintage in 2007. 

Go wine tasting at Cape Town’s best vineyards

Cape Town has no shortage of delicious wines and gorgeous wine farms to choose from. Whether it is crisp whites, rich reds, or tasty bubbles, there are plenty of options for wine enthusiasts. And since you cannot go wrong with an option on this list, we know that you’ll have an incredible wine-tasting experience in Cape Town.

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We’ve split these Cape Town day trips into three categories or directions — the West Coast, Winelands, and Southern Coast. Whether you want to cruise along the coastline, drink wine with stunning views, or hike in ethereal wonderlands (I’m looking at you, Cederberg), an awesome day awaits.

This post was written in collaboration with Justin Peach, our resident regular day-tripper!

West Coast

With so many places to visit up the West Coast, it was hard to choose what to include here. But we’ve highlighted a few favourites! 

Darling

Distance from Cape Town: 1h10 | 82,2km (51 miles)

Darling is one of the prettiest towns around Cape Town. In fact, it’s where my husband and I got engaged on a day trip of our own! The fantastic vineyards and craft breweries are what make it famous, but the beautiful cafes and restaurants and the quiet, tall-treed streets make it special.

The museum provides a rare look into South Africa’s history in small towns and farming communities. And just outside of town on all sides, the flower fields and farms are lovely to slowly drive past. Stop anywhere that looks special, and make a full day of it!

Best things to see

• Ormonde Wine Estate — the best charcuterie platters I’ve ever had, and brilliant wines on a beautiful plant-filled estate
• Evita se Perron — a satirical one-man show by Pieter-Dirk Uys, this is a must-see for all South Africans (much of it is in Afrikaans and ‘mengels’, so foreigners will struggle to understand
• Darling Brewery — one of the best craft brews found in Cape Town is made right here

West Coast National Park

Distance from Cape Town: 1h15 | 98km (61 miles)

While flower season (mid-August to late September) is certainly the best time to visit the West Coast NP, it’s a stunning day trip year-round. You’ll see so much native plantlife and animals, from bontebok to baboons. And many birds! 

This is an expansive national park, with several hiking trails, bird hides, a broad lagoon where you can swim and relax, and two lookouts over the ocean — Tsaarsbank and Seeberg Lookout. Bring a picnic, lots of water and sunscreen, and a camera to document all of the beauty and fun!

Best things to see

• Flowers flowering — hills and fields covered in native wildflowers and daisies
• Birds fluttering — a stunning place for birdwatching
• Animals strolling — you’ll find eland, bontebok and zebra, among others, taking their daily walk

For more info, check out our guide to the West Coast National Park!

Cederberg Mountains

Distance from Cape Town: 3h | 250km (155 miles)

The whole Wander Cape Town team is obsessed with the Cederberg — we cannot recommend it enough! While you can make a day trip of it, I recommend spending the night so that you can take it in slowly and experience the birdsong and perfect calm of a morning in the mountains. 

There are a few different campsites in the area, our favourite of which are Beaverlac, Jamaka and De Pakhuys in Rocklands. 

All are really great options, with affordable open campsites, bathrooms and amenities, and glamping options too. But more importantly, all are set in stunning surroundings. Take a hike through the otherworldly rocky landscapes, go swimming in the icy pools, usually tinted deep red by the minerals in the soil and indigenous plant life. 

Best things to see and do

• Go bouldering — Rocklands in particular is one of the best places for climbing in the whole world
• Take a hike — such beautiful things to see
• Watch for native birds — while quite arid, the Cederberg has an amazing amount of bird life

Winelands

The Cape Winelands is full of things to do and places to see! You could hop aboard a tour bus and get the full Cape Town wine tasting tour, a great way to experience the wines of the area and not have to worry about driving! Alternatively you could enjoy a wine tasting day tour of Stellenbosch. Both are great options.

Stellenbosch

Distance from Cape Town: 50 minutes | 50km (31 miles)

With more than 100 wine cellars, Stellenbosch is a centre point for wine and wine tasting. But it also boasts some incredible heritage, markets, and restaurants to boot!  

One market that I cannot recommend enough is the Route 44 Market situated just outside Stellenbosch along the R44 towards Somerset West. Here you will find more styles of food than one can imagine along with a bunch of stalls and shops selling jewellery, art, clothes, toys, and much more!

Another must-see when visiting Stellenbosch is De Warenmarkt. It is housed in a cherished 18th-century historical building and is home to a collection of diverse merchants, immensely passionate about their craft.

Best things to see

• Route 44 Market  — Because we love good food and overwhelming options
• Spier Wine Estate — Beautiful and affordable 
• De Warenmarkt — Craft beer, baked goodies, crepes and speciality meats 

Franschhoek

Distance from Cape Town: 1h10 | 81km (50 miles)

The French Corner of the Cape Winelands, this small town of European influence boasts an incredible array of wine farms, restaurants, cafes, breweries, art galleries and stunning views of one of the most beautiful valleys in the Western Cape. One of two things are mandatory when visiting this gorgeous little village: a designated driver or a place to stay the night because there are just too many wonderful wine farms to explore. 

