The Two Oceans Aquarium This world class aquarium offers more than 3000 animals in 9 galleries, including a Kelp Forest Exhibition and a Shark Tank both of which offer opportunities for qualified divers. There is also a Children’s Activity Centre for the younger ones, and occasionally the opportunity for a sleep over in front of the shark tank. See Main Events page for details. Venue: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront Time: Every day 9.30am - 6pm, Shark feeding at 3pm on Sundays, Predator feeding at 3pm Daily, Penguin feeding at 11.45am & 2.30pm Daily Cost: Adults R 88, children 14 - 17yrs R 68, children 4 - 13yrs R 42, U4's Free, annual membership: Adults R 210, Children 14 - 17yrs R 160, Children 4 - 13yrs R 100, U4's FreeTel: 021 418 3823www.aquarium.co.za
Grand West Casino Not just slot machines and black-jack and roulette tables, but also indoor mini-golf, outdoor go-carting, an ice-skating rink and cinemas. Venue: 1 Vanguard Drive, Goodwood (15 mins from town) [see map] Time: 24 hours Cost: freeTel: 021 505 7777www.suninternational.com/Destinations/Casinos/Grandwest/Pages/newDefault.aspx
Scratch Patch Mineral World South Africa is the gemstone capital of the world with almost half the world’s precious stones found here. At the Scratch Patch thousands of polished gemstones cover the floor and visitors are invited to sift through to find their favourites. The Simon’s Town branch houses one of the world’s largest gemstone factories where stones are tumble-polished and crafted into many varied products. Venue: Simon's Town (follow signs) or V&A Waterfront Time: Simon’s Town: Mon – Fri @ 8.30 – 4.45 pm, Sat, Sun & public holidays @ 9am – 5.30pm, V&A Waterfront: 9am - 6pm daily Cost: R 14 - R 85Tel: 021 786 2020 or 021 419 9429 www.scratchpatch.co.za
Tea At The Mount Nelson The world famous Mount Nelson Hotel sits amongst the trees at the top of the company gardens in Cape Town. Renowned for its stately elegance and charm, it is as iconic and historic a hotel as South Africa has. Fortunately there is a way to enjoy the pleasures of the Mount Nelson without a bond, and that is to attend the celebrated and salubrious high tea on the terrace or gardens. Voted “Best Tea in the World” by Michael Winner (author and UK Sunday Times columnist) it is a truly grand affair and although the dress is informal, the crispness of the linen and scent of crustless cucumber sandwiches is thick in the air. Venue: 76 Orange Street Time: Daily, 2.30pm - 5.30pm Cost: R 165Tel: 021 483 1948www.mountnelson.co.za
Cape Town Holocaust Centre Situated in the midst of Cape Town's "museum mile", Africa's only Holocaust centre teaches about the consequences of prejudice, racism and discrimination. Venue: 1st Floor, Albow Centre, 88 Hatfield Street Time: Sun - Thurs 10am - 5pm, Fri 10am - 1pm, Closed Sats and Jewish Holidays Cost: free Tel: 021 462 5553www.ctholocaust.co.za
Gold Of Africa Museum The world's first museum dedicated to the history of African gold is set in a strikingly restored landmark building and contains one of the largest and most beautiful collections of African gold artefacts. The workshop displays innovative gold designs being worked on using the museum collection as inspiration. Venue: Martin Melck House, 96 Strand St Time: 9.30am - 5pm (closed Suns, Christmas Day, New Years Day & Good Friday) Cost: R 15 - R 25 Tel: 021 405 1540www.goldofafrica.com
Irma Stern Museum Irma Stern (1894-1966) was a major South African artist who achieved national and international recognition in her lifetime. Established in 1971 in the artist's own home the museum's permanent collection displays her work of exotic figures, portraits, lush landscapes and still lifes conveyed in a variety of media. There is also a commercial gallery showcasing contemporary South African artists. Venue: Cecil Road, Rosebank Time: Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm Cost: R 5 - R 10 Tel: 021 685 5686www.irmastern.co.za
INDOOR CLIMBING The facility features a large top rope and lead climbing area with regular introductory lessons available. Suitable for children aged 5 and above. Venue: CityRock, cnr Collingwood & Anson Rds, Observatory Time: Mon - Thurs 9am - 9pm; Fri 9am - 6pm; weekends & holidays 10am - 6pm Cost: R 50 - R 75Tel: 021 447 1326www.cityrock.co.za
LaserQuest The world's most popular brand of Laser tag game. Venue: Stadium on Main, Main Rd, Claremont Time: Mon to Thurs 10am - 6pm, Fri to Sun 6pm - 10pm Cost: from R 35 to R 55 Tel: 021 683 7296 www.laserquest.co.za
South African Breweries A tour covering the whole brewing process, right up to enjoying a beer in the brewery’s pub. venue: SAB, Boundary Road, Newlands Time: Mon - Fri (except Wed) 10am & 2pm Cost: free but booking is essentialTel: 021 658 7511www.sablimited.co.za
