Tabla de contenidos para Issue 1 2022 en Cape Etc

When you need a few days of doing nothing…. The Cape Winelands District is the perfect space to visit when you feel that all you want to do is… absolutely nothing. And when you are done doing nothing, you can choose to do any number of the one thousand activities available. The district is not only known for its excellent, award-winning wines, spirits and choice of craft beers, but is home to many hiking and biking trails such as the new trail in Paarl that connects all the farms situated on the iconic Paarl Rock, or the trails along the gravel roads in Robertson. If hiking, biking or birding aren’t quite enough, you could try your hand at paragliding, skydiving, ziplining or gliding through the clear Karoo skies. There are…

Start a veganism-related thread on any of your social media platforms, and there’s a good chance one of your committed omnivore friends will bring up that old chirp: ‘How do you know when someone’s vegan?’ ‘Dunno.’ ‘They’ll tell you.’ And then your plant-based friends will jump on board, virtual eyeballs rolling, and either extol the health benefits, or shame meat eaters for participating in a system that perpetuates the cruel torture of animals. Another perhaps less emotional or contestable argument revolves around the question of climate change, how modern-day animal agriculture is responsible for such enormous quantities of greenhouse-gas emissions. Never mind the rainforests cleared for farmland, the water and feed used to fatten up the cows, and the hormones and antibiotics put into them. If you aren’t aware of…

OPERA SEASON AT 12A The Twelve Apostles is somewhat of an icon. It’s so famous, in fact, that even the hotel cat, Ingwe, is a celebrity. Guests who have never stayed at the hotel before often ask for Ingwe – by name – before they get handed their glass of welcome bubbly. This charmed hotel, with its old-fashioned hospitality and shameless spoils, isn’t afraid of over-the-top theatricality and eccentric pizzazz. Staying with the feline theme, The Leopard Bar famously features leopard-print carpets, upholstery and wallpapers. One moment we were in a hotel, the next it was as if we’d inadvertently walked into a sociable 17th-century operatic extravaganza: The pop of Champagne corks, clinking of glasses, buzzy, effervescent celebrations all around. Then Fernando turned up with his drinks trolley and –…

WHY VISIT? Few gardens in the world can compare to the majestic setting of Kirstenbosch. Established in 1913, the 36 ha garden is part of a larger 528 ha estate bordering the Table Mountain National Park. It forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. More than 7 000 species of Cape flora, alongside other plant life from the diverse regions of Southern Africa, are cultivated here. The garden is also home to a wide variety of birds and small animals. WHAT TO SEE AND DO Marvel at South Africa’s national flower in the Protea Garden, wander along the self-guided Braille Trail, or take a stroll across the impressive 130 m Boomslang – a wheelchair-friendly canopy walkway with jaw-dropping views – that winds its way…

ARTSCAPE* DF MALAN STREET, FORESHORE 021 410 9800, artscape.co.za Established back in 1971, Artscape is a multifunctional creative centre dedicated to bringing the arts to a wider audience. The opera house seats close to 1 500 people and plays host to large-scale productions such as ballets and classic shows, while smaller performances are staged in the 500-seat Arena theatre. EVITA SE PERRON OLD DARLING STATION, 8 ARCADIA STREET, DARLING 022 492 2101, evita.co.za ‘I’ve opened a theatre in Darling, darling,’ Pieter-Dirk Uys told his friends in 1996. The old station building has come a long way from its derelict roots, and is now the home of Uys’s hilarious alter ego Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout. Here, he performs his acclaimed satirical shows with their cast of local political characters. A restaurant, art…

BAY HARBOUR MARKET 31 HARBOUR ROAD, HOUT BAY 084 370 5715, bayharbour.co.za Housed in an old factory at the working harbour in Hout Bay, this vibey market is a winner. More than 100 stalls offer arts and crafts, and fashion, plus pastries, ice cream, fruit and a host of other gourmet goods. It has a serious green ethos too, aiming to become entirely waste-free. Open Fridays 5 – 9 pm and weekends 9:30 am – 4 pm BLUE BIRD GARAGE FOOD & GOODS MARKET 39 ALBERTYN ROAD, MUIZENBERG 084 405 3544, bluebirdgarage.co.za This unpretentious market housed in an old postal-plane hangar brings ‘the butcher, the baker and the T-shirt maker’ together. Fill up on tasty bites, fresh produce, vegan curries and home-made treats, then browse the beautiful jewellery and fashion.…