Franschhoek offers what is known as the Franschhoek Wine Tram, a hop-on hop-off tram that runs along old train tracks, allowing you to visit multiple wine farms while sightseeing from atop a tram! How cool? If you’d rather check out what beer Franschhoek has to offer, I’d highly recommend visiting the Tuk Tuk microbrewery in the village or Hey Joe Brewery just outside of the village. 

On top of all this, Franschhoek is surrounded by gorgeous mountains begging to be explored. With over 18 different hiking trails ranging for leisurely 1 hour strolls to multi-day hikes, you are spoilt for choice. My personal recommendations are either the Uitkyk Trail or the Perdekop Trail. 

Best things to see

• Hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram — Multiple wine farms and you don’t have to drive!
• Hey Joe Brewery — Awesome beers in an awesome beer house 
• Hugenot Museum — Rich history that took place not so long ago
• Uitkyk Trail or Perdekop Trail — Incredible views 

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

Distance from Cape Town: 1h | 62km (39 miles)

An adventurer’s dream, this valley has some of the Cape Winelands’ most accessible and beautiful hiking and mountain biking trails along with some awesome wine farms and restaurants to just take in all the views of the surrounding mountains. Nestled in the Hottentots-Holland Mountain range, there is plenty to see and do in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

There is an abundance of hiking trails to choose from in the area! My top recommendation is the Panorama trail. It is fairly tough at 1000 m of elevation with an optional loop that will take you past the waterfalls for a cool-off after an intense hike! Come with the mindset of hiking for the better part of the day. Permits to the reserve can be bought at the gate which is very handy.

The great thing about hiking in this area is that you can visit one of the terrific cafes beforehand for breakfast and coffee and upon finishing the hike check out a wine farm given you are down at a reasonable hour. Some stand-out choices must be the Post Card Cafe at Stark-Condé Wine Farm (kill two stones with one bird) and Lazerac which was the wine farm to bottle the first Pinotage!

Best things to see

• Panorama hiking trail — Immersed in nature with gorgeous views in every direction (it’s not called the Panorama trail for nothing!)
• Waterfall hiking trail — Because waterfalls
• Post Card Cafe — Incredible menu full of so many yummy dishes
• Lanzerac — Award winning wines 

For more info, read our guide to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve!

Paarl

Distance from Cape Town: 45 minutes | 60km (37 miles)

You might have noticed a recurring theme in these day trips from Cape Town to the Winelands. Paarl is no exception. This town is home to some awesome wine farms that should be explored given the opportunity to do so! 

But Paarl is home to more than just wine. Paarl Rock is no ordinary rock as it is the second largest granite outcrop in the world! It is also home to the Taal Monument which was designed by architect Jan van Wijk in 1975 to celebrate the Afrikaans language. Free guided tours are available daily to those who visit.

Paarl Rock seems to be the rock that keeps on giving. It boasts some incredible multi-pitch rock climbing so if that is your thing, be sure to bring your gear along. 

On the other side of this giant granite rock is The Spice Route Destination offering beer & wine tastings, bistro dining and artisan crafts, plus mountain bike trails on top of all that! Frankly, this spot should not be missed.

Best things to see

• Paarl Rock  — Gorgeous views atop one of the largest granite rocks out there
• Taal Monument — Heritage sight with futuristic design honouring the Afrikaans language
• Spice Route Destination — Wine, beer, chocolate and artisanal goodies

Southern Coast

You don’t often hear travellers talking about the Southern Coast and what it has to offer but do not be fooled. There is plenty on offer. Whether it be hiking through nature reserves with ocean views, spotting the local wildlife at sea or on land, or learning a little more about the history of these places, there is something to do for everyone! 

Hermanus

Distance from Cape Town: 1h40 | 121km (75 miles)

Photo by Danel Wentzel for her guide to Cape Town’s marine life

Hermanus, nestled along the stunning Western Cape coastline of South Africa, is a picturesque and charming town celebrated for its unparalleled natural beauty and vibrant marine life. It is an excellent day trip out of Cap e Town with 2 main ways of getting there, both boasting their own adventures and scenic viewsalong the way.

One way to enjoy everything Hermanus has to offer is to do a full day Hermanus tour. From seeing whales to coastal drives and some wine tasting in between, this is an excellent option! Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little more adrenaline-fueled, a whale watching boat trip from Cape Town should do the trick! 

With its sweeping vistas of oceans and mountains as a backdrop, Hermanus has earned its reputation as one of the world’s prime land-based whale-watching destinations. It is best to take advantage of this whale-watching experience during the winter months. Beyond its marine allure, Hermanus boasts a quaint atmosphere, featuring art galleries, boutique shops, and a variety of culinary delights. Its welcoming community and mild climate make it an inviting retreat for travellers seeking a blend of coastal tranquillity and captivating encounters with nature.

