Perfect Picnic Places

I come from a long line of picnickers – the first thing my gran would do in the mornings was throw open the curtains, grin delightedly, yell out ‘sunny skies, no wind, no rain,’ and pack a picnic. Minutes later we would be whisked away on an adventure, curious lunch in tow and would spend a wonderful few hours anywhere my gran thought looked nice – we have had picnics in parking lots before. 

Cape Town is the perfect place for picnickers, with numerous hot spots to explore, from golden beaches to gorgeous nature reserves. Picnics are a great way to discover secret gems and are a great option for holidaymakers, giving you flexibility, as wherever you go you have your packed lunch with you. Those staying in self-catering Cape Town apartments or holiday rentals, will find picnics a cheap alternative to eating out all the time and it’s an activity that the whole family will enjoy. 

My favourite picnic destinations range from the exquisite Kirstenbosch Gardens to the enormous boulders at Llandudno. Kirstenbosch National Botanic Gardens are ideal for a laid-back, lazy afternoon, relaxing under a shady tree on one of the vast, rolling lawns meandering up the mountain, intermingled with fragrant fynbos. Enjoy your picnic while surrounded by brightly coloured flowers, attracting all sorts of birds and small animals – make sure you take your rubbish home with you, so the garden stays pristine and none of its inhabitants are hurt.

Chapman’s Peak has a well-earned reputation for being one of South Africa’s most beautiful drives and was my gran’s favourite picnic spot. Head to one of the designated viewing areas and gaze out over phenomenal panoramic ocean vistas and toast the sunset, as it illuminates the sea. 

It may not be a picnic as such, but many locals love to buy scrumptious take-away fish and chips from Mariner’s Wharf in Hout Bay and then head across to Llandudno, to sit on the rocks and watch the sun go down. The sunset from this beach is unforgettable, painting the sea and sky in vivid reds and pinks.

Silvermines Nature Reserve lies on Ou Kaapse Weg, offering an unspoiled wilderness to explore, with numerous scenic trails winding up the mountain, as well as a superb dam to swim in during summer and winter if you’re brave. The kids will have an expansive area to play in and there are several sheltered spots, ideal for picnicking. 

Do you love penguins and picnics?  Head to Boulder’s Beach which has its own colony of Jackass penguins, as well as an enticing warm sea to swim in and soft, sandy beaches sheltered by giant boulders. This is one of the Cape’s most striking beaches and you can wander along the walkway and look out for fluffy baby penguin chicks sheltering in their burrows in the protected breeding area. 

As a true picnicker at heart, Cape Town is the ideal place for me, with many attractive highlights to visit. Staying in a Cape Town holiday rental or self-catering accommodation option means that you have the flexibility to explore all the city’s delights and picnics are a great way to eat on a budget.

Table Mountain named a seventh wonder of the world

It’s official and as a Capetonian I couldn’t be more excited – my favourite mountain is now one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, chosen from a list of over 400 entries. As I gaze out of my window at the famous Table, it’s easy to see why – the majestic mountain rises up in the middle of the city and for many residents, including myself, it’s synonymous with home. Gorgeous fynbos adorns the rocky cliffs and in the distance I can see the cable cars moving up and down the steep slopes.

My mountain goes through many mood swings, sometimes it’s surrounded by clear, blue skies and sunshine, but at other times a thick mist rolls over its imposing incline, covering it in a dense, cloudy tablecloth. Occasionally the thunder crackles and dazzling streaks of lightning flash like fireworks, illuminating the craggy hills. I remember a good few years back, when the entire mountain face was covered in uncontrollable, raging flames, like a million glowing candles leaping against the starry night’s sky.

The top of the Table is one of those sights you just have to add to your bucket list. The ride up in the cable car is wonderful – you go at a gentle, steady pace and can gaze out through the 360 degree glass window, watching as the city below you gets smaller and smaller.

At the top, enjoy striking vistas of one of the world’s most attractive cities, while immersing yourself in the spectacular indigenous floral kingdom surrounding you. There are numerous walkways and trails to discover and the tranquil serenity and pristine natural beauty of the mountain is good for the soul.

  

The movement was established by the Swiss-based New7Wonders Foundation and involved an intensive, three year, global elective campaign run via social networking sites, with millions of people voting from over 220 countries. In November 2011, international voting closed and Table Mountain’s provisional status was changed to official and the whole of South Africa celebrated.