ARABELLA HOTEL & SPA ARABELLA COUNTRY ESTATE, R44 TO KLEINMOND, HERMANUS 028 284 0000, arabellacountryestate.co.za Sometimes, all you need is a weekend filled with rest, relaxation … and a spot of golf. At Arabella Hotel & Spa, the luxurious facilities and world-class service ensure your every whim is catered to – whether that’s indulging in a treatment or teeing off. BANKSIA SPA BANKSIA BOUTIQUE, 14 BANKSIA ROAD, ROSEBANK 021 685 9878, banksia.co.za Tucked away in the landscaped gardens of the elegant Banksia Boutique hotel, this suburban spa ticks all the right boxes. Opt to invigorate your skin with a luxe salt-mousse exfoliation or enjoy a mud ritual in the rasul chamber. CAMELOT SPA PEARL VALLEY CLUBHOUSE, PAARL 021 867 8001, camelotspa.co.za Six luxury treatment rooms, including three specialised couples’ suites,…

Dawn brought cacophonous birdsong, loud, insistent voices urging me to rise and shine. And so I stepped outside, into the pale morning where sunlight, filtered through cracks in the thick overhead canopy, arrived at my feet in dappled shards. The garden surrounding me had an ancient feel, as though it had been growing for hundreds of years, a cooling shadowland in the heart of Diemersfontein, itself a vast undulating estate at the foot of the Hawequa mountains. Diemersfontein’s cottages are countrified, simple and sparse, almost emphasising the fact that you’re not here to spend your time cooped up in your room. Instead you’re beckoned to explore, to wander the estate’s many paths and lose yourself in the landscape, the vineyards, the immense mountain vistas. My stay was not so much…

THE MOUNTAIN SPARK ‘I’m probably more stupid than brave,’ says Kylie Paul, a firefighter with Cape Town’s Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS). Kylie, who moved from Tshwane eight years ago, tends to down-play the rigour – and the danger – involved in what she does. She says she’s found her calling – and her people. ‘They’re people who love the environment, love serving their community, and are always willing to give up their time to help out. We’re all quite awkward, usually quite shy, salt-of-the-earth people. If you’re there for selfies or to be a hero, you won’t last a fire season – the culture will work you out.’ Despite keeping it low-key, Kylie has broken barriers in her five years as a firefighter. She used to lead an all-female fire-fighting…

CITY BOWL THE AFRICA CAFÉ 108 SHORTMARKET STREET, CBD 021 422 0221, africacafe.co.za Take your place in the buffet line, where you will be tempted by mouth-watering specialities from across the continent, such as Botswanan seswaa masala (a delicious medium-strength springbok curry) and magwinya (lightly sweetened fried dough balls). Lively music and an adjoining arts-and-crafts shop ensure an all-round sensory feast. AUBERGINE 39 BARNET STREET, GARDENS 021 465 0000, aubergine.co.za Combining classic European cuisine with South African and Eastern twists, the fine-dining Aubergine has secured itself a spot on many a list of top local restaurants. The menu changes frequently, and the resident sommelier guarantees a memorable evening of wining and dining. BELLY OF THE BEA ST 110 HARRINGTON STREET, CBD 076 220 5458, bellyofthebeast.co.za Entrust your dining experience to…

AQUILA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE R46, TOUWS RIVER 021 430 7260, aquilasafari.com This southern Karoo conservancy has been described as ‘a blend of dirty-boot adventure, luxury accommodation and wildlife education’. The cherry on top is the horseback safari, which can be combined with a game drive for a full day spent out in the bush. CAPE POINT 021 780 9010, capepoint.co.za Situated within the southern section of Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point is a firm fixture on any Mother City itinerary. Sheer cliffs towering more than 200 m above sea level provide a breathtaking perspective of the park’s biodiversity. Stop by the Food Shop for take-away meals and refreshments after you’ve enjoyed a day of exploration. ROVOS RAIL 1 ADDERLEY STREET, CBD 021 421 4020, rovos.com For a hotel experience…