Best things to see

• Whale watching boat trip — Speed, adrenaline, and whales! 
• Hermans Coastal Cliff Path — Because coastal views 
• Old Harbour Museum — Rich fishing history and massive exhibit of a whale skeleton
• Hermanus Market — Artisanal goods, speciality foods, craft beer and wines. Do you need more reasons?

Cape Point

Distance from Cape Town: 1h15 | 61km (38 miles)

The meeting point of the Pacific and Atlantic Seas, Cape Point is a must-see on the itinerary of any traveller visiting Cape Town. One could easily spend the entire day in the ‘deep south’ exploring the nature reserve and surrounding areas on the return trip.

It is here that you will find the Cape of Good Hope, home to some of Cape Town’s most scenic hiking spots. The Cape of Good Hope is also an incredible birding spot, home to more than 250 species of birds including one of two mainland colonies of African penguins. 

I’d also highly recommend visiting the old lighthouse which could be done via a Cape Point Peninsula private tour! Due to the position of this lighthouse, it was often lost in the clouds and caused several mishaps for sailors. A new lighthouse was built in 1911 and to this day, remains one of the most powerful sentinels on the southern coast of Africa. The top of the old lighthouse is now an incredible perch upon which to view the two oceans and the coastline! A definite must.

Best things to see and do

• Hiking trails — Coastal views and great exercise
• Birding spot — Diverse collection of birds to be seen in the area
• Old  lighthouse — Vantage point of the coast, the two oceans, and the nature reserve!

Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Distance from Cape Town: 1h20 | 97km (60 miles)

What’s not to love about this area of the Cape? Home to beautiful lush greenery, stoic mountains, and unending possibilities for adventure, Kogelberg Nature Reserve should not be overlooked when planning your next day outing.

In the reserve, you have plenty of activities to look forward to. Hiking, birding, mountain biking, swimming, even white water rafting and whale watching when the season is right. Kogelberg is one of 400 biosphere reserves around worldwide and will leave you marvelling at its beauty.

Best things to see

• White water rafting — Fun for all those who enjoy enjoy adrenaline and nature
• Hiking — Multiple different routes to explore
• Swimming — Plenty of rivers to jump in to. 

Gansbaai

Distance from Cape Town: 2h10 | 163km (101 miles)

Photo by Danel Wentzel

Over the last few decades, Ganbaai has grown from a small town of fishermen with a few hundred villages into what is now a thriving tourist hotspot for local and international travellers. Gansbaai is a relaxed and scenic coastal town for those who are looking to make the most out of a slow weekend.

When visiting, I would highly recommend the African penguin and seabird sanctuary. Here you can learn plenty about the bird wildlife in the area. Following this, I’d suggest you take this knowledge on horseback and explore the Pearly Beach Horse Trail. You’ll be taken into the ocean on horseback which is thrilling and be afforded the opportunity to discover the fauna and flora of the area.

And if you are still unsatisfied, Ivanhoe’s Sea Safari would be your next best bet. This boating experience will have you exploring the coastline and bay while looking for whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, penguins, sunfish and plenty of seabirds.

Best things to see and do

• Horseback riding along Pearly Beach — White sand, blue sea and gorgeous views on a horse!
• Klipgat Caves — Natural caves formed along the coast waiting for exploration 
• Icanhoe’s Sea Safari— So much marine life to be spotted.

Take a day trip

Every direction you turn, the possibilities are amazing (I won’t say endless, but they’d take you a while). There’s no doubt about it — a day trip from Cape Town should be in your Spring and Summer plans! Did we miss your favourite place to explore on a drive from Cape Town? Let us know, we’d love to expand the list!

The post 11 Stunning day trips from Cape Town appeared first on Wander Cape Town.

West Coast Wildflower Festival 

When the wildflowers open to greet the rising sun on the West Coast of Cape Town, it transforms the platteland into a plant lover’s paradise. Similar to Table Mountain, you’ll find endemic flowers which are not found in any other environments! Buying a ticket ensures access to the Darling Museum, where a specimen table, market, and various attractions including music, all contribute to conservation. 

The Darling Wildflower Society is hosting the Wildflower show from the 19^th to the 21^st of September 2025. It’s a foolproof option to see a wide variety of specimens with the bonus of name tags below the plants. The displays are creative and help you to identify who is who before you go trudging around the various reserves in the area. 

The small town of Darling truly comes alive during the festival, with cars often lining the wide streets. Luckily, the town is just one of the venues on a wildflower route along which you can experience the flowers in abundance. If you are traveling from Cape Town, you can plan a round route to see the reserves and the festival, with a scenic stop for a picnic or lunch at a wine estate. 

Wildflower Reserves on the West Coast

Thanks to the work and generosity of individuals and families, a selection of farmlands is protected for the public to visit where the wildflowers naturally grow. The often-barren looking renosterveld, vlieland, sandveld, and strandveld areas come into bloom with a variety of colours through the end of winter and into spring. Below are three reserves which you could visit in one day. 