Cave Golf An indoor course with vertical ramps, sharp corners, numerous obstacles and slanted putting surfaces. Suitable for all ages. Venue: V&A Waterfront, next to Scratch Patch Time: 9am - 5pm daily Cost: R 8 Tel: 021 419 9429
Eskom Koeberg Nuclear Power Station The Visitors' Centre of Africa’s only nuclear power station explains how the secrets of the atom are used to generate clean and safe power for the Western Cape. Venue: Otto Du Plessis Drive, off the R 27 West Coast Road past Melkbosstrand Time: Mon - Fri (closed public holidays) 8am - 4pm Cost: freeTel: 021 550 4667
Iziko South African Museum More than one and a half million specimens of scientific importance ranging from fossils almost 700 million years old to insects and fish caught last week. Closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday. Venue: Top of Company Gardens in town [see map] Time: daily 10am- 5pm Cost: R 15 (Adults) R 5 (Kids)Tel: 021 481 800 Email: info@iziko.org.zawww.iziko.org.za
Cape Medical Museum First opened in 1986 this exhibition reflects the history of both Western and traditional medicine, with displays featuring indigenous cures and medicinal plants, Sangomas' bones, Flower of Fatima, unique instruments and equipment. Other attractions include a turn-of-the-century reconstruction of a consulting room / dispensary, dentist's room, operating theatre and hospital ward. Venue: Portswood Road, Green Point Time: Tues to Fri @ 9am - 4pm Cost: FreeTel: 021 418 5663 Email: bkaplan@pawc.wcape.gov.za www.museums.org.za/cmm/
SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE MUSEUM Members of the public can view the 22 Squadron operating Oryx and Alouette III helicopters in support of the Army, Navy and Special Forces. Ysterplaat hosts the bi-annual Africa Aerospace and Defence Show, where companies in these industries exhibit their products and services and the public can enjoy flying displays. The museum collects records and articles of historical significance as well as preserving aircraft. Visitors must present their ID. Venue: Ysterplaat Air Force Base, Between N1 and Koeberg Rd Time: Mon - Sat @ 10am - 3pm (Closed Sunday and Public Holidays) Cost: FreeTel: 021 508 6576www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/history/saaf-museum
THE SLAVE LODGE Built in 1679 on behalf of the Dutch East India Company the lodge housed thousands of slaves at a time when slavery was big business for the Cape Colony. In its day the lodge also gained the reputation of being the Cape Colony’s biggest brothel. From 1810 to 1914 the building was the Supreme Court. It was then used as government offices until 1966 when it became a museum. Venue: Cnr Adderley & Wale Sts Time: Mon - Sat @ 10am - 5pm (Closed on Workers Day and Christmas Day) Cost: R 15Tel: 021 460 8242www.iziko.org.za/slavelodge/about.html
DISTRICT SIX MUSEUM A Museum focussed on the devastation wrought by the apartheid era on one particular community. In 1966 the National Party government declared District Six a “white group area” and moved thousands of residents to the Cape Flats, where they had few facilities or means of making a living. All buildings except religious ones were demolished. Venue: 25a Buitenkant St Time: Mon @ 9am - 3pm (Doors close 2pm) Tues - Sat @ 9am - 4pm, Sun by appointment only Cost: R 15 Tel: 021 466 7200 Email: info@districtsix.co.zawww.districtsix.co.za
HEART OF CAPE TOWN MUSEUM A commemoration of the world’s first human heart transplant in 1967. Venue: Groote Schuur Hospital, Main Rd, Observatory Time: Mon - Sat @ 9am, 11am, 1pm & 3pm Door-to-door shuttles available by arrangement. Cost: R 88 - R 176Tel: 021 404 1967www.heartofcapetown.co.za
MEDICAL MORPHOLOGY MUSEUM Discover the fascinating world of the human body and comparative animal biology. Visits by appointment only. Venue: Stellenbosch University Medical Campus, Fisan Building, Tygerberg Time: Mon - Fri @ 9am - 4pm, Sat @ 9am - 1pm Cost: R 50 / R 100 (guided tours Sat only)Tel: 021 938 9426 Email: lm52@sun.ac.zawww.sun.ac.za/anatmuseum
The Book Lounge Regularly voted the best book shop in the country, this unique corner shop with its knowledgable staff and comfortable chairs is a great spot for readers of all ages to while away some time. Although prominence is given to local authors it also stocks literary classics and bestsellers. Regular mid-week book launches are held, and on Saturday mornings the downstairs section hosts themed events for children. Venue: The Book Lounge, cnr Roeland & Buitenkant Sts Time: Mon - Fri @ 9am - 7.30pm, Sat @ 9.30am - 6.30pm, Sun @ 10am - 4pmTel: 021 462 2425 Email: booklounge@gmail.comwww.booklounge.co.za