The New7 Wonders winners are:

• ·         Table Mountain, South Africa
• ·         Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines
• ·         Komodo Island, Indonesia
• ·         Jeju Island, off the southern coast of Korea
• ·         Iguaza Falls in Brazil/ Argentina
• ·         Halong Bay, Vietnam
• ·         Amazon Rainforest

Cape Town’s Mayor, Patricia de Lille, had this to say about the auspicious new title: “a great accolade for a unique wonder of nature that belongs to all the people of Cape Town, South Africa, Africa and the world.”

Many people are visiting the vibrant city to catch a glimpse of the amazing landmark; luckily there are many wonderful accommodation options to choose from, including stylish Cape Town holiday rentals and self-catering apartments.

Cape Town’s best bakeries

In order to write you this post, I have had to sacrifice my waistline for the greater good; strangely enough it’s a price I was willing to pay – I guess I’m just a nice person. Here, I explore Cape Town’s bakeries: the sites of many a guilty pleasure, the nemesis of the diet and the stuff of legends. 

As I sat in Olympia Café one day, having an epic stare down with a rich, freshly baked, triple chocolate brownie, I started thinking about all of the many incredible bakeries located around Cape Town, each offering a unique, arty vibe and delectable treats. I decided to start exploring the numerous hot spots available and seeing for myself why Cape Town is the home of the perfect pie and cream puff. The brownie won by the way.

I may as well start at the source – oh Olympia Cafe, you do terrible things to me, from the moment I walk through your doors I become transfixed by the smell of huge crispy croissants stuffed with mushrooms and cheese, freshly-made ciabatta, biscuits covered in an icing sugar snow and of course, the decadent brownies, which are still gooey on the inside, just the way I like them. 

The trendy café is located in the buzzing, seaside town of Kalk Bay and is constantly busy, loved by locals and visitors alike. The quirky décor and infectious upbeat atmosphere, coupled with the high-quality food, is a winning recipe, which most people, including myself, simply can’t get enough of.

Charly’s Bakery is an institution in Cape Town; a household name to locals and a must-see attraction on most visitors’ bucket lists. The cakes are works of art – decadent, intricate and exquisite; they range from four tiered, awe-inspiring wedding wonders, covered in delicate piping and handmade flowers, to perfect cupcakes, with brightly coloured icing and cute messages to suit any occasion. The rich mud cake generously lathered in chocolate sauce and the mouth-watering chicken and lemon pie with flaky, buttery pastry are my two favourites.

The Queen of Tarts makes elaborate, delicious cakes of all shapes and sizes, transporting you to a sugary fantasy world. You can choose from the tempting breakfast and lunch menus and tuck into delectable treats such as French toast served with camembert and balsamic reduction, as well as an enticing range of savoury tarts accompanied by a fresh, crisp salad.

Jason Bakery is one of the most fashionable bakeries in town, catering to the city’s busy professionals with scrumptious sandwiches, pastries and quiches, as well as a selection of home-made artisan breads. Captain Bread is there to welcome you to the bustling little bakery, which will enchant you with its elegant decorations and irresistible baked goods – do yourself a favour and try the New York cheesecake.

Knead is a chain of bakeries found all around Cape Town, known for its laid-back, relaxed atmosphere, excellent service and homemade delights. I ordered a delicious chicken sandwich with red pesto, on sour dough bread, followed by a little slice of carrot cake heaven. Although my meal was superb, I experienced a mild bout of food envy when I glanced at the woman next to me who was eating a tasty looking pizza, covered in avo, camembert and fresh rocket. Knead is also known for its breakfasts, with a number of tempting selections on offer.

This is by no means a comprehensive list – Caveau, Limnos, Tribecca and Escape Café are also renowned for their tantalizing homemade morsels, each offering a wonderful selection of cakes and pastries.

Whether you are a local or staying in a Cape Town holiday rental or self-catering accommodation option, make sure you take yourself on your own private tour of Cape Town’s best bakeries.

Mad About Markets

I absolutely love markets. If there is a market anywhere within a 100 km radius of me, at any given time, chances are I will find it! One of the reasons I adore my city, is because of the many markets that keep popping up all over the place, each offering something slightly different, with their own unique feel! Holidaymakers, who choose the self-catering option when visiting the Mother City, will have the flexibility to really explore all of her attractions, and markets are a great place to pick up delicious homemade produce at affordable prices, as well as a selection of handmade clothes, jewellery and other items.

Markets are also fantastic, because they encourage you to visit all the different regions of Cape Town, from the city bowl itself, to Muizenberg, and Stellenbosch- places that may be a little further to drive, but the results are well worth the effort! 

City Bowl Market: Hope Street, every Saturday from 09h00 until 14h00.

