VIN IK LEUK: WITH KIDS
South Africa is an ideal destination for families with children. Children are warmly welcomed. You can feel and see that everywhere. There's so much for kids to do, and because there's little to no time difference you can get started right away.
Here are some fun ideas for trips with kids. In and around Cape Town.
You can also order the VIN IK LEUK MAGAZINE and the special VIN IK LEUK edition of the Platter's Wine Guide here.
BOULDERS BEACH,
SIMON'S TOWN, CAPE TOWN
Ever seen a penguin at the bus stop? I have, in Simon's Town. The penguins there are a real crowd-puller. Just be prepared not to be alone with those little black-and-white, slightly smelly creatures.
There are three options to see them. Follow the signs in Simon's Town, buy a ticket, and stroll among the tourists along the wooden boardwalk.
Or you can take the exit, at the golf course, don't buy a ticket and walk along a boardwalk where the penguins have their nests and with luck you might even encounter a dassie.
Or you can buy a ticket for the beach and go for a swim with them. There's also a colony at Betty's Bay and a less touristy.
TAFELBERG, CAPE TOWN,
SOUTH AFRICA
You haven't been to Cape Town if you haven't climbed the iconic Table Mountain. Once you've reached the top and your legs are stable again, you can enjoy stunning views of Cape Town and the rest of Table Mountain National Park.
The easiest way to get there, especially with children, is to take the cable car up and back down. You can buy online tickets in advance.
But you can also climb the mountain yourself, of course, if the fitness of all your family members allows it. Mind you. It's a real mountain even though it is in the middle of a city.
Choose your route carefully, never walk alone, keep an eye on the weather forecast, and always bring plenty of water and warm clothing. Above all, take your time; it's breathtakingly beautiful.
VISIT A WINERY
Want to sit back and relax with a beautiful view while the kids entertain themselves? Visiting a wine farm in South Africa is the perfect activity.
Sure, the beach is great too, but let’s focus on wine for now.
Wine farms are set in some of the most stunning locations, often with incredible views and surprisingly good restaurants or even the option for a fully curated picnic.
Tip: Try a platter, a board filled with local bites. It’s perfect during a tasting to keep your focus (you know what I mean).
You’ll find the most child-friendly wine farms right here.
KIRSTENBOSCH, KAAPSTAD
Explore the paths and lanes. Lace up your walking shoes and stroll through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
South Africa boasts enormous biodiversity. Ten percent of the world's plants can be found here. This includes plant and tree species found nowhere else on earth, such as proteas and fynbos. Boring? No way.
Walk the Tree Canopy Walkway, also known as the "boomslang." It's a true highlight. You'll walk high up in the trees on a wobbly wooden bridge. You'll have stunning views of Cape Town, with the Atlantic Ocean visible in the distance.
Incidentally, our Jan van Riebeeck has started planting some shrubs here, a kind of hedge to protect the Dutch settlement. It's gotten quite out of hand. Concerts are held here in the summer, a fun activity for the whole family. Bring a picnic basket and listen to the music echoing among the mountains while you watch the sunset.
TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM,
WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN
Go shark-watching at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Perhaps one of the best indoor activities for kids in Cape Town. They offer an accessible and educational look at what swims in both the cold Atlantic and the warm Indian Ocean.
There are huge aquariums with real sharks, but also tiny ones where you can see the seahorses trotting around.
You can feel the cold of the sea where enormous crabs live and see how waves form. There are also some scented penguins, which are fed at set times, just like the rays, by the way.
It is interesting and comforting to know that the turtles and sharks are often rescued and released back into the wild after a while.
KASTEEL DE GOEDE HOOP,
KAAPSTAD
A historic place, where it all began for the Dutch in South Africa and ended for many others.
This fort is the oldest surviving building in South Africa and is steeped in history. It was built near where Jan van Riebeeck established his supply station for the Dutch East India Company (VOC). However, it was made of wood and couldn't withstand the Cape storms. Given the threat from the English, a five-pointed stone fort was quickly built. Construction took a while because all the stone came from the Netherlands. Each bastion is named after a title of the Prince of Orange, whose names are visible on the exterior.
The yellow color was deliberately chosen to provide the best protection against the harsh African sun. The castle is open daily. It's truly special to walk around and imagine what happened there.
There are several rooms with exhibitions. Don't pass the prison.
SCRATCH PATCH, SIMON'S TOWN
Who doesn't love minerals and gemstones?
Rose quartz, amethyst, tiger's eyes—it's all there. The idea is that the parents buy a cup and the children take whatever they can. As long as it fits in the cup. Afterwards, you can do a quick round through the store, unless you're not into literally sparkling things.
A visit to the scratch patch doesn't take hours, so you can easily combine it with, for example, a visit to the penguins, a nice lunch in the harbor of Kalk Bay or a picnic at Cape Point Vineyards.
CHAPMANS PEAK &
NOORDHOEK FARM VILLAGE
When you're in Cape Town, driving Chapman's Peak Drive is a must. It's one of the most beautiful routes in the world. The road winds high through the mountains, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The mountains drop steeply into the sea, and the high peak on the corner is called—you guessed it—Chapman's.
There are several places along the way where you can stop and enjoy beautiful views over Hout Bay and the beaches of Noordhoek.
While you're in the area, a visit to Noordhoek Farm Village is highly recommended. There's something for everyone. Children can play to their heart's content at Café Roux's playground. Craft-related activities are often organized in the field. The Foodbarn offers surprisingly good food, and Kristen's Kick-Ass Ice Cream is a great place to get some kick-ass ice cream. And there's also plenty of shopping to do. Everybody happy.
This is just a small selection. If you'd like more information or have any questions, please contact me directly.