Darling Renosterveld Reserve 

Location: Kalkoentjie Street, Darling (Parking opposite the Darling Primary School) 

This reserve is located at the top of the town of Darling and offers the public a chance to see a variety of Darling’s most treasured flowers. The location atop a hill provides plenty of sunlight and the residential area makes parking safe and easy. I enjoyed taking my time at this reserve and painted the Blou Pypie and Suurtjies while sitting in the sun on a cold July afternoon.  

A vulnerable endemic species you can see here in September is the Bleek Kalossie (Ixia Lutea). Its natural habitat in areas of renosterveld and fynbos are continuously under threat of development. Another great reason to visit and support the protected reserves we have listed here. The Blue Cap (Sparaxis villosa) and Shaggy Froetang (Romulea-hirsuta) were standouts during my visit in August. 

SANBI Tinie Versfeld Nature Reserve  

Location: Along the R315 road to Darling 

Tinie Versfeld Reserve is a circular walk with the best chance of seeing the Geel Kelkiewyn (Geissorhiza Darlingensis). Bring gumboots if you are interested in doing the full circular walk which passes along the dam and handmade pump house. Unfortunately, the details on the board at the entrance have long disappeared from the sun damage, just stick to the paths and you’ll be fine.  

This reserve is free to visit and is open to the public thanks to the smart participation of a private landowner with the National Botanical Society of South Africa. Should you find any plant you are curious to identify, the SANBI website is my recommended go to! 

West Coast National Park 

Location: Off the R27 (West Coast Road) 

When visiting the West Coast National Park for the flowers your best choice is to stay the evening in one of the Churchhaven cottages, or the memorable houseboats. You’ll pay for two days in the park, but you’ll gain the precious evening hours. Day visitors need to be prepared to reach the gates before they close at 18:00 in August and 19:00 in September.

Photo by Callum Evans 

So I can suggest starting early to enter between 7am and 8am, allowing yourself plenty of time to reach Tsaarsbank, or the Postberg section of the park. This ‘wild’ side of the reserve gives you an opportunity to see some of the larger mammals such as the eland, kudu, bontebok and ostriches. On a windless day you can make the most of the braai facilities found along the coast. Other attractions are the bird hides and reptiles, giving you more reasons to take your time within the park. 

Postberg 

The beauty of this area is unmatched in the West Coast, with limited access helping to preserve the fields of colour which arrive in Spring. This protected area within the West Coast National Park is only opened for flower season between August and September each year. A 1-day or even 2-day hike across the Postberg section is recommended as the best experience of the wildflowers in pristine nature. 

Photo by Tanya Paquet  

Popular Wildflowers by Month 

You and I simply cannot dictate when the wildflowers will bloom. Nature has a magical way of waving its wand (more likely rain) over areas that a few days later break into jaw-dropping landscapes of colour. What we can do is loosely paint a picture of when you will see each species flowering.  

August is the beginning of the flower season and often coincides with the arrival of a kaleidoscope of colours. Take a closer look and you will even note variations in the markings and colours of a single species. In September, keep an eye out for Froetang’s, specifically the Darling Froetang (Romulea Exima) found at all of the reserves.  

October is a good time to see the Darling Kalkoentjie (Gladiolus Meliusculus) standing proudly in all the Darling reserves. In November, Cineraria (Senecio Elegans) opens along the coastal areas in colours ranging from dark mauve to bright pink. December brings the opportunity to see the fascinating bulbous plant Kukumakranka (Gethyllis Afra) blooming with tulip-like white and yellow petals.  

January’s offerings include the flowering of the succulent, Plakkie (Cotyledon Orbiculata), commonly found in residential areas and in the coastal veld. February is a beautiful time to explore the West Coast National Park, with yellow flowers from the Strandgombos (Pteronia Uncinata) complimenting the warm weather. March is typically when the Poeierkwassie (Haemanthus pubescens) flowers in the coastal sandy areas.  

In April, the Groot Klossie Heide (Erica Mammosa) is one of the species you can look forward to seeing flowering amongst the fynbos in sandy areas. In May, we admire the yellow flowers of the Katstert (Bulbine Cepaceae) while taking great care to avoid treading on the flowering Platdoring (Arctopus echinatus) in the Darling Renosterveld Reserve. 

June and July can be unpleasantly cold but there are still flowers which open on the select days when the sun shines. The endemic Ploegtydblommetjie (Empodium plicatum) and Blue Pypie (Gladiolus gracilis) give dashes of colour during this time. In July, the Skilpadbos (Muraltia macropetala) brings bundles of pink. 

Free Wildflower Activity Worksheet 

I love channeling my creativity through projects, and this one was born in my mother’s Darling kitchen. “Why don’t we create embroidery kits, with your drawings of wildflowers?”. Alas, I have taken the initiative through a first draft, and to encourage you to get creative I am offering the design to you. Download the free worksheet, print it out, and colour it in. Or, use it as a template for embroidery. 

How To Get There 

Leave early in the morning to travel to the West Coast National Park, driving slowly from the gate to the Postberg section. Picnic along the coastline or take a dip in the lagoon before heading to the R315 for a visit to the SANBI Tinie Versfeld Reserve. The circular walk will only take you 20 minutes but allow time for photographs.  