This market is a foodie’s dream with a great variety of homemade produce and tasty titbits, as well as a fashion section, with handmade clothes on offer.

You, Me and EveryoneWe Know: it’s best to check the website to find out when this market is happening, at the Labia Theatre in town.

Fashion, food and design- this is a small market that is always buzzing, which has a variety of second-hand and handmade clothes on offer as well as jewellery and some food. Look out for Bow Peep’s beautiful handmade jewellery, which incorporates fabric covered buttons and other materials.

Green Market Square: Cape Town’s CBD, Monday to Saturday from 09h00 until 14h00.

One of Cape Town’s most popular markets ideally located close to trendy Long Street which hosts a number of quirky restaurants and bars, as well as a variety of fashionable clothing stores. This market has a huge variety of items for sale, from locally produced curios to exquisite jewellery, clothing, second-hand goods and more!

Cape Quarter VillageMarket: Cape Quarter on Sundays from 10h00 until 15h00.

Described on the website as a ‘Cosmopolitan, European lifestyle market with an alfresco vibe’ this market is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday, offering a specialty food selection, clothing, arts, décor, photography, second hand books, a bar with a TV for sports fanatics and many other attractions! 

Milnerton Market: Paardon Island, Saturdays and Sundays from 07h00 until 15h00.

A fun day out, this market ranges from quality antiques to bric a brac items such as tools, wooden frames, second hand books and various other knick knacks. Spend some time talking to the salesmen and women, some of them have fascinating stories, and have been coming to the market for most of their lives. Last time I was here I got some beautiful doll’s house furniture for my little cousin, a couple of wooden frames, an interesting silver teaspoon and I ogled over an absolutely remarkable collection of old cameras, all of which were in fantastic condition and still functioning!

Old Biscuit Mill: Found in Woodstock, open on Saturdays from 09h00 until 14h00.

One of the most popular markets in town, this market has become world-renowned for its fantastic selection of locally grown produce and delicious goodies, as well as its wonderful handmade clothing and jewellery section, photography store and gallery, and other shops. There are so many delicious treats on offer you will be spoilt for choice, but some of my favourites are the pizzas, Honest Chocolate, the paella and the cupcakes of course. 

Baxter Food and GoodsMarket: In the beautiful Baxter Gardens every Sunday at 10h30 until 16h00.

The perfect spot to pick up a scrumptious lunch! Choose from a wonderful variety of healthy foods, homemade, fresh produce and vintage, retro clothes. You can even have a picnic in the gardens on a sunny day! 

Rondebosch Craft inthe Park Market: Rondebosch Park on the 1^st and 2^nd Saturday of every month, from 09h00 until 15h00.

This is a family oriented market, with an exciting range of arts and crafts on offer, as well as delicious food and handmade clothing. You can find beautiful pottery, amongst other exquisite crafts which are great presents to take home to your friends, or to keep as a reminder of your trip. 

Constantia WaldorfOrganic Market: Held on the last Friday of the month, from 17h00 until 21h00.

This community-oriented market has lots of fun activities for both the young and young at heart, and there are some wonderful stalls and holistic workshops available and your experience will be enhanced by the live music which adds to the market’s buzz. 

Kirstenbosch CraftMarket: The last Sunday of every month, at the Kirstenbosch Stone Cottages, from 09h00 until 13h00.

The ideal opportunity to explore the stunning Botanic Gardens which are next door, and to shop around for some uniquely South African arts and crafts, and you can pick up some yummy food along the way! 

Tokai Earth Fair FoodMarket: In Tokai Forest, open every Saturday from 09h00 to 14h00 and on Wednesday from 15h00 to 20h00.

This market is predominantly homemade goodies and fresh produce, and sells the best brownies in town- I recommend the chocolate cheesecake brownie; it will change your life! It’s a family oriented market and a great spot to stop for lunch. 

Bay Harbour Market: In Hout Bay on Saturday and Sunday: 09h30 to 16h00, and on Friday from 17h00 until 21h00.

This upbeat, arty market has a festive atmosphere, and a wonderful variety of delicious food, homemade produce, clothes, art and décor items and local curios for sale! Its right next to the Hout Bay harbour and you can buy your picnic and then eat it on the soft sands of the beach. 

Blue Bird Garage Market: In Albertyn Road, Muizenberg: Friday from 16h00 to 22h00.

This is a lovely market, with divine homemade food and produce, and special handmade clothes on offer. It has a fantastic ambience, and is the perfect location for a relaxed night out with friends.    

       

Muizenberg Market: Held at Sunrise circle every day from 08h00 to 16h00.