34 FINE ART BUCHANAN SQUARE, 160 SIR LOWRY ROAD, WOODSTOCK 082 354 1500, 34fineart.com This gallery was started with the owner’s personal collection of work, but now rotates solo exhibitions by prestigious local and international contemporary artists. Open by appointment only ABÉ OPPERMAN GALLERY 2ND FLOOR, 5 HUDSON STREET, DE WATERKANT 11 HUGUENOT STREET, FRANSCHHOEK 082 551 9708, abeopperman.co.za The pieces at the Abé Opperman Gallery are an invitation to reconsider modern life’s preoccupation with consumerism, violence, power and other societal ills. De Waterkant: By appointment only Franschhoek: Open daily 9 am – 5 pm THE AVA GALLERY 35 CHURCH STREET, CBD 021 424 7436, ava.co.za The non-profit Association for Visual Arts Gallery focuses on emerging artists. It deals in a diverse array of work, from mixed-media installations to ceramics…

AFROGEM 181 BUITENGRACHT STREET, CBD 076 726 8491, afrogem.co.za The production tour offers a glimpse of what goes into each stunning creation. BOUTIQUE HAUTE HORLOGERIE VICTORIA WHARF, V&A WATERFRONT 021 418 1889, bhhboutique.co.za Expect a luxury line-up of timepieces, with the likes of Ulysse Nardin, Chopard, Pomellato, Zenith, Hermès, Dior and Ebel timepieces. CAPE DIAMOND EXCHANGE 73 ST GEORGES MALL, CBD 021 422 2350, capediamondexchange.com Industry authority and current Cape Diamond Exchange owner Mr Poldy puts his expertise to work at this boutique. It offers a range of jewellery and hand-crafted pieces, set and unset certified diamonds and tanzanite, and a sought-after selection of stones. BROWNS CANAL WALK, CENTURY CITY 021 555 2196, brownsjewellers.com With outlets across South Africa, this family-owned diamond store epitomises exceptional quality, enduring designs and outstanding…

ACROBRANCH 1 HOUT BAY MAIN ROAD, CONSTANTIA NEK 086 999 0369, acrobranch.co.za Take to the trees with fun activities for the whole family. There are two courses for the little ones, while adults and teens can tackle a slightly more thrilling elevated experience. All four courses combine the adventure of zip lines, moving planks, Tarzan swings, rope bridges and more. The park caters for kids’ birthday parties and corporate team building too. From R150–R280 ALPACA LOOM SUID-AGTER PAARL ROAD, SOUTHERN PAARL 084 793 3666, alpacas.co.za Kids are in for an interactive experience at the alpaca petting zoo, where they have the chance to get up close to these animals. If they still have some energy left after, they can let loose on the jungle gym while parents park off for…

1. PRETTY IN PINK With its bright pink exterior and pale pastel walls inside, Sourced is as worthwhile for a squiz at the quirky homegrown design as it is for the neat, orderly rows of individually sourced pantry products on the shelves. Aside from bottles of marinade and jars of tikka paste next to the fish and prawn masala, this is a good place to stock up on M&Ms, Hershey bars, and Reese’s ultimate peanut-butter cups. 40 Dorp Street (entrance on Buitengracht), 073 466 3854 2. FOR UNCOMMON MEALS To reach Against the Grain, follow the stairs tucked away between Atlas Trading (Bo-Kaap’s legendary family-run spice dealer) and the little Deluxe Coffeeworks kiosk. It’s not only the views and décor in Gesant and Nabeela’s prime-position cafe that’ll appeal, but the…

CAPE PENINSULA AMBELOUI 4075 VALLEY ROAD, HOUT BAY ambeloui.co.za The MCCs that start their journey in the Ambeloui vineyards are certainly worth a toast. The small family-run boutique cellar has been producing bubbly for more than two decades, with each vintage named after a family member. Ann Christodoulou, the family matriarch, shares her love of Greek delicacies, and sells spanakopita, bougatsa and baklava from the farm too. Tastings: Only on the estate’s two annual sale days DORRANCE WINES HERITAGE SQUARE, 95 HOUT STREET, CBD 021 422 0695, dorrancewines.com Winemaker Christophe Durand moved from Calvados, France, to Cape Town in 1995. He has since established a premium brand that expresses both South African terroir and French traditions. Visit this atmospheric urban wine cellar with its narrow doorways and exposed-granite walls, then…