Continuing to Darling Renosterveld Reserve you can do the 20 minute walk before or after a well-deserved lunch in town. Making sure not to speed, head from Darling to Malmesbury to travel back to Cape Town along the N7 freeway. 

Wild Flowers everywhere! 

While we have focused on three areas, you can be certain that there will be wildflowers everywhere along Cape Town’s West coast. The feeling we experience during our local adventures is motivation enough to set out and let nature surprise you. With your first visit under your belt, you can return knowing that other species will no doubt appear. 

And remember, what makes these natural spaces so special is the tranquility and purity. So, respect your fellow flower admirers by keeping quiet and do pick up any litter you may come across. 

The post West Coast Wildflowers | Festival, Reserves, and What You’ll See  appeared first on Wander Cape Town.

You can check out our other community-sourced sport climbing article and our music festival article and learn from the community.

Before we get into this article, I’d like to thank everyone who has put in the time and effort into contributing a piece about their favourite surf spots in Cape Town! Huge shout out to Jonathan Looman, Matt Bromley, Grant Stringer, Kayleigh Wallace, Romy Isabel, and Sakhubuntu Sibanda for making this post come to life. You’ll find all their social links in the article so you can check out their latest waves!

Llandudno 

Experience level: Intermediate – Experienced

Location: Llandudno Beach

Best swell direction: South / South East

Best wind direction: North

— Photo by Jonathan Looman 

Llandudno is located North of Hout Bay, on the West of the Cape Peninsula. It’s a step up in terms of difficulty with a step take-off and powerful wave. This wave can become very crowded, especially on weekends.

Llandudno is renowned for its three prominent peaks, each offering a distinct surfing experience. Looking out to sea, the right-hand peak near the rocks is affectionately known as The Gat, or “The Hole.” When the stars align, or rather the swell direction and banks, The Gat turns into a surfer’s dream. The intense, wedging takeoff mutates into a thick, round barrel that promises a heart-pounding ride. Naturally, this is where the locals congregate when conditions are just right.

The central peak also has its days in the sun and can deliver impressive rides. It’s like the underappreciated middle child of the Llandudno surf family that still has plenty of thrills to offer.

Finally, there’s a left on the far side that occasionally graces surfers with its presence. It’s like the mysterious stranger at the party, giving relatively short but memorable rides. Some say it’s just a myth, but the adventurous who have experienced it know better.

— Jonathan Looman

Long Beach 

Experience level: Intermediate – experienced

Location: Long Beach

Best swell direction: South / South East

Best wind direction: North

— Photo by Jonathan Looman 

Long Beach is situated in Kommetjie on the cold Atlantic coast. It is a sheltered beach break offering left and right-breaking waves for intermediate to advanced surfers depending on the wave size. This also makes it ideal for both Goofy and Natural footed surfers.

The waves are at their best over the summer months when the SW winds are more prominent which will give you a light offshore breeze. The waves will be more consistent and line up better with a SW swell direction. 

The water temperature ranges between 16 degrees in the winter and 9 degrees in Summer.  

— Grant Stringer

Long Beach, situated in the coastal village of Kommetjie on the southwest corner of the Cape Town Peninsula, is renowned as one of the most consistent surfing spots in the region. Its reliability also makes it one of the most crowded locations.

This popular spot features three distinctive sections known as Crans, Pebbles, and Main Peak. Crans offers a short barreling wave, while Pebbles and Main Peak present challenging A-frame waves that attract surfers of various skill levels.

Now, the real challenge at Long Beach isn’t just the waves, it’s navigating the fiercely competitive surf scene, especially among the local youth. Imagine the Olympics but with a crowd of aspiring pro-surfers under the age of 15. These mini-champions, armed with surfboards make catching a wave a comedic dance of dodging, weaving, and a good deal of patience.

— Jonathan Looman 

Noordhoek Beach (Stables)

Experience level: Beginner, intermediate and experienced (swell and weather dependent)

Location: Noordhoek Long Beach Pavilion

Best swell direction: Southwest

Best wind direction: Southeast

— Photo by Sakhubuntu Sibanda

My favourite surfing spot in Cape Town is easily Stables (Noordhoek Beach). My surf journey, unlike most surfers in Cape Town, didn’t start in the playful long feathering lines of Muizenberg Beach. Mine began in the cold, often closing out, punchy waves of Stables.

The water is often crystal clear blue, like some tropical island but don’t be fooled,  it may probably be the coldest water you’ll ever be in. Honestly, between me and you, for most waves you’ll get at Stables you’ll need to race to get on the face and maybe get a turn or two if you’re lucky!

It was pure fate that I moved a stone’s throw away from Noordhoek Beach and “lucked” into an XXL wetsuit and 7’2 surfboard. After religiously getting smashed in the shore break I started progressing. I remember last summer (2022) my mate, Chim, and I scored Stables for a week straight in all her glorious ever-changing moods.

A typical day for me that summer was two solo sessions in the morning and early afternoon, falling into a deep sleep and getting woken up mid-snore by a frothing Chim after he got home from school and he would be like “Are we psyching or what?” to which I almost always replied with a laugh and “we’re out there”.

