Life’s not always a beach – what else to do

Cape Town

Hout Bay and Seal Island

Visit the popular Hout Bay harbour, and take a stroll around the market and sandy beach. Hop onto a boat, and go on an adventure to see the Cape fur seals who live on Seal Island.

Signal Hill

Whether it’s panoramic views or the blast of the Noon Gun you’re looking for, Signal Hill will give you views of Cape Town that are Instagram worthy.

World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary

Calling all ornithophiles (bird lovers). Pop down to Hout Bay to the largest bird park in Africa. You’ll also get to see your fair share of monkeys there as well. Contact: worldofbirds.co.za

Cape Town Science Centre

If you’re looking for an educational and interactive experience which involves science, technology, mathematics, and engineering, look no further than the Cape Town Science Centre in Observatory. Contact: ctsc.org.za

Have a picnic

Pack your cooler bag, and head out to some of the best parks and beaches that South Africa has to offer. If it’s grass you prefer, make sure to visit the Company’s Garden in the city centre, where the squirrels will come say hi, or visit Green Point Urban Park and make sure to take your bicycles along. The historic and picturesque Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on the slopes of Table Mountain will also set the scene for an unforgettable picnic and day out.

If the beach is more your vibe, head down to the world-famous Camps Bay or Clifton beaches. Take a drive to see the penguins at Boulders Beach, who are ready and waiting to meet new visitors.

Go on a hike

Not only is hiking a great form of exercise, it’s also a great way to see Cape Town from different angles. Hike up Lion’s Head, Table Mountain, Silvermine, or one of the several trails at the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Contact: 021 712 7471

Muizenberg

Take a drive through to Muizenberg, where the water is slightly warmer and the iconic colourful beach huts bring back all kinds of nostalgia. From surfing to putt-putt to ice-cream shops galore, there’s plenty to do in the small town commonly known as Jewsenberg.

The Alpaca Loom

You don’t need to travel to South America to see an alpaca in person. All you need to do is visit The Alpaca Loom in Paarl to see these social animals for yourself. Contact: alpacas.co.za

Tobogganing in Durbanville

Cool Runnings Toboggan Park in Durbanville has the first downhill tobogganing track in Africa. Enjoy some outdoor fun at this family park, where you can bobsled down its 1.25km steel-pipe track. Contact: 021 949 4439 or visit coolrunnings.capetown

Simon’s Town

This historic naval town has something for everyone. From gemstones at the Simon’s Town Rock Shop to the statue of Just Nuisance the dog and kayaking adventures, Simon’s Town is well worth the visit. Contact: simonstown.com

Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront

Get up close and personal with the best under-water wildlife. This is great educational indoor fun, and perfect for a rainy day. Pop over to the V&A Waterfront for some retail therapy once you’re done at the aquarium. Contact: 021 418 3823 or www.aquarium.co.za

KwaZulu-Natal

PheZulu Safari Park

If you love crocodiles and snakes, the PheZulu Safari Park is the right place for you. Located in the Valley of a Thousand Hills just more than half an hour’s drive from Durban. Contact: 031 777 1000 or phezulusafaripark.co.za

Take a hike in Umhlanga

Grab your hat and comfortable walking shoes and head to the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve and walk through the coastal dune forest and across the Ohlange River towards the Umhlanga Lagoon. Look out for the more than 200 bird species and other small mammals along the way. Finish the day off at the Umhlanga Pier and take in the breathtaking views of Umhlanga. Contact: 031 561 2271

Durban Holocaust & Genocide Centre

An educational and meaningful experience that highlights some of the darkest events in human history. There’s also a kosher restaurant on site. Contact: 031 368 6833 or dbnholocaust.co.za

Big Rush Big Swing at the Moses Mabhida Stadium

If you’re an adrenaline junkie and are brave enough to free fall 80m into the stadium bowl, then this is for you. Get a bird’s eye view of the world-renowned Moses Mabhida Stadium, and see Durban like you’ve never seen it before. Contact: 031 322 9955 or mmstadium.com

Durban Botanical Gardens

Visit Africa’s oldest surviving botanical gardens, and see some of the rarest plants in the world. Contact: 031 322 4021 or durbanbotanicgardens.org.za

uShaka Marine World

Regarded as one of the world’s best marine theme parks, uShaka Marine World boasts a massive aquarium and a water park among other attractions which will keep the whole family entertained. Contact: 031 328 8000 or www.ushakamarine.com

Gateway Theatre of Shopping

Perfect for rainy days or to escape the heat, Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga offers something for everyone. Lookout for the LEGO Fun at Gateway, which is a dreamland for LEGO lovers. Contact: www.gatewayworld.co.za

Plettenberg Bay

Robberg Nature Reserve

If you love nature, then head to Robberg Nature Reserve. Hiking trails with spectacular views of Plettenberg Bay are waiting for you. You might even spot some seals, dolphins, or whales (if you’re lucky) or an ancient cave.

Monkeyland and Birds of Eden

Get up close and personal with the free-roaming monkeys, and see a variety of exotic bird species as well. Contact: 044 534 8906 or monkeyland.co.za

Bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge

If bungee jumping is on your bucket list, then make your way to the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at 216m at Bloukrans Bridge. Contact: bloukransbungy.com