If you’re looking for cheap clothes, electronics, toys and other goods, then this is the perfect market for you. With stalls stretching as far as the eye can see, you can wander through the bustling market, soaking in the buzzing ambience, and bartering for any items which take your fancy. 

Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market: Every Saturday from 09h00 until 14h00.

The Stellenbosch market is committed to slow food- food that is naturally, organically produced and environmentally sensitive. The food and produce on offer is absolutely amazing, and you can rest assured that all the artisan produce has been created ethically, using only the best ingredients. Enjoy the rustic charm and serenity of Stellenbosch, and soak up the sunshine at this quaint, enjoyable market. 

So next time you choose the self-catering option, you will know exactly which market to visit to find the best produce in town! Following the markets is also a wonderful way to explore the different regions of Cape Town, which each offer something special and unique. 

Images by:

Cape Town by Mouth

Skew

Warm up for Winter in Cape Town!

Cape Town can get pretty chilly in winter, although our cold spell is similar to London’s summer, so we can’t complain too much! It rains, the wind howls and people disappear behind layers of thick jerseys, coats and scarves. However, there are many things to keep you occupied when its cold- don’t let a little bit of rain stop you from getting the most out of your visit to the Mother City! If you choose self-catering accommodation, you will have a lot of flexibility to explore every inch of the beautiful destination and you can find out where the locals hang out when the weather takes a turn for the worst. Winter is coming; here are the top tips for keeping busy in bad weather! 

1.       Retail Therapy

Cold weather is the perfect excuse to spend a lovely day shopping in one of Cape Town’s many malls, including the upmarket V&A Waterfront, where you can find all of your favourite designer labels, Cavendish and the famous Canal Walk, a colossal center full of shops and restaurants to keep you entertained for hours!

.       Let’s go to the theatre darling!

Cape Town has numerous theatres on offer, including the well-known Artscape and the Baxter. Put on you glad rags and go and watch one of the many top performances on offer and forget the rain as you lose yourself in the acting and the story. 

3.       Mad about museums

Cape Town has many exciting museums to explore, including the South African Museum, the Slave Lodge, the BoKaap Museum, the Gold of Africa Museum and the District Six Museum. Spend a day really getting to know this historic city, and learn all about its past, and if the rain clears you can wander through the city gardens by the South African Museum and feed the tame squirrels. 

4.       Look at the stars…

The Planetarium is a fantastic place to learn about our stars and universe- lie back on the chair and look up at the domed ceiling as it suddenly lights up with the night’s sky. You can also see fascinating meteor debris and learn about our planet. 

5.       Finding nemo

The Two Oceans Aquarium is the perfect place for a fun day out with the kids! Admire the beautiful displays of fish and marine life and watch the graceful seals effortlessly gliding through the water. You can come face to face with a fearsome great white, and the Aquarium even offers the opportunity to dive in the shark tank! After you have seen the Aquarium, why not visit the Scratch Patch across the road and let the children dig for precious stones, and then play a fun game of cave golf which is putt putt with a difference. 

.       It’s bowling baby!

Stadium on Main, by Cavendish shopping centre, has its own ten pin bowling alley, gaming centre, and a Laser Quest area as well. Show off your bowling skills, and enjoy a fun afternoon with friends!

.       Cook like a local

Why not try a Cape Malay cooking class, in the historic Bo Kaap area? Take a cultural tour of this significant district, and admire the beautiful, brightly coloured buildings, before settling down in Zainie’s kitchen, and learning to make rotis, curry and divine samosas the traditional way. It’s a delicious way to pass the day! You could also go to the majestic Hohenort in Constantia and admire the gorgeous hotel as you learn to cook a traditional Cape Malay three course dinner with Martha Williams.

Zainie Misbach: Tel: 074-130-8124 email: bokaapcookingtour@gmail.com

Hohenort Hotel: Tel: 021-794-2137 email: coordinator@cellarshohenort.co.za

8.       Ice is nice

Go ice skating at the ice skating rink at Grandwest Casino, or while away some time trying your luck in the casino, watch a movie or pop into one of the numerous restaurants. 

9.       Let it snow

Take a day trip, along with most of Cape Town’s residents, to the stunning, scenic region of Ceres, and admire the gorgeous snow- capped mountains glistening in the sun. Build a snowman, or have a snowball fight in the designated areas. 

10.   Feeling Arty?

Admire the beautiful collection and visiting displays of art at the South African National Gallery, which is situated next door to the South African Museum, in the company gardens. You can also pop into the Old Town House to see the stunning paintings that form the Michaelis Collection. You can visit the What if the World Gallery in Woodstock, and the Irma Stern Museum, dedicated to the life and art of this famous artist. 