We’d surf for about an hour, head to the sauna and talk about life and stuff till sunset.

Stables have many moods… there are the small and fun days, the fun size and perfect days, the big and scary but fun days and the days that you just shouldn’t be out there – we were of course “out there”.

I wouldn’t recommend learning to surf at Stables, I’ve had a couple of close encounters but I like to think they’ve made me stronger and progress faster as a surfer. Hands down my favourite break, it’s where it all started for me.

—  Sakhubuntu Sibanda, check out his YouTube channel and show some support! 

Sunset Reef

Experience level: Professionals and adrenaline junkies only

Location: Kommetjie

Best swell direction: South West / South

Best wind direction: South East

Sunset Reef which breaks 600m out to sea of Kommetjie is my favourite wave in South Africa. The finger of reef that stretched out into the deep shapes the wave into a perfect “A-frame” peak, offering barrels and incredible rides. It reaches 40 feet in the big storms and is one of the best waves in the world. I grew up in front of it and watched it since I was 12 years old. I finally surfed it at 15 and am on it every time it breaks!

— Matt Bromley, professional surfer

These waves in particular are not for the faint of heart. They occur just off the coast of Kommetjie and it is necessary to take a boat out to reach them. The waves here are massive averaging 5 metres or more on an average day.

Big Bay

Experience level: Beginner, intermediate and experienced (swell and weather dependent)

Location: Big Bay Beach

Best swell direction: West

Best wind direction: South / South East

— Photo by Jonathan Looman 

Big Bay is located up the coast from Cape Town and can be easily found through Google. It is another beginner-friendly place which you can rent boards from although there are fewer board hire options and they are more expensive than Muizenberg probably due to the decreased competition.

— Jonathan Looman 

Derdesteen / Horse Trails

Experience Level: Intermediate

Location: Derdesteen

Best swell direction: West

Best wind direction: Light east

— Photo by Jonathan Looman 

After mastering the waves at Big Bay and Muizenberg, the adventurous surfer might find themselves drawn further north to a series of waves, tucked within the Blouberg Nature Reserve. These waves spanning several beaches usually promise a less crowded experience, save for the occasional busy summer Saturday morning, providing an optimal environment to refine your skills.

The success of a session at Derdesteen often comes down to the wind – the lighter, the better. This place offers generally A-frame beach breaks, accommodating surfers who prefer short boards and making it a bit easier to tackle. If you’re looking to graduate from the beginner spots and challenge yourself with something more, Horse Trails might just be the next destination on your surfing journey.

— Jonathan Looman 

Muizenberg (everybody’s favourite beginner beach)

Experience level: Beginner 

Location: Muizenberg Beach

Best swell direction: South / South East

Best wind direction: North

— Photo by Laurence Garrett

Situated on the False Bay coast of Cape Town Muizenberg finds the perfect balance of waves from beginner to intermediate surfers surrounded by Surf Shops, Surf Schools, and Restaurants. 

Muizenberg is the ideal place to learn to surf as it is a mellow sandy beach break.  You will find waves at Muizenberg throughout the year with more significant and more consistent swell over the winter months June through to October.  The best waves are when the swell pushes in a SE direction, with a NW wind. 

The water temperature ranges between 11 degrees in the winter and 19 degrees in Summer.  

—  Grant Stringer, Director at Reef South Africa

If you’re new to the sport and looking for a place to start, come to Muizenberg. It’s an ideal spot to learn because not only is its wave gentle and forgiving but so are the people, making the space welcoming to newbies. Surfers can get a bad rep for being unwelcoming in the water, but it’s actually all about surf etiquette (more on that in a bit!). Once you’re feeling confident in the white water, come join the backline! Surfers Corner is a beach break and a beautiful longboarding wave. On a good day, you’ll have long-running lines, and with lefts and rights alike, so you can have fun with your front or backhand.

To have the most fun, check the report for ideal conditions (for Surfers Corner it is an NW wind, with a southerly swell, and waves between 2-4 ft). I use Windguru and Windy, as I find them the most reliable and easy to use. Lifestyle Surf Shop puts daily surf reports on their Instagram. And if you’re wanting to join a community of gals that go out together, look up Backline Babes website to join the WhatsApp group (I am in St. Francis and found a fellow Backline Babe to surf the new breaks with me!). 

Back to etiquette: please ask someone about or look up surf etiquette! Not only out of respect for locals but also out of safety. Unlike most other sports there is an element of scarcity to surfing. Good waves are weather-dependent, and space is limited. The basics are: don’t drop in (observe the right of way), avoid paddling into the path of other surfers, and if you make a mistake just apologise

On the topic of limited space, the Berg can get pretty crowded. If you’re wanting a break from the party waves grab your board and drive up Baden Powell Drive for a few minutes until you see a break with a little parking spot – that’s cemeteries. A gorgeous spot to cruise on a log; albeit a little sharky. Witsands in Scarborough is, on the right day, another longboarding gem in Cape Town.