GUIDED HIKES Book a walk with one of the following accredited guides. They will be able to advise on how much water to take, and which other mountain essentials you should bring along: HIKE TABLE MOUNTAIN RIAAN VORSTER, 060 539 9340 hiketablemountain.co.za From R900 pp (excluding transport, cableway fare and Kirstenbosch entrance fee) TABLE MOUNTAIN WALKS MARGARET CURRAN, 082 920 4679 tablemountainwalks.co.za From R750 pp (excluding transport cableway fare and Kirstenbosch entrance fee) CABLEWAY 021 424 0015, tablemountain.net Looking to take a markedly less tiring route to the top? The rotating cable car promises a spectacular bird’s-eye view of Cape Town, and has attracted more than 29 million visitors since it first opened in 1929. Once you’re at the top, you can walk to various lookout points, spot dassies (the…

THE AFRIKAANS LANGUAGE MUSEUM AND MONUMENT MUSEUM: 11 PASTORIE AVENUE, PAARL MONUMENT: GABBEMA DOORDRIFT STREET, PAARL MOUNTAIN, PAARL 021 863 0543, taalmuseum.co.za Erected in 1975, the Taalmonument was designed by architect Jan van Wijk to commemorate 50 years of Afrikaans as an official language separate from Dutch. The museum offers a look into the origins of the language. R40 (monument) and R20 (museum) for adults, R5 for children. Museum open weekdays 8:30 am – 4:45 pm; monument open daily 8 am – 4:45 pm SLAVE LODGE* CNR ADDERLEY AND WALE STREETS, CBD 021 467 7229 You’ll find this former slave lodge of the Dutch East India Company at the lower end of the Company’s Garden. Exhibitions focus on the Cape’s varied heritage in one of the oldest buildings in Cape…

ASHANTI DESIGN 77 KLOOF STREET, GARDENS 021 461 0367, ashantidesign.com Add a pop of vibrant colour to your home with the handmade crafts produced from upcycled materials at Ashanti. Furniture, baskets, bags, lampshades and cushions are just some of the items you can buy, with the peace of mind that you’ve supported job creation and also ethical sourcing of materials. The brand’s signature fabric is handwoven from the fibres of good-quality material that would otherwise end up in landfills. This also means that no two products are the same, making your pick unique. CANAL WALK CENTURY BOULEVARD, CENTURY CITY 021 529 9699, canalwalk.co.za Many retailers’ flagship stores can be found in this sprawling mall, so you can expect an incredible selection of everything from mainstream fashion and homeware shops to…

CAPE TOWN TOURISM INFORMATION CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 021 937 1200 airports.co.za CAPE TOWN TOURISM 0861 322 223 capetown.travel KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN 021 799 8783 sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch TABLE MOUNTAIN AERIAL CABLEWAY 021 424 8181 tablemountain.net V&A WATERFRONT INFORMATION CENTRE 021 408 7600 waterfront.co.za EMERGENCY SERVICES ALL EMERGENCIES 112 (Toll free) AMBULANCE 10177 MOUNTAIN RESCUE 021 948 9900 NATIONAL SEA RESCUE INSTITUTE 112 NETCARE (Private emergency medical service) 082 911 POLICE 10111 (Emergencies) 021 480 7700 (City of Cape Town) MEDICAL SERVICES GROOTE SCHUUR HOSPITAL OBSERVATORY (Government) 021 404 9111 MEDICLINIC CAPE TOWN ORANJEZICHT (Private) 021 464 5500 MEDICLINIC CONSTANTIABERG PLUMSTEAD (Private) 021 799 2911 MEDICLINIC STELLENBOSCH STELLENBOSCH (Private) 021 861 2000 NETCARE CHRISTIAAN BARNARD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CBD (Private), 021 441 0000 NETCARE TRAVEL CLINIC Pinelands (Private), 021 511 2672 (Contact the…