So don’t despair next time it’s winter and you’re feeling blue! There are plenty of attractions in Cape Town to keep you busy and happy during the cold spell. Check the internet for winter warmer specials that various restaurants and wine farms will offer, and cosy up by the fire, enjoying scrumptious food and the company of good friends at the end of a day spent exploring.

Images from:
the V&A Waterfront
Iziko Museums
The Two Oceans Aquarium
Paul from Cape Town Daily Photo
What to do in Cape Town

Cape Town's Hidden Local Gems

If you're travelling to Cape Town, and you are looking for a place to stay, FZP self-catering rentals are beautiful, well maintained, centrally located apartments,which provide the perfect base from which to explore this remarkable city. Choosing the self-catering option means you will have a lot more flexibility to really explore and to live like a local. Cape Town has many well- known attractions, such as the famous landmark Table Mountain, the stunning golden beaches, shopping centres such as the V&A Waterfront and Century City, and the bustling streets of the city itself. However, there are many secret locations that even some of the locals don’t know about! Here are our top ten hidden gems in Cape Town, a city of secrets and surprises.

                                         Image by Pod pictures

1.      Explore the secret tunnels under Cape Town 
      Wander through the now abandoned canals located underneath the city, and marvel at their impressive architecture. Once used as underground channels to supply the Company Gardens and the passing ships with fresh water, today these waterways are used to convey the water from Table Mountain to the sea. This is an exciting activity for the adventurous and the fairly fit!
 

2.      The Power and the Glory

Located underneath the popular restaurant Rafiki’s in Kloof Street, this trendy hotspot offers delicious food and famous hot chocolate along with an enticing Indie atmosphere, live performances and a busy bar. 

3.      Silvermine Nature Reserve

Fancy a relaxing stroll? Silvermine is a stunning nature reserve, proffering spectacular panoramic views and beautiful indigenous flora and fauna. The trails range from easy to difficult, and in summer you can take a refreshing dip in the dam.

4.      Picnics on Chapman’s Peak

Here’s a sneaky tip, if you don’t want to pay to drive all the way along the Chapman’s Peak road, at the first toll booth tell them you are going on a picnic, and then stop at one of the designated look out spots, before the second toll, and you won’t have to pay a cent! The views are absolutely breath taking, and it’s the ideal location for a romantic date- bring some champagne and watch the sunset. 

5.      Jason Bakery

Located in Bree Street, with delicious deli style food, including amazing sandwiches and scrumptious vegetarian options, Jason Bakery is fast becoming a famous local haunt with incredible pastries and a relaxed atmosphere. Their breakfasts are a fantastic way to start your day, and their general manager is called Captain Bread.
 

6.      The Tokai Earth Fair Market

Found in a forest, offering fantastic local produce and delicious food, this market is rumoured to have the best chocolate brownies in town! It’s open on Saturday mornings and on Wednesday from 15h00 until 20h00.

7.      Olympia Café and Kalky’s

Kalk Bay has a number of wonderful little restaurants and shops on offer, and Olympia and Kalky’s are two of the best options! Olympia Café is known for its ‘chilled out’ atmosphere, and is always jam-packed, offering the tastiest pastries in town. Kalky’s is famous for its fantastic fish and chips, and for its cheeky resident seal that pesters all the local fishermen. 

                              image by Tripadvisor

8.      The Creamery

Ice cream fans, this is one for you. The creamery is based in Mowbray and has the most amazing ice-cream in town-once you start, in no time at all, you will be completely hooked! Some of their unique, wonderful flavours include coffee and praline almond, spiced pecan, barley malt, sweetcream cookie dough, prickly passion, jasmine blossom and chocolate peppermint leaf. 

                               Image by the Creamery

9.      Pub quiz at the Fireman’s Arms

Every Thursday at 20h00, people gather at the Fireman’s Arms to compete in the weekly pub quiz. Located in Buitengracht Street, this is one of the oldest and most well-known pubs in Cape Town, which has a fantastic atmosphere, delicious food, and lots of beers on tap. 

10.  Rondevlei Nature Reserve

Did you know Cape Town is home to a family of hippos? They live at Rondevlei, one of the city’s lesser known nature reserves, and can be spotted from the hide along with a number of beautiful bird species and other animals, such as the elusive porcupine. 

Come to Cape Town and explore everything that the vibrant city has to offer, including the lesser known, hidden gems!