— Kayleigh Wallace

My favourite surf spot in Cape Town is Muizenberg. Not only because these are the only waves I surfed in Cape Town but also because I started my surfing journey here. Little did I know, that I would become a total surf addict and share the stoke with my friends because that is what surfing in Muizenberg is to me. It’s all about having fun with the people in the water, cheering each other on and sharing lovely and, most of the time, kind waves.

After surfing other spots like Jeffrey’s Bay, Victoria Bay and Durban, Muizenberg always feels like coming home. The waves here are friendly compared to other spots but never underestimate the power of the ocean. Muizenberg can be tough on some days and the paddle out will be rough but then, maybe even mostly then, it is so rewarding to make it out and catch a beautiful wave.

Muizenberg is a great spot because it has a perfect mix of surf shops and restaurants. At the shops, you can rent or buy surf equipment. In summer it is the perfect beach to go for a surf and chill at the beach. My favourite coffee place is the little food truck on the circle, they also sell pancakes which are the perfect post-surf snack. When you cross the train track you will find York Road, a lovely lunch spot called Harvest is found here.

Muizenberg is magical with stunning waves. Especially when the sun sets behind the mountain and the sky turns pink. Surfing this time feels like an infinite love affair between the ocean, sky and mountains where the stoke is shared between surfers of all levels.

— Romy Isabel

Muizenberg is a fun beach break located to the south of Cape Town. It’s a good spot for beginners and has plenty of board rental places to hire from, I would recommend Surf Emporium for its extensive range of boards on offer! 

The wave has many peaks so even when it’s crowded you can still get waves. The shape of the wave is often quite flat so it is great for longboarding and surfing a board with more volume like a mid-length or a fish on bigger days.

— Jonathan Looman

Ready to surf! 

I hope by now you have enough information on these different surfing spots to make an educated decision on where you’d like to surf and what conditions to look out for! 

The post 7 Awesome Surfing Spots in Cape Town appeared first on Wander Cape Town.

I first paddled into a wave on a longboard at age 12 under the guidance of my father who still heads down to Surfer’s Corner for a wave. Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate, or a professional surfer, it is incredibly beneficial to have a knowledgeable coach in the water with you. You will find the most joy when sharing waves with others! 

Below, you’ll find the best surf schools and how much you can expect to pay for a surf lesson in Cape Town before diving into the topic of how to predict the conditions for each spot. 

Perspective of Cape Town, South Africa from NASA 

Surf Schools in Cape Town 

With stories of wave riding pioneers dating back to the 1950’s, the Mother City is the home of surfing in South Africa. Luckily you do not have to ride a homemade styrofoam board like ‘Oom’ Whitmore and can reach out to a surf school near you to get a head start at one of Cape Town’s best beaches. 

From the character-filled surf shops, to the great ‘meet-up’ shops on the coast, the best surf lessons are often hosted by surf shops who are dedicated to the long-term development of the sport. Below are the best surf schools offering lessons in Cape Town’s Big Bay, Muizenberg, and Strand.

Image from Boston Public Library 

Atlantic Surf 

Atlantic Surf’s Anton and Shane Fourie welcome you to the ocean with years of experience surfing in Table View and all along South Africa’s coastline. The shop is home to Fury surfboards and is steeped in history, having established its footing in the area in 1995. It is a space for surf culture to be celebrated with music and events most often held in summer, so pull in, or message to find out more. 

The surfing lessons take place with stunning views of Table Mountain as the backdrop. Whether you are a complete beginner interested in learning to stand up or an intermediate looking to improve your take-off and down-the-line surfing, the team at Atlantic Surf will help you to do so safely. As a bonus, you can follow the Atlantic Surf Instagram account for a morning surf and wind report.  

Price: 

Lessons include the surfboard rental, while a wetsuit rental is R50. Private lessons are R500, or you can upgrade to a four-lesson package for R1800. Group lessons are R250 or book the four-lesson package for R800. Easily book a surf lesson with Atlantic Surf on the website or contact the shop on 0612239551.

Image from Atlantic Surf 

Lifestyle Surf Shop 

Wind back to 1975 (the year that Lifestyle Surf Shop was established) and you will hear stories about South Africa’s world champion surfers in the likes of Gavin Rudolph and Shaun Tomson. Today, we are represented on the World Tour, but the conversation between surfers is more often about shark sightings or jokes about Muizenberg’s reputation of having the most surfers riding the same wave.

Lifestyle Surf Shop has remained true to its core values of respecting nature, those around you, and the traditions of surfing. You can easily spend an hour in the shop, perusing the boards, looking through the shaping bay window, and reading about the heritage boards on display. Here you’ll find Tich Paul, and his son Craig Paul have continued to celebrate surfing culture from this iconic position in the ‘Berg. 

Price: 

A one-on-one lesson including the board and wetsuit is R550. You and a friend can book a lesson with one coach including boards and wetsuits for R950. The price gets more affordable when booking for three or four surfers, so it’s a great motivation to get your friends who are at a similar level onboard.

Image from Josh Muller 

Stoked School of Surf  

I taught surfing with Stoked between 2013 and 2017 under the guidance of Michelle and David as the head coaches. This mobile school based in Camps Bay offers beginner and intermediate surfers lessons with the option of transport to the beach. Your coach picks you up from your accommodation in the city, and travels to the Atlantic coastline or False Bay depending on the surf forecast of the day.  

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride with views of Cape Town’s dramatic mountains. Joining a group of similar standing surfers under the guidance of a great coach is exciting. Stoke’s group lessons visit Muizenberg or Big Bay depending on the best conditions on the day. While the private surf guiding is the best option for experienced surfers wanting a knowledgeable guide and companion in the water. 

Price 

A group lesson meeting at the beach is R620 or pay R920 and the Stoked Bus will pick you up from your accommodation in the city. Choose to meet at the beach for a private lesson for R1800 or pay R2100 to get picked up from your accommodation in the city. Visit the website for lessons or info on surf camps.

Image from Stoked Surf School 

Surfshack Surfschool 

When surfing in Cape Town, beginners can have a positive impact on their own lives and the lives of others by booking a surf lesson. Making a positive impact in Muizenberg’s Surfers Corner is the Surfshack surf school. Here you can learn the basics of surfing from coaches who follow the lead of a standout surfing family. They strive to share positive ocean experiences with beginners and intermediate surfers.  

The instructors at Surfshack are standout surfers in both the longboarding and shortboarding competitions. As a beginner you will learn to paddle on a longboard, to stand up, and how to turn the board. Trust me, a longboard makes catching the broken wave at Muizenberg easier. The length and buoyancy of the bigger board make it possible to catch many waves, helping to fast-track your progress.

Price 

Includes the surfboard, wetsuit, and use of the Surfshack Facilities. The adult private lesson is R500 (or R900 for two) while an adult group of 3-5 people can book a private lesson for R380 each. Groups of more than five are possible, with the addition of coaches. You can book your Surfshack lessons here.

Image by Laurence Garrett 

Natural Energy Surf Lessons  

While a 40-minute drive from the Cape Town City Centre, Strand Beach on the far side of False Bay is where most students from Stellenbosch and Somerset West learn to surf. Natural Energy is located on Beach Road and has been a part of Strand’s surfing culture since 1981. You’ll feel at home here whether you are chatting to the shop assistant about the forecast, or about the majesty of this coastline’s surf. 

The Natural Energy surf store is located above a coffee shop and has a view of the surf at Strand. So, you can give the shop a call if you want to book a lesson and find out about the conditions on the day. Thanks to its location, you will benefit from softer waves which break over a sand bottom beach. 

Price  

A private lesson will set you back R450 and includes the use of a board and wetsuit. If you convince some friends, you can book a private group lesson for three to five people for R380 each. The best way to contact the shop is to phone 021 853 1151 or message Natural Energy Surf Shop on Instagram.

Image from Albert Dehon 

How to Predict Weather and Surf 

One of the most important parts of surfing is predicting the weather and waves. When you’re starting out, a friend, surf coach, or forecasting app can help you. Information on the bathymetry (the surface beneath the waves), swell, wind, and the tide can all help you in your prediction of the conditions. While the tide does not affect the swell size, an incoming tide can enhance the existing swell at a beach break.  

Without going deep into the topic, waves are produced by wind blowing over the sea surface. If the wind blows fast, over a long period of time, and over a long distance, you’ll get larger swell. Luckily, you don’t have to chart swell like in the old days and can simply search the forecast for the week. Considering the angle of the swell and wind you can use the information on the surf spots below to decide where to go.

Muizenberg: 

Located in False Bay, Muizenberg has a limited window and is best on a Southeast swell combined with a Northwest wind. I have had my best waves on an incoming tide when the swell is less than 2 meters. 

Big Bay: 

Positioned in an exposed cove on the Atlantic coastline, this consistent spot sees the best conditions for surfing when a Southwest swell combines with an offshore wind from the East and East-southeast. 

Strand:

Protected by its position in False Bay, the waves here are best when a Southwest swell combines with an offshore wind direction from the East.

Tips for Your First Surf Lesson 

Whether you are a jedi in the water like John John Florence, or you are a beginner wetting your toes for the first time, there are some basics we all have to get right.

Your failproof checklist before you head down to the beach is: 

• Sun protection (Hat and sunscreen) 
• Water 
• Towel 
• Warm clothing 

With these essentials covered, you will have a wonderful day out with a smile from ear to ear, no matter the weather.  

Spotted! A Light Wind and Swell 

So, you’ve kept your eye on the conditions and you’re ready to surf in Cape Town! Muizenberg is often the softest wave and is the ideal place for your first longboarding experience. Next, explore the Atlantic side and you’ll grow in confidence while getting to see Table Mountain from a striking perspective. Afterwards, hang in for a sunset over the ocean and live music with your friends from the surf shop. 

A special thanks to Michelle Smith, Josh Muller, Shane Fourie, Albert Dehon for the use of your photos